Commercial Realities in Project Management Coursework

Commercial Realities in Project Management - Coursework Example .....................................................................................6 Swot analysis ...........................................................................................................................9 Conclusion ..............................................................................................................................12 Recommendation .....................................................................................................................13 Introduction Project management is a discipline that involves management of resources in a project to achieve the set goals and objectives. Project managers’ plan, organizes, and controls all the activities of the project to realise the set goals. The project must be appraised by use of various methods to determine its viability. Somalia is a country that does not a centre of training its cadets. There is a lot of expenditure in training the cadets outside the country. Somalia and xyz defence team wants to initiate F-15, Tornado and Typhoon Aircrafts Maintenance Training Facility and complete training program. There is demand for the facility from Somalia and other foreign nations. This project will involve large sums of money, and many logistics must be put in place. There will be many interested parties involved, and therefore there will be many issues arising. These activities includes; purchase, supply, finance and contract management issues. Somalia requires an in-depth analysis of the project to assess it viability. In the process of establishing F-15, Tornado and Typhoon Aircrafts Maintenance Training Facility and complete training program, there will be many contacts between Somalia and other firms. The procurement firms must ensure that the goods procured are of the right quality. Supply of low quality goods will amount to breach of contract. If the construction is done with the low quality materials, it is the procurement firm to take the losses. Manage ment is a doctrine that is useful in the successful running of the business organization. Through management, the various business owners are able to delegate some authority to their subordinates. This is necessary enough to ensure the effective running of the business or project. A project entails many different activities that are all correlated in ensuring the success of the overall business endeavour. Duties, challenges, obligations are assigned to the employees of any organizational setting. Delegation is an essential part in the management. Project management is a part of management that concentrates on the effective management of a project until its completion. Through technological usage of resources that are not costly and cheap in the end one is able to make skilful use of the available resources to put into practice the application of the project. Proper monitoring of all the transactions that transpire during the project will ensure its overall success. Evaluation tools are in existence in the establishment of viability of any business portfolio. The use of Net Present Value, IRR, and other mathematical tools enable one to establish mathematically the viability of any business endeavour. In most government projects, the government is entitled to inspect all the materials. Many potential disputes are likely to arise since it is an enormous investment. These must be handled with clear laws governing the contracts. The project will be evaluated by use of various methods to ascertain its viability. Since it is a capital-intensive project,

Creating Sustainable Workplace Essay Example for Free

Creating Sustainable Workplace Essay Thinking more broadly about sustainability (see above), reflect on your personal life. How sustainable is your life style? What can you do to make it more sustainable? Write your responses to these questions. Based on the aforementioned definitions and descriptions of sustainability, it is important to put emphasis personal sustainability for it is the aspect that lacks attention. As for my own assessment of my personal sustainability, my life is quite on the right track. I practiced habits that promote health and wellness. However, I admit that I have some lapses in my behavior that I need to improve. I tend to push myself in doing things without thinking the consequences in my health. I spend some time working and studying until the morning which I know is very unhealthy. I also like fast food and eating out for it is convenient for me, which I know have negative impacts on my health and on the environment that eating organic. I need to change some of my attitudes and behavior in order to attain personal sustainability. I need to set limits and improve my time management skills to effectively manage my life. Assignment #3: Observe practices of sustainability at your internship location. Interview 2 people and ask them what the organization does to promote sustainability. What practices do you see and hear that support sustainability? Think broadly here; providing livable wages is as much a sustainable practice as recycling! Discuss what you saw and heard in your interviews that tell you how well the organization is supporting sustainability practices. What thoughts do you have for what the can do to enhance its practices? The company I am working as an intern promotes sustainable practices and inculcates them to their employees as part of their corporate social responsibility. The company provides appropriate and proper wages on their employees as well as medical benefits. Also, the work hours are convenient to promote personal sustainability. As part of their corporate social responsibility, they practice waste segregation to help the environment. They also try as much as possible to minimize their wastes or garbage in the office. For example, the used papers are used as scratch papers to take notes. This is done to help reduce pollutants and to promote environmental sustainability.

