Beijing Capital International Airport Development Project Construction Essay

Beijing Capital International Airport Development Project Construction Essay 1. This guideline has been prepared as an evaluation and condensation of a full environment impact assessment (EIA) of the proposed Project Beijing Low Cost International Airport (PLCA), which will be prepared for the Government by the consulting group of the Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Putra Malaysia, following China Government guidelines by The Ministry of Environmental Protection of the Peoples Republic of China, formally known as Chinas State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) and the methodologies described in Environmental Assessment Requirements and Environmental Review Procedures of the Asian Development Bank (1993) and Environmental Guidelines for Selected Infrastructure Projects (1990). The objective of the EIA is to ensure that environment aspects are addressed and potential problems are foreseen at the appropriate stage of project design. Hence, at the preliminary level, a coordinator is selected for the EIA to collect detail background in formation. The EIA report would be based on (i) the Project feasibility study prepared by Airways Engineering Consultants under Bank technical assistant (TA), (ii) discussions with principal authors of the above documents, (iii) field visits to the Project site and local government capital, and, (iv) discussions with local government and pertinent National Government officials with environmental responsibilities. 2. The methods used to carry out the EIA for impact identification included: (i) review of available literature, (ii) meetings with National and local government officials, (iii) site visits to the PLCA and surrounding areas, (iv) discussions with inhabitants near the site via door to door survey, (v) ambient noise and air quality and surface water quality sampling and testing in the field and in the laboratory, and (vi) application of professional knowledge and experience. 3. Besides, the EIA would require a baseline study on data and impact evaluation, assessment, documentation, decision making and post audits that incorporates the results and conclusions in the report of the EIA. II. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT 4. The rapid economic growth in China has led to the increase numbers of demand for air transport service consumer, in both passengers and cargo. Being located at the capital of the Peoples Republic of China, the flourish of tourism sector, business and cargo service had caused the current capacity of Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) registered 65.3 million passengers and achieved 1,420,997 tonnes of cargo traffic in year 2009, which ranked the 3rd and 14th busiest in international respectively. It has reached an efficiency score since year 2006 till now (Andrew Yuen Zhang, 2009). However, the PEK which has three terminals can only handle 78 million passengers per year. At the same time, since the projection for passenger capacity in 2012 would reach more than 90 million, it would be over congested in just round the corner. The current alternative or nearest international airport available is Tianjin BinHai International Airport, however it is located too far, 160km from Beijing. While the nearby Beijing Nanyuan Airport (NAY) located north to Daxing is owned by military and serves as a middle cost domestic airport that capable of handling only 1.2 million passengers per year, hence it is viable to look for a new destination to build an international airport that in future might accommodate the airlines currently using NAY. Strategic locality might be one of the factors that passengers are generally still prefer to land at PEK due to time and cost convenient. Besides, the design of PEK cannot accommodate airbus A380. Hence, it is urgent to look for a new suitable location to build a new airport that is schedule for completion in year 2015 to cater the future demand. 5. Previously, there was suggestion that the major difference between the current and new Beijing airport to segregate into either serving the local or international market so that there would be no overlap. However, it had received many objections due to its unfairness nature. It is proposed here that due to the rising of the low cost proposition in international market, the proposed Project is to design and construct a Beijing Low Cost International Airport. This can divert the passengers from the PEK that PLCA can be an aviation hub based low cost service that encourage more tourists and tap in the budgeted travel market. This is not the latest concept for low cost terminal building in China as the first has operated in Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, which was limited only for domestic flights from May 2008 to October 2009. A survey conducted by Civil Aviation Net of China showed that 92% of respondents opt for low cost flights, if is needed to pay the air ticket by the ir own. Following the global market trend, due to increasingly cost-conscious travelers, a huge new low cost airport that can cater 70-80 million passengers is proposed to be reasonable. The Beijing concept would be a successful one since it is not like the Zhengzhou model which failed due to restricted for domestic. In order to meet the forecasted traffic, the size for new airport would be 3,800 hectares (ha) of land. 6. The suggested locations for the new airport include Lixian Town in Daxing District (39Â ° 33 8 North, 116Â ° 26 42 East), a downtown rural area covers an area of 1,012 square kilometers with a population of 671,444, as in year 2000 statistics. It is about 40 kilometers (km) south of the Beijing and can be connected to Beijing via Jingkai Express Highway. Another suggested location for the PLCA is at Guan District which is 60 km away from the current airport. 