Optimal Active And Reactive Power Control Essay - 1529 Words

Optimal Active and Reactive Power Control of Wind Turbine Driven DFIG using TLBO Algorithm and Artificial Neural Networks Mahmoud M. ElKholy H. M. B. Metwally Garib M. regal M. Ali Sadek Electrical Power and Machines Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering Zagazig University, Zagazig, EGYPT Email: melkoly71@yahoo.com Email: elemohsadek@yahoo.com Abstract—This paper investigates the optimal active and reactive power control capabilities for typical wind turbine (WT) driven doubly fed induction generator (DFIG). The main objective is to determine the optimal rotor voltage to extract certain active and reactive power from the DFIG over wide ranges of wind speed. Teaching Learning Based Optimization (TLBO) algorithm is a new heuristic optimization technique, used to obtain the optimum rotor voltages to achieve reference active and reactive powers overall operating points. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) controller is used as an adaptive controller to predict the value of rotor voltage for all operating points. The ideal power curve of a 2 MW wind turbine has been estimated to design the active power controller. The stator reactiv e power control capability with the range of  ±1.6 MVAR is developed. With the proposed control strategy, the DFIG-based wind farm provides Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), fully active and reactive powers control. For all operated wind speeds, the adaptive proposed controller develops useful networkShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Wind Power1456 Words   |  6 Pages Extending wind power and uncertain nature of loads in power systems causes difficulties in system provision due to the probabilistic trait of them. In order to plan accurately, it is important to evaluate uncertainties in optimization planning of the power system. As regards to this point, this paper presents a probabilistic multi-objective optimal power flow (MO-OPF) considering the uncertainties in wind speed and the load. This paper uses a point estimate method (PEM) which uses points for estimationRead MoreReactive Power Compensation Strategy For1445 Words   |  6 PagesREACTIVE POWER COMPENSATION STRATEGY FO R CASCADED PHOTO VOLTAIC SYSTEM Abstract – Large scale cascaded photovoltaic systems is contributing renewable energy world wide due to its unique features like reliability, power quality ,amount of energy harvested and so on. However cascaded PV system is facing one of the tough challenges like reactive power control due to varied power distribution over different PV modules. This paper addresses the issue of effects due to reactive power on system reliabilityRead MoreHybrid Electric Vehicles ( Phevs )3014 Words   |  13 Pages such as reduction in power quality and efficiency, increase in power losses and voltage variations, as well as an adverse impact on the customers’ energy price. This paper proposed approach evaluates the effect of integrating a large number of PHEV on power system operation as well as appropriate operation of PHEVs can improve the voltage profile in the network by eliminating the voltage drops in highly-loaded buses with discharging reactive power. Furthermore, the optimal placements for char gingRead MorePhotovoltaic Based Stabilising The Load Distribution Feeders Using Lpc1159 Words   |  5 PagesMail.id:nareshsce@gmail.com ABSTRACT: Balancing load of distribution feeders is significant for falling of power loss and mitigating power flow. As the loop power controller is implanting for the active power and reactive power flows by change in voltage ratio and phase shift. So that the balancing of the load distribution feeders can be achieved. However it can include photovoltaic power producing in feeder balancing load, as a Taipower distribution feeder consisting of two feeders with large amountRead MoreSynopsis : Fig 1795 Words   |  8 Pagesstator lead reactive power, increases the real and imaginary part of rotor voltage which supplied by the rotor converter. Increasing DFIG stator lag reactive power, decreases the real part of rotor voltage in all speed range, increases the imaginary part of rotor voltage in sub-sunchronous speed range and decreases the imaginary part of rotor voltage in super-sunchronous speed range. Figs. 8(a-c) show the generated stator, rotor and total active powers respectively. Total active power is identicalRead MoreAn Interconnection Of Distributed Generations ( Dgs )1267 Words   |  6 Pagesproviding both power and heat. To ensure that the microgrid is operated as a single aggregated system and meets power quality, reliability and security standards, power electronic interfaces and controls need to be applied [1-2]. A microgrid should be capable work in two modes, grid-connected or islanded. The DGs are usually power electronics interfaced and in the grid-connected mode of operation, a microgrid is supported by the main grid’s voltage and frequency. In the island mode, the DG control is responsibleRead MoreLocation Of Statcom For Power Flow Control2401 Words   |  10 PagesLocation of STATCOM for Power Flow Control Dr..Neelakantappa, Narasapur, Hyderabad.,India Dr.AmjanShaik Narasapur, Hyderabad.,India ABSTRACT: Power flow control in a long transmission line plays a vital role in electrical power system. This paper uses the shunt connected STATCOM for the control of voltage and power flow. The proposed device is used in different locations such as sending end, middle and receiving end of the transmission line. The PWM control is used to generate the firing pulsesRead MoreLaonaon Modified Spider Monkey Algorithm821 Words   |  4 PagesOptimization Algorithm for Solving Optimal Reactive Power Dispatch Problem† expressed that to reduce the real power loss, modifications were required in local and global leader phase and a Modified Spider Monkey Algorithm (MMO) was introduced. Paper also upheld that MMO is more favorable for dealing with non-linear constraints. The algorithm was examined on the IEEE 30-bus system to minimize the active power loss. H. Sharma, et al. [45] in 2016, discussed in â€Å"Optimal placement and sizing of the capacitorRead MoreOptimal Power Flow Using Differential Evolution Algorithm Essay2776 Words   |  12 PagesOptimal Power Flow Using Differential Evolution Algorithm S.Vidya Sagar Reddy Dr.P.Venkata Prasad, Professor Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Chaitanya Bharathi Institute Of Technology(Autonomous) Chaitanya Bharathi Institute Of Technology(Autonomous) Hyderabad, India Hyderabad, India vidyasagar.sabbella@gmail.com pvp_reddy@yahoo.co.uk Abstract— This paper presents an efficient and reliable evolutionary based approach to solveRead MorePhotovoltaic ( Pv ) Based Distributed Generators Essay2088 Words   |  9 Pagesgenerators (DGs) are generally controlled as current source to deliver only active power generated by PV source to the grid. However, reactive power transfer capability of such DGs must be utilized to satisfy reactive power demand of the load or to provide reactive power support to the grid. Reactive power management for several such PV based DGs operating in parallel is a challenging task as the available reactive power capacity of each depends on the environmental conditions and may vary continuously

A Dolls House As A Tragic Hero Analysis - 967 Words

A tragic hero is defined as a person â€Å"who has achieved, or who has the ability to achieve greatness but who through a weakness, or tragic flaw in his character, falls into the depths of misery and often to his death† (Ingham 1). Within Oedipus Rex, Sophocles laid the foundation for what is now considered the ideal tragic hero. Within A Doll’s House, Ibsen creates a modern hero in Nora Helmer; a woman who was oppressed for going against social rules for saving her husband. Nora follows the Aristotelian journey of a tragic hero, from hamartia through her tragic fall into catharsis. She is considered a modern day heroine, but critics argue that Nora does not represent the classic tragic hero because she does not have a reversal of fortune†¦show more content†¦Killing his real father, King Laius, is a good example of hamartia because he acted impulsively with anger. However, that anger was kindled by the pressures and judgements surrounding him. While Oedipus killing his father is an essential link in his downfall, he is just as innocent as Nora for his undoing. Oedipus, blind to the complexity that makes up the universe, tries preventing the prophecy that he â€Å"must make love with [his own] mother† and â€Å"shed [his] father’s blood with his own hands† (Sophocles 1453). The audience is moved at the end of each play not because Nora and Oedipus are sinful and insecure, but because they tried doing what was right. This irony is what makes these stories so tragic. These heroes desired the right thing, but it ends up leading toward their destruction. Many people have a hard time conceding that A Doll’s House is a tragedy because it has no visible catharsis. Admittingly, it is not a traditional tragedy. It lacks emotional relief for the audience, while Oedipus Rex contains it. A Doll’s House is left wide open at the end and Nora’s character â€Å"experience[s] a painful dying of the old self and an equally painful emergence of a new being† (Durbach 58). Nora’s understanding of the tragic flaw leads her to reach her own personal catharsis, which is self-realization, allowing her to fix her problem and complete her tragic hero story. During Act II, NoraShow MoreRelatedHenrik Ibsen s A Doll s House899 Words   |  4 PagesAcclaimed as one of the principal playwrights that gave birth to modernism in theatre, Norwegian playwright and theatre director Henrik Ibsen pushed boundaries with his plays that analyzed and criticized societal norms and values. A Doll’s House provides one such example, w here the play’s protagonist Nora leaves her husband in the final scene to undertake a spiritual journey of self-discovery. An alternative ending was made for this play posthumously as a result of the controversy it caused at theRead MoreThe Changing Relationship Between Individual and Society in Modern Drama3272 Words   |  14 Pagesthe stage to exert their messages within the culture of Ancient Greece. Their psychological interest in the characters on stage demonstrated to their audiences their connections to both natural law and mortal law in the context of tragedies. These tragic occurrences `must have had their therapeutic effect by raising to conscious awareness the clans capacity for brutal and unredeemed violence so that it could be sublimated and contained by new institutions . In this way, the Greek dramatists taughtRead MoreHenrik Ibsen s Hedda Gabler Essay2029 Words   |  9 Pagessuccessful merchant providing a plentiful life for his family, while his mot her, Marichen, played the piano and loved theater. Ibsen showed little interest in theater as a child until his family went into bankruptcy and eventually into poverty. That tragic event in his life made Ibsen put his time into reading, painting, and performing acts. By the time he reached the age of 21, he wrote this first play called, â€Å"Catilina,† which was inspired by his idol, William Shakespeare. After Ibsen’s play, CatilinaRead MoreCritical Analysis of Zaabalawi by Naguib Mahfouz6285 Words   |  26 Pagesmuch people care to do justice with their entrusted responsibilities. Theoretically speaking, everybody shows his passion for â€Å"responsibility†. However, he/she may never put the principles of â€Å"responsibility† into practice. As a result of that, the tragic stories of corruption, lies, terror and manipulation start. For instance, politicians claim to be the supporters of democracy and freedom of speech; however, when it comes to their own parties they do not even tolerate opposite ideas from their party

