Sustainable Construction in SMEs | Research Proposal

Sustainable Construction in SMEs | Research Proposal Introduction The construction industry is a significantly important sector in the UK and has profound economical, social and environmental impacts. The UK construction industry contributes 10% of UK GDP and provides employments to 1.5 million people. Unfortunately, the environmental impacts caused by the construction activities are appalling: annually 70 million tones of waste are produced and 50% of all energy generated is used by the industry (Addis, B Talbot, R, 2001:21). Worldwide, there has been a growing concern on the environmental impacts caused by the construction industry. Since the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, Sustainability and Sustainable Development have captured the attention of all the industries in the world especially the construction industry. As a result of this concern, the concept of Sustainable Construction emerged. It is proposed that sustainable construction is the way forward to improve the performance of the construction industry, making it more sustainable, and subsequently helps to minimise the environmental impacts caused by its activities. The development and progress of sustainable construction in the UK is improving, although it lags behind other countries in Europe. Within the construction industry itself, there is a gap of performance and progress between large construction companies (LE) and small construction companies (SME) in implementing sustainable construction. Interestingly, much of the available literature on the UK sustainable construction focuses more on the large companies, while studies on small construction companies are still under researched. Thus, this research aims to investigate to actual level of understanding and implementation of sustainable construction among construction SMEs, with further intention to identify the barriers to these companies in implementing sustainable construction practices. It is impossible to conduct this research based on all disciplines within the construction team hence, a scope is determined. The research focuses only on contractors firms which fall under the category of SMEs (general contractors with less than 50 employees) and therefore, the scope of the construction phase is limited to the production or on-site activities. Justification/Rational of the Research The contribution of small companies towards any changes and innovations proposed by the construction industry is very significant. This is because the largest part of the construction industry is made up of small firms. In 2004, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has registered more than 170,000 private construction contractors working in the UK and 93% of these companies employed less than 8 people (DTI, 2004). Interestingly, previous studies on construction innovations and initiatives by the construction SMEs indicate that this group is often ignored and hence, they are under-performed compared to large construction companies (Sexton, M.G. Barrett, P.S., 2003a). With regards to sustainable construction in the UK, there as been a rapid development since the publications of the Egan Report (1998) and `Building A Better Quality of Life` (2000), which promote and encourage sustainable construction practices. Despite the rapid development, in the construction industry: .take up of sustainability principles varies significantly, with some leading firms following recognised practice, but others still making little effort. (Environment Agency, 2006) There are continuing problems, reaching small and medium sized enterprises, and the entirely of supply chains. The author is intrigued by this matter which seems to suggest that the construction SMEs is lagging behind in implementing sustainable construction practices when compared to large construction companies. Consequently, the question arises as to `what are the barriers to the construction SMEs in implementing sustainable construction? At present, it is widely felt that investigate into barriers faced by construction SMEs in implementing sustainable construction is under researched. Therefore, the author would like to undertake a research on this area in order to explore the level of understanding and implementation of sustainable construction SMEs, and consequently identify the barriers involved. It is hoped that the finding, from this research will help the construction industry to encourage more construction SMEs to implement sustainable construction principles and techniques, as recommended by the UK Government in Building a Better Quality of Life. The scope of the research is limited to contractors companies that employ less than 50 people. The area of research investigation is also limited to the activities on construction site, or known as the production phase. The diagram below demonstrates the deductive approach taken for this research in order to narrow down the research area to specific issues and activities during construction site operation. Eventually, the research scope will be limited to five making practices in implementing environmental sustainable construction, which include waste management, energy efficiency, water conservation materials efficiency and protection of biodiversity.