7. The first phase of development of the PLCA, the Project, will meet air traffic forecast demand for the year 2016, would involve the size of 1, 800 ha. This involves large turboprop aircraft with sufficient range to cover both the local and international demand. Development covers the soil improvement and earthworks necessary of construct a landing strip 2,300 meters (m) in length, with an initial runway length of 3,500 m. The project will also complete with enough passenger and cargo terminals, car park and access roads; control tower; crash; fire, and rescue building; ancillary buildings; housing for airport staff; wastewater treatment plant and a potable water system; electric power; fuel farm; perimeter fencing; and supporting airfield lighting and navigation aids. All of the security verification system, luggage system and other essential facilities are well equipped. The new runway would be fitted for Boeing 737, Airbus A320 and Airbus A380. There would be various choices of restaurants, stores and duty free shops. It is not a luxurious one, but with just a simple interior decoration. All these would reduce in the airport landing fee and airport construction fee (ACF). As the proposed airport would be a low cost and incorporate the trendy green airport concept, boarding ramps is not provided. The following phase would claim another 1,700 ha land, and total runway 7000 km. A 100 ha of unoccupied land is reserved as part of the Project to provide added protection in the approach areas from future possible encroachment by non-airport development. Every passenger is allowed to carry 15 kg luggage, five kg less than under normal regulations. III. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT A. Physical Resources and Natural Environment 8. The PLCA is proposed to be located at an area of plain land, which is typical of the Lixian Town at Daxing District (Wu, et. al, 2010). The soil is heavy metal and hence not suitable for vegetable growing, but can be used for construction (Hu, et. al, 2006). Currently, the residence in the area depends on agriculture or food service that support Beijings demand. Due to the changing characteristics of the soil, a transition of economic activity is predicted. A detail studies should be carried out at the Project site for determining the suitability of the land and the possibility of earthquake and other natural disaster. 9. The climate of the area follows the four seasons, as similar to Beijing. The average temperature ranges from a high of 17.9 to a low of 7.2 Celsius. The wind velocity needs to be obtained from the China Meteorological Administration. 10. The baseline monitoring should be carried out. Both on the site itself and the nearby highway Jingkai Expressway. The air quality, level of hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide have to be determined and compared with the national benchmarks. 11. The Longhe River and Xintiantang river are required to be carried out environment assessment as both of the rivers support the agriculture activities at the area. 12. Baseline monitoring of the surface water quality ought to be conducted at the two rivers. Sampling and testing are needed to understand the pollution level by human waste in surrounding areas. 13. Since the site of the airport is nearby to residents are and some of them are still relying the usage well, so the groundwater have be tested on the requirement of water treatment. 14. Since there are twelve forests and Yongding River as the mother river supporting many subrivals in nearby town within Daxing district, so the level of possibility of endanger to the flora and fauna need to be assessed. It is understood that the fishing activities have decreased due to the less raining in past few years. C. Human and Economic Development 15. The PLCA is in an area of low population density. 16. Most of the residents of the area are farmers and small businessman who sell vegetable that supports the demands from Beijing city. However, the income level is quite low compared to the city. 17. The predominant land use around the PLCA is agriculture. D. Quality of Life Values 18. Near to the site in other town but not at Lixian Town itself, only forests and some Mosques which are served as heritage conservative sites. There is healthcare service, power line, electricity, telephone, water treatment service for the area. IV. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 19. This section assesses the potential impact of the proposed development of the PLCA on the surrounding environment and presents mitigation measures. It would cover the potential effects associated with location, design, construction and operation. A. Environmental Impacts Due to Location 1. Disruption of Surface and Groundwater 20. The environment impacts of the location need to be carried out. 2. Relocation 21. Resettlement is required for some affected villages or called as cun but the impact is needed a further studies. 3. Land Values 22. There would be an increase in land values for residential areas, nearby to the highway, airport. The local government hence has to do a proper planning to avoid bubble economics for the housing sectors. 23. The impact of the ecology from airport need to be taken into consideration. B. Environmental Impacts Due to Project Design 1. Nearby River Erosion, Flooding 24. The construction of the airport could create a large impervious surface in an area that is now covered by grassland and some brush and trees. If the drainage is poor designed, it would affect the nearby rivers. 