Friday, September 6, 2019

Organizational Structure Essay Example for Free

Organizational Structure Essay In this paper, I will analyze the elements of a job analysis and discuss its significance to the hiring and employee development aspects of human resource management. I will describe the importance of a PAQ, proposing two ways the results can be used to redesign a customer service job for efficiency. I will develop two strategies that HR professionals can in the selection for a customer service position using a Fleishman Job Analysis System. I will examine the challenges for designing this job for efficiency and suggest two ways to redesign it. Finally, I will propose three ways a HR manager can use the information from a job analysis to measure the performance of customer service representatives. One of the most important aspects of human resources is recruiting. In order to recruit the best applicants, job recruiters have to be knowledgeable in all aspects of the position. The best source of information about a position comes from a job analysis. A job analysis is the process of getting detailed information about jobs. A job analysis helps recruiters to match job requirements with the best applicants. It is also essential in employee development, performance appraisals and compensation. A job analysis includes many steps but only three elements. Those elements are the sources of job information, the job specification and the job description. The first element of the job analysis is the source of information used. In doing the analysis, human resource professionals gather information about jobs through interviewing employees, observing performance of certain tasks, asking employees to fill out questionnaires and worksheets, and collecting information about a job from secondary sources. Other sources within the company include existing job descriptions and supervisors. Some of those  secondary sources include existing job analysis information from a competitor and O*NET. Next, the job specification includes the tasks that make up the job, the conditions under which the job is performed and what the job requires in terms of aptitude, knowledge, skills and abilities (Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart, Wright, 2014). This will provide a lot of data. It measures the amount of time the employee spends on major duties. It provides a description of the major duties in order of importance. It determines whether any licensures, certificates or security clearances are needed to perform the job, as well as the physical, environmental and mental demands of a position. This information is essential in creating a job description. The last element is the job description. â€Å"A job description is a list the tasks, duties, and responsibilities that a job entails (Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart, Wright, 2014).† A well-written job description can sell jobs to perspective employees and develop training programs as a job position evolves. Sometimes the needs of business changes and therefore some duties may change within a position. â€Å"For the employer, the job description is often used as a recruiting tool and by supervisors to outline position expectations. The job description may be used to indicate salary or reporting structure and as a reference during performance evaluations (Richards, 2014).† Once all the information has been assembled for a job analysis, it can be further analyzed by using a position analysis questionnaire (PAQ). â€Å"A PAQ is a standardized job analysis questionnaire containing 194 questions about work behaviors, work conditions, and job characteristics that apply to a wide variety of jobs (Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart, Wright, 2014).† The purpose of the questionnaire is to measure the job characteristics and its relation to the human characteristics. The PAQ can be used for a few different things. Common uses include developing a compensation model, selection criteria for a specific job and to study the nature of work (PAQ.com, 2014). A PAQ can be used to redesign a customer service job to be more efficient and improve quality. â€Å"Using the PAQ provides an organization with information that helps in comparing jobs, even when they are dissimilar (Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart, Wright, 2014).† In making those comparisons, analyzers might find ways to be more efficient. The collected data from this approach helps in developing or revising a job description. In the customer service business the needs of each customer can vary. Therefore, responsibilities of a customer service representative can vary to meet those needs. Those things might not be listed in the job description but will need to be added in order to keep the job description updated. Furthermore, information learned from the PAQ helps in evaluating the position for appropriate classification. A good source to use for worker requirements is the Fleishman Job Analysis system. The Fleishman Job Analysis system (F-JAS) is a job analysis technique that asks subject-matter experts to evaluate a job in terms of the abilities required to perform the job (Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart, Wright, 2014).† Because the results of a F-JAS, provides a picture of the ability requirements of a job, than recruiters know what abilities to scan for when reviewing resumes. Typing skills might be a skill that is important in a customer service position. The F-JAS can give us an idea of just how important typing is to a job so that we would be able to make reasonable accommodations for an applicant with disabilities. Human resource professionals can also use F-JAS to update job descriptions. As processes change the need for some abilities change as things may become automated, therefore job responsibilities change. â€Å"Kannisto adds, â€Å"With the compliance environment and legal implicati ons, the stakes are a lot higher for job descriptions to be crystal clear with essential responsibilities. If you have a measure of performance that doesn’t appear on the job description and you have a case brought against you, depending on the agency [involved], there could be punishment,† he explains (Tyler, 2013).† When considering the job of a customer service representative (CSR) who handles consumer inquiries for a company that sells items online and by catalog, a few challenges of designing this job for efficiency, come to  mind. The first challenge that comes to mind is monotony. Over time, employees will be bored of doing the same job over and over. Even more so if the job is divided into departments, such as sales, returns and customer service, employees will lose interest. A suggestion for redesigning the customer service representative position is job enlargement. Employees might find the job more engaging if all the calls came through on department. We could cross-train employees to be able to handle all the calls that come through the queue. Another suggestion is job rotation. Maybe every week, we could rotate the tasks. We could also make some customer services responses automated for customers. So if a customer wanted to check status on an order, we could generate a system automa ted response so that those calls don’t come into the call center. Another challenge for designing a customer service representative job is defining authority. Sometimes, customer service requires problem solving and quick decisions. Waiting to speak to a manager can be frustrating for the customer and it makes the employee look incompetent, because it increases hold time. The employee probably feels impotent having to get permission to make a decision, especially when they know what to do. A suggestion for redesigning the CSR’s position is job enrichment. CSR’s need a certain amount of authority when it comes to resolving customer service issues. This is a way to raise productivity levels and employee satisfaction from a sense of personal achievement in taking ownership of problems and meeting the challenge of increased responsibility. A human resource manager (HRM) can use the information obtained from job analysis to measure the performance of a customer service representative. Job analysis is a set of procedures or methods for determining what workers actually do on the job and for describing which aspects of worker knowledge, skill, ability, and other characteristics are needed for job performance. This process defines a productive employee and gives human resource managers a place to start for measuring performance. One way HRM can use this information is in making personnel decisions. This tool can help determine whether an employee should receive a promotion, transfer, pay increase or be fired. It can also be used for employee development. A performance  appraisal will determine the strengths and weaknesses of employees. This is key to helping our CSR’s grow, because we can create training programs to increase their skills levels. Taking the time to strengthen their weaknesses will make them perform better, which is great for the company. Finally, the performance appraisal can be used as documentation to protect a company from lawsuits, because it is used as the basis for personnel decisions. In conclusion, the job analysis is the foundation of most human resource functions. With its use, job descriptions are created and updated which standardizes recruiting. It is a perfect outline for measuring performance of new and existing employees. Job analysis provides training and employee growth opportunities. Personnel decisions are also validated by job analysis, because it creates a system of checks and balances for hiring, performance appraisals, promotion and demotion and/or firing. Works Cited Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart, Wright, (2014). Fundamentals of Human Resource Management. (5th ed., p. 103). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education. Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart, Wright, (2014). Fundamentals of Human Resource Management. (5th ed., p. 107). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education. Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart, Wright, (2014). Fundamentals of Human Resource Management. (5th ed., p. 108). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education. PAQ.com. (2014). The paq program. Retrieved from http://www.paq.com/?FuseAction=Main.PAQProgram Richards, F. (2014). Key parts to job descriptions. The Houston Chronicle. Retrieved from http://work.chron.com/key-parts-job-descriptions-12366.html Tyler, K. (2013, Jan. 01). Job worth doing: Update descriptions. Retrieved from http://www.shrm.org/publications/hrmagazine/editorialcontent/2013/0113/pages/0113-job-descriptions.aspx

