Holcims Romanian Unique Venture Yields Positive Results for all Essay

Holcims Romanian Unique Venture Yields Positive Results for all Stakeholders - Essay Example The plants needed only refurbishment and improvement. Secondly, operating in the country offers opportunities to widen the company's market share as the country can serve as a gateway to other countries of Eastern Europe. Furthermore, Romania is relatively politically stable and has a friendly business atmosphere. Romanians were also known for their enterprising character. One of the concerns usually arising from cement production is that the process uses large amounts of fossil fuel and involved large amounts of CO2 emissions. What Holcim did was to use contaminated and expired pet foods as a fuel substitute. 13,000 tons were gathered from the country's groceries and manufacturers. This endeavor was undertaken with all the environmental and safety regulations inspected and audited by a third party. Holcim discovered that each ton of pet food replaced 1.2 tons of traditional fossil fuel. Along with the use of fly ash instead of clinkers, the use of the pet food reduced C02 emissions by 74%. It also helped the country tackle with its toxic waste disposal problem. Believing that people are the foundation of value creation, Holcim offered wages that were 7% higher than the cement industry average and 15% higher than Romania's general industry. The work force was also represented by an independent trade union.

Planning for a changing countryside Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Planning for a changing countryside - Essay Example e in rural areas enjoying significantly higher incomes than urban areas.In many ways the rural economies have been developing along the same lines as the urban economies. A rural area can be defined to be an area that has a few population. The collection of people and activities in this area is limited, hence making it to be the total opposite of an urban centre or economy (NATO Advanced Research Workshop on the Role of Biodiversity Conservation in the Transition to Rural Sustainability, & LIGHT, 2004, 96). Therefore when discussing the rural economy of England, we are going to look at the less densely populated areas which is believed to have few economic activities being carried on. The key drivers of economic growth in regionalised rural economies in England are numerous. The first key driver of economic growth in the region is farming. In spite of the known fact that farming nowadays does not form the backbone of rural economies, to some extent it still matters in the regionalised rural areas. This is because most farmers have been advised to use new technologies while farming different products and this has encouraged a lot of farmers to practice farming in the region. Farming in the rural economy of England has led to development of farming industry in different areas around the country. With the growth of an industry, economic activities within the region are promoted as individuals find themselves interacting through such things like trade (GREAT BRITAIN. 2006, 202). Moreover, farming has also encouraged the government to formulate policies which guarantees citizens the future of food even in difficult situations. The polices formulated have worked along way in ensuring that both the food and farming industry functions as one, therefore assuring the citizens of the supply of food chain within the society. In addition, farmers have also been advised by the government and other parties concerned on the best practices to select when competing in a highly

This about engineering class Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

This about engineering class - Essay Example They also greatly support the tourism and hospitality industry of the country. These striking buildings incorporate a range of styles from neo-classical to high-tech modern and materials from sandstone to steel, concrete and glass and grapes the attention of the public. Each building has one or more features or functions that are very unique and hence, lead the structure to be known globally. One of the best examples of World Fair with large structure is Eiffel Tower which was initially built for the World’s Fair of 1889. The size of the structure makes a building special in the sense of its volume and uniqueness like the pyramids of Egypt, Sydney Opera House, Statue of Liberty, Burj Khalifa and skyscrapers and alike. The large buildings can be used for various purposes because to their usable space and area. Some of the world’s tallest structures known for their height are shown below: Petronas Twin Towers (RealChristianity). Shun Hing Square (Hasan). Eiffel Tower of P aris has become a global icon and one of the most familiar structures of the world. It is the most visited monument around the globe. It is 324 meters tall and it has been the tallest structure of the world for over forty years. Had Eiffel Tower been only 30 meters tall, it would not have been as significant and widely known as it is today.

