Gucci Brief

GUCCI GROUP N. V. (A) [pic] BUSINESS BRIEF Gucci is one of the most glittering names in the luxury world. The trademark of red-and-green striped webbing & GG logo became known worldwide. Gucci have $3 billion in hand to expand their business. By keeping in view this case study I suggest that Gucci should move towards multi-branding. Because Desole was confident that Gucci’s creative team would be able to recreate its magic at YSL. And the future of Gucci really lies with multi-brand groups. Gucci faced the challenges from LVMH. LVMH considered adding Gucci to his stable of brands but balked at the asking price of $350 million. So, Gucci is not secure if Gucci not acquire the multi-brands than, any other company may acquire it. Gucci retained deep roots in Italy, and it was a remarkably international company, even before becoming a multi-brand group. Gucci’s core customer was a wealthy, somewhat conservative & older woman. These customers are fashion & style oriented customers. Style oriented customers are more brand loyal than fashion-concious customers. When Gucci start multi-branding these customers are ready to buy these products with the brand of GUCCI. Gucci acquired Sanofi Beaute, it split into two companies YSL ready-to-wear and accessories, & YSL Beaute which managed the fragrance & cosmetics brands. The Sanofi Beaute transactions transformed Gucci into a multi-brand group with $3 billion in cash. It shows that multi-branding is profitable for Gucci. Because when Gucci provide the shoes and cosmetics with their own brand after acquiring the already existing powerful brands of these products. Gucci’s customers are more willing to buy these products. The future of Gucci is secure with the multi-brand group. It increases the profitability and market share of Gucci.

Leadership skills in student-athletes

Leadership Skills in Student-AthletesIntroductionHarmonizing to TimTebowFans.org ( 2007 ) , Tim Tebow is one of the state ‘s top-rated signal callers who is playing in his concluding twelvemonth at the University of Florida. Born in the Philippines to parents who served as Christian missionaries during the summer months, Tebow was the merchandise of a profoundly spiritual homeschool environment. When the Tebow household lived in the United States they made their place in Florida and continued to homeschool their kids. At the clip Tim was of high school age, the province of Florida passed statute law which enabled homeschooled kids to take part in high school interschool sports at their territory school of abode. Tim took advantage of the jurisprudence and played line backer and tight terminal for Trinity Christian in Jacksonville for one twelvemonth. Since Trinity Christian did non go through the ball much, and Tebow wanted to play signal caller, both he and his female parent m oved to an flat in another town. This made Tim eligible to play at the high school of his pick. It was at Nease High School in St. Johns County, Florida that Tebow made a name for himself. As a senior, the 6'3 † , 225 pound signal caller led Nease High School to the province football title. In his term of office at Nease High School, Tebow earned multiple awards including being named to the Florida All-State Team and Parade ‘s All-American Team. In his high school calling, Tebow finished with 9,800 passing paces, 3,186 rushing paces, 95 passing touchdowns, and 62 rushing touchdowns. He was besides the characteristic participant in the nationally televised U.S. Army All-American Bowl Game. Tebow, one of the top high school chances in the state, was extremely recruited by many successful and high profile colleges and universities. He was really near to subscribing with the University of Alabama, but, in the terminal Tebow signed with the University of Florida because he preferred their manner of discourtesy ( TimTebowFans.org, 2007 ) . While playing at the University of Florida, Tebow played really good, rapidly going one of the state ‘s premier signal callers. Harmonizing to University Athletic Association ( 2009 ) , Tebow ‘s collegiate awards while playing football are esteemed and legion and include winning the Heisman Trophy, the Sullivan Award, the Davey O'Brien Award, and the Maxwell Award. In 2007, Tebow was named an All-American, the first sophomore in Florida Gator history to make so. Besides in 2007, Tebow as the first University of Florida participant to be named to the first-team Academic All-American Team in over a decennary. Finally, Tebow was the 2nd participant in the history of collegiate football to reiterate as Maxwell Award victor, winning it in 2007 and 2008. On the playing field, Tebow is the lone participant in NCAA history to hotfoot and go through for at least 20 touchdowns in a season. Tebow has thrown for over 8,500 paces and 85 touchdowns in his collegiate calling, while hold ing besides gained over 2,850 paces on the land with 56 hotfooting touchdowns, both school records by a Florida signal caller. Tebow is besides the lone signal caller in school history to hold rushed for 100 paces in five games ( South Carolina 2007, Ole Miss 2007, Oklahoma, 2008, Kentucky 2009, Florida International 2009 ) ( ESPN, com, 2009 ; Comcast.com Sports, 2009 ) .Leadership SkillsAs signal caller for one of the top graded squads in college football, Tebow has displayed leading accomplishments 2nd to none. What is it that makes Tim Tebow a successful leader in the locale of major college football? What differentiates Tim Tebow from the many other highly-skilled signal callers viing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association ( NCAA ) ? Is it his difficult work or his ability to both run and pass the ball? Is it his actuating words and actions or his enormous passion for the game? These are all qualities that can be found in many successful jocks at the collegiate degree. What does separate Tim Tebow from all the other highly-skilled jocks in NCAA college football are the values he espouses and his enormous leading accomplishments. The most notable qualities that Tim Tebow shows are his love of truth and his devotedness to God. Everything in Tim Tebow ‘s life is a contemplation of his strong religion and on-going trust in God. Harmonizing to White ( 2009 ) , a good leader shows seven specific qualities including an model character, an on-going committedness to excellence, assurance, seeing the whole image and the parts that make it map right, enthusiasm about one ‘s work and the specific function that is played, order and intent in hard times, and a cool demeanour The first quality of a good leader is the presentation of an model character ( White, 2009 ) . This demands the leader lead a life a virtuousness, being trusty, honest, and exposing unity in all aspects of life. The good leader earns the right to the function of duty by â€Å" walking the talk † ( White, parity. 4 ) . Dirocco ( 2009 ) provinces: What Tebow has done off from football in his four seasons at Florida, nevertheless, is merely every bit important. His mission and charity work, his Christian religion, his work with kids and his ability to briefly touch a life yet leave a permanent impact besides are a bequest that Tebow cherishes more – and one that will last beyond touchdowns and triumphs. ( parity. 6 ) Tom Rogeberg, the executive frailty president for communications and selling for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes notes the followers: about Tebow: In the annals of Doak Walker and other great college football participants, Heisman-winning participants, he stands out as holding made his grade on the field, but off the field he continues to impact people. . . He ‘s accessible by anyone: other jocks, immature kids, aged grandparents, non-sports figures. He merely gives them a great trade of attending [ and ] his clip. What he has done with captives and what he has done with orphans and the infirmary visits he makes, it is difficult to conceive of that anyone is like that. . . He ‘s an model function theoretical account. ( as cited in Dirocco, 2009, parity. 7-8 ) Tebow ‘s male parent Bob is a devout Christian who runs his ain evangelistic association. Tim joins his male parent each summer as they travel to the Philippines distributing the Gospel and working in an orphanhood. While at that place, Tebow preaches, Teachs, helps give medical attention, and helps with the necessary day-to-day jobs. When in the United States, Tebow actively speaks at prisons, schools, churches, and young person groups. Tebow does non force faith at people. His primary end is to witness to others what God has done for him, and them hopefully it will animate others to make the same. Tebow says: How you are traveling to act upon person is they see something in you that is different or seems particular. . . They see something in you that they think, â€Å" Wow, that ‘s truly cool. I ‘m traveling to look into that, † or possibly, â€Å" He ‘s nice about this. He goes about this a different manner, † and so they ‘ll look into it. But it ‘s non because I ‘m coercing anything upon anyone. I try to do [ religion ] a portion of my life, merely like it is. And I will ne'er deny or coerce it. But I will ever hold it as a portion of my life. . . I hope that people can see it impact my life and how I am so passionate about it, and that ‘s the biggest consequence I hope that people see. ( as cited in Dirocco, 2009, parity. 12-13 ) Tim Tebow walks the talk as evidenced by his admittance at the SEC media event last July that he patterns abstention and is salvaging himself for matrimony. Rogeberg remarks on Tebow ‘s wanting to stay pure: I hope it makes him a function theoretical account. . . If person with that chance for celebrity and so extremely recognized wants to maintain himself pure, so [ he hopes people will inquire ] , â€Å" Is that non something that I should pattern, every bit good as his other properties, his work ethic, his fight, his desire to win, and to care for his organic structure the manner he has? † That ‘s portion of what he ‘s making by staying pure. ( as cited in Dirocco, 2009, parity. 21-22 ) Tebow has a particular topographic point in his bosom for childs who are enduring from unwellness. Though unpublicized, he frequently takes clip to see with ill childs on his ain or with the Goodwill Gators organisation at the university. He is besides involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Tebow notes: Bing with childs, being with ill childs, doing them smile, I think those [ memories ] will likely be even more particular to me than some of the games and some of the wins and the titles and what non. . . Because you know what? At the terminal of the twenty-four hours, that is more particular, being able to utilize football as a platform to do a child smiling, to do a child ‘s twenty-four hours. . . That child, that ‘s his life. It ‘s his chance or his Make-A-Wish to see me or to speak to me before a game. That ‘s a batch more particular than even winning a game. When you put all the flashiness and glamour aside, that ‘s what ‘s truly particular. ( as cited in Dirocco, 2009, parity. 24-25 ) Leaderships inspire others to acquire involved, and this is precisely what Tim Tebow has done for those around him. In fact, both participants and managers likewise have responded to Tebow ‘s charitable Acts of the Apostless by making charitable Acts of the Apostless themselves. Florida caput manager Urban Meyer, his married woman, and their three kids traveled to the Dominican Republic in July 2008 with a mission group and helped feed 100 households each twenty-four hours. Their trip besides entailed visits to an all-girls orphanhood and a leper settlement ( Dirocca, 2009, parity. 26 ) . The common denominator is that Tim Tebow is a adult male of great character and religion. It is this strong character and religion that have propelled him to be a leader who is non afraid to learn and prophesy what is good and true on the football field and to use that goodness and truth to life. White ( 2009 ) states the 2nd quality of a good leader is holding an on-going committedness to excellence. This signifies that the individual strives to be the best that he or she can perchance be in all fortunes. It is obvious that Tim Tebow is first-class at what he does both on and off the playing field. His off the field engagement in charitable causes speaks for itself. His accomplishment awards for being an first-class student-athlete along with demonstrating that he is one of the top participants in college football besides speaks volumes for Tebow ‘s committedness to excellence. Harmonizing to White ( 2009 ) , the 3rd quality of a good leader is assurance. Assurance is a powerful property because assurance strains more assurance. Assurance helps actuate and pull out the best in people. After the Gators lost a close game to Ole Miss last season, Tebow displayed great assurance and inspiration during his â€Å" The Promise † address at the postgame interview. Tebow foremost apologized to all the Florida fans for the loss and so confidently stated: I merely want to state one thing. . . to the fans and everybody in Gator Nation, um [ intermission ] you know what [ intermission ] , I ‘m regretful. I ‘m highly regretful. We were trusting for an undefeated season. That was my end, something Florida ‘s ne'er done here. But I promise you one thing: A batch of good will come out of this. You have ne'er seen any participant in the full state drama every bit difficult as I will play the remainder of this season, and you ‘ll ne'er see person force the remainder of the squad every bit difficult as I will force everybody the remainder of this season, and you ‘ll ne'er see a squad drama harder than we will the remainder of this season. God bless. ( as cited in Dirocco, 2009, parity. 33-34 ) A 4th quality of a good leader is being able to see the whole image and the specific parts that make it map right ( White, 2009 ) . It is like reading a roadmap, observing all the halting points along the manner to the concluding finish. Tim Tebow sees the large image as evidenced by his committedness to others, his instruction, and his football calling. So many student-athletes live merely from game to game, infinitely prosecuting celebrity and pleasance merely to hold small or nil when their athletic calling all said and done. Tebow is puting in his present and future by traveling about his life in a manner that is fixing him good for household and calling. White ( 2009 ) asserts the 5th quality of a good leader is enthusiasm about work and enthusiasm for one ‘s function played in the work environment. Enthusiasm is contagious. The leader who exhibits reliable enthusiasm will actuate and animate, taking to positive action toward a common end. A good leader besides holds a vision, a vision that can be explained, shared, and enthusiastically sold so that all involved are in integrity and harmoniousness. Once once more, Tebow ‘s enthusiasm and passion can be readily observed in both the populace and private sectors. His passion for life is evidenced by his love for God and others, along with his pursuit for flawlessness on the playing field. Harmonizing to Beard ( 2006 ) : On the field, Tebow runs the gamut from fiery to positive encourager depending on the state of affairs. He ‘s non afraid to acquire in the face of a teammate but if he admonishes a teammate for a error it is ever followed by words of encouragement and a smack on the shoulder. ( p. 8 ) A 6th quality of a good leader is being able to demo order and intent in hard times ( White, 2009 ) . This is the clip for those who follow to be shown reassurance and security through a leader ‘s confident and positive demeanour. Tim Tebow has non seen excessively many hard times on the playing field, but when he does endure licking he can turn the circumstance into an chance to better and go even better. His address after the Old Miss loss is proof of this. The concluding quality of a good leader is exposing a unagitated demeanour in the face of challenges that arise ( White, 2009 ) . Tim Tebow is noted for his cool temperament, particularly during ambitious fortunes. He sees the potency in state of affairss where others lose hope. He understands that challenges will come and travel, and that he must remain true to the values he espouses until the game is over. When playing in the US Army High School All American game, Tebow stood above the remainder in exposing a superior quality of leading. â€Å" What made that so astonishing was the quiet and unnoticeable manner that he took bid. There was nil objectionable about it. It was natural and his teammates automatically followed without reserve † ( Beard, 2006, parity. 4 ) .DecisionTim Tebow embraces the challenge of being a leader. In Beard ( 2006 ) , Tebow states the followers: My parents ever told me that I had a pick. I can either be a follower or I can be a leader. I ‘ve ever been encouraged to be a leader but most of it comes of course. I think it ‘s a God-given ability and I ‘m truly grateful for it. ( parity. 5 ) Tim ‘s male parent Bob Tebow maintains that Tim has ever had leading qualities. In fact, â€Å" Ever since he was a small cat, childs have merely gravitated to him. Wherever he is, childs merely follow him † ( as cited in Beard, 2006, parity. 7 ) . Carl Johnson, violative lineman for the Florida Gators says â€Å" We ‘ll follow Tim anyplace. He ‘s a great leader, a great individual and a great signal caller † ( as cited in Beard, 2006, parity. 12 ) . Tim Tebow is a leader who lives a life of virtuousness based on values such as difficult work, answerability, strong belief, excellence, religion, goodness, honestness, regard, and teamwork. This, along with his love for God and hunt for truth, needs to be promoted and encouraged, particularly during times when the shallow chase of prestigiousness, power, and money has been made the precedence in the lives of so many. Harmonizing to University Athletic Association ( 2003 ) , the Mission Statement for the University of Florida Athletic Department is as follows: The University Athletic Association, Inc. exists to progress the University of Florida ‘s instruction, research and service missions. Through the instruction and the publicity of the wellness and public assistance of pupils, the University Athletic Association seeks to associate experiences of all backgrounds, races, beginnings, genders, and civilizations to fix coevalss of pupils and staff, including adult females and minorities, to be productive members of society. The character of the sports plans at the University Athletic Association reflects the character of the University of Florida as a major, public, comprehensive establishment of higher acquisition. The University Athletic Association is dedicated to the rational, physical and personal development of student-athletes, every bit good as staff, including adult females and minorities. Showing leading in all determinations impacting college sports, the University Athletic Association will move in an ethical and honest mod e, will advance an environment furthering the professional and personal accomplishment of managers, decision makers and staff, will achieve excellence in athletic public presentation, sportsmanship, fiscal strength, and superior fan satisfaction. This vision in sports is at the nucleus of our duty to the University, to our pupils, and to the populace at big. ( para. 1-2 ) Student-athletes such as Tim Tebow are a perfect tantrum for the mission of the University of Florida Athletic Program. His portraiture of excellence in faculty members and sports, and his societal outreach to assist those who are less fortunate is a theoretical account for all student-athletes to emulate. His quiet but strong leading accomplishments combined with personal qualities of honestness and good moralss makes Tim Tebow an outstanding student-athlete. It is the end of all collegial athletic plans to happen and enroll student-athletes such as Tim Tebow who display sound character and lead by word and illustration. When student-athlete recruits fall short and do non exhibit moralss and leading, they non merely ache themselves, they hurt the athletic section and the university as a whole.