Thursday, September 5, 2019

The Transatlantic Tunnel Of Transport Systems Information Technology Essay

The Transatlantic Tunnel Of Transport Systems Information Technology Essay For quite some time since the Industrial Revolution, sustainable transport has almost been synonymous with train form of transport. Several modifications have taken place on the first steam engine design to more energy and speed efficient models. With advancement in technology in this information and technology age, even more fascinating models are likely to be designed to keep up with the pace of lifestyle change. Critical limitations that hinder train transport systems will be addressed such as the geographical intricacies [1]. The Transatlantic Tunnel proposal dares to defy the ocean waters and the huge distance from America to Europe by bringing these two world business centers closer via a train. Top speed underwater tunnel across the Atlantic Ocean could be nearer to reality than many people would have thought. Engineering designers initially estimated that by the turn of the 21st Century, trains moving at around 5000 miles per hour could make the journey from America to Europe in less than an hour. Even though this future engineering project seems interesting, several issues need to be taken into consideration like the design that will pass the test of time across the treacherous ocean to the huge funding demand. Regardless of the factors standing in the way of the project, it remains a brilliant engineering project of this age. On the other hand, resilience could be propelled by the invaluable benefits that the project is likely to present to the world such that the project sees the light of the century. According to the documentary video Extreme Engineering, the possibility of this unbelievable project is not out of reach of reality amid modern technology. Challenged by t he success of the English Channel linking England with France, such ideas of completing the project cannot be unimaginable in this technological age. These are among the issues that this study explores, in an attempt to unravel this massive project. 1.2 The Main Text 1.2.1 Background Information. Nowadays, improvement of transport takes on a commercial perspective. Business had to be facilitated across nations in an efficient manner before using finer railway networks. In a more advanced version of the same networking, railway transport will now be explored for possibilities of connecting continents that are hundreds of miles apart. Building on past experience of connecting countries separated by seas and oceans, it is increasingly becoming a debate topic in engineering scenes on how continents can be linked by train for efficient transport. Similar ideas were illustrated in art and plays to demonstrate the relevance of the creation of such work [2]. 1.2.2 History and Theory. Jules Verne is the first visionary to suggest the Transatlantic Tunnel idea in 1895. The initial design could probably have been prompted by Vernes long and unpleasant sailing experiences [3]. Since there are several art works that used a fictional model of the Transatlantic Tunnel, its actualization was not taken seriously until real engineering work was brought on board. Suggestions have been made on several areas where the train and the tunnel system would need to overcome the most pressing missing links. Theories and ideas of a tunnel linking the said continents have been persistent and the best postulations were demonstrated in a film by the name Transatlantic Tunnel which was made in 1935 [4]. In the movie, a problematic development of the project featured an illustration of the difficulties that the project faces at the current stage. Most of the early positions held on the same topic were based on a fictional tunnel that was operational, perhaps to illustrate the applicability of the project. An earlier version of the same proposal had been developed and captured in the year 1933, in the German movie Der Tunnel [5]. By 1945, trains that used the vacuum principle to achieve speeds of over 1000 meters per hour were already in place, thanks to pioneers of real engineering studies. One of the major engineering pioneers of such designs was Robert Goddad who devoted much of his energy to similar engineering research. Three decades later, engineering articles that widely advocated for adoption of the technology were circulating. Vacuum train attention changed in the 80s after discovery of the Japanese Maglev research [6]. Transatlantic Tunnel theory bases its postulates on the past engineering works where transport lines have been suspended in water. According to the Discovery Channel, the English Channel links England to France in an almost similar way that popular transatlantic models envision [7]. Current top speed train formats are designed on magnetism and vacuum principles to enhance efficiency in terms of speed and resistance. Such trains models came into existence in the year 2004 when Shanghai. Famous progress towards the realization of the project was made through the contribution made by Frak Davidson, who carried out similar research on the applicability of such a project. Assisted by another prominent engineering designer by the name Earnst Frankel, Davidson had made some of the most promising contributions to the project. In his earlier engineering projects, Davidson had participated in the study operations of a fact-finding group of the possibility of setting up a tunnel underneath the English Channel; the English Channel Tunnel. The school of thought that has been propagated for a possible Transatlantic Tunnel design mainly relies on the work of Davidson. He proposed a system that would apply a suspended tunnel that is about 300 feet into the ocean. Another postulate of his design is the anchorage in deep sea where tethering is used to connect the tunnel to the anchor. Besides, he had also postulated that a vacuum would be necessary in his design, to facilitate top speed for the train. Finally, he also envisioned a magnetic train system being introduced into the same system for stability and speed enhancement [8]. 1.2.3 Design Approach Vacuum trains have been used in many high speed models that have been able to achieve extraordinary efficiency. To achieve the fastest speed that suits the model of train inside the tube-like tunnel, evacuation of the air that is inside the tube is usually necessary. This leads to the creation of an air free column which is capable of achieving speed similar to that achieved by a falling object in air. Bearing in mind that the project traverses across the entire Atlantic Ocean, time would be a significant aspect for any useful and efficient transport system. The best solutions so far generated by the engineering fraternity have largely relied on the vacuum train model which delivers results for top speed [9]. Magnetic Levitation system of transportation that uses magnetic force to propel locomotives has also been added into the design. Also referred to as maglev trains, the trains so propelled using magnetic field rely on three important components namely; source of electric energy, metal coils and large magnets. There are several advantages that the Maglev system presents to the design, including speed and stability. In this model, trains are lifted from ground level and are functioned on the principle of electromagnetism. According to Sirohiwala, Tandon and Vysetty, two main principles of engineering are exploited by the system, namely; Electromagnetic Suspension which relies on attraction forces as well as Electrodynamic Suspension which uses repulsion forces [10]. A combination of the vacuum and magnetic levitation systems have also been explored and found out to give better results. The benefits of a magnetic system coupled to the vacuum system will deliver not only top speed but also stability in the tunnel transport. According to the research conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, non contact bearings that magnetic levitation trains apply facilitate the realization of very high speeds and in conditions such as those present in vacuum train designs [11]. Also, utilization of both systems in a high speed train system facilitates the elimination of frictional force which generally causes wear and tear. This implies that a hybrid system of the two systems could offer more benefits in cost reduction than most other systems. Currently, the design that could be applied for the project heavily borrows from the engineers who postulated a similar design called Channel Tunnel that could run under the English Channel [12]. Suspension design is preferred by engineers, where surface turbulence and the underground uncertainties are handled. Joining of pontoons will be carried out at a distance of about 50 meters below the water surface. To hold the huge pontoons in place, heavy sea anchors will be dipped to the floor of the sea and tethers used to connect the two. By so doing, several challenges will be overcome, including deep sea pressure, surface collision with ships as well as heavy waves. This distance is safe also for possible rescue operation, in case there is an emergency in the tunnel. A cylindrical design has been adopted by the design since cylinders have inherent strength against wave forces, by reducing reactive resistance. The heavy pontoons that house the train are postulated to have a thick casing that is cylindrical in shape. A special vessel will transport the pontoons to the sea and facilitate their submersion as well as connection to the extended tunnel using special fastening screws and adjoining. Tethering will then be done onto an immersed anchor that sits deep into the sea floor. A continued extension of the tube will facilitate the completion of the tunnel from America to Europe. 