Disability and Individual Disabled Person Free Essays

* Explain the potential impact of disability on the outcomes and life chances of children and young people (CYP 3. 7 3. 1) The potential impact of disability on the outcomes and life chances of children and young people are that they get physical impairments and chronic medical conditions may compromise healthy development and disrupt their educational experiences. We will write a custom essay sample on Disability and Individual Disabled Person or any similar topic only for you Order Now Adper children’s all round development, move on further into the future to have financial difficulties and restricted opportunities and career paths. All of these outcomes can destabilize families and relationships causing stress and depression. * The importance of positive attitudes towards disability and specific requirements helps a person with additional needs to feel more valued and equal to every other child or young person, it also prevents isolation of a child. A positive attitude ensures inclusive and tting. It builds positive relationships so that everyone in the setting and in the world feels respected, safe and happy where they live, and spend their time. Explain the social and medical models of disability and the impact of each on practice (CYP3. 7 3. 3) The medical model promotes the view of a disabled person as dependent and needing to be cured or cared for, and it justifies the way in which disabled people have been systematically excluded from society. The disabled person is the problem, not society. Control resides firmly with professionals; choices for the individual are limited to the options provided and appro ved by the ‘helping’ expert. The medical model is sometimes known as the ‘individual model’ because it promotes the notion that it is the individual disabled person who must adapt to the way in which society is constructed and organised. By labelling a child because of their disability can prevent us from seeing the child as a whole person like their gender, culture and social background the medical models is a traditional view of disability and that through medical intervention the person can be cured where in fact in ost cases there is no cure. They expect disabled people to change to fit into society. * Explain the different types of support that are available for disabled children and young people and those with specific requirements (CYP3. 7 3. 4) Specialised services  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ in my setting we have a special educational needs coordinator and we use other services such as physio therapist, speech therapists, school nurse, social services we use these services in order to provide the right car e for the children in need. How to cite Disability and Individual Disabled Person, Essay examples

Environment Analysis

Question: Micro analysis- Please explain company's internal environment with the Valu chain model. Macro analysis- Please use the PESTEL model to analys only furniture industry in context of both the countires India and UAE on Macro level. Meso analysis- Please use Porter's five forces to analys both the countries India and UAE on Meso level. Answer: Macro Environment: PESTEL analysis Political: The political factor is one of the major factors for any external business environment. So, the Sofa and Chair Company should also follow this factor to understand the market segment in both the countries, i.e. in India and UAE (Yksel, 2012). In India, the political environment is very much friendly and democratic. The companies are very much aware of all the political factors and law regarding the business. In the UAE, the law is also very friendly but in order to stabilize in the country, the Sofa and Chair Company will have to put some effort because in UAE, the political laws are different and also very much complicated for any new business (Yksel, 2012). Economical Factors: Globalization is one of the most important factors for any business. In India, the economical environment is not that much high whereas in UAE, the economy is very much stable and it is very much developed according to the globalization. The effect of financial crisis in 2007 had its effect on India but not in UAE (Yksel, 2012). Social factors: The company is providing job opportunities to the people in India. They are making many people self-dependent. Apart from that, they are providing the best and high quality furniture to the people (Thesofaandchair.co.uk, 2016). In UAE, they will also have to support the society by providing the best quality of furniture and career opportunities. Technological: India is technologically developed. In the market of furniture, there are many technologies which are making the business easier. Moreover, the UAE market is also very much developed with technology than India. So, the technologies of both countries are making a big difference in the furniture industry. Environmental: Geographical environment is very much different for each country. India has different season and UAE is basically a warm country. So, the company has to understand the environment of both the countries (Makos, 2014). Legal: Legal factors are very much important. India has their laws for the furniture business and so does the UAE. The Indian laws are very much easy to understand. However, the UAE law is not so easy and at times are a bit complicated for any start-up business. Micro Environment The value of chain The two major activities, such as primary and secondary, are explained by the Value Chain approach. Marketing, logistic, production, after-sales functions are the part of primary activities. The support processes of primary activities are defined as secondary activities (Walters Lancaster, 2000). SWOT Analysis Strength The company has a strong concept as they have a huge range of functional products which are well designed along with the benefit of gradually increasing uses of materials which are renewable. The Sofa and Furniture Company believe in long term relationship with their partners (Xue-qiao, 2010). Besides that, this company has upgraded themselves according to the modern technology and consumers desire. Opportunities The company should work towards expanding itself throughout the world, especially targeting the main cities. They should recruit experienced and smart employees who can work towards the success of the organization (Xue-qiao, 2010). Weakness Sofa and Chair company has not survived among global marketing as they are very much introvert and want to grab the local market. Threats Global experience is very much important to survive in the market. Any global company can defeat The Sofa and Chair Company as they have less experience in the global market (Indianmirror, 2016). MESO Environment Porters five Forces Power of buyers: The furniture company is one of the strength of Indias economy (Roy, 2011). Thus, the industry has a great buyer base in India. The customers are very much reliable on this industry for purchasing their household and office furniture. Similarly, in UAE, the people are dependent on the furniture companies to decorate their houses and offices (Roy, 2011). Power of suppliers: There are many suppliers of the company like Roat-Irons and Woods which are influencing the Indian market along with that of the UAE market. So, the market of furniture business is very much influenced by the suppliers. Rivalry: Indian market is very much rich with great furniture manufacturers as they have natural source like wood. So, there is a less chance of getting fear of rivalry. However, in the UAE, the market is not that much rich and they have a chance to get slotted and taken over by other companies (Emirates 24|7, 2008). Substitute The Sofa and Chair Company have to be up-to-date according to the latest trend to avoid becoming the odd or old styled furniture company (Ismail et. al., 2011). New entrance Many renowned companies are entering in the market with their new designs which is again a threat for the company. Hence, they need to be with the current trend of the market and keep themselves updated with what the customers want, so that they can have a firm base of customers who do not go to any other company (Ismail et. al., 2011). References Emirates 24|7, 2008. Furniture sector in UAE to have 'highest growth rate in world'. [Online] Available at: https://www.emirates247.com/eb247/companies-markets/retail/furniture-sector-in-uae-to-have-highest-growth-rate-in-world-2008-10-02-1.56620 [Accessed 17 Jan. 2016]. Indianmirror.com, 2016. Furniture Industry, Indian Furniture Industry, Furniture Industry in India, Furniture Industry India. [Online] Available at: https://www.indianmirror.com/indian-industries/furniture.html [Accessed 17 Jan. 2016]. Ismail, W.K.W., Hussain, G., Rashid, S.Z.A. and Mohamad, N.A., 2011. Followers ability as a substitute for leadership. African Journal of Business Management, 5(19), pp.7939-7944. Makos, J. 2014. PESTLE Analysis of India in five Steps. [Online] PESTLE Analysis. Available at: https://pestleanalysis.com/pestle-analysis-india/ [Accessed 17 Jan. 2016]. Roy, D., 2011. Strategic Foresight and Porters Five Forces. GRIN Verlag. Walters, D. and Lancaster, G., 2000. Implementing value strategy through the value chain. Management Decision, 38(3), pp.160-178. Thesofaandchair.co.uk, 2016. Bespoke and Luxury Sofas Designed and Handmade in London | The Sofa Chair Company. [Online] Available at: https://www.thesofaandchair.co.uk/ [Accessed 17 Jan. 2016]. Xue-qiao, S.H.I., 2010. SWOT analysis of the Shanxi agriculture intellectual property rights. Editorial Board Members, p.59. Yksel, I., 2012. Developing a multi-criteria decision making model for PESTEL analysis. International Journal of Business and Management, 7(24), p.p52.

