American culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

American culture - Essay Example Probing into the issue of the development of a new definition of American culture after the emergence of black culture will highlight the factors that gave African American culture a momentum. There is need to analyze the resistance that African American culture faced. At the end of the research, it will be possible to define the circumstances that propelled the growth of a vibrant African American culture irrespective of the resistance (Asante 67). As expected, many people are aware of the challenges that African Americans faced before they could get the opportunity to express and live a culture. Most of the African Americans who had the courage to express the uniqueness and richness of black cultural attributes faced an internal conflict of double consciousness. The events that transpired in the last decade of the 19th century and early 20th century redefined American culture. A culture that had predominantly represented the whites and Native Americans in the preceding centuries had to absorb aspects from African Americans. The slavery system accounts for the presence of African Americans in the American context. During the initial period, Africans withheld from expressing any of the cultural factors that had defined them as people before moving to America (Wolfram and Thomas 34). In order to establish the most relevant information, the research will focus on the changes that occurred in the early 1920s. geographically, research will consider all the states with African Americans. African Americans sought to build a unique culture that would define what they had become as a person. The African American culture would alter the homogenous nature of the American culture that had existed. African Americans managed to develop a unique culture that would transform American culture into a heterogeneous one. For some reasons that need identification, the African American culture that resulted was

Maryland Commuters Lived Experiences on Bicycle Commuting After Essay

Maryland Commuters Lived Experiences on Bicycle Commuting After Barriers Removed and Strategies Employed - Essay Example Hence, the purpose of this case study is to explore the causes why these barriers and strategies to overcome them did not actually work. Therefore, the research problem is embedded in the conceptual framework of the factors and barriers that affect commuters from choosing the bicycle as an alternative mode of transport to commute to work. For this reason, the data is collected from 12 respondents through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. As a result, this research study contributes to positive social change by increasing the awareness of government leaders, city and regional planners, and the private sector on bicycling problem. In particular, they can recognize several effective strategies that will make bicycle commuting a preferred alternative mode of transportation to commute to work. Thus, the study brings to light the new policy that can be effective in combating the problem of vehicular congestion, environmental pollution, oil dependency, and sedentary lifestyle linked to obesity. Chen and Tang (2012) argued that automobile dependence is a global problem specifically affecting the lives of commuters living in big cities. In the United States, there is also a dependence on the repeated use of automobiles (Dulal, Brodnig, & Onoriose, 2011; Litman, 2009). In this context, Hamilton and Atkins (2008) argued that the number of automobiles joining the highways road construction has become incompatible; thus, the problem of vehicular congestion appears. Santos, Behrendt, Maconi, Shirvani, and Teytelboym (2010) wrote that the dependence on the automobile contributres negative consequences for society. In defence, Abrahamse, Steg, Gifford, and Vlek (2009) suggested that the automobile serves many purposes for travel; however, they agree that automobile is a contributing factor to vehicular congestion and environmental pollution. In addition, Kent (2013) suggested that automobile dependency is connected to the poor health issues. In

FACTION, LIBERTY, AND PROPERTY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

FACTION, LIBERTY, AND PROPERTY - Essay Example In his view, Madison said that liberty is worse than the disease of faction; liberty being among the two remedy to remove the causes faction, the other is by giving every citizen the same opinions, the same passions, and the same interests. Liberty according to Madison fans factions and works like an air to a fire, â€Å"an aliment without which it instantly expires† and â€Å"as long as the reason of man continues to be fallible, and he is at liberty to exercise it, different opinions will be formed† (Madison 1). Liberty despite its destructive agency, as it nourishes faction, â€Å"it could not be less folly to abolish liberty, [because it] is essential to political life (Madison 1). In his commentary in Federalist Paper No. 10, he wrote that as long as man is at liberty, different opinions will be formed. The unequal distribution of property which are those who have and have-nots are the most common and durable source of factions. This divided them into classes and actuated by different sentiments and views whom the regulation of these various and interfering interests is the principle task of modern legislation. 