The Portrayal of Homosexuals in Movies Essay Example for Free

The Portrayal of Homosexuals in Movies Essay In this paper, I will be discussing two movies that portray homosexuals and homosexuality in very different ways. The first movie is The Birdcage (1996), a comedy directed by Mike Nichols, and starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane as a pair of long-term gay lovers. The second movie is Brokeback Mountain (2005), a drama directed by Ang Lee, and starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal as star-crossed gay lovers. A Movie Filled with Stereotypes In The Birdcage (1996), the movie that I have chosen that I feel stereotypes homosexuals, all the typical gay stereotypes are there: the flamboyant physical gestures, the garish color scheme of the decor and the wardrobe, the hysterical emotional reactions, the drag queens, the cattiness, and even the lisps. In brief, Robin Williams plays Armand Goldman, a middle-aged gay man who is the owner of a gay cabaret in Miami. His live-in lover, Albert, played by Nathan Lane, is also the star of the cabaret show, a drag queen named Starina. Armand has a 20-year-old son, Val, from a brief heterosexual relationship, and Val has been raised in Armand and Albert’s household. Val arrives home, declares that he’s engaged to the daughter of an extremely right-wing conservative U. S. senator, and that the senator and his wife are coming to dinner. Albert decides to dress in drag and pretend to be Armand’s wife. The garish decor and wardrobe, which might seem out of place if the setting were Wisconsin or Kansas, doesn’t seem quite as stereotypical as it might since the setting is South Beach in Miami. The bright, neon colors are quite popular there, and although there is certainly an element of exaggeration, I don’t think these colors would be out of place in mainstream Miami. What is really interesting about this film is that even though it is filled with so many gay stereotypes, and even though it gets huge laughs playing to these stereotypes, it is really not a film that refuses to look deeper than the surface. The out-and-proud Armand and Albert are in a long-term, committed relationship, and we see how that relationship plays out. Armand and Albert could be any two people in a relationship, although Armand is portrayed as pretty mainstream gay, minus most of the stereotypical characteristics, while Albert is loaded with these types of characteristics. In fact, he seems to be one, big overacting gay diva in every respect. He is always throwing fits, crying, accusing, locking himself in his room, and trying to lay guilt trips on Armand. I hate to say it, but not only does Lane portray Albert as the complete stereotype of a gay man, but he also portrays Albert as the complete stereotype of a straight woman who has PMS. I think the stereotypes that are portrayed in this movie are just as popular as a set of misconceptions today as they were a decade ago. But on the other hand, the biggest stereotype, the one where people believe that all gay men sleep around with many, many partners, is not even addressed in this film because, as I said, it focuses primarily on a committed relationship between two middle-aged gay men. This, I feel, could be beneficial in showing the public in general that not all gay men jump from man to man. On the other hand, the audience is going to see what it wants to see, and if they believe all the stereotypes going in, this film will probably reinforce their beliefs. But, at least, a gay comedy could get made at all. It doesn’t happen that often in Hollywood. But it seems that comedy makes everything more palatable to middle America. It removes them from the truth of the situation just enough so that they can be absorbed into the story and laugh. That has got to be a benefit, as it’s a start to seeing â€Å"gay people† as â€Å"just people. † A Movie with Positive Images Brokeback Mountain (2005), the movie I have chosen that I feel does not stereotype homosexuals, is about as far away from The Birdcage (1996) as you can get. It’s a romantic drama with a love story between two cowboys as its central theme. Ennis Del Mar, played by the late Heath Ledger, and Jack Twist, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, meet as young men on an isolated assignment herding sheep. Ennis is already married, but Jack is not yet married. The two surprise themselves by falling in love with each other, something that was greatly looked down on in the American West in 1963, where this film begins its story. They keep their love a secret, or so they think, and meet when they can over the years. Jack marries for cover, Ennis grows even more distant from his wife, and eventually Jack meets a violent end after his homosexuality is discovered. In looking at the effect that the images in this film had or might have on mainstream, non-gay America, I’d say that the image of two virile cowboys falling so unexpectedly in love with each other was a positive one. So many of the stereotypes show gays as effeminate and unmanly. But there was none of that in these two men. They were as strong and physically active as most men, and probably in better shape than most straight men, but the fact that they were both buff did nothing to add to the misconceptions that most gay men work out at the gym and are vain and body-oriented. Instead, their good physical forms were the results of hard manual labor. These non-stereotypical images are important to the focal point of the film, which is how the romantic relationship between these two men develops over the course of 20 years. Brokeback Mountain (2005) was really the first big-budget Hollywood movie that took the risk to portray two non-flamboyant, non-stereotypical gay men in a romantic drama, where the gay romance was the theme of the movie. Whereas both men were closeted and married, and it appeared that Jack had other boyfriends while Ennis did not, we see how their love lasts and grows over the years. We see the longing and the yearning and the way they miss each other. Mainstream straight America sat up and thought, they’re just like us! That’s how I feel about my husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend. We could relate to them and what they were going through. I think this reaction was a product of the times. Homosexuality is a lot more out in the open now and middle America is a lot more socially tolerant now than they were even ten years ago. The Comparison In spite of the fact that Brokeback Mountain (2005) was made in 2005, it is set in a time period from 1963 to 1983. So what we see in Brokeback Mountain (2005) is how attitudes and social expectations used to be when America was a much more closed-off society than it is now. We actually get to see what led up to the change in American values by the time of The Birdcage (1996), which is set in 1996. Another difference in the setting is that Brokeback Mountain (2005) is set in the American West, supposedly representing middle American values, whereas The Birdcage (1996) is set in South Beach Miami, known more for it’s nightlife than for it’s middle-class values. A kind of â€Å"anything goes† feeling pervades this setting. In South Beach, a gay man can be as safely â€Å"out† as it is probably possible to be in the United States. In the American West, four decades ago, there were few places that it was safe to be known as homosexual. An image is created of fear and intolerance and keeping your true self hidden. