The Specific Role Of The Quantity Surveyor - Free Essay Example

1.1 Background to the Study A competent design team is crucial for any new building project according to Lee (2008:127). The quantity surveyor can be a very valuable addition to the design team for the client, giving expert advice on contractual and financial matters. The quantity surveyor will have the clientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s interest as his number one priority and his services can be of great value to any person considering constructing a new building. According to Bowles Le Roux (1992:1) any person considering building or investing in construction projects needs expert advice from a quantity surveyor. No matter the size or complexity of a project, the quantity surveyor provides valuable advice through the various stages of the project. The Guide for Quantity Surveying Appointments (2006) states that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“any client who is considering building any structure of any size, changing an existing structure or investing in construction projects no matter how simple or complex, needs the expert advice of a professional quantity surveyor for establishing budgets, cash flows, cost planning, cost management and obtaining value for money.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Construction projects differ from each other and every project has its own unique challenges. Construction projects are not standard products which have been designed and mass manufactured in a controlled environment. There is a lack of a relatively stable market price. This is due to monthly payments which are made as the work proceeds, before the project reaches completion. As a result of technological, financial and economical influences the methods adopted for construction work are varied and complex and the expert advice of a quantity surveyor should be obtained before the start of any project planning. This is the main reasons why there is a need for the services of a quantity surveyor. (Bowles Le Roux, 1992:2) The ordinary member of the general public has little knowledge or experience in the construction industry. However economically active individuals who can be seen as potential clients for residential construction projects are often reluctant to utilize the services of a professional quantity surveyor. According to Lee (2008:123), a potential pitfall for the first-time homeowner is to utilize the services of a non-reputable contractor who is not affiliated to the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC). Members of the general public who are not experienced in the construction industry can be subjected to un-ethical practices and this may lead to their exploitation. Due to the many problems caused by these un-ethical and non-reputable contractors to the homeowners and other property professionals, the South African government passed legislation in 2001 known as the Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act. The intention of this Act is to guard homeowners against non-reputable contractors who build to substandard quality and then refuse to be held responsible. (Lee, 2008:123) One factor which may deter people from using the services of a quantity surveyor is the professional fees. According to research done by Cruywagen and Snyman (2005) professional quantity surveying services can be rendered as affordable in South Africa. The research shows that, due to the competitiveness of the market, it has become the norm for quantity surveyors to reduce professional fees. Cruywagen and Snyman (2005), state that there is a distinct relationship between the profitability for the quantity surveyor and the value of a project. This means residential projects are not profitable as compared to big industrial developments, shopping centers etc. This may be the reason for the lack of marketing in the residential sector and why the general public is not aware of the quantity surveying profession. The purpose of this study is to identify and understand the specific role of the professional quantity surveyor in the construction industry and to explain the significant effect a quantity surveyor can have on a construction project. 1.2 Problem Statement The general public who is not involved in the construction industry is unaware of the quantity surveying profession and the functions the quantity surveyor perform and this lack of knowledge can lead to their exploitation if a quantity surveyor is not involved. 1.3 Hypothesis For the purpose of this study the following hypotheses are set out: The general public is unaware of the quantity surveying profession and the services the profession provide. Fees associated with the quantity surveyor may intimidate homeowners who are looking to complete a project with as little investment as possible, not realizing that the quantity surveyor can save you a substantial amount of money by providing you with expert advice on financial and contractual matters. 1.4 Objectives This study has four primary objectives. The objectives are to: Outline the specific role of the quantity surveyor. Realize the major effect a quantity surveyor can have on a building project Make the general public aware of the quantity surveying profession and the functions the quantity surveyor performs. To learn why the general public is reluctant to use the services of a quantity surveyor. 1.5 Methodology A qualitative research approach was follow for the purpose of this study. The researcher has conducted a comprehensive review of relevant literature on the topic. The focus has been on the quantity surveying profession and the services it provide. Personal interviews have been conducted with professional quantity surveyors. To understand the broader picture members of the general public who recently became homeowners (of newly constructed buildings) was asked to complete a questionnaire. Attention has been given to whether or not the services of a quantity surveyor was utilized and if not, why? 1.6 Delimitations The research is limited to the residential construction industry. The focus of the research is on the services of a professional quantity surveyor and not that of the contractorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s quantity surveyor. Memberà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s of the general public who was approached with questionnaires was limited to those who were recently involved with the construction of a residential building. 