Planning for a changing countryside Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Planning for a changing countryside - Essay Example e in rural areas enjoying significantly higher incomes than urban areas.In many ways the rural economies have been developing along the same lines as the urban economies. A rural area can be defined to be an area that has a few population. The collection of people and activities in this area is limited, hence making it to be the total opposite of an urban centre or economy (NATO Advanced Research Workshop on the Role of Biodiversity Conservation in the Transition to Rural Sustainability, & LIGHT, 2004, 96). Therefore when discussing the rural economy of England, we are going to look at the less densely populated areas which is believed to have few economic activities being carried on. The key drivers of economic growth in regionalised rural economies in England are numerous. The first key driver of economic growth in the region is farming. In spite of the known fact that farming nowadays does not form the backbone of rural economies, to some extent it still matters in the regionalised rural areas. This is because most farmers have been advised to use new technologies while farming different products and this has encouraged a lot of farmers to practice farming in the region. Farming in the rural economy of England has led to development of farming industry in different areas around the country. With the growth of an industry, economic activities within the region are promoted as individuals find themselves interacting through such things like trade (GREAT BRITAIN. 2006, 202). Moreover, farming has also encouraged the government to formulate policies which guarantees citizens the future of food even in difficult situations. The polices formulated have worked along way in ensuring that both the food and farming industry functions as one, therefore assuring the citizens of the supply of food chain within the society. In addition, farmers have also been advised by the government and other parties concerned on the best practices to select when competing in a highly

Behavior and Communication Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Behavior and Communication Paper - Essay Example The various awards and accolades received by the corporation attested to the exemplary commitment of the Starbucks to nurture the human spirit through the exemplary products being offered, as well as through serving the interests of its stakeholders. The types of communication that Starbucks uses for internal purposes include inter-office communication modes such as email, social networking sites (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, My Starbucks Idea), and through phone. Likewise, for external communication, its official website disseminates contact numbers through the ‘contact us’ portal where email, mail, phone, and customer service links are provided. Since the culture of the organization focuses on inclusion and diversity, as well as commitment to nurturing the human spirit, their types and modes of communication are consistent with the organization’s culture. Through open lines of communication in various modes and medium, Starbucks has signified a proactive and determined stance to generate inputs, comments, suggestions, and inquiries from its varied stakeholders (employees, customers, investors, shareholders, management, suppliers, and community members). Concurrently, their pronounced commitment for social and corporate responsibility also attests to the dedication to their organizational culture, as well as the values of diversity and inclusion being promoted. The information being made available to the public through their official website conforms to their commitment to the organization’s culture through signifying that all facets of operations, as well as the strategies designed to achieve their mission, vi sion, and goals are explicitly communicated to their stakeholders. The espoused values of taking extra care of their products, partners, employees, the environment, and the community, definitely align with the enacted

Art is life Essay Example for Free

Art is life Essay Art is life, it is beauty, it is emotion, it is you, it is me, it is everything. Art defines all that we are, and all that we could become. Art is of the past and of the future, of the influences of our daily lives, of our pasts combined with who we are today. Art is an indescribable joy, an expansion of the mind, body and soul. We are art, every last individual of the human race. Art comes in the form of music, dance, theater, painting, drawing, blowing, throwing, and even in the math equations or scientific experiments of the right brained population. Art is feeling, seeing, smelling, tasting and hearing. Art is here to titillate our senses, to create emotional and physical reactions to the viewer. Art is healing. Art is loving. Art is†¦ everything. The Value of Art After a distinctly self-contemplative night, I began to wonder what it is that attracts people to art. Certainly I consider myself an artist of sorts†¦ but what is it that makes me an artist? Why do I practice art? Why does anyone immerse themselves in abstract activities that, for the most part, do not add to financial security or other measurable values? We know that art has been around before written language. Ancient carvings and cave-wall paintings attest to an early drive to participate in artistic endeavors. I would say that our skills as artists have improved since the first cave paintings†¦ but I think there must be the same seed of creativity that connects long forgotten ancestors and modern artists. I think that the most obvious similarity is that dedicated artists tend to create art that reflects important aspects of their lives. When it comes to ancient man, what could have been more important than food and reproduction? Ancient art is ripe with images of hunting and pregnant women. As human society evolved into more stable communities, the art changed. Over time the focus on survival was supplanted with self-emulation. In ancient Egypt, for example, the art turned to worshipping the value of great kings and all-powerful gods. The same happened in most cultures. I doubt that common slaves of Egypt felt that preserving kingly honor for eternity was a motivating factor; slaves probably would have produced an entirely different art than what we  find in tombs had they the resources to create art. What is telling is that the art that survived from ancient times reflects directly the values of the people producing and preserving it: in terms of Egypt†¦ it was of the Pharaohs. European Medieval art reflects a mixture of pagan and Christian ideals. We can deduce that local kings whose roots were largely pagan mixed with the influence of Rome. The artistic work commissioned throughout this time is a constant reminder of those influences. Take this on up to our own time. An important note to take is that as the traditional religious values of historic importance in the west have been challenged in intellectual circles, the focus of art has strayed. Prehistoric art was focused on life and death†¦ ancient art turned to the afterlife and mysticism; modern art has no focus. I am confident that mass media and the internet have a large role in the change†¦ perhaps we are still too early in the new era to be able to define the motivating factor behind the art that will last; but I feel that the reality is that art has no focus in our age because it is not the secluded craft of the gifted and appointed.