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), director Ang Lee created images that were evocative and memorable. The beauty itself of Brokeback Mountain, where the two men fell in love, was all lush and green and charming vistas. Yet, when the men separated and spent long periods apart, the landscape was dry, dusty, run down and baron. It seemed that this love had just happened to them and that they had no control over it in spite of the strong yearning to be together. In The Birdcage (1996), director Mike Nichols, on the other hand, told a story that was all about a kind of false world created by his two main characters. The settings were primarily indoors, often garish with colors and styles left over from the 1980’s, and literally, audibly loud. It was a world based on illusion, but the illusion was created by the two gay men and it was on their own terms. I think one product of the times in which these films were made was the number of graphic love scenes that were included. Even 13 years ago when The Birdcage (1996) was made, it was very rare to show two men kissing in a mainstream Hollywood movie. But ten years later, Brokeback Mountain (2005) showed not just two men kissing, but two men in love, making love. Times have changed and what we are willing to accept up on the screen has changed with it. However, this may not be just a product of the times, but also a product of the type of film that was being made. In 1996, no one expected two gay middle-aged men to make out or to make love in a comedy, but come 2005, love scenes in a romantic drama were considered normal, although pushing the envelope quite a bit when the protagonists were both males. Conclusion When I saw Brokeback Mountain (2005), I have to admit that I was enchanted, fascinated and a little bit put off. The scenery and cinematography were typical, breathtaking Ang Lee, and the story was so beautifully done, unlike anything that had been done before. But this film also went a lot farther than I was comfortable with in terms of showing physical contact between two gay men. They showed a lot of kissing and love making, and when they showed Ennis spitting on his fingers, I about lost it. I guess I consider myself a socially-tolerant prude: I don’t mind what people do as long as I don’t have to watch it in graphic detail. In The Birdcage (1996), I thought Robin Williams did an excellent job of portraying a gay man without all the usual stereotypical characteristics to fall back on. It could not have been an easy task, especially for someone who can overact anyone under the table, but Williams found a nice middle ground in portraying a man who was clearly gay but also clearly not a stereotype. However, there was one character who was purely a stereotype played for laughs all the way: the butler named Agador, played by Hank Azaria. I have to admit that I thought this character, small though his role was, was the funniest part of the movie. He took just about every gay stereotype out there and exaggerated it as much as humanly possible, and he pretty much stole the show doing it, too. In addition, I was glad that we didn’t have to watch two middle-aged men kissing and making love. That would have been too much for me. I guess there really is something to playing it for laughs and making the audience comfortable. You really don’t want to put the audience too far out of their comfort zone or they will just simply reject the whole premise, or the whole film, in other words. As you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar, I believe that motion pictures can help break through to increased social tolerance by easing the medicine down gently. References Nichols, M. , Machlis, N. , Imperato, M. , and Danon, M. (Producers), Nichols, M. (Director). (1996) The Birdcage [Motion picture]. USA: United Artists. Schamus, J. , McMurtry, L. , and Ossana, D. (Producers), Lee, A. (Director). (2005) Brokeback Mountain [Motion picture]. USA: Focus Features.

Thimerosal Paper Essay Example for Free

Thimerosal Paper Essay Thimerosal in vaccines may contribute to Autism Spectrum Disorders in children with underlying medical conditions. Since 1999 there has been a controversy about whether thimerosal –containing vaccines contribute to the causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in children. Thimerosal is a mercury-based preservative used to manufacture multidose vaccines as it helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi and so can protect the immunized from infections at the site of the immunization. One of the reasons for the concern was that thimerosal contains ethylmercury and not methylmercury. But since there were no guidelines for the safe amount of ethylmercury in the human body, the guidelines for methylmercury were used on the false assumption that the body handles them both in the same way. In trying to settle the controversy two main issues were brought up. One is the connection between the chemistry of thimerosal and a direct link with autism and the other is the removal of thimerosal from vaccines and the effect on the level of incidences of autism. The Public Health Agency of Canada does not believe that thimerosal causes autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders. In the paper, Thimerosal –updated statement   ( Law and Primeau , 2007) the authors reported two reviews of the evidence by the Immunization Safety Review Committee of the US Institute of Medicine (IOM) in 2001 and 2004 . In 2001 they concluded that the evidence is inadequate to accept or reject a causal relationship between thimerosal exposures from childhood vaccines and neurodevelopmental disorders. They also believed that â€Å"the hypothesis that thimerosal exposure through the recommended childhood immunization schedule [in the US] has caused neurodevelopmental disorders is not supported by clinical or experimental evidence. The subsequent review in 2004, which included studies from Denmark, Great Britain, Sweden and the US concluded that the evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship between thimerosal containing vaccines and autism. The paper also reported Canadian data from a study in Quebec of 188 children to support the lack of association between thimerosal exposure and pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs). Despite the belief that thimerosal exposure has not been scientifically proven to be linked to autism, the Public Health Agency states that in large concentrations over extended periods of exposure, mercury can cause damage to brain and kidney. In a critical review of the published data Parker et al (2008) analyzed twelve published studies from Denmark, Sweden, UK and US. In an attempt to address the debate that continued about the possible link between thimerosal and autism. The authors first state that in 2001 thimerosal in quantities sufficient to act as a preservative was removed form all vaccines in the childhood immunization schedule in the US except in some influenza vaccines. They state that although trace amounts are present in some vaccines, â€Å"the amounts are so small that exposure is inconsequential†. The Immunization Safety Review Committee of the Institute of Medicine concluded in 2001 that â€Å"the evidence is insufficient to accept or reject a causal relationship between exposure to thimerosal and NDDs†. In order to examine this claim more fully the authors analyzed the twelve studies. They concluded that â€Å"the four studies supporting an association between thimerosal exposure and NDDs including autism were by the same authors and used overlapping data sets and contained critical methodological flaws that render the data and their interpretation non contributory†. On the other hand they found that the studies that did not report an association were well designed and appropriately analyzed. They also make the point that data from Denmark and Sweden where exposure to thimerosal in vaccines was eliminated in 1992 showed that rates of autism continued to increase. Thus questioning thimerosal as a possible contributing cause to autism. Nelson and Bauman (2003) examined the claim that there is a link between thimerosal and autism from three different angles. They first compared clinical manifestations of autism and mercury toxicity. They found no commonality in motor manifestations. Other signs such as hypertension, skin eruptions evident in mercury toxicity were not present in autism. They concluded that the â€Å"typical clinical signs of mecurism are not similar to the typical clinical signs of autism†. The second angle was to look at the onset of autism after immunizations. According to them the onset is very difficult to establish and so they cannot prove or disprove a role of the vaccines. Thirdly they questioned the existence of mercury levels in autistic children. They found no evidence to show significant amounts of mercury in the hair, urine, or blood of autistic children. They also point out that no evidence has been provided to show that chelation therapy led to the improvement in children with autism. Another point raised by these authors is the question of whether reducing levels of mercury can affect the levels of incidence of autism. They referred to a study done in Japan during and after a toxic outbreak in the 1950s and the 1960s. The results showed on the contrary, higher rates of autism in children born between 1966 and 1974 than in the periods just after the outbreaks. Though the controversy may not be over, and some will still not feel safe enough to vaccinate their children, the research has not been able to establish a reliable link between thimerosal in vaccines and the occurrence of autism. References Law, B., Primeau, M. (2007). Thimerosal:updated statement. Canada Communicable Disease Report. Vol.33. Retrieved August 25, 2008. http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ccdr-rmtc/07vol33/acs-06/index_e.html Nelson, K.B., Bauman, M.L. (2003). Thimerosal and autism. Pediatrics Vol. 111, Iss.3, pp.674-679. Parker, S., Schwartz, B., Todd, J., Pickering, L. (2004). Thimerosal-containing vaccines and autistic spectrum disorder: a critical review of the published original data. Pediatrics. Vol.114, Iss.3, pp.793-804