Economic Factors Essay Example

Economic Factors Essay Turkey has many market drivers that make it an ideal location currently for property investment. Here we look at some of the reasons why Turkey is one of the world’s hottest investment property locations. * Excellent capital growth projections of around 25% per annum Land prices in Turkey have risen in recent years and, in many cases, doubled. In 2005 to 2006, property prices have risen by 25–40%. Recent research shows that by comparison investments made since 1994 have yielded the following average returns: * Stock market 18% (gross) * Turkish property 568% (net) * Pension plans significant loss (net) (Source: invest-in-turkey. co. uk) * In the opinion of ‘A place in the Sun’ in the October 2004 edition of their magazine, price increases in beach areas are expected to rise initially by 50% and then over the next two to three years by 100%. Taking an average of 25% capital growth, a property purchased at GBP 60,000 with sustained growth over five years wi ll have a market value of GBP 183,105, entailing a huge 305% return on investment. Turkey is just entering the EU process Turkey is currently at the very start of the long road to possible EU inclusion, meaning there are still another 5-10 years before prices rise substantially. Prior to EU membership, there are many factors yet to be discussed and many of Turkey’s issues that need to be corrected before incorporation will be seriously considered. However Turkey has some strong backers for its entry and when it does get accepted into the EU, it is reasonable to expect the price of property to rise greatly in line with a huge surge in tourism. Many investors are purchasing in Turkey with EU inclusion as a major driving force, while looking to take advantage of the current low property prices and growing rental market. Turkey is at the brink of a property boom We will write a custom essay sample on Economic Factors specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Economic Factors specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Economic Factors specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer With so many indicators, many of which are outlined on this page, its clear to see that Turkey is at the beginning of a property boom. A boom period generally indicates a time when demand for property outstrips supply. This is currently the situation in Turkey especially in the major investment areas such as Bodrum, Istanbul and Dalaman. Turkish economy is very strong with 5. 5% GDP growth in 2005 The Turkish economy is currently very strong and undergoing much growth. After an average growth of only 2. 8 % for ten years from 1993 to 2002, Turkey was able to achieve a growth rate of 5. % in 2003 and a substantially higher rate in 2004. Turkey now has the 22nd largest economy in the world. Excellent value front line properties with high capital growth potential What is really attracting interest from international property investors is the current value for money of properties in Turkey. The Turkish market still offers excellent quality properties at prices that most other locations o f a similar calibre could not offer 10 years ago. These prices, combined with the outstanding expected growth and powered by strong market drivers, offer property investors a unique opportunity. Over 25 million tourists visit Turkey each year and boost the property market A major indication of the current state of any property market is the tourist trade. In Turkey the tourist market is expanding massively as the country gains more exposure in the international press. The possibility of it becoming an EU member country is slowly beginning to take hold. Current demand for Turkey is reflected in the 25 million tourists it attracts per annum. This translates into solid rental yields by buy-to-let investors who purchase in the best tourist locations. Golf tourism evolving in Antalya, making golf investments more valuable Golf has been a strong market driver in many successful property markets around the world for many years. Spain has used golf to generate a very strong secondary season with thousands of golfers flocking to its shores to play golf during a time when they can’t play their sport at home. With golf being so popular around the world many developments are now being constructed around or near golfing facilities. Turkey and namely Antalya is no different. Turkey offers a modern infrastructure Many emerging markets have limited infrastructure and this is always a roblem that can stunt development. However Turkey has a solid and modern infrastructure that is rapidly growing in line with its economy, tourism and property markets. Turkey is considered to be a highly dynamic country by the World Trade Organisation Turkey is a dynamic and emerging country equipped with a network of well-developed infrastructure and a g lobally competitive work force. Its unique position at the crossroads of the world trade routes and its proximity to the developing energy producing areas in the Caspian and Central Asia are factors that further raise its economic potential for the coming years. Turkey is also home to a thriving tourist industry and a fast growing property market, attracting huge international interest. Property prices are on the increase Land prices in Turkey are said to have doubled over the last 2 years. â€Å"A property that cost ? 35,000 in 2004 but starts from about ? 60,000 shows that prices have increased by as much as 30% in some areas but the build quality is of a high standard and, relatively speaking,  property in Turkey  remains a bargain. † (The Times Online February 2005). No capital gains tax Turkey also offers some tax incentives that are of high interest to property investors, such as its regulations regarding capital gains tax. If you sell your property after four years, there is no capital gains tax. Property that is sold before the period is over will be charged at the standard rate of income tax (between 15% and 35%), calculated on the difference between the buying and selling price. General economic overview The Turkish economy is composed of a mix of industry and commerce. Along with a traditional agriculture sector that still accounts for more than 35% of employment, it has a strong and rapidly growing private sector. However, the State still plays a major role in basic industry, banking, transport, and communication. The largest industrial sector is textiles and clothing, which accounts for one-third of industrial employment; it faces stiff competition in international markets with the end of the global quota system. However, other sectors, notably the automotive and electronics industries, are rising in importance within Turkeys export mix. In 2004 GDP growth reached 9%. Inflation fell to 7. 7% in 2005 a 30-year low. Turkey offers a very competitive cost of living. This is another driving factor for tourists and those looking to re-locate. Money still goes much further in the warmer Turkish environment. A beer will cost you about â‚ ¬0. 60 and a meal in a restaurant starts at about â‚ ¬8. 00. (2005 Turkish Embassy information). INFORMATION ON TURKEY Turkish economy which is the 17th largest economy in the world, according to World Bank rankings with a GDP of US$800 billion. Turkeys dynamic economy is a complex mix of modern industry and commerce along with a traditional agriculture sector that still accounts for about 25% of employment. It has a strong and rapidly growing private sector, and while the state remains a major participant in basic industry, banking, transport and communication, this role has been diminishing as Turkeys privatization program continues. Turkey is becoming increasingly appealing to foreign investors backed by positive macroeconomic trends and successive rounds of structural reforms realized in the past few years. General facts about Turkey Economy After a deep economic crisis in 2001, the Turkish economy entered into a rapid recovery period and grew 6. % annually on average and almost 50% cumulatively, from 2002 to 2007. Structural reforms, prudent macroeconomic policies, political stabilization and favourable conditions in international markets played an important role in this high growth performance. With the starting of the EU membership negotiation process on 3rd  of October, the EU perspective has strengthened and this contributed a more positive economic and political environment i n Turkey. This process also meant more harmonization with the EU laws and regulations that could boost further FDI flows to Turkey in the following years. The growth was expected to continue as long as Turkey remained strictly tied to the IMF-backed economic program but after twenty-seven straight quarters of positive growth, the Turkish economy contracted in Q4 2008. In September 2009, the Turkish government revised down its economic growth forecast to a 6% contraction for 2009 and 3. 5% growth in 2010. As of 2008, GDP amounted to roughly US$800 billion, making Turkey the 17th  largest economy in the world, according to World Bank rankings. The stock value of FDI stood at more than $180 billion at year-end 2009. Privatization sales are currently approaching $39 billion. Oil began to flow through the Baku-Tblisi-Ceyhan pipeline in May 2006, marking a major milestone that will bring up to 1 million barrels per day from the Caspian to market. Several gas pipelines also are being planned to help move Central Asian gas to Europe via Turkey. Financial markets and banking system also weathered the 2009 global financial crisis and did not suffer significant declines due to banking and structural reforms implemented during the countrys own financial crisis in 2001. Economic fundamentals are sound, but the Turkish economy has been facing more negative economic indicators in 2010 as the global economic slowdown continues to curb demand for Turkish exports. On the 1st  of January 2005, 6 digits (zeros) were dropped from the Turkish Lira (TL) denominations. Together with the TL, Kurus (Kr), which is a hundredth of TL 1, has become in use again. Income Distribution of income is relatively skewed with more than half of all income earned by the richest 20% of Turkish households. This distribution is more uneven in urban areas than in rural areas. One of the reasons for this inequality is the unemployment problem. As in many countries, creating jobs for a fast growing population is a major problem. Demography The population of Turkey is 72 million. Compared to other countries, Turkeys population is relatively young where about 37 million people are under the age of 35 and 40% are under the age of fifteen. The household number is around 17 million and the local civilian work force is about 25 million. The birth rate and the rate of population increase are high compared to many European countries. These factors make Turkey a promising market for many product and service sectors. Istanbul As Turkey’s major commercial center, Istanbul is home to half of Turkey’s top 500 companies and all of the country’s major media and advertising groups. It’s logistic and business links to the Black Sea and Central Asia, easy international access via air, sea, rail and road which make it easier to roll out a product from Istanbul to other parts of Turkey, are among the factors which make Istanbul one of the most promising cities in the world. Turkey Trade, Exports and Imports After experiencing an  economic  boom during 2002-2007, Turkey’s economy took a beating in 2008, following the global financial meltdown. One of the major issues that the country is facing is the declining exports to European countries. Turkey’s trade, exports and imports  were hit badly in the year 2008, when the trade deficit stood at -31%. Turkey has diversified its  economy  in the 2000s, following an active participation in exports to Europe and other Asian countries. The Turkish industry of late has started looking beyond the Middle East, but still lags behind its European counterparts. The industrial share of the Gross National Product (GNP) stood at 30% as of 2Q2009. Turkey’s major export products include clothes, electronics, automobiles and agricultural products. Other major products exported from Turkey include iron and steel, mineral fuels and oil, precious stones and tobacco. On the other hand, the major import  commodities  for Turkey include electrical equipment, mechanical appliances, optical instruments, iron and steel, and pharmaceutical products. Turkey’s major import partners are the USA, Russia, Germany, Italy, France, Switzerland and the UK. Oil exports from Turkey in 2008 stood at 141,700 b/d, with oil imports at 783,800 b/d in the same period. The total exports amounted to $111 billion in 2009, which fell from its 2008 estimates of $140. 7 billion. The total  importsamounted to $134. 2 billion, according to the 2009 estimates, which again fell from the 2008 estimates of $193. 9 billion. Turkey Trade, Exports and Imports: Alternatives Turkey has started to explore alternative markets to counter the effects of the  financial  crisis. Exports to countries in Africa and Central Asia have increased tremendously. Trade with the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) has jumped by more than 50% in 2008. FDI from the Middle East countries increased to almost $2 billion in 2008. Exports to Iraq increased by 75% in 1Q2009, and  trade  relations with Africa are expected to strengthen in 2010. Turkey  (Turkish:  Turkiye), known officially as the  Republic of Turkey  (  Turkiye Cumhuriyeti  (help ·info)), is a  Eurasian  country  that stretches across the  Anatolian  peninsula in  western Asia  and  Thrace  in the  Balkan  region of  southeastern Europe. Turkey is one of the six independent  Turkic states. Turkey is bordered by eight countries:  Bulgaria  to the northwest;  Greece  to the west;  Georgia  to the northeast;Armenia,  Azerbaijan  (the  exclave  of  Nakhchivan) and  Iran  to the east; and  Iraq  and  Syria  to the southeast. The  Mediterranean Sea  andCyprus  are to the south; the  Aegean Sea  to the west; and the  Black Sea  is to the north. The  Sea of Marmara, the  Bosphorus  and theDardanelles  (which together form the  Turkish Straits) demarcate the boundary between  Eastern Thrace  and  Anatolia; they also separateEurope  and  Asia. [6]  Turkeys location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia makes it a country of significant geostrategic importance. [7][8] The predominant religion by number of people is  Islamabout 97% of the population, the second by number of people is  Christianity0,6%, according to the  World Christian Encyclopedia. 9]  The countrys official language is  Turkish, whereas  Kurdish  and  Zazaki  languages are spoken by  Kurds  and  Zazas, who comprise 18% of the population. [10] Turks  began migrating into the area now called Turkey (land of the Turks) in the eleventh century. The process was greatly accelerated by the Seljuk victory over the  Byzantine Empire  at the  Battle of Manzikert[11]. Several small  beyliks  and the  Seljuk Sultanate of Rum  ruled Anatolia until the  Mongol Empires invasion. Starting from the thirteenth century, the  Ottoman beylik  united Anatolia and created an empire encompassing much of Southeastern Europe, Western Asia and North Africa. After the  Ottoman Empire  collapsed following its defeat inWorld War I, parts of it were occupied by the victorious  Allies. A cadre of young military officers, led by  Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, organized a successful resistance to the Allies; in 1923, they would establish the modern Republic of Turkey with Ataturk as its first president. Turkey is a  democratic,  secular,  unitary,  constitutional republic, with an ancient cultural heritage. Turkey has become increasingly integrated with the  West  through membership in organizations such as the  Council of Europe,  NATO,  OECD,  OSCE  and the  G-20 major economies. Turkey began  full membership negotiations  with the  European Union  in 2005, having been an  associate member  of theEuropean Economic Community  since 1963 and having reached a  customs union agreement  in 1995. Turkey has also fostered close cultural, political, economic and industrial relations with the  Middle East, the  Turkic states  of  Central Asia  and the  African  countries through membership in organizations such as the  Organisation of the Islamic Conference  and the  Economic Cooperation Organization. Given its strategic location, large economy and army, Turkey is classified as a  regional power. [12][13]