2. Why do factions present a problem to the institutions of a free and democratic form of government? In Madison’s view, faction presents a problem when a â€Å"group of individuals created a faction with a common interest that was adverse to individual rights, the rights of minorities and against the common good† (Riley). A faction that is given a chance to rule will invariably push for their own narrow and selfish interests than can be inimical to justice and public good. As a result, public institutions will become an instrument of private greed where factions can hasten their own narrow self interest. Worst, public institutions which should have been a dispenser of justice and an agent of public good will become an instrument for oppression and ceases to be free and democratic as it does not represent the true will o f the people but only the narrow interest of the few. 3. Why does Madison consider factions both the underlying basis of, and the fundamental problem in, politics? Faction is spawned by man’s fallible reasoning and fanned by liberty which was later formed as a shared interest of a number of citizens in a given society. This can be a fundamental problem in politics due to the nature of man to hold interest that is particularly inherent in his circumstances. Sidhu gave an example that â€Å"the merchant will naturally support low taxes on imports or exports and the religious man will resist restrictions on freedoms of expression† (8). In short, faction has a tendency to make man self-serving and will become a fundamental problem in politics if it becomes a supervisory agent of the people. In addition, faction divides people into contentious groups who are also endeavoring to pursue the same passions and opinions whose process only represents a marginal group of people wh ose interests can be inimical to public good. Putting factions in leadership can be likened to investing private greed to be a supervisory agent of the state and the people which could present a problem in politics. 4. Is it possible to resolve this problem, and if so, in what manner? Madison’

Comets, Astroids and other junk in space Research Paper

Comets, Astroids and other junk in space - Research Paper Example omens of disaster, comets, asteroids and other junks floating in space are now more understood in theories and concepts provided in more advanced scientific discourses and research. In this regard, this essay is written to proffer relevant information on comets, asteroids and other floating objects in space. At the same token, some personal thoughts and reactions on the subject would be inferred in the conclusion. Random House Dictionary defines a comet as â€Å"a celestial body moving about the sun, usually in a highly eccentric orbit, consisting of a central mass surrounded by an envelope of dust and gas that may form a tail that streams away from the sun.† (n.p.) On the other hand, asteroids are defined as â€Å"any of the thousands of small bodies of from 480 miles (775 km) to less than one mile (1.6 km) in diameter that revolve about the sun in orbits lying mostly between those of Mars and Jupiter.† (Random House, 2009) These are also called minor planets. The distinguishing characteristics of comets from asteroids are its location and their composition. Comets come from the coldest part of the solar system which enables them to preserve their icy composition and dust particles. As comets near the vicinity of the sun, they release dust and the gas which evaporates form a gushing trail as it moves. According to Sea and Sky Organization, â€Å"many astronomers refer to them as "dirty snowballs" or "icy mudballs" because that is exactly what they look like. The ice that forms a comet can consist of both water ice and frozen gases.† (par. 3) Asteroids, on the other hand, are found between the planets of Mars and Jupiter and their composition show no ices nor dusts around them. Their sizes range from a few feet to several miles in diameter. There are several theories as to the emergence of asteroids in the location, known famously as the asteroid belt. The Sea and Sky Organization averred the following theories, to wit: â€Å"many astronomers believe that billions

Do Companies Have a Responsibility Not to Destroy the Environment or Should Profits Be Allowed at Any Environmental Cost Essay Example for Free

Do Companies Have a Responsibility Not to Destroy the Environment or Should Profits Be Allowed at Any Environmental Cost Essay We can see a change in every organizational activities, as in marketing, for example Mc Donald change their previous red logo, in green one, A new one, for a new eco-system protecting plan. In this research we are going to see many element, which will prove that companies have a responsibility to take care about the environment. In this research, a melting pot of arguments will be show, to understand if businesses and factories have to pollute instead of adapting their way to work in function of environment and sustainable development. Real fact will help to understand the point of view. Firm’s activities have big environmental impact, its take a major part of naturals resources and reject in the environment. Oil and chemicals industries are not the only companies, which polluted. Every single firm consumes raw material as water, energy and others. It’s also rejected some substances more or less harmful in the environment. More over the intensive consumption of raw material have big impact on the extinction many species, or animal can become endangered. Deforestation in some country appears because companies want to produce more and more, always more. If firms continue to take resources as now, there will be an exhaustion of raw material as oil and gas. Climate change is partly caused by every reject by firms, in terms of polluting gas, chemical stuff and pollution in the see. As â€Å"good planet† said in their article, a cellulose