Disability Management Program Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Disability Management Program - Assignment Example Supervisors in any organization face various challenges regarding the size of the work unit, timely delivery of project and employee motivation. Illness and injuries are the most common reasons that an employee shows for absenteeism. The main challenge for an employer is to manage the absenteeism so that the departmental goal can be achieved timely and the cost of project execution can be minimized. The disability management program focuses on preventing the cause of absence due to illness, disability, and injury. Cooperation and respect need to be promoted among supervisors, employees and unions to create a successful disability management program. There are various steps to be followed to build a successful disability management program. These steps include building a team-based management; developing a framework, obtaining resources etc. Disability management program has an extended effect on various levels of the organization. It could be beneficial to the employers, employees, union and health care providers. Active participation of each and every team is necessary as it ensures the proper work execution in the workplace and it also ensures benefits for the employers and employees. Disability management program helps employers to manage cost and to improve benefits for employees by creating more cooperative, productive and safe workplace. This program also helps the employer to reduce the cost of recruitment and training and reduce the time and cost of employee turnover. A well-designed disability management program enables employers to reduce compensation cost of workers’ and it helps them to reduce accidents in the workplace. Disability management program helps employees to generate awareness about all the cost of injuries and sickness.

Future of American Transportation Policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Future of American Transportation Policy - Essay Example Transport is very important for any society to flourish, and in advanced countries like America, the demand for automated or motorized mobility has evolved and increased significantly since the 1970's. Due to the fact that the transport sector is highly dependent on carbon fuels, it is expected to account for a large portion greenhouse gas emitted into the air in developed countries like the U.S.A. in the future, and contribute greatly to global climate change. However, about 70% of world population lives in developing regions, where per capita travel demand is currently low. Future trends in mobility-both passenger and freight-in these regions will be of critical importance for the world's fuel supply and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions over the 21st century. Many previous studies dealing with travel demand have tended to focus on a very detailed level and short time horizon, and are therefore of limited use for examining the long-term issues outlined above. This paper will also analyse the future demand for motorized transportation. Since the 1980's, when the Just-In-Time (JIT) practices were popularised, the companies have strived to decrease inventory levels and increase overall production costs. The JIT programs have had a good effect on service and production processes, and this success has also caused some changes in the transportation industry. Since Transport is often an activity that is induced either by production activities or by socio-cultural functions, it can be assessed within these categories, and it can also be assessed as a separate system. The demand for transport involves more than moving people and freight across certain distances; it also has to do with speed. For example, looking through history, the amount of time that people are willing to devote to travelling seems to be rather constant, across various world regions, and these days, the distances covered continue to increase, while the total amount of time spent on these distances remains constant, because of increased speed brought about by switching to faster means of transport.In all honesty, most people in the richer countries of the world would agree that we do enjoy our transportation systems. Our transport systems enable us to travel exactly when we want to, usually from door to door, whether we want to travel alone or with our family and friends, and we want to travel with our baggage or not. We get our goods delivered routinely by the freight distribution network, which supports our lifestyle, and satisfies our delivery needs, so why should we worry about the future of the transportation network and how the energy that drives our transportation might possibly be affecting our environment The reason is that the size of these transportation systems, and their seemingly relentless growth cannot be overlooked.These systems consume fuels that are petroleum-based, like gasoline and diesel, on a very large scale. During combustion, the carbon that these fuels contain is oxidized to the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, due to the fact that they are used so massively, the amount of carbon dioxide that gets

Keeping a Client Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Keeping a Client - Coursework Example Black and that her particular situations will be negotiated in the upcoming months and tailored to her needs (Carrell & Heavrin, 2008). b) I would react to Ms. White’s demand for limiting my time at the site, by presenting to her the amount of work to be covered through the process of negotiation to closing. By letting her know the contents, maybe contained in agreement template in favor of Mr. Black and the time it took through that negotiation, she should appreciate the time needed. c) Ms. White apparent problem here is the fact that she could be facing opposition from establishing a retailer shop. First step is to identify her problem, verify it alongside defining this problem and analyze. After proper analysis has been conducted, then the last process before implementing is to identify an alternative which can have a better outcome than what we have already identified. If the alternative is better, then it means we have to shift to the alternative, but if it is of less value then we have to implement the first option (Carrell & Heavrin, 2008). d) Ms. White has already had a pre-conception about what we are supposed to negotiate hence it might be had to get her out of the situation. But to avoid this situation, I will have to frame her issues differently to her specific needs that are different from that of Mr. Black. I should be able to frame in terms of gains she should be benefitting from particular and unique to her preferred site (Education, 2014). e) As mentioned in (d) above, the benefit is our goal, in comparison to the barriers along the way. The best technique, therefore, in closing this deal with Ms. White is by using problem-solving mediation approach. A conflict is already in existence between us, a problem too exists, due to incompatibility of our interests. So we will assess the conflict and define the differences. In our case, the problem is opposition to her location whiles our conflict, too, is her apparent position of

Critical response to idiot nation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Critical response to idiot nation - Essay Example The quality of the education system is for example poor in relation to standards in other countries. The fact that American college students cannot tackle mathematical concepts learnt at elementary levels in some countries is an indication that these other countries are equipping their students in a better way than the American system. The notion that American education system fails to motivate students into academic achievements is also true. No one can for example refute the fact that American students would prefer life outside school to learning. Even in school, students are comfortable with, are more interested in extra curriculum activities than studies, and would be identified in peer discussions. As a result, time and effort for developing an intelligent nation is lost. Poor facilities that exist in schools also explain, to some extent, the lack of motivation in education because other social factors such as sports and entertainment have facilities that are more attractive tha n academic institutions

