Prefeasibility Study of Upper Khudi -A Hydropower Project

Prefeasibility Study of Upper Khudi -A Hydropower Project CE1.1.1 This project entitled Prefeasibility Study of Upper Khudi -A hydropower project is one prepared by group of five students in partial fulfilment of requirement for the bachelors degree in civil engineering. This project was carried out at Kantipur Engineering College, Dhapakhel, Lalitpur, affiliated to Tribhuwan University. Our team comprised of five members and the project itself was supervised by Er. Baburam Bharadwaj (Project Manager of Khudi hydropower limited) CE1.1.2 Being the final year project of our engineering program, the timespan for this project was 1 year. We worked on it from June 2010 to November 2010. During this period, we presented the proposal, conducted the feasibility analysis, project analysis, project design, project defence, final presentation and final report. I was the team lead for my project and was a dedicated member from start to finish CE.1.2 Background CE1.2.1 As the name suggests, Prefeasibility Study of Upper Khudi -A hydropower project, is prefeasibility study aimed to use the theoretical knowledge we had from out text books to better understand the feasibility and optimization of the design of small scale hydropower project centered on Upper Khudi River in Lamjung district of Western Nepal. Majority of Nepalese households rely upon hydropower for their energy needs. So, developing small scale hydropower energy plants can be very efficient energy solutions as the rivers in Nepal are mostly mountain rivers with enough water throughout the year. CE1.2.2 Khudi River has an average slope of 1 in 30 with gravels and boulders forming the river bed. It has a high sediment transport capacity. Upper Khudi Hydropower Project is a run of the river type hydropower scheme designed to produce power using the discharge of the Khudi River. It begins from the confluence of two Rivers, Sundar Khola and Khudi Khola. The catchments area of the River is 133 km2 at the Department of Hydrology Metrology (DHM) station located at Khudi Bazar, which when transformed to our catchments is 25 km2, running from north to south. CE1.2.3 The learning exercise included optimizing schemes per project capacity, sizes of hydraulic structures, penstock and electromechanical equipment and check the sensitivity analysis for the financial parameters which comprised of a significant result of in this feasibility analysis report. The study shows the feasibility of project with sufficient alternatives. We made sure we followed all the organizational rules and regulations of the University as well as the Hydropower Project. CE1.2.4 The project was divided into five parts namely Data collection, Design and modelling, Cost estimation, Project planning and scheduling, Economic and financial analysis. Each member of the team was given one sector each as a main area of study and was responsible for the literature review of that part. I was given the Project planning and scheduling and the Design and Modelling part. CE1.2.5 Organisational Chart CE1.2.6 Project Objective The objective of this study is to find the best project alternative and carry out the pre-feasibility study of the same. The main objectives are highlighted below: To be acquainted with the various aspects of hydropower planning and development. To find out the feasibility of project To know about the major components of the hydropower project. To select the best project alternative. To carry out the engineering design of hydropower components. To calculate the power and energy generated from the project. To carry out the quantity estimation and their cost. To prepare implementation schedule of the project. To carry out optimization of project capacity and components. To carry out financial analysis and sensitivity analysis of the project CE1.3 Personal Engineering Activities CE1.3.1 I have always been passionate about renewable energy and it is the main reason I took engineering as my career. In the context of Nepal, hydropower energy has a lot of scope. Most of the country in the upper hilly and mountainous parts are deprived of energy which is not a hard goal to achieve if small-scale hydropower projects implemented. I consulted my friends to form a group of five. We prepared the proposal to study for a hydropower project that could be used for a real project in the future. Then we prepared the proposal and submitted to the Dept. Of Civil Engineering with a detailed timeline graphed in a Gantt Chart. We consulted with the head engineer designated for this project and proposed that we would submit a study that could somehow facilitate the funded government project. He agreed to help us in every possible way and agreed to become our supervisor. CE1.3.2 Before we started, we decided that we visit a similar small scale hydropower project. We drove to a similar hydropower project that powered a small city called Banepa east of Kathmandu. We talked to the authorities and they allowed us to walk through the entire project and see the dam, the turbines control room, and allowed us to take the specifications of the turbine so that we could have a rough idea of what equipment we had to choose to prepare the analysis of the hydropower project we had to do the project for. I also conducted weekly progress meetings with the team and supervisor to tackle any hurdles that we faced. We consulted with senior professors about my problems and ideas. CE1.3.3 The entire work of this study is done by desk Study and field visit and survey by minor instrument such as Tape, and Abney level etc. All the data and information available from different sources were carefully analyzed to perform the preliminary study of all the necessary components. For the hydrological study of the project, mean monthly discharge of 13 years records of Khudi Khola at Khudi Bazar station (439.3) are obtained from DHM and analyzed using catchment area correlation method to find necessary hydrological parameters. Topographic maps (1:50000) of proposed site was studied for the allocation and design of civil as well as electro-mechanical components of the project. The methodology employed to undertake the study were desk study and map study, field survey and social interaction, literature review, hydrological analysis, screening and selection of the best alternative, hydraulic design of the components of the chosen alternative, cost analysis and preparation of bill of quantities and finally report preparation and presentation. CE1.3.4 The topography of the site is steep and rocky and thus we proceeded deciding that tunneling is the best possible alternative for waterway. As I was given the responsibility of design and modelling, I am explaining what the engineering design from the headwork to the penstock is comprised of in brief. CE1.3.5 The headwork was located at 1290 m elevation. The trench weir was provided for diversion of flow to the intake and passage of high flood water. For design of the weir with length 10m, the design flood is taken as 40.073 m3/s for hundred years-return periods. The trench size has been calculated considering 50% of the trash rack is clogged and the design discharge will be conveyed. The intake was designed to allow abstraction of water from the source with as little sediment as possible, thereby minimizing