2. Disposal of Human Waste 25. There is potential pollution of surface water and groundwater due to the possible introduction of turbidity and coliform bacteria from human waste will be mitigated by the design of a wastewater treatment plant. 3. Petroleum Water Disposal 26. Some spilling of fuel is likely to occur during the aircraft refueling on the aircraft parking aprons, and it is necessary to trap and filter out these wastes before they enter the main drainage system of the aprons, which will empty into the nearby small river. To reduce such impact, the drainage system of the aprons will be designed so that water runoff during rains will be channeled into subsurface drains that will contain a trap system, accessible through access holes, to filter out and collect wastewater treatment plant after being treated to break down the hydrocarbons. C. Environment Impacts During PLCA Construction 27. With the good design and construction standards and procedures are adopted according to Green Airport, it is expected to have minimum impacts. A contractual guarantee which include the environment impact associated with construction is a most appropriate way to ensuring such implementation to be adhered. 1. Sediment Runoff 28. The construction program might have impact towards the nearby river and altering its natural flow. This would affect the number of fish population in the river. Hence, implementation of erosion and sedimentation control is required to minimized the impact. The area should also replant threes alongside to ensure the green environment to be accomplished. 2. Dust and Noise/Vibration Pollution 29. The dust pollution would be under control due to latest technology. The noise and vibration pollution is minimized via strict rules and regulations so that it wont affect the living hood of population nearby. No construction work is allowed before 7am and after 7pm on weekdays, weekends and public holiday. Penalty of RMB5000 would be imposed once there is an enforcement operation or any complaints regarding the constructor violate the rules and regulations. 3. Worker Safety and Health 30. Worker safety and health will be ensured via protection through contractual undertakings to implement safe site practices. 4. Slum Creation 31. Since there is job creation and recruitment of workforce from the residence nearby and no sourcing of workers from other areas are needed, hence there is little needs for building temporary on-site house and this reduce the risk of slum creation. 5. Traffic Congestion, Blocking, or Disruption of Utilities 32. The current level of traffic on the main highway near the site is not congested. There are new highways opening soon. Hence, there is little traffic problem arises. D. Impacts During PLCA Operation 33. The impacts during operation phase should be analyzed and forecasted. 1. Noise/Vibration Disturbance 34. The accepted level of noise/vibration disturbance is about 65 decibels or 65 Ldn (day-night noise level) to the nearest residential area, since there would be some distance from the airport, hence the impact can be minimized. The distance between the airport and nearest housing area, hence, is needed to be estimated. Besides, controlling of noise/vibration disturbance can be done via the arrangement of the air traffic control by having schedule in the daytime and less air traffic in the night time. However, a completed noise analysis has to be carried out based on the forecasted future flight traffic volume. Noise monitoring terminals would be build to ensure the minimal impact of noise pollution. 2. Water Pollution/Escape of Sanitary Wastes 35. The construction of wastewater treatment plant and sewage distribution lines must be part of the Project. The water, especially at the terminal area needs to be treated with the latest green technology. Potable water for airport operations need to be provided from a drilled well, or wells with treatment to meet World Health Organization standards. 3. Air Pollution 36. The EIA should ensure minimum impact of air pollution even the operation of PLCA starts. 4. Congestion at Airport Access and Exit 37. The congestion level is ought to be estimated, regardless of current low level of usage and new highways are opening soon. 5. Hazards to Traffic from Operation Aircraft 38. The residential areas or buildings nearby are low and little risk arises for the height over aircraft passing. How, the accurate level is needed to be assessed to reduce any potential risk. 6. Human and Economic Development 39. The impact on possible changes from rural-to-urban would lead to migration towards areas nearby PLCA is needed to be assessed. Although it would bring job creation and have minor socio-economic changes from agriculture or small business towards service based, a details assessment would be required to ensure the culture is balanced and not change drastically. 40. The local government would play a very major role in permitting licenses for buildings and business. The potential positive impact would most probably be the increasing public facilities which is currently lacking. 7. Quality of Life Values 41. The current lacking of public facilities and facilities would be improved via the proposed project. The income level would be increased while the potential changes would be the population migration from other area in searching for employment opportunity. 