United States Economy on the rebound Essay Example for Free

United States Economy on the rebound Essay Forbes. com reported that the United States economy recovered from an economic slump by 3. 4 percent in this year’s second quarter. It is reportedly a highly-favored performance in more than a year. The major force believed to be the largest attributing factor to this economic resurgence is the reinforcement of business spending. (AVERSA, 2007) The 3. 4 percent growth rate is said to be a bit higher than the 3. 2 percent estimated by Wall Street. (Daily Times , 2007) Despite the seemingly favorable pace, analysts predict that this show of strength may not continue for the rest of the year. The economic upswing can be credited to the rise of exports, a significant improvement in the global business scene, and a decline in consumer spending. Exports have reportedly grew to 6. 4 percent while imports dropped by 2. 6 percent. (Daily Times , 2007). Consumer expenditure is one of the factors that fuels economic expansion. However this component does not have too much of an impact. End user spending went up only 1. percent as opposed to 3. 7 percent in the first quarter. It is reportedly the weakest since late 2005. (Daily Times , 2007) The real estate sector also experienced a dip as real estate investments fell to 9. 3 per cent although not as low as the first quarter dip of 16. 3 per cent. Analysts are predicting that there are certain risks as brought on by this development. This is because the drop in real estate investments may have impacts of still unknown nature (Daily Times , 2007). Inflation rate is also among the meter sticks of economists. Inflation rates are better from the 2. 4 percent in the previous quarter to only 1. 4 percent in the next quarter; this is said to be the slowest rate since 2003. (Daily Times , 2007) It is expected that the American people will have more buying power resulting from the better condition of the economy and of the United States dollar’s show of strength. Personal incomes of the American people have increased by . 40 per cent or $47. 3 billion. Disposal personal incomes climbed up to $37. 6 billion or . 0 per cent according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis or the BEA. (Armah Rankin, 2007) Wages and salary payments have increased to a high $24. 9 billion in May. This is in stark contrast to the dip of $36. 4 billion in April. (Armah Rankin, 2007) In addition to the above factors, the real gross domestic product or the yield produced by industries and property in the United States, went up to 3. 4 per cent per annum. Elements that caused this increase in the GDP include upbeat inputs from personal expenses for services, exports, and nonresidential structures. Also lending a hand were federal government spending, state and local government expenditure. (Mannering, 2007) The uphill inclination of the economy will cause improvements in the financial stature of many Americans. Analysts and ordinary people alike expect that more and more people will be confident in their finances such that they will be able to afford more luxuries. This may cause a change in the lifestyle of many Americans. Banks are always on hand to offer loans that many people think will help alleviate their financial situation. People should be wary of this and be aware of the impact that interest rates may have on their finances, should they start to fail in making payments. In spite of the uphill trend of the economy, business analysts are hopeful but are still watchful of the possible outcome. Notwithstanding this positive development of the economy, it is still and always advisable to be careful of one’s spending habits. People should take advantage of the financial freedom that this economic condition will lend so that they can prepare for their future. Instead of spending a big portion of their hard-earned money on luxuries that will gradually deplete their monetary reserves because of expenditures such as taxes and depreciation, people should make it a habit to set aside a sum of money for investment instruments. Investment instruments such as pension plans, trust funds that will help them maximize their money’s earning potential and help them secure their future or make it easier for them to afford other comforts such as leisure trips out of the country or a new vacation home. Whatever state the economy is in, it is always wise to plan for the future. Those who are new in investing can seek the help of professionals who can aid them in making the right investment decision. One must always take advantage of investment tools that will help him enjoy and maximize the benefits of his hard-earned money. It is also important that people learn to stay debt-free. If they are already in debt, they should seek help of financial advisers on how to get out of debt in such a way that they can still live a comfortable life.