Financial Systems and Government Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Financial Systems and Government - Essay Example Different languages are spoken. Municipalities also register an inevitable growth and they have to provide transportable roads lighting the roads, similarly and should be committed to provide amenities of international standard to Financial system and also for its sustenance. Keeping this aspect in mind the government has to take care of the Financial system activities and support all the states of the country. The role of the government is very vast in the case of the Financial system since no other private or the third part has the rights or the authority to involve itself into the Financial system. Financial system can be developed only when government takes care of the national heritage and the tourist spots. The tourists who visit the country will have faith and will come again only when government takes care of the tourists. Financial system is actually a bilateral and diplomatic relationship between the countries. Financial system can bring success and good future to the country and the role of the government is extensively needed both by the tourists and the people depending on tourists. Large number of tourists bring large foreign currency to the country and there by leveling the import and export. Financial system represents a single ... One shall meat and come across different rest of different nationals represent at one place. Different sets of different nationals represent diversified cultures; different languages are spoken at one and the same place, and at one and the same time. They come to know each other from a closer proximity. The intimacies develop; relationships pave way for greater understanding. The social pavilion of life is set to rolling. Broader outlook develop into more knowledgeable and understanding environment. There will be a great impact on the urban sociology patterns of life. This can be done only when the government initiates the Financial system and takes complete responsibility and responsibility. The world becomes a small place respectively inevitable economical growth, a pleasant knowledge based environment. The world is no bigger, thoughts of seeing the world; the globe on a huge unknown has become so small so much can be felt immensely. T third world, joyous frivolous, sensible, knowledgeable, cultured by urban socialites will cherish. The development may fold big colonies. A lot of big industries and big companies will enter into the market to cater to the needs of the conglomeration. The development shall develop many folds. The economy of the country, government organizations and private sectors will make a rudimental change. Mainly the cities will develop into a small globe with multi faced development in industries and corporate. May be the chief architect of the Financial system is to take enormous pairs to create and design the super structure of the third world. Financial system has its own effects on every aspects of technology. Financial system has changed the way

Dataming testing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Dataming testing - Essay Example Additionally, the preponderance of individuals with type 1 diabetes greatly outweighs those with type 2. Fig. 7.1 Gender Figure 7.2 is the histogram that examines patients with both hypertension and diabetes. Of the total sample population the chart indicates that 176 patients had hypertension and a form of diabetes. Conversely, there were 185 patients who had diabetes with no sign of hypertension. Ultimately, close to half of the patients sampled had both diabetes and hypertension. Fig. 7.2 Patients with Hypertension Figure 7.3 is the Fasting Blood Sugar test (FBS). The majority of the patients tested fell between the 100-280 mg/dl range. Still, a number of patients had fell above the 300 mg/dl range, so this is not uncommon. Fig. 7.3 Fasting Blood Sugar Test for the Patient Figure 7.4 depicts the results for the Blood Sugar tests (HbA1c) that were administered. Of the approximately 140 patients that were administered this test, the average HbA1c score for individuals having diabete s was 5-9%. Additionally, the chart indicates that for patients with type 1 diabetes there was a significantly higher propensity of HbA1c, with an average rate of 10-13%. Fig. 7.4 Average Blood Sugar Test for the Patient The chart depicted in Figure 7.5 demonstrates the tests with patients taking metformin. As demonstrated, the test consists of 188 patients who took this medicine and 167 patients who did not take it. The results demonstrate that of the patients that took metformin most are diabetic type 2 patients. Only a small number of diabetic type 1 patients take metformin. Fig. 7.5 Patients Taking Metformin Medication Figure 7.6 considers the patients with diabetes in relation to their age. A notable division occurs here. Namely, patients between 30-70 years old have the highest rate of type 2 diabetes. This shifts with individuals age 5-18, as type 1 diabetes dominates this age bracket. Fig. 7.6 Age of the Patients Figure 7.7 is a diagram depiction of patients with hyperlipide mia. The results indicate that 183 patients have hyperlipidemia, the majority of them also having type 2 diabetes. For type 1 diabetes patients, the majority do not have hyperlipidemia. Fig. 7.7 Patients With Hyperlipidemia Figure 7.8 examines the relation between the patients’ with diabetes and their weight. The chart seems to demonstrate a correlation between the two inputs, as patients between the 70-112 kg range experience the highest levels of type 2 diabetes. Fig. 7.8 Weight of the Patients in Kg Figure 7.9 considers patients with diabetes who also are taking insulin medication. Of the 100 patients taking insulin medication the majority of individuals with type 1 diabetes take it. Conversely, most individuals with type 2 diabetes do not take it. Fig. 7.9 Patients Taking Insulin Medication Figure 7.10 considers patients with an abnormal heart condition because of vascular problems unrelated to diabetes. The diagram demonstrates that most of the patients with diabetes hav e a normal heart condition, but there is a small number of patients suffering from heart disease. Fig. 7.10 Patient Heart Condition Figure 7.11 examines the patients who took glidazide as medication. 92 patients out of the 257 took glidazide. All of these patients had type 2 diabetes. Fig. 7.11 Patients Taking Glidazide After the above histograms were established and analyzed, a comparative analysis implementing

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Networking - Essay Example HTTP is usually implemented as one of the application, for both x-stream server software and the client. This HTTP protocol, to govern the way messages are transported between the x-stream server and the client, relies on other protocols. (Hall, 2000) The transport protocol, which manages individual conversation between the x-stream servers and client, is the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). It divides the messages of HTTP into smaller pieces, which are called segments. These segments are sent by the x-stream servers to the destination clients. TCP also controls the rate and size at which the x-stream server exchanges messages with the clients. (Hall, 2000) The Internet Protocol is a common internetwork protocol, which is used in x-stream. It takes the formatted segments from the TCP, to encapsulate them into packets, assigns the correct addresses and chooses best path to get to the destination host. (Forouzan & Fegan, 2006) Physical data transmission on the media and data link management is the two primary functions, which are described by the network access protocols. Packets are taken from IP and are formatted by data-link management protocols to be transferred over the media (Gaffin, 2007).The way signals are transmitted over the media and the way they are implemented by clients governed by the protocols and standards for the physical media. The appropriate standards for the media being used are implemented by the transceivers on the network interface cards. This model explains the processes of segmenting, encoding, and formatting and encapsulates data for transmission via a network. A data stream, which is sent to a destination, from a source, can be segregated into pieces and enclosed in messages travelling to other destinations from other hosts. At any given time, billions of such pieces of information travel over a network. Getting to the

The Monastery Essay Example for Free

The Monastery Essay I am a currently trained in Military Free-Fall, so it would be safe to say that I have knowledge by observation and participation. I have enjoyed watching skydiving competitions on television and in the military. As a kid I can remember wanting to do that when I grew up. When I joined the Special Forces in 1989 I knew my chances were greatly increasing for me to participate in skydiving operations, but it wasnt until 1995 when that final moment would arrive. I enjoy the excitement of participation in a skydiving operation that consists in small numbers of personnel to a mass group. There are several stages a beginner will go though until their first jump without an instructor. First let me tell you about the training that I went though in my quest to fulfill my childhood dreams. Since I had been trained in basic airborne operations (static line jumps) this made an easier to transition into skydiving operations for the instructors. The initial training begins with what we call tabletop drills. An instructor places everyone on a tabletop and talks you though the basic movements techniques that you will perform in the air. This is where you learn basic turns, flips, formations, rolls and other various drills. The next step you learn is how to pack and inspect your parachute in less than five minutes. The vertical wind tunnel is the second phase of training you go though in order to practice you tabletop drills before you actually perform a real jump. Once you have demonstrated your skill to an instructor that you can perform the entire basic task only then will you be allowed to move onto the last phase of training. The last phase of training is jumping out of an aircraft up to 12,500 feet above sea level. Your first jump an instructor hangs on to you while you exit the aircraft to ensure you stabilize yourself in the air. One you have done this he lets go and instructs you to perform the basic task you learned earlier, while grading you on your performance. Wow what a rush of adrenalin you get on your first jump at that height. Now its up to you to complete the rest of the training that you learned earlier during the course. Time management is a very hard concept for me to get a grasp on. This is one subject that everyone has knowledge of by both participation and observation. I have attended lecture from top-level executives on this subject down to basic level training by correspondence with limited success. My daily experiences with time management are quite different from that of a person who has a routine job. With my job changes are made at the last minute. For example, I could be in the process of gathering research for a project to deploying the next day (unannounced) to a remote country to train foreign troops in unconventional warfare all due to shortage of personnel on operational teams. Our job (Special Forced Intelligence Sergeants) has been referred to as the jack-of-all-trades, master of nothing. This stems from out extensive knowledge of all military type operations and training, but not given the time to focus on one specific skill. At times this can be very frustrating job with the constant change that effect a daily scheduled, but rewarding in other aspects due to the various activities that you may encounter along the way. The President of the United States is a subject that I have only knowledge by observation. I have learned a great deal just by watching the man and the office. I learned a small portion about politics in school because it was not a particular interest to me at the time. Now it has a great impact on my job and my future it has become more interesting to me. I listen to each candidate when they run for office to determine which one is the best suited for the job. I have learned a lot about the candidates just by watching them interact with the media during their debates. In the past the Presidency has been a very respectable and well sought out title to hold as a politician. In todays society the Presidency has lost some prestige due to men that held that position and allowed their selves to fall to corruptions and scandals.

