Constructing a solar power plant Essay

Constructing a solar power plant Essay This is a report on the Andasol 1 Solar Power Plant located in Marquesado Del Zenete, Granada, Spain. The aim of this report is look at the technology involved; the construction of the plant; the operating capacity and environmental impacts on the area involved. The information contained in this report was primarily gathered from the internet and also Moodle notes from class lectures. To begin this report, we discussed what areas were to be researched and drew a plan of what needed to be done, ensuring the work was evenly distributed between us. Introduction: The Andasol-1 Solar power plant is situated in the Guadix plateau, Marquesado Del Zenete, Granada, Spain. This is an area at an elevation of 1090 to 1100 metres above sea level and is free from shading. The site itself is situated next to a motorway and has no residential houses in the immediate vicinity, The nearest HV line is approximately 7km away from the site. Solar energy is particularly suited to this area. This area is one of the sunniest in Spain, receiving approximately 300 days of sunshine a year. (See Fig 2-1). The type of solar collector used here is the Parabolic Trough Collector along with Molten Salt Heat Storage. Parabolic Trough Collectors are the most common type used in solar thermal plants one of the main reasons being they utilise a lens to focus the sunlight onto a cell, thereby reducing the amount of costly semi-conducting material PV material while collecting as much sunlight as possible.  [i]   Parabolic Trough Collectors work by using mirrored surfaces on a North-South Axis which then track the sun as it moves across the sky. The mirrors reflect the sunlight onto a tube which runs the length of the collector. This tube is known as an absorber tube and is filled with a fluid that absorbs the concentrated solar radiation and can reach temperatures of up to 400 Deg C. The Collector Field consists of hundreds of these collectors joined together in rows known as Loops and the collected heat is then passed to a steam generator or to the heat storage (molten salt).  [ii]  (see fig. 2-2) Using molten salt, the heat collected by the collectors can be used to ensure efficient use of the turbines during the day or indeed be used to continue powering the turbines for up to 7 hours at night. Molten salt is used to store heat for a number of reasons. It is capable of retaining thermal heat energy over a long period of time; it can be used at temperatures of 1000 °F which is inline with efficient steam turbines and it a non-toxic and readily available material.  [iii]   At the Andasol-1 plant, the heat storage system consists of two 14m-high tanks that are 36m in diameter and a have a capacity of 28,500tons of molten salt. The molten salt itself is a mixture of 60% sodium nitrate and 40% potassium nitrate. Both of these substances are currently used as fertilizers and preservatives in food production.  [iv]  (see fig. 2-3) Construction Phase: The construction of Andasol 1 began in July 2006, (see fig. 3-4), the work includes stripping the land to lay the foundations to affix the steel supports, and the parabolic mirrors are carefully mounted on the support structures in a specially constructed assembly hall on site. The complete collector devices are then mounted in the solar field. Steel pylons are then used to anchor the metal support structures. (see fig. 3-5) The 150m-long collector chains are set with hydraulic drives that have a precision close to a tenth of a millimetre. The 312 collector rows are fixed in a north-south axis and follow the suns path along a single axis therefore obtaining as much sun during one day.  [v]   The solar collectors for the plant total approx. 510,120 square metres (0.51 km2), which contains over 200,000 mirrors situated along 312 rows totalling up to an overall length of 24 km, also including 90 kilometres of absorption pipes. The total physical area of the plant including collector spacing, the storage tanks and turbine housing, etc. is 2 km2.  [vi]   The site is broken down into three different sections: solar field, storage and steam cycle/ power block. (see fig. 3-6) Solar field The Andasol power plant has a solar field that covers 510,120 square meters. The parabolic troughs are connected by pipes. The rows are set up on a north-south axis and follow the course of the sun from east to west. The parabolic mirrors are made of 4 millimetre thick, silver-coated, curved white glass. The silver coating has an additional protective coating. The specially designed absorption pipes absorb the solar radiation reflected to transfer the solar energy into a heat transfer medium located in the pipe, which in turn then transmits the heat into the steam circuit. Specialists assemble and check these collectors photogrammetrically to determine their precision in specially-constructed factory buildings before the collectors are brought to the field and anchored.  [vii]   Storage tank The Andasol power plants have a thermal storage tank allowing the power plants to provide scheduled power. In order to fill the tanks while simultaneously operating the turbines, the solar field must be larger than that of a power plant without a tank; therefore annual operating hours of the plant at peak loads can be nearly doubled this way. The liquid salt thermal storage functions under atmospheric pressure and consist of two tanks per power plant, measuring 14m in height and 36m in diameter. Solar Two in Barstow, California served as the reference project for the thermal storage tanks in the Andasol power plants because it had the same salt mixture even though the storage tank was smaller.  [viii]   Steam cycle/ Power block Turbines, generators and plant periphery are conventional power plant components, similar to those used in fossil fuel power plants. At Andasol, the plants turbine has a capacity of 50 megawatts and is specifically designed to ensure reliable operations during the daily start-up and shut down of the plant. Siemens in Sweden constructed the turbines for Andasol 1. A substation has been built near the town of Huà ©neja about seven kilometres southeast of the power plant site for feeding the electricity into the grid. The power supply contract includes general technical standards and conditions for electricity production.  [ix]   The power plant finished construction in December 2008 at a cost in the region of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬300 million. (see fig. 3-7) Operating Characteristics: The plant consists of 7,488 individual collector elements which each have a length of 12m and a width of 5.8m. Four of these elements are joined together in what are called loops and in total there are 156 loops of collector elements over an area of 1.3 X 1.5km. The total reflective surface are is 510.000m ². The turbine capacity of the power plant is 49.9MW. The annual power generation for this plant, given the high rate of solar radiation in this area of Spain (2.1 2.2kWh/m ²/a) is expected to be in the region of 179GWh. That figure approximates to the energy needs of 50,000 homes of 200,000 people.  [x]   The breakdown of the site is as follows: The parabolic troughs are set up in 312 collector rows which are connected by pipes. One row is made up of two collector units. The mirrors follow the course of the sun and reflect solar radiation onto the absorption pipe. The absorption pipes were conceived especially for use in parabolic trough power plants. Every unit has its own solar sensors and drives, in order to track the position of the sun. The units each have 12 collectors, which have 28 mirrors and 3 absorption pipes. The power plant requires 7,488 collectors. The storage tanks at the plants can operate even on overcast days or after sunset. A small portion of the heat that is produced from the solar field is kept as liquid salt. The heat required for this is stored in a molten salt mixture, 40% potassium nitrate and 60% sodium nitrate. Both of these substances are currently used as fertilizers and preservatives in food production. During the pumping process between the two tanks, the molten salt mixture can also absorb extra heat at a temperature of approx. 290 °C, where it is heated to a temperature of 390 °C. A full storage tank can be used to operate the turbine for about 7.5 hours. The thermal storage tank allows the power plants to supply electricity regularly into Spains high-voltage electricity grid. The Spanish energy supplier Endesa purchases electricity from the power plants in accordance with Spanish energy law, which states that the power plants are permitted to feed in a maximum of 50 MW into the grid. The power supply contract includes the implementation of programming and the after-sales service for electricity production Below is a further breakdown of some figures associated with the individual sections of the plant. (See Fig. 4-8) The power plant was officially connected to the grid in December 2008 and became operational in March 2009. The total cost is somewhere in the region of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 300 million. A grant was also given from the European Union, which amounted to à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 5 million; this was giving as a funding aid for scientific research.  [xi]   Environmental Impact: The solar power plant will be able to cut carbon emissions in the region of 86,000t per year. The plant uses an unlimited energy source; no additional resources are needed for operation. It is CO2 and emission-free, therefore there is no air pollution (see Fig. 5-9).  [xii]   Environment and sustainable development needed to concentrate on some key areas: Sustainable management and water quality, global climate change, biodiversity, marine ecosystems, and the regions cultural heritage. Socio-economic aspects of environmental change with sustainable development in mind i.e. impact on, the economy and employment.  [xiii]   Another aspect is that when the plant is decommissioned, the salts from the storage tanks can be crystallized and removed in their raw state to be used thereafter in other applications e.g. in agriculture. One of the main reasons for erecting the plant in this location was that it is close to existing road and railway infrastructure, and that it had the disposal of a flat land floor without environmental protections, it was considered wasteland. Another reason was the advantages offered by solar-thermal power plants, the operator of Spains national grid, Red Elà ©ctrica de Espaà ±a (REE), classified Andasol power plants as predictable sources of electricity. This helped eased the permit process for granting access to the high-voltage grid, but it also made it possible to increase the percentage of renewable energy in the states energy mix because of the stabilizing effects of solar-thermal power plants.  [xiv]   Conclusions: Spain is highly dependent on imported energy. Almost all petroleum and natural gas, as well as 70% of its coal, have to be imported. However, it has more than enough of one of the most environmentally friendly and cheapest sources of energy in the world the sun. The Spanish governments support plan Plan de Fomento de Energà ­as Renovables (PER) envisions the expansion of solar thermal power plant capacity to 500 MW by 2010. Spains Ministry for Energy and Industry wants to increase the annual volume of electricity produced in solar-thermal power plants to about 4,000 GWh, which is the equivalent of the capacity of about 25 Andasol power plants.  [xv]   Andasol 2 followed in 2009 and Andasol 3 will follow in 2011. The Andasol location will result in a total of 150 megawatts of solar thermal power station capacity being connected to the grid electricity generated in an environmentally-friendly and sustainable manner.

