Sustainable Design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Sustainable Design - Essay Example It is first remarkable that, as Yeang, p. 413, 2007, puts it concisely - "Nature regards humans as one of its many species. What differentiates humans is their capability to inflict devastating changes on the environment".3 One of the major human activities that hugely and adversely affect the environment is the burning of fossil fuels to produce energy for other down line human activities. It is now notable that fossil fuels, even in the first parts of the 21st century, still remain the major energy source. Thus, it stands to good reason that any project that can run on low energy consumption is a profitable one. This is in two senses - firstly, with low consumption of fossil fuels low emission of harmful gases is possible and, secondly, the low consumption of fossil fuels enables energy planners to buy more time to develop alternate sources for future consumption when it is believed that all fossil fuels on Earth will be completely exhausted. This paper, thus, is concerned entirely with one such human project - human architectural activity - that is being designed to consume low energy and produce low emissions. This is what is currently being defined as sustainable architecture. The first part the paper discusses sustainability, its definition and global perceptions and the second part is a critical review about a sustainable development in London, called BedZED, as a successful example, its analysis and evaluation of its various environmentally friendly features. Ecodesign: Yeang4 defines ecodesign, which may be taken as sustainable design in this case, as a built environment that is fully integrated within its natural environment. It is taken here that the concerned 'built environment' is the sustainable architecture that this paper is in search of. Yeang (2007), furthermore, severely cautions against misconceptions that technology alone can provide sustainable architecture. He states that simply putting a set of technologies commonly acknowledged as green such as solar arrays, photovoltaic, biological recycling systems, building automation systems and double-skin facades into a building can merit the term ecodesign. Also, if a high mark in a green-rating system can hardly be construed as satisfactory reason to call the built environment sustainable architecture(Yeang, 2007). Instead, Yeang (2007) implies that ecodesign, or sustainable architecture, can only be operational when the entire building interacts with its natural environment in such a manne r that all its inputs and outputs sustain the ecosystem within which it is built without upsetting its delicate balance of secure survival. In this sense Yeang (2007) believes that not only the building but all its associated activities, such as transportation, for example, must be integrated into its ecosystem where he implies

Critical Appraisal of the International Accounting Standard Dissertation

Critical Appraisal of the International Accounting Standard - Dissertation Example The comparison focusing on the latter group is a means to identify whether there would be an increase in the degree of accounting quality that a firm has after utilizing and applying IAS 40 in their policies and processes. In that light, the researcher aims to determine the prospect of improvement of a firm's accounting quality and financial reporting with the use of International Accounting Standards on Investment Property. One of the key objectives of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) is to formulate a singular guideline that would establish accounting standards of high quality that must be comprehensible, as well as practical and practicable for the sake of public interest. Such guideline would encompass the accounting framework across the globe, which mandates transparent and analogous data of financial statements dedicated to a universal rationale (IASB) (Ashbaugh & Pincus 2001). With that philosophy in mind, the IASB has made the necessary measures to eliminate permissible accounting practices and policies that would serve as alternatives (Leuz et al 2003; Tarca 2004). In addition, the board has necessitated that the accounting measures enforced in IAS mirror the performance of a firm based on its economic position (Street & Gray 2001; Tarca 2004; Hung & Subramanyam 2004). With these two premises in mind, one can note that the application of IAS is directed towards the development of accounting quality among firms. A firm's accounting quality poses the probability to improve provided that alternatives are eliminated and the perusal of developing the degree to which the concept of accounting measurements aim to echo the limit of a firm's economic position, which would then be based on the prerogative of the management in reporting accounting amounts that pose an inferior representation of a firm's economic performance, such as the process of managing earnings (Bartov, Goldberg & Kim 2004; Daske 2006; Leuz 2003). With that concept in mind, the researcher aims to identify whether accounting amounts that have been identified with the help of IAS present higher quality, as opposed to those determined by GAAP (Leuz 2003).  