Network Project Proposal Project Justification

Network Project Proposal Project Justification Network Project ProposalProject Justification: The home network has potential. It adds growth and knowledge. The home network is important to use and access internet connection easily in home wireless network. This network also provide many other benefits as well like as, sharing a file between your computers in your home network, sharing a media file, sharing a folders between your computers in your home wireless network.iStock This wireless network does not cost much and it has many benefits to provide to connect wireless and non wireless devices across the network. The current network is connected via cables so its wired network. A cable goes from study room to lounge and from bed room to main hall. Its not feasible to connect many devices together in home via cable network because its require cabling through out the home and many times just because of loose cabling you have to connection loss. To overcome this hurdles in home network and to connect additional devices easily to home network wireless networking is very beneficial, so I am approaching to upgrade this wired network to wireless network. So the vast benefit of wireless networking like as I can share my files and folders more easily with my laptop and desktop computers. I can access my pictures from desktop computer to mobile device via wireless home networking. To share a printer in your home network wireless networking is more feasible option to choose because, in wireless network we dont need to run a long cable from router to printer. We can adjust the printer anywhere in home and still it will be connected to your computer via wireless connection. Network up gradation provide the benefit of using more wireless clients easily. Project Goals: Next-generation home networking environments will contain a variety of Internet-ready devices or embedded systems, which will result in increased complexity for the end user. New methods are therefore required to build autonomic networking infrastructures that enable auto-configuration and self-management of the networked elements. In future Internet-based home environments a variety of devices such as PCs, smart phones, networked appliances and embedded systems will be organized into infrastructures and will act together to form a new type of service provisioning platform. Todays typical home environments often contain a few of these Internet-ready devices; in the future there will be even more, including embedded systems like sensors and actuators that are also accessible via Internet technology (e.g. TCP/IP, HTTP, Web services etc). While on the one hand this gives users the freedom to access a rich variety of devices in the vicinity of their homes, on the other it increases the depth of knowledge required to understand what is happening in such a complex networking environment. Novel methods for autonomous networking as well as self-configuration, self-management, self-organization, self-protection and self-healing (self-x) of the networking elements can take responsibility for observing and controlling the home network without directly involving end users. Technology will revolutionize the tools that are used in the home of the near future. Embedded computing, sensing and actuation technologies-coupled with new infrastructure in the built environment itself-will combine to enable new opportunities to support the work of the home. The wireless home networking goal is to successfully connect wireless devices such as laptops, desktop computers, VoIP phone, wireless printer, and network storage drive and wifi cell phone. The other goal is to configure the wireless devices so they can share network folders and print wirelessly in home network and to successfully achieve that we need to install wireless router and cable modem in home wireless network. Cost: The cost to build wireless network is illustrate bellow, Linksys E3000 wireless router $180 Cable modem $50 Wireless printer (HP C310a) $150 VoIP Phone $45 Network storage drive (Netgear) $180 The cost for internet connection which is provided by ISP is not included in the proposed network cost. The devices which are used in home wireless network are under warranty by the manufacturer for 3years and the technical support is also provided. Advantages Disadvantages of wireless network: Wireless network have advantages and disadvantages when compared with wired LANs. A WLAN will make it simple to add or move workstations and to install access points to provide connectivity in areas where it is difficult to lay cable. Temporary or semi permanent buildings that are in range of an access point can be wirelessly connected to a LAN to give these buildings connectivity. Where computer labs are used in schools, the computers (laptops) could be put on a mobile cart and wheeled from classroom to classroom, provided they are in range of access points. Wired network points would be needed for each of the access points. A WLAN has some specific advantages: It is easier to add or move workstations. It is easier to provide connectivity in areas where it is difficult to lay cable. Installation is fast and easy, and it can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and ceilings. Access to the network can be from anywhere within range of an access point. Portable or semi permanent buildings can be connected using a WLAN. Although the initial investment required for WLAN hardware can be similar to the cost of wired LAN hardware, installation expenses can be significantly lower. When a facility is located on more than one site (such as on two sides of a road), a directional antenna can be used to avoid digging trenches under roads to connect the sites. In historic buildings where traditional cabling would compromise the faà §ade, a WLAN can avoid the need to drill holes in walls. Long-term cost benefits can be found in dynamic environments requiring frequent moves and changes. Wireless network also have some disadvantages: As the number of computers using the network increases, the data transfer rate to each computer will decrease accordingly. As standards change, it may be necessary to replace wireless cards and/or access points. Lower wireless bandwidth means some applications such as video streaming will be more effective on a wired LAN. Security is more difficult to guarantee and requires configuration. Devices will only operate at a limited distance from an access point, with the distance determined by the standard used and buildings and other obstacles between the access point and the user. Proposed Solution: find-ip-address To overcome the technical issues take necessary steps to build wireless home network. To solve the wireless range problem with the 802.11b/g, in this network 802.11n wireless standard is chosen. So it will provide wide range of wireless network and it will be enough for small to medium size home. The wireless security is configured so the home wireless network can be protected. To protect wireless security WPA2 personal security encryption is configured and MAC address allocation is also configured so the wireless router will not provide access to any other device and the home wireless clients devices will be secured. The firewall is also enabled on Linksys wireless router so it will provide security from outside. From outside no one can hack your home network and harm the computer systems. The ultimate in wireless security measures, shutting down your network will most certainly prevent outside hackers from breaking in! While impractical to turn off and on the devices frequently, at least consider doing so during travel or extended periods offline. Computer disk drives have been known to suffer from power cycle wear-and-tear, but this is a secondary concern for broadband modems and routers. Summary: To build wireless home network, using this simple three-step approach: 1. Identify the WLAN design thats best for your situation 2. Choose good wireless gear 3. Install gear and test the configured WLAN Wireless offers tangible benefits over traditional wired networking. Each computer you wish to connect to a WLAN must possess a wireless network adapter. Wireless adapters are sometimes also called NICs, short for Network Interface Cards. Wireless adapters for desktop computers are often small PCI cards or sometimes card-like USB adapters. Try to install your wireless router in a central location within the home. The way Wi-Fi networking works, computers closer to the router (generally in the same room or in line of sight) realize better network speed than computers further away. In densely populated areas, its not uncommon for wireless signals from one persons home network to penetrate a neighboring home and interfere with their WLAN. This happens when both households set conflicting communication channels. Fortunately, when configuring an 802.11n router, you can change the channel number employed. For example, you may choose any WLAN channel number between 1 and 11. If you encounter interference from neighbors, you should coordinate channel settings with them. Simply using different channel numbers wont always solve the problem. However, if both parties use a different one of the channel numbers 1, 6 or 11 that will guarantee elimination of cross-WLAN interference. Wireless LANs suffer a few more reliability problems than wired LANs, though perhaps not enough to be a significant concern. 802.11n wireless signals are subject to interference from other home appliances including microwave ovens, cordless telephones, and garage door openers. With careful installation, the likelihood of interference can be minimized. Wireless networking products, particularly those that implement 802.11n are comparatively new. As with any new technology, expect it will take time for these products to mature. Wireless LANs using 802.11n support a maximum theoretical bandwidth of 300 Mbps. Furthermore, Wi-Fi performance is distance sensitive, meaning that maximum performance will degrade on computers farther away from the access point or other communication endpoint. As more wireless devices utilize the WLAN more heavily, performance degrades even further. Overall, the performance of 802.11n is sufficient for home Internet connection sharing and file sharing, but generally not sufficient for home LAN gaming.

Antigone Vs. Socrates Essay -- essays research papers

Antigone vs. Socrates In the plays Antigone and the Crito the two lead characters, Antigone and Socrates, showed completely different ideas regarding their responsibilities to the State. Antigone believes in divine law and does what she thinks that the Gods would want her to do. Socrates, on the other hand, believes that he owes it to the State to follow their laws whether he thinks they are right or not. In Antigone, her brother Polynices, turned against his own city by attacking his own brother just so he could become king. On this day, both brothers died. One, Eteocles, was given funeral honors, but the other, Polynices, was not. This decision was made by Creon, Antigone’s uncle and the current King of Thebes. Creon said “He is to have no grave, no burial, no mourning from anyone; it is forbidden.'; (Pg. 432; l. 165) He also announced that anyone who should attempt to bury him would be put to death. After hearing this decision, Antigone said that Creon couldn’t do that and that the Gods would want Polynices to have a proper burial, therefore Antigone promised to her sister Ismene that she would be the one to defy Creon and bury her brother; and she didn’t care if the whole city knew of her plans. After being caught in the act, she was taken to the palace and when asked by Creon why she did it. Knowing the punishment that would come from it, she replied by sa ying that she didn’t think Creon had the power to overrule the u...

Children of the City :: essays research papers

Water Imagery in â€Å"Children of the City†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Rain has always been an important symbol in life. It is one of very few actions that can be both destructive and harsh, but at the same time constructive and life-giving. Throughout literature the visual image of rain is usually connected to feelings of sorrow, death, and despair. The most commonly known example of this would be in Hemingway’s â€Å"Farewell to Arms†. Hemingway uses the rain to tell of peoples negative emotions, so it is easy to take that idea into other readings. Outside of literature, however, rain is seen as being connected to positive thoughts of growth, prosperity and cleansing. In this story of adolescent love the author uses the presence of water to saturate the subjects with these positive feelings.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At the beginning the author introduces the rain as â€Å"urban† in contrast to â€Å"field or shore† rain. Immediately the image of urban rain is less threatening than that of a field or shore. It gives the reader a playful image of almost being teased by the rain. In the city one has to hide from it and jump from umbrellas to awnings, yet never has to worry about the danger of being caught in it for too long. These playful and teasing characteristics of the rain are the exact guidelines to the relationship between the two main characters. The rain represents the couple’s emotion and they experiment with it just like in a real adolescent relationship. They see how long they can be drenched by its passion, nevertheless they return to the overhangs not knowing how much of it they can handle.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Looking at it in a biblical sense, the rain is both destructive to them and helping their relationship grow. God sent the flood down to man because of our sins causing much destruction, but at the same time giving us a rebirth and purification. Too much rain may flood their relationship with emotion; however this â€Å"urban† rain teases them and lets them feel free and pure. The idea of the rain giving growth to their relationship is seen in the lines ending â€Å"a scrawny tree,† and â€Å"their forested way†. Alone they are fruitless and scrawny, yet together they are given life by the rain to create an entire forest.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Conversely, after all that the rain has provided them with the author’s last mention is that of a negative connotation.

Death of a Salesman - Linda Loman Essay -- American Literature

Death of a Salesman - Linda Loman In the play Death of a Salesman, Linda Loman serves as the family's destroyer. Linda realizes, throughout the play, that her family is caught up in a bunch of lies. Linda is the only person that can fix the problem and she doesn't. The first instance where Linda Loman serves as the family destroyer is in Act when Willy Loman comes home and tells her, "I suddenly couldn't drive any more. The car kept going off onto the shoulder, y'know?" (1402). Linda replies, "Oh. Maybe it was the steering again. I don't think Angelo knows the Studebaker" (1402). Willy says, "No, it's me, it's me. Suddenly I realize I'm going sixty miles an hour and I don't remember the last five minutes. I'm--I can't seem to-- keep my mind to it" (1402). Linda says, "Maybe it's your glasses. You never went for your new glasses" (1402). Linda knows throughout this conversation that her husband, Willy, is trying to kill himself in a car accident. Yet she continues to listen to the excuses Willy makes up for the car accident. To make matters even worse, Linda even makes up he...

Sustainability and Waste Management

Waste Management Sustainability is very important when it comes to our environment and the removal of our waste. Why should we remove our waste properly and what are the benefits of removing of it properly? For starters leaving waste in the environment can seriously damage wildlife kill major ecosystems and so on, not to mention the unsightliness of it and smell in our homes and neighborhoods. There are also great benefits to removing waste properly like cost to an individual it can help you save a lot of money.It will keep are environment clean and full of life and leave the earth better for future generation. There are three simple ways that most companies use to help decrease the amount of waste we put out in the world and they are reducing, reuse, and recycle. These are three simple ways to better help our environment. Reducing is very simple if we reduce the amount of trash we use there will be less to throw away like using reseal able bags and containers that can be used again or finding ways to not use waste in the first place.Reusing is also simple like I stated above using thing over and over again will cut down on the waste we put out. Recycling is something that may be more difficult for most people to do but can help tons in waste management recycling is the simple act of taking something that was used and making it into another product that is usable for someone else. When it comes to not disposing of our waste properly and hurting wildlife most people underestimate how much throwing a piece of trash on the ground is really hurting our environment.Most people believe that if I throw this on the ground it should dissolve in a few days but that is not the case it takes up to thirty years for a piece of plastic to dissolve in the ground and over fifty years for a simple six pack holder. Disposing of waste on the ground also brings around critters that are not wanted in our environment like rats and raccoons.So just think about that for a second if the re was no such thing as waste management and people simple just discarded of trash in their yards it would take many years for any of that to go away and would probably kill most of what it sits on and be harmful to any animals that come across this stuff not to mention the damage it does to trees and other plants. Leaving trash around also spreads unwanted disuses and can cause personal injury to anyone that comes into contact with it. There are also some major benefits to discarding of waste properly.The more people that recycle the cheaper it gets, also it is much cheaper to recycle than it is to remove waste and start more landfills and add to the ones we already have. When it comes to saving you some money or leaving the earth better than it was when we got here. Recycling also creates 1. 1 million jobs and grossed 236 billion dollars annually. Every time you recycle you are creating four jobs so the more people who do it create more jobs and pump more money into our economy.Wh en we use recycled paper we saving money by buying cheaper paper and not having to cut down more trees, which everyone knows, are very important for the survival of any life. Also recycling steel can provide energy for millions of households around the globe. But also this creates jobs and improves living conditions for everyone. There really are not too many skeptics when it comes to not removing of waste properly but those we don’t really know the effects of adding improper waste to our environment.But with a little education on the issue almost everyone would be pro choice on recycling. This issue is a great one because we are talking about our future and need to keep our earth in shape for our future residents and through the act of removing waste properly we can see to it that this happens. There are many ways we can educate the youth and our population on why we should continue to use waste management Work Cited page National Recycling Coalition. Waste Management. † Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 10 Aug. 2011. . Work Cited page Citation added: â€Å"Waste Management. † Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. 22 Jan. 2008. Web. 10 Aug. 2011. . Braungart, Michael. â€Å"Waste Management. † Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 10 Aug. 2011. .