Development of the Administrative Structure

Development of the Administrative Structure 1 PHASE 1 (1789- 1883) THE FORMATIVE ERA 1.1 Introduction Although Public Administration as a separate academic field was only developed in the early 20th century it is important to study the early history of the field as it gives important insights into the complex governance structure that is currently in existence within the nation. The[b1] first phase began with the setting up of the new government under a new constitution by George Washington in 1789, takes a significant change in approach post the election of President Andrew Jackson which gave rise to the spoils system and finally ends with the implementation of the Pendleton Act which marked an end to the spoils system. The major factors that influenced the creation of an administrative structure during this time period and the reasons why they was modified afterwards will be presented in this section. 1.2 Major Factors The major factors that influenced the evolution of public administration during the first phase presented chronologically are as follows: 1.2.1 Government under the U.S Constitution The United State Constitution was drafted in 1787 and the new government had its first session in 1789 under President George Washington. While the period during the drafting of the constitution involved the sorting and testing of the American heritage of political ideas and experience, the period between 1789 to 1800 was one of selective synthesis of political concepts, and the establishment of a federal system of administration during the presidency of Washington and Adams (Caldwell,1976). The role of public administration during the early formative years was seen primarily as to facilitate in institutionalizing freedom. The government during this phase was largely concerned with coming up with a working system that could factor in the complex relations that existed between the states the centre and provide unique identity to the government 1.2.2 Expansion of Federal Powers under Hamilton The first major changes in the administrative structure of the newly formed state came with the changes brought in by Alexander Hamilton as the secretary of the treasury. During this period, Hamilton introduced several bills through his reports that lead to the federal government assuming state debts, creation of a national bank and tariffs on select trade operations. In just 10 years Hamilton put in place an administrative infrastructure that set the young nation on course for becoming an opulent commercial power (Green, 2002). These advancements by the federal government gave significant power to itself over the states and thus increased its responsibilities as well. The role of the federal government changed significantly after this step, as it moved from the state of being a facilitator to that of a manager of public affairs. The role of Hamilton in deciding the path to be taken by America in becoming an International power was based on supporting a strong national government as a more effective protector of rights and as a greater stimulant to prosperity than the states which would otherwise remain as a force majeure. His contributions to public administration in America according to Green (2002) can be mainly classified among four major categories: politics, organization design, ethics and law. Politics: Hamilton believed that public administration must conform its operations with the political character and principles of its people/society. He was the first person to envision the complex relation that public administration would hold with politics and believed that all three branches (Executive, Legislative and the Judiciary) would be involved with neither monopolizing or being subordinate to the other Organizational Design: Hamilton wanted a strong government that possessed competency and power, particularly considering the failure of the Articles of Confederation. For that to take effect Hamilton envisioned a partial agency concept which allowed separation of powers and also fostered dependency. Ethics :Hamilton was also one of the first persons to identify the role, ethics is to play in public administration. He understood that public administration officials might be influenced significantly and hence wanted to enhance their ethical standards by using external and internal measures like public status, sufficient pay, belief that future generations will view their achievements etc. Legal : Hamilton being one of the founding fathers involved in the writing of the constitution had in depth knowledge of its powers and limitations. He used the necessary and proper clause to create and muster support for his financial and welfare schemes. 1.2.3 Rise of Jefferson and Republicans Thomas Jefferson was ideologically polar opposite of Hamilton and preferred a Laissez-faire approach by the government. Under Washington and Adams Hamilton was setting up the road map towards the creation of America which would posses an integrated balanced economy requiring the simulation of finance and manufacturing and implying a degree of centralized administrative control over the national economy. Jefferson despised this ideology as he had seen first hand the evils of centralization, bureaucracy and public indebtedness during his travels to France as minister to the court. Jefferson wished to keep the American Common Wealth a union as to foreign affairs but decentralized as to domestic affairs. Jefferson became the voice of the people who were against Hamilton and his aggressive federalist ideologics. Jefferson was successful in maneuvering this opposition to Hamilton to finally win the presidency which lead to a significant alternation in the direction America was progressing in for a very long time. Jefferson believed in a wise and frugal government which shall restrain men from harming each other and shall otherwise leave them free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement. The Ideological differences of Hamilton and Jefferson can also be attributed to what they felt constituted America. Hamilton look at America as a growing county that had a huge potential, if it embraced the federalist approach whereas Jefferson viewed America as the people it constituted and wanted to focus more their growth and prosperity. Although Jefferson is considered as one of the finest presidents of America , he is largely remembered for what he said than what he did during his presidency. The major contribution of Jefferson