Communication ethics policy and law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Communication ethics policy and law - Essay Example Pornography is a controversial issue in many spheres, be it of law or morality. As the world became more globlized with the development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), the reach of pornography too has increased. Pornographic materials, at present, are freely available in both developed and developing countries. Along with the world wide spread of pornography, the debate on the legal validity and social acceptability of pornography has intensified. The present study aims to assess the arguments and concerns on the phenomenon of pornography. It would examine the strengths, weaknesses and influences of liberalism, feminism and moral perspectives on the discourses on pornography. Many a theorist has come up with compelling arguments supporting the ban of pornography from varying and often antagonistic standpoints. The paper would examine the merits and demerits of the arguments in favor of banning pornography from the standpoint of its internal theoretical validity. The pornography debate itself is started with the invention of mass production, distribution and consumption of pornography. As the effects of pornography spread across the social sections, it was natural for such a debate on pornography to materialize. There were strange combinations and alliances on both side of the spectrum. Curiously, most of the feminists in 1960s even were ready to align with ultra conservatives for the cause of banning pornography. On the other hand, liberals aligned with the new leftists to support the spread of pornography in the name of freedom of expression. The pornography debate is enriched by various currents of liberalism, feminism and conservatism. However, neither liberalism nor feminism or conservatism has a single standpoint on the issue of banning pornography. The liberal and feminist positions concerning the legitimacy of pornography are essentially heterogeneous and articulated from multiple standpoints. The liberal idea of feminism is

Sustainable Design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Sustainable Design - Essay Example It is first remarkable that, as Yeang, p. 413, 2007, puts it concisely - "Nature regards humans as one of its many species. What differentiates humans is their capability to inflict devastating changes on the environment".3 One of the major human activities that hugely and adversely affect the environment is the burning of fossil fuels to produce energy for other down line human activities. It is now notable that fossil fuels, even in the first parts of the 21st century, still remain the major energy source. Thus, it stands to good reason that any project that can run on low energy consumption is a profitable one. This is in two senses - firstly, with low consumption of fossil fuels low emission of harmful gases is possible and, secondly, the low consumption of fossil fuels enables energy planners to buy more time to develop alternate sources for future consumption when it is believed that all fossil fuels on Earth will be completely exhausted. This paper, thus, is concerned entirely with one such human project - human architectural activity - that is being designed to consume low energy and produce low emissions. This is what is currently being defined as sustainable architecture. The first part the paper discusses sustainability, its definition and global perceptions and the second part is a critical review about a sustainable development in London, called BedZED, as a successful example, its analysis and evaluation of its various environmentally friendly features. Ecodesign: Yeang4 defines ecodesign, which may be taken as sustainable design in this case, as a built environment that is fully integrated within its natural environment. It is taken here that the concerned 'built environment' is the sustainable architecture that this paper is in search of. Yeang (2007), furthermore, severely cautions against misconceptions that technology alone can provide sustainable architecture. He states that simply putting a set of technologies commonly acknowledged as green such as solar arrays, photovoltaic, biological recycling systems, building automation systems and double-skin facades into a building can merit the term ecodesign. Also, if a high mark in a green-rating system can hardly be construed as satisfactory reason to call the built environment sustainable architecture(Yeang, 2007). Instead, Yeang (2007) implies that ecodesign, or sustainable architecture, can only be operational when the entire building interacts with its natural environment in such a manne r that all its inputs and outputs sustain the ecosystem within which it is built without upsetting its delicate balance of secure survival. In this sense Yeang (2007) believes that not only the building but all its associated activities, such as transportation, for example, must be integrated into its ecosystem where he implies