Risk Management In Construction Contracts

Risk Management In Construction Contracts Risk management is vital when tendering for construction contracts. Risk is described by Atkinson (2001) as the probability of an occurrence of a hazard and the magnitude of the consequences. Consequently risk can be considered as the likelihood of an experience occurring and the resultant effect of that experience if it takes place. As defined by RICS (2009) risk management is a means of processes where risks are identified, analysed and managed. It is a constant cycle that begins at the pre-tender stage; this means that risk can be priced into the bid and continues after post contract stage. During the different phases of a project, new risks will emerge throughout the contract. Identifying in advance allows quicker mitigation; to reduce impact risk has on the project. This study has examined the inaccuracy of pre-tender risk management by using both pre-tender and post contract risk registers. As well as risks there were opportunities and these were also recognised in the processes of risk management. This subject area was chosen to be researched after discussion with line managers and work colleagues, during my 2010 placement year with Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM). This topic was considered as an ideal subject area for a research project because SRM were improving their risk management procedures. Therefore the plan of the study was to feedback findings, to further enhance the Tender risk management process. The line manager gave me risk registers for two different project types, and explained how SRM assess risk at all stages of a job. The emphasis being on highway construction, as this information was available from my placement and SRM. 1.2 Rationale The subject of what to research developed from consultations with colleagues and the line manager at SRM. The line manager was involved in risk management and was working to improve SRMs pre-tender risk process to make it replicate the post contract phase. This therefore illustrated a requirement in the business and indeed construction for research in to this topic area. The main reason for eventually electing the subject area of risk was the open access of information provided by SRM and the contact with knowledgeable personnel in my placement. This gave a better understanding of the processes currently used, which allowed me to gain a greater grasp of the subject area. Also access was gained during placement to potential data in the form of contract and tender risk registers from various Highway works undertaken by SRM. The aim, objectives and hypothesis came about from carrying out the literary research, it wasnt until that point that the information was collected, and a plan formulated of how to use it. The research aimed to understand how the pre-tender risk process may be inaccurate. After that considering how it could be improved and whether it was possible to do so. Subsequently, recording any conclusions of pre-tender process in order to develop and better it. 1.3 Aim, Objectives and Hypothesis 1.3.1 Aim To see whether the post contract risk process identifies significant additional risks that the pre-tender risk process failed to identify and thus determine how inaccurate the pre-tender risk process is. 1.3.2 Objectives Identify processes currently used to manage risks at post contract and pre tender stage in recognising and measuring risks. Analyse whether the key additional post contract risks identified were included at pre-tender stage. Compare SRMs risk management processes with other contractors and analyse to find the best solution. If possible, note any resulting conclusions and input results into the pre-tender risk process to produce a new accurate tender risk management. 1.3.3 Hypothesis The post contract risk process in Highway construction successfully identifies additional risks and as a result pre-tender appraisal is inaccurate. 1.4 Overview of work done / Methodology 1.4.1 Literature Review In order to understand the processes used to manage risk in the industry a literary review was embarked on. This meant the research would gain an appreciation of how risk is perceived by the industry, as prior to this my personal experience had only come from SRMs perspective and the processes they use. In order to gain real understanding and to funnel clearly on what my hypothesis stated, it was decided to split the literature review into two sections. One section, comprising of processes used by industry, taken from an assortment of books. The second section being that of SRMs highways process and accompanying documents. This makes it possible for an assessment to be conducted between SRM and the other contractors, so as to gain a better view of how Risk management at different stages of a contract work in Highway works. 1.4.2 SRM Projects The 3 SRM projects looked at were M1 J25-28, A19 upgrade (both Highways Agency) and M74 Glasgow council, they were all Highway maintenance contracts although they differ slightly. A19 was Term Maintenance Contract (TMC) whereas M1 J25-28 and M74 upgrade were (MAC) contracts. When examining the A19 upgrade the contract risk register was acquired but the tender risk register for this contract was not. However the contract risk register for this project was compared with a tender risk register from another contract. Not ideal but the only solution at the time. The majority of the risks are common and on most projects registers, so comparable/related risks were drawn from the tender register, and included in the A19 contract risk register. An evaluation was done involving the contract risk costs, and tender risks. This was done by incorporating the maximum, minimum, most likely costs and the probabilities from contract and tender appraisals. A total assessment for each risk occurred via averaging the maximum, minimum and most likely costs then multiplied by probability of risk occurrence. All risks types were identified, in order to distinguish trends in risks identified at pre-tender stage and found at post-contract stage or were not found at all. The M74 contract risk register was distinctive to M1 J25-28 and A19 upgrade registers as it didnt contain costs. Every risk was divided by its probability and impact, whether that was high, medium or low assessment. Having a pre-tender risk register for this project, meant risks were matched up with the contract risks. Assessing if each risk was covered was done by assigning costs and probabilities to every risk. To find the overall assessment, the probability and cost were multiplied. These costs were then evaluated against the overall pre-tender costs, as with the A19 upgrade. 1.4.3 Interviews Interviews via telephone were conducted with a few companies to really see what processes are used at post contract and pre-tender. Also to find out how precise these methods are. Companies interviewed were: Morgan EST. Vinci Balfour Beatty May Guerney 1.5 Overview of main conclusions The data and analysis carried out imply there is data to sustain in part the hypothesis. This is due to a large number of risks being identified in contract stage that were not previously seen at pre-tender. Even though assessments for any one risk were fairly inaccurate, the overall assessments for pre-tender and post-contract stage were close. Showing that the pre-tender risk process is inaccurate and needed improving if assessments and risk management is to become more reliable. 1.6 Guide to the report Chapter by Chapter overview of report: 1 Introduction An opening on risk management in relation to the project and validates the basis for choosing the subject area. It also states the aims, objectives and hypothesis which the project is established upon, as well as outlining the work done and an overview of the Conclusions. 