factory has been closed by the government because they notice that to much pollution as been providing by this factory. In fact, around this factory the Baikal lac was very pollute. The vice Prime Minister Arkadi Dvokovitch announces that the factory will be close as soon as possible: â€Å"We decided to close the plant cellulose Baikalsk†. As the government said, a care project is taking part in this area of Russia. The fact that firms do not respect the environment can be dangerous in different way. In this case, 1700 peoples became unemployed, because it shutting. Population becomes less and less happy because of the different ways of pollution of the country. That is why everyone losing something: government loses reputation, to let factories pollute in the country. Firms have to be shutdown because its disrespect the environment. The reputation is very important for a company; it is one of the most important things to maximize profit. People’s way to speak about a company makes it stronger, if its have a good reputation. More often companies can have a bad rap; When it is important to see what are peoples problems and what are the environmental problems, company are less fascinate. Furthermore, it is usually the bigger business, which pollute the most. It is possible to make profit, and make a maximizing profit not in spit of polluting. But head directors prefer giving money to government as fines, instead of polluting less and earn less money. Refers to the case of Pfizer industry, which is one of the biggest pharmaceutical firms from France. As Bschool wrote in an article, Pfizer has the most important record of polluting action in all categories: â€Å"Pfizer has a bad record on numerous fronts†. This big company has been fined many times by authorities, for environmental violations, in terms of air contamination, because rejected lots of hazardous chemicals into the atmosphere. After many recommendations by government, Pfizer industry did not take care about it, and preferred continued to earned money and maximizing profit. This unconscious act proves that head manager who where at the top of the firm did not think about environmental and social problem, and did not feel concerned by security. According again to Bschool, In 2009, the company became more open minded and aware of what she did, and try to reconsolidated the public opinion with an offer to charity: â€Å"In 2009, Pfizer gave more than $60 million to charity, amounting to an astounding 24,2% of its total net profits for the year. † Thanks to regulation and authority to act in this different case, because we all know that is not the only to act in this way with people and environment. Nowadays, people become more and more involved about the protection of the environment. People, company and government try to find together some alternative to stay on the road in term of ecology. At the begging of the XIX century, the industrial revolution and the economy are based on the absolute search of gain. It is difficult to get back and primary think to the development instead of maximizing profit. Therefore company and government had to make some agreement for sustainable development. For example, according to Jonathan Maxwell, SDCL’s CEO: â€Å"Reducing demand for energy is potentially the most cost- effective and rational way of reducing emissions and improving the security of energy supply. The UK regulator, Ofgem, recently predicted in its first annual Electricity Capacity Assessment that the amount of spare capacity in the system could fall from 14% to 4% in the next 3 years, raising the specter of outages and price rises. This ground-breaking agreement between SDCL, Kingspan and Johnson Controls represents a major step forward towards a scalable and replicable solution, funded through energy savings achieved†. This kind of action is present nationally and internationally. Government want to reduce a lot Co2e emissions in the world; that is why big action concentrate many countries all around the world. States have to sign a convention, and adopt comportment after that. The majority of restriction are involved by the OMC (World Trade Organization). Refers to the professor Michael Porter, teacher in Harvard Business School, the â€Å"Porter hypothesis† (citation). Supporting his thesis from 1991, the main idea of environmental regulation is to institute programs firms reducing some externalities. Mr. Porter said also if companies are doing it by themselves it is considerably normal that business’s profits, by definition necessarily decrease. So the profit of factory can decrease if companies are adopting new rules for sustainable development. In different case, it is better making profit than take care about the environment and sustainable development. The first of a company is to make profit, and more precisely a maximization of profit. A lot of Head business managers prefer pollute and make profit, rather than adopts rules for ecology, and change the global way of the firm. A survey on the green economy post show that around 34% of executives polled preferred to stay on a good move with their company and prefer see the whole economy of the business on prosperity: â€Å"According to this Survey, 34% of executives polled said that their firm’s immediate financial goals were of more importance than practicing sustainability  Ã‚ ». There are lots of problems in changing methods to produce for a company, the management of the polluting rubbish, change machine that will be less dangerous for the environment. So that is why manager do not care about nature and public opinion. Even if there are many inconvenient, it is possible to see company which was