Bobby Sands essays

Bobby Sands essays Bobby Sands was born in 1954 in Rathcoole, a loyalist community in North Belfast as the first child of John and Rosaleen Sands. He was followed by two sisters, Marcella and Burnadette, and a brother, Sean. The first years of Bobbys life were spent qui ly at Abbots Cross in the Newtonabbey area of North Belfast. However, the anti-Catholic attitudes raised their heads and the Sands family was forced to move in 1962 to another predominately Protestant ghetto in Belfast. Growing up in these areas led to e nature of hate that most Catholics have being in the segregated areas of Belfast. Bobby shared the same experiences, and had the same feelings. At the age of fifteen, Bobby quit school and began work as an apprentice coach builder and joined the national union of vehicle builders. In 1968, Bobby was forced out of his job due to anti-Catholic resentment. His sister Burnadette says, Bobby went work one day and these fellows were standing there cleaning guns. One fellow said to him, Do you see these here, well, if you dont youll get this. Then Bobby found a note in his lunchbox telling him to get out.1 These events would change his life In 1972, the Sands family was forced to move again when their house was sold to a Protestant couple without their concent. The family moved to a Catholic housing settlement in West Belfast. It was here that Bobby first heard about the IRA and joined up Bobbys life changed dramatically. My life now centered around sleepless nights and stand-bys dodging the Brits and calming nerves to go out on operations. But the people stood by us. The people not only opened the doors to their homes to lend us a h d but opened their hearts to us. I learned that without people we could not survive and I learned that I owe them everything.1 In October of 1972, Bobby was arrested. Four handguns were found in a house that he was staying at....

Miscommunication Between Teachers In Terms Of Culture, Language, Case Study

Miscommunication Between Teachers In Terms Of Culture, Language, Generation Or Age Differences - Case Study Example This has led to a developing a wide gap between teachers, most of whom belong to the previous generation, and their students, who embrace the new communication technology thereby creating a divide between the two. This leads to multiple misunderstandings which go as afar as affecting how teachers teach and students learn. The data obtained will be analyzed through a number of ways. It will be statistically analyzed through quantitative as well as qualitative techniques. Besides, primary and secondary documents will also be evaluated through thorough scrutiny and extensive reading to authenticate similarity of facts. Change is inevitable; the changes in communication mechanisms have made the world a global village thereby making communication easier. However, this has had a number of influences with the education sector being affected the

Congestive Heart Failure Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Congestive Heart Failure - Case Study Example The mechanism and resulting physiologic alteration c. The resulting effects on body system d. Citations from Peer Reviewed Articles IV. Analysis of Clinical Findings Manifestations a. Discussion of the Patient’s Clinical Presentation b. Review of Patient’s Clinical Course c. Comparison of this case to pathophysiologic findings in the literature d. Critical Thinking V. Analysis of Laboratory Tests VI. Treatments VII. Outcome Analysis VIII. References Introduction to Congestive Heart Failure Opening paragraph in which the topic is introduced and the content: More than 5 millions of the Americans are suffering from Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and these people have been in and out from the hospital because of CHF and its clinical sequelae (American Heart Association, 2004). CHF changes lives. It affects the structure of the family and the society as well. Once it strikes the breadwinner of the family, it would mean loss of income and shifting of one’s role in the family. In general, this debilitating disease greatly affects the family and the society as a whole, since any problem that might occur in the family affects the community as well. How severe the condition is determines the impact to the life of a person. The milder CHF is in the life of the person, little does it affect the person’s life. ... Incidence of Congestive Heart Failure Discussion of the prevalence of Congestive Heart Failure in the United States: Congestive heart failure is a â€Å"serious condition† resulting to a considerable morbidity and mortality (Schocken, et al., 1992). In the US, CHF is an increasing public health concern because of the limited data that identifies the validity in diagnosing CHF (Goff, et al., 2006). Lui and Wallace (2011) noted that although the annual prevalence rate of CHF was 1.6 percent, which is much lower than that of hypertension, the number of average rate of hospitalisation was reversibly higher with high rate of hospitalisation among the older population belonging to the adults aged 75 and above, compared to the younger population who have the least group of individuals being hospitalized (Lui and Wallace, 2011). According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (2012), the prevalence rate of CHF is increasing and an estimated 4.8 million Americans were diagnose d to have CHF and likewise, an increasing incidence of prevalence rate of hospitalizations and deaths secondary to CHF is increasing (National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, 2012). The incidence of new cases of mortality of 400,000 secondary to CHF is increasing each year and others were due to its complications (National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, 2012). Statistics of Morbidity and Mortality: CHF occurs equally in both men and women but is more prevalent in descent other than white Americans such as African – American, Hispanics, and American - Indians (Cleveland Clinic, 2011). About 1 million are hospitalized each year in the United States due to CHF and around 30 – 60 percent of these populations are readmitted due to the same problem (Cleveland Clinic, 2011). The

Controversy in the Finance Field Research Proposal

Controversy in the Finance Field - Research Proposal Example The subject is crucial in today’s environment because individuals need to comprehend the nature of financial statements, and the presentation of such information. Individuals who understand the nature of financial statements claim that alternative methods of accounting may diminish the integrity of financial statements. When one’s accounting approach is questioned by the FASB, it becomes hectic. Some claim that the comparability of financial statements may be undermined, hence; their usefulness may be eroded. It would be next to impossible for analysts to forecast future earnings if the FASB continues to change the methods and techniques in financial documenting. The introduction of an accounting standard may lead to unpredictable fluctuations that were not expected in the reported earnings. Accounting students may also have a difficult task when learning about accounting. If one takes the time to understand one standard, and the board changes it, later on, there might be problems if one was to take an exam based on the same. The debate and sides of the debate The debate is whether the FASB should be allowed to come up with standards every time they see fit. It is impractical to have individuals get used to one standard, and when they do, there is a change in the same effect. The sides involved fell between those that agreed with the standards and those that were resistant to the changes. However, it is the belief of many that any change that is met with resistance and later imposed, will likely lead to improvement.