1.2.4 Alternative Designs Besides the suspension design that is currently advocated for by many engineers, there were two other designs that were postulated for the same. The first postulated tunnel type was in the form of a seabed drilling process that characterized traditional tunnel construction. On an account of the involved difficulties, this proposal was later rejected. These difficulties included the huge depths of the Atlantic Ocean at some points as well as the presence of submarine mountains. In addition, major earthquake prone regions posed a threat to the successful traversing of the tunnel. In earlier versions of the tunnel design, a different approach was envisioned by constructing the transatlantic tunnel on the surface and eventually submerging it into the bottom of the ocean. This design was likewise rejected on intricacies that revolve around hydrodynamics in a huge water body such as the Atlantic Ocean. Pressure of the huge water column possessed by the Atlantic Ocean was identified as a threat to the form of structure to be submerged. It is alleged that the materials proposed for use by the tunnel cannot withstand the huge pressure exerted at the bottom of the sea. Besides, human beings cannot perform the construction functions at the bottom of the sea due to the high pressure. Any rescue operation in case of an emergency would almost certainly be in futility since the destructive nature of the pressure could be hazardous even to the rescue teams. 1.2.5 The Project Several issues are involved in the design of an appropriate system that is able to overcome the challenges expected in the Atlantic Ocean. By making some of the most difficult decisions regarding the safety risks and costs incurred, engineers are determined to deliver a suitable Transatlantic Tunnel. The most disturbing questions that the engineers have had to solve regarding the project touch on the route, source of money, resistance, risks as well as the benefits. This section of the report discusses some of these underlying intricacies that designers have been compelled to solve. 1.2.5.1 Route Several routes were considered for various reasons, but one route is particularly preferred for the same. In order to ensure that the tunnel traverses the huge distance form America to Europe in less than hour, several factors are considered to arrive at the preferred route. Cost and safety are among the most important considerations made by designers. Whereas a straight and direct route could be shorter and economical for the project, safety considerations could prop up due to the earthquake activity along the straight route. The risks involved in the project must be closely quantified to ensure that the massive investment made does not get compromised deep into the actualization [13]. According to Sirohiwala, Tandon and Vysetty, the most applicable route that the project will consider is the route that avoids some challenging geographical conditions in the Atlantic Ocean. Following well researched calculations of distance and appropriate route, engineers have been able to find out the route that passes through Iceland and some parts in south Greenland from London then reach New York from the North Eastern side to be suitable [14]. Despite extra costs being incurred for the drilling of the land sections in the connecting regions in the north, this route design has been able to overcome adverse results likely to be encountered in the deep ocean regions with earthquake activity. Besides, extreme weather conditions found in the northern hemisphere around Iceland and Greenland pose a challenge to the continuity of the project in the regions. However threatening this proposed route appears in terms of extreme temperatures to the north as well as drilling necessity, the corresponding challenges of the alternative route are also considered. In view of the challenges encountered by avoiding this route, earthquakes are much more of a risk when taken in comparison. Unexpected destruction to the system poses as a more serious and potent threat to the project than the former mentioned risks. In addition to destruction, deep ocean pressure factors also cause a huge setback to the implementation of the project. When considered in comparison, drilling and harsh weather factors encountered in the preferred route are less potent costs than what would be needed to counter the high pressure in deep sea. It is projected that the pressure exerted by the water column at deep sea could cause serious trouble to the integrity of the system. The cost likely to be incurred for such materials that can withstand the huge pressure as well as carry out the construction works that deep is very high. Maintenance could consequently be expected to carry a very huge cost element and risk when compared to the drilling procedure. 1.2.5.2 Air Resistance Train transport faces some resistance from the air, just like several other forms of transport. In top speed models, a streamlined front end has been adopted in design to overcome the resistance. The introduction of the vacuum considerably reduces the drag. The design of the tunnel must also be responsive to avoid natural drag designs. Aerodynamic drag is particularly common inside a tunnel than it is outside a tunnel. Aerodynamic drag is experienced accompanied by pressure waves that travel as fast as sound and gets altered as the train gets introduced into the tunnel, changes its velocity as well as when cross-sectional aspects of the tunnel get changed too. Fluctuations in pressure penetrate the train where aural discomfort is experienced by the passengers. Generally, confinement of the environment around the train causes changes in the aerodynamic system of the tunnel. At the thin end of the tunnel, the amount of pressure changes is determined by how long the tunnel and the train are as well as by the entry time taken before a second train enters the tunnel. To determine the amplitudes of the aerodynamic pressure variations involved, speed, nose geometry as well as blockage ratio are used. Bearing in mind that the Transatlantic Tunnel is a very long Tunnel, it is predictable that a maglev system will contribute very large amounts of pressure variations and possible discomfort. Aerodynamic drag is also characterized by the directly proportional relationship it has with power consumption. Air resistance is usually reduced by about eight times with a reduction of velocity by half. This means that the power consumption varies with proportion to speeds cube. In view of the other factors involved in resistance, size and shape of the head with regard to the degree of streamlined nature also determine power consumed. It is therefore a common design across train models proposed for the Transatlantic Tunnel having a streamlined shape. There is a general challenge posed by aerodynamics of a top speed train that uses a tunnel. The flow of the air at the exit of the tunnel is usually at a very high velocity that is about ten times more than the ordinary requirement of a smooth ride [15]. 1.2.5.3 Investment (Funding Parties) Apparently, the issue of funding and the most important partners has not been at a critical and determinative stage. Project enhancement proposals have only been circulating without a mention of how the funds could be secured: However, by the look of the benefits that the two main continents and the entire world stand to gain in case of a successful implementation, funding should be forthcoming. Perhaps what is needed is a strongly convincing organized lobby platform to ensure that stakeholders are brought on board. States incidental to the project are however expected to play a key role in the overall funding requirements of the project. This implies that the US, Canada and Britain have a more direct funding role to make for the project than any other state. Direct benefits expected from the use of the tunnel are likely to compel these states to make the investment in anticipation of the same. However, their willingness and therefore the prospects of the realization of the project will depend on the level of their satisfaction that the engineering work done delivers. It is expected that the investment opportunity that the project avails could attract attention of a regional funding due to the creation of the trading blocks that have characterized continents such as the EU. The EU is largely an economic block that taps into unexplored opportunities on behalf of the member states and such a lucrative project could have direct funding from the block. However, just as individual states would demand the ascertaining of certain project reliability score, the EU could also work on assessments to ensure sustainability of the project. The ball goes back to the engineering field to carry out as much research and development studies as would constitute an irresistible offer for funding during lobbying for funds. Alternatively, private sector investment and funding for the project cannot be left out. With evidence of some major investments being solely undertaken by the private sector, the possibility of contributions into this project cannot be ruled out. Commercial activities that the private sector will anticipate to achieve upon completion of the project will spur interest which is consequently likely to avail funding. Development partners of the involved states are likewise in the list of likely funding source based on commercial benefits that they would obtain from the project. 