able to accept this change in term of environment protection. As we see in the introduction, Mc Donald changes many things in the company. For example the logo, to be in coherence with sustainable development, the logo was red and now its green, the environment color. After that, it is not only a picture of a good company, which wants to have a good behavior with environment; there are some benefits that Mc Donald can catch benefits. Referring to Bob Langert, who is VP, Corporate social responsibility at Mc Donald’s corporation: Energy is really our No. issue, he said. When you look at the dollars we spend, and the impact we have on the environment, and the progress we can make to do better, and use our size and influence to make a difference, its energy. Bob Langert tell us this information in an interview, in a US TV channel called alternative channel To conclude, we saw different aspect from makin g profit instead of taking care about the environment. Along this research it is prove that it is better to contribute to sustainable development and be aware of consequences of pollution. Even if it is hard to renounce to earn lots of money and make a maximize profit for business. Help nature and it will reward you. Bibliography * McDonald’s Golden Rules for Energy Efficiency and Sustainability | Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Causes: The Alternative Channel Blog. McDonald’s Golden Rules for Energy Efficiency and Sustainability | Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Causes: The Alternative Channel Blog. Web. * The 10 Most Socially Irresponsible Big Brands | BSchool. com Business Schools Directory. BSchoolcom Business Schools Directory The 10 Most Socially Irresponsible Big Brands Comments. Web. * Une Usine De Cellulose Qui Pollue Le Lac Baikal Va Fermer. Une Usine De Cellulose Qui Pollue Le Lac Baikal Va Fermer. Web. * Corporations and the Environment. Global Issues. N. p. , n. d. Web. * Sustainable Development Capital LLP. Sustainable Development Capital LLP. Print 2012 * Robert A. G. Monks and Nell Minow, Power and Accountability, 1991 an on-line book, originally written 1991 * Richard Robbins, Global Problems and the Culture of Capitalism (Allyn and Bacon, 1999), pp. 233-236 * Resources for the Future RFF. org. Resources for the Future RFF. org. N. p. , n. d. Web

Processes of Policy Making

Processes of Policy Making Cherry Amor B. Dawal Policy making process: In running a healthcare organization it is very important to have a well comprehensive written policies, by way of making a policy it has to undergo stages and these stages formulated is very important in its own way to contribute for the success and profitable organization. Stages: Problem identification and agenda setting-It is the first step in policy making process.Problem identification is the first hand information to formulate a certain policy to be make. These certain issues should be in link to the long term goal or plan of the organization which address to policy creation. Formulation of a policy must be in accordance to the problem presented. This will help to identify a rule that can be suited to one particular situation or problem.Since the organization from the start has already a policy that already exist in this situation and problem arises and identified, that existing policy must to undergo for analysis whether there is a need to re visit and even revision of the policy. A thorough research,consultation,and collection of appropriate solicited idea is very much needed to come up with a good policy that would suit for its purpose.Ideas,opinion should be critically analyzed and must be fit for what is needed and would be able to solve the identifi ed problem,.Selection and suitability of the policy is very important inorder to serve its purpose for the task, minor problem should be with minor policy and major problems identified should be fit with major policies,so there will be no overlapping of ideas and what is more important is, both ways be therefore help to what is the cause and goal of the organization. Policy formation- This stage follow after the problem has already been identified.Main problem should be specifically address.Organization of the policy process  must take place. Every detailed situation must be given importance so it would help to make and sum up with pieces of ideas in the policy making.Formulation of accurate thoughts is very important to come up with a good product of the policy. Ideas must expressed well and a detailed situation analysis is necessary. Formulation must be tied up with organize process,policy structure must be identified so to come up with objectives and its component. Parties that need involvement in the process must be also identified,and all the ways and means of the resources and how it can be achieved. Ability to create thoughts and ideas and the availability are the primary criteria of the parties invloved,there should be no conflicting interest. Strategies must be in of great consideration for the achievement of goals.Open for suggestive ideas that may contribute for the bettermen of the said formulation of the policy.Draft text of the policy should then be visible and it must be in accordance to the set objectives.It can be done in only small group of people who are earlier involved in the process. These draft document should be out then and have circulation in the different agencies of the government particularly the ministry of health, this circulation must be open for comments.after wide consultation is done,both of the public and the private sectors,there should be revision based on the comments presented, then it will be finalized.Formulation