2 Methodology Explains the methods used to investigate my hypothesis, from Literature review, approaches used data collection, analysis and interpretation of results. This describes the reasons for using the methods chosen and any research boundaries/ limitations. 3 Literature Review This chapter contains my understanding and background reading for the subject area. This was done by, studying the risk process used in management. Allowing a greater comprehension of risk in Highways work, and how its viewed and used. 4 Results and Analysis Confirms the results of the research, and the subsequent analysis for the SRM projects and other contractors interviews. It outlines the assessment made concerning the pre-tender risk register and the post contract risk registers. From this it then cross-examines the data so as to be able to test the hypothesis. 6 Conclusions and Recommendations This analyses all the results in relation to the hypothesis and whether they support it or not. It details any limitations that affected the project, while also imparting proposals for both industry and any future dissertations. 2 Methodology 2.1 Introduction The methodology was vital to the accomplishments of research and was dealt with care in order for the most appropriate research methods to be chosen (Fellows and Liu, 2008). The methodology outcome depended on the subject area, research aims and amount of literature review obtained. For data collection and analysis, the methods employed ought to be realising the aims and objectives so as to continually test the hypothesis and validate the research. The information that was obtainable and available played a huge role, as work on the dissertation could not be done if the information wasnt relevant. The information therefore can be decided by the hypothesis, as if the information is not on hand then one cant trial the hypothesis. Due to these factors, risk management was identified as an appropriate topic from the beginning, but it wasnt until the research was started that defining the hypothesis was possible, yet having an impression of the aims and objectives that were to be accomplished. From the off, the aim was to gauge how precise pre-tender risk management was, even if unsure of the data and information existing prior to consulting SRM team. Ultimately this section highlights the research methods utilised in the research, and the close association that has been made when doing so between the methods and Aim, hypothesis and objectives. 2.2 Aim Employed to help concentrate the methodology in choosing the right methods, also to clarify to the person who reads the dissertation what precisely is being investigated. So this shall be done by recalling the Aim set out: To see whether the post contract risk process identifies key additional risks that the pre-tender risk process failed to identify and thus determine how inaccurate pre-tender risk process is. 2.3 Quantitative and Qualitative methods In Data collection there are two key styles; quantitative and qualitative forms of research. Quantitative being the collection of data measured with figures and analysed with statistical trials in order to to test the hypothesis (Creswell, 1994). While Qualitative research is quite different, it is a method that uses meanings, experiences and descriptions (Naoum, 2007). Quantitative research can be easier to examine as it creates measurable/quantified outcomes that can create analytical arithmetical results. While, qualitative information from research has a tendency to be complicated as it often requires researcher input and manipulation to ensure its appropriate for investigative procedures (Fellows and Liu, 2008). The research methods depend on the information obtainable and the aim of the research. In carrying out good piece of research, its generally required and essential to use both quantitative and qualitative. A combination of methods was used, to enable the correct and more reliable conclusions; more is detailed further in this section. 2.4 Literature Review A literature review was undertaken; to provide the core subject knowledge of risk management in construction. The idea was to comprehend how risk is analysed in the construction sector, and the procedures used in controlling it. Next research was done to discover how risk is managed, by using literature in form of books and journals. Then see SRMs risk management process from their risk management documentation. Dividing the literature review in two sections meant that one of the objectives could be fulfilled by comparing SRMs risk management approach with other construction companies. Overall the literature review gave a greater understanding of the chosen topic of risk, and illustrated the problems and successes in risk management. While also showing the diverse and numerous ways in managing risk, and how the approach identified and selected can depend on many factors such as project size, contract used and size of companies involved in the managing of the project. The list literature sources below were used in delivering the dissertation: Textbooks -were very useful in gaining the relevant knowledge of risk management, and procedures used. Books were found by searching Loughborough Universitys library database. Chapters needed or thought appropriate were studied, and compared against searches that had been made on the internet. A check system, which assessed the validity of both sources of information against each other. With much of the research it became apparent that information in books available werent current especially in the older series of books. Despite this it wasnt a predicament for Risk management as texts of up to ten years old were and are significant and applicable now, with some techniques having improved. The books allowed for great comparison for up to date information on the internet. Journals were again located on the Loughborough University library database, which with the relevant buzz words located material of use. Finding journals proved difficult in comparison to textbook numbers, yet the sources were helpful. Internet supplied a platform for research of literature. Being easy to use and handy, collating information could be done at speed and with relative ease. It allowed greater understanding of what type of book would be needed from the library. Information from the internet was important but it had its limits and it was vital to know that it can be inaccurate and cause misguidance, research can be more guaranteed with text and journals. This way of thinking about limitations in using the internet was in mind when searching websites on risk in the construction. Finding various helpful websites any information was compared other websites in order to increase reliability, but most importantly against book and journals. As with all research appropriate sources of reliability were identified and used like the RICS website. Two editorials from RICS site provided constructive, and were used in the literature review. In finding books the internet was most useful as many articles on websites h ighlighted book of particular relevance and use. SRMs Risk Management Procedures document SRMs risk management procedure document was used as section two of the literature review. Reading through the document and important information was used in the literature review, particularly, on the processes used by SRM in risk management. A comparison was made between SRMs procedures and with those found in the first half of the literature review. 2.5 Data Collection When actually collecting the data for the research the collection was again split into two parts. The initial data collection was from SRM projects, other data collection was associated to other contractors. The intention was to compare the risk procedures, and attempt at analysing which was the superior one. The next section shows how all the data collection was collected and prepared. 