1.2.5.4 Challenges and Dangers Ocean currents are one of the challenges that the tunnel would have to be prepared to withstand. Across the Atlantic Ocean, very strong current waves exist for instance the Gulf Stream. Structural oscillation design will need to be very strong such that the tethering system adopted will take care of the swaying motion of the storm. Relating the suspended tunnel to suspension bridges, motion occasioned by wind and water has been found out to be catastrophic. Major suspension bridges such as the Tacoma Narrows Bridge have been brought down by strong winds and a similar phenomenon can be expected from strong ocean currents for a suspension tunnel. Suspending the tunnel in water will necessitate the use of deep sea anchors that will ensure firm tethering. Bearing in mind the depth of the ocean occasionally goes to nearly five miles, the possibility of achieving firm tethering into the sea appears evasive or a cumbersome design. Besides the technical requirements that the project will need to facilitate anchorage to such depths, the materials quantity and quality that can facilitate this project are almost unimaginable. In view of the distance and possible design consumption, it is estimated that around one billion metric tons of steel will be needed. In addition, the ocean floor where the tunnel will traverse is almost certain to encounter some region of earthquake vulnerability. In view of the hazardous effects of earthquakes to engineering projects, the inevitable encounter with such factors make the project one of those marred with uncertainty and challenging circumstances. In addition to exposure to earthquake challenges, the geography of the ocean floor through which the tunnel will traverse presents daunting route choice technicalities. Despite there being several options of possible routes that the tunnel can pass, each of the options has its unique set of challenges such as the most economical distance. About 3,000 miles of distance across the ocean stand in the way of the projects success. The long distance from North America to Europe will require consideration of the most applicable route and what point of initiation or termination to design the project. Besides the issue of the route, the project demands a massive construction material that requires the world supply. For instance, from the beginning to the end of the project, available world steel production capacity will be highly beleaguered. Whether the needed materials demand will be estimated and stored in such reserves as would be capable of sustaining the project remains a strategic oper ation challenge. The continuity of the project will face several challenges among which weather will appear to impact heavily. In the recent weather patterns, severe winters have been experienced in Europe and North America and across the Atlantic Ocean. Temperatures way below the freezing point will certainly affect the rate of project progress during winters. Together with the distance complexities, other factors such time will therefore act as an impediment to the projects desire to be expeditious. Estimates of the duration of time needed to complete this project stand at a staggering one century or more. High speed trains designated for the tunnel transport require very high levels of stability. To achieve very high stability as required could pose as a threat since very little breaches could severely damage the system. Most faults in an engineering project depend on the level of stability flaws. Besides the anchor and tether system that the tunnel design adopts, speed inside the tunnel needs to be enhanced for better stability. One of the proposed ways to achieve top speed for the train is through the creation of a vacuum. To achieve a vacuum over a relatively shorter distance has proven to be an uphill task for engineers; how to achieve this over a large distance such as from America to Europe is even unimaginable. How to achieve top speed for stability purposes appears to pose the most potent challenge. 1.2.5.5 Advantages a) Energy Tunnels Maglev systems are environment friendly and highly save on energy due to electrical energy consumption .The system appears to be shielded from the controversial oil energy sources of energy. Usage of nuclear energy will not only save money but spaces utilized for fuel carriage. b) Maintenance Ordinary railway and road transport particularly experience heavy wear and tear costs which are not encountered in maglev systems. Basing maintenance costs on wear and tear occasioned by contact, it will be less expensive to maintain a system where no contact is experienced. c) Speed Among the most striking features of the proposed train model, speed is by far the best. These train models can achieve speeds of up to 500 kilometers per hour. Business will be enhanced between Europe and America to supplement to the sea and air transport systems. d) Weather While compared to several other modes of transport, tunnel train transport tackles unfavorable weather in a dramatic way. Inside the tunnel, weather based hindrances to operations of the train are not expected. Poor weather conditions such as visibility and snow cannot affect the flow of the train at its top speed. e) Cost of Operation Since train transport is generally cheaper when compared to some other modes of transportation, costs of operation are considerably expected to reduce from America to Europe. This is so despite the capital initialization of the project which might be higher than any other project done before. f) Capacity Trains have a higher load capacity than many other modes of transport, including air transport. Achieving a supersonic train model would by far outdo major huge aircraft models such as the Concorde, which is not operational today due to several factors [16]. 1.2.5.6 Disadvantages a) Time. Proposals might be very appealing to the eye but the amount of time required for the completion of the project act as a major hindrance. It is estimated that over at least a century lies between the proposal and the actual implementation of the project. b) Distance To construct and transport materials from the mainland to the construction site may prove to be an onerous task for the engineers. Distance for movement of labor and materials will act in hindrance to the projects implementation. c) Cost Despite the relatively lower cost of production, there is a high certainty that the project will be the highest in history of engineering works. It is estimated that labor, materials and other logistic costs will need more than one financier for the project. According to a similar project study carried out by the Norwegians, cost was the only hindrance [17]. d) Construction Conditions Construction across the large Atlantic Ocean will have to face serious weather challenges including freezing temperatures as well as strong winds and currents. The most appropriate route will have to be chosen to overcome this challenge, which may appear to be expensive. Deep sea construction of the tunnel will be faced with high pressure that demands for specialized machinery instead of human beings. e) Geography As mentioned before, geographic issues will be encountered by the construction of the tunnel, demanding drilling to supplement to the suspended model. Drilling will be necessitated by over-land sections encountered in the cheapest route choice. This will not only affect the pace of construction but also change the design of the train. f) Emergency and Rescue In case of adverse hitches in the operation of the top speed train, it will be impossible to perform a rescue operation. Other transport systems are easily accessible for rescue operations than in sea transport, worst scenario being a submerged system such as a suspension tunnel. g) Risk Uncertainty As it is currently with major civil engineering works, measurement of risk involves several issues, with some having collapsed more than once. Collapsing of such a massive construction could not be ruled out completely, bearing in mind the existence of several hindrances to the system. h) Passenger Comfort Sudden acceleration and deceleration leaves an unpleasant feeling in the body of the passengers. Since the Transatlantic Tunnel is designed on a very high speed platform, sudden acceleration changes will be expected to be an unpleasant experience for the customers, unless more time is allowed to facilitate adaptation of the body. 1.2.6 Project Feasibility Checking is likely to feature the feasibility aspects of the project, technology, economics, law, operation and schedule. Whereas relevant technology is likely to be within reach for such a project, clearly outlined requirements of the project are yet to be prepared. Maybe by the time the project reaches critical stages of implementation, such details will be availed. In the current information and technology age, anything is virtually possible since all the relevant information is within reach [18]. In terms of economics, it can be said that the possibility of the project reaching a successful end is quite remote. Legal frameworks are not a major hindrance since similar projects have taken place but at a lower magnitude. Operational feasibility is likewise uncertain, having several loopholes in the coordination of the research as well as funding intricacies involved. With regard to schedule, the project is unfeasible as it is, since time expected for completion is over a century. Within the span of such duration of time, several options would have propped up making the project obliterated and unnecessary. Efficiency of the project is also uncertain due to the challenges expected ahead. Whether there is a need for such a project is a question that could be argued favorably or not. However, as it currently stands, it is needless to embark on the project. Conclusion Transatlantic Tunnel will remain to be one of the greatest civil engineering ideas of the human history. Despite the challenges that the project presents to engineering designers, it can be done, but at a very high cost. The speed of the train could challenge investors to quicken implementation since the benefits of the project will proportionately flow speedily. No matter how interesting the project seems, time factor and cost act as the major hindrances to its implementation.