stage is a critical stage for consolidation od ideas is very important these ideas should be analyzed well, and it is in the cooperation of both the public and private sectors involvement to come up with an acceptable policy. Adoption- is a universal acceptance of an idea,rules,and policies.It is in a state of acceptance both in the private and public sector.It has to undergo a certain process before it can be acknowlege by the society. Adoption in the sense that it is for the good of all and not on those selected group of people in the society, before an adoption may take place endorsement from government agencies and several private sectors is needed by then it can be known and introduce to the public. The endorsement should be facilitated in a formal way.In every country has its own way of policy adoption ,some may undergo for cabinet or parliament endorsement,the others remain on the administrative body that would serve to handle its implementation for the laws and regulations. Responsible for endorsement may depend on the nature of the policy whether it should cover national policy or just in one sector of the society.This stage of policy making is somewhat complicated as compare to the other stages since it involves approval and acceptance not just in one group of people but in consideration of almost all involve in the circulation and can be affected of the certain policy. This stage is being influenced by any factors that contribute since in the first phase of the agenda. In policy adoption media also play its role both in bias and unbiased circumstances, enhancement for the favorable reports and commentary, and undermine results for unfavorable comments and commentary. For national concern policy the President of the state has the sole authority and ability for the initiation, the congress and the parliament can also initiate but not with the same level of authority as what the president of the state has,local policies can be initiated by the governor and the mayor. Policy Implementation- it is the stage when the policy is being put into practice or applied. Implementation is the key to understand the complexity of the policy making process and its result. Implementation of policy must covered public administration aims and objectives. The process must affect for the social conditions and for the bettermen for all. In this generation policy implementation is not an easy task implementing agency on this stage of process has great influence, sometimes the concern is on their self interest and also to identify the effect of the policy and make any way for its improvement. For healthcare policy implementation it is the responsible government agency to implement,the task lies on them specifically it is the Ministry of Health one particular example is the Health insurance for senior citizen in the republic of the Philippines. There is a newly signed law or policy,approved by the president and it is a national agenda concern since it caters for filipin o citizen age 60 years old and above that is is not necessary for them to be a member of the Philippine health insurance system in order to avail benefits, but by just having their senior citizen card appropriate healthcare services will be given to them without cost and delay. Implementation is been effecrtive already as of this moment. There should be a master plan in ilme of polici implementation since this plan may serve as a guide for the aim and the set goals and objectives being set for the specific policy.Without implementation we cannot identify whether the policy is effective,need revision and no possible existence of idea without implementation.Agency responsible for the implementation should be responsible for monitoring as to whether the goals is being achieved or not. It should have to cover any existing means and way inorder to bring the policy for the respective recepients. Policy monitoring and Evaluation- this is the last stage of the policy making process.Monitoring is a process being done while the policy is being implemented. This is being done inorder to improve the policy design and to identify if revision of the policy is needed,also to determine if the policy is effective or not. Evaluation take place for the purpose of knowing the effect and the outcome of the policy after it has been implemented. Main concern also llies on the selection for the appropriate design policy in the future. It may give significance and assess the impact and extent of the policy whether it has served its purpose or not,is it the benefit of the policy is being distributed well. This process of policy making requires experts to do the task. The following should be in consideration during monitoring and evaluation process. A continous feedback is necessary and must be provided to know if the goals of the policy is being achieved. At an early stage of the process potent ial problems should be identify to provide any possible solutions. Efficiency of the policy should be monitor,to know whether improvement of the policy is needed or not. Evaluation has to consider either using one of its type. For program evaluation a formative evaluation should be use, which address for the purpose of improvement of the policy and aid in implementation. A summative evaluation is design for the purpose in identifying if the policy achieved its goals and purpose. Best policy monitoring and evaluation mostly uses a comprehensive approach which uses both of the techniques. Policy making process is not an easy taks for healthcare organizations.Equipped knowledge and dedication is a primary requirements in order to fulfill the task well and be able to serve its purpose.