Communication ethics policy and law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Communication ethics policy and law - Essay Example Pornography is a controversial issue in many spheres, be it of law or morality. As the world became more globlized with the development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), the reach of pornography too has increased. Pornographic materials, at present, are freely available in both developed and developing countries. Along with the world wide spread of pornography, the debate on the legal validity and social acceptability of pornography has intensified. The present study aims to assess the arguments and concerns on the phenomenon of pornography. It would examine the strengths, weaknesses and influences of liberalism, feminism and moral perspectives on the discourses on pornography. Many a theorist has come up with compelling arguments supporting the ban of pornography from varying and often antagonistic standpoints. The paper would examine the merits and demerits of the arguments in favor of banning pornography from the standpoint of its internal theoretical validity. The pornography debate itself is started with the invention of mass production, distribution and consumption of pornography. As the effects of pornography spread across the social sections, it was natural for such a debate on pornography to materialize. There were strange combinations and alliances on both side of the spectrum. Curiously, most of the feminists in 1960s even were ready to align with ultra conservatives for the cause of banning pornography. On the other hand, liberals aligned with the new leftists to support the spread of pornography in the name of freedom of expression. The pornography debate is enriched by various currents of liberalism, feminism and conservatism. However, neither liberalism nor feminism or conservatism has a single standpoint on the issue of banning pornography. The liberal and feminist positions concerning the legitimacy of pornography are essentially heterogeneous and articulated from multiple standpoints. The liberal idea of feminism is