Software Outsourcing: Is the End of the American Programmer Near? :: Outsourcing Software Jobs Globalization

Software Outsourcing: Is the End of the American Programmer Near? Introduction Former U.S. Presidential candidate Ross Perot once warned of the U.S. entry into the North American Free Trade Agreement as "a great sucking sound" as U.S. jobs "run" to Mexico. 1 Many Americans feared that cheap labor in Mexico would cause many Americans to lose their jobs as U.S. companies could find cheaper labor south of the border. In the ten years since the beginning of NAFTA, the U.S. job market has remained strong. 2 The types of jobs may have changed to a certain degree, but the number of jobs has only increased despite the fears of many. Today, many people are worried about the effects of the outsourcing of software upon U.S. jobs. Many people fear the "great sucking sound" as software jobs are outsourced to cheaper labor in foreign countries, such as India. U.S. legislators have faced the issue and are trying to reduce the incentives of companies to hire workers abroad. 3 There are many fears and uncertainties about globalization and the new global economy as many people f ear change and competition from cheaper foreign labor. Are these fears justified? Is the American job market going to collapse? In the words of Ed Yourdon, has the "decline and fall of the American programmer" come? 4 Also, is it ethical to outsource software for cheaper labor? The Global Economy and Modern Economics In recent years, especially with the rise of the World Wide Web, there has been a steady increase in a more global economy. New technology has made the world more connected. It is much easier and less costly to communicate and interact with people around the world. Telecommunications makes it more possible to work from a remote location rather than working in a specific building. Cellular phones, laptops, and wireless internet make it much more possible to work from just about anywhere. The rise of the global economy has also led to the rise of employment outsourcing. Labor is being treated much like goods. Employers are seeking to lower costs and increase profits. As with the practice of buying cheap materials in foreign markets, companies are increasingly trying to buy cheap labor in foreign markets. From the standpoint of modern economics, this is just supply and demand. Therefore, does this mean that much of the labor in the U.S. will be imported from other countries? Software Outsourcing: Is the End of the American Programmer Near? :: Outsourcing Software Jobs Globalization Software Outsourcing: Is the End of the American Programmer Near? Introduction Former U.S. Presidential candidate Ross Perot once warned of the U.S. entry into the North American Free Trade Agreement as "a great sucking sound" as U.S. jobs "run" to Mexico. 1 Many Americans feared that cheap labor in Mexico would cause many Americans to lose their jobs as U.S. companies could find cheaper labor south of the border. In the ten years since the beginning of NAFTA, the U.S. job market has remained strong. 2 The types of jobs may have changed to a certain degree, but the number of jobs has only increased despite the fears of many. Today, many people are worried about the effects of the outsourcing of software upon U.S. jobs. Many people fear the "great sucking sound" as software jobs are outsourced to cheaper labor in foreign countries, such as India. U.S. legislators have faced the issue and are trying to reduce the incentives of companies to hire workers abroad. 3 There are many fears and uncertainties about globalization and the new global economy as many people f ear change and competition from cheaper foreign labor. Are these fears justified? Is the American job market going to collapse? In the words of Ed Yourdon, has the "decline and fall of the American programmer" come? 4 Also, is it ethical to outsource software for cheaper labor? The Global Economy and Modern Economics In recent years, especially with the rise of the World Wide Web, there has been a steady increase in a more global economy. New technology has made the world more connected. It is much easier and less costly to communicate and interact with people around the world. Telecommunications makes it more possible to work from a remote location rather than working in a specific building. Cellular phones, laptops, and wireless internet make it much more possible to work from just about anywhere. The rise of the global economy has also led to the rise of employment outsourcing. Labor is being treated much like goods. Employers are seeking to lower costs and increase profits. As with the practice of buying cheap materials in foreign markets, companies are increasingly trying to buy cheap labor in foreign markets. From the standpoint of modern economics, this is just supply and demand. Therefore, does this mean that much of the labor in the U.S. will be imported from other countries?