maintenance and operational costs and providing some measure of protection against damage too (e.g. blocking of the conduit by incoming sediment and debris). A.) Design Aspects of Gravel Trap and Settling Basin: The main design principle of the gravel rap was that the velocity through it should be less than that required to move the smallest size of gravel to be removed. Since the water abstracted from sediment loaded river not only reduces the capacity of the conveyancesystem but also damages the hydro turbines, thereby causing operation and maintenance problems. To cope with economy of energy generation from this, I wanted to design and construct a settling basin before water enters the plant, which helps to limit the entry of sediment into the plant by trapping the particle size greater than 0.2 mm. B.) Headrace Tunnel: The shape as well as the dimensions of the tunnel should be selected such that it should be readily accessible from every direction for control, maintenance and repair. In pressure tunnels operating under high heads, the provisions of lining of concrete (PCC or RCC) and even steel lining including steel pipes may be embedded. To reduce construction costs, relatively high flow velocities should be permitted in tunnels, higher ones than those of open canals. In addition to this I also calculated Friction losses Darcy Weisbach formula. The resulting dimension of the tunnel after all analysis was Inverted D shape 2m in diameter and 1500 m in length. C.) Surge tank: A surge tank is generally constructed immediately prior to penstock or pressure shaft so as to damp out the oscillation in water level as soon as possible and to store water during load rejection until the new velocity has been established. Final design composed of a circular surge with diameter 2 m and height of 13.5 having upsurge and down surge of 6.256m and 4.704 m respectively. D.) Penstock: Penstock is usually the pipeline in between surge tank and turbine inlet. Penstock may be low pressure or high-pressure penstock. Usually it is high pressure. The materials used are usually of steel, reinforced concrete. The pipe diameter and the thickness are such that the stress in steel computed from hoop stress criteria is well within the allowable limit. The hoop stress developed is given by the thin cylinder theory. I design we used inclined underground shaft made of mild steel. E.) Turbine: To maintain the supply even in peak load conditions, two units of Pelton turbines with horizontal Shaft are in housed in the Powerhouse. Two units of generator are used to generate electrical energy. Turbine was selected on the analysis based on available head and design discharge. Two units are provided for continuation of supply on maintenance of one unit also. Also, a tailrace was set to convey the water leaving the power plant back to the river. The tailrace should be designed to maintain the water surface at the elevation specified by the turbine manufacturer and to protect the power plant against flooding by the expected design flood level in the river. E.) Power generation: A 66 KV transmission line has been proposed for the safe and economic transmission of the generated power, along a length of 30 Km for the interconnection of the supply to the national grid at Udaypur. CE1.3.6 The subjects that I was enrolled in the undergraduate like fluid mechanics, hydraulics, water supply, engineering hydrology, survey, engineering drawing etc. helped me a lot to complete and prepare my project. I tried to utilise all my knowledge in utmost way to realise a hydropower project. While doing this project, I not only experienced the applied part of civil and hydropower engineering but also learned a lot of practical skills like communication skills, time management, project presentation and team work. During this project interval, being a group leader I had to solve not only my own but I have to help my group members in technical and other calculation part as well. CE1.3.7 Me along with my team members worked together very hard and could complete the project in the defined time. We could study the pre-feasibility of Upper Khudi and prepare the final report in the designated time. After the completion of this project, I felt a big rise in my confidence level as an engineer and I felt I could easily tackle the obstacles by studying about it, applying the solutions in real life problems. We used various software like MS-Word, MS-Excel, MS-PowerPoint to document the report, prepare presentations and analyze available data. I feel like my reporting skills, drafting skills and drawing skills also utilised professionally over the course of this project. CE1.4 Summary Undertaking this project helped me to use my theoretical knowledge on practical and real life work scenarios relating design and construction of a hydro power plant. We were very happy that the project met all the initial objectives. The project has a conventional B/C ratio of 2.1 and modified of 2.13 and IRR of 23.4%. The total cost of the project is NRs 605,089,628.69 and cost per kilowatt is within the range of prevailing Cost per KW for the projects recently built in Nepal. Hence, the project was financially, technically, socially and environmentally viable, and can be forwarded for further study. In a nutshell, I was efficiently and successfully able to undertake, manage and complete the project ensuring that it met all its objectives within a designated time frame.

Concepts of Universal Design in Architecture

Concepts of Universal Design in Architecture There are many misconceptions surrounding the idea of universal design. People often believe that providing the disabled with signage or a ramp is sufficient and practices the ideals of universal design. What people must understand is that universal design is about providing these necessary amenities to the disabled without segregating them from the norm of society. It is also about creating a space that can withstand multiple environments and the fads of time as a timeless creation. In a universally designed world peoples differences are not highlighted by building usage but are designed for and create seamlessness between users. The bottom up theory is looked to by many designers when establishing universal space; it works on the premise that the building users, the architect is serving include those with disabilities are all people who can be treated as normal people[2] and with this you must start at the bottom of the pyramid and aim to reach the top and achieve universal design. Questions to consider when designing a universally designed space may be how this space will respond to different environments or eras and as the user or users change what will be the response to how it is used. Universal designed has been outlined and defined into seven principles that can be applied to a wide range of areas including architectural spaces to product design. Equitable use Flexibility in use Simple and intuitive Perceptible information Tolerance for error Low physical effort Size and space for approach and use Access Living Headquarters Access Living is an organization that started in the early 1970s and has been committed to rehabilitation and growth of disabled peoples by the support of disabled peoples. This company has personal with a multitude of disabilities and unique challenges that they encounter. In