Case Write-Up

In the sense of the promotions, Population Services International distributed to both Raja and Maya $400,000 advertising dollars per year, which was the second largest of all advertisers In Bangladesh. Their approach was to skip the Intermediate level of Influences and go directly to consumers. In this case, It works to sell Raja condoms directly to the market since It's more like a one-time use consumer products. However, it'll be difficult for Maya to build up the brand image since customers perceived Maya as a drug, which will bring more concerns when people try to buy oral contraceptives.Hence, it still needs recommendations from doctors to convey the effectiveness and proper information about the drug. Third, the pricing of Raja and Maya can also be an influence to their performance when compared to their competitors' price. For example, Raja is priced more than competitor Tahiti, which is government sponsored condom manufacturer. The higher price of Raja made a premium image fo r customers to buy the condoms even If the price is higher. On the other hand, however, Maya is priced lower than its competitors, creating a hurting image that for oral medicines, cheaper may mean bad laity.And this situation got worse when it didn't get the recommendations from intermediate level influences. Finally, the distributions for both products were to focus directly to customers. So SSI planned to sell their products via pharmacies, general stores, and pan stores. Nevertheless, the difference in nature of these two products caused deferent performance. For Raja, it's easily to sell their products since men accounted for 80% of the purchasing behaviors of the birth control products.But it became difficult for Maya to have the same efficiency since people till prefer to see a doctors before decide which medicine is safe and reliable, which Is the critical cause for the sluggish sales of Maya. 2) How do you characterize the competitive environment in Bangladesh? That Is, whe n you look at SSI vs.. The other organizations In the space, how do they view each other? How does this differ from the other for-profit contexts we've studied? What might It mean for the strategy? ) Create a marketing plan for Improving sales of Maya Given the analysis that I described before, It Is the difference In nature that causes the difficulty to sell Maya successfully. In order to create a marketing plan for improvement, we need to modify the flaws in the previous one. To begin with I'll suggest to create a new brand. To explain, it's already been perceived by Bangladesh that Maya is a brand that is cheap and mistakenly regarded as an inferior product. Reputation, competing with their main competitors, which are the government sectors and Vast.So my recommendation for the price would be to price their oral contraceptives the same price around their competitors, getting rid of the inferior image of the product. Also, Its important to target their customers not only for males but males as well. The reason for this is because for the buying behaviors of the birth control products, 80% of the purchases were made by men. As a result. They can put more effort to their advertising to educate male customers the effectiveness of their products.Finally, to achieve SKI'S goal, which is to broaden their market share to help control Bangladesh population explosion, they'll need to increase their profit margin to retailers and RPM (Rural Medical Practitioners) in order for them to promote more diligently to the end customers to increase the overall market share. To explain, the profit for retailers now are low due to the low pricing of the Maya. So increasing the price of the product will enable SSI to provide higher profit margin to retailers, incentives them to put more selling effort to sell out new product.For Ramps, they can be critical since they are the one that can reach out to distant area and provide their recommendations to consumers. So including the in termediate level of influences will bring a better communication and education to customers, enabling a better brand perception and awareness of the new products. By providing more profit incentives to RPM, we'll be able to achieve this goal. 4) How will you evaluate your plan? How can you calculate the ROI? The â€Å"l† is relatively straightforward but how would you go about evaluating the â€Å"R? What challenges do you face in this regard as compared with most of the other cases we've discussed? How would you address it? In order for the plan to be feasible, we'll need to take into account multiple data and information from the current selling circumstance of Maya to make a thorough evaluation. To begin with, I'll conduct surveys to see how people perceive the Brand of Maya to make sure that the issue of he produce is the cheap quality and also to see the why customers are unwilling to try out Maya.Moreover, the COPY (Couple Years Protection) for industry and SMS (The So cial Marketing Project) products from Exhibit 8 is an indicator for us to observe the change of market share and growth rate from 1978 to 1983. And based on the change throughout the years, we can further conclude whether the approach for Maya had problem that need to be addressed. Finally, I'll try to get the distribution data from retailer, wholesaler, and smallholder to see how they sell their products in terms f the sales ranking of the products in the same category.Therefore, by using the data mentioned, we can reconstruct a new marketing plan for the new product and focus more on the culture of Bangladesh in terms of selling birth control products. Given our plan can be successfully implemented, we need to figure the challenge in the long run. And since the project is lunched by a not-for-profit agency, they mainly relied on funding to support their operation. According to the case, the barely earn profit by this product since the profit margin for the product is very low. Cha llenge, use project, longer no fund

Midwest Office Products

Questions for Midwest Office Products 1. Based on the interviews and data in the case, estimate: a. The cost of processing cartons through the facility 80000 total cartons Warehouse expenses = $2000000 Warehouse personnel expenses = $2570000-$250000 (truck driver expenses) = $2320000 Total warehouse processing expenses: $2000000 + $2320000 = $4,320,000 $4320000/80000= $54/carton b. The cost of entering electronic and manual customer orders Manual: . 15 hours setup time, . 075 hours to enter each line Electronic: . 1 hours to verify information on the electronic order 16 order entry operators 840000 in total compensation Each order entry operator worked 1750 hours per year but only 1500 hours per year of productivity 840000/16 = $52500 avg salary per operator $52500/1500hrs = $35 per hour Electronic orders: . 1hrs *$35/hr = $3. 5/electronic order Manual Orders: . 15*$35 +. 075*$35*number of lines= cost per order Input cost=. 15*35 = 5. 25 Cost per line = . 075*35 = 2. 63 c. The cost o f shipping cartons on commercial carriers 75000 cartons shipped $450000 spent on freight $450000/75000 cartons = $6 per carton d. The cost per hour for desktop deliveries vg delivery time=3 hours 5000 cartons shipped 2000 deliveries2. 5 cartons each delivery $250000 total compensation per year $200000 for delivery truck expenses Each driver worked 1500 hours per year $166. 67/hr Driver compensation: $250000/2000 = $125 per delivery Truck expenses: $200000/2000 = $100 per delivery Total cost for desktop deliveries: $225/3 hrs = $75/hr 2. Using this cost driver information, calculate the cost and profitability of the five orders in Exhibit 2. Compare these costs and profitability to those calculated by Midwest’s existing costing system? Exhibit 2| Five Orders| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Order| Â  | Â  | Â  | 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| Price| | | | $ 610 | $ 634 | $ 6,100 | $ 6,340 | $ 6,100 | Acquisition cost| | | | 500| 500| 5000| 5000| 5000| No. cartons in order| | | | 1| 1| 10| 10| 10| No. cartons shipped| | | | 1| 0| 10| 0| 10| Desktop delivery time| | | | -| 4| -| 4| -| Manual order| | | | no| yes| no| yes| yes| No. line items in order| | | | 1| 1| 10| 10| 10| Electronic order| | | | yes| no| yes| no| no| Payment period (months)| | | | 1| 4| 1| 4| 4| | | | | | | | | Warehousing costs| | | | 54| 54| 540| 540| 540| Shipping costs| | | | 6| 0| 60| 0| 60| Desktop Delivery cost| | | | | 300| | 300| | Manual Order cost| | | | | 7. 875| | 31. 5| 31. 5| Electronic order cost| | | | 3. 5| | 3. 5| | | Payment period cost| | | | $ 6. 10 | $ 25. 36 | $ 61. 00 | $ 253. 60 | $ 244. 00 | Total Costs| | | | 569. 6| 887. 235| 5664. 5| 6125. 1| 5875. 5| Profits| | | | $ 40 | $ (253)| $ 436 | $ 215 | $ 225 | | | | | | | | | | Current system profits| | | | $ 110 | $ 134 | $ 1,100 | $ 1,340 | $ 1,100 | 3. Explain the difference in profitability of the five orders calculated by the ABC system and the company’s existing cost system. In the company’s existing system, they markup the acquisition costs by a certain percentage to determine the price that they charge their customers. Using this method, all of the sales appear profitable because only the acquisition cost is directly considered in determining their pricing. However, several other activities drive higher costs for the company and a standard percentage markup does not always capture that cost. In some instances, they could even lose money by making the sale. By using the ABC system, the company can have a more realistic view on how much each order costs them by considering the activities which go into the process (the number of cartons, shipping costs, delivery costs, and order processing costs) and charge for these services accordingly. 4. Based on your analysis above, what actions should John Malone take to improve Midwest’s profitability? John should switch to an ABC system as it provides the proper visibility and clarity into the company’s costs. They can then markup the products based on the total costs instead of applying a standard percentage, which does not properly assess the actual cost to the company, to the acquisition cost. This ability to price based on their actual costs would eliminate some potentially unprofitable transactions (like the desktop delivery where the items price did not cover the costs) .

