Number Of Variations And The Impact Of Variations

Number Of Variations And The Impact Of Variations Controls for Variations and Variation Orders have been suggested by many researchers (Mokhtar et al., 2000; Ibbs et al., 2001). Below are 30 approach identified from a literature review to reduce number and the impact of Variations. These approach were categorized into three categories: Design stage, Construction stage and Design- Construction interface stage. Design Stage Approach to Control Variations Item Variation Reduction approach Descriptions Source 1 Review of contract documents Comprehensive and balanced Variation clauses would be helpful in improving coordination and communication quality .Conflicts between contract documents can result in misinterpretation of the actual requirement of a project. (CII, 1994a) 2 Freezing design Variations in design can affect a project adversely depending on the timing of the occurrence of the changes. Therefore, freezing the design is a strong control method. Many owners freeze the design and close the door for variations after the completion of the drawings. (CII, 1990a) 3 Value engineering at conceptual phase During the design phase, value engineering can be a cost saving exercise, as at this stage, Variation in any design element would not require rework or demolition at the construction site. Value engineering at the conceptual stage can assist in clarifying project objectives and reducing design discrepancies. (DellIsola, 1982). 4 Involvement of professionals at initial stages of project Involvement of professionals in design may assist in developing better designs by accommodating their creative and practical ideas. This practices would assist in developing a comprehensive design with minimum discrepancies .Practical ideas that are not accommodated during the design phase may affect the project adversely. Variation during the construction phase is a costly activity as it may initiate numerous changes to construction activities. (Arain et al., 2004) (OBrien, 1998). 5 Employers involvement at planning and design phase Involvement of the Employer at the design phase would assist in clarifying the project objectives and identifying noncompliance with their requirements at the early stage .Hence, this may help in eliminating Variations during the construction stage where the impact of the Variations can be severe (Fisk, 1997) 6 Involvement of contractor at planning and scheduling process Involvement of the Employer at the design phase would assist in clarifying the project objectives and identifying noncompliance with their requirements at the early stage .Hence, this may help in eliminating Variations during the construction stage where the impact of the variations can be severe. (Fisk, 1997). 7 Thorough detailing of design A clearer design tends to be comprehended more readily. This would also assist in identifying the errors and omissions in design at an early stage. Eventually, thorough detailing of design can eliminate Variations arising from ambiguities and errors in design. (OBrien, 1998) 8 Clear and thorough project brief A clear and thorough project brief is an important control for Variations in construction projects as it helps in clarifying the project objectives to all the participants. Eventually, this may reduce the design errors and noncompliance with the Employers requirements. (OBrien, 1998) 9 Reducing contingency sum The provision of a large contingency sum may affect the construction team working approaches. This is because the designer may not develop a comprehensive design and would consequently carry out the rectifications in design as Variations during the later stages of the construction project. Therefore, reducing the contingency sum would be helpful in ensuring that the professionals carry out their jobs with diligence. Construction Stage Approach to Control Variations Item Variation Reduction approach Descriptions Source 1 Clarity of Variation Order procedures Clarity of Variation Order procedures is an integral part of effective management of Variation Orders. Early in the project construction stage, the procedures should be identified and made clear to all parties. Clarity of Variation Order procedures would help in reducing the processing time and other mishandling issues. (Mokhtar et al., 2000) (Ibbs et al., 2001). 2 Written approvals Any Variation in the work that involves a change in the original price must be approved in writing by the Employer before a Variation can be executed. Any party signing of behalf of the Employer must have written authorization from the Employer. It is difficult to prove the right for compensation if there is no such authorization from the Employer. In the hectic environment of construction, many verbal agreements can be forgotten, leaving the Contractor without any legal proof to get compensation for the Variations works. (CII, 1990a; Hester et al., 1991; Cox, 1997). 3 Variation Order scope A well defined scope can assist the professional team in recognizing and planning appropriately to minimize the negative impact of the Variation. The original scope should be clear and well defined to distinguish between a Variation of scope and a Variation due to design development. It is common that there are disagreement between parties in a project was about defining the Variation scope. Thus, the effective definition of the scope of work helps us to identify and manage Variations. (Ibbs et al. 2001). (CII ,1994b) 4 Variation logic and justification Variation logic and justification for implementation was one of the principles of effective change management. This principle required a change to be classified as required or elective. Required changes were required to meet original objectives of the project while elective changes were additional features that enhanced the project. Knowing the logic and justification behind the proposed Variations assist the professionals in promoting beneficial Variations and eliminating non-beneficial Variations. Proposed by (Ibbs et al. 2001). 5 Appointment Project manager from an independent firm to manage the project Involvement of a project manager from an independent firm would assist in eliminating Variations that arise due to the lack of coordination among professionals. This practice may assist in reducing design discrepancies through early reviews of the contract documents and drawings. (Arain et al., 2004) 6 Restricted pre-qualification system for awarding projects A restricted pre-qualification system for awarding projects would act as a filter to select only the capable Contractors for project bids. (Chan and Yeong, 1995; Fisk, 1997) 7 Employers involvement during construction phase Involvement of the Employer during the construction phase would assist in identifying noncompliance with the requirements and in approving the Variations promptly .The involvement of the Employer during the construction phase allows to keep him aware of ongoing activities and assist in prompt decision making. (Ibbs et al., 2001). 