Frank Lloyd Wrights Architecture Style: A History

Frank Lloyd Wrights Architecture Style: A History How organic is Frank Lloyd Wright’s Architecture? Although Frank Lloyd Wright would be considered a practitioner that embraced much of what came to be known as modernism and the international style, itself a spare and functional movement, most of his work contains elements of the organic[1], tantalisingly original and un-definable which softens the edges and adds richness to what would be considered pure form and clean edge. This is in addition to a reasonably early self-declared ‘organic architecture’, the general principles of which he followed for the rest of his professional life. Lind notes that (for instance) the Prairie Style buildings are epitomes of Wrights ‘organic’ declarations of fundamental principles, which were practised between the years from 1900 to the beginning of World War One. She reiterates that his definitions changed through his life, commenting that a definition of organic architecture that he gave in 1952 was more appropriate to the Usonian houses than the earlier Prairie Style one s. She does also state that his fundamental principles were interpreted in a variety of ways, but that he never deviated from them. (Lind; 1992: 29-31). Nevertheless, the evolutionary journey that Frank Lloyd Wright pursued in his design and production of what stand as some of the western world’s most recognised and notable buildings covers a foray into organic, from both an incorporation of his organic philosophy, from a motif point of view, as well as the deliberate inclusion of both elements of the environment such as stone and timber, to the manipulation of environment and building to create an organic mass that is essentially, ultimately building in the international or modernist style. His early work was positioned at a point where the international discourses in architecture were battling between the mass produced and the hand made, reactionary to the production lines of the late nineteenth century Industrial Revolution. Throughout his life, Wright certainly saw himsel f as practising architecture using an organic basis, as he declared in a 1958 television interview: ‘But â€Å"organic architecture†, which is the architecture of nature, the architecture based upon principle and not upon precedent. Precedent is all very well so long as precedent is very well but who knows when it is very bad? Now that’s something to guard against in architecture- know when to leave your precedent and establish one.’(Meehan;1984: 83-4). This was a declaration made in the late 1950’s that today sits in the context of a variety of many other architectural definitions of the philosophy. Indeed, the mere definition of the architectural applications of organic appears problematic[2]. Whether his declared philosophy had meaning in his buildings, and how his definition of ‘organic’ relates to the buildings he completed is the comparative exercise. In approaching this, how this central philosophy, developed over the years, affected his approach to the buildings that he created, forms the core of my discussion when I consider s pecific examples. In addition, one cannot look at a central theme such as the quality of the organic in his architecture, without being able to appreciate the context in terms of materials available, the influence of the Boston Orientalists[3], Japanese arts and architecture, and his attitude towards nature and its incorporation on a number of levels. The philosophy This stance that Wright held, where architectural precedent is mostly meaningless, and that the reality of the site determines the particulars of the building to be constructed is mostly articulated in the series of interviews televised in 1958. Here, in a series on a Chicago network, two half hour programmes of ‘Heritage’ hosted by William MacDonald discussed the ‘Philosophy of an architect’ and ‘Organic Architecture’.(Meehan; 1984:75) Wright is voluble about the manner in which ‘modernism’ and organic interface. Modern architecture, he declares, began as a striving to break down the box, a form characteristic of the ancient and traditional architectural paradigm. It is documented that originally his ideas regarding the modernist movement were derived from enthusiasm that later waned when he realised that the initial ideas of extension of the box did not necessarily have any greater impact on the environment. (Meehan; 1984: 59) ‘Whereas the new idea was to eliminate the box and let everything that was in go outward and associate with its environment. So environment and interior and life itself become as one. Glass and steel and architecture became what we call â€Å"modern†. Isn’t it? So, to get the real idea of the thing we’ve got to use some word like â€Å"organic† –means integral, of the thing, now and preceding from the interior of it outward. And, so there is something exterior chosen and used for effect. Therein lies the essential difference between what we call â€Å"organic architecture† and what is carelessly called, for the lack of a better term, â€Å"modern architecture†. (Meehan; 1984:90) With regard to his production of buildings where glass predominated, the material was regarded as a manner of connecting with the landscape, rather than a barrier or symbol of an ugly modernity. Elements that define contemporary architectures purporting to be modernist, such as simplicity were still very much part of Wright’s ideal, with the paring down of the complicated to provide surfaces that had a life of their own and could be embellished or otherwise. He saw that an intrinsic connection with material and landscape was fundamental to the production of specific buildings and part of the responsibility of the architect. Giedion sees his work is being the sole definer of his philosophy, and that words cannot begin to express where he came from or what his intentions were (Giedion; 1959: 412) His comment to MacDonald, the interviewer on this occasion, regarding site was ‘Well, it would seem from this that with this â€Å"organic†(architecture) choice of site would not only be extremely important but would, in part, in part at least, determine the form or forms of the building.’ (Ibid; 90). Indeed, the value of the site was deemed so important that not only did clients require his input, but also the contribution of the building to the natural landscape would be such that were the building to disappear, the landscape would be poorer for it. (Ibid: 91) Throughout his life, Wrights attitude towards his ‘organicâ €™ architecture was to evolve and mature, thus one finds definitions, which he was fond of publicly declaring, often slightly contradictory. The Japanese influence The organic nature of the Japanese architectural form, siting and decoration was, contentiously, an integral part of the shaping of Wrights ideas and designs. Tallmadge, (in Nute; 2000: 3)[4] commented in 1927 that Wright had derived ‘that intimate liaison between art and nature which makes his work sink into and be lost in the embrace of rock and shrub and tree.’ This was supported by Behrendt who declares the connection between the Japanese houses that are ‘fitted into the landscape that the building almost imperceptibly blends with nature, the same tendency towards an organic structure’ (Ibid; 4) Early on in his long career, connections with the Japanese culture were made, and these possibly had one of the most enduring philosophical contributions to his outlook. Initially, the prevalent culture of ‘Japonaiserie’[5] that developed out of the Exposition of 1851, and supported by the Arts and Crafts and Ruskin in Europe, trickled through to America[6]. Manson sees initial introduction to the Japanese being at the point of preparations for the Chicago Fair of 1893, where Wright was busy with the Transportation Building for Adler and Sullivan. Part of the exposition, a Japanese Imperial Government display of a Fujiwara Period Temple and its associated decoration and furnishings, ‘constituted the first wholesale introduction to the Middle West of Japanese Art and architecture. For Wright, the Japanese exhibit was the confirmation of a dawning curiosity.’ (Manson; 1984: 34) Lind describes this building as ‘Known as the Ho-Ho-Den, its fluid spaces wer e covered by a broad, sheltering roof with generous overhanging eaves. Light poured in from all sides. The walls moved. Opening up spaces, releasing the box.’ (Lind; 1992: 27) Manson goes on further to note that ‘It must be conceded that there is an affinity between Wright’s concept of architecture, as it was to develop, and the art of old Japan. Whether this affinity amounts to actual indebtedness is a moot point and one which Wright has always hotly debated.’ (Manson; 1984: 35) [7] ‘Whilst working on the Unity Temple (1905) in Oak Park, Illinois, connections with the Japanese Ambassador resulted in his being sent ‘The Book of Tea’ by Lao-Tse, which articulated concepts that he had been considering for a while, particularly on this project. The principle of his statement derived from Lao-Tse’s ‘the reality of a building is neither the walls nor the roof but the space within’ assisted him in defining the planning of the Unity Temple in such a manner that this could be achieved. Frustrations where he suggested that this relationship between the interiors and the life that was led in them had not existed for the last five centuries was partly solved. (Meehan; 1984: 77). Further connections were established when a decade later he visited Japan on commission to build what was to become the Imperial Hotel, (Tokyo) constructed by the Mikado for his visitors. This had the secret ingredient of steel that could be used in tensile sit uations, and responding to the high earthquake environment, became lauded as it stood throughout the great earthquake in 1923. (Meehan; 1984: 15) The incorporation of the organic The impact of Owen Jones’ book, a seminal Victorian work in the collection and typical compartmentalisation of exotic detail, ‘The Grammar of Ornament’ [8]is seen by Manson to have possibly been an early influence, as whilst he was working with Silsbee, he is known to have made a hundred tracings of ornament from Jones’ book. (Manson; 1984: 21). However, gaining inspiration from the direct forces of nature as an influence in his work was instilled at an early stage, whilst still working for Sullivan. His need to have a direct involvement with the tactile and textural natural environment is mentioned by his son in the following passage; ‘One Sunday morning he had on the table beside him a group of shells, conchs, turbans, clams, pectens, cowries, murexes and volutes. He pointed to the shells and told us to observe how this one germ of an idea for housing a creature in the ocean could take so many shapes. He noted the intricate fluting and sculptured patterns on different shells, the wide range of colours and designs, and how no two shells of even the same substance were identical.’ (Eric Lloyd Wright in Dunham; 1994) This analogy was continued by Wright into the discussion of an oak tree and its manifest units. ‘Nature will show you the way to build.’ (Dunham; 1994: 8-9) Dunham notes himself that ‘Nature played a major role in the designs of Wright’s buildings: the nature of the client, the society, the geographical location, the materials and the ability of the workmen.’ (Ibid: 16). McCarter reinforces this need for experimentation with form and material by saying that ‘He would stop work each day in the studio, sending his draughtsmen out into the nearby fields to collect wildflowers, which he would then arrange..’ (McCarter; 1997:66). Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging was usually the result and was situated for comment or criticism in his studio. His continual flirtation with the elements of Japanese architecture, in definition much connected with the landscape, natural materials and a spiritual philosophy again reinforces this incorporation of the organic elements of nature. Materials A short discussion of materials is important at this point as not only were the indigenous materials of a region intrinsic to the aesthetics and feeling of a building, but the possibility of new material stretched boundaries which made much of his work possible, and further enabled the possibilities of the organic materials that were used. Importantly, as in the Imperial Hotel (Tokyo, 1905), the use of structural steel that had strength in tension meant that the structure could be reinforced, and yet match the landscape that it inhabited. Another example is the development of pre-cast concrete products, which made elaboration and decoration of internal and external surfaces more possible, thus intensifying the levels of detail and organic expression of, particularly, his houses built in the 1920’s. (Fleming et al; 1980:351) Also, the raking organic form of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (New York, 1960) could not have easily been achieved without the use of modern materials in particular, structural steel and concrete. (Ibid: 352) More importantly, it was Wright’s attitude towards the material that was to prove so important in his philosophy. His insistence that the tactile qualities of the material have to be ascertained through handling and use is often quoted. ‘..a man can’t do much in architecture unless he gets his hands into the mud of which the bricks are made.’ (Meehan; 1984: 105) But, the intrinsic life of the materials is what makes them and determines their positioning in the building and the landscape. ‘We are learning now that materials themselves all live- that stone has character, that brick has character, wood character; that they all have characteristics that may become alive in the hands of the imaginative artist through sympathetic interpretation in design,’ (Wright in Meehan; 1984: 60) The early years Manson suggests that much of what happened in Frank Lloyd Wright’s early life and the upbringing that he had influenced the singularly independent character that he became both as a person, and as an architect. (Manson;1984:1-2) A strongly defined Welsh ancestry, together with a father that initially was forceful and ‘With a certain ferocity he had taught young Frank, by the age of seven, to play Bach upon the piano.’ (Ibid; 2) His father later deserted the family, leaving his mother, a ‘very integrated and resolute person whose character is intimately bound up with the development of her son’ (Ibid: 3) in care of Frank and his siblings. His early professional years are seen as being up until 1910 (Manson; 1984) just after he left to work in Germany for a short period in what Larkin called his ‘Exodus and New Era’(Larkin; 1993: 105). These included an initial apprenticeship under Silsbee, then a significant and influential period with Louis Sullivan, who was to guide his early ideas to a large degree. Frank Lloyd Wright’s association with Sullivan from 1888[9] situated him in an office environment that fed much off the contemporary architectural environment, and in the words of Wright, were considered radical and ‘the only ‘moderns’ of the time.’ (Meehan; 1984 :12) Sullivan took the idea of the high rise building to unprecedented limits and could only have encouraged the idea as to the limitlessness of boundaries in his student. Not only was he responsible for this physical and material influence, as Sullivan was emphatic about the connections between mankind and the cosmos, and the need for a building to be intimately connected with its natural environment. (Menocal; 1981: 3) Frank Lloyd Wrights home and studio (Oak Park, Illinois, 1899-1909) can be considered the epitome of this early period[10], Wright moved his office into his home in Oak Park in 1897 and was to be his operating base until 1909. This house was purpose built for him and his family, and itself existed as an organic structure, being continually altered and added to throughout the course of the family living in it. A geometric basis provided the form of the building, which, contrary to his later work, was roofed with a steep pitch. McCarter asserts that much of the interior spaces are reminiscent of the Japanese approach and that its is highly probable that the influence was available at this period through publications and that Wright used the constant remodelling of his house as a basis for experimentation of idea which would be later implemented or not, if that was the case. The important elements of this building are the use of light and space, and the use of materials such as brick an d dark timber shingles. The house as a space for experimentation during the development of his ideas and philosophies is notable, and its own organic nature and evolution can be considered a justifiable example of the level of abstractness to which the term ‘organic’ can be interpreted. The Prairie House (1899 1910) The Prairie house, a basically cruciform or windmill plan shape, was initially seen as being a building that was specifically appropriate for the ‘American suburban home, a type of house characterised by a degree of both spatial freedom and formal order previously unknown in either the Old or New World.’ (McCarter; 1997:43) The connection with the early American house has reference in the centralised position of the hearth or fireplace, whether it forms the junction of the cross or the centre of the pinwheel/ windmill. This was recognised by Wright as being able to access natural light from three sources (Giedeon; 1959:399) The initial publicity for the Prairie house as a style came in the form of publication not in an architectural magazine, but in the Ladies Home Journal in 1901. His recognition that the design needed to appeal directly to the functional user was paramount in its success as a plan and suburban housing type. The contact between landscape and building is epitomised in the quotation from Mumford, who writes that ‘Mr Wright’s designs are the very products of the prairie, in their low-lying, horizontal lines, in their flat roofs, while at the same time they defy the neutral gray or black or red of the engineering structures by their colour and ornament.’ (Mumford; 1955:182). Frank Lloyd Wright, as a son of the prairies, was driven by his response to the landscapes, the long low and flat and the simplicity of the space. This reduced the rooflines, where the building was seen ‘primarily not as a cave but as broad shelter in the open, related to vista; vista without and vista within.’ (Wright in Larkin;1993: 36) his destruction of the box meant that rooms were interlinked and flows between then were largely uninterrupted. In the Dana-Thomas House, (Springfield, Illinois; 1902) the directly organic is particularly evident in this house, where not only is a rich and abstracted display of the sumac plant embossing glazed plaster panels that cover the house, (Lind; 1992:27) but the interior displays include butterflies, ferns, leaves and stalks.(Larkin; 1993: 46) the flows between the majestic spaces are largely uninterrupted, both horizontally and vertically- it was the first of Wright’s buildings to have a double volume living room, yet the massiveness of this structure is broken down by the manipulation of the external walls. The treatment of surface also owed much to the impostion of an organic ideal, where walls were scumbled to create a dappled effect, the timberwork was rich and prolific, and in this case, the surfaces were embossed with ornament. The decorative influence is from the outside prairie environment; Scrub bush , cacti, and the yellow coloured stone (Knight; 2001:42). In addition , it is important to note that the Dana house has elements of the Japanese influence in its upturned eaves, reminiscent of pagoda type temples (McCarter; 1997: 47) The Robie House (Chicago, 1908) is considered by Lind to be an excellent example of Wright’s ‘Organic’ architecture ideal, (Lind; 1992: 28) This is largely in its response to the environment is perfected to the extent that the cantilevered overhangs are placed to restrict light in summer and to maximise sunlight in the colder months. (Knight; 2001:74) but also in its manipulation of material with glass and steel and concrete, creating the soaring cantilevered overhangs and at the same time bands of floating light, contracting with the warmth of the brickwork that characterises most of the exterior of the house. His use of material here is notable- the bricks used were long and thin, and the pointing used to create effect. The perpends were pointed in a brick coloured mortar that was flush pointed, whereas the horizontal coursing was expressed by deeply raked pointing in a white mortar bed (McCarter; 1997: 95) Flowing spaces abound, but, at the same time, elements are used to separate function such as the fireplace between the living and the dining room. The unexpected placing of the walls and the fragmentation of expected mass, together with the long low walls and punched out openings brought about much debate at the time of its construction (Giedion; 1959: 408). Yet again, material, space and environment combine to create a building disregarding its precedent and standing alone in its own landscape. The Usonian Period (1932 1942) This period, a term coined by Wright from the author Samuel Butler[11], embraces the notions that define America as a country, such as unity, freedom, and unity of all. (Meehan: 1984: 96-7) The term eventually gained connotations of freedom and unity, particularly in the means of uniting the inside and outside spaces in buildings; integrations of interior and exterior landscapes. The changed architectural environment that existed as a result of many different socio- economic factors meant that the approach towards planning, forms and materials had to reflect the new order. In addition, pressure on the cities as suburbs rapidly spread as a result of the ever more affordable motor car meant that a total rethink in social housing became applicable, thus projects such as Broadacre City (1934), a proposed series of isolated tower blocks connected by roads where the Organic principle brought the functioning elements of the city into a defined space in a country setting. One of the most enigmatic of the houses from this period is Falling Water, the Edgar Kaufmann House, (Mill Run, Pennsylvania) built in 1935. Not only is the building in complete and active harmony with its landscape, but its form incorporates those materials from which is arises, stone, timber, glass. The site especially spoke to Wright, and rather than having the waterfall as something that should be looked at, the situation of the house directly over the waterfall means that it becomes an active part of its site[12]. The form of the house is not monolithic, but moves both vertically and horizontally on the site, creating its own set of ledges and alcoves. The vertical planes of stone and glass and the horizontal planes of concrete create juxtaposition as well as a dynamic that is in keeping with the continuity of the stream below it. Open planes that lead straight out into the environment Larkin sees as a participative exercise; one cannot appreciate directly the cascades below the house unless one moves out onto the horizontal and planar terraces to explore further. Also, he notes of the synergy between the horizontal and planar surfaces, reflecting the huge slabs of rock that lay in the river below, that ‘ Although this is pure conjecture, it was not unlike Wright to read quickly the conditions of a building site and to let its most salient features, even accidental ones, inspire his design.’ (Larkin; 1993: 155) Rock from the landscape was directly incorporated, down to the hearthstone that was previously a bathing rock for the Kaufmann family. The manner in which the fieldstone was laid was carefully detailed, and a variation introducing a softer edge in the rounding of the parapet walls acted as the progenitor to other buildings, both domestic and industrial in the future (Ibid: 157) Wrights embracing of the new materials of steel and concrete, much loved by the Modernists in their boxlike applications, had an early application in the cantile vered slabs that are described as ‘nothing short of daring’ (Ibid: 161). However daring the structural applications of this house, its setting and synergy with its landscape are the elements that endure, creating an organic mass which would leave the landscape poorer were it to be removed. More problematic displays of the organic in buildings are naturally going to be found in the industrial and public applications. An industrial building from this period that highlights the Usonian notion as well as a need to incorporate the outside without diminishing the practicality of the box is the S.C Johnson and Sons Administration building (Racine, Wisconsin; 1936) . First impressions of the interior are of ‘mushroom-shaped dendriform columns’ floating in a sea of light. (Larkin; 1993:179) Like Falling Water, it pushed the boundaries of materials, in this case, cold drawn steel mesh columns that were designed in an unusual manner and continually given organic metaphorical comparisons, and extruded glass. Wright commented on the socio- architectural applications of this building by saying that ‘Organic architecture designed this building to be as inspiring a place to work in as any cathedral ever was in which to worship.’ (Larkin; 1993: 181) A later, a nd more immediately recognisable laboratory extension to the factory had as its design rationale a central core with the various levels cantilevering from a central core, embedding the notions of space and boundless freedom in line with the Usonian tradition. Wright saw this as a successful example of his organic principles in that it responded to the nature of the materials, and its relationship with the landscape and its extension into the landscape between inside and outside using the mechanism of glass. (Meehan; 1984: 86) The later years (1943 1959) This period is important as the buildings here reflect, in many cases, a culmination of his life works, ideals, and approaches. In addition, it marks the period in which his output was most prolific, and the maturity of his ideas could be expressed without fear of lifelong ridicule, although projects such as the Solomon R Guggenheim Museum were not without acerbic criticism and opposition. Taliesin West (Scottsdale, Arizona, 1937-1959) is in many senses a seminal example, as not only was it built over the last decades of his life, but it was a house that he inhabited and a space from which he taught. Frank Lloyd Wright described his approach as being derived from the site- space, colour, texture, which were extant landscape forms. Ogilvanna, his third wife, remarks that the buildings look excavated from rather than constructed on the landscape (Wright; 1970: 104) Local materials[13] were incorporated in a variety of ways, desert rock was combined with cement in a rough off shutter re miniscent of the unplanned landscape. Redwood and canvas provided the bulk of the other materials, harmonising with the colours and the textures of the landscape. Ogilvanna comments on the harmony with landscape, supporting the deconstruction of the box in terms of Wright’s Organic Philosophy, that ‘The sense of space permeates Taliesin West so breathtakingly that the buildings, the desert and mountains become fused, the walls vanish and at times the camp looks like a mirage in the desert appearing and disappearing in a shimmering, ethereal light. (Wright; 1970: 106). Also, the means that Wright demanded for appropriate engagement with the natural environment was emphasised here in the manner in which the students in his programme were made to physically react with the desert, climate and materials. In addition to the means by which the apprentices were trained, they were also a large part of the building force that constructed Taliesin West. (Larkin; 1993: 302). Thus t he levels to which this building reflects any definition of the organic exist strongly in its visual and structural relationship to and with the landscape, the materials that it incorporates in the structure, the means by which its apprentices are drilled in the art of organic construction, the incorporation of water and pools and sound and light and texture. From a non- domestic point of view, it is important to look at a public building in order to see how the elements of the organic were incorporated. Perhaps one of Wrights best known buildings, the highly contentious Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (New York City; 1943-1959), is a good example, as not only is its mere form derived from, perhaps, some of his conch drawings, but the manner in which it opens horizons for the continual display of art works fits in with his approach towards his organic philosophy. Indeed, Larkin notes that this building represents a culmination of all his ideals regarding his ‘organic architecture’ and was the fore-runner in the means in which steel and concrete would be used in the balance of the twentieth century. (Larkin; 1993: 202) It is also testimony to his pushing the boundaries with regards to the innate abilities of the new materials. Wright himself stated that ‘The whole building, cast in concrete, is more like an eggshell- in for m a great simplicity- rather than like a criss- cross structure. The light concrete flesh is rendered strong enough everywhere to do its work by embedded filaments of steel either separate or in mesh. The structural calculations are thus those of the cantilever and continuity rather than the post and beam.’ (Wright; 1970: 167) Descriptions by Wright’s wife upon the initial visit are permeated with organic references, such as ‘mother- of- pearl’ ‘a cloud of delicate blue-grey light’ the ramp being likened to a ‘swan’s curved neck’ (Wright; 1970: 164) the spiral culminating in a delicate ribbed oculus window that casts a suffused light below sufficient to view the art works on display. This example as a culmination of his life’s work, and one that continued to uphold all his precepts of organic architecture also proves the permeability of the boundary that would appear to exist between the organic architecture of today and the modernist paradigm in which he was often forced to work. Conclusion That the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright cannot exist in an environment devoid of connections with the organic is impossible. Not only did he have a strong idea as to what he considered organic himself, based on a few simple but strong guiding principles, largely where the building is accountable to itself and its site and its integrity is a large part of this combination, but also the incorporation of the directly organic at multiple levels from material to ornamentation displays this. His early tracings of Owens book on ornament, his lifelong flirtation with the elements of Japanese art and architecture, his collection of Japanese prints and woodcuts, all contributed in a manner in the production of such building and landscape related projects as Taliesin West and Falling Water. The relationship between the building and the site, the building and the landscape, the spare yet engaging spaces, the enrichm