Building Defects

Introduction: Decay and deterioration can happen in a building for any number of reasons. The first being poor repair and maintenance of the building over its life by users or those responsible for its maintenance such as a landlord etc. It can also mean that there were original problems with the building that impair its ability to function as intended, these may not have been uncovered during the snagging process at the end of the construction stage.These building problems are referred to as defects, depending on the type of contact most contracts have a 12 month defect period, this enables the users (and funders) to live in the building through the different seasons and see if any problems occur. A latent defect is after the 12 month defect period has lapsed and the new building shows signs of problems that are so significant that they can stop its functionality (a latent defect period can last up to 12 years on some contracts). Please find below some common reasons for defects: * Design IssuesDesign professionals (such as architects or engineers) could perhaps specify material or equipment that cannot perform as intended. For example: a geological survey that does not cover enough areas on a site could mean that the subsoil is not consistent across the site and therefore could eventually cause subsidence in the building. The architect’s motivation for the design may be with the building form, function or aesthetics but the completed design could result as a defect as any cost considerations or value engineering if not well planned, managed and coordinated could result in a defects.The use of inferior building materials can cause problems such as windows that leak or fail to perform and function adequately, even when properly installed. Leaking windows are a common defect and prevention requires good workmanship. * Site supervision during construction period Poor supervision during the construction period can result in poor quality and sub standard wor kmanship. For example: this can often manifest in water infiltration through some portion of the building structure (cracks in oundations, floor slabs, walls, dry rotting of wood or other building materials), electrical and mechanical problems, plumbing leaks and back-ups, lack of appropriate sound insulation and fire-resistive construction between adjacent housing units, etc. The above can prevented with a good Quality Assurance process in place that ensures that all trades are well supervised on site, accurate records are kept on workmanship (this can include pictorial evidence) and guidance is given to all staff on the quality expectations that have to be achieved on site.The traditional role of Clerk of Works should also be used to ensure that all measures are met on site level. * Maintenance No building lasts forever. Day to day planned maintenance of a building is required to ensure that it prevents any problems in the future. Poor planned maintence can cause defects to occur in buildings that would have performed well had they been cared for properly. For example: a master plan for the buildings mechanical and electrical (M&E) equipment to be replaced (such as Boiler replacements, lighting upgrades, ICT Category cabling upgrades etc. also phased window or roof replacement schedule to ensure that all that entire building envelope is protected to protect from the elements. If maintenance of buildings are not kept up to date then in some contracts ‘latent defects’ would not be honoured as the users have not maintained the works that were carried out in line with the contract therefore the contractors would not be obligated to rectify any defective works. * Service installationSome equipment requires regular servicing under the terms of its guarantee. For example: If a boiler that has been installed with a 10 year warranty is not annually serviced then the manufacture can advise that the user did not meet their obligations and therefore any replacement in the 10 year period would fall to the user to fund. Common Defects found in Low-Rise Housing: Please see below mock defects sheets in relation to the defects outlined in ‘Common Defects in Low-Rise Housing’.These outline the defect, the cause of the defect, the remedy required to rectify the defect and finally any supporting building regulations/guidelines that support this process. STAGE:A| WORKS/JOB SHEET NO. 6| LOCATION:South Wall| DATE:26th May 2010| BRE REF NO. Defect Action Sheet 116| DEFECT: Insufficient wall ties below Damp-proof Level | CAUSE: Poor design and specification | FUNCTION:A wall tie is a small piece of metal generally made of steel that is installed between a cavity wall void or between two adjoining walls. The purpose of this is to keep both walls together at all times.A wall tie allows slight movement for expansion but if correctly fitted stops each wall acting independently of one another so therefore keeps the building strong and stable. | DEFECTIVE AREA: * Corroded and show signs of de-laminating (this is when the metal starts to peel and splinter) * Corroded due to water