Overcoming Barriers to Inclusion for Physically Disabled

Overcoming Barriers to Inclusion for Physically Disabled Special Educational Needs (SEN) are learning differences, difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for a child to learn than other within their peer group. This could be behavioural difficulties, emotional, social and intellectual difficulties. Defining inclusion refers to the process of educating students with disabilities along with their general peers. The general goal is to allow children with disabilities to be educated with their peers in the regular classroom to the maximum extent appropriate for the learning in the least restrictive environment. For some children this means being with typical peers all day and for others it may mean, mainstreaming. (www.amazon.co.uk 2009) The inclusion process is dependent on the child individual needs; they use an Individual Education Plan (IEP) team for example parents, teachers and other school staff put strategies together for inclusion. The IEP is the basic right of any child with a disability. Physical educational can provide many positive benefits for pupils with or without disabilities. Physical Education (P.E) can provide the opportunity to socialise with peers and develop relationships has well as developing their motor skills. Many children with disabilities do not have the opportunity to socialise outside of school hours or participate in physical activities. They depend on this interaction to meet their social needs. (www.amazon.co.uk 2009) Researchers found that for those who are fortunate to participate in an inclusive education do find themselves to have more self worth. On the downside, teachers attitudes to inclusion have a direct effect on inclusion working. If teachers are not open and tolerant to the childs physical needs the child will not be has relaxing and benevolent. Teachers need to be patient with students who learn at a slower pace and accept the responsibilities of incorporating activities to suit regardless of ability level. Its imperative that teachers sees the children first then recognise the disability. Many disabled children were considered has ‘in educable until 1970. Before 1970 children were segregated from their families and put into ‘special hospitals or institutions. In 1978 the Warnock Report was the biggest ever investigation into SEN (Special Educational Needs), this report put the issues of integration of disabled children in mainstream schools for the first time. (inclusion.uwe.ac.uk) Nearly 30 years after Baroness Mary Warnock ‘inclusion into mainstream school, she acknowledges that ‘inclusion had failed. Mary Warnock stated and admitted that ‘schools did not always provide properly for children with disabilities and proposed a radical review of the system. (Guardian 2008) Since the revision of the SEN code of practice there have been several changes for the better. SENCO, head teacher and governing body with other members of staff have an imperative responsibility in the role of providing an inclusive education for those with disabilities. SENCO welcomed the SEN code of practice but they were still concerned with some of the difficulties they were facing in implementing the code. The difficulties they were facing were the lack of resources, time constraints and low status. However the codes of practice have become more effective in their provision for pupils with disabilities by setting them new targets. In recent years teaching assistance has been working alongside teachers to give extra support for children with SEN. Having the extra support in classrooms helps secure mainstream education for all instead of segregation into separate ‘special schools. John OBrien an inclusion consultant says that adults have an important role in helping children to build responsible relationships with each other, especially when those relationships are across a social fracture line like race, gender and disabilities. Developing (inclusion.uwe.ac.uk 2009) inclusion means ending segregation, inclusion is a developing process and is concerned with breaking barriers to help learning increase. During the 1980s and 1990s there was much investment in new special schools to meet the needs of children with learning and physical disabilities. The motivation for these separate schools was that mainstream education was unable to provide the additional support and care that was required. Since the start of the 21st century there has been a political shift in thinking with many special schools closing or merging with their nearest primary or secondary school or college. The social aspect of education is crucial to all learners and that a persons learning or physical difficulties are best met in an inclusive social environment. (www.pedagogy 2009) There are a range of barriers that children face, the three I looked at were inclusion, barriers to inclusion and multi agency working. Inclusion came into force in 1990 and the purpose for this new legislation was to eradicate potential barriers. This was so children could benefit fully from an effectual inclusive education. The belief behind the new legislation was to include all regardless of their impairment to a full time education and for them to grow to the best of their ability. Even though society has moved forward there is still some segregation. Current legislation should be seen in a chronological context as part of a slow process of change for the better. Some barriers children also face are the lack of motivation due to it being painful and tiring for them. However for sensory and learning disabilities the world may seem disorganised and baffling because of their impairment. Another barrier children also face is over protective parents, treating their children childlike and unable. Therefore it is often a great concern for parents when their disabled child starts to express and assert themselves. For many disabled children it