8 Avoid use of open tendering Competitive open tendering usually encourages the Contractor to price very low to win the contract, especially in bad times when they are in need of jobs. This practice would give rise to the Contractor trying to claim more to compensate for the low price award. Avoiding the use of open tender would help in eliminating the risks of unfair bids. This may also help in reduces Variations that may arise due to the contractors bidding strategy. (Chan and Yeong, 1995) 9 Use of project scheduling/management techniques To manage a Variation means being able to anticipate its effects and to control, or at least monitor, the associated cost and time impact. The most known scheduling techniques in the construction industry are CPM, PERT and Gantt chart; Microsoft Project These techniques are helpful in identifying the critical path of any Variations on subsequent construction activities. Well planned and close monitoring on the schedule plan will helps to reduce the Variations effects on the project. (Hester et al., 1991) (Clough and Sears, 1994). (Mokhtar et al., 2000). 10 Comprehensive documentation of variation order Through timely notification and documentation of Variation Orders, participants will have kept their rights and thereby their option to pursue a subsequent claim or to defend against a claim. One of the most aggravating conditions is the length of time that elapses between the time when a proposed contract modification is first announced and when the matter is finally rejected or approved as a Variation Order. Documentation of Variation and claims had assisted in tracking the effects of the Variation and claim events on time and cost. A documented source of knowledge about previous Variation instructions would be helpful in making decisions concerning the appropriate handling of Variation instructions. (Cox, 1997; OBrien, 1998). (Fisk, 1997) Cox (1997) Design-Construction Interface Stage Approach to Control Variations Item Variation Reduction approach Descriptions Source 1 Prompt approval procedures One of the most aggravating conditions is the length of time that elapses between the time when a proposed contract modification is first announced and when the matter is finally rejected or approved as a Variation .However, the longer the period between recognition and implementation, the more costly the change will be. (Fisk, 1997). 2 Ability to negotiate Variation Ability to negotiate Variation is an important factor for the effective control of Variations. Effective negotiation can assist the professional team in minimizing the negative impacts of the Variation. There are certain skills required for effective negotiation of Variations, i.e., the knowledge of contract terms, project details, technology, labour rates, equipment, methods and communication skills. (Clough and Sears, 1994) (Cushman and Butler, 1994) 3 Valuation of indirect effects Consequential effects can occur later in the downstream phases of a project. Therefore, it is essential to acknowledge this possibility and establish the mechanism to evaluate its consequences. Professionals should thus evaluate the total overall effects a change may have on the later phases of a project, in order to manage the Variations effectively. (Ibbs et al., 2001). 4 Team effort by Employer, consultant and Contractor to control Variation Coordination is important in a multi-participant environment as in most construction projects Detrimental Variations, which affect the projects negatively, can usually be managed at an early stage with due diligence in coordination. (CII, 1994a; Assaf et al., 1995). 5 Utilize work breakdown structure A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a management tool for identifying and defining work. A Contractor should consider using the this as an evaluation tool, especially on large projects. If a Variation involves work not previously included in the WBS, it can be logically added to the WBS and its relationship with the other WBS element can be easily checked. Domino effects can also be traced by the use of WBS. (Hester et al., 1991; Mokhtar et al., 2000). (Hester et al., 1991) 6 Continuous coordination and direct communication coordination, and frequent communication are essential to reduce miscommunication among team members, hence reduce the chances of occurring Variations (Assaf et al., 1995). 7 Control the potential for Variations to arise through contractual clauses Selection of the appropriate standard contract form (JKR, PAM2006 etc) with the necessary and unambiguous Variation clauses would be helpful in the management of Variations. Clear procedures presented in the contract and fair allocation of risks can help in resolving disputes through negotiation rather than litigation. (Cox, 1997) 8 Comprehensive site investigation Comprehensive site investigations assist in proper planning for construction activities. Differing site conditions are an important cause of delays in large building projects. Therefore, a comprehensive site investigation would help in reducing potential Variations in a project. (Fisk, 1997). 9 Use of collected and organized project data compiled by Employer, consultant and Contractor The Variations works should always be documented for future references. Hence, better controls for Variations were achievable by sharing a database compiled by all the team members (Fisk, 1997). 10 Knowledge-base of previous similar projects From the outset, project strategies and philosophies should take advantage of lessons learned from past similar projects. If professionals have a knowledge-base established on past similar projects, it would assist the professional team to plan more effectively before starting a project, both during the design phase as well as during the construction phase, minimize and control Variations and their effects. (CII, 1994b). 11 Comprehensive analysis and prompt decision making through computerized knowledge-based decision support system A Decision Support System (DSS) approach for management decisions seems to be the ideal approach to follow. The system would be helpful in presenting an example scenario of the causes of Variations, their relevant effects and potential controls that would assist in decision making at the early stage of the Variations occurring. (Miresco and Pomerol, 1995).