egress (decaying of the tie means loss of strength) * Corroded show signs of ferrous oxide (this is when the metal bubbles and expands) this can cause lifting and cracking the brickwork * Cavity walling that is blocked with decayed mortar that bridged the DPC. Poorly fitted wall ties (this means that it does not function as originally intended) * Incorrect wall ties used (there are 4 different types of wall ties – each tie has its own best area for use)| DEFECTIVE CORRECTION REQUIRED: * Ties should be placed at 900mm centres horizontally and 450mm vertically * Sufficient lap of Damp proof course is required all round * Wall ties to be of a minimum size 5/m2 * Ensure that ties are as specified and are of the correct type * Use BS or BBA Certificated ties of length and type suitable for cavity width and purpose * Space ties in accorda nce with BS 5628: Pt 3: 2001.For example: the cavity width should be 50 to 300mm, number of ties 2. 5 per m2, 900 mm horizontally 450mm vertically and provide extra ties adjacent to openings * Check that there is a row of ties at every sixth course of bricks * Ties should be staggered and evenly distributed * Check that the horizontal spacing’s have the correct number of specified ties per m2 * Check that ties are at every block course within 225mm of opening | RELEVANT BRITISH STANDARD:| * BS:5628 Pt 3. 2001 | | | | | STAGE:A| WORKS/JOB SHEET NO. 1| LOCATION:Rear externals| DATE:26th May 2010| BRE REF NO.Defect Action Sheet 96| DEFECT: Mature trees too close | CAUSE: Poor design and specification | FUNCTION:Movement where a building is in close proximity of a mature trees. This is a common problem found generally in the following species Oak, Poplar, Ash, Plane, Willow and Elm although any very large mature tree close to a building can spell disaster. These trees require a c onsiderable amount of water to grow much of this is taken up by their root system. For example: a mature poplar can take up to 50,000 litres of water from the sub-soil each year.The more mature the tree the greater amount of water it requires. The outcome of the site survey and soil investigation should inform the decision on the type of substructure to be used for the proposed buildings in relation to soil type, saturation levels and lay of land e. g. sloping etc. It is recommended that buildings be built at least a distance equivalent to the tree’s height away from that tree to protect both the tree and the building although in some cases of Willow, Poplar and Elm the root radius can be twice that of the tree height. DEFECTIVE AREA: * The trees potential root radius has not been calculated correctly * Poor choice of substructure for the new building| DEFECTIVE CORRECTION REQUIRED: * Repair works require the retrospective installation of a root barrier (see attached diagram) . This means detailed surveys are required to identify were the tree roots are. If the tree has a Tree preservation order (TPO) on it then any damage to its roots could mean an appearance in Majesties court and a fine up to ? 20,000| RELEVANT BRITISH STANDARD:| * BS:5837 * Approved Document A & C * Tree Preservation Orders: A Guide to the Law and Good Practice 2000|STAGE:A| WORKS/JOB SHEET NO. 22| LOCATION:Flank wall| DATE:26th May 2010| BRE REF NO. Defect Action Sheet | DEFECT: Poor Mortars, Bricks, Blocks in sub-structure| CAUSE: Poor design and specification Poor site supervision| FUNCTION:Mortar is used a bonding agent to secure brick and block work. These three elements used together ensure that the building is sound, secure and water tight. | DEFECTIVE AREA: * Poor specification of an inferior brick and blocks that are engineered to support the loadings of the finished building is poor design planning.A poorly specified mortar could also be the reason that water could ingr ess the building this could lead to significant problems later for the building. * Poor site supervision of this area could mean that the mortar is poorly laid or not given enough time to set, or could even have been laid in the wrong temperatures such as Frosty weather. | DEFECTIVE CORRECTION REQUIRED: * The building may require additional support. For example: underpinning externally could support the substructure sufficiently enough to take the load away from the problem areas. The best method in this case is to pile and beam. This method stabilises the existing substructure by using piles installed either side of  an existing wall. A small excavation is made below the ground level and a reinforced concrete needle beam is used to connect the piles and support the wall. * Reducing the distance between needle beams can accommodate very high loads. | RELEVANT BRITISH STANDARD:| * | STAGE:D| WORKS/JOB SHEET NO. 24| LOCATION:Internal/External various locations| DATE:26th May 2010| B RE REF NO.Defect Action Sheet | DEFECT: Notches and holes for services mis-positioned and oversized| CAUSE: Poor design Poor site supervision| FUNCTION:The location of holes and notches for services is very important in relation to the functionality and quality of finish to the end building. A misplaced