8. Environmental Overview 42. The project will not involve scare or irreplaceable resource in line with the green airport concept. Raw materials such as sand and gravel should be employed for its construction and future expansion. No loss of biodiversity should be achieved. V. ALTERNATIVES 43. The other alternative which is considered feasible is Guan as one of the nominated site. It is a downtown further down than Lixian Town. VI. COST BENEFIT ANALYSES A. Internal Rate of Return 44. The economic internal rate of return for the Project should be estimated. B. Economic Benefits 45. The potential main economic benefit would be income generated from visitors expenditures, time saving for passengers, and the value of foregone passenger and cargo traffic. Cost saving due to low landing cost and additional employment and increased in property value are not included in this analysis. C. Project Costs 46. Project costs include (i) civil works, (ii) other construction, (iii) equipment and its installation, (iv) consulting engineering design and supervision, and (v) cost for abatement for pollution. D. Monitoring and Reporting Cost 47. Monitoring will be required to carried out during construction and operation of the Project. It would be a contractual base. E. Nonqualified Environment Impacts 48. Any negative impacts in environment would be internalized into the cost of Project. Hence, cost-benefit and cost effectiveness of such pollution is not based on separated budget. VII. INSTITUSIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM A. Institutional Capacity 49. Since there are many experiences on airport building by China Aviation Society, hence with the assistant from consultant on EIA, which adhere to rules and regulations as mentioned earlier, no special training is required. However, the government needs to support on the low cost airline in order to be successful implemented. B. Monitoring Program 50. The impacts of the proposed PLCA Project is needed to carried out whether it is significant in order to decide on the relevant type of monitoring program. 51. Sedimentation and control of erosion and water runoff, water quality, worker safety and health, and traffic interference would be the utmost monitoring items during construction period. All other monitoring programs are yet to be indentified after a thorough study. 52. Monitoring program for operation phase are also required for the preparation of control over kinds of potential serious pollution. C. Documentations 53. Clear documentations are required. Appropriate recommendation should be included in the working document with the alternative environmental and economic impacts adhered. VIII. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT 54. Public involvement is important in this 21st century that the demand and supply is matched without major objection from the public. Local residents can be consulted via public hearing on the Project plan or random door-to-door survey can be carried out with sets of questionnaire on their view of potential impacts in term of the environment, social and economic towards the communities. 55. The public involvement between public and developer is needed for the negotiation on the required acquisition and compensation. IX. DECISION-MAKING 56. The EIA would be important to facilitate the decision making process for the decision makers, however it does not serve as an absolute path. If it is rejected, further studies is required on alternatives. IXI. POST AUDITS 47. Post audits are required to determine how closely to reality the EIA predictions. It is important to avoid any form of bureaucratic constrains. General statements in the body of legislation would be good as supplementary guidelines would be required from time to time.

Free College Admissions Essays: An Issue of International Concern :: College Admissions Essays

College Admissions: Discuss an issue of international concern and its importance to you It was easy to empathize with Andy Dufresne and the other prisoners in The Shawshank Redemption as they suffered in their prison cells; I suffered while watching the movie. It was not because I disliked the film far from it. But while the prisoners in the movie were serving their sentences in Shawshank Prison, I served my own three-hour sentence for drinking five cups of fruit punch before entering the theatre. When the credits finally began to scroll, I strode quickly to the men's room, opened the door and found, to my dismay, that all seven urinals were already occupied. Well, not exactly. There were only four people using the urinals a person at every other one. Although there was a considerable line of guys eagerly awaiting the opportunity to relieve themselves, the three odd urinals remained unused. I did not dare to use one of the unoccupied urinals. Instead, I waited my turn along with the two dozen other men ahead of me. I reached the urinal a scant few seconds before losing control. Why is it that the middle urinals in men's restrooms remain tacitly forbidden? Whether a set of urinals is in an executive washroom or in the train station's public washroom, no man dares to use a urinal located next to a urinal in use. There seems to be no rational explanation for this, and it bothers me that this issue is given so little attention. Some men claim they "just want a bit of privacy." An understandable reason, to be sure, but it lacks substantiation. In the men's restroom of a particular gym close to my home, there are 3 urinals. As one might expect, the middle urinal remains unused. If privacy is the reason for this, why do the men at the gym shower together? There are no barriers whatsoever in the neither showers, nor are the urinals separated from the shower room. On busy days, all showerheads are used, and these same men who shower together refuse to relieve themselves while standing next to one another. So much for the "privacy" excuse. The issue is even more confounding when one learns that this is an international phenomenon. The every-other-one rule is not limited to developed countries where public restrooms are common; my father grew up in a tiny village in India and told me that Indian men relieve themselves at every other tree, even though there is plenty of distance between adjacent trees.