2.5.1 SRM Projects The data for SRM projects was collected during a placement year, when working in the relevant packages and job roles. Prior to any data collection, discussions with line managers and seniors took place in order to help formulate and aid the research as what would be required in terms of data. At this stage no hypothesis had been decided, the idea was to assess the accuracy of pre-tender risk assessments. It was therefore recommended that the applicable information in the form pre-tender and post contract risk registers could be provided. The contracts that would be made available were the M1 J25-28 scheme, A19 upgrade and M74 Glasgow project. Three similar Motorway/road maintenance projects that differ from each other contractually. A19 upgrade is a TMC to maintain, operate a network of strategic roads in the North East. M1 J25-28 and M74 are both MAC contracts for similar maintenance one in the midlands and the latter in Glasgow. A19 upgrade and M1 J25-28 are HA run, while M74 is for the Glasgow city council. The HA run their contracts by splitting their contracts into 13 sections in the UK, and in these projects cases offer for the extension and maintenance of the roads within these sections. The reason that A19 upgrade was a TMC but M1 J25-28 and M74 MAC contracts is previous to the MAC HA projects were also run with the TMC contract, but now all is done under MAC style. The contracts run for 5 years with optional extensions. Different sections of maintenance start and end at different areas on the motorway in question over a 5 year cycle, meaning that when MAC contracts were first used, some sections werent using them and using TMC etc A19 upgrade was a TMCs completed in 2009, whereas M1 J25-28 scheme was a mew MAC contracts just seeing completion in late 2010. The difference in TMCs and MAC contracts is TMCs two separate companies, one as managing agent the other as main contractor. MAC contracts are one company, who runs as both the contractor and managing agent. Using the three contracts as the basis for the research the risk manager on the placement at SRM started off by providing a tender risk register for the M1 J25-28 and A19 contract, projects he had involvement on. Trying to find tender risk registers for M74 was problematic but couldnt find any. In order to have a full complete analysis, it was decided that for M74 to use another MAC contract tender risk register. This was exactly the same as M74 except the location geographically. For sure this would create limitations but it was decided, it would possible to use the risk register as SRM tend to re-use the risk register from preceding bids for specific contracts. So similarities would be high and that as long as it was noted in the dissertation as to its use and reasons why. Due to the generic nature of the risks they were deemed suitable as with what SRM do in practice. While on placement working on the M1 J25-28 contract meant developing contacts with people in the relevant field of risk management. Therefore requesting the use of the risk register on M1 job was easier than the other projects. The A19 contract risk register was also obtained contracts at work so. Finally also getting the M74 contract risk register, because although never having worked on this contract the line manager on my placement gave contact details of relevant personnel to enquire with and the registers were duly emailed. 2.5.2 Other Contractors Obtaining data via contractors in the sector of road maintenance was much more difficult than from SRM sources, as they were very protective of information they gave out. All the projects obtained so far from SRM contracts were Highways related, so the focus was on trying to collect data from Highway contractors. By doing this it would allow for a honest comparison between SRM and other contractors. Processes to manage risk are expected to be similar involving different construction projects; the data was likely to be different. The plan was to send questionnaires to the chosen contractors, but after unsuccessful returns it became apparent that another route would be needed, so interviews via telephone were deemed suitable. It seemed with written questionnaires, companies were more likely to ignore them, whereas on the phone they would respond to the questions asked immediately, with no real confusion of what the question was asking as myself in person could explain. The Highway contractors contacted were: Morgan est. Vinci Balfour Beatty May Guerney A semi-structured set of questions was planned in order to gain the information required but also allowed telephone participant to elaborate and discuss the subject in a friendly professional manner. Contractors in Highways works were contacted, the dissertation of Risk Management was explained with the aims and objectives that needed to be achieved and the following questions were asked: Do you have a pre-tender risk management method? How do you detect risks in the pre-tender phase? How do you calculate risks to arrive at a total risk pot? Do you undertake risk management post-contract phase? Could I obtain a pre-tender risk analysis and post contract risk analysis for my research use (for the Highways project you are on)? To each conversation it was explained that my aim was; compare the risks types at tender stage with contract stage as well as assessments made. The questions were supposed to identify the processes companies used in managing risks. Overall the different companies were helpful in answering these questions. The Fifth and final question was done to get registers like that gained from SRM. It was the only difficult part as many refused to hand registers over from live projects due to the sensitivity of their data and company policies. However some registers were received but didnt really contain the crucial information required just a formatted company risk register. Throughout the interviews, notes were made on the first four questions and the results put into a table at the time of the interview showing the company and their response to each question. Thus, making analysis easier when looking at the responses later in the dissertation. 2.6 Data Analysis Prior to data analysis, the research had assessed how SRM price risks because of the literature review and looking at the risk registers. It was crucial to identify this before undertaking the data analysis as it established what type of analysis would be carried out, and therefore detailed below. Upon formulating the risks that have been identified each risk will be categorised with minimum, maximum, most likely value and probability. Done for all of the risks, the information is put into a piece of simulation software called @ RISK which does hundreds to thousands of simulations, and creates a graph with a bell-shaped curve. The 75th percentile is put in the bid as the risk potential. SRM do this for all of their projects. For this dissertation we were concerned in the risks were identified and the individual costing of each risk as shown in paragraph above with min, max etc. The focal point being what was keyed in to @ RISK as opposed to what it produces. For the Data analysis the SRM contracts have been split into their individual projects and the Other Highway contractors. The reason for splitting the SRMs projects is that the analysis varied in parts by way it had been collected as mentioned earlier (some with full risk registers some in part). 2.6.1 M1 J25-28s scheme and M74 Glasgow Analysis for M1 and M74 projects were pretty much the same. The M1 contract and tender risk register could be compared with the contract and tender risk register for the M74 contract, due to them both being Macs. To evaluate the accuracy of the risk assessments, comparable risks to the contract register, were removed from the tender register, put against the matching risk in the contract register. When comparing values in matching risks, it was vital to have a total cost for risks in both the contract and pre-tender register. The best and most impartial way to do this for the pre-tender risk register was to take the average from the maximum, minimum and most likely figures and multiply the probability. The maximum, minimum and most likely values are the range of potential expenses that could be incurred by the risk, and any total cost was decided to be an average of these, as all projects had them. As its unknown as to its actually occurrence the average should be multiplied by the probability, which gives a total potential cost to the risk. While the contract risk registers should be considered by severity and possibility by scale of 1-5, and then an assessment of the risk is undertaken, figuring out the minimum, maximum and most likely values of each risk. Mitigation measures are identified for each risk, and then assessment is done again as before the mitigation. The M74 contract risk register did not have minimum cost of the risks, so all risks were assumed