large hole could lead incorrectly fitted lighting, heaters, light switches etc. | DEFECTIVE AREA: * Poor design drawings that are sent to site with the wrong measurements could mean that the location and shape of the holes for services are installed as per the drawing. It is more lightly that this defect would be down to poor site supervision. This could mean that the inappropriate person has been tasked to carry out this work such as a labourer that does not have the skill to read drawings but was asked to install holes for services rather than an electrician or electrician’s mate (i. e. being supervised by the trade lead at all times)| DEFECTIVE CORRECTION REQUIRED: * If cau ght early enough this should not be a great problem to resolve on site.However, if this was left to practical completion were the building is being handed over to the user/occupier then the works to rectify could be much greater and could include the following: * Re-routing electrics and mechanical pipe works to suit correct dimensions * Repositioning of all electrical and mechanical equipment * No direct connection to main sewer therefore re routing all connections to bathrooms, kitchens and any sinks etc| RELEVANT BRITISH STANDARD:| * | STAGE:D| WORKS/JOB SHEET NO. 30| LOCATION:Door No. GF32| DATE:26th May 2010| BRE REF NO.Defect Action Sheet | DEFECT: Lintels in external walls: missing, damaged, bedding, insulation| CAUSE: Poor design and specificationPoor site supervision| FUNCTION:A Lintel is a piece of steel or concrete that is used as a support in walls. These are generally used above openings (such as windows or doors) in the wall to support the load above. Lintels are usual ly supplied with load bearing at each end for 100mm openings up to/including 1000mm, 150mm for openings up to/including 3000mm and 200mm for openings over 3000mm. For spans in excess of 1200mm, it is good practice to provide temporary support such as an Acro at every 1200mm point. DEFECTIVE AREA: * Poor design could mean that the location window or door opening is in a difficult position to properly fit the correct size lintel * Poor specification could mean that a concrete lintel is specified when the location requires a small and compact steel lintel * Poor site supervision could mean that the area were the lintel is to be installed in not supported prior to installation and therefore the floor above is already sagging with the load. Also installation of the wring lintel in time will show on the exterior and interior of the building. DEFECTIVE CORRECTION REQUIRED: * Lintels should be carefully bedded on a full mortar joint * Wall ties should be positioned in accordance with curren t building regulations * A damp proof course should be used for all lintels in external walls, and must be fixed in accordance with building regulations * In cavity construction, it is recommended that both internal and external leaves are taken up uniformly * It is good building practice to insert a flexible joint between the lintel and the top of the frame| RELEVANT BRITISH STANDARD:| * BS:12 * BS:882|STAGE:E| WORKS/JOB SHEET NO. 20| LOCATION:| DATE:26th May 2010| BRE REF NO. Defect Action Sheet 73 & 74| DEFECT: Floor joist quality and installation: not graded or marked, bowing and twisting, high moisture content and wet rot| CAUSE: Poor specification Poor site supervision| FUNCTION:A floor joist is a beam of wood that stretches from one side of the sub-floor to the other bridging the floor load bearers. They are the essential component to the foundation of each floor level and floor boards are laid onto of them to give a foundation to any floor covering.Wood should be marked Top/Bottom, be graded (for the load) and have a kite mark or brand number referring to BS: EN 14250. | DEFECTIVE AREA: * Poor specification of a floor joist can mean that the wood used is not the correct grading to support the load. This can mean that the floor in time will show effects of overload bowing and twisting are one of the signs. * Poor site supervision of this area could mean that the wood has not been stored correctly on site meaning that it is now warped and twisted and has high water content. If wet rot occurs it is generally at the bearings of timber joists in external walls.For example: the sole or head plates rather than in the studs. | DEFECTIVE CORRECTION REQUIRED: * An assessment on if there is any ‘dead air’ within the cavity between the joists and the floor board. If so, then air bricks (to BS:493) can be installed into the external walls to allow air flow. If wet rot is localised in small area then minor repairs can be made * If poor ungraded wood has been installed then the floor will have to be taken up and reinstalled with the correct graded wood to ensure it complies with current building regulations. | RELEVANT BRITISH STANDARD:| * BS:EN 14250 * BS:493|Area H: Defect| Drains below foundations| Reason for Defect:| * Broken or damaged pipes * Failure to washout subsoil leading to foundation settlement; * Lack of clearance to debris or materials * Lack of flexible joints. * Non compliance with