is important part of their life to express their identity and feeling (inclusion.uwe.ac.uk 2009). The aims of the Multi Agency Services are to work for disabled children. The services are to provide families with an effective team of supporters to help families in managing their disabled childrens complex health care needs at home. The multi agency is working and making a significant difference to children and their families. However a number of social and emotional barriers for families still remain. (pg 78 making a difference). Mainly families still struggle with daily routines (such as sleep deprivation) to trying to sort out social activities for themselves and their disabled child. The multi agency service had enabled families to short breaks and day trips to elevate some of the pressure of being their childs twenty four hour carer. There are also some families with a disabled child or children who receive no support with help in calming benefits despite being on a low income. Some families felt that there was a lack of co-ordination and flexible support from the multi agency services thus leaving them to suffer emotional pressure. Even though Multi Agency Services had helped some children they are still faced with a multiple of barriers. The barriers they face where exercising their basic human rights, this included feelings that they could not have the rights to communicate, the rights to be independent, the rights to develop friendships and relationships, and to participate in ordinary leisure and recreational activities and the right to be consulted and informed about their care and support. (pg 78 Making a Difference). Although there is still room for improvement within the multi agency service, Overall families that have been involved with the agency have reported that they felt their quality of life had improved. The models of disability provides a framework for understanding the way in which people with impairments experience disability, This helps society to understand the impact society has on impairments. There are two main models which are the social and medical model. The social model has been designed by disabled people. People with a disability says that barriers exist within society and the way society is organised. Before the social model had been developed disabled people felt that they had to voice their opinions because society would discriminate and exclude them from society. The aim for the social model is to remove barriers so that a disabled person can have the same opportunities has everyone else. Society has started to change because a person with impairment can use public transport and gain full access to building thus making them no different to an able bodied person. Under the medical model disabled people are defined by their illness or medical condition. Disabled people are often seen as the problem in society and that its them who should learn to adapt to society and not society to them. The medical model view that disabled people need to be cured or cared for and professional justify that its acceptable for a disabled person to go into a specialised school or being isolated at home where only their basic needs are met. The professionals determine which school the child will attends and the sort of education supplied. The professional are the ones creating some barriers has it will limit their opportunities, thus creating stereotypes who will pity, fear and patronise them instead of working together for a inclusive environment. (www.fepdfscotland In conclusion barriers are starting to be knocked down and people with impairments are starting to be heard. Disabled children want to be respected and listened to and to be able to play with friends, to feel safe and be comfortable. Some other potential barriers were that children faced were feelings of segregation has they would be left out of day to day activities. Some people take for granted that having a disability would prevent the children from having fun thus resulting in isolation. Some families also reported that they did not know where and how to get help and the other barriers they face were actually persuading someone that help was needed. Their Families also found that the provisions they were finally provided with was too little and too late to make the best possible improvement to the quality of their everyday life. For the disabled child parents they found that they miss out on full entitlements to benefits because some services tended not pass on the proper informa tion needed. Some other potential barriers families have faced were the very long waiting list for intervention, equipment and adaptions which meant the loss of integration for children and their needs. Families with disabled children have a real struggle with finding the right services and information to suit their childs needs and when they do finally get the right sort of help they always have to repeat their painful stories to different members of staff. Some services tend to work towards their own priorities rather than what best for the child, this is a particular issue in the transition from childhood to adulthood where they need to consider options of accommodation and employment depending on the person individual needs. Families also found it harder to contribute to everyday life in ways where non-disabled families took for granted. At worst, this can result in social exclusion for all the family. (www.audit-commission 2009) restricted access, service gaps or bullying cultu re put pressure on the whole family. For many children and families there tends to be at least one outstanding member of staff that will give the family support, empathy and expertise. Having such expertise has given the families of disable children the support required which have helped make a difference in a small way. Other staffs as demonstrated a child- centred approach and motivation to work beyond their strictly defined role.