March 5, 2007 LCM Architects lead by partner John H. Catlin, FAIA designed access livings main headquarters in Chicago with not only a universal focus by as a sustainable design direction. This 50,000 115 West Chicago Avenue. business footprint for Access living truly reflects the mission of the company and reinforces their ideals to empower the options available to differences of others. It has been awarded the Barrier Free America Award from Paralyzed Veterans of America; A sustainable design award from AIA; the Trend Setter Award from Friends of Downtown; LEED Gold Certification; and a Silver Award from the Association of Licensed Architects. Design Solutions LCM architects started the vision of universal design, by choosing an accessible location and considering building approach. The building is no more than two blocks from the local trains underground station and from the city bus. This close relationship not only encourages green transportation but it provided for uses that may not have other modes of transportation and its prime location allows for people from multiple locations to be able to utile this feature with ease. In addition to the consideration of close proximity, the garage of the building has designated spaces that allow for electric vehicles to be recharged for use. As users approach, the building integrates two curb drop offs seamlessly added to allow for users coming from street level and for wheelchair lifts to have a direct route to the main building entrance[4]. Being in a colder climate of the United States, architect Catlin devised a solution to deal with iced sidewalks in the winter months by designing a heated concrete sidewalks and well lit approaches. All of these features lead directly into the entrance of the building that is separated by two sets of sliding doors that open directly off the sidewalk. These doors have a wide opening of sixty inches to allow for easy mobility or two wheelchairs in passing. Once you enter in to building for access living, its well designed interior lobby space and furniture selection leaves you no clue that this space is universally designed. LCM architects and there team of designers took close consideration into their interior choices being conscience of spacing, materials, colors and configurations so this truly was a universally accepting space. Universal design has a close relationship to human factor and ergonomics. As a process they both attempt to consider the abilities and limitations of users when developing a product or building an environment.[5] All of the furniture came from the Steelcase, so a select piece could be duplicated in several forms to include with arms/without, adjustable or basic systems that encouraged change as necessary. Using a single manufacturer line allowed for a wide range of seating choices to read and flow seamlessly. Within this configuration ample space is giving for wheelchair move ability and integration within a personal or large group interaction. Multiple chair heights are included for users of all statures and clearance below some of the seating is open to allow the user to push up to the standing position with their leg muscles[6]. A custom feature within the lobby is the reception desk; Lehner points out that the reception area underscores the universal design. A person approaching the reception desk in a wheelchair should have the same ability to use it as a person who doesnt have a disability. Thats the premise behind the entire design-no one uses a back door or side door, and no one uses a ramp. Everybody comes in the same door and uses the same elevators[8]. Unique to most reception desk, the primary dimension is at a wheel chaired accessible counter height of (29-30 AFF)[9]. Based on the guided approach to the desk knee and toe space is carefully designed and provide for. The reception desk does also include a small portion at the standard height of 42. Much consideration was giving to the reception side of the desk because this would be the primary and full time user of the millwork. The desk maintains the counter height and electrical outlets are placed at the ends of the counter opposed to across to mi nimize the need for users to strain to reach across counter span. The employee also is provided with a very accessible approach to their work station and a turning radius within, allowing for a 360 degree wheelchair turning radius. Beyond the reception desk, clever inclusions of universal principles are utilized to assist with user move ability throughout. Two elevators with double entry points allow users to move quickly in and out without the need of turning within a small confined space. The elevators are also large enough to support four wheelchairs within. Along with the maximization of mobility within the elevator Architect Catilin incorporated state of the art emergency use technology for the deaf and head of hearing and enlarge elevator buttons placed at a universal accessible height. Each of the floors of the Access Living Company, are color coded so users can easily identify locality and direction. This color coding process is a wonderful tool to assist the young child to elderly and people with all timers. This would also eliminate the frustrations of getting off the elevator on the wrong floor, like so many of us have done. Once on a floor users, will notice ample floor space as to not to feel const rained by close furniture configurations and for wheelchair passing. The high traffic and areas of egress are ingeniously deigned with a floor border that lines the walls so the visually impaired can easily utilize this tool to maneuver through the floors. To a user with no sight impairments this simply appears as an aesthetical feature because of how well it integrated throughout. This feature is a prime example of how universal design principles do not highlighting the differences of users. Obstacles In designing the Access Living headquarter LCM Architects, incurred many obstacles in creating a space that was not only universal, sustainable but also aesthetically and functionally useable. With their primary focus on creating a universal space they quickly learned that what works for one disability doesnt always work for another,[10] Lehner says. As a universal designer you must learn to balance the integration of accommodations so they are not swayed by a particular user. Thats nowhere more apparent than in the flooring. LCM discovered through research that carpeting, contrary to popular belief, serves people with MCS by trapping contaminants that would otherwise remain airborne. It also offers traction for people using canes. But carpeting can be difficult to negotiate with a wheelchair, says Catlin[11] This is a great lesson to be learned because when people think a disability they too often only think of wheelchair users. After selecting a fabric that architect Catlin thought would be perfect for all of the users in the space he quickly had to return to the drawing board after one employee had an epileptic seizure from the intense patterning of the flooring. This is one example of the many difficulties faced in this project in designing for the masses, but Catlin remedies this problem by installing a more muted pattern through the building while still ensuring there was still enough contrast on hallway borders to help guide people with