Approved Document H * Non compliance with the Public Health Act revised 1985 * Non compliance with Building regulations C part 2 * Incorrect type and size of pipe used for subsoil drainage * Drainage not laid to correct gradient| Specification Issue:| * Possible poor quality drainage pipes specified| Design Issue: | No|Site Supervision Issue:| * Compliance with Approved Doc H * Compliance with Public Health Act 1985 * Compliance with Building regulations C part 2 * Correct size and type of pipe use for each type of drainage identifie d e. g. foul, rainwater, soil type. * Ensure movement joints are in place * Ensure drainage meets the required gradient * Ensure pipes are clear from obstructions * Check pipes are not broken or damaged prior to installation. | Maintenance:| No|Responsible area:| The above defect is due to poor management on site on manual labour workforce| Image:| Ref: Image taken from NHBC Good Craftsmanship Guide for Drainage| Area H: Defect| Installation of DPC and DPM| Reason for Defect:| * DPC pointed or rendered over * DPCs bridged by mortar droppings * DPM punctured * DPCs and DPMs not lapped * Fill and paving not kept at least 150mm below DPC * DPM should comply with BS CP 102, Section 3, and Building Regulations Approved Document C. | Specification Issue:| No| Design Issue: | No|Site Supervision Issue: | * Check that edging of DPM projects enough to lap later with the DPC * Sheet should be sealed with adhesive tape and any punctures patched with an overlap of no less than 150mm * Use polye thylene sheet not less than 500 gauge and should carry a BBA certificate or is to the PIFA standard| Maintenance:| No| Responsible area:| The above defect is due to poor management on site on manual labour workforce| Image: | Ref: Image taken from http://www. bricksandbrass. co. uk/images/walls/damp. gif| Area H: Defect| Damp walls |Reason for Defect:| * No DPC installation in walls * Poorly installation of DPC in walls| Specification Issue:| No| Design Issue: | No| Site Supervision Issue:| * A responsible contractor should understand the importance of DPC within the external walls * If just poorly installed retrospective DPC injections can be used to back fill in areas that require additional waterproofing * If no damp proof course is in place then Electro Osmosis method can be used this is when a low voltage steel stake is placed intermediately around the external walls as long as the unit is on it will keep the damp at bay | Maintenance:| No|Responsible area:| The above defect is due to poor management on site on manual labour workforce| Image: | Ref: Image taken from www. petercox. co. uk/prevent| Area J: Defect| No lintel above the window and doors | Reason for Defect:| * No installation of lintel above window and door openings| Specification Issues:| * Possible incorrect lintel specified * | Design Issue: | * For an architect to exclude lintels from the design, it means that they have not complied with building regulations.This is not only a design floor but a dangerous and hazardous way to leave the building| Site Supervision Issue: | No| Maintenance:| No| Responsible area:| The above defect is due to poor design management by the design team and should have been picked up by various professionals along the process including Building Control| Image: | Ref: Image taken from http://www. bancroftcentre. org/images/eco/insulation. bmp|Area J: Defect| Plaster break up on internal walls and ceilings| Reason for Defect:| * Bond failure between plasterwork and plasterboard due to ‘watering down’ of bonding agent * Plaster itself poor quality or poorly mixed together (plasterer should have a mate to mix for them as plaster can ‘go off’ quickly) * Cracking due to movement * Drying out period hurried and room artificially heated to increase drying time| Specification Issue:| * Poor quality bond or plaster | Design Issue: | No| Site Supervision Issue: | * Remove poor quality plaster, apply a thick oat of Unibond allow to dry and then re-applying a suitably mixed plaster (plasterer should have a mate to mix for them as plaster can ‘go off’ quickly) * Ventilate and allow to naturally dry out| Maintenance:| * Poor maintenance of internal finishing can make plaster work decay and break up * Poor ventilation or extreme weather (if no heating) then plaster can become brittle and break up| Responsible area:| The above defect is due to poor management on site on manual labour workforce and/or poor maintenance by the occupier/users| Image:| Ref: Images taken from Google images ‘plaster work’|Area J: Defect| Shrinkage to wooden floor joists| Reason for Defect:| * Temperature to install to extreme * Stored poorly on site allowing water to penetrate – Part C of the Building Regulations â€Å"Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture† * Area needs better ventilation| Specification Issue:| No| Design Issue: | No|Site Supervision Issue:| * A responsible contractor should have the knowledge and experience to know at what temperatures they can have to install after the installation * Air bricks may need to be installed in