Lincolns Gettysburg Address (memo Guide) :: essays research papers

When the White Men Came I miss my home. I always thought I would be surrounded in its beauty forever, until they came to our land. Everyday it becomes more difficult to remember back to the days when it was ours. They took our lives away, and we were helpless. But there was nothing that we could have done. They were white men we were afraid. It began as the leaves started to change from cool green to warm red and gold. My sister had married only the night before and we were all very happy. Because of the change in weather and the addition to our family we had thought something wonderful would be granted unto us. We were wrong. I first felt that something was going on early the morning after my sister''s wedding. There had been talk of an enormous canoe seen in the water off the land away. The excitement seemed to be in full swing that morning. I sat with my father''s mother working on my weaving. She was talking about her own wedding and because she had told that story many times last night, it was easy for me to be distracted by the commotion outside. There were shouts and yells, but all to distant for me to make out what was being said. After a few minutes of listening, two men stopped and stood just a few feet away from my window. Thought out of eyesight, I could sense their uneasiness. The two talked of the great canoe. They were nearing. As they morning went on, I was assigned various tasks. One of my duties brought me not too far from the water''s edge. My mother knew of the excitement of what was approaching us, and warned me to stay away from the water. She knew that the bravest men in our tribe had gone down to investigate the situation and/or defend our village. As a 13-year-old girl, I knew of no such plan. But, of course, curiosity got the best of me and I hurried down to see what was going on. I hid behind a large tree and peeked out at the men. They stood watching the people lower smaller canoes into the water and get into them, still away from the shore. I observed from my hiding place, but soon fell asleep, still tired from the festivities the night before. I was awaken by a deafening bang.

Warfare in Polygamy Essay -- Marriage Spouse

Warfare in Polygamy Introduction Marriage is a universal trait of human kinship and social organization. It probably developed very early in the course of human social history. In human society, several cultures have used marriage to carry out some widespread functions. Some people are married because of love or romance. Yet, others are married for economic security, economic contribution, heritage, or political reason. However, in spite of these general features, different cultures have developed different pattern of regulations and customs that determine prohibitions and preferences for marriage partners. These regulations and customs are also helped to shape expectations between spouses and in-laws Monogamy is the major form of marriage and is closely associated with most societies of Europe and Asia, while polygyny is found in traditional societies such as Africa. According to "The History of Human Marriage," monogamy, always the predominant form of marriage, has been more prevalent at the lowest stages of civilization than at somewhat higher stages; whilst, at a still higher stage, polygyny has again, to a great extent, yielded to monogamy" (Westermarck, 505). Yet, some polygyny can be found in more advanced societies such as Eurasia. Other regions that are associated with polygyny include Circum-Mediterranean, Insular Pacific, North America, and South America. However, the percentage of occurrence is very different in each society. Because polygyny in different society serves a different purpose, the causation for participation in collective fighting in polygyny of different society will be different. For instance, in Africa, plural marriage is far more general. According "the Factors of Polygamy in African... ...ly support that the causation for women to participate in collective fighting will differentiate across societies and countries. Reference DorJahn, V. "The Factors of Polygamy in African Demography." Continuity and Change in African Cultures.In Herskovits, M., and Bascom, W. (eds.), Chicago: 1959, p. 125-158. Goody, Jack. "Polygyny, Economy and the Role of Women." The Character Of Kinship.Cambridge University Press, London: 1973, p.175-189. Spencer, Paul. "Polygyny as a Measure of Social Differentiation in Africa." ASA Essay in Social Anthropology.Institute For the Study of Human Issues Publisher, Philadelphia: v.3, 1980, p.117-160. Westermarck, E. the History of Human Marriage.London, 1893. White, Douglas R. "Rethinking Polygyny" Current Anthropology.The Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research, The U.S., V 29, No 4, 1988, p. 529-571.