visual impairments[12]. Conclusion Although they are a portion of users there are wheel chair bound we must consider and be aware that there are countless impairments that cause all users to have different needs and ways in which they utilize a space. Designing a universal space you must have an understanding of that and remember that you are not designing for outlined user but in turn everyone becomes your user. It is often very difficult to create and design a workable solution that all people will deem user friendly, which is why architects and designers seem to steam away from this principle. Catlin illustrates that not only can design be an aesthetically pleasing universal space but green principle can also be an applied in a brilliant way. Works Cited Access Living. Ed. Geekpak. Acess Living, 2008. Web. 14 Oct. 2009. Boniface, Russell. Paralyzed Veterans of America Honors Chicago-based Access Living for Accessible Design. The News of Americans Community of Architects. AIArchitect, 17 Aug. 2007. Web. 20 Oct. 2009. . Dong, Hua. Shifting Paradigms in Universal Design. Vol. 4554/2007. Heidelberg: Springer, 2007. Print. Goldsmith, Selwyn. Universal Design. Maine: Architectural, 2001. Print. Meyers, Tiffany. UNIVERSAL DESIGN IN ACCESS LIVING HQ. Metropolis Magazine Oct. 2007. Metropolis Magazine, Sept. 09. Web. 23 Oct. 2009. . Tandem, Byan, ed. Home Design: Understanding Universal Design. AARP (2008). AARP. Web. 22 Oct. 2009. . Goldsmith, Selwyn. Universal Design. Maine: Architectural, 2001. Print. Goldsmith Access Living. Ed. Geekpak. Access Living, 2008. Web. 14 Oct. 2009. Access Living Dong, Hua. Shifting Paradigms in Universal Design. Vol. 4554/2007. Heidelberg: Springer, 2007. Print. Access Living Access Living Boniface, Russell. Paralyzed Veterans of America Honors Chicago-based Access Living for Accessible Design. The News of Americans Community of Architects. AIArchitect, 17 Aug. 2007. Web. 20 Oct. 2009. . Access Living Meyers, Tiffany. UNIVERSAL DESIGN IN ACCESS LIVING HQ. Metropolis Magazine Oct. 2007. Metropolis Magazine, Sept. 09. Web. 23 Oct. 2009. . Meyers Meyers

Solar Energy Essay -- A Level Essays

Solar Energy Why do we build passive solar homes? Most people familiar with the subject of alternative and renewable energies would reply with a variation of many answers to this question. â€Å"To act locally in an ever expanding global market.† â€Å"The solar panels or photovoltaics will pay for themselves in a given amount of time depending on the system implemented.† â€Å"I would build a passive solar house to take myself entirely off the grid.† These answers seem to be common when it comes to the world of alternative energies. Although the majority may reply to this question with similar answers there has to be a flip side or different view on any topic including renewable energy. â€Å"Green building,† or building with natural supplies is yet another way to recycle the earth’s minimal resources. Combining green building and solar passive idioms is nothing new to the alternative energy market, but it does raise a few different questions about the role of humans co-existing with nature and their living spaces. This paper will discuss the aesthetic values of living in tune with the earth through passive design. For thousands and thousands of years, man lived on the earth as we still do today. Nomadic peoples resorted to hunting and gathering, which gave way to organized agriculture that developed in Mesopotamia. The major step that propelled us into our present day lives was the industrial revolution. Now as â€Å"evolved† creatures we have fallen prey to the technological advances and have come to depend on them, especially with our ever-increasing population on earth. Environmental degradation, over population, war, and economic decay have become mainstays on our agenda as world citizens. These issues must be dealt with o... ...g close to the earth, foraging for food, walking to my destinations and relying on my fellow man for help when I was in need taught me something. Living close to the earth is and will always be the answer to our questions. Passive design and solar technology is just the next step. Most of the technology that has been brought about in the past century or so has been done so under a roof or in the shadow of the industrial revolution. We need to implement the ideas of passive solar upon all people. This would in turn create alternatives to what people had originally thought in the past. Where can we find or develop new â€Å"green† ideas as opposed to other technologies that separate us from nature. A new way of thinking must come about for the good of all mankind. Bibliography Chiras, Daniel. The Solar House. Chelsea Green Publishing Company. Canada. 2002.

Goals and Philosophy Essay -- Education Educating Teaching Essays

Goals and Philosophy A person's philosophy on education covers many different aspects. Such things that ones personal philosophy can contain are the purpose of education, methods one may use in education, and even the curriculum which may be taught. I feel that these three things are the most important for my personal philosophy and goals of education. The overall purpose of education is not only to teach students about the set curriculum, but also to teach them to be individuals and creative thinkers. As a teacher one has to go farther than just to teach, you are a role model, a doctor, and most importantly while still having control you are a friend. I feel education is important because as a society we need to learn and grow from what we know. In today's society, a person without an education cannot make a name for themselves, and cannot get ahead in the world. Education is there to teach us about the past and prepare us for the future. Education is a leading part of our lives, and needs to continue to be. As a kindergarten teacher, I plan to become an inspiration to every child that passes through my classroom. I hope to touch the lives of the children that I meet, as well as accomplish many other things. My first goal will be not only to teach my students the curriculum, but also to teach my students to think out side of the set curriculum. I plan to show students that there is more to what they are learning. I want not only to be a good teacher, but also to be a great teacher. Students not only need someone to teach them, they also need someone to guide them, and as a teacher I do hope to accomplish this. Children recognize that education will be a large part of ... ...the students to come together and work as a group. My professional plans for the future are to immediately start teaching when I graduate college. However, on my own time I plan on expanding my education to the furthest extent I can in order to continue learning along with my students. Education lies within the strength of a single person, a teacher. The teacher who gets the strength to rise out of bed every morning and face a new day. A teacher has to hold their head up high when they walk into a classroom for fear that the slightest show of weakness may destroy them. To achieve this is the most important purpose in a teacher's life. A teacher is someone who is willing to teach students even when they crave to do other things with their time. An achievement in education lies solely within the goal of becoming greater, which I plan to strive to do.