The iPod Essay -- Essays Papers

The iPod Perhaps it has escaped your notice, but it seems that recently everyone is jumping on the iPod bandwagon. Those thin white cords seems to dangle from everyone’s ears, and the tell-tale rectangular bulge is seen in every other back pocket. Well, not only did I notice the bandwagon passing me by daily in the hallways, but I decided to jump on the iPod bandwagon myself. And now the question is, have YOU jumped on the iPod bandwagon The iPod leads the contemporary revolution in portable digital music, and has come to be one of Apple’s hottest selling item. Weighing in at just 5.6 ounces and not much larger than your standard cigarette pack, the iPod is the answer to taking your tunes with you wherever you want to go. That is if you can afford the $299 that you’ll be set back for a 20GB model, or the $399 you’ll dish out for 40GB of iPod magic. But if you just can’t squeeze out that kind of cash, you could always settle for the iPod Mini, iPod’s little sister, that sells for $249, and still holds 1,000 songs - that’s enough to get you through a long weekend, or better ye...

Leadership And Management Skills Portfolio

Introduction This reflective work focuses on assessing my personal weaknesses in different areas. It starts by a self –assessment of my personal development needs.The next section looks at the difficulties I experienced on various issues. Finally, the action plans for self-development in the various areas are suggested. Portfolio Section 1Planning and personal management skills Using a paper exercise, I assessed my planning and personal management skills to determine areas of development. Concerning planning, I scored 13, which is a relatively low score. This indicates an area for development because my score was less than 24, which was the score I had to attain to show that I did not further development. I knew this was a weakness and a concern for me prior to starting my postgraduate studies while working full time. On the time management dimension, I scored 15 and this demonstrated a need for further development. I should have a score of above 24 to demonstrate that this area did not require further development. The issue of time management was a concern for me because of starting my postgraduate studies and working full time. I have had challenges in the past characterized by attempting to do too much at work and not managing my time effectively. The low scores on both planning and time manageme nt reveal that I have challenges with task prioritization. An action plan for self-development in these areas is presented later under task prioritization.Learning style Honey and Mumford designed a Learning Styles Questionnaire that is used in assessing the learning styles of individuals, and these are categorised into activists, theorists, pragmatists, and reflectors (Jarvis, 2005). When I completed this questionnaire, the results showed that I have a strong preference for the activist learning style and a moderate preference for the pragmatist learning style. As an activist, I enjoy novel experiences, I am active and depend on intuitive decision making and I have an aversion to structure (Jarvis, 2005). I learn best from learning activities that provide new problems and experiences, role playing and working together with others in group tasks and opportunities for dealing with challenging tasks. In addition, I prefer tasks with high visibility including presentations, leading discussions, and chairing meetings.However, I learn less when I have to listen to lectures, think, write or read on my own, or absorb and understand a lot of data. Furthermore, my learning is impaired when I have to follow precise instructions without any form of flexibility. As a pragmatist, I prefer risk-taking, group work and application and testing of concepts (Jarvis, 2005). I learn best when there is a clear association between the learning topic and actual issues in life. Learning activities should be structured around demonstrating techniques for accomplishing tasks with clear, realistic advantages. Furthermore, I prefer to be provided with opportunities for trying out and practicing techniques with feedback or coaching from a reliable expert. Similarly, I need examples or models that I can emulate, and I should be taught techniques that are presently applicable to my work context. I also prefer being offered with opportunities for immediately applying any new knowledge that I have learnt. As a pragmatist, l learn less when the learning activities are not associated with an immediate need, lack clear guidelines, and when there are obstacles to implementation of acquired knowledge. Such obstacles can be personal, managerial, organisational or poli tical in nature. These learning styles have an important influence on the learning activities undertaken in the action plan for developing different skills as demonstrated later. Assessment of how I work In a paper exercise, I assessed the way I work and the results revealed that I procrastinate when faced with tasks that I do not really like, I spend a lot of time attempting to perfect things, and I am unable to find things and notes whenever I require them. This is an indication that I have poor prioritization skills, and this will be addressed through an action plan on task prioritization that is explained later.Personality indexI assessed my personality index using an online exercise, and the results demonstrated that I possess various traits. First, I demonstrate low assertiveness as I do not need to be in constant control, and I have a higher orientation toward teamwork than tasks. Second, I am an extreme extrovert because I need to discuss issues in detail with other people. Third, I am extremely impatient as I find it challenging to concentrate on repetitive tasks, and I have a high sense of urgency. Finally, I am highly detailed because I want to acquire knowledge and become an expert. These traits of my personality affect how learning activities will be structured in the action plan to improve learning. Portfolio Section 2Group leadershipIn the first week of my course work, I was leader of my group. I did not know my fellow colleagues very well as we had just started on the course. Therefore, stepping up and being a leader of people I did not know was tough considering that I am not a manager or leader at work. I had to lead the group in the preparation of a group presentation on a case study of someone else’s leadership skills and present with them. I needed to take control and set the direction for the team more rapidly, and a lot of time was wasted as I did not know what was expected of me as a leader. For instance, a group or team leader is required to set the goal of the group and establish performance expectations (Morgeson, DeRue & Karam, 2010). This was a challenging undertaking as I decided to choose an informal approach to this activity where the group members actively facilitated the process of setting goals and determining how the members would be held responsible in relation to the performance expectations. This approach resulted in wastage of time because it was difficult for consensus to be achieved among the group members on the goals and performance expectations. Similarly, I had challenges in structuring and planning the group in terms of developing a shared understanding among the group members on the best approach for coordinating action and working together to achieve the established goals (Morgeson et al., 2010). I faced difficulties in determining how the activities would be performed, the individual’s responsible for specific tasks, and when the group activities would be done. On the issue of when the group activities would be performed, it was challenging to achieve consensus because the group members had conflicting schedules that interfered with choosing an appropriate time for the group meeting to determine the progress of the tasks. Although I faced various challenges during the initial process of forming group, I eventually embodied the role of the group leader. However, I did not always allow everyone to have input. It is suggested that soliciting and using continuing feedback from the group members is vital for achievin g the group objectives (Morgeson et al., 2010). By failing to allow the group members to offer their input into the group presentation, I ended up not including their diverse and useful perspectives on the group activity.Coaching sessionI acted as a coach on how to reactively write. There are specific skills required of coaches including social competence, emotional competence, listening, questioning, framing and contributing (Maltbia, Marsick & Ghosh, 2014). Social competence is associated with establishing relationships with individuals being coached by increasing a supportive and a safe environment that is characterized by freedom in expression thoughts, mutual respect, and trusted partnership (Goleman, 2006). However, I lacked in this competency as I did not allow the individuals I was coaching to freely express their opinions on reactive writing. Rather than encouraging engagement with my peers, I monopolized the coaching process. Emotional competence is associated with having self-awareness of one’s emotions and those of other people to ensure that the coaching relationship is experienced as productive, flexible, and open (Maltbia et al., 2014). I had a difficult time managing my own emotions when coaching others as I got angry whenever any person I was coaching did not understand what I was communicating to him or her. Furthermore, I did not recognize the effects of my actions on the emotions of the people I was coaching. For instance, some of the people I was coaching were visibly frustrated during the coaching process but I did not take time to address these issues. Listening involves understanding the meaning of what the person under coaching is saying with regard to achieving desired outcomes (Maltbia et al., 2014). When I started the coaching session, I did not ask the person I was coaching the specific outcomes they desired from this activity. It is suggested that a hierarchy should not exist in the relationship between the coach and the p eople being coached (O’Broin & Palmer, 2009). By failing to include the objectives of the people being coached into this relationship, their agenda failed to take precedence in the coaching process. As a coaching skill, questioning entails inquiry for revealing the information necessary with the highest benefit to the client (Maltbia et al., 2014). I was lacking in this competence as I rarely asked the person I was coaching questions related to the coaching process. I took on the role of an active coach and required the people I was coaching to assume a passive role in this process.Framing is characterized by expanding the world views of the people being coached through an examination of whether learning is rooted in experience (Maltbia et al., 2014). This skill requires the coach to establish whether the coaching process has had a positive effect on learning in terms of addressing the initial challenge or problem that influenced this activity to be undertaken. During the coaching sessions, I did not frame the coaching process to establish if the people I was coaching had benefited from this activity. Finally, contributing entails effective communication during the coaching sess ion as a mechanism for achieving balance between the support and challenge required for facilitating growth and learning (Maltbia et al., 2014). As initially mentioned, I monopolized conversations, and this prevented the people I was coaching from effectively contributing to the coaching process. Moreover, I failed to offer adequate challenges to promote learning in relation to reactive writing.Role playing as a manager in an appraisalPerformance appraisal is an important process as it is utilised in assessing recent performance and addressing future opportunities and objectives (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, 2014).). When conducting a performance appraisal, employees have to be provided with sufficient notice of the expected performance standards and timely and regular feedback about their performance (Heslin & VandeWalle, 2011). During my role play as a manager in an appraisal, I did not offer timely and regular feedback on individual performance toward the ach ievement of expected performance standards. It is also suggested that employees should have an input in the appraisal process and be provided with opportunities for challenging it if they view it as being unfair (Heslin & VandeWalle, 2011). Conversely, during the appraisal, I did not allow the individuals with opportunities for presenting their views and opinions in relation to assessment of their performance. In this regard, I failed to consider the voice of these individuals that would have provided a deeper understanding of the performance achieved.Acting as a consultantI took up the role of as a consultant in a team of two individuals to pitch to a client our ideas for their people strategy of their new business. According to the Institute of Management Consultants (2014), consultants need competencies to deliver consulting services. Some of these