The Great Gatsby :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the characters Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan are said to be in love, but in reality, this seems to be a misconception. In this novel, Fitzgerald portrays the themes of love, lust, and obsession through the characters of Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan, who confuse lust and obsession with love. By the end of the novel however, Jay Gatsby is denied his â€Å"love† and sacrifices his life for a woman who never gives him a second thought.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jay Gatsby was a wealthy businessman who gained his money through the illegal practice of bootlegging. Gatsby’s love interest, Daisy Buchanan, was a materialistic woman who was married to the domineering Tom Buchanan. She seemed to care for nothing more than money. Gatsby was in love with Daisy, and went to all lengths to win her over. Gatsby’s only motivation for obtaining all of the money that he did was to become appealing to Daisy. Since Daisy was married, the idea of love between Gatsby and Daisy was forbidden. This very concept made the relationship all the more desirable. Gatsby becomes obsessed with his relationship with Daisy to the point that he was delusional. His only objective was to win Daisy back.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When Tom learns of Gatsby and Daisy’s secret affair, he is outraged. Tom thought that to love someone, you had to have complete dominance over them. When he realized that he had lost control of Daisy, he panicked but because he senses that Daisy does not love him anymore and, therefore, he cannot control her.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lust can completely overpower a person until they become controlled by it. By the end of this book, Gatsby becomes obsessed with his lust for Daisy. He wanted so much to have her, this she consumed every aspect of his life. He thought that he could turn back the hands of time and make Daisy love him again, but this proved to be simply impossible. Daisy was not willing to risk her social status for love, proving the of money and power was more important to her than love.

Low Fertility Rate

Written Report: Low Fertility Rates Written Report Justin Koh Zhi-ren MGMT003 B Jothi Rai & S ,G Tang Li 6Ying G9 G Jamie Lee Yaling Prepared For: Professor Er Jwee Ping Genevive Chan Keng Ling Prepared By: Yong Yi Wee ChiaDaryl Linus Lee Zhi Siong Jian Song, Eric Darren Teng Tze Shang USINESS OVERNMENT OCIETY ROUP Tackling The Problem Of Low Fertility Rates In Singapore Author(s): Lim Tze-En, Jamien Oh Wei Liang, Peter Wang Xiao Group: Team 3991 1 G13 Word Count (excluding content page and references): 3947 Report for Approval by: Written Report: Low Fertility Rates Table of Contents 1. 0 Introduction †¦.. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 3    2. 1 Overview †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚ ¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 3    2. 2 Definitions †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦3    2. 2. 1 Total fertility rate †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. †¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 3    2. 2. 2 Population aging †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦3    2. 3 Reasons for falling fertility rates †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 3 2. 3. 1 Lack of economic means to raise a child †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 3 2. 3. 2 Lack of social means to raise a child †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦4 2. 3. 3 Environmental factors †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã ¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 4 2. 4 Impact of falling fertility rates †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦5 2. 4. 1 Economic consequences †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 5 2. 4. 2 Social consequences †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦6 . 0 Issue Analysis †¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 3 3. 0 4. 0 Stakeholder analysis †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦6    Analysis and evaluation of govern ment actions †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 7 4. 1 4. 2 4. 3 Parent- ­? targeted initiatives †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦7 Immigration initiatives †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 10    Promoting Marriage †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 10    Economic measures †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦12    Social measures †¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦13    Environmental measures †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦13 5. 