to growth of Public Administration are the set of principles he had developed. They represented to him the rules by which wise administrative action should be guided. They were : Harmony , Frugality Simplicity , Providing for Change, responsibility and decentralization. His role at the top of the executive body made him realize the need for educated and competent leaders in the highest offices. He was also one of the first person who attempted to divide the politics from the administration, although it was done only in the case of federalist appointees. The government of America and its executive body took a 180 degree turn from the Hamiltonian approach, under Jefferson and stayed so until the late 19th century. Another important aspect related to his presidency was his belief int he educat ion system. He believed that education was clearly the responsibility of the government. Jeffersons presidency highlighted the major dilemmas that presidents have to encounter for centuries afterwards. He did not prefer taxation of the general public but had to execute it, he wished for greater local control but at the same time was vary of growing state and local powers. 1.2.4 Populist Approaches and the Rise of Spoils System President Andrew Jackson was the seventh president of the United States of America. His rise to power signaled the rise of the populist democracy and more importantly the spoils system. Under this system the federal government jobs were given to its supporters of the ruling party as a reward for working for it as opposed to a merit system. Jackson’s rise to power signaled numerous ever lasting changes in America. The change in the voting electorate from white men who possessed property to all the white men brought everlasting changes to the democratic structure of America. This eventually lead to the populist movements which meant policies that had more public support were implemented most of the times. The growth of the voter electorate made the process of winning the election process all the more difficult, the parties started to implement the spoils system as an incentive for its party members to work it. The spoils systems had one of the biggest negative impacts on the pro gress of America as it lead to the drain of qualified personnel from administrative positions. The new emphasis on loyalty rather than competence had a long term negative effect on the efficiency and effectiveness of the federal government 1.2.5 Role of the Judiciary The expansion of the powers at the federal level and the varying political stands of the states lead to conflicting situations within the government particularly at the executive and legislative levels. The supreme court passed several land mark judgments in the formative years in cases like the Marbury Vs Madison , Fletcher Vs Peck and Gibbons Vs Ogden using its judicial review powers. These judgments particularly demarcated the boundaries between the executive and the judicial branches and also clearly specified the limitations of the legislatures and the executive branches. The rise of the supreme court and its use of the judicial review powers along with the necessary and proper clause of the congress, helped in acting as checks on the powers imbibed with public administration to the legislature and the executive. The dominance of the judiciary by the federalists, particularly after the might night appointees further polarized the differences in ideologies of the Hamiltonians an d the Jeffersonians and established the important role of the judiciary in public administration. 1.2.6 Changing mood of the Nation America as envisioned by its founding fathers consisted of people who had historically a rights oriented and individualistic culture. This unique point of view of things of Americans was and is, even now one of the major factors influencing its policies and administration. Even the constitution as written by the founding fathers, attempts to be a limiter on the power of the government rather than limit the powers of its citizens. In its early formative years voting rights belonged largely to the aristocrats who were fairly educated. The government until 1829 embraced the Hamiltonian approach and promoted expansion and promotion of the private sector to boost the economy. This decision particularly was comfortable from the elite stand point of view as it helped boost their businesses. But as the awareness and educative levels of the citizens increased gradually, the relative interest of politics within the citizens increased and lead to a situation where in a majority of the voters we re not aristocrats. This change in voting rights and political awareness was influential in creation of populist electorates that eventually lead to the creation of the spoils system. The role of Religion in early America as a social binder was also very crucial in steering the ideological stand of the Americans. 1.3 Role of Presidents The constitution of The United States of America grants its president the power over the executive branch. The unique division of power between the executive, the legislative and the judiciary is what makes the American democracy and administrative structure unique. The necessary and proper clause of the constitution grants the president and his executive office unique privileges and has lead to everlasting impact on the administrative structure of the country. Hamilton himself under president Washington made ample use of the ambiguity in the constitution to propagate a strong centralized federal structure. All the presidents in the formative era except John Quincy Adams were founding fathers and in being so had intent and purpose towards the growth of the nation. Under President Washington, Hamilton envisioned and created a strong federal executive body. He continued the same even under President John Adams and lead to the federal governments increasing hold over the states. Under i ts first two presidents, the American government witnessed a massive boost to the federal and state level executive structures. The American presidents office saw numerous changes under the subsequent presidents of the formative era , but were largely not influential on the administrative structure of the state. The mid night appointees under President Adams lead to politicizing of the judicial and the executive wings also and further increased the powers of the presidency. This period particularly saw the rise of corruption and bargains systems within the administrative structures.