The Benefits Of Bim Challenges Information Technology Essay

The Benefits Of Bim Challenges Information Technology Essay On January 21, 2008 the stock markets around the world tumbled. No one has felt the effects of the recession more than here in the United States. Many have compared these events to as the worst economical events since the great drepression. Thousands of companies have had to close doors because of the lapse in the economy. Construction type companies are some of those companies that have struggled emensly during the recession. Construction companies have had to do many things they would normally not do just to keep the doors open. Many cconstruction companies have had to look at inovaitive stratagies just to stay ahead of the competition. Companies such as J.F. Ahern Co., have began to use one strategy that that has cost them both time and money. Innovative stratigies are risky, they dont always work. However in this case the J.F.Ahern Co. has use this stategy to not only improve the product side of there product, but has also used this strategy to help inprove the experience for the customer. J.F.Ahern Co. has introduce the use of building information modeling as a strategy to keep them ahead of the rest. Body The use of BIM (building information modeling) has started to become very popular in the construction industry. It is being utilized by all parties involved in current building projects including architects, engineers, contractors, and even owners. BIM started out as a design tool as preliminary ideas but is now implemented into all the project phases from initial design to final completion. The questions about BIM in todays industry is, are contractors utilizing BIM to its full potential and is it worth the cost of implementing BIM? Its seems that larger contractors will be able to make the transition to BIM more easily than smaller subcontractors or specialty contractors. J.F. Ahern Co. is a mechanical and fire protection contractor that has been using BIM since 2003. What caused J.F. Ahern Co. to start using and continue using BIM during these challenging and tough economic times? They were using BIM before contractors were taking fewer profit margins on projects and prior to the building industry slowing down. J.F. Ahern Co. described the implementation of BIM in their company by saying we will continue to use it because it is the way the industry is going. Embrace it or be passed up by the competition. (Eichers) This shows that the industry is evolving into one that will be dependent on BIM in the near future. As a company if your competitors are utilizing BIM it will cause you to adapt in the same way. This means that small and large contractors will be caused to shift to using BIM practices sooner or later. The case study is to determine how contractors are affected by BIM and the cost to benefit. J.F. Ahern Co. has decided to be a leader in the industry regarding BIM so they can use it as a marketing tool to acquire more work. This would be worth the cost of implementing BIM because they are obtaining more work as a result of its use. They have continued to invest time and money to become knowledgeable and trained in order to better utilize BIM. J.F. Ahern Co. explained that many architectural and engineering firms are using 3-D modeling software like Autodesk Revit to model buildings and systems or equipment. The challenge is using the Revit models and converting them into usable models for design fabrication without having to completely redraw everything. Some contractors are hiring design technicians to work with 3-D model s and make them functional. This requires extra labor and is a cost of BIM that some contractors are willing to pay while others are not. J.F. Ahern Co. has not needed to hire staff for this position but they are keeping up with training due to changing technology and software. Another cost of using BIM technology for a contractor is the equipment needed to run the software. In their case they had to invest in computers capable running multiple 3-D programs at one time, RAM space, video cards and more. In their company not everyone needs to be BIM technology savvy. Only the CAD mangers of each disciplin e are the people directly working on BIM and the 3-D models. It seems the future of BIM is already here in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. In the summer or 2009 Wisconsin became the first state to require architect and engineers to use BIM on large public buildings explained by Jeff Brown in the article Wisconsin Bets on BIM. The Wisconsin Division of State Facilities (DSF) is the authorities who issued the requirements and guidelines on public projects. BIM will be required in all phases of design and up to date models will be provided throughout the construction process. The owner will receive a finished model at project completion. This shows that contractors of all disciplines and size will need to adapt to the changing industry. Companies like J.F. Ahern Co. are already ahead of the curve and seeing the benefits of using BIM. When asked about their company being ahead or behind the curve in the use of BIM they said Just ahead but everyone is