0 Recommendations †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 12    5. 1 5. 2 5. 3 6. 0 8. 0 9. 0 Limitations †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 13    Appendix †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 15    References †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢ € ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 16 2 7. 0 Conclusion †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 14 Written Report: Low Fertility Rates 1. 0 Introduction The aim of this report is to analyze the existing problem of Singapore’s low fertility rate. By delving into its root causes and potential consequences, we hope to effectively evaluate the measures that the Singapore government has taken to tackle this critical issue, while proposing some practical recommendations. However, as no panacea is without side effects, we will also highlight the limitations to our proposals. 2. 0Issue Analysis 2. 1 Overview According to The Straits Times on 18 January 2011, â€Å"Singapore’s baby shortfall worsened last year when the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) sank to a historic low of 1. 16. That is down from 1. 22 in 2009, and way below the repla cement level of 2. 1 (Li, 2011). Declining fertility rates is one of Singapore greatest challenges, bringing with it both economic and social impact. In addition, it is also a key- ­? contributing factor towards Singapore’s inescapable ageing population. 2. 2 Definitions 2. 2. 1 Total Fertility Rate A population’s total fertility rate refers to the average number of hildren that would be born per female, if all females live through their childbearing years of 15- ­? 49 and bear children according to a given set of age- ­? specific fertility rates. (Ministry Of Community Development, Youth & Sports, 2010) 2. 2. 2 Ageing Population Ageing population refers to a situation where an increase in number of elderly, and a decrease in number of newborn babies lead to a shift in the median age distribution of a population. 2. 3 Reasons for falling fertility rates 2. 3. 1 Lack of economic means to raise a child High direct cost of raising a child 3 Written Report: Low Ferti lity Rates The asic costs of raising a child in Singapore include the costs of pregnancy and delivery, infant care, childcare and education. Besides, there are other additional living allowances as well as the possible extra holiday trips that need to be considered. A report by The Sunday Times (2010, as cited in â€Å"1 Million to†, 2010) estimated that the cost of raising 2 children in Singapore is about $1 million. These high costs act as a deterrent for couples to have children in Singapore, resulting in low fertility rates. Late entry into work force due to national service The mandatory two- ­? year national service delays theSingaporean male’s entry into the work force, delaying his ability to support a family till a later age. Since couples usually seek financial stability before they start a family, this has caused couples to delay their plans to have children, thereby contributing to lower fertility rates. Other economic commitments The high costs of living in Singapore currently take up a large portion of the monthly income of Singaporeans. Coupled with the rising property prices and costs of owning a car, there is less incentive for couples to start a family, since having children would only add to their financial burden. 2. 3. Lack of social means to raise a child Long working hours The high stress levels and long working hours in Singapore have been proven by many studies. According to an article â€Å"Don’t blame lack† by the International Labor Organization (2010), workers in Singapore clocked the most number of working hours per week among twelve nations in the survey. Such a phenomenon lowers fertility rates since couples might feel that they would not be able to care for their children due to long working hours. Both parties in work force The common phenomenon that both husbands and wives hold full- ­? time jobs also directly affects ouples’ willingness to raise children. Work stress endured by both par ties leaves little time and energy for childcare and couples might be more hesitant when making a decision to have children. 2. 3. 