Enhancing quality in assessment Essay

Quality assurance refers to refers to any systematic process aimed at ensuring that services and products being developed meet the specified requirements and standards (Sale, 1990). Thorough testing by the quality assurance on products and services is important so as to give developers a chance to fix glitches before new technology prior to the products or services being unleashed to the consumers (Hernon & Altman, 1998). Appropriate quality assurance can also support firms in attaining a competitive edge in the trading ecosystem which is extremely complex. It can also help in improving customer acquisition and retention rates through helping in distributing cutting edge services to consumers more dependably and faster. Assessment refers to any process which appraises skills, understanding, knowledge and knowledge of an individual. The vital elements of assessment which requires being quality assured include the assessors, the assessment process, the assessment system, collecting the evidence and making the judgment (Oakland, 1989). Assessment principles propose that assessments should be reliable, fair, flexible and valid. Assessors carrying out the assessment should make sure that assessment decisions engage the evaluation of adequate evidence which will enable a judgment to be made regarding competence of an individual. Assessors judge the individuals against benchmarks or competency standards which are developed by the industry with an aim of assessing whether such individuals are competent. Individual needs of the customers should also be assessed in order to find out whether the products and services provided to them satisfy those needs. This assessment will help in understanding and improving those individual needs (Oakland, 1989). When individual needs are met this will increase the customer’s satisfaction, customer loyalty and also the company will be having a competitive edge over its competitors (Fox, 1993). In order for a company to be successful it should be able to meet the customer expectations. Customer expectations should be made public in organization where appropriate criteria should be introduced and also high standards should be set with an aim of meeting the individual needs of the customers. Also during the assessment there should be a systematical way of analyzing, gathering and interpreting evidence in order to find out how well the performance of the company matches the standards and expectations of the consumers (Harlen, 1994). The information gathered will be used in explaining, documenting and enhancing performance. This will help in creating an organization culture which focuses more on satisfying the individual needs of the consumers which will eventually increases the performance of the company (Garcia, 2009). Assessment is frequently subdivided into two categories namely formative assessment and summative assessment. Formative assessment possess a developmental purpose which is aimed at helping individuals in a company to work more effectively through giving them feedback in connection with their performance and also ways of maintaining or enhancing their performance. This will help the company in ensuring that the customers’ needs and expectations are achieved. On the other hand, summative assessment is used to show the extent of the individual’s success in attaining the assessment criteria used in appraising the intended performance outcomes of the company. Different customers have different needs and requirements and therefore companies should assess those needs in order to satisfy all their individual needs (Gitlow, 2005). Quality assurance process prevents hitches from occurring, detect and correct hitches that do happen, and promote higher standards of care. Assessment activity should be within a quality management system concerned with constant improvement. Two main factors which drives the demand for ensuring the quality of assessment include philosophy of quality management and the desire to follow the set requirements. Assuring assessment quality will leads to many benefits to the organization. Improving the consistency and quality of assessment will assist the assessors to have more confidence on their judgments, individuals to deem that they have been treated in a just way, and community, employers and other groups to value assessment judgment issued. A great concern on quality in assessment easily forms part of the overall approach of the organization and management of quality processes (Quality management and quality assurance standards, 1994). Quality assurance is very concerned on a systematic approach to enhancement that is aimed at responding and recognizing to the expectation and needs of all the groups of stakeholders in organizations. Stakeholders expect quality assessment and training carried out in an environment which is systematic that also assures its services and processes. Quality assurance processes the support staff which supports them in providing effective and efficient service that is focused appropriately on the needs of customers and clients. Quality assurance involves constant improvement (Vitale & Vengroski, 1993). The cyclical approach of ‘plan, do, assess, and act’ encourages the need to execute processes, assess their efficiency and act to continue with further improvement (Fox, 1993). Organizational needs should