Critical Path

Graduate Institute of Construction Engineering and Management, National Central University, No. 300, Jhongda Rd. , Jhongli City, Taoyuan County 32001, Taiwan b R&D Center for Construction Project Management, Chung Hua University, No. 707, Sec. 2, WuFu Rd. , Hsinchu, 300 Taiwan Received 7 February 2010; received in revised form 12 June 2011; accepted 16 June 2011 Abstract Assessing schedule delay's impact on total project duration to distribute delay liability remains a controversy.None of existing delay analysis methods is perfect because including an element of assumptions, subjective assessment and theoretical projection. Windows-based delay analysis methods are excellent in identifying and measuring construction schedule delays. Based on a previous study identifying potential problems in available windows-based delay analysis methods, this study proposes an innovative windows-based delay analysis method, called the effect-based delay analysis method (the EDAM method).The EDAM meth od performs delay analysis using extracted windows and determines delay impacts by considering the effects of delays on the critical path(s). According to its application to hypothetical cases and comparisons with other methods, the EDAM method is efficient in delay analysis and effective in solving concurrent delays and determining schedule shortened. The proposed EDAM method is a good alternative for schedule delay analysis for construction projects.  © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. and IPMA. All rights reserved. Keywords: Delay analysis; Claim; Schedule analysis; Construction project 1.Introduction Construction projects generally have highly complicated situations during execution, involve many project stakeholders and interfaces, and are influenced by many external factors. Therefore, schedule delays in construction projects are common and affect total project duration in unpredictable ways. Delay information and evidence are usually recorded and represented in different records, documen ts and schedules during the construction phase. Selecting a suitable delay analysis method and analyzing delay information accurately are essential tasks in any delayed construction project.Current delay analysis methods analyze delay liabilities based on delay information and evidence. Various analysis methods have been developed, such as global impact, as-planned, impacted as-planned, net ? Corresponding author. Tel. : +886 3 4227151Ãâ€"34040; fax: +886 3 4257092. E-mail address: [email  protected] edu. tw (J. -B. Yang). impact, time impact, collapsing, isolated delay type, snapshot, window analysis and isolated collapsed but-for (Bordoli and Baldwin, 1998; Gothand, 2003; Hegazy and Zhang, 2005; Kim et al. 2005; Mbabazi et al. , 2005; Ng et al. , 2004; Yang and Yin, 2009; Zack, 2001). Farrow (2007) had clearly claimed that none of the delay analysis methodologies is perfect because they all include an element of assumptions, subjective assessment, and theoretical projection. Ge nerally, a delay analysis method attempts to discover delay information derived from as-planned and as-built schedules, those are the bases for resolving delay disputes and claims.However, existing delay analysis methods still have the following shortcomings: (1) concurrent delays cannot be recognized or calculated by some of existing methods; (2) the critical path method cannot be executed in analysis and critical path changes cannot be considered; (3) the relative cost of float consumption is not considered; (4) analysis is not contemporaneous with delay timing; and (5) most methods focus only on the delayed activities, and ignoring the effects of time-shortened activities on total project duration (Arditi and Pattanakitchamroon, 263-7863/$ – see front matter  © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. and IPMA. All rights reserved. doi:10. 1016/j. ijproman. 2011. 06. 003 386 J. -B. Yang, C. -K. Kao / International Journal of Project Management 30 (2012) 385–397 2006; Bordoli and Baldwi n, 1998; Gothand, 2003; Mbabazi et al. , 2005; Ng et al. , 2004; Yang and Yin, 2009). Furthermore, Arditi and Pattanakitchamroon (2006), in discussing how to select a delay analysis method, concluded that selecting a feasible analysis method depends on a variety of factors, including information availability, time of analysis, methodology apabilities, time, funds and effort allocated for analysis. Based on a empirical study in UK, six group factors (project characteristics, contractual requirements, characteristics of baseline program, cost proportionality, timing of the analysis and record availability) influencing the selection of delay analysis methodologies were identified (Braimah and Ndekugri, 2008). In summary, although some advanced delay analysis methods have been developed, including a few commercial systems, existing delay analysis methods cannot satisfy the practical requirements of delay analysis.That is, practitioners still require an alternative method for complex cas es. Windows-based delay analysis methods perform delay analysis according to some extracted time frames, called windows. Traditional windows-based method, the windows analysis method, has been recognized as the most creditable delay analysis method (Gothand, 2003; Kim et al. , 2005). US courts have generally accepted some types of windows-based method, as they can calculate the impact of various delays, namely, the non-excusable delays (NE delays) and excusable delays (ED delays).Based on the viewpoint of a contractor, excusable delays are further divided into excusable compensable delays (EC delays) and excusable non-compensable delays (EN delays) (Zack, 2000; Mohan and Al-Gahtani, 2006). For above delay types, analysis results generated by windows-based methods provide a clear liability allocation to contract parties. This information is valuable for dispute resolution. For a complex construction project, three types of delays (NE, EC and EN delays), might exist simultaneously.Whi le the information for identifying all types of delays is available, the allocation of total project delay to above delay types provides more clear delay liability identification. Furthermore, for a contractor, to allocate all delays into these delay types improves its ability to get possible delayed-related expenditure back although the situations for compensable/non-compensable depend primarily on the terms of the contract (Trauner et al. , 2009). It is beneficial to a contractor to distinguish compensable and non-compensable delays. Namely, a perfect delay analysis method is targeted to identify these delay types accurately.To provide an alternative delay analysis method for resolving concurrent delays and liability distribution problems and for overcoming the time-consuming drawback of analyzing delays in a day-by-day manner, this study proposes a novel windows-based delay analysis method, called the effect-based delay analysis method (EDAM), which is a systematic analysis metho d that considers the impact of delays on the critical path(s) of a project. 2. Available windows-based delay analysis methods Several windows-based delay analysis methods have been developed in the past two decades.All windows-based delay analysis methods can be divided into two categories: (1) performing delay analysis starting backward from an as-built schedule and (2) performing delay analysis starting forward from an as-planned schedule. The popular methods in the category of starting forward from an as-planned schedule include the windows analysis method (called traditional windows analysis (TWA) hereinafter), the modified windows analysis (MWA) method, the delay analysis method using delay section (DAMUDS) method and the daily windows delay analysis (DWDA) method.The TWA method performs delay analysis using extracted schedule windows, rather than by analyzing delay events in a one-by-one manner forward from the as-planned schedule or backward from the as-built schedule. The MW A method improves analytical processes by the TWA method and uses algorithms to calculate delay liability. The DAMUDS method tries to overcome two limitations in existing methods, namely inadequate accounting of concurrent delays and inadequate accounting of time-shortened activities.The DWDA method calculates clear delay liabilities to the contractor and owner based on day-by-day delay analysis of critical path(s) along the project duration. Kao and Yang (2009) compared the above four windowsbased delay analysis methods using an illustrative case. They determined that the four methods are dynamic delay analysis methods that perform real-time critical path analysis. The TWA and MWA methods are less reliable than the DAMUDS and DWDA methods, since they may lose essential information when the analysis period is long and may be unable to detect critical path changes.The DWDA method analyzes delay information in a day-by-day manner that is the same as as-built situations, but requires c onsiderable effort during analysis. The DAMUDS method is more efficient than the DWDA method even though both yield the same analysis results. Detailed compared information can be found elsewhere (Kao and Yang, 2009). Other windows-based methods belonging to the category of starting backward from an as-built schedule, such as the isolated collapsed but-for delay analysis method (Yang and Yin, 2009), have been developed for facilitating delay analysis problems by similar approaches.However, these methods perform delay analysis moving backward from an as-built schedule, not forward from an as-planned schedule. The approaches of using as-planned schedule or as-built schedule may derive different final analytical results. This study does not compare the results by the methods belonging to the category of starting backward from an as-built schedule to those by the developed EDAM method. 3. Problems in windows-based delay analysis methods 3. 1. Unable to identify critical path changes In general, whether an activity is on a critical path is an important signal when identifying its delay impact on total project duration.During the construction phase of a construction project, many situations e. g. , change order, activity appending or deleting by different site conditions, and critical path changes, affect the outcome of delay analysis. In J. -B. Yang, C. -K. Kao / International Journal of Project Management 30 (2012) 385–397 387 considering delay information only for those activities on the critical path(s) in the as-planned schedule, existing windowsbased delay analysis methods may ignore essential delay information from activities during critical path changes. 3. 2.Incapable of dealing with complicated delay situations An ideal delay analysis method should calculate delay information quickly, accurately and stably. Some windowsbased delay analysis methods perform delay analysis based on arbitrarily extracted windows, while others deal with limited delay sit uations. As construction projects become increasingly complex, proper delay analysis methods should deal with complicated delay situations (i. e. , concurrent delays, project acceleration and compression). Approaches for window extraction by the some mentioned windows-based delay analysis methods cannot effectively deal with complex delay situations. . 3. Inefficient delay analysis Windows-based delay analysis methods perform analysis using extracted windows. The times of delay analysis for different methods vary. The rule by the TWA and MWA methods is to select timing subjectively. Conversely, the DAMUDS and DWDA methods select analysis windows objectively. For a complicated delay case, the TWA and MWA methods might obtain wrong results when using inadequate windows; thus the DAMUDS and DWDA methods may waste considerable calculation effort due to numerous windows in a complex project with long duration.How to intelligently select analysis windows for available windowsbased delay a nalysis methods puzzles a delay analyst. 3. 4. Unclear liability allocation Available windows-based delay analysis methods can identify concurrent delays, but cannot clearly allocate delay liability. For example, the DAMUDS method uses the concept of contractor's float to represent the effects of a contractor on schedule management. Although the DAMUDS method can identify concurrent delays based on a contractor's perspective, it does not provide a clear liability allocation approach. 4.Methodology development 4. 1. Innovative concept To provide an alternative method for dealing with problems in existing windows-based delay analysis methods, this study proposes a novel windows-based delay analysis method, the EDAM method, which is a systematic analysis method based on existing windows-based delay analysis methods. The EDAM method performs delay analysis using extracted windows and determines delay impacts by considering the effects of delays on the critical path. Although the analyti cal processes of the EDAM method are similar to those in other method, the EDAM ethod solves the problems mentioned previously. The EDAM method consists of analytical procedures with baseline schedule development and algorithms for liability identification and calculation. 4. 2. Analytical procedures Fig. 1 shows the analytical processes in the EDAM method. The EDAM method uses an as-planned schedule as a basis for delay analysis, and requires clearly identified delay attributes (delay start, finish and liability) for delay liability calculation. Before delay impact calculation, the EDAM method applies the critical path method to determine a comparison baseline.Based on this comparison baseline, the EDAM method performs schedule analysis by considering two situations: with and without a delay in an analyzed period. If no delay occurred in an analyzed period, the EDAM method considers whether the performance of project acceleration exists. If a delay is identified in an analyzed peri od, a day-by-day delay analysis is executed to calculate the impact of a delay when the delay is on a critical path. In delay impact calculation, the concurrent delay is detected and its liability is then assigned to contract parties.Similar to the other windows-based methods, the EDAM method performs delay analysis using two viewpoints, namely, those of owner and contractor. Therefore, the EDAM method allocates delay liability for each contract party and collects the performance of project acceleration by the contractor for each analyzed period. The EDAM method performs schedule analysis until all analysis periods are complete. 4. 