A Dangerous Double Standard

Women face many dangers in society.   Women are generally smaller and physically weaker than men, so a female can be said to be a potential victim for a male.   However, oftentimes, females become endangered simply because they are women. In effect, women are endangered daily by societal double standards with regard to their attitude, clothing and chosen activities.Women’s bodies are the subject of much attention from the media.   The ideal body type is stamped everywhere.   Women who are able to achieve that body type, or nearly achieve it, are likely to want to show it off.   Thus, if a shapely female where’s a plunging neckline or a short skirt, people may consider her to be inviting sexual overtures.However, a man in a shirt which reveals his muscular stature would receive no such insult.   This look can even cause a woman to be the victim of unwanted sexual advances, even rape.   In an extreme case, one attacker was actually freed because his victim w as dressed the way she was.   According to a sexual assault case in the UK, â€Å"a pedophile who raped a 10-year-old girl will be free in just four months after a British judge said his victim had ‘dressed provocatively’.In addition to her appearance, a woman who seems confident, or even aggressive, can earn distasteful responses from both men and women.   Confident women seem to present a challenge to men, even though no such standard exists for men.Men may, again, sexually pursue these women.   Women may feel intimidated and fail to rally behind these women, pushing them to the side, failing to protect them.   Some women are even considered bold and fiery.   Most men and women do not know how to deal with this type of woman, and some might set out to try to make them fail.   As an example, some women who choose to express what is considered an extreme are insulted and even tormented.For example, aggressive women are termed feminazis. One opposed to this view noted that â€Å"These are the staunch feminists that destroy homes and marriages.   I've met a few feminists in my lifetime and I could see that they were just begging to get into an argument.   Some women really thrive off attacking men every chance they get.Many marriages have been destroyed by a meddling feminist.   Of course, hen pecked husbands and sissies are exempt.   A real man is a threat to the feminist's agenda.   Feminism is sin.   It is wrong because it is a rebellion against authority (and against God)† (Militant Feminazis).  Finally, women seem to have less latitude in choosing their own activities.   If a man walks alone at night, drinks too much and flirts with the opposite sex, or sets out to undertake a highly physical adventure, people are impressed.   If a woman does the same thing, she is placing herself in danger.A woman walking at night is subject to attack.   A flirtatious woman may not be in control of the advances of the me n she is flirting with.   A woman who attempts a physical adventure may be seen as overreaching her bounds.   All of these can have cataclysmic results.   If a man is hurt, it is a tragedy.   If a woman is hurt, it was bound to happen.For example, former CIA agent Dr. R.J. Hillhouse writes about her experiences as an agent.   â€Å"Dr. Hillhouse has run Cuban rum between East and West Berlin, smuggled jewels from the Soviet Union and slipped through some of the world’s tightest borders. From Uzbekistan to Romania, she's been followed, held at gunpoint and interrogated. Foreign governments and others have pitched her for recruitment as a spy† (Hillhouse,)   At every corner she met with problems that the male agents did not.Sadly, double standards do exist.   A woman can be hurt by the choices she makes, whether they be her fashion, her attitude or her activities.   Even though this is not the way things should be, women should heed these issues lest they become victims.â€Å"Girl provoked pedophile – judge.† News.com.au.   Retrieved 26 June 2007. http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,21969117-2,00.htmlHillhouse, R.J.   The Spy Who Briefed Me. Retrieved 26 June 2007 from http://www.thespywhobilledme.com/â€Å"Militant Feminazis.† Retrieved 27 June 2007 from http://www.jesus-is-   savior.com/Womens%20Page/militant_feminazi.htm

Political Cartoon Essay

This political cartoon shows President NoyNoy with the word â€Å"political maneuvers† written on his arm pushing two letters, the R and the H with difficulty because of big rocks with the words objection, 2013 polls and moral issues written on each rock. The cartoon also shows how hard it was for Pnoy because of the sweat on his head. Symbols that were used in this political cartoon are 1) the word â€Å"political maneuver† on Pnoy’s arm, 2) the letter R and H, and 3) the rocks with the word â€Å"objection†, â€Å"2013 Polls† and â€Å"moral issues† Looking at this political cartoon it only illustrates that Pnoy with his skillful tactics push RH bill passing through many objectives, through his political maneuvers, he will be able to have good performance and even crash political and moral issues thrown against him. As a teacher, I am a leader and as a leader, I am not fond of manipulating my student, their grades and even what is happening inside the class. We all know that Pnoy is a good leader whom played the most in achieving economic growth of our country is also known to be a person who wants to promote RH bill no matter how hard it is for the majority to accept it still he will not let it go. I am not against RH bill, and I am not pro abortion, it’s just I want to teach people lesson on giving birth among children whom they can’t support and will be like others begging on the streets and in the end be one of the government dependents. But I am not allowing manipulations or tricks just to fool us around, just to crash moral issues and other objections. I still believe in the moral values our late Pres. Cory imbued to our present president today and will do what is good for our country with due respect and transparency to all Filipino citizens. A pro-RH candidate shaking upon seeing two big feet with â€Å"Catholic Vote† written on it is shown in this political cartoon. This cartoon uses a big foot which represents the majority who opposes the RH bill because they called themselves Catholic, a Christian who lives in a Christian country and should be against violation of life and liberty. This only shows that being a pro-RH bill is a big threat to get big chance of winning in election. The cartoon shows how great is the power of the catholic people who are against the RH bill. A candidate must have a strong political spirit whom he can fight for what he stands for. Yes, majority of the people in the Philippines are Catholics but we must also realize that there are also Catholics who are  pro-RH bill. Catholic Church must not influence voters in not voting pro-RH candidates. Even they have strong influence among the Filipinos; still we must practice a free and democratic way of choosing and electing government officials. Knowing a candidate whether he is a pro or anti-RH bill will never stop him in wanting to serve our country. We must really know who among them are real and who are not. For me, the Catholic Church must not enter with the voting issues anymore, they must listen on how those candidates would love to serve our country whether they are pro or anti-RH bill.

Culture on Toyota - 4129 Words

Corporate Culture Analysis of Toyota Case study Analysis By Mithila Saranapala ABSTRACT This case study analyses the corporate culture of Toyota by using two theories and then analyze the national cultures of Japan and USA by using two theories and its impact on the corporate culture of Toyota. The models of â€Å"Edgar Schein† and â€Å"Charles Handy† will be used to analyze the corporate culture of Toyota while the models of â€Å"Greet Hofstede† and â€Å"Fons Trompenaars† will be used to analyze the national cultures. Afterwards the case study will discuss the climate of Toyota and the impact of the same to its success. Also the case study will analyze the reasons as to why the Toyota Company had to face failures and whether the†¦show more content†¦Sociologists generally talk about the term socialization process, referring to the influence of parents, friends, education, and the interaction with other members of a particular society as the basis for one’s culture. 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