also be assessed where all departments should be assessed and also the employees. Employees should also be allowed to have self-assessment and peer reviewed assessments so as to determine their performance and help in knowing areas to improve in order to enhance their performance (Gitlow, 2005). All the groups and stakeholders which contributes to the performance of the company should be assessed and analyze them in order to come up with effective ways of enhancing the performance of the company. This will also help in increasing customer’s satisfaction since all their needs will be assessed and therefore working towards fulfilling those needs. Assessing individual, groups and organizations needs therefore it very significant towards improving the performance of the company. References Ciccone, K. R., & Lord, J. T. (1992). IQA-2: continuous performance improvement through integrated quality assessment. Chicago: American Hospital Pub.. Fox, M. J. (1993). Quality assurance management. London: Chapman & Hall. Garcia, D. (2009). Quality management. Chandni Chowk, Delhi [India: Global Media. Gitlow, H. S. (2005). Quality management (3rd ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Harlen, W. (1994). Enhancing quality in assessment. London: P. Chapman Pub.. Hernon, P., & Altman, E. (1998). Assessing service quality: satisfying the expectations of library customers. Chicago: American Library Association. Oakland, J. S. (1989). Total quality management. Oxford: Heinemann Professional Pub. ;. Quality management and quality assurance standards. (1994). Sydney: Standards Australia ;. Sale, D. N. (1990). Quality assurance. London: Macmillan. Vitale, B. A., & Vengroski, S. M. (1993). Quality assessment and improvement in long-term care: a continuous process. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis. Source document

Case: Grupo Bimbo Essay

Grupo Bimbo continuous expansion with an ambition to become one of the five-largest bakers in the world, while the company’s performance in existing foreign markets should be improved so fore made profitable and keep company away from financial hazard due to acquiring losses and lack of substantial profit from foreign markets. Almost 70% of Grupo Bimbo’s sales came from Mexico, where the company had built a 90% market share in the packaged bread segment, the business was very profitable and the company operated in growing market. However, the investments in U.S. and Latin America, where markets were highly competitive, have not been profitable. According Grupo Bimbo’s global strategy – to become one of the five-largest bakers in the world – it had launched a series of strategic initiatives to make foreign operations successful. In March/April, it had purchased the Beijing Panrico Food Processing Center that had already established operations in China. Sub-problems†¢Grupo Bimbo should adapt its distribution networks to each country’s differences (union’s pressure in U.S., inexperienced independent operators in Brazil, modifying China’s distribution structure to rely on bicycles). Because of nature of the products (fresh bread), Grupo Bimbo must service stores directly, on a daily basis. This places tremendous demands on the distribution network to guarantee uninterrupted, fresh product deliveries. The wide geographical spread of the business created by Bimbo’s rapid international expansion called for complicated logistical planning to keep the business functioning efficiently. †¢Very different markets in Mexico, the United States, Latin America and China required distinct ways of operating activities and price setting standards. While 80% of Mexico sales still were through ‘mom and pop’ stores, allowing to control where, when, how and for what price products were sold, 80% of the sales in U.S. and 70% in Latin America transpire through large supermarkets. The power of supermarkets as a main chain of the product distribution in domestic Mexica`s, as well as Brazil and Argentina markets increases their bargaining power was very high. The company should find the  best practices how to customize the relationships with these large chains in newly established market in China. †¢Differences in cultures and in markets among multinational Bimbo divisions. One of them is a cultural difference in human resource management in South America- â€Å"even basic phrases such as -I’ll do it right way- in Spanish needed to be adjusted based on individual countries†. Even in Latin America countries in addition to the language differences there are differences in their consumption of manufactured-produced bread- â€Å"Artisanal bread is king, with neighborhood bakeries making baguettes and French bread†. In U.S. very important difference in bread consumption is based on popularity the fad and low- carbohydrates diets. Grupo Bimbo should adapt its product assortment to these differences through new products launches, favorable and efficient sales mix and strong volumes. â€Å"In Mexico, our company has been very successful, and success typically leads to rigidity and makes it difficult to see changes in the environment. We should reflect on our current situation while keeping everything open for change.