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Free Essays on Terrorism: The Language of Terrorism :: September 11 Terrorism Essays

The Language of Terrorism    On September 11, 2001, two airplanes flew into the World Trade Center and another into the Pentagon, while yet another suspiciously crashed.   Blasted on T.V. screens across America, were images of fire, destruction, chaos and death.   Framed in colors of red, white and blue, were such headlines that read:    ³America Under-Attack, ²  ³The War Against Terror ² and  ³The Attack on America ²; all the while, urgent ticket taped messages flowed across our television screens and news anchors reported on the utmost of news.   To sum-up the days events, President Bush addressed the nation.        Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It was in the President ¹s initial speech to the nation following the attack on the World Trade Center that the adjective  ³evil ² was first introduced.   Quoting from the bible, and making reference to a  ³power greater than any of us, ² the President reassured the American people of their safety and well-being.   Within a couple of minutes, the stage was set for all that was to follow.        Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Since adopted by the media, the Bush administration and the American people, the religious reference of  ³evil ² by the President has become an integral part of the public discourse.   Framing the way we talk and think about the day ¹s events, and all subsequent events, including talk of Bin Laden, the Taliban and terrorism, the use of binary language in religious and metaphoric expression have become an important element in the  ³war against terrorism. ²Ã‚   And despite the   President ¹s and congress ¹ denouncement of any reference to  ³the attack on terrorism ² as a holy war, it seems as if the American ideal of  ³separation of state and religion, ²Ã‚   has become suspended and/or forgotten all together.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The intent of this paper is to analysis the language used by the President to describe the September 11th events, and consequentially, its binary effects.   Given the President ¹s religious and metaphoric references a dichotomous framework is thought to exit.   For instance, in using the term  ³evil, ² images of the devil and hell have been conjured up --and conversely-- images of God and heaven.   Helping to demonize those responsible, the initial language used by the President and later incorporated by the press, has since served as a political weapon from which to fight  ³the war against terrorism. ²Ã‚  Ã‚   In that the President ¹s speech evoked from his audience (most notably the American people) feelings of fear, terror, anger, and hatred, the appeal has been to the public ¹s emotions and senses rather than their ration and intellect.

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Investigate Osmosis :: GCSE Biology Osmosis Coursework