Bohol, in the Eyes of a First-Time Beholder Essay Example for Free

Bohol, in the Eyes of a First-Time Beholder Essay Perched on a very young palm tree, the tarsier fidgeted as I aimed my camera on its direction. It was only a few centimeters away, so easy to touch and yet I reminded myself to avoid the temptation. I read in an article how traumatizing it can be for these velvety creatures to be held, that they would hurt themselves to death after being â€Å"violated† by curious tourists who are never content with taking pictures. So imagine my surprise when it landed very near me to catch the cricket hiding behind the leaves. Without even thinking, I brushed my fingers on its brown fur in what seemed to be a second or two; it didn’t flinch, but the click of the camera (there was no flash since it was daytime) alerted it, and it darted back to its highest hiding place in the palm tree. Like that unlikely encounter with the tarsier, my trip to Bohol was something worthy to remember. Thanks to the invitation of a friend, poet and journalist Michael Ortega Ligalig, my memory of Bohol was not limited to beaches, Chocolate Hills, and yes, tarsiers. But there is no denying that Bohol is teeming with natural and man-made assets. If you are artsy and into culture, Bohol can offer you a lot with its cultural and historical riches. If you are into nature and adventure, there are surprises that the island can offer. Churches and Heritage Houses For somebody like me who is fascinated with old things and history, Bohol is like a gold mine with its old churches and heritage houses. Almost all of the 47 towns have old, massive, stone churches that have survived natural ravages, wars and even climate change. I asked to be brought to some of the most fascinating ones, like the Baclayon and Loboc churches. The Church of the Immaculate Conception or the Baclayon Church is one of the country’s oldest churches. First built in 1595, the Jesuit frailes built the Neoclassic structure piece by piece using adobe and coral that were joined together by adhesive made from egg whites (imagine all the chicken eggs used to build such a magnificent structure!). From the front door, one could see the marble tombstones that were embedded on the walls and pylons, the names of the dead intricately written in Spanish. The retablo or the church altar was also an imposing piece of art, though we were unable to see the church’s pipe organ. It also has a museum similar to that of San Agustin in Intramuros. The fee is not very expensive, but cameras are not allowed. Still, one can take pictures of the saints on the ground floor joining the museum and the church, where they kept a coterie of human-size religious images or statues. St. Peter Parish Church or Loboc Church is the second oldest church in Bohol. Originally built in 1602, a stronger one was built in 1638. Located near the famous Loboc River cruise, it has survived a number of floods. Inside the church, murals depicting religious events can be found on the dome right on top of the main altar. A Spanish coat-of-arms can be found near the entrance of the convent which today houses the Museo de Loboc. This museum houses a few religious images and artifacts, like registry books from the 1800s and choir books. There is also a magnificent bell tower adjacent the church. One can also find a bridge that was never completed; it would have joined the two parts of the town separated by the river, but it would mean demolishing part of the church. It is also the home of the famous Loboc Children’s Choir. There are also plenty of heritage houses all over Bohol, particularly in Baclayon and Dauis. Owned mostly by merchant families and old political clans, its interiors are characterized by wide and thick wooden floor planks and wide stairways with wooden balusters. The interiors often feature wooden sala and table sets, cabinets and dressers and rocking chairs, while the walls often hold portraits of its departed residents. Some of the houses include the ancestral houses of the Clarin, Villamor, Malon, Luza, Sofia and Abueva, and some of them actually accommodate tourists for a bed-and-breakfast experience. Beaches and Diving Bohol is getting its fair share of tourism fame with its pristine white sand beaches, the most famous of which is Panglao Island and Dauis, although there are plenty of other beaches minus the flock of tourists and expensive. The most famous is Alona Beach, an 800-meter stretch of white powdery sand located south of Panglao Island. Many full-service beach and dive resorts reside there. The sea around Pamilacan Island is frequented by whales and dolphins, as it is also a favored breeding and feeding site of tuna, snappers, groupers, mackerel and surgeonfish, making it a perfect spot for those who want to see the teeming natural fish population at work. There are a number of diving spots that offer priceless views of the sea beneath. Balicasag is known for its rare, beautiful seashells and its beds of corals are considered one of the best dive spots in the country. On the other hand, Danajon Bank is the only double barrier reef in the Philippines and is one of only three such sites in the Asia-Pacific region, spread across almost 130 kilometers of seabed and consist of three large reefs. Flora and Fauna Because of its geographical features, Bohol’s endemic flora and fauna makes it a hot spot for nature lovers. The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella town is a 134-hectare land that has been set aside as a protected area for its most celebrated creature considered the world’s smallest primate. However, there are many mini-â€Å"tarsier zoos† that are maintained by resorts. These resorts or mini-zoos often put these tarsiers in small cages and crowded, considering the wild nature of these animals. While my friend assured me that these resorts have â€Å"adoption certificates† from the local environmental offices, I still find it disturbing to find these magnificent creatures caged like birds. In the town of Albuquerque, there is a mini-zoo that claims to hold the biggest python in captivity ever known. Its name is Prony, approximately almost 30 feet and an estimated weight of about 300 kilograms. They also have a variety of birds species like parakeets, pigeons and other avians. However, a star attraction would be the entertainer which we humorously call â€Å"Kakambal ni Prony.† Clad in shiny gaudy costumes, she would dance near the snake’s spectators. We were also fortunate to visit the Mahogany Man-Made Forest in the town of Bilar, a two-kilometer stretch of densely planted mahogany trees located in the border of Loboc and Bilar. River Cruises The ultimate part of our trip would be the scenic Loboc River Cruise. We took the nighttime cruise as my friend advised because of the lamps that would light up as our boat would pass by. The boat fee includes a buffet meal that included seafood, meat and desserts. As the boat commenced its trip, a man with his electric guitar started to sing, his repertoire including American hits from the seventies. My companions and I found the lineup rather distracting as he started with Don McLean’s Vincent then to assorted songs from Bread and Air Supply. However, as the colored lamp posts began glowing from the sides, we were already transfixed and astonished. We briefly stopped on a floating raft that has a big group of singers belting their original songs. We all got off and started clapping. I interviewed some of the children and the adults who actually make a living from the song and dance number, and it ended with them selling their very own musical CD to the tourists. The visit to Bohol was short and partly fulfilling. I am decided to pursue this island more and look forward to seeing more of its assets very, very soon.