to be zero. Without any minimum values any overall assessments of the risk would not have been made. The reason for not using the likely value instead was so the data would use a range of values. It was decided greater accuracy would be found in setting the minimum as zero and range of values than the most likely. By setting all its risks as zero means they are an unimportant minimum value or a risk/event that doesnt happen. The M1 contract register had all the necessary values so no intervention was needed. Both contract risk registers failed to show any probability, just a likelihood scale from 1-5. Therefore it was assumed, giving the scale a percentage as would normally be done: 1 10% 2 30% 3 50% 4 70% 5 90% These percentages were used because they provided a suitable range, as risks with low likelihoods (1) are unlikely to occur but not impossible so 10% seemed a reasonable percentage. Similarly 90% seemed a reasonable percentage for high likelihoods (5) as they are likely to occur but not certain. The other values were then evenly distributed between 10% and 90%. Having made these assumptions the overall assessment for contract risks was made in the same way as the tender risks, finding the average of the maximum, minimum and most likely and multiplying this by the probability. Where the same tender risk was identified as being applicable to more than one contract risk the overall assessment was divided by the number of contract risks it was applicable to. This was because when these values were totalled there would be double counting of these tender risks if this was not done. To show this information a table was created showing; a list of contract risks, the corresponding tender risks, raw data inputted into the risk registers, and the overall assessments. I then split the contract risks into one of the following categories: Not identified but covered (No cost). Not identified and not covered should be identified. Not identified cannot be identified. Identified and covered. Identified but not covered. Each risk was grouped by colour to state which category from above it fell in. 2.6.2 A19 upgrade The analysis for the A19 contract was started off in the same way as had been done for the M1 J25-28 and M74 contracts, going through the contract risk register and identifying any similar risks from the tender risk register. The assessments for the overall cost for the tender risks were made in exactly the same way, by taking the average of the maximum, minimum and most likely values and multiplying this by the probability. This was because the tender risk registers were in exactly the same format. However the differences came when the assessments of the overall cost for the contract risks were made. This was because for this project, the contract risk register assessed the risks in a different way to the Area 6 and Area 13 contract risk registers. This difference was that there were no costs in the A19 risk register. Instead the risks identified at contract stage were assessed in terms of likelihood and impact on a scale of high, medium and low. This meant that assessing the overall cost for the contract risks were harder because there was no costs given. Therefore the only way to assess the overall cost of the risk was to give the risk a cost and a probability based on whether it was high, medium or low and then multiply these two figures together. This means that deciding what costs and probabilities to assign to each level of risk was important, as the overall assessment was dependent upon these assumptions. In terms of what costs to give for each level of impact, the risk matrix that SRM use for prioritising risks was referred to. They assess the impact and probability of each risk using a 1-5 scale and they give the parameters for impact as being: 1 under  £1,000 2  £1,000  £10,000 3  £10,000  £100,000 4  £100,000  £1,000,000 5 Over  £1,000,000 As this was a 1-5 scale and the risks and the contract risks were only divided into high medium and low, the figures for 1 and 5 was as too extreme both ways. For low risks I decided to take the high point of a risk impact of 2 ( £10,000) and for high risks I took the low point of a risk impact of 4 ( £100,000). For medium risks I took the midpoint between these two values ( £55,000). Using these figures seemed reasonable based upon this scale, as it created enough of a range without a too big range. For the probabilities, the likelihood scale they use was based on descriptions rather than probabilities. From knowledge in research the probabilities for low were set at 10%, medium risks 50% and high risks 90%. These percentages were used because they provided a suitable range, as risks with low likelihoods are unlikely to occur but not impossible, so 10% seemed a reasonable percentage. Similarly 90% seemed a reasonable percentage for high risks, as they are likely to occur but not certain. For medium risks the midpoint between these two percentages (50%) was used, because they are possible to occur. The cost was then multiplied by the probability to give an overall value for each risk. Following this, the rest of my analysis was exactly the same as the M1 J25-28 and M74 contracts 2.6.3 Further Analysis Explanation This section so far details how the risk registers were compared, which was the first step in terms of analysing the data, and these tables are included in the appendices at the end of this dissertation. However on there own, these tables did not give sufficient information to be able to test my hypothesis. Firstly, to interrogate how accurate the identification of the risks was, the risks that were identified, and were not identified and not commercially covered, were filtered out, and lists were made of these risks. As this was done, each risk was put into a category to see if there were particular categories that are, and are not identified at tender stage. To analyse this, tables were created for risks identified and not identified, detailing the categories of risks, and the number of risks in each category. From these tables, two pie charts were drawn to show this information graphically. To analyse the assessment of the risks, a summary table was firstly drawn to show the number of contract risks in the following categories, and the total assessments relating to these risks: Not identified but covered (No cost). Not identified and not covered should be identified. Not identified cannot be identified. Identified and covered.

Comparisons of Art :: essays papers

Comparisons of Art In the Egyptian era there were many art forms that were done and sculpted. Seated Scribe is one of these Egyptians sculptures. It was done in 2400 B.C.E and was done in limestone by subtractive sculpting. The colors that are used in this sculpture are very plain and bland. You can notice that the color is wearing away at the sculpture because there are blotches where the paint has started to chip away. The sculpture is physically accurate of a middle-aged man because you can see the definition of the extra fat on his body and you can tell that he has some intelligence because of the way that he is presenting himself and that he is ready to write. The man is sitting on a square piece of stone and it seems as though he is about to jot a few notes down or write a letter. You can see that he is holding something that looks like a writing pad of some sort and you see his writing utensil in his left hand. The actual pose of the man is very stiff, very perfect. The Man is sitting w ith good posture and he does not let his back slouch one bit. It seems to be an uncomfortable position for the man. The artist wants us to see that the man in the pose is beginning to write a story about what he is observing. The man is sitting outside on a rather warm day and he is observing the Pharaoh and how he is treating his people. The man is about to take some notes so that his mind will not draw a blank when he goes to writing the actual story about the Pharaoh. The man is very intelligent and very wise. People come to him when they need advice or answers to a problem. He is trusted by all because he is the writer that the Pharaoh trusts. The man is also admired by all because he is one of the few who can read and write. Many people did not have this type of advantage during these times. A more modern sculpture was done in 440 B.C.E by a Greek sculptor and it is entitled the Doryphorus Spear Bearer. The sculpture was also done with subtractive sculpting done in stone.