3 Environmental factors Large influx of immigrants In order to cope with the declining population, Singapore has developed a sound immigration policy to attract the work force necessary to grow our economy. As of 2010, approximately 35 of every 100 people living in Singapore are PRs, or foreigners 4 Written Report: Low Fertility Rates on work permits or study visas (Department Of Statistics Singapore, 2011). Many f these non- ­? citizens can be viewed as transient residents with no intention of settling down permanently in Singapore. While no official studies have been carried out, it is postulated that the fertility rate of these non- ­? citizens is much lower than that of Singapore citizens, pulling down our national fertility rate as a whole (Chong Lee Ming, 2009). Influence from western culture As a cosmopolitan city, Singaporeans have also been greatly influenced by western culture. The westernized new age culture of cohabitation in place of marriage has taken root with the younger generation of Singaporeans. Hence, ithout the bond of marriage, the traditional view of having children in a family is gradually watered down. Increasing focus on hedonism With increasing emphasis placed on consumerism, the younger generation of Singaporeans has become more interested in pursuing material goods and pleasures for oneself instead of spending efforts on fostering relationships. As a result, children, in their opinion, are more likely to be a chore than a gift, as was in traditional cultures. 2. 4 Impacts 2. 4. 1 Economic consequences Tapering of economic growth While a low fertility rate does not have a direct impact on the economy, ts impact can be felt over the long term. Children are the work force for tomorrow, and given the situation of a declining fertility rate over the past 2 decades, there has been a shrinking citizen labo ur force, as more citizens are reaching retirement age without corresponding new entrants, stifling economic growth. Dwindling supply of local workforce The low fertility rate will lead to a lack of young talent in the future, and result in a huge imbalance in the human resource market. The average age of the workforce in Singapore will also consequently increase, and the older generation might be encouraged to elay their retirement. Moreover, the lack of employees may force companies to increase staff workload, thereby increasing their burden. High dependency on foreign talent 5 Written Report: Low Fertility Rates Due to the lack of young local talent, businesses would need to rely on immigrants to ensure that the economic system functions smoothly. These companies may be forced to increase employee salaries and improve perks, in order to attract foreign job applicants, leading to an increase in staffing costs. 2. 4. 2 Social consequences Increased financial burden With a smaller y ounger generation supporting the ncreasing number of elderly dependents, there will be a greater strain on government welfare schemes and taxpayers resources. The increased demand for healthcare facilities might inevitably result in rising healthcare costs. More stress and longer working hours Due to the possible shortfall in employees, companies might need to increase employee workload and extend working hours to sustain productivity. This might then create another social problem, where a higher level of stress and longer working hours lead to a weakening of family ties or bonding between married couples. This might act as a deterrent for ouples to have children, and further exacerbate the issue of low fertility rates. Dilution of local culture due to immigration As we place a greater reliance on immigration to sustain the population in Singapore, there’s a possibility that the huge proportion of immigrants will greatly alter Singapore culture, and gradually dilute the tradi tional values of our society. 3. 0 Stakeholder analysis The stakeholders in this issue can be defined in the following diagram: th Source: Bucholtz , Carroll: Business and Society 7 edition, Chapter 3, pg85 6 Written Report: Low Fertility Rates Potential childbearing Singaporean ouples (Dominant Stakeholder) This group has legitimacy and power. Only they have the power to alter the fertility rate in Singapore. They have legitimacy, as they will form part of the ageing population in the future. However, they would not have urgency as they might feel that other priorities should take precedence instead of procreation. The current Singaporean work force (Dependent Stakeholder) Some elderly might be encouraged to extend their retirement due to the slow turnover rate of younger people succeeding their jobs. Such consequences will bring both economic and social problems to Singapore. Therefore, hey hold legitimacy and urgency but not power. Potential Immigrants (Dormant Stakeholder) Immig rants could be a possible solution in solving the low fertility rate problem (Cheow Xin Yi, 2011). The potential immigrants have the power to decide whether to immigrate to Singapore and therefore contribute to the solution for the low birthrate or not, however they have no urgency and legitimacy as this problem is not of concern to them. Government (Definitive Stakeholder) The government has legitimacy, urgency and power. Low fertility rate is an issue faced by the state, and it is their job to solve such matters.