Bay of Pigs Invasion :: essays research papers

Bay of Pigs Invasion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Cube on April 17, 1961, the United States was supposed to be apart of a missile attack. Many people were killed during this time and the whole thing became a complete failure. A week before the actual bombing was to occur, Kennedy had withdrawn his order to land aerial cover (Morrissey). This loss of nerve at a critical moment in time had caused the failure at the Bay of Pigs (Fernandez-Zayes). Kennedy’s decision to cancel air strikes was the result of the loss at the Bay of Pigs.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1959, Fidel Castro had become the powerful leader of Cuba. Castro was a communist and became hostile to the Unite States two years after he became Cuba’s leader (Encarta). People associated with Castro had taken ownership over United States companies and Eisenhower was forced to put in place a trade embargo. Cubans during this time had gone to the United States to escape the communist leadership that Castro was imposing on people. When Eisenhower had told the CIA to train Cuban exiles, they were planning on an invasion when Kennedy became president (Encarta).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In April 1961, 1500 Cuban exiles made a landing at the Bay of Pigs (Encarta). The plan they had was to join with people who were against Castro to start a revolt. But things didn’t follow through because Kennedy didn’t send in the air support that was promised. Castro’s followers had killed most of the exiles and kept the others as prisoners. Castro wanted money for their release but Kennedy had refused to negotiate with him (Encarta). On December 25, 1962, 1113 prisoners were released in exchange for food and medical supplies that was worth a total of $53 million (J.A. Sierra). This never would have happened if Kennedy didn’t withdraw the aerial cover.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The other strategy that the United States had was to â€Å"go guerilla.† The troops there were not trained and not suitable for them. Things were against them because there was no place to hide, no way to communicate, no food, and no inhabitants to support them (Morrissey). The Zapata Peninsula was chosen by the CIA for the invasion and convinced them of the plan. The people thought it would be hard to get there because of the length of the mountains there. There were no motorized vehicles too get around. The area was swampy, isolated and uninhabited so there was no possibility of an uprising (Morrissey). Bay of Pigs Invasion :: essays research papers Bay of Pigs Invasion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Cube on April 17, 1961, the United States was supposed to be apart of a missile attack. Many people were killed during this time and the whole thing became a complete failure. A week before the actual bombing was to occur, Kennedy had withdrawn his order to land aerial cover (Morrissey). This loss of nerve at a critical moment in time had caused the failure at the Bay of Pigs (Fernandez-Zayes). Kennedy’s decision to cancel air strikes was the result of the loss at the Bay of Pigs.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1959, Fidel Castro had become the powerful leader of Cuba. Castro was a communist and became hostile to the Unite States two years after he became Cuba’s leader (Encarta). People associated with Castro had taken ownership over United States companies and Eisenhower was forced to put in place a trade embargo. Cubans during this time had gone to the United States to escape the communist leadership that Castro was imposing on people. When Eisenhower had told the CIA to train Cuban exiles, they were planning on an invasion when Kennedy became president (Encarta).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In April 1961, 1500 Cuban exiles made a landing at the Bay of Pigs (Encarta). The plan they had was to join with people who were against Castro to start a revolt. But things didn’t follow through because Kennedy didn’t send in the air support that was promised. Castro’s followers had killed most of the exiles and kept the others as prisoners. Castro wanted money for their release but Kennedy had refused to negotiate with him (Encarta). On December 25, 1962, 1113 prisoners were released in exchange for food and medical supplies that was worth a total of $53 million (J.A. Sierra). This never would have happened if Kennedy didn’t withdraw the aerial cover.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The other strategy that the United States had was to â€Å"go guerilla.† The troops there were not trained and not suitable for them. Things were against them because there was no place to hide, no way to communicate, no food, and no inhabitants to support them (Morrissey). The Zapata Peninsula was chosen by the CIA for the invasion and convinced them of the plan. The people thought it would be hard to get there because of the length of the mountains there. There were no motorized vehicles too get around. The area was swampy, isolated and uninhabited so there was no possibility of an uprising (Morrissey).