catching up. At least everyone that wants to be a player in the industr y. (Eichers) They see that BIM is a vital part in the industry and will soon be a must. Large Contractors like Barton Malow Co. has been one of the leaders in the industry coordinating subs to work with BIM. They have seen some disciplines in the industry adapt to using BIM but others are behind. Alex Ivanikiw of Barton Malow Co. says The steel fabricators are clearly out in front of all other trades. The mechanical and electrical specialty contractors are getting on board, particularly the HVAC and their shop drawing guys. The ones behind the curve are the architectural trades. The concrete, curtain-wall and interiors people are well behind in adopting and implementing BIM stated in the article Subcontractors Take Their Time Adoption Follows Uneven Paths by Tom Sawyer. BIM has been utilized in the most costly part of construction projects. 3-D modeling software can be expensive and using the software can be difficult and timely. J.F. Ahern Co. uses several softwares including Autocad, Bentley Autoplant (industrial piping), Cad Mech (HVAC piping and plumbing), Cad Duct (HVAC Ductwork), Revit, and Navisworks. They use these 3-D modeling tools every day in many aspects. Each project is unique and requires different practices in utilizing BIM. They represent HCAV systems for design, coordination, and fabrication. BIM is a commonly used term in the industry and may refer to different things as contractors will use it for various benefits. J.F. Ahern Co. uses Building Information Modeling as a process of embedding information in the model that will be useful at a later date such as shop drawings, manufacturer data, service manuals and more. Contractors have only begun to use BIM as a project tool. When used effectively contractors can visualize and track other project data such as submittals. With better collaboration and co mmunication among party members in the project change orders and requests for information may be reduced. Another reason why contractors will need to transition into using BIM is the utilization in all construction phases. J. F. Ahern Co. uses BIM in design, pre-construction, coordination, fabrication, and installation. As a mechanical and fire protection contractor J.F Ahern Co. uses BIM for fabrication purposes. Prefabrication is the process of assembling systems and equipment in the shop and transporting them to the site for installation. BIM can be a great tool for prefabricated components in construction. There are many advantages of prefabrication including quality control, less construction waste, reduced labor in the field, and construction time is reduced. All these advantages can drive project costs down and lower the contract price. J.F Ahern Co. does a lot of prefabrication on the plumbing side that issued directly from the fabrication shop from the 3-D coordinated drawings. They do some prefabricated work on the duct side when it is possible to logistically get prefabricated items into the building. Their goal is to greatly increase the amount of prefabrication in the future. Using BIM and 3-D modeling enables J.F. Ahern Co. to make the installation of their systems and equipment go more smoothly. This is one of the aspects where BIM offers a great advantage over contractors who dont have the same technology. BIM offers various advantages throughout a construction project form initial design to final completion. The use of BIM allows J.F Ahern Co. to identify problems much earlier in the project and hopefully get the issues worked out before anything goes to fabrication and causes costs impacts due to changes that have to be made. The use of BIM also allows them to identify areas where architectural changes may have to be made to accommodate the mechanical systems. The earlier these changes can be made the less of a cost impact they have for the owner. J.F Ahern utilizes BIM as a quality control issue to make sure there are no mistakes that drive up costs in the end. This will increase the cost to benefit ratio because it will help keep clients and obtain work in the future. This requires coordination between multiple members on a project to ensure the entire project as a whole is problem free. Dave Morris is director of virtual construction for EMCOR Construction Services and on the Asso ciated General Contractors BIM forum subcommittee. In an article by Tom Sawyer Subcontractors Take Their Time Adoption Follows Uneven Paths, Morris explains that risk and liability to all parties can be eliminated by brining all trades early in the project phases to ensure constructability. Problems exist when underperforming subcontractors dont implement BIM when all other parties on the project do. This is when special coordination and collision problems arise causing delays and inefficiencies in projects. Morris explains that these types of problems have led to a recommendation by the AGCs BIM subcommittee to add protocol to contracts in an appendix or instruction to bidders that anything a subcontractor decides not to model cannot be installed until all modeled components have been. This is a sign that BIM will be mandatory on future