James Joyces Araby and Eveline Essay -- Araby, Eveline Essays

James Joyce's "Araby" and "Eveline" In 'Araby' and 'Eveline' Joyce uses religious symbols to show the importance of the Catholic religion in both of the main characters' lives. Both of these stories take place in Dublin, Ireland, a place that is very strong in its belief in the Catholic religion. In 'Araby,' the imagery of the infamous 'Fall' is presented to the reader within the second paragraph to indicate its importance. The themes of religious masses can be found in 'Eveline.' The concept of the Catholic Ash Wednesday is presented throughout both 'Araby' and 'Eveline.'   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The second paragraph of ?Araby? presents the idea of the Adam and Eve story known as ?The Fall.? ?The wild garden behind the house contained a central apple tree and a few straggling bushes under one of which I found the late tenant?s rusty bicycle pump.? (21/14-17). In the Catholic religion, the Adam and Eve story is thought to be the time when sin became present in the world. It is the time in Catholicism when the innocent life that Adam and Eve shared in the beautiful garden, violently changed into a life of responsibility, pain, heartbreak, suffering, and most important in the Catholic religion, separation from God. This transformation can not only be seen in the story of Adam and Eve, but in the change from the innocent life of a child to the turbulent life of an adult. The latter change is the one that the main character of ?Araby? is going through. Joyce is trying to show how important this theme was by repeating the word ?fall? throughout the entire story. Catholic religion plays an important role in the main character?s life, because the Catholic religion gives specific standards for believers to follow. This religion, along with its rules and regulations, is the one that the main character was raised by, and he feels obligated to follow them, even through the very tough time of adolescence. In the story, the boy becomes infatuated with a girl. This crush on Mangan?s sister is very tough on the main character for many reasons. The first being that she does not share the love he has for her, and secondly, his crush conflicts with his strict religion. He becomes obsessed with her, watching her every move. The girl has taken over his every thought, which is why the crush conflicts with the Catholic religion. Catholicism is the worship of a single, all-powerful God. When ... ...hooses to live the life of duty and responsibility, proving that her belief in the Catholic religion is indeed something she thinks is important; and also when she gives up her chance to escape to a carefree life, she gives up something else important to her, Frank.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The above examples come together to show that the Catholic religion plays a major role in the lives of Joyce?s main characters. He uses repeated words and religious symbols to show just how important Catholicism is to the lives of the population of Dublin, Ireland. Joyce intentionally uses religion as the main conflict in the situations in both of the stories. James Joyce believes Catholicism is important, and he uses the religion to affect the characters? lives. Without having the Catholic background both Eveline and the main character in ?Araby? have, their choices concerning their life would have been less difficult. Instead of having to decide between their religion and their desires, they would only have to consider their desires. Joyce believes that the Catholic religion affects the characters and their situations, which is the reason why he writes in religious symbols throughout ?Araby? and ?Eveline.? James Joyce's Araby and Eveline Essay -- Araby, Eveline Essays James Joyce's "Araby" and "Eveline" In 'Araby' and 'Eveline' Joyce uses religious symbols to show the importance of the Catholic religion in both of the main characters' lives. Both of these stories take place in Dublin, Ireland, a place that is very strong in its belief in the Catholic religion. In 'Araby,' the imagery of the infamous 'Fall' is presented to the reader within the second paragraph to indicate its importance. The themes of religious masses can be found in 'Eveline.' The concept of the Catholic Ash Wednesday is presented throughout both 'Araby' and 'Eveline.'   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The second paragraph of ?Araby? presents the idea of the Adam and Eve story known as ?The Fall.? ?The wild garden behind the house contained a central apple tree and a few straggling bushes under one of which I found the late tenant?s rusty bicycle pump.? (21/14-17). In the Catholic religion, the Adam and Eve story is thought to be the time when sin became present in the world. It is the time in Catholicism when the innocent life that Adam and Eve shared in the beautiful garden, violently changed into a life of responsibility, pain, heartbreak, suffering, and most important in the Catholic religion, separation from God. This transformation can not only be seen in the story of Adam and Eve, but in the change from the innocent life of a child to the turbulent life of an adult. The latter change is the one that the main character of ?Araby? is going through. Joyce is trying to show how important this theme was by repeating the word ?fall? throughout the entire story. Catholic religion plays an important role in the main character?s life, because the Catholic religion gives specific standards for believers to follow. This religion, along with its rules and regulations, is the one that the main character was raised by, and he feels obligated to follow them, even through the very tough time of adolescence. In the story, the boy becomes infatuated with a girl. This crush on Mangan?s sister is very tough on the main character for many reasons. The first being that she does not share the love he has for her, and secondly, his crush conflicts with his strict religion. He becomes obsessed with her, watching her every move. The girl has taken over his every thought, which is why the crush conflicts with the Catholic religion. Catholicism is the worship of a single, all-powerful God. When ... ...hooses to live the life of duty and responsibility, proving that her belief in the Catholic religion is indeed something she thinks is important; and also when she gives up her chance to escape to a carefree life, she gives up something else important to her, Frank.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The above examples come together to show that the Catholic religion plays a major role in the lives of Joyce?s main characters. He uses repeated words and religious symbols to show just how important Catholicism is to the lives of the population of Dublin, Ireland. Joyce intentionally uses religion as the main conflict in the situations in both of the stories. James Joyce believes Catholicism is important, and he uses the religion to affect the characters? lives. Without having the Catholic background both Eveline and the main character in ?Araby? have, their choices concerning their life would have been less difficult. Instead of having to decide between their religion and their desires, they would only have to consider their desires. Joyce believes that the Catholic religion affects the characters and their situations, which is the reason why he writes in religious symbols throughout ?Araby? and ?Eveline.?

Criminal Liability Essay