3. Baseline schedule development approach A baseline for delay impact calculation is determined using the following four approaches which determine the duration, start date, and finish date for each activity. Completed activity. The start and finish dates for completed activities are assigned based on actual start and finish dates in which delay informati on is embedded. †¢ Started-without-delay activity. For un-delayed started activities, start dates are assigned based on actual start dates; finish dates are determined based on actual start dates plus consumed activity duration with remaining duration (asplanned duration minus consumed duration). †¢ Started-with-delay activity.For those delayed but started activities, start dates are assigned based on actual start dates; finish dates are determined using actual start dates plus the consumed activity duration, delayed duration and remaining duration. †¢ Un-started activity. For activities not yet started, their start and finish dates are determined by their predecessors by considering predetermined logic relationships with the asplanned duration. 4. 4. Approach for determining analysis timing For solving the limitations of existing windows-based delay analysis methods in window determination depicted in 388 J. -B. Yang, C. -K.Kao / International Journal of Project Mana gement 30 (2012) 385–397 Preparing the as-planned schedule Identifying delay attributes and determining analysis periods Updating schedule-related information Performing CPM calculation Analyzing the difference between updated and baseline schedules A period with out delay A period with delay Analyzing delay impact day-by-day Identifying the number of critical activity No shortening performance NO Project schedule shortening? YES Calculating the performance of schedule shortening NO Concurrent delay? YES Allocating liability of concurrent delay NO NO Delay on CP?YES Two or more delays? YES Cumulating schedule variance Identified delay impact Identified schedule shortening performance Calculating delay liability Final period? YES Summarizing analysis results NO Fig. 1. Delay analysis processes for EDAM. Section 3. 3, the proposed method has an approach to determine the timing for delay analysis. This approach considers the following two situations when determining analysis tim ing. †¢ No delay occurred. In this situation, the time frame without a delay event is designated as a single analysis period. Therefore, all activities have actual durations that are the ame as planned durations. Moreover, if an activity's duration is shorter than the planned duration, the performance of project acceleration is considered. †¢ Delay occurred. To accurately calculate delay effects on a construction project, the minimum time frame, i. e. , a day or a week depending on the contract, should be considered. J. -B. Yang, C. -K. Kao / International Journal of Project Management 30 (2012) 385–397 389 4. 5. Algorithms for liability identification and calculation The EDAM method calculates projected project total duration (Duribase) using Eq. 1) among each analysis period, in which Duriact1 is the actual consumed duration of the previous ? analysis period; Duriremained is the remaining duration for all unfinished activities considering logic relationships in th e asplanned schedule. Moreover, the EDAM method uses Eqs. (2) and (3) to determine the impacted project duration while considering the liabilities for the owner (Duriown ) and contractor (Duricon). In those two equations, anticipated total project duration (Duribase) is calculated by Eq. (1); DuriNE, DuriENand DuriEC represent the impact from an NE delay, an EN delay and an EC delay, respectively.Based on calculation results by Eqs. (2) and (3), the extended duration considering the liabilities of the owner and contractor are determined. Therefore, in each delay analysis period, delay liability for the owner (Dutyiown ) and contractor (Dutyicon) is calculated using an apportioned duration minus the original anticipated project completion duration, as in Eqs. (4) and (5). After determining the delay liability in each analysis period, the EDAM method summarizes project delay liability for each contract party (Duty ownfor the owner and Duty con for the contractor) from all analyzed per iods using Eqs. 6) and (7). act Duribase = Duri? 1 + Duriremained first condition is that only one delay event occurred in a time frame; the second condition is two or more delay events occurred concurrently. In the first condition, an activity with zero or negative remaining total float is responsible for the project delay; otherwise, the analyzed activity only consumes its usable float. In the second condition, if multiple delays occurred in an analyzed time frame, a further consideration for allocating delay liability is required. Thus, the EDAM method uses Eqs. 9) and (10) to allocate liability for a concurrent delay. The approach of allocating delay liability uses the ratio of a concurrent delay's delay value to the total delay values on the critical path. Although the calculation results may be some whole days with a decimal, considering the right ratio of delay liability on the critical path, the proposed method does not round up the analytical results. PSTjcon = Durjplanned ? Durjact ? TFjremained 0 CDown = ? i=1 n ?8? 1 DuriCP ? j=1 m A n B A CDEN + CDEC = ? BDuriEN ? i i @ i=1 DurjCP C C A ?9? ?1? ?2? ?3? ?4? ?5? 0 n B + ? BDuriEC ? i=1 1 DuriCP C C m A ? DurjCP j=1 A A Duriown = Duribase + DuriEN + DuriEC Duricon = Duribase + DuriNE Dutyown i Duriown ? Duribase 0 n n B CDcon = ? CDNE = ? BDuriNE ? i @ i=1 i=1 m 1 DuriCP C C: A ? DurjCP ? 10? = j=1 Dutycon = Duricon ? Duribase i n Dutyown = ? Dutyown i i=1 ?6? Dutycon = ? Dutycon i i=1 n ?7? For the apportionment of concurrent delay liability, several studies (Kraiem and Diekmann, 1987; Arditi and Robinson, 1995) have proposed varied rules. Ibbs et al. (2010) proposed that a recent trend in concurrent delays is to advocate an equitable apportionment (i. e. eaning apportionment of days and/or dollars). This fair apportionment has been described as â€Å"fail rule† or â€Å"comparative negligence† (Ibbs et al. , 2010). The proposed method for apportionment of concurrent delays supports th e fail apportionment. 5. Hypothetical Case Study Hypothetical case studies have been widely used for similar studies in literature (i. e. , Hegazy and Zhang, 2005; de la Garza et al. , 2007; Sakka and El-Sayegh, 2007; Nguyen and Ibbs, 2008; Ibbs et al. , 2010), therefore, this study uses hypothetical projects to demonstrate the capabilities of proposed EDAM method.Furthermore, for comparing the results by other windows-based methods and the proposed method, a hypothetical case used in literature is examined in this study. In addition to considering the impacts of delay events, the EDAM method uses Eq. (8) to determine the performance of project acceleration by a contractor in an analyzed period when no delay exists and the value calculated by Eq. (5) is negative. In Eq. (8), TFjremained is the remaining total float for the analyzed activity. As projects are typically managed by a contractor not an owner, the EDAM method does not calculate the project acceleration performance from an owner.To determine the effect of delay event(s) on total project duration, two conditions must be considered independently. The 390 J. -B. Yang, C. -K. Kao / International Journal of Project Management 30 (2012) 385–397 Table 1 Information of as-planned and as-built schedules for test case. Act. As-planned information Duration (day) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 7 5 7 9 6 4 3 9 5 3 Predecessor Start day 1 1 8 6 6 15 15 12 19 21 Finish day 7 5 14 14 11 18 17 20 23 23 As-built information Duration (day) 11 10 12 9 15 6 5 11 12 5 Actual start day 1 1 12 11 11 24 20 26 30 37 Actual finish day 11 10 23 19 25 29 24 36 41 41 5. 1.Case description This study applies the EDAM method and four other windows-based methods to a modified test case (Fig. 2), originally developed by Kraiem and Diekmann (1987) and examined by Alkass et al. (1996) and Kao and Yang (2009). This test case has ten activities and an original total duration of 23 days. Based on critical path calculation, the test case has two critical paths, namely the paths of activities 1 > 3 > 6 > 9 and 2 > 5 > 8 > 10. The project was finally completed in 41 days, with 18 days of delays. Table 1 shows the planned and actual activity information for duration, start date, finish date and logical relationships.Table 2 shows delay events, classified as NE, EN and EC delays affecting all activities. To explain the effects of all delay events on each activity, the as-planned and as-built schedules are organized as Fig. 3 and adopted for delay analysis. 5. 2. Summary analytical procedures According to the processes shown in Fig. 1, this study performed delay analysis for the test case. For each delay analysis scenario in Fig. 4, Eqs. (1) to (3) are used to determine anticipated project duration, the impacted duration considering one delay caused by the owner or contractor, respectively.Consequently, the EDAM method employs Eqs. (4) and (5) to calculate the delay liability allocated to the owner or contractor, respectivel y. While all 34 delay periods were complete, Eqs. (6) and (7) are used to summarize all delay liability allocated to the owner or contractor, respectively. 5. 3. Final results Based on the test case consisting of original as-planned and as-built schedules, delay events and related responsibilities, delay analysis was performed using the EDAM method and four other windows-based methods, i. e. the TWA/MWA, DAMDUS and DWDA methods.Table 3 lists identification results for different delays, and the timings of the critical path changes. Table 4 summarizes analysis results. Compared to actual delay information (Tables 3 and 4), the DAMUDS, DWDA and EDAM methods accurately calculated the values for the NE, EN, EC and concurrent delays. The TWA and MWA methods do not calculate the concurrent delay, and calculate the NE delay incorrectly. The information for NE, EN and EC shown in 0 0 0 0 0 Start 0 0 0 0 0 7 1 0 5 2 0 7 7 5 5 7 7 5 11 5 5 7 3 0 9 4 6 6 5 0 14 14 14 20 11 11 – – 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 8Tables 2, 3 and 4 confirms that the proposed method can accurately identify those delay information that DAMUDS, DWDA and EDAM methods do. In addition to its calculation accuracy, the EDAM method identifies right critical path changes and has adequate analysis scenarios to perform delay analysis efficiently. That is, the EDAM method yields an accurate calculation result with economic analysis times. 6. Discussion 6. 1. Efficiency for delay analysis To compare the efficiency of the EDAM method to that of the other four windows-based methods, all studied methods use the same test case. Fig. shows the analysis periods used by all methods. The TWA and MWA methods employed the start and finish dates of key delay events as the timing for extracting analysis periods; the DAMUDS method determined the timings of delay sections from the start, change and finish dates of any delay event, while the DWDA method analyzed delays on a day-by-day basis. Detailed parameters for the fou r methods can be found elsewhere (Kao and Yang, 2009). Notably, the current state of the art in delay analysis through discussed methods is performing delay analyses by the schedule analysts manually, because only a few of methods are computerized.Therefore, this study concerns the efficiency of studied methods by the number of analysis times (analysis runs), rather than the computing times (total duration). 14 14 14 20 11 11 4 6 0 3 7 6 9 8 0 18 18 17 23 20 20 20 20 3 10 0 23 23 18 18 5 9 0 23 23 23 23 ES LS 0 End 0 Duration Activity TF 23 23 EF LF Legend Fig. 2. Precedence diagram for test case. J. -B. Yang, C. -K. Kao / International Journal of Project Management 30 (2012) 385–397 Table 2 Delay information for test case. Act.NE delay Duration (day) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Sum 3 1 3 – 1 – 1 – 3 – 12 Start day 1 3 12 – 13 – 22 – 32 – – Finish day 3 3 14 – 13 – 22 – 34 – – EN delay Duration (day) 1 3 – – 5 – – 1 2 2 14 Start day 7 4 – – 19 – – 30 35 37 – Finish day 7 6 – – 23 – – 30 36 38 – EC delay Duration (day) – 1 2 – 3 2 1 1 2 – 12 Start day – 7 15 – 14 24 23 33 39 – – Finish day – 7 16 – 16 25 23 33 40 – – 391 Total delay 4 5 5 – 9 2 2 2 7 2 38 Based on the analysis periods shown in Fig. 4 and Table 4, the number of analysis times for the TWA/MWA, DAMUDS, DWDA and EDAM methods are 17, 20, 41 and 34, respectively.Notably, one analysis time means to perform one analysis scenario. The DWDA and EDAM methods have the same accuracy level; however, the EDAM method is more efficient than the DWDA method. In the test case, the EDAM method saves 17% in the number of analysis times than the DWDA method. For complicated construction projects the number of activity and the complexity of d elay events are increased, the numbers of analysis times by those methods are increased consequently; therefore, the EDAM method is a more efficient calculation approach than four other windows-based methods. 6. 2.Ability to identify critical path changes Delay claim in the construction industry usually considers delays on the critical path(s); therefore, identifying critical path changes is essential for allocating delay liability. The as-built schedule in Fig. 3 shows real situations of critical path changes while delays appear on the critical paths. Table 3 shows the real timing of critical path changes and the analysis results from different delay analysis methods. In summary, eight critical path changes occurred in the test case. The DWDA and EDAM methods correctly reflected the real situations.Furthermore, the EDAM method calculated the delay impacts on total project duration by only considering the delay on the critical path correctly. Detailed information concerning liabilit y allocation is discussed in Section 6. 4. 6. 