Investigate Osmosis Aim:To investigate osmosis. The student is going to see what happens to the weight of a potato when it is placed into different solutions of sodium chlorides and water. Prediction: The student predicts that potato placed in distilled water will undergo a gain in weight and potato placed in salt solution will lose weight. Potato placed in mixed concentration will have no change in its weight. This prediction has been made using scientific knowledge of the special type of diffusion known as osmosis. In osmosis, each individual cell is surrounded by a cell membrane. The cell membrane allows small molecules to pass through it, but not large ones. Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from an area of high concentration (weak solution) to an area of low water concentration (strong solution) through a partially permeable membrane. Water moves in both directions to try and make the concentrations inside and outside of the cell even. If there is more movement one way, it is said that there is a net movement of water into the area where there is less water. If the potato is placed into distilled water, the concentration of water outside of the cell will be greater than the concentration of water inside the cell. There will be a net movement of water from the area of high concentration to the area of low concentration and as a result of this the cell will contain more water, it will become turgid and weigh more than it did when it had a smaller concentration of water. If the potato is placed into a salt solution the concentration of water will be greater inside the cell than outside, osmosis will take place and the water will once again move from the area of high concentration (inside the cell) to the area of low concentration (outside the cell). This will cause the potato to lose weight as it loses its water. If the potato is placed in a mixed solution then the concentrations inside and outside of the cell should be equal, the water molecules will move by osmosis but the concentrations will remain equal. Apparatus: - 125ml of 1ml sodium chloride solution. - 125ml distilled water. - 15 cylinders of potato each weighing 5.3g. - 15 beakers (150ml). - 2 measuring cylinders (50ml) - 2 potato borers (one large one small). - 1 set of digital weighing scales. - 1 calculator - 1 small scalpel - 1 stop clock Method: The student will use a potato borer to cut out 15 cylinders of potato to the same size and weigh them, the weights will be recorded in the table of results (each piece of potato should be the same

Monday, September 2, 2019

Cloning Essay -- Clone Science Nature Wildlife Conservation Essays

Cloning Abstract The question to clone or not to clone is currently center stage of scientific debate. Since the birth of Dolly, the sheep, in 1997 the controversial question of cloning has been paramount throughout the entire globe. The question is no longer whether it can be done, but whether is should be done and to what extent. We have already cloned goats, mice, monkeys, cattle, and pigs (Cloning fact sheet). Scientists are now trying to get approval to clone humans or at least parts of them (Eccleston, CNN). All of these clonings have led to much criticism and controversy, but the latest attempt at cloning is that of endangered and possibly already extinct species in hopes of preserving them. This short paper will give a brief description of cloning and the pros and cons of preserving endangered and extinct species via means of cloning. Introduction There are different types of cloning. One type led by researchers at the Human Genome Project entails the copying of genes and parts of chromosomes in order to get enough identical genetic material to do further research, which they believe could help prevent human diseases in the future (Cloning fact sheet). Another type of cloning is called Blastomere separation, also known as twinning. In this case they split an egg (embryo), soon after it has been fertilized which results in two or more embryos, twins, containing the same exact DNA from both parents (Cloning fact sheet). However, Dolly, was cloned from only one parent. To do this, scientists must take an egg, empty out its genetic material, and replace it with genetic material from another animal by means of somatic cell nuclear transfer (Cloning fact sheet). This means that on... ...ed: Eccleston, J., Baum, M.D. 2000. Cloning complications: British plan on human embryos stirs an international debate. http://www.cnn.com/2000/fyi/news/08/29/human.cloning/index.tr.html. 3 pages. Accessed 10/26/2000. Lanza, R.P., Dresser, B.L., Damiani, P. 2000. Cloning Noah's Ark: biotechnology might offer the best way to keep some endangered species from disappearing from the planet. Scientific American. Vol. 283: 84-89. Myers, N., Mittermeier, R., Mittermeier, C.G., Da Fonseca, G.A.B., Kent, J. 2000. Biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities. Nature. Vol. 403: 853-858. Reaves, J. 2000. Bring back the DoDo! Brave new strides in animal cloning. Time daily. http://www.time.com/time/daily/0,2960,57207,00.html. 2 pages. Accessed 10/26/2000. Unknown. Cloning Fact Sheet. www.ornl.gov/hgmis. 3 pages. Accessed 10/26/2000.