Bacchae by Euripides

The first lines of the selected passage translates as that of a chorus, meaning that the passage is intended for a more elegant effect as that of a regular speech delivery. The language of the line is highly descriptive, as it connotes elegance and respect: â€Å"Fair-maidened River Dirke, queen of waters, daughter of Achelous, you who bathed the infant child of god- when Zeus the father pulled him, from undying fire, into his thigh, did you not hear the cry of Zeus? † (Woodruff, 520).The metaphorical and personification use of language is exemplified in the association of the River Dirke personified as a female figure that possess an ability to turn mortals into Gods. Greek mythology naturally perpetuates an understanding of the different relationships between the Gods and man. The next lines reveal a commanding tone toward the subject, as it directs the character Dithryrambus: â€Å"Go, twice-born Dithyrambus, into my male womb. I now reveal you, with your Bacchic name, to Thebes† (Woodruff, 520).The description of the character is twice-born in the context of the story where the God Dionysus is born from the relationship between Zeus the thunder-god and Semele. Zeus, being an all-powerful God, cannot take any mortal form and thus appeared as a lightning bolt which killed Semele but Zeus managed to rescue his unborn son by stitching the baby into his thigh. The next line continues: â€Å"But now, blessed Dirke, you cast me out when I bring wreaths and feasting to your shore. Why do you reject me? Why do you run from me?A time will come-I swear by all the joy that you may squeeze from Dionysus grapes-a time when you will pay attention to the Thunderer (Woodruff, 535). The speaker addresses the river Dirke, as that of a personified woman with tones of confusion and spite, mixed with anger. The speaker is inquiring to the nature of his rejection even though his place is highly regarded in the context of his father. The next passage further utilize s a highly-descriptive tone not only to present a sense of imagery but also to imply to the reader the emotive impact of the characters: â€Å"Do you see this, son of Zeus, Dionysus?Those who speak for you are bound by force. Come down from Olympus waving your gold faced wand and put down the insults of this deadly man. † (Woodruff, 564). The character implies a urging tone toward the God, to punish those who refuse to honor his name. The last lines imply a tone of praise and revernce, as the descriptive mood from the prior passages is further repeated. Also the continuity of the use of metaphorical words is prevalent in the passage as it attempts to describe Dionysius characteristic in all of its majesty. â€Å"You are the blessed place, Pieria.You are honored by the god of joyful cries. He comes to set you dancing in his worship. He will cross swift flowing rivers with his Maenads whirling in their dance-the River Axion and Lydias, father of waters, who gives happiness and wealth to men from the most beautiful flow of water† (Woodruff, 575). This line provides an introductory theme toward the succession of the plot, which Dionysius attempts to regain his name. The passage implies an indirect build-up of tension for the remainder of the story that acts as a leeway in building up revenge.Dionysius, filled with anger and spite toward the people who had refused to honor him, prepares himself for revenge. The passage presents a reaffirmation toward the preceding actions and the identification of the glorious stature of Dionysius as a son of Zeus. Arising from prior events wherein the God did not achieve much reverence, the passages now imply his all-encompassing glory, both his good-natured side (provision of happiness and ecstacsy) and his negative characteristics (Bacchic frenzy). Work Cited Euripedes. The Bacchae. (trans. ) Paul Woodruff. Indianapolis, Ind. Hackett Pub. Co. 1998

The Return of Martin Guerre essays

The Return of Martin Guerre essays After reading The Return of Martin Guerre I have learned many things about peasant life. The book taught me about the importance of family life to the peasants, marriage, economic life, level of education, different religions that existed and their legal system. It seems that family life is extremely important to the peasants in many different ways. For example, the quote Perhaps Martins mother had urged the move, for the Basque women were said to be forward, making known their wants (page 7), suggest that Martins mother was concerned for the well being of her family since there was a war. This shows that the mother cares more about the family than the wealth that they had had in Basque. We also see that the men like Martins father probably listened to his wife because he loves her (but this is only if they had moved because the mother wanted to move, but still it was a possibility since Basque women were thought to be authoritative in the family household. This also implies that the peasant men had respect for their wives and probably often took whatever request their wives had into consideration. The testaments in the area around Artigat rarely benefit one child but instead provide dowries for the daughters and divide the inheritance equally among the sons, even if there are five of them,(page 11). This line suggests that the sons of the family were treated equally with his brothers, in the sense that they all attained the same amount of inheritance. Also, the daughters of a family were treated equally with her sisters. This idea of equality between the same sex children of peasants sort of shows that the parents loved all of their children equally. Here we also see that the sons of the family arent treated equally to the sisters, where the sons seem to gain more. The line ...most often...the heirs divide the land and live near one another... suggests that peasants...