3. Ability to deal with concurrent delays and project acceleration To identify the appearances of a concurrent delay and project acceleration, the EDAM method uses a minimum cycle time, one day, as its analysis period. For example, one concurrent delay (one day) appears on day 14 in the test case. The EDAM method accurately identifies this concurrent delay shown in Table 3.If the analysis period exceeds the duration of the concurrent delay, the concurrent delay would not be detected. Notably, in an as-built schedule, the situations of project delay and project acceleration do not occur concurrently. Project acceleration means shortening the duration of activity on original critical path(s), by which a project is completed earlier than planned completion date. While the duration of critical-path activities is shortened, two situations occur. One is the shortened activity is still on critical path; the other is the activity is changed from a critical activity into a no-critical activity.The former one does not cause different analysis result. The latter one might result in different results and is discussed in this study. In Fig. 5, the test case with five activities has one critical path, namely the path of activities 2 > 4 > 5. Finally, this case was completed in 14 days with three days acceleration. In the as-built schedule (the bottom part in Fig. 5), it is clear that, activity 2 shortened one day and activity 4 shortened three days. Fig. 5 shows the complete analyses, in which five analytical scenarios were performed. Notably, according to the algorithm shown in Eq. 8), the performance of project acceleration is caused by activity 2 with 1 day (5-4-0) and activity 4 with 2 days (9-6-1), which are calculated during analytical scenario 1 (day 1–4) and 3 (day 8–10), respectively. 6. 4. Liability allocation approach The EDAM method has an approach that allocates delay liability based on the ratio of an analyzed concurrent delay event to the total delay values on the critical path. As the information shown in Table 4, the DAMUDS and DWDA methods can identify concurrent delays, but cannot clearly allocate delay liability.Those two methods provide the same concurrent delay value of 1 day, that is, the analysis period. In the test case, one concurrent delay appears on day 14, in which activity 3 encounters an NE delay while activity 5 has an EC delay. According the allocation approach (described by Eqs. (9) and (10)), the duration of activities 3 and 5 should be calculated. Notably, the duration of an activity on the critical path just considers the conditions up to the analysis period. Therefore, 392 NO. Duration 1 7 3 7 6 4 9 5 2 5 4 9 5 6 7 3 8 9 10 3 Path 1( 1 3 6 9) Path 2( 2 4 7) Path 3( 2 5 8 10) Critical Path NO. 1 3 6 9 2 4 5 7 8 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 As-planned shedule 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 J. -B. Yan g, C. -K. Kao / International Journal of Project Management 30 (2012) 385–397 CP 1 CP 2 Act. Dur. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 NE NE NE EN 12 6 12 10 NE EN EN EN EC 9 15 5 11 5 Note delay project completion Path 1( 1 3 6 9) Path 2( 2 4 7) Path 3( 2 5 8 10) 9 As-built schedule 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 concurrent delay NE NE NE EC EC EC EC NE NE NE EN EN EC EC NE EC EC EC EN EN EN EN EN NE EC EN EC EN ENFig. 3. As-planned and as-built schedule with delay liability. J. -B. Yang, C. -K. Kao / International Journal of Project Management 30 (2012) 385–397 EDAM Analysis TWA/MWA Period DAMUDS DWDA NO. Duration 1 11 3 12 6 6 9 12 2 10 4 9 5 15 7 5 8 11 10 5 Path 1( 1 3 6 9) Path 2( 2 4 7) Path 3( 2 5 8 10) 1 2 1 3 4 1 2 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 NE NE NE 5 2 3 5 5 6 7 3 4 6 7 8 6 7 8 EN 22 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9 10 11 12 6 13 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 2 9 30 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 NE NE NE EC EC EC EC 4 5 24 12 14 31 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 19 20 15 16 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 NE NE NE EN EN NE EN EN EN EC NE EC EC EC EN EN EN EN EN NE EC EN EC EN EN EC EC Fig. 4. Analysis period partition by EDAM and other methods. 393 394 J. -B. Yang, C. -K. Kao / International Journal of Project Management 30 (2012) 385–397 Table 3 Analysis results by EDAM and other windows-based methods.Type NE delay S/N 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Timing in day 1 2 3 12 13 4 6 19 20 21 22 23 30 37 38 7 15 16 33 14 1 2 3 5 6 12 14 19 21 23 36 37 38 40 Actually occurred Y Y Y N Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N Y Y Y N Y N N Y Y N Y Total 4 EDAM Y Y Y N Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N Y Y Y N Y N N Y Y N Y TWA/MWA Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N Y N Y N Y N N Y Y N Y Y DAMUDS Y Y Y N Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y N N Y Y N N Y N Y N Y Y DWDA Y Y Y N Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N Y Y Y N Y N N Y Y N YEN delay 9 EC delay 4 Concurrent delay Critical path change 1 8 activity 3 takes 3 days on the critical path while activity 5 takes 4 days on the critical path. The values of delay liabilities for activity 3 (NE delay, attributed to the contractor) and activity 5 3 (EC delay, attributed to the owner) are 0. 43 (1 ? 3 + 4 = 0:43) 4 and 0. 57 (1 ? 3 + 4 = 0:43), respectively. Notably, the analytical result is a decimal fraction day because only one-day concurrent delay exists in the test case.In the situation where the NE delay to activity 3 and the EC delay to activity 5 on day 14 were extended to ten days, respectively. Namely, the duration for the concurrent delay is from 1 day changed to 10 days due to the NE delay to activity 3 and the EC delay to activity 5 has been extended to 12 days, respectively. Based on the proposed approach, the values of delay liabilities for activity 3 (NE delay) and activity 5 (EC delay) are 4. 8 (10 ? 2 12 13 = 4:8) and 5. 2 (10 ? 12 13 13 = 5:2), respectively. + + In practice, schedule delays or time extension claims usually result in cost reimbursement or liquidated damage calculations, the analytical results can service as an accurate tool in such calculations. The analytical results based on the proposed transparent calculation approach will provide a better alternative than conventional method that usually employs a half-and-half approach. 6. 5.Comparison to other windows-based delay analysis methods Based on above discussions and the information shown in Table 4, this study summarizes the differences between the proposed method and the discussed windows-based delay analysis methods, organized as follows. Table 4 Analysis results by EDAM and other windows-based methods. Attributes NE delay (in day) EN delay (in day) EC delay (in day) Concurrent delay (in day) Critical path change (in times) Analysis period (in times) Actual EDAM 4 9 4 1 8 TWA/ DAMUDS DWDA MWA 4 9 4 1 7 20 4 9 4 1 8 41 4 5 9 9 4 4 1 (0. 3 for NE; 0 0. 57 for EC) 8 7 34 17 J. -B. Yang, C. -K. Kao / International Journal of Project Management 30 (2012) 385–397 As-Planned schedule Act. No. Duration TF 1 7 3 7 1 2 5 0 4 7 0 5 3 0 Path 1( 1 3) Path 2( 2 4 5) Analysis Period: day 1- 4 Act. No. Duration TF 1 7 2 3 7 2 2 4 0 4 9 0 5 3 0 Path 1( 1 3) Path 2( 2 4 5) Analysis Period: day 5-7 Act. No. Duration TF 1 7 2 3 7 2 2 4 4 9 0 5 3 0 Path 1( 1 3) Path 2( 2 4 5) Analysis Period: day 8-10 Act. No. Duration TF 1 7 3 7 0 2 4 4 6 1 5 3 1 Path 1( 1 3) Path 2( 2 4 5) Analysis Period: day 1-13 Act. No. Duration TF 1 7 3 7 0 2 4 4 6 5 3 1 Path 1( 1 3) Path 2( 2 4 5) Analysis Period: day 14 Act. No. Duration TF 1 7 3 7 0 2 4 4 6 5 3 Path 1( 1 3) Path 2( 2 4 5) 395 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Critical path NW1 1 2 3 4 5 6 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 One day is shortened f or project duration One day is shortened for Activity 2 7 8 9 Critical path 1 2 3 4 5 NW2 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 One day is shortened for project duration One day is shortened for Activity 2Critical path 1 2 3 4 5 6 NW3 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Three days are shortened for project duration One day is shortened for Activity 2 7 8 Three days are shortened for Activity 4 Critical path NW4 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Three days are shortened for project duration Three days are shortened for Activity 4 Critical path NW5 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Three days are shortened for project duration One day is shortened for Activity 2 7 8 9 Three days are shortened for Activity 4 Critical path 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 One day is shortened for Activity 2 2 3 4 5 6 Fig. 5. Project acceleration detected by EDAM. †¢ Comparing to the TWA/MWA method, the EDAM method can deal with the EC, EN, NE and concurrent delays more accurate. †¢ Co mparing to the TWA/MWA and DAMUSD methods, the EDAM method can perform delay analysis considering critical path changes more correct. †¢ Comparing to the DWDA method, the EDAM method can perform delay analysis more efficient. †¢ Comparing to the TWA/MWA, DAMUSD and DWDA methods, the EDAM method can allocate delay liability more accurate, and provide a function of detecting project acceleration. 396 J. -B.Yang, C. -K. Kao / International Journal of Project Management 30 (2012) 385–397 6. 6. Advantages and limitations This study proposes a novel delay analysis method for resolving the problems associated with existing windows-based delay analysis methods. The EDAM method has the following advantages compared to existing windows-based delay analysis methods. †¢ It has a systematic window extraction method for performing delay analysis stably and efficiently. †¢ It adopts a process-based analysis approach to identify critical path changes, concurrent delays an d project acceleration. It develops a clear liability distribution approach for apportioning concurrent delays. Although the EDAM method has been tested using hypothetical cases, some limitations exist in applying to solve schedule delay problems in construction projects. The limitations are organized as follows. †¢ The classification of EC, EN, NE and concurrent delays must be identified before employing the developed EDAM method. †¢ The EDAM method does not discuss float ownership. That is, the one uses the float first who owns the ownership. †¢ Construction projects usually encounter complex delay situations.This study just examines the capabilities of the EDAM method using two hypothetical cases that simulate the identified problems. Therefore, the EDAM method might be unable to resolve the complex delay situations that are not identified in this study. 7. Conclusions While schedule delays occur frequently during construction projects, identifying the liability of contract parties accurately has received considerable attention. Although many methods have been developed for analyzing and measuring construction schedule delays, no one method is acceptable for all project participants and suitable for all delay situations.An ideal delay analysis method must calculate delay information stably, accurately and efficiently. Some existing windows-based delay analysis methods perform delay analysis based on an arbitrary window extraction; some deal with limited delay situations. This study presents the EDAM method, a novel delay analysis method that has a systematic window extraction method for performing delay analysis stably, and adopts a process-based analysis approach to resolve concurrent delays and liability distribution problems accurately. Additionally, the EDAM method performs delay analysis efficiently in a test case.The EDAM method is a good alternative for resolving analysis problems associated with schedule delays in construction project s. The construction industry requires continual improvements to delay analysis methodology due to industry complexity. Based on research results, this study provides following suggestions for further study. †¢ Evaluating the performance of the existing windows-based methods (including the EDAM method) for diverse and real cases can improve the acceptance of all windows-based methods in the construction industry.However, illustrative cases, covering all delay situations or real delay cases are hard to retrieve because the cases in the court have limited and simplified information, and information from the arbitration cases is not disclosed. How to develop a protocol for collecting such cases is essential for further development and evaluation. †¢ Most available delay analysis methods are not implemented in popular project management systems (such as Microsoft Project and Oracle Primavera P6) or supported by those systems, thus posing a barrier to apply these methods for sol ving real delay problems.Although capable of providing a basic function for delay analysis, a few systems only perform simple schedule comparisons. For example, the Claim Digger function embedded in Oracle Primavera P6 can be used monthly to compare different schedule variances in start date, finish date and activity duration. According to the systematic approach provided by this research, developing easy-to-use systems embedded in, based on or supported by available commercial project management systems will enhance the application of delay analysis methods. The methods for delay analysis can be divided into four categories: forecasting, real-time, after-delay-occurred and after-project-completion (Arditi and Pattanakitchamroon, 2006). Most of methods belong to the after-projectcompletion category; by those methods some essential documents and evidences may be lost. Developing a method that belongs to forecasting or real-time category can resolve this problem. Furthermore, systems dynamics approach has been recognized and proven to be helpful for dispute resolution (Weil and Rayford, 1990; Cooper and Lee, 2009).It would be another good alternative method for schedule delay analysis for construction projects. †¢ The proposed method for allocating delay liability provides a better alternative with transparent calculation approach than conventional method that usually employs a half-and-half approach. However, if construction contracts have a clear delay liability allocation clause that employ the proposed method or conventional half-and-half approach, the dispute for delay liability allocation will be diminished.How to draft a suitable clause that provides a clear delay liability allocation approach and fair rights and obligations in a contract can be studied carefully. Acknowledgements The authors would like to thank the National Science Council, Taiwan, ROC, for financially supporting this research under Contract No. NSC96-2221-E-216-027-MY2. The authors are also thankful to the reviewers for their valuable suggestions and comments. J. -B. Yang, C. -K. Kao / International Journal of Project Management 30 (2012) 385–397 397 References Alkass, S. , Mazerolle, M. , Harris, F. , 1996. Construction delay analysis techniques.Construction Management and Economics. 14 (5), 375–394. Arditi, D. , Pattanakitchamroon, T. , 2006. 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