competencies are balanced judgment, awareness of the organisational context and external environment, and listening (de Caluwe & Re itsma, 2010). Balanced judgment entails a comparison of potential courses of action and evaluating available information and using relevant criteria, which leads to realistic decisions (de Caluwe & Reitsma, 2010). In the role of consultants, my colleague and I only focused on a single course of action for the organisation in relation to the people strategy for the new business. Consequently, when the clients asked us any alternative courses of actions that might be undertaken, we were unable to provide satisfactory responses because we were unprepared. Furthermore, external environment awareness is related to being adequately informed about issues in the business environment that have influences on strategies and utilising such knowledge for the benefit of the organisation (de Caluwe & Reitsma, 2010). In our case, we considered legal, economic and technological factors that affect an organisation’s people strategy. However, we failed to consider trends influencing human reso urces in the organisation and political issues. Thus, the clients were dissatisfied as the people strategy we developed did not take into consideration all the factors in the business environment that have impacts on the organisation’s human resources management strategy. Listening skills are important in management consultancy as they provide the client with the space for expressing their opinions, focusing on their reactions, responding suitably and posing further questions (de Caluwe & Reitsma, 2010). Regarding this, my colleague and I did not focus on the clients’ reactions. We were focused on pitching our strategy and thus we were unable to capture nonverbal signals that would have communicated to us whether the clients were in agreement with the arguments we had made in the people strategy that the organisation had to adopt. Regarding organisational context, management consultants are expected to understand how an organisation operates and considering these issues when developing an action (de Caluwe & Reitsma, 2010). We strived to develop a people strategy that reflected the organisation’s current practices related to management of human resources. However, the information related to this issue was not easily available. Therefore, we ended up pitching a people strategy that we considered as non-existing in the organisation. We later discovered that some aspects of the people strategy were already present in the organisation, which means that we had not provided a more effective solution to the clients.Task prioritisation I had two finance classes but missed the first one but then I attended the second class. It was only after attending the second class that I realised that I should have attended the first one. The content covered in the second class was only a continuation of the issues addressed in the first class. Therefore, by failing to attend the first class, I missed out on the necessary context for understanding the topics covered in the second class. This negatively interfered with my learning. Upon reflection, I learned that I did not attend the first class because I did not prioritise the things that I had to do. I have to deal with conflicting demands of working full time and pursuing my postgradu ate education (Armstrong, 2012). In this regard, I missed the first finance class because I was attending a meeting at work where I was presenting an important report to senior management.Negotiating as a ClientMy colleague and I assumed the role of a client negotiating with a software vendor on delivery times and price. As clients, we argued and debated with the software vendor on the relevant issues. For instance, there was prolonged argument and debate on the delivery times because we were considering small insignificant factors on this issue. The outcome was that the arguments related to the main issue of delivery times were largely neglected. Indeed, it is suggested that it is important to have awareness of any insignificant arguments that might derail the negotiation process (Pinet & Sander, 2013). In our case, we concentrated on being right rather than winning the arguments associated with the price and delivery times. The negotiation process deviated from the agenda establi shed prior to the meeting with the software vendor. Consequently, a lot of time was wasted on these arguments and compromises were achieved after a protracted process.Portfolio Section 3This section presents an action plan for developing my postgraduate, management and leadership skills further. The action plan covers skills required for group leadership, management consultant, appraisal manager, coaching, negotiation, and task prioritization as presented below.Action plan for group leadership skillsObjective To improve my skills in leading and managing groups in completion, of course, related tasks Tasks Read and brainstorm with my peers on available literature including books, reputable online articles and journal articles about team leadership. I will focus on literature that looks at leadership functions on the different phases of teams namely the transition and action stages. The transition stage is a time when a group or team focuses on activities associated with the team’s structures, planning tasks, and assessing the performance of the team in terms of the whether the team has the ability of achieving its objectives (Marks, Mathieu & Zaccaro, 2001). The specific leadership skills that I will learn about for this phase include defining the mission of the team, goals, and performance standards, structuring responsibilities and roles in the team, and promoting feedback processes (Morgeson et al., 2010). The action stage is where the team or group members are focused on tasks that directly contribute to goal achievement (Marks et al., 2001). In this phase, I will learn rele vant leadership skills including creating a positive climate in the group, encouraging autonomous actions by members, resource acquisition for the group, problem solving, involvement in the group’s work, and monitoring the group(Morgeson et al., 2010). Discuss with managers and leaders in my workplace about effective approaches for leading and managing groups or teams Evaluation After acquisition of the necessary leadership skills, I will apply to future group assignments in my course work. I will evaluate the acquired group leadership skills by asking my peers to rate my performance as a leader. I will design a checklist where the group members will provide their responses about my overall leadership skills and areas that require improvement. Review date The reading of literature, applying the relevant knowledge to actual practice, and evaluating leadership skills will be reviewed on a regular basis whenever there is a group assignment.Action plan for coaching skillsObjective To become a very effective coach Tasks Read books, journal articles, and online publications on the coaching process and the required skills and competencies for this activity followed by a brainstorming exercise with my colleagues. Participate in training in coaching provided by my organisations to equip with necessary skills. Ask a senior manager in my workplace to act as my coach to enable me to understand this process from a practical perspective and model it. Evaluation The knowledge acquired from literature, training, and on-the-practice will be utilised in coaching my peers in coursework on different topics. The performance data that will be collected to establish the level of my effectiveness as a coach will be obtained from interviewing the individual that I will be coaching. Review date Ongoing throughout my course work.Action plan for management consultant skillsObjective To enhance my skills as a management consultant Tasks Read available literature on management consultancy and look at case studies on the process of management consultation. After reading alone, I will brainstorm these issues with my study group. Discuss with management consultants within and outside my organisation to learn the criteria for success. Evaluation Evaluation will be based on establishing the extent to which the client is able to achieve desired outcomes in relation to the consultation services I will offer them. This will be achieved by using a questionnaire to ask the clients whether I demonstrate the skills of a management consultant. Review date Ongoing based on management consultancy projects.Action plan for managerial skills in appraisalsObjective To improve my skills in conducting performance appraisals Tasks Read widely and brainstorm on skills for performance appraisals. Role playing with my peers on posing the right questions to the individual under appraisal. Discuss with senior managers in my workplace about successfully performing performance appraisals. Evaluation The assessment of my skills in this area will be based on determining to which I successfully complete a performance appraisal. This will involve asking individuals involved in the appraisal process to rate my performance using a checklist. Review date This activity will be completed on a monthly basis.Action plan for negotiation skillsObjective To improve my negotiation skills as a client Tasks Reading widely and brainstorming with colleagues on negotiation skills for clients to understand negotiation skills, negotiation phases, and sources of conflict in negotiation process. Engage in role play to assist in clarification of responsibilities and roles in working in a negotiating team. Evaluation Evaluation will involve collecting evidence indicating whether I applied competencies and skills required in negotiating as a client. This will be achieved by interviewing the other parties to the negotiation process to determine the level of my skills in negotiating as a client. Review date This will be completed by February 2015.Action plan for task prioritizationObjective To enhance my skills in prioritizing both work and education tasks. Tasks Listing all the tasks that I have to perform on a daily basis in my work and college and categorising them based on their impacts on my work and educational pursuits. Using a personal calendar to plan my tasks. Using a checklist to determine completion of tasks on daily basis. Evaluation Performance in task prioritisation will be evaluated by assessing the extent to which I complete all the tasks required in my workplace and at college. Review date This activity will be completed on a daily basis. Conclusion This reflective work has identified areas that require further development in improving my managerial and leadership skills. Based on this reflective work, it is evident that I lack skills in different areas including leadership, task prioritization, effective coaching, managerial skills in performance appraisal and management consultancy. Therefore, these skills have to be improved to ensure that I am effective as manager and leader. Therefore, action plans for improving the different skills have been presented. It is expected that implementation of the action plans will equip with skills that are applicable to my workplace and educational setting. References Armstrong, M. (2012) Armstrong’s handbook of management and leadership: developing effective people skills for better leadership and management. PA: Kogan Page. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (2014). Performance appraisal. [Online]Available from: http://www.cipd.co.uk/hr-resources/factsheets/performance-appraisal.aspx (Accessed: 15 Dec. 14). De Caluwe, L., & Reitsma, E. (2010) `Competencies of management consultants: a research study of senior management consultants’, In Buono, A., & Jamieson, D (Eds), Consultation for organisational change, pp. 15-40. NC: Information age publishing. Goleman, D. (2006) Social Intelligence: the new science of human relationship. NY: Banam books. Heslin, P., & Vandewalle, D. (2011) `Performance appraisal procedural justice: the role of a manager’s implicit person theory’. Journal of Management, vol.37, no.6, pp.1694-1718. Institute of Management Consultants (2014) The management consultancy competency framework. [Online] Available from: http://www.imcusa.org/?page=CONSULTINGCOMPETENCY (Accessed: 15 Dec. 14). Jarvis, M. (2005) The psychology of effective learning and teaching. UK: Nelson Thornes Ltd. Maltbia, T., Marsick, V., & Ghosh, R. (2014) `Executive and organisational coaching: a review of insights drawn from literature for inform HRD practices’. Advances in Developing Human Resources, vol.16, no.2, pp.161-83. Marks, C., Mathieu, J., & Zaccaro, S. (2001) `A temporally based framework and taxonomy of team processes’, Academy of Management Review, vol.26, pp. 356-76. Morgeson, F., DeRue, S., & Karam, E. (2010) `Leadership in teams: a functional approach to understanding leadership structures and processes’. Journal of Management, vol.36, no.1, pp.5-39. O’Broin, A., & Palmer, S. (2009) `Co-creating an optimal coaching alliance: a cognitive behavioural coaching perspective’. International Coaching Psychology Review, vol.4, no.2, pp.184-94. Pinet, A., & Sander, P. (2013) The only negotiation book you’ll ever need. Littlefield Street, MA: Adams Media.