projects. Companies like J.F. Ahern Co. are already ahead of the curve using BIM technology and will only benefit more as the industry changes. The y already have the infrastructure in their company and will keep seeing the benefits in the future. BIM can be used as a project management tool among other purposes. The question is how effective is it in a project being completed more smoothly with better coordination and communication among project participants. BIM is intended for everyones use from the general contractor to the smaller subcontractors. With better collaboration on a project there would be a lower number of requests for information and change orders. J.F. Ahern Co. hasnt seen a reduction in change orders or request for information but issues are identified much earlier in the project and reducing cost impacts. They feel in the future when BIM becomes more common in the industry they will see a reduction in change orders and requests for information when implemented as its intended use initial concept and design stages. BIM also offers much improved communication between the owner and project participants. Communication between subcontractors and general contractors is more efficient on BIM utilized projects. J.F Ahern Co. thinks it helps communicate a lot of the information in a much clearer venue. The information was always available but there was never a good way to convey it unless you were dealing with someone that understands the industry and construction. BIM is a great visual representation and easy to understand. It is a great tool to present to owners because they can understand how the construction process will work very easily. This is a great benefit of BIM and makes it worth the costs and time used to implement it. J.F Ahern Co.is maximizing its use for profit. The real question behind BIM is the cost to benefit ratio. J.F Ahern Co. wasnt able to quantify this in a number but the perception is that it does save money. Their process of design and installation gets done sooner, smoother with fewer problems so one would think that cost savings have occurred. They have seen savings in field labor on previous projects with the upfront work done correctly. Other subcontractors and specialty contractors do report savings in regards to BIM. Form the source of Ghafari/Barton Malow subcontractors report BIM savings in these categories: fabrication cost (3%), overall schedule (21%), shop drawing time (14%), installation cost (12%), material cost (11%), field supervision (10%). These are all substantial costs on a project and the argument would be that investing in BIM is worth its costs. Return on Investment Between Project Participants Return on BIM Investment Architects Engineers Contractors Owners Over 100% 5% 4% 10% 11% 50-100% 7% 2% 8% 2% 25-50% 14% 6% 11% 7% 10-25% 19% 11% 27% 34% Less than 10% 13% 22% 17% 16% Break Even 23% 22% 16% 25% Negative 19% 32% 13% 5% Source: ENR: Engineering News Record The above table shows the perceived return on overall BIM investment. The numbers in the table represent the percentage of respondents from the various disciplines of the construction industry. The information in the table was taken from the article Market Study Finds Engineers Get Lowered Return From BIM by Nadine Post. This information shows that contractors and owners benefit the most by using BIM. This is evident with J.F. Ahern Co. that they do save money and generate profits because of BIM. Larger contractors are able to invest more in BIM while medium size and smaller contractors have to make a financial decision based off of the return on investment. According to the market report, The Business Value of BIM issued by ENR showed that nearly 50% of the contractors who responded say BIM utilization increased profits. On another positive note about BIM is that 63% of participants say they see a positive return on BIM investment. Contractors of all disciplines and sizes should inv est in BIM and there are numbers to back it up. Even in the tough economic times contractors are finding ways to gain an advantage over competition. BIM and 3-D modeling is a great way to acquire future work and stay profitable. Its worth the cost to use BIM because even owners see a return on investment. Conclusion Even though the economy and the times have been tough, companies like J.F. Ahern Co. have used innovative strategies to help grow their business. They have seen quantitative benefits to their efforts of introducing strategies such as BIM. The widespread use of programs such as BIM can be seen throughout the construction industry and the results seem to vary. However, companies that are using BIM and using it well seem to be a cut above the rest. Its not easy for companies to begin new and expensive strategies during hard time, but J.F. Ahern Co. have seemed to have made the most of the opportunity. In the end, innovate strategies very well might be the piece of the puzzle that keeps midsized construction companies alive. The economy and construction industry might not see the immediate end to their struggles, however companies that are willing to adapt to new innovate strategies continually place themselves in positions to succeed.