Kmart Corporation

Kmart Corporation Calandra Kimbrough BUS 692 Strategies in Human Resource Management Dr. Lao January 21, 2013 Kmart is an American chain of discount stores headquartered in the United States. The chain purchased Sears in 2005, forming a new corporation under the name Sears Holdings Corporation. Increasing productivity is one of the most critical goals in organizations such as Kmart. In this paper I will be assessing the technology requirements relevant to employee productivity, staffing systems, career development systems, and training systems used by Kmart. Training Training is essential when hiring new people to an organization.Training refers to the methods employers use to give new or present employees the skills they need to perform their jobs. Training is one of the most profitable investments an organization can make. No matter what business or industry you are in the steps for an effective training process are the same and may be adapted anywhere. The first step is establishi ng a needs analysis. Training needs analysis is a systematic method for determining what caused performance to be less than expected or required (Blanchard 2010). An effective training needs assessment analysis will help direct resources to areas of greatest demand.The assessment should address resources needed to fulfill organizational mission, improve productivity, and provide quality products and services. This step identifies activities to justify an investment for training. The techniques necessary for the data collection are surveys, observations, interviews, and customer comment cards. Several examples of an analysis outlining specific training needs are customer dissatisfaction, low morale, low productivity, and high turnover. The objective in establishing a needs analysis that is used at Kmart is to find out the answers to the following questions: – â€Å"Why† is training needed? â€Å"What† type of training is needed? – â€Å"When† is the training needed? – â€Å"Where† is the training needed? – â€Å"Who† needs the training? and â€Å"Who† will conduct the training? – â€Å"How† will the training be performed? By determining training needs, Kmart can decide what specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes are needed to improve the employee’s performance in accordance with the company’s standards. Training is necessary if you notice a need for performance improvements and operational problems and changes. The second step is developing training programs and manuals (Infande, 2012).This step establishes the development of current job descriptions and standards and procedures. Job descriptions should be clear and concise and may serve as a major training tool for the identification of guidelines. Once the job description is completed, a complete list of standards and procedures should be established from each responsibility outlined in the job description. Th is will standardize the necessary guidelines for any future training. The final step is evaluating your training program after you have initiated it. This step will determine how effective and profitable your training program has been.Methods for evaluation are pre-and post- surveys of customer comments cards, the establishment of a cost/benefit analysis outlining your expenses and returns, and an increase in customer satisfaction and profits (Infande, 2012). There are several obvious benefits for evaluating a training program. First, evaluations will provide feedback on the trainer’s performance, allowing them to improve themselves for future programs. Second, evaluations will indicate its cost-effectiveness. Third, evaluations are an efficient way to determine the overall effectiveness of the training program for the employees as well as the organization (Infande, 2012).Staffing Staffing systems involve complex processes and decisions that require organizational direction, coordination, and evaluation. Most organizations must create mechanisms for managing their staffing system and its components. Such management of staffing systems requires consideration of both administration and evaluation, as well as legal issues. Staffing factors may also cause problems. Some examples of why poor staffing can be a problem are too heavy a workload, an under staffing can cause people to make mistakes.Hiring people who are inexperienced to do the job which may have them making costly mistakes. Also hiring people who are lazy, or have bad attitudes can cause low morale among the workers that can lead to good people quitting. Career Development Providing ongoing career development programs is one strategy a business can use to retain employees and reduce turnover. It’s in the best interest of a company to ensure all employees are properly trained, kept up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in their field, and are generally interested in furthering th eir individual careers.The task of overseeing training programs and working with employees on assessing and improving their skill levels, as well as ensuring workers are in the position best suited to them is left to the career development manager. Kmart is becoming much more proactive in its training of employees. A great deal of importance has been placed on training and development. Kmart is starting to commit to helping its employees develop the skills needed to succeed in its retail and corporate environments. Conclusion The need for training your employees has never been greater.As business and industry continues to grow, more jobs will become created and available. Customer demands, employee morale, employee productivity, and