In law there is a fundamental principle which is guaranteed by the constitution that every person is innocent until proven to be guilty by the courts of law, in criminal law there are two principles of criminal liability which have to be relied upon in order to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused person. Therefore the aim of this essay is to discuss the two principles of law for criminal liability with reference to the Penal Code Act, Chapter Eighty Seven (87) of the Laws of Zambia and Zambian decided cases. In order to effectively do this, the essay will begin by generally talking about the two principles of law for criminal liability which are the â€Å"Actus reus† and the â€Å"mens rea† and in order to critically discuss them, focus will be made on the Homicide offence of ‘murder’ with the use of relevant Zambian cases. The terms ‘Actus reus’ and ‘Mens rea’ are derived from the Latin Maxim; â€Å"Actus non facit re um mens sit rea† which mean that there cannot be such a thing as legal guilt where there is no moral guilt. The learned author Simon E Kulusika defines ‘Actus reus’ as â€Å"whatever act or omission or state of affairs as laid down in the definition of the particular crime charged in addition to any surrounding circumstances†¦and the ‘mens rea’ as the state of mind or fault which is required in the definition of the crime in question† In order for a person to be criminally liable it has to be proved by the prosecution beyond reasonable doubt that such a person had committed the required guilty act or ‘actus reus’ which is the physical element and had the necessary mental state or ‘mens rea’ although this is not always the case as some criminal offences do not require the ‘mens rea’ for liability to be established. Some of the cases which do not require establishment of the ‘mens rea’ are offences referred to as â€Å"offences of strict liability†. In Patel’s Bazaar limited v The People4 it was stated that proof of the ‘mens rea’ is not necessary to establish a strict liability offence, this was a case in which the accused was convicted for the strict liability offence of selling unwholesome bread. Generally speaking in criminal law in order to establish criminal liability certain elements of the crime alleged to have been committed must be identified, the first being the conduct prohibited or ‘actus reus’, secondly the state of mind or fault element which is required when defining the crime in question also referred to as ‘mens rea’ and thirdly proof of lack of a defence which might vitiate any of the two  principles of criminal liability. As earlier alluded to, for the purposes of this assignment focus will be put on the homi cide offence of Murder in trying to discuss these two principles of law of criminal liability. To establish the ‘actus reus’ of murder it has to be proved that there is unlawful killing of a person, the death following within a day and a year of the infliction of the fatal injury,  this is evident in Section 200 of our Penal Code Act 6 which provides; Any person who of malice aforethought causes the death of another person by an unlawful act or omission is guilty of murder. In this section the ‘actus reus’ is identified as causing death of another person by an unlawful act or omission and the ‘mens rea’ is the malice aforethought. In Chitenge v The People it was held that the actus reus of murder is that there is a dead body, in this case the appellant having had fought with his friend went to the friend’s house and set it on fire burning a person that was inside leading to the death of that person. The dead burnt body sufficed as ‘actus reus’ despite the defendant not actually having had checked as to whether there was a person in the house or not. Coming to the ‘mens rea’, the requirement is that the accused person must have malice aforethought. The term malice aforethought is used to describe the mens rea of murder and it simply means that the mens rea must not come as an afterthought. In the case of Mbomena Moola v the people, the appellant was convicted of murder of his father after he poisoned his maheu drink. In his confession the appellant stated that he poisoned his father so that he could die because he believed that he was the one who bewitched his children. In this case the courts held that it was quiet clear that the accused had the necessary mens rea for murder as he expressly intended on causing death of his victim. Taking into consideration the facts given in the question where the accused is charged with murder in which the mens rea is that the accused must be malice aforethought and the actus reus being the death which is satisfactory in this case, it is worth noting that where offences complained of happened during participation in a sport, the accused cannot be held to be criminally liable as in law it is believed that when participants to a sporting game give consent they do so to all the risks of injury that may take place as a result of accidents that may take place during the sport including death. Therefore applying the two principles of law of criminal liability to the given facts it can be stated that though  the actus reus was present, that is the death of Mr Mudenda, Mr Chisolo lacked the necessary mens rea to be convicted for murder and can also not be convicted of manslaughter due to the fact that the death or actus reus was as a result of an accident in a sport of which consent by the participants vitiates criminal liability. In conclusion it can be stated that this essay has identified two principles of law of criminal liability which are the ‘actus reus’ and the ‘mens rea’. It has being discussed that the ‘actus reus’ refers to whatever act or omission or state of affairs as laid down in the definition of the particular crime charged in addition to any surrounding circumstances and an example was given in the offence of murder. The ‘mens rea’ with reference to murder was also discussed as the state of mind or fault which is required in the definition of the crime in question and that criminal liability cannot be inferred if the offence complained of took place during the occurrence of a sport as consent vitiates it. BIBLIOGRAPHY BOOKS Kulusika S. E, Criminal law in Zambia; text, cases and materials: UNZA press. Lusaka. 2006 Sir Smith J and Hogan B, Criminal law; Cases and materials, sixth edition: Dublin & Edinburgh. Butterworth. 1996 CASES Chitenge v the people (1996) ZR 37 Mbomena Moola v the people (2000) ZR 148 SC STATUTES The Penal Code Act, Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

Practices in Project Management Essay

Abstract The St. Dismas Medical Center (SDMC) Assisted Living Facility (ALF) Project was authorized to create a new service line to counteract a decline of inpatient activity. The project objectives are to build 100 light- and heavy-assist units in a standalone residential facility with a sheltered connection to SDMC by late-July 2001 and within an $11 million budget. The particular deliverables, constraints, assumptions, exclusions, and work breakdown structure are outlined in the Project Scope Statement. Brainstorming and scenario analysis will be used in the risk strategy, while cost-benefit analysis will be the primary tool in project quality management. A project work list and milestone schedule illustrates the critical path for the 102-week construction phase. And, the $10 million budget is detailed by activity and quarter to reconcile the multiple cost perspectives of team members. Project monitoring will primarily use earned value metrics along with the Gantt chart and budget. Data will be analyzed and reported weekly to the team, and significant deviations from the plan are subject to the control strategy; milestone status reporting and meeting with the Board of Trustees and submission of change requests to get the plan back on track. The plan will conduct a formal closeout process to include an audit, closeout meetings, a final report, closeout meetings, and record archival. Project Purpose and Justification Over the past few months, there has been a steady decline of the inpatient population at St. Dismas Medical Center (SDMC) due to the increased usage of seatbelts and bicycle/motorcycle helmets. A planning retreat was held to  identify business opportunities and a solution was proposed to build an assisted living facility on the St. Dismas campus. The purpose of the project is to plan and implement Assisted Living Facility (ALF) as authorized by the Board of Trustees in May 1999. The project is being completed in order to create a new service line to take advantage of the opportunity presented by the shortage of medically-focused and highly specialized facilities available throughout the country and a growing geriatric population. We project that the ALF, the for-profit subsidiary of SDMC, will bring in a net income between $9,000 and $12,000 per unit and a net cash flow of about $1,500,000 annually. Both outpatient referrals and inpatient population are expected to increase. Furthermore, we hope that the project will have an added benefit of strengthening the organizational focus on reimbursable preventive and wellness programs for healthier aging community. Project Requirements The ALF Project Steering Committee has identified several actions and processes that need to be met, including: facility design and construction; operational needs for food services, housekeeping, and staffing; development of operational policy and procedures; creation of an operating budget; creation of payroll and accounting systems; characterization and set up of telecommunications and information system needs; preliminary marketing plans, with community and staff communications plans; development of medical assessment tools for incoming residents; designation of clinical services offerings; development of an organizational structure; identification of government regulations and industry standards. Primary Project Objectives The primary project