We Are Heading To An Apocalypse Of Our Own Creation :: Weapons of Mass Destruction

Mankind has walked the earth for around seven million years and we have the potential to achieve greatness. Throughout history we have left our boundaries, fought diseases and plagues and studied ourselves, however most of the evidence from these studies have led to the conclusion of no future for man kind what so ever, if we continue on our current course. On July the 16th 1945, in a remote part of the New Mexico desert, the most terrifying device in human history was used for the first time. The first atomic bomb was detonated. On that day mankind finally took the apocalypse out of the hand of God and put it in their own, they gave so much power to so few that a war could be ended in seconds. This is the first and most powerful indication that mankind will destroy itself if we do not â€Å"keep track.† What stops a leader in Washington from launching a weapon of mass destruction against his enemies? The answer is simple in theory, however the repercussions of the implications made are so complex that they dare not be pondered by man. M.A.D. or Mutually Assured Destruction. That leader can be assured that if he launches a weapon against another country, that country, or it’s allies, will launch back. We have created weapons that are so terrifying that we are afraid to use them. They can end war, yet if instituted, will destroy man kind, leaving us in a â€Å"Catch 22† situation. We are the only species on earth that seeks to destroy itself. The human brain is the only brain on earth that is capable of studying itself. It has become so efficient, so as to study, how it can study itself. However we are the only species incapable of seeing how dangerous we are to ourselves. For example, two rhinos when attacking each other will run head on in the least dangerous manner, if that same rhino encounters any other species that it finds threatening, it will run for the sides of the animal to gore and kill that animal. It will protect is species by not harming it. We, on the other hand, intentionally try to destroy our species. We train men like soldiers to kill their fellow man, and yet are disgusted at murderers, and war for that mater. We have even gone so far has to employ colossal institutions who’s We Are Heading To An Apocalypse Of Our Own Creation :: Weapons of Mass Destruction Mankind has walked the earth for around seven million years and we have the potential to achieve greatness. Throughout history we have left our boundaries, fought diseases and plagues and studied ourselves, however most of the evidence from these studies have led to the conclusion of no future for man kind what so ever, if we continue on our current course. On July the 16th 1945, in a remote part of the New Mexico desert, the most terrifying device in human history was used for the first time. The first atomic bomb was detonated. On that day mankind finally took the apocalypse out of the hand of God and put it in their own, they gave so much power to so few that a war could be ended in seconds. This is the first and most powerful indication that mankind will destroy itself if we do not â€Å"keep track.† What stops a leader in Washington from launching a weapon of mass destruction against his enemies? The answer is simple in theory, however the repercussions of the implications made are so complex that they dare not be pondered by man. M.A.D. or Mutually Assured Destruction. That leader can be assured that if he launches a weapon against another country, that country, or it’s allies, will launch back. We have created weapons that are so terrifying that we are afraid to use them. They can end war, yet if instituted, will destroy man kind, leaving us in a â€Å"Catch 22† situation. We are the only species on earth that seeks to destroy itself. The human brain is the only brain on earth that is capable of studying itself. It has become so efficient, so as to study, how it can study itself. However we are the only species incapable of seeing how dangerous we are to ourselves. For example, two rhinos when attacking each other will run head on in the least dangerous manner, if that same rhino encounters any other species that it finds threatening, it will run for the sides of the animal to gore and kill that animal. It will protect is species by not harming it. We, on the other hand, intentionally try to destroy our species. We train men like soldiers to kill their fellow man, and yet are disgusted at murderers, and war for that mater. We have even gone so far has to employ colossal institutions who’s

sphere critique Essay -- essays research papers

Sphere   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Sphere is an interesting story about a group of scientists from different disciplines who are brought to a super-secret underwater site where the U. S. Navy has discovered a mysterious, glowing sphere. Although the movie was very interesting, a lot of scientific facts, it was just too long and there were parts of the film where I found myself yawning. I give the movie a thumb up for being the movie my teacher chose to show the class. Although the movie was directed by Barry Levinson and starred Dustin Hoffman, Sharon Stone, and Samuel L. Jackson it would not be a movie I would pick off the shelf and rent for my own interest.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Psychologist Norman Goodman is summoned to the middle of the Pacific Ocean, to provide trauma-assistance in what he believes to be a plane crash. When he arrives he is informed that a ship laying fibre optic cables between Honolulu and Sydney had come across an unknown object 1000 feet under the ocean. The navy using SLS side looking sonar was able to detect an aerodynamic fin longer than a football field and longer than any known wingspan. Also using the fusel lodge extra high resolution SLS bottom scan they figured out that the spacecraft was buried under 8 yards of quarrel. Knowing that the pacific quarrel grows at a rate of an inch a year they were able to calculate that the spacecraft crashed about 300 years ago. Also there is a low level hum that the sonar can pick up.    ...