†Three Dimensions of Distance:Three Dimensions of Distance according Bimbo’s operations in Chinese market:†¢Cultural Distance – The Chinese language is a very important issue what should be taken into account. The different local needs and tastes of Chinese’s customers. Grupo Bimbo should develop products for local tastes. Bimbo has very successful product position- tortillas, which is not chosen by Chinese experts for Chinese markets. Grupo Bimbo saw promise in the Chinese market for ongoing expansion of its packaged breads, buns, croissants, and sweet rolls, using store promotion and university and school road shows. The way of doing business – focus on achieving trust with people, including how you can be trusted by them. However, the two years studies of China in the pre-acquisition research phase was done by hired team of Chinese immigrants living in Mexico, but not local Chinese residents. It could result in the wrong understanding off Chinese market. †¢Geographic Distance – China is geographically far from Mexico, what could influence such business sides: control and strategic business development.  Different infrastructure approaches, for example employees in China were riding bicycles to transport the products and manage the shelf space, for example, in the America products were transported by trucks. Speaking about the size of the market – The Grupo Bimbo overestimated the size of the market, as says in the case, the large proximate market the company could serve. The size doesn’t’ guarantee the prognoses sales. †¢Economic Distance – diverse work organization approaches. Human resources side, the 775 employees acquired with the purchase of Beijing Panrico, their different work style. Bimbo successes in improving the manufacturing productivity – they made the operational upgrades in standards. Economic Distances: Chinese Bimbo Company served a regional area of 40 million people, its 186 routes were linked by a combination of trucks and bicycles and all that is maintained by only 775 employees. It was able to access over 4000 points of sale, what was too small figure for the served population number. Grupo Bimbo should expand the distribution network and improve efficiencies. Previously the Chinese plant’s company had left the local employees â€Å"largely on their own†. Grupo Bimbo should improve productivity of the plant by operational changes. If Grupo Bimbo would like to become a leader in Chinese market, the priority should be Cultural Distances. As the company acquired the plant in order to make the production process locally and already established changes in production process to make it more efficient- that’s mean The Grupo Bimbo goes for Multi-domestic strategy (low costs, high localization). As we see from the Exhibit 7, the Panrico Group, bought by Grupo Bimbo, market share was only 0,1%. But in the same time the artisanal bread has 53,8% of market share. Such a high figure shows us that Chinese do not like the industrial- manufacturing bread. It is similar to people preference in South America. To realize this strategy successfully, it has to set the priority for dealing with cultural differences due to it is most important as it served the bases for choosing the right products based on the Chinese consumer demands and  tastes, as well as language barriers according local employees and suppliers. REFERENCES: harward business school. by jordan siegel march 23 2007

The State Board of Nursing Agency Overview

I chose to review the State Board of Nursing for the state of Ohio at, www. nursingohio. gov. The mission of the Ohio Board of Nursing is to actively safeguard the health of the public through effective regulation of nursing care ( www. nursing. oho. gov; June 2013) The agency offers nurses the ability to renew licenses and certifications online, enroll into refresher courses, sign up for state conferences and review laws and rules of the State Board. The agency holds its standards and requirements to its nurses to the up most. While researching information I found that any actions that our field against board members are located on the site as well as any disciplinary actions that may take place. In January of 2013 I located 256 disciplinary actions from indefinite suspensions, to permanently revoked license, to hearing actions. Then 44 monitoring actions from urine drug requirements, lift of narcotic restrictions, and approved to accept employment actions. The agency supports the patients that each member comes in contact with. The State Board requires each member to practice nursing safeguards. Making sure that every nurse is familiar with laws and rules that affect his/or her practice. As well as providing trainings, assessments to keep every member up to date to prevent penalties. The State Board also provides a listing for education purposes for associate degree programs that are offered in many different cities in Ohio from Akron, Ohio to Cincinnati, Ohio. Each school is to meet the Boards requirements and allows a student to see if a college is conditional approved, fully approved or provisional approved by the state board. The site also assists with FAQ for continuing education and scholarship and loan opportunities for nurses in the state of Ohio. The Ohio State Board, is not only is available for nurses to review but also allows t the public to know there rights, as well as file complaints if need be. I think the fact that Board makes it know that they hold each of their members accountable to provided quality care shows that they are committed to make sure nurses maintain its high standards.