Vodafone Marketing Strategies

Vodafone Marketing Strategies Advertisement†¦. Vodafone has a specific advertisement strategy in new Zealand .Vodafone try to target its customers through advertisement. Vodafone spend huge money on its advertisement that customer can get full and correct information about products. On the TV channel of new Zealand ads of Vodafone products can be seen comanlly.Vodafone dominate on TV radio newspaper and other ways which provide information to customer .Vodafone give ads o TV before launching in the marketing to promote that product.Vodafone is well known company in newzealand because of its promotional ways which attract to customer in effective way.vodafone sponsor to worriz team in new Zealand which team promote its products or service in new Zealand. Personal selling†¦.. Vodafone promote its product by using personal selling method of marketing. Employees of Vodafone communicate with customer to convince to buy product or service.vodafone regular conduct sales meeting in stores that how to satisfy to customer by giving good service or product. We can know about products by call to customer care of Vodafone which is 24 hours for help to its customers and also can know about products or services .it can be seen in Auckland cities salesmen of Vodafone show samples of products to attract to customer for example information about new plans ,showing new mobile phones of Vodafone company .i think it is most effective way to promotion because seller come to know about seeks and wants of buyer and company can have feedback through this idea. Direct marketing†¦.. Vodafone use both way of direct marketing like face to face or indirect communication through television ,radio, newspaper.vodafone employees go to door to door and sell their product .Vodafone use mail or letters to target audience they putt browser in letter box however sometime it is junk mail but company has opportunity to get fast response from customers.vodafone do street advertisement for example on queen street of Auckland.vodafone gives preference to such way specially door to door because they are successful to sell their product or service. Publicity †¦ Vodafone is such company which is one of most popular in new Zealand so media has special observation on Vodafone activities which helps to Vodafone make more attract or noticeable of customers .Articles and newspaper give information of companies future products or services and it also focus on policies ,actions of company which give information about company to its customers Internet marketing†¦. Vodafone has its own website which has every thing whatever customer want to know .second way of promotion is face book or twitter Vodafone nz has pages on both which is also a way to promote .company also send mail to its target audience those who log in companys site. Advantages and disadvantages of used promotional tools Advantages Advertisements are most successful way to promote any product. Advertisement has both audio and video effects if it is shown on television which helps to consumer to analysis that product by seeing like we can see size of product,figtures ,shape ect.Advertisement has great access to people because almost everyone watch television, listen radio, and read newspaper or magazines .advertisements on television specially send actual message to customer with right and unique way because we can watch and listen so consumer get message whatever company want to send to its consumer. Advertisements attract to people because some celebrity indorse particular product for example David backham is brand ambassador of Vodafone company for world wide. Personal selling brings customer to company by convincing them. Salesman makes understand to customer about product and service so salesman get response on the spot. Communication becomes stronger due to this way of promotion. Direct marketing is cheap way of promotion like sending mail to customers. Internet marketing which can be define one of most accessible way to reach to consumers .Today heaps of product are launched by different companies in the whole world so internet becomes a way to promote that product or service in the world.Throught internet customer can be targeted for example if any company make product for younger people then company can promote by social sites like facebook,orkut ect. Disadvantages Advertisements is costly function of promotion generally if company spend money on ads for promotion then cost of per item will increase and company covered this cost by increasing price of product. Some advertisements mislead to customers which ads are cleverly made by companies to create misleading impression of products .it has happened with Vodafone so Vodafone had to pay fine for such advertisement .company has to spend huge amount of money to make an video advertisement for example David Backham charge huge money to indorse of one advertisement. Direct marketing can irritate to consumer because sometime consumer are not ready to face salesman .door to door promotion idea consume more time than other way of promotions. Internet marketing has also some disadvantages because customer cannot experience product before buying for example if anybody purchase Vodafone companies cell phone then customer cannot experience features ,apps ect .Internet promotion has other big fault that it is not secure mostly internet has security reasons. Conclusions †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.at the end I would like say that promotion tools which are used by Vodafone new Zealand are effective because due to such tools Vodafone is most popular company in new Zealand as well as in whole world. Every thing has pros and cons so promotional tools of Vodafone also have these things.