Ikea Invades America

IKEA has definitely made great strides since coming to America in 1985. The case study points at many areas where idea has made huge impacts on the American furniture retail industry. Looking at Exhibit 1 you can see steady growth in sales, Exhibit 3 shows the United States as the third largest buyer of IKEA’s goods, Exhibit 4 shows the Unites States as having the second most number of IKEA outlets in the world and Exhibit 8 shows them as being 14 in sales in America. Looking around at my friends places there is definitely tons of things bought at IKEA.While all these statistics show a very successful movement into the United States for IKEA I feel that there could be some obstacles IKEA could encounter in the future. As it said in the case study generally IKEA’s products don’t last more than a couple of years and that normally don’t have the endurance to survive a move to a new apartment. With how American’s historically purchase furniture, â€Å" change their spouse as often as their dining room table, about 1. 5 times in a lifetime. † (Moon, 2004), this would seem at odds with the type of product that IKEA offers.The idea that you have to assemble the furniture yourself is something that would seem to turn a large percentage of Americans away from buying an IKEA product. I personally have found some of the things I have bought from IKEA to be very challenging to put together. Another aspect of IKEA is their lack of product depth; it seems that a lack of selection would hurt IKEA in the American market. Outside of these differences in what IKEA has and American tastes there is a lot that IKEA has done very well with in America. IKEA seems to have established itself as the low price leader in the minds of most consumers.As we find ourselves in a time of economic downturn and everybody seems to be trying to save a little here and there that is huge for a retailer. The childcare aspect of the retail outlets is a huge plus to get families to come shopping and buy from you. If you can drop the kids off to play and you end up getting your shopping done in half the time I would have taken if your kids were with you than is a major factor in where you decide to shop. The restaurant in the store is great and the menu items they offer are unique the setting they offer them in.I can remember my parents saying â€Å"let’s go to IKEA and get some Swedish meatballs. † Also the idea that you can walk away with what you bought that day leaves the consumer with a sense of satisfaction that next day delivery doesn’t achieve. Solutions to some of the problems seem to be easily attainable. When looking at the issue of durability you would say that many of their customers don’t go to IKEA to buy a product that lasts generations, so conveying to their customers that they shouldn’t expect to be buying a product that you can hand down to your children would help.The idea that consumers in this generation solve problems by just buying a new product to replace the broken one really helps externally to solve that problem. IKEA could offer an group like â€Å"geek squad† to consumers, for an extra charge, that would bring the product to your home and assemble it could help to attract â€Å"lazy† Americans who don’t want to assemble the furniture themselves. Ultimately the consumers that they market to don’t need any changes to what IKEA does. IKEA provides the experience of buying what is perceived to be a high quality product for an affordable price.It would seem the IKEA experience is something that people line up to do and it seems to be a very successful model for IKEA. I wouldn’t recommend any changes to what IKEA does. Why would you change something that is working so well? Overall IKEA seems to have done a very good job in creating a sector where they can carve out a profit. You are always going to have price conscious consum ers looking for something that looks nice and is affordable and IKEA can offer people that hands down. Ikea Invades America 1. What factors account for the success of IKEA? Three factors account for IKEA’s success in the furniture retailing industry: First, their Scandinavian designs are simple but unique. In the past, IKEA’s designs were functional at best, ugly at worst (Moon, 2004). The company had gradually but deliberately adopted a more distinct design aesthetic (Moon, 2004). Second, IKEA is cost efficient. As back as 1956, IKEA began testing flat packages. IKEA designs products so that they can be packed flat and then, customers can assemble the furniture, thus reducing costs.It also creates extra storage space and the capability of shipping more items, while labor costs are reduced and transport damages are avoided (Moon, 2004). Third, their product strategy provides IKEA with a competitive advantage. IKEA has a product strategy council that establishes product priorities and a product developer that uses â€Å"the matrix† to set targets for their retail prices, that are usual ly 30-40% lower than its competitors (Moon, 2004). 2. What do you think of the company’s product strategy and product range? Do you agree with the matrix approach described in Figure B of the case?What is most important about IKEA’s product strategy and product range is their matrix, which is simple enough, yet very useful at creating market opportunities. The matrix also creates a way of accepting or declining a product, manufacturer, or designer, thus cutting costs (Moon, 2004). 3. Despite its success, there are many downsides to shopping at IKEA. What are some of the downsides? IKEA’s vision statement in Figure C of the case describes how the company seeks to build a partnership with its customers. What do you think of the vision statement?Probably the most important downside is the life span of the furniture. When you shop at IKEA, you know that their furniture would not last more than a couple of years (if you are lucky). Another downside is that the custom er has to assemble the furniture themselves. IKEA does not offer an assembly service as many other furniture stores and this can be troublesome. As for their vision statement, it seems a little too far out. The company wants to create a long lasting relationship with its customers, but many of them will not come back for more. This is due, as explained above, because the ustomer has to assembly the furniture with the help of instructions that sometimes can be hard to follow for the beginner. The company should implement an assembly team, for those that may need that extra help. 4. IKEA plans to grow in the United States by 50 stores in operation by 2013 which is an indication of how optimistic the company is about the viability of its value proposition in this country. Do you think IKEA is being overly optimistic in its growth plans? How would you improve IKEA’s value proposition to make it even more attractive to Americans? 0 stores by 2013 do not seem to be an overly optimi stic number. By opening more stores, the company will be reaching more customers, will be closer to existing ones, and will be in the minds of more people. I would also say that Americans have a long history of purchasing products that last, so placing more attention to durability can help the company. They can also offer more services, better customer service for their stores, and easier to find merchandise (their system may say that a chair is found on section 4, when in reality, the chair is in another section). 5.To achieve the kind of growth IKEA is hoping for, should the company change its product strategy? If so, in what way (s)? What about its product range–are there limitations to the matrix approach? Should the company expand its product lineup to include a greater number of styles and price points? In what other ways should the company change its product lineup? I believe that their strategy has been working for a while and its core should not be changed. The produ ct matrix does not specifically state what qualifies a product as a high, medium, or low price, there can be percentages applied for the price ranges (Moon, 2004).Subcategories can be added to the matrix. The company can expand its product lineup to include a greater number of styles and price points, thus providing the company with complete reports to help them gain advantage over their competitors. 6. If you had to predict, what do you think IKEA’s value proposition and product lineup will look like in 10 years? In ten years, their value proposition can encompass more services to buyers after their purchases. They have to keep with new trends in the industry as well as more products for its customers. 7. Some industry observers have suggested IKEA open a umber of smaller, satellite stores across the United States in shopping malls, strip malls, etc. offering a limited range of IKEA products. These IKEA â€Å"lite† stores would give the consumers who do not have acces s the full-size IKEA stores the opportunity to experience the brand. In addition, consumers who live near a full-size IKEA store could use these smaller stores to make minor purchases such as mugs or dishes as opposed to an entire living room. Do you agree with the idea? Why or why not? The idea of opening smaller or satellite stores across the US can help IKEA to reach more customers.Some customers live in areas where the closes IKEA store is miles away, and these smaller stores can be of great convenience to them and more profits for the company. Some items, as the Ticka alarm clock and clothes hangers (Moon, 2004) are items that are used daily by households and that if offered in more places, the revenues for the company should go up. Both parties will benefit from this idea. 8. Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Honda, and other automobile companies have built manufacturing plants in the United States. IKEA imports all of its furniture from sources outside the United States.Does IKEA have a r esponsibility to add the manufacturing of furniture in the United States, assuming its store expansion takes place? IKEA does not have the responsibility to add manufacturing of furniture here in the United States, but it is an idea that will benefit not only the company and its customers (by having lower prices for production and thus, for the final product) but also will generate much needed jobs. 9. People are used to buying furniture that lasts a long time. Do you think it is ethical for IKEA to sell furniture that doesn’t last a long time?What if the customer of IKEA is not aware of the position IKEA takes that furniture is not forever? Should they make the customer aware that their furniture is not intended to last a long time? I do not believe that it is unethical to sell lower quality products, if the price matches what you are paying for. Most consumers are aware that if they pay low prices, the quality is going to be compromised. IKEA can include on their product in structions a prediction of the life span of it, reducing the risk of being looked as cheap and of bad quality.