employee turnover as well as the current economic realities of a highly competitive workforce are just some of the reasons for establishing and implementing training in an organization. To be successful, all training must receive support from the top man agement as well as from the middle and supervisory levels of management. It is a team effort and must be implemented by all members of the Kmart corporation staff to be fully successful.For a training program to be successful, the trainer should be conscious of several essential elements, including a controlled environment, good planning, the use of various training methods, good communication skills, and trainee participation (Infande, 2012). ? References Infande, D. A. (2012). The Four Basic Steps in the Training Process. Retrieved July 23, 2012 Blanchard, P. N. & Thacker, J. W. (2010). Effective Training: Systems, Strategies, and Practices (4th ed). Upper Saddle River, N. J: Prentice Hall. ISBN: 9780136078326

Persuasive Essay On Racism - 1271 Words

Will you able to function if you lived in another race’s shoes? Will you be able to function and deal with consequences of being the other race?When we were all fetuses in our mom’s tummy we as humans are not given the options to chose our race. Yet we are still being ridiculed from what we are born with. Racism is one of many elements that in the United States of America affects our society. However, there is a hidden problem that promotes racism. It is the fact that a lot of people try to make themselves believe that racism doesn t exist. But unfortunately, it still does. Everyone knows about the problem of racism but don t realize that they are supporting the problem by discriminating against other people s rights but at the same†¦show more content†¦When that happens then the words prejudice can be thrown around.As mentioned before, Is racism/prejudice psychological? The process of racism and prejudice has tendencies to arrange our experience in accordance to race into central and universal human brain processes.An article I read from â€Å"The Social Psychology of Cultural Diversity: Social Prejudice, Stereotyping and Discrimination written by Wright and Taylor,, says that â€Å"We create concepts in order to make sense of the endless complexity we encounter in our environment. This is a necessary part of human thought, allowing us to process information efficiently and quickly†(Wright). This means that if we did not create categories our lives and minds would be in a massive confusion. Also,in social groups we sort people into categories. People also uncontrollably distinguish members from their group are apart of from people who aren t in their group. Additionally, people tend to evaluate people from other groups more negatively than people in their groups. This way, social groups easily give into stereotypes generally and to negative stereotypes in particularly. Because our world is filled with diversities and ethnicities we need to learn ways to reduce racism. The question remains even though racism continue to a an impact on other people’s lives what,what can we do about it? Well, no one person can do it all or do it alone but we can all help and work collectively to endShow MoreRelatedPersuasive Essay On Racism1138 Words   |  5 Pages It was during the first week of INT that I started to feel more in depth with the racism and its different terms. We talked in detail on intent, reverse racism, and white supremacy after watching few videos for each matter. It turned out that there are deeper meaning and context to these terms than the mere definition. A number of cases regarding intent have suggested that it’s solely up to someone’s motives if they are being racist or not. 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The call of Pope Francis to take â€Å" a clear stand for creative and active nonviolence and against all forms of violence† echoes the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream of a nation without racism. Inspired by Dr. King’s concept of a creative and constructiveRead MorePersuasive Essay On Racism882 Words   |  4 Pagesword to me, eventually I have come to understand her intentions during that week. Little did I know that this would not be the last time I would endure a situation like this. ‘Subtle Racism’ in America is common in society. It can come from all sides, and can have as deep an effect as blatant racism. Subtle racism to me is shown from someone who may not consider themselves to be racist, and may see themselves as a supporter of all ethnicities, but expresses certain behaviors and phrases that canRead MorePersuasive Essay On Racism1018 Words   |  5 Pagesit s working at 7/11, always smelling like curry, or mocking us with our thick accents. 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Racism is still present in America because America has an unlawful justice system for minorities, President Trump is causing racial tensions, and the media is racially bias. There is still racism present in AmericaRead MorePersuasive Essay On Racism1752 Words   |  8 PagesRacism is contagious to this society. It has been a growing concern in the United States for many decades now, however, no major improvements are made by any political officials in reducing it. Many individuals of color are treated unfairly just because they are of pigment. Not too long ago, many individuals in the African American communities sparked out in outrage when individuals such as Michael Brown and much more were racially profiled by were brutally attacked by the law enforcers. Racism doesRead MorePersuasive Essay On Racism1839 Words   |  8 PagesThroughout America, racism is a very prominent topic that affects thousands of American’s. Although racism has been fought for many of years in America, Americans find themselves still talking about the social divide. The subject of racism is all over the news and has even made it’s way to America’s game, fo otball. The kneeling during the national anthem has been a very big controversy that many American’s are furious about. However, for black Americans, it is an outcry that should be heard. Many