objectives of the ALF Project are as follows: The cost objective is to fall in between $8.5 to $11 million for the construction of the facility. The time objective was to complete construction and open by July 2000, but was later revised to a duration of two years, with completion by late July 2001. The scope objectives are to build a standalone residential facility with a sheltered connection to SDMC that can access the  cafeteria and hospital services, containing 100 units that accommodate up to 150 single and couple residents with 15 to 30 â€Å"heavy-assisted† units and the remaining units â€Å"light-assisted†. Assumptions and Constraints The following is assumed: Project funds will be released in a timely manner. Project team members and resources will be available as needed. Contractors will have the skills and experience needed to complete the project. The constraints are as follows: The construction cannot begin until after the November 1999 city elections. The facility needs to open by late July 2001. Operational and administrative policies, procedures, and systems need to be created and regulations and standards need identification. High-Level Risks As with all projects, there is a risk of running over budget, over schedule, and/or falling short on scope. There are several high-level risks for the ALF project. One particular area of concern was the short seven-month time period for the complex construction project, but that has been extended about another year. Further, the organizational complexity is high with the number of people involved across many functions and the decision-making body being the Board of Trustees. This complexity may lead to delays in decision-making. The project is also much larger than SDMC has handled in the past with only one team member having construction experience. The operational and administrative regulations and standards for construction and healthcare industries will be complex and have not yet been identified. Construction projects have a strong potential to impact the local ecology which will add a risk factor to the project. Further, weather poses a high-level risk to the project and may negatively impact the schedule by delaying supply deliveries and construction work. Major Project Milestones Major project milestones include: 1. Facility design and construction 2. Identification of operational needs 3. Project and operating budget development 4. Creation of payroll and accounting systems 5. Define telecommunications needs and system setup 6. Define information systems and system setup 7. Creation of a preliminary marketing plan and communications package 8. Organize major ground breaking event 9. Clinical Services 10. Design of assessment tool for incoming residents 11. Identification of demands for clinical services 12. Development of facility’s management structure 13. Identification of governmental regulations and industry standards Preliminary Budget Estimate The preliminary budget estimate for the completed project is between $8.5 and $11 million, which includes the land purchase, facility construction, facility furnishings, and construction of the sheltered connection from the assisted living facility to the Medical Center. Key Stakeholders Illustrated below is the key stakeholder analysis matrix, which demonstrates the key stakeholders, their levels of power and interest, and an engagement plan. The matrix is followed by a communications chart that outlines stakeholders, their responsibilities, and their communication needs. The project scope is to build a standalone residential facility for the purpose of providing assisted living services to up to 150 single and couple residents. The product will also include a sheltered connective structure that provides access to St. Dismas Medical Center’s cafeteria and hospital services. The facility will contain 100 residential units with 15 – 30of those units that accommodate residents that need heavy assistance and the remaining units categorized as â€Å"light-assisted†. The cost to construct the facility should fall within $8.5 to $11 million range. Acceptance of the project requires that construction may not begin until after city elections in November 1999 and the facility must open to the public by late July 2001. Project Constraints The construction cannot begin until after the November 1999 city elections. The facility needs to open by late July 2001. Operational and administrative policies, procedures, and systems need to be created and regulations and standards need identification. The budget cap is $11 million. Project Assumptions There are several assumptions that may also impact the implementation of the project if they prove to be false (Project Management Institute, 2013): Project funds will be released in a timely manner. Project team members and resources will be available as needed. Contractors will have the skills and experience needed to complete the project. Project Deliverables facility design and construction; operational needs for food services, housekeeping, and staffing; development of operational policy and procedures; creation of an operating budget; creation of payroll and accounting systems; characterization and set up of telecommunications and information system needs; preliminary marketing plans, with community and staff communications plans; development of medical assessment tools for incoming residents; designation of clinical services offerings; development of an organizational structure; identification of government regulations and industry standards. Project Exclusions Items that are not included in the scope include: design and construction of a parking lot or garage design, construction, and furnishings of patient entertainment and activity areas design, construction, and furnishings of exercise and fitness areas design and development of landscaping, walking paths, and gardening areas design, construction, and furnishings of private visiting areas design, construction, and furnishings of salon and barber services area design, construction, and furnishings of dining area Project Risk and Quality Management Strategy Project Risk Strategy The project team has held a brainstorming session with a group of consultants in several relevant areas of expertise to identify an exhaustive list of risks by questioning what could go wrong with tasks. The scenario analysis method has also been utilized to identify, analyze, and prioritize risks from high-to-low impact. This method entails utilizing critical thinking skills to realize events that may likely impact the project (Mantel, Meredith, Shafer, & Sutton, 2011). Additionally, the work breakdown structure (WBS) and project profile were scrutinized to further identify highly probable risks as suggested by Mantel et al. (2011). The following highly probable risks have been identified: Bad weather Inadequate staffing Inadequate budget Project management team inexperience Regulatory and industry requirements Cost estimation errors Complex organizational structure and decision-making process Broad set of stakeholders that have yet to weigh in on the project Environmental impact from construction Project communication and coordination issues Inadequate deliverables (e.g. parking garage) Inadequate time schedule The strategy for handling risks is to develop a risk response plan as advised by Mantel et al. (2011). The risk response plan will include contingency plans to handle events that do happen, with more than one contingency plan and supporting logic charts developed for high-impact risk. Furthermore, risk identification and response planning will be ongoing through the project duration. Project Quality Management Strategy The ALF project quality management strategy is to follow the Project Management Institute (PMI) (2013) guidelines: identify quality requirements, document compliance levels of quality requirements, perform quality assurance auditing, and control quality by taking action to address poor quality measurements. Inevitably changes will have to be made to manage events or unsatisfactory quality results. The ALF Project change management strategy is to include provisions in the original contract to accommodate change as suggested by Mantel et al. (2011). An integrated change control process will be created and implemented, as advised by PMI (2013) to reduce project risks through holistic analysis of proposed changes. This process will outline how change requests will be reviewed, approved or denied, and how those changes will impact other aspects of the project (policies, documents, plans, etc.) (Project Management Institute, 2013). Two tools that will be used to manage quality are: cost-benefit analysis, which compares the cost of the