Boundaries of Freedom

The human rights of an individual play a very important role in his or her everyday life. The right to life, liberty, property, and freedom of speech are just some of the human rights that an individual is entitled to. He or she should have these inalienable rights for the very reason that he or she is a human being and he or she needs these in order to live a life with decency and dignity. Nevertheless, the freedom and rights that people have sometimes tends to conflict with the rights of others.This is due to the fact that individuals have different interests that sometimes overlap or create disagreement among people. As a result, the exercise of an individual’s freedom and human rights also has its limitations. The boundaries of freedom are observable in time of national crisis as well as in the government’s operation to give secure its citizens from harmful threats. In time of national crisis, the security of the citizens of a particular country is greatly challenge d.This is also the instance by which the government needs to exercise more than ever their authority to safeguard the rights and protect its citizens. Due to this, the boundaries in the freedom of people are most observable. In most countries especially in democratic ones, the government acquires its authority because the people entrusted them to uphold and protect their rights. In this sense, the government has the responsibility to lead and protect the people. The decisions and actions that they need to do in time of national crisis entails that it should be for the good of the greater number of people (Semonche, 2002).If the practice of an individual’s right will jeopardize the welfare of many people then the government have to do the necessary action to address this issue including preventing the individual to practice such right. Simply put, the limitation of an individual’s freedom is seen when he or she infringe upon the rights of another. During instances when the security of the people are threatened like in terrorist attacks, the government should do the possible means necessary in order to combat those violent perpetrators.However, the government should be mindful that they should not infringe upon the freedom and personal rights of the people. They should see to it that in times of operations or war, the innocent bystanders should not be involved. They have to make sure that there should be very minimal numbers of civilian casualties (Semonche, 2002). Moreover, the government should know their limitations. The government should always keep in mind that in every operation that they will make the greater good for the majority of the people should be implemented.Lastly, before entering into any armed combat they should be sure that it is a just war wherein the result is greater than damage it will inflict while in the state of war. Reference Semonche, J. (2002). Constitutional Rights in Times of National Crisis: An Historical Perspective . Retrieve February 24, 2009, from http://www. ibiblio. org/semche/history/civlib. html. http://www. ibiblio. org/semche/history/civlib. html http://www. un. org/News/Press/docs/2004/gashc3793. doc. htm http://www. campus-watch. org/article/id/891

Qantassaurus - Facts and Figures

Qantassaurus - Facts and Figures Name: Qantassaurus (Greek for Qantas lizard); pronounced KWAN-tah-SORE-us Habitat: Woodlands of Australia Historical Period: Early Cretaceous (115 million years ago) Size and Weight: About six feet long and 100 pounds Diet: Plants Distinguishing Characteristics: Small size; long legs; bipedal posture; round, blunt head with large eyes About Qantassaurus Like its close relative, the equally unpronounceable Leaellynasaura, Qantassaurus lived in Australia during a time (the early Cretaceous period) when that continent was much further south than it is today, meaning this dinosaur thrived in wintry conditions that would have killed most its kind. That explains the relatively slender size of Qantassaurusthere wouldnt have been enough vegetation in its harsh climate to supply a multi-ton herbivoreas well as its relatively large eyes, which it presumably needed to see clearly in the near-Antarctic dusk, and its longer-than-usual legs, with which it could outrun hungry predators. This ornithopod dinosaur was also distinguished by its unusually blunt face; Qantassaurus had slightly fewer teeth than its plant-eating cousins from further north. By the way, Qantassaurus, named after Australias Qantas Airlines, isnt the only prehistoric animal to pay homage to a multinational corporation; witness the ancient amphibian Fedexia, which was discovered near a Federal Express depot, as well as Atlascopcosaurus, which honors a manufacturer of mining equipment. (The husband-and-wife team that discovered Qantassaurus, Tim and Patricia Vickers-Rich, are known for bestowing unusual names on their dinosaurs; for example, Leaellynasaura was named after their daughter, and the bird mimic dinosaur Timimus after their son.)