Sunday, September 1, 2019

Juvenile Violence Essay

In the increasing debate of child criminals and their proneness towards recidivism, there exists the issue of rehabilitation. In point of fact the entire issue of juvenile delinquency hinges upon the ability of the offender to re-enter society not as a criminal but as a redemptive individual ready to become a working part of society. In the questions that arise from the concern over juvenile delinquency the recurring question is this: Are children who commit crimes rehabilitated by the juvenile court system, or are they more likely to commit criminal acts as adults? In the answering of this fundamental question, aspects of the child criminal are brought to the forefront of the debate, and these include, the attachment the child has with parental figure and the morality that exists in the child because of that relationship or the amorality that exists because of lack of a relationship. Also, the connection the juvenile has with school and community becomes prevalent when after school programs are a deterrent to crime. Throughout this essay, such rehabilitation techniques will be dissected and examined, and a cause and effect scenario will be produced. Amalgamating facts on the juvenile delinquent and the process by which they become a delinquent is the aim of this paper. The reintroduction of a delinquent into society will be presented as the purpose of the juvenile court system and whether this system fails or should receive accolades is the determining factor in rehabilitation. Other factors in the rehabilitation of the delinquent, and the effectiveness of these alternative methods will also be presented. It must also be included in the paper the viewpoint of trying child criminals as adults for their crimes and whether or not such punishment is just and rehabilitative or merely a deterrent in the growth away from such delinquent behavior. In essence, the purpose of this paper is to reveal whether or not juvenile delinquents have a chance to become integral parts of a working society and whether the juvenile court system impedes or motivates the delinquent to become a model citizen. The question we must then ask is; are juvenile detention centers merely an impetus for juveniles to continue with their criminal lifestyle, and is trying them as adults paving the path towards them becoming a hardened criminal? The intention of this paper is to delve into the causes of juvenile violence, whether or not programs retarding recidivism work and the theory behind their efficacy, and a major section of the paper will introduce violent behavior and its causes (i. e. peer groups, parental control, and cultural background). Delinquent Behavior/Definition/Parents Juvenile delinquency is refereed as the act of committing serious crimes of a person ranging from ages of 10 through 17 years in the society. Juvenile delinquency had been a major problem because of the committed serious crimes. The social issues of juvenile delinquency cases are being monitored and the alarming effects made many lawmakers find a way to stop this. The Justice Department of United States defines a juvenile delinquent as the offender of the laws of the country as stated by the court and who is a minor. In view of delinquent behavior there must be a definition and applicable theory to first aid in deciding what causes such conduct (Quas et al. 2002, 247). In Hirschi’s book Causes of Delinquency (1969) there are presented three different theory types in regards to delinquent behavior. These theories have applicable grounds, by which the delinquent acts out, as Hirschi states, Three fundamental perspectives on delinquency and deviant behavior dominate the current scene. According to strain or motivational theories, legitimate desires that conformity cannot satisfy or force a person into deviance. According to control or bond theories, a person is free to commit delinquent acts because his ties to the conventional order have somehow been broken. According to cultural deviance theories, the deviant conforms to a set of standards not accepted by a larger or more powerful society. (Hirschi 1969, 3) The idea of conformity is a major part of the decision process of whether or not a child becomes a delinquent. Conformity to whom is the major question presented by each theory. The conformity to a society should discipline a child into model behavior while the conformity to a gang or group of friends whose lifestyle consists of criminal acts is merely another form of orthodoxy in that particular group. In the conformity of either gang or community the underlying current of thought for the delinquent is desire. Human desire to be a part of something and be accepted by that larger group is the impetus towards deliberating behavior. Humans are creatures whose desires propel them on towards actions, whether or not those actions are legitimated by society or a gang is not concerting but rather a person sometimes feels that their desires are above the law, and when that desire is about acceptance, many formal rules are broken, as Hirschi states, Having thus established that man is a moral animal who desires to obey the rules, the sociologist was then faced with the problem of explaining his deviance. Clearly, if men desire to conform, they must be under great pressure before they will resort to deviance. In the classic strain theories, this pressure is provided by legitimate desires. A man desires success, for example, as everyone tells him he should, but he cannot attain success conforming to the rules; consequently, in desperation, he turns to deviant behavior or crime to attain that which he considers rightfully his. (Hirschi 1969, 5). In defining the deviance of a juvenile his or her own personal issues towards conformity become apparent. There is of course the issue of morality with problems about crimes. For a delinquent, their understanding about crime, and their acts therein, depend independently upon who has previously governed their conceptions of the criminal lifestyle. On this issue, Hirschi states, â€Å"In strain theory, man is a moral animal. His morality accounts for the pressure that I built into the model. If morality is removed, however, if man is seen as an amoral animal, then tremendous pressure is unnecessary in accounting for his deviance† (Hirschi 1969, 10). A child, to a certain extent is not solely responsible for their own actions, because they mirror what has been presented to them. Parents should be highly considered when any discussion or debate about the morality of children and their proceeding stature as a criminal is discussed. The influence of the family in the juvenile’s criminal disposition is further emphasized through Aspy et al. ’s article which stating that, Many of these risk factors are related to the economic resources available to the family. Family income has been shown to be protective in that youth from wealthier families are less likely to be involved in weapon carrying (Blum et al. , 2000). Although the number of children below the poverty line is on the decline, overall, there remain racial/ethnic differences in family structure and poverty† (Aspy et al. 2004, 82). The use of family as a predictor in the violence and criminal behavior of a child is further emphasized through Ellickson and McGuigan’s research, For predatory violence, there were 6 predictors: frequency of using alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana during grade 7; higher levels of perceived drug use by one’s middle school peers; being male; being multiracial; coming from a nuclear family; and rebelliousness. However the last two variables had an impact was contrary to our predictors with adolescents from nuclear families more likely to be frequent perpetrators of predatory violence and rebellious youth less likely to be frequent perpetrators of predatory violence (Ellickson and McGuigan 2000, 570). With this understanding of the juvenile mindset, the parental control over the thoughts and sentiments that the juvenile has towards crime should be discussed. The amount of exposure a child has with their parents may be considered positive or negative in regards to rehabilitation or the furthering of the child’s life into crime depending on the morality of the parents. The juvenile court system lays great claim to the lack of control parents have with regards to their children and thus the child is sent to a more appropriate atmosphere. The juvenile court system sometimes takes control away from the parents and gives it to an institute. To keep on track, the child’s exposure to their parents may offer a great opportunity to examine the process of the making of a juvenile delinquent. Hirschi gives us the fact that parental control may be a great deterrent to a life of crime. In control theory it is believed that the greater the bond between a parent and a child, the less likely it is for that child to become delinquent (Hirschi 1969, 83). When a child contemplates a criminal act, according to control theory, and decides to either follow through with the act or to discard the act, depends upon the extent to which that their parents are moral beings have ingrained in that child such morality. On this subject, Hirschi states, â€Å"In the light of the cultural deviance perspective, the child unattached to his parents is simply more likely to be exposed to â€Å"criminogenic influences. † He is, in other words, more likely to be free to take up with a gang. His lack of attachment to his parents is, in itself, of no moral significance† (Hirschi 1969, 85). The attachment a child exhibits to their parents should have great influence on the juvenile court system as to whether or not the child can be rehabilitated. Since the morality of a parent seems to have great sway as to the sentiments and sometimes actions of a juvenile delinquent, the parent should be given custody and paroling powers over the child instead of a juvenile institution or prison. The socialization from the earliest stage of child development is dependent upon the parent. The conformity a child feels they must succumb to the conformity the parent instills in the child. Hirschi states that in control theory advocates of alternative law enforcement find the internalization of norms depends on the early socialization the child has been exposed to under the guidance of the parent. The emotional bond between parent and child delivers to the child the same mores and values held in esteem of the parent. The parent’s expectations of the child become well known and are fostered through this bond. If, however, the child is alienated or distanced from their parent, such bonds prove to be nihilistic. The feeling the child has of moral rules when the bond is severed or otherwise incapacitated proves to be the leading factor in the delinquent lifestyle. When the parent shows little concern for the child’s actions or is simply not in the child’s life, then that child is void of moral laws, codes and societal norms (Hirschi 1969, 86). The child’s development of a superego or conscious will not develop if such a bond is nonexistent. Of parental bonds and the forming of child delinquents, Hirschi goes on to state, The child attached to his parents may be less likely to get into situations in which delinquent acts are possible, simply because he spends more of his time in their presence. However, since most delinquent acts require little time, and since most adolescents are frequently exposed to situations potentially definable as opportunities for delinquency, the amount of time spent with parents would probably be only a minor factor in delinquency prevention. So-called â€Å"direct control† is not, except as a limiting case, of much substantive or theoretical importance. The important consideration is whether the parent is psychologically present when temptation to commit a crime appears. If, in the situation of temptation, no thought is given to parental reaction, the child is to this extent free to commit the act. (Hirschi 1969, 88). Parental concern and involvement, in regards to control theory, is thus proven to be a staple in the forming of healthy relationships between child and society and the deterring factor that limits delinquency.