proposed change to the expected benefit. cause-and-effect diagrams which utilizes the question  Ã¢â‚¬Å"why† to discover the root cause of a problem in order to correct it. Cost-benefit analysis will be useful in presenting problems and their possible changes to the decision-making body in order for them to fully assess their options and identify the solution that best suits their requirements. The cause-and-effect diagram will be beneficial in recognizing the true problem that needs to be addressed. Finding a solution for the root cause will help the team avoid unnecessary costs, time, efforts, and rework in addressing the wrong issues. Construction Phase Milestone Schedule Below is the work list and milestone schedule for the construction phase of the St. Dismas Assisted Living Facility project. The critical path (B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-K-L-O-P-S-T) is illustrated in green on the milestone schedule. The project is scheduled to be completed in 102 weeks, just shy of two years. The assumptions for this schedule are the following: The milestone schedule will be approved by the Board of Trustees. The project will begin in August 1999 after action plans are submitted. Project funds will be released in a timely manner. Project team members and resources will be available as needed. Contractors will have the skills and experience needed to complete the project. Project Budget Below are the summary-level budget and detailed budget for the St. Dismas ALF Project. The assumption from examining the provided cost information chart is that the Chief Operating Officer and the Construction Project Manager provided the estimates for the facility design and construction activities of the ALF project, and upper management dictated the administrative and contingency budgets, and both did so honestly. Bottom-up budgeting utilizes the work breakdown structure in a way that cost estimates of each activity are completed by the team members responsible for carrying out those tasks, while top-down budgeting produces estimates based on the judgments and experiences of top managers (Mantel et al., 2011). The combination use in this project of top-down and bottom-up budgeting is ideal, according to Mantel et al. (2011). The advantage of top-down budgeting is that it generally has a high degree of accuracy, although it can include considerable miscalculations for low-level act ivities; bottom-up budgeting is opposite in that it provides accuracy for low-level activities and the possibility of considerable miscalculations for high-cost activities (Mantel et al., 2011). The detailed budget is also divided by task and expected quarter of expenditure to address the multiple perspectives of cost between the project manager (PM), the accountant, and the controller. Mantel et al. (2011) point out that the PM is concerned with commitments made against the budget, accountants track costs as they are incurred, and controllers are responsible for the organization’s cash flow. Dividing costs by activity and quarter allow all three parties to understand their relationship to the project. In this budget, the bulk of the detail outlines only one deliverable from the project’s scope statement and work breakdown structure—facility design and construction. The other deliverables are clumped into the central and direct administrative costs categories. Although the budget may sufficiently cover the costs of the labor that needs to go into the other deliverables (identifying needs and regulations, and developing plans, systems, and budgets), it may insufficiently cover the costs for other aspects of some of the deliverables, such as setting up  telecommunications and information systems, and organizing a major ground-breaking event. Furthermore, consideration should be given to the fact that project exclusions from the Project Scope Statement, such as design and construction of a parking area and activity and entertainment areas, are not factored into this budget. The current budget totals $10,000,000, which is still $1,000,000 under the original estimated budget and leaves some room to add deliverables if necessary. Project Summary Budget Project Monitor and Control Strategy The ALF Project monitor and control strategy is as follows. The project team will continuously monitor schedule progress via the Gantt chart and monitor budget progress via the detailed budget. Monitoring these will give the team a comparison of the time period against the actual plan. However, the team will utilize earned value (EV) metrics to not only compare the current situation with the plan, but also consider the actual progress at the point of evaluation (Mantel at al., 2011). The data from these control tools will be collected and analyzed weekly and reported to the team on a weekly basis as stated in the communication chart. The project management team will assess if any deviations from the plan are significant enough to employ control measures. If the project management team feels that intervention is  necessary, data (including the project milestone status report), assessments, and suggestions will be communicated with the Board of Trustees, and change requests will be s ubmitted with the aim to reduce the differences between the plan and the actual circumstances. Earned value metrics is the ALF Project preferred monitoring tool for the purposes of monitoring and controlling. Earned value metrics allow the team to compare the plan with the actual progress at any given point in the project, to see how efficiently our schedule and costs are being maintained, and providing an estimate of cost if the project is continued at the current rate (Mantel et al., 2011). Utilizing a go/no-go control, such as the milestone status report, allows us to compare the project output (using milestones as checkpoints) to the existing standard, assess what are needs are in terms of physical assets, human resources, and/or finances for particular tasks, and employ the necessary steps to meet those needs in order to get the project schedule, budget, and/or scope aligned with the plan (Mantel et al., 2011). Project Closeout The ALF Project will conduct a formal project closeout primarily to â€Å"help the organization improve its project management skills on future project† (Mantel et al., 2011, p. 273). The formal project closeout will allow SDMC to understand project mistakes, accomplishments, performance, and project team and management efficiencies and deficiencies, and document these in the organizational knowledge base. Furthermore, a formal close out deals with all those involved in the project in a way that has positive impact on morale and trust. The organization and the project managers show they are reliable when they finish what they start, communicate to each department that it is time to finalize their project activities, and deal with project staff and their reassignments in a tactful manner. The project closeout will follow the suggestion of Mantel et al. (2011). After the project manager ensures that all project work is complete, the project must go through the project acceptance phase. Acceptance needs to be gained from the Board of Trustees, and project management team, and officially recorded. A detailed audit will be performed to assess the progress and performance of the project’s plan through examination of â€Å"its methodology and procedures, its records, properties, inventories, budgets, expenditures, progress, and so  on† (Mantel et al., 2011, p. 275). Audit findings as well as the complete project history will be written in a final report. The final report will include the project failures, successes, and lessons learned. The final report will also document the project activities and management techniques, the location of the organization’s assets, and recommendations for improvement. The final report will be distributed to stakeholders upon completion. Closeout meetings with contractors and department heads (financial, legal, purchasing, organizational, facility, etc.) will be head to notify them of project termination, provide direction to clear the project activities in which they are responsible, and address final issues. A closeout meeting with project personnel will be conducted to address reassignments and stress, and provide closure. Finally, the project books will be closed, organizational assets will be updated, and records will be archived. References Mantel, S., Meredith, J., Shafer, S., & Sutton, M. (2011). Project Management in Practice (4th ed). Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons. Project Management Institute. (2013). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK ® guide) (5th ed). Newtown Square: PMI Publications.