the external walls tp improve under floor ventilation * All materials should be stored off the ground and well covered in accordance with building regulations| Maintenance:| No| Responsible area:| The above defect is due to poor management on site on manual labour workforce| Image:| Ref: Image taken from Google images ‘defective timber joists’|Area K: Defect| External wall movement| Reason for Defect:| * Incorrect substructure * Restraints missing from wall to floor| Specification Issue:| No| Design Issue: | * Substructure must be designed following an accurate soil survey, bore holes are taken from the proposed site and are inspected in laboratory condition. * The soil samples are tested and categorised in accordance with their load value * Then detailed calculations are erformed by structural engineers to establish the most suitable substructure for the proposed building * Below a ‘tell tale’ is a measuring device that can check how much a crack is moving over a period of time| Site Supervision Issue: | No| Maintenance:| No| Responsible area:| The above defect is due to poor design management by the design team and should have been picked up by various professionals along the process including Building Control| Image:| Ref: Image of a ‘tell-tale’ taken from Google images|A rea K: Defect| External wall movement| Reason for Defect:| * No cavity tray installed to discharge water outwards * No weep hole specified in brickwork at lowest tray * No flashing identified, Lead or a suitable substitute should be installed in accordance with BS 1178 * All roof tiles to Part C of the Building Regulations â€Å"Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture†| Specification Issue:| No| Design Issue: | No|Site Installation & Supervision Issue | * A responsible contractor should install cavity tray to ensure water is discharged correctly * Ensure appropriate weep hole is installed in the brickwork at the lowest tray level * Install appropriate flashings where required * Ensure tiles and drainage is compliant with Building Regulations Part C| Maintenance:| No| Responsible area:| The above defect is due to poor management on site on manual labour workforce| Image:|

Essay on The Price of Inequality by Joseph E. Stiglitz

America is one of the world’s largest and prosperous developed countries in the world, but take a closer look and you realize that the great United States of America has an alarmingly large amount of poverty. Where there once used to be an â€Å"American Dream† there now lies the cold hard truth, there is less and less opportunity every day and growing inequality every second. Joseph E. Stiglitz how America has turned into a country that would be unrecognizable to any of the founding fathers. In The Price of InequalityStiglitz visits this problem and searches for the source of the economic inequality that the United States is faced with today. Stiglitz came to the conclusion that America is declining and turning into a society like the one†¦show more content†¦That top portion manipulates the facts because they want the rest of America to believe that there is little inequality in the society. This causes a massive misunderstanding by the majority of the popula tion where they underestimate the adverse economic effects of inequality and overestimate of the cost of taking action. There are also many misconceptions concerning the government which include the overestimate the ability of government to fix their inequality problems and the failure to understand what the government is doing to fix society’s problems. Despite the seemingly obvious facts, â€Å"only 42 percent of Americans believe that inequality has increased in the past ten years,† (Stiglitz 185) this believe is due to the optimism when it comes to social mobility, most Americans believe that there is a way to â€Å"cheat† or overcome the inequality. This idea that hope is necessary for a society to be controlled is consistent throughout a lot of governments and even literary works as well. In Suzanne Collins’s Hunger Games trilogy the dictator like President Snow makes a point to say that hope is the only thing stronger than fear. This is true in soc iety today, it is easier to rule and control people who think that things will get betterShow MoreRelatedSummary Of Rent Seeking And The Making Of An Unequal Society By Robert Thurman1319 Words   |  6 Pageswith so much inequality? The poor are often the ones with losses. According to Joseph E. Stiglitz, the author of â€Å" Rent Seeking And The Making Of An Unequal Society†, individuals of society are made to believe that: â€Å"The poor, in this land of opportunity, have only themselves to blame.