Frankenstein And The Oppression By Mary Wollstonecraft

Frankenstein and the Oppression Frankenstein is a novel written by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, which sets the story on a scientist named Victor Frankenstein who pursues the goal of creating life. Frankenstein accomplishes the creation of a monster, but becomes disgusted by him and abandons him later on in the story. The monster goes on his own path to find the meaning of humankind, but gets his revenge because of the abandonment of Victor. He then kills Victor’s family and his future wife. Some people would say that Frankenstein’s creation had no purpose for living because of all the killings that the monster had done. Some could say that the monster was more of an antihero. The monster’s actions were misinterpreted by many people because they believed that the monster was a malicious monster. Although he was fighting against the oppression of humankind justifiably. Frankenstein’s monster received an exceedingly amount of hatred by people that were disgusted because they had never seen a monster before, but no one cared to think that perhaps the monster was not evil and all it just wanted was compassion from a person and to understand what it meant to live like a human being. The oppression that was perhaps being used onto the monster was perchance that the humans may have never seen a monster before and no one took their time to understand what the monster was and how it was created. This caused many individuals to fear the monster and attack or scare the monster awayShow MoreRelatedThere are numerous numbers of novels and books that offer different portrayals of the female gender1700 Words   |  7 Pagesmost people’s minds is Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman or any Jane Austen novel. People do not typically think of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Nonetheless Frankenstein offers us the reader an extremely well portrayal of the female gender in the early nineteenth century while also providing us with the cautionary t ell on why no man should ever attempt to play God for the reason that only God can play God. In this essay I will be discussing how Mary Shelley used the descriptionRead MoreElements Of Feminism In Mary Shelleys Frankenstein804 Words   |  4 PagesMary Shelly’s Frankenstein has various elements of Feminism in the text. One particular feminist ideals that are present in the text is from the first wave of Feminism, her own mother, Mary Wollstonecraft. Using Wollstonecraft’s â€Å"A Vindication of the Rights of Women† to illustrate that inequality and oppression and the lack of access to education for women, the essay will not only use the women in the story but also the monster itself to represent women before and after they achieve an educationRead MoreMary Shelley Is The Author Of The Famed Novel Frankenstein.1495 Words   |  6 PagesMary Shelley is the author of the famed novel Frankenstein. The era in which Frankenstein was published happened to be one whe re religion was followed in more of a strict manner than today’s society follows. The monster in the novel was viewed as an abomination not only in its existence, but even as an idea. Although the novel was released unanimously, it was critiqued mostly from a religious standpoint. Critiques gave reviews saying that it was unintellectual work that was not worth the time itRead MoreAnalysis Of The Poem Deja Williams 2890 Words   |  12 PagesDeja Williams  †¢ Introduction ​Mary Wollstonecraft was born April 27, 1759, in London. She was the second child and eldest daughter of Elizabeth Dixon, who hailed from Ballyshannon, Ireland. Mary’s father, Edward John Wollstonecraft, was a handkerchief weaver. He decided to become a gentleman farmer after he got an inheritance from his father, a master weaver and residential real estate developer, but farming was a bust. The family moved seven times in ten years as their finances deteriorated. EdwardRead MoreEssay on Gothic Fiction2923 Words   |  12 PagesGothic fiction is erotic at the root according to Punter. From your reading of Frankenstein and Dracula how far would you agree with Punters interpretation. Gothic fiction is erotic at the root according to Punter. From your reading of Frankenstein and Dracula how far would you agree with Punters interpretation. In your essay you should consider: - · The authors portrayal of eroticism and sexuality (in all its forms) through characters. - · Relevant social/cultural concernsRead MoreMetamorphoses Within Frankenstein14861 Words   |  60 PagesThe Critical Metamorphoses of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein You must excuse a trif ling d eviation, From Mrs. Shelley’s marvellous narration — from th e musical Frankenstein; or, The Vamp ire’s Victim (1849) Like Coleridge’ s Ancient Mariner , who erupts into Mary Sh elley’s text as o ccasionally and inev itably as th e Monster into Victor Frankenstein’s lif e, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometh eus passes, like night, from land to land and w ith stang ely ad aptable powers of speech