Key Economic Indicators and Changes over time in Bangladesh

The ancient region that in 1000 B.C. was called the Vanga, or Banga, Kingdom is considered to be #8 among the poorest and most densely populated countries today. Bangladesh, an independent country with parliamentary democratic government at the head of the state, remains dependent on foreign investors, grant aids and loans from the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the U.S., Japan and some Western countries, and suffers from corruption, lack of reforms, weak infrastructure and unstable financial system.The economic exploitation of the East Bengal (contemporary Bangladesh) by the West Pakistan, contemporary Pakistan, has turned out to be the complete deficit for the first player and the surplus for the other one. Yet, the advantageous climate, fertile soil, abundance of water and population growth are still playing the essential role and bringing the balance in economic indicators: income and employment rates, productivity, import and export prices, inflation, balance of trade, balance of payments, etc.Till the 10th century the East Bengal was ruled by Buddhists. Since that time the power had been handing over to Hindu, then Islamic converts in 1576 and British India from 1757 till 1947. However, the foreign dominance has shifted to domestic one and for 24 years the historic region of Bengal was a part of Pakistan. Though, the most of Pakistani population were the residents of East Pakistan (contemporary Bangladesh), the West Pakistan was holding the control over politics and economics.Grace to Sheik Mujibur Rahman and other Bengali nationalists, the independent state of Bangladesh with the capital of the state – Dhaka, and Sheikh Mujibur, as its head, was proclaimed on March 26, 1971. However, 1 million Bengalis had to pay the price during the four-year civil war that followed the independence of Bengali nation. On February, 1974, Pakistan finally accepted their autonomy attempt and a slaughter of brave soldiers was compensated in an unexpected way .The greatest problem, which has affected the devastated economy in 1980s, was the population growth. According to the facts, provided by Heitzman, J., and Worden, R., the population of East Bengal in 1901 numbered 29 million people, of East Pakistan – 44 million in 1951, of Bangladesh – 71 million in 1974, 87 million in 1981 and 110 million in 1988 (1989). It was expected that Bangladesh will reach the mark of 140 million by 2000 and today it numbers 150 million people. Today, Bangladesh takes the first place in population among Asian countries, the third one in national debt and the lowest GDP growth – 4.5 percent (Vital Statistics, 2006).Though Bangladesh had such natural resources as natural gas, timber, coal and agricultural land, they could not cover the demand of the growing population, along with natural disasters, such as cyclones, tropical monsoons, droughts, tornadoes, tidal bores and floods; therefore, agriculture – the key economic factor â⠂¬â€œ was rising from ashes over and over again.So, the newly proclaimed government had to seek answers to the following issues:1) environmental – degradation and erosion of soil, deforestation, lack of lands for cultivation, shortages of water and its pollution, natural disasters;2) national – overpopulation, illiteracy, technological regress and diseases.The independence has also brought some economic concerns, which have to be solved with the help of brand new economic policies and planning. The government of Bangladesh had to manage over 300 industrial enterprises (90 percent out of all enterprises such like), which West Pakistani owners left after 1971. The grant aid and loan commitments to the developing economy at that time numbered $15 billion disbursed out of $22 billion planned. The UN Development Program, along with the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and developed countries gave a hand to strengthen the new nation.In order to manage the economy, the government of Bangladesh had to develop new industrial capacities and rehabilitate the economy itself. The West Pakistani economic model turned out to be inefficient and has led to economic stagnation. In 1975, the government resolved to organize public corporations and gave a greater scope to private sector, which is still working on. The state-owned enterprises that were targeted at: sugar, cotton textiles, steel, fertilizer, chemicals, minerals, pharmaceuticals, food, forest, paper newsprint, cement, garments, tea processing, engineering and shipbuilding products have been privatized; while banking sector, jute, oil and gas production remained under the governmental control.Bangladeshi government endeavored to encourage private sector and investments, denationalize public industries, ease up the import system and reinstate budgetary regulation. Yet, the reforms, expected from an enhanced structural adjustment facility (ESAF), along with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), were affected by political confrontation in 1991-1993. That very year, Bangladesh received $3.3 billion in food and development assistance from the United States and was forgiven $293 million of national debt. The corruption level and political troubles cut the foreign investments in 2000-2001 and led to the economic regress.In 2003, after liberalization reform, the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) $490-million plan for 3 years was approved by the IMF. Also, the World Bank has approved $536 million in interest-free loans. Other economic policies originated from the West Pakistani model and estimated the Annual Development Program, Poverty Reduction Strategies (PRSs) and the five-year plans for the economy.The first two waves of the Five-Year Plan failed to meet the objectives; but the last one, which lasted from 1985 to 1990: reduced poverty, â€Å"[brought] down the rate of population growth to 1.8 percent annually (present rate is 2.2 percent (Vital Statistics, 2006)), in crease[d] exports by 5.9 percent and  domestic savings by 10 percent, attain[ed] self- sufficiency in food production, [stated] GDP of 5.4 percent† (Heitzman, 1989). In its turn, the government of Bangladesh maintained institutions, responsible for implementation of economic policies and planning. The Planning Commission, the National Economic Council, the Executive Committee and the Project Evaluation Committee were and are still monitoring the reforms and progresses of economic policies and plans.According to the â€Å"Bangladesh† fact sheet, the key economic indicators between 2001 and 2006 are as follows: GDP showed a stable increase from $47.2 billion in 2001 to 63.0 billion in 2006, therefore, real GDP growth varied from 4.8 to 6.2 accordingly; GDP per capita have increased from $335 to $407; goods exports varied from 14.5 percent of GDP to 16.1 percent. The Central Bank of Bangladesh in its publication â€Å"Major Economic Indicators† provided the ample data on other economic indicators. Hereby, the Bangladeshi inflation rate increased from 1.5 % in 2001 to 6.94 % in 2007; balance of trade, 2007, amounts $-2,551 million, exports increased by $1519.05 to $9036.45 million (20.21 %) and import payments increased by $2172.8 to $12743.5 million (20.55%) in 2007.These promising facts show that foreign investments and loans, along with domestic policies, improved infrastructure and financial system, made economic reforms, and strengthened Bangladeshi positions on the global market. Yet, the growing number of labor force earns its livings from agriculture, while undeveloped industrial sector, inefficient power supplies and underdeveloped energy and gas resources hide the potential for economic growth, developed market, and the way out of poverty. The government of Bangladesh had turned its blind eye towards the economic perspectives of technological progress, the interrelationship between transportation and communication, and the core econ omic factor – industrialization in the very beginning of the new nation, so today it remains underdeveloped and holds the place of one of the poorest countries in the world.References:Central Bank of Bangladesh. (2007, May). Major Economic Indicators: Monthly Update.Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. (2006, July). Bangladesh: The Economy FactHeitzman, J., Worden, R. (1989). Bangladesh: A Country Study. Washington: GPO for theLibrary of Congress.Virtual Bangladesh. (2006, August). Economy: Vital Statistics. Retrieved June 5, 2007, from Read also: Padma Bridge