Legalizing marijuna Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Legalizing marijuna - Essay Example Different stakeholders foster different reasoning on the issues, but it is more realistic that the government should legalize the drug since the economy is losing billions of dollars on the drug through illegal trade; the money that can possibly develop other aspects of the economy. Besides, marijuana has numerous medicinal uses – a fact which has contributed to the increasing number of users of the drug in the American society. The illegal market is an informal term used in reference to the unofficial market. Activities in such markets lack government accreditation and are, therefore, illegal. In fact, the government prefers to assume that the market is nonexistence in the American economy. On the contrary, the market is rife in the country and is the leading cause for the infiltration of illegal firearms and other drugs. Marijuana is a commonly used drug among the numerous social groupings in American social circles, a fact that implies that the government loses a lot of mon ey by failing to recognize such trades (Barton 12). By legalizing the drug, the government makes it an official product in the market and, therefore, gains better regulation to its usage as it currently does with tobacco products and alcohol. Additionally, the government stands to gain tax benefits and provide employment to thousands of people currently peddling the drugs most of whom will seek legitimate certification to handle and dispense the drug. The failure to legitimize the drug contributes to the rise in crime thereby inflating the government budget on security. Police and federal law enforcement officers use resources worth millions of dollars investigating and apprehending drug peddlers. Unfortunately, the more they arrest, the more new operators arise to continue the lucrative marijuana market. This, therefore, requires the government to use a lot of money alongside other resources in keeping the street drugs free (Jamerson 40). The fact that they have not succeeded thus far makes it a loss to the taxpayers whose money is literally wasted. With effective legislations, the drug can possibly gain access to the American market thereby making it easier to manage its sale and its subsequent usage. This would earn the economy the excess money and other resources that the police and other state officers use in containing the ever-increasing black market. By considering the drug illegal, the government discourages other secondary researches on the drug. However, scientific proof has established that the drug has numerous medicinal uses implying that with more research; a lot about the chemical composition of the plant may result in better drugs to some of the most notorious diseases. Marijuana smoking reduces gramps and the menstrual discomforts; the drug also treats such serious ailments as cancer while it slows down tumor growth and seizure. Generally, the drug is beneficial and with government permission, scientists would foster more researches on the dr ug and find better treatments to some of the most dangerous diseases. Cancer, for example, is an incurable disease that claims thousands of lives in the country annually; researches have established that marijuana has an effect similar to that of the antiretroviral drug on Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome victims. The drug can, therefore, make the thousands more productive for longer periods thereby foster the country’

Intel Corp Strategies, Organizational Design and Strategic Controls Essay

Intel Corp Strategies, Organizational Design and Strategic Controls - Essay Example This shift towards manufacturing microprocessors saw its success as a market leader because with the success of personal computers, Intel also emerged as the forerunner for supplying high speed and more sophisticated microprocessors to enable PC users to expand their choices of using PC for different purposes such as gaming etc. This however, been successful mainly due to the way Intel was managed as well as the mission and objectives it set for itself. Intel, as a company has intensively relied on setting strategic directions for itself which is based on delivering technology advancements which help improve the way we live and work. This paper will attempt to study the vision, mission and objectives of the organizations and would then examine the existing organizational design and strategic controls to determine whether the strategic fit between the two exist or not. Setting up the mission statement help firms to identify the unique and fundamental objective for which distinguish the firm from others in the industry. (Pearce and David). Intel has set following mission for itself: The above mission statement suggests that the focus of Intel has been on focusing on three distinct stakeholders i.e. customers, employees and shareholders by providing them technologies which are considered as vital to the way we work and live. Based on this mission statement, the organization has also set values of "customer orientation, Result Orientation, Risk Taking, Great place to work, Quality and Discipline" (Intel) however, these values are going to help Intel to achieve the objectives of extending its technology leadership by delivering best microprocessors and platforms so that it can become profitable worldwide by excelling in customer orientation. (Intel). The above goals and objectives suggest that the focus of Intel has been on becoming a market leader in microprocessor market by focusing on being customer oriented. However, in order to attain such mission and objectives, Intel has set up organizational design and strategic controls in such a way that they support its mission, vision, values and objective. The following section will discuss the organizational design and strategic controls within Intel which help it to achieve its mission and strategic objectives. Organization Design and Strategic Controls & Strategic Fit Organizational Design and Strategic controls involve the setting up of the roles and processes which outline the reporting relationships within the organization. The definition of roles and processes help organizations to accomplish the operational and tactical objectives so that the strategic objectives of the organization shall be achieved and strategic controls help organizational designs to follow a pre-defined strategic framework. Similarly, Strategic fit defines how well the strategies and mission of the organization are supporting its internal capabilities and external environment. It also requires that the organizations must match their organization design according to its internal as well as external environm