† Millions of individuals in our society are losing jobs daily, but the one percent of the top class is not losing their jobs. As a result of this inequality, an egocentric and a society filled with inequality has formedRead MoreDream Or Reality? By Joseph E. Stiglitz And We Are The 99 Percent998 Words   |  4 PagesDream or Reality In â€Å"Of the 1%, by the 1%, for the 1%,† by Joseph E. Stiglitz and â€Å"‘We Are the 99 Percent’ Joins the Cultural and Political Lexicon,† by Brian Stelter, these two authors illuminate their audience about how the 99 percent are making it through a difficult life, while the top 1 percent of Americans are taking over everything and watch the 99 percent suffer. Also, the 99 percent of Americans are left living their nightmare and the top 1 percent does not notice how bad the 99 percentRead MoreHow And Why One Should Reform The Global Economy1245 Words   |  5 Pageslater analysis of the influence of globalization on national politics of different countries. The first one is a chapter from the book Free fall: America, Free Markets, and the Sinking of the World Economy by Joseph E.Stiglitz, the title of which is The Making of the Crisis. Joseph Stiglitz described the background of the economic crisis in 2008. He started with the description of the nature of the crises and provided insights on its prerequisites, description of the main players, their motivationsRead More`` Rent Seeking And The Marking Of An Unequal Society `` By Joseph E. Stiglitz1601 Words   |  7 PagesS. is â€Å"one nation, under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all†. Many civilians are chasing freedom for freedom, yet most of them need constraints and guides. In â€Å"Rent Seeking and the Marking of an Unequal Society†, Joseph E. Stiglitz discusses the inequality created by monopolistic businessmen and suggests that American government need to regulate the economy and trading system. He defines some of those monopolists as rent-seekers wh o do not create new profits into the society, but takeRead MoreJohn Williamson, An English Economist1308 Words   |  6 Pagespeople around the world, has come to refer to development strategies focusing around privatization, liberalization, and macro-stability (meaning mostly price stability); a set of policies predicated upon a strong faith – stronger than warranted --in unfettered markets and aimed at reducing, or even minimizing, the role of government.† (J. E. Stiglitz, 2004) However after much criticism of all policies surrounding the Washington Consensus (WC), together with evidence of its harmful impact on healthRead MoreHow Imf Has Assisted in the Underdevelopment of Third World Countries3678 Words   |  15 PagesEconomist Joseph Stiglitz notes that originally, â€Å"the IMF was based on a recognition that markets often did not work well, that they could result in massive unemployment and might fail to make needed funds available to countries† (Stigli tz 2003, p. 12). But in the 1970s and 1980s, â€Å"the Keynesian orientation of the IMF, which emphasised market failures and the role for government in job creation, was replaced by the free market mantra of the 1980s, part of a new ‘Washington Consensus’† (Stiglitz 2003,Read MoreEssay on The Washington Consensus4720 Words   |  19 Pages 7. Liberalisation of inward foreign direct investment: 8. Privatisation: of state enterprises 9. Deregulation: easing barriers to entry and exit and as opposed to abolishing regulations designed for safety or environmental reasons or to govern prices in a non-competitive industry 10. Property rights: providing the informal sector with the ability to gain property rights at an acceptable cost They can be summarised as three principles; macroeconomic stabilisation, market deregulation and supply-sideRead MoreExecutive Summary : Your Future 1455 Words   |  6 Pagesnational Manufacturing firms. b) Skill development through awareness in Quality, Lean Six Sigma and Safety. c) Establish at least 2 skill schools covering regions in Central states of India. d) Tie up with at least 10 firms for providing skilled workforce. e) Get support and recognition from Indian Government. Yukti will provide an opportunity for workers and students, who are plying their trade in various industries and universities, to understand the need of the employer. The strategic location of ManesarRead MoreCarnegie Writes A Great Deal About How Individual Children1897 Words   |  8 Pagesstores with name recognition also prevents smaller businesses and mom-and-pop shops from opening up and staying open because they are losing their customers to the company that can afford to ship bulk items from overseas and sell them at a cheaper price. But the mom-and-pop shops and things like farmer’s markets are what help stimulate the local economy by giving the money back to other locals and circulating the money within the same area, not just giving portions to the already booming overlordRead MoreAnalysis Of Andrew Carnegie s The Gospel Of Wealth1950 Words   |  8 Pages(Jacobus 481-83). Some of the dangers of handing fortunes directly down to kin instead of donating or investin g it back into the community, include generating spoiled children and an unproductive hereditary class whose extreme wealth exacerbates the inequality of wealth throughout the nation. Consequently, leaving children hereditary fortunes not only spoils them, but is also economically inefficient, politically troublesome, socially destructive, environmentally caustic, and simply unethical. Carnegie