1.7 Assumptions The researcher assumed that all data collected are accurate and all interviews and questionnaires conducted were answered truthfully. CHAPTER TWO THE QUANTITY SURVEYING PROFESSION 2.1 Introduction In this chapter all the literature on the related topic collected by the researcher will be reviewed. This review will include literature on the history of the quantity surveyor, the contractorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s quantity surveyor, competencies of a professional quantity surveyor, fees of the professional quantity surveyor, estimating and cost advice as well as the use of a bill of quantities. The core focus however will be to outline the specific functions of the professional quantity surveyor. 2.2 History of the quantity surveyor According to the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (2010), the quantity surveying profession started with the turn of the nineteenth century. The first recorded use of the term Quantity surveyor was in 1859. Before then the terms à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“measurerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Custom surveyorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? or à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“surveyorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? were used. At that time it was custom for the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“surveyorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? to work for the master builders, measuring the completed work and often submitting biased final accounts to the building owners. As a result of this behavior it became the norm for building owners to enter into a contract and invite tenders before any work commenced. According to Bowles Le Roux (1992:4), this gave rise to competition and builders tendering realized that they were spending an immense amount of time and effort measuring and calculating to arrive at a tender figure. In addition there was the added danger that the builders interpreted the architectà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s drawings differently which would lead to inaccurate pricing and result in the tenders not being calculated on an uniform basis. The builders realized that a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“surveyorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? could be employed to act as an unbiased person to measure the quantities on their behalf. This insured that the builders tendered on the same basis whilst sharing the cost for the surveyor. Building owners were afraid of unethical practice between the builderà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s and the surveyor and realized it would be to their personal advantage to appoint and compensate the quantity surveyor. This is how the independent professional quantity surveyor gained consultant status. In South Africa the title à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“quantity surveyorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? is reserved under the Quantity Surveyors Act of 1970 for the sole use by those who had acquired the obligatory qualifications and experience stipulated under the Act. Furthermore, those persons must register with the South African Council for Quantity Surveyors before they can act as consultants to the general public (ASAQS, 2010) 2.3 Contractorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s quantity surveyor The main difference between a professional quantity surveyor and a contractorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s quantity surveyor is that the latter is employed by the construction company and not by the client. Dent (1970:7) states that a contractor who undertakes big projects will need a quantity surveying staff. The contractorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s surveyor will represent the contractor and the contractorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s interest will be the main priority. According to Cornick and Osbon (1994:108), the contractorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s quantity surveyor spends comparatively the same amount of time on cost planning, feasibility studies and tender appraisal as the professional quantity surveyor and significantly more on post-contract services but significantly less on preparing tender documentation. Project cost control is one function that requires equal efficiency by both surveyors, the contractorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s quantity surveyor on behalf of the contractor and the professional quantity surveyor on behalf of the client. Cornick and Osbon (1994:109) identified seven main functions for the contractorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s quantity surveyor namely: Valuation of work completed for payment from client and payment to subcontractor. Determination of change due to variation from client or designer. Preliminaries allocation. Subcontractor accounts to agree tender and actual costs. Financial reporting for quarterly account forecasts. Cost accounting for plant and material use by company. Cost accounting for labour use by the company. Clientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s expectations of project cost control will increase as the clients and their cost advisers become more complex. The clients will be expecting the cost of their buildings to be reduced to match their budget. Therefore contractorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s quantity surveyor must strive to improving their cost controlling and accounting capabilities for the construction companies that they work for. 2.4 The professional quantity surveyor According to Bowles Le Roux (1992:3) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“the quantity surveyor is a professional consultant appointed by the client who wishes to invest in property development.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? It is the quantity surveyorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s responsibility to advise the client, architect and engineer on all financial and contractual matters from the pre-tender stage right through to the completion of the project. For the quantity surveyor to accomplish this role he must develop a comprehensive understanding of the various construction methods and have a transparent understanding of the different forms of contract and sub-contract agreements available in the construction industry. The quantity surveyor must be capable of advising on the cost of alternative construction methods and costs of different materials. An analytical approach must be adopted in finding beneficial solutions in the interest of the client. The Guide for Quantity Surveying Appointments (2006) states that a professional quantity surveyor will draw on extensive cost information obtained from client databases and experience from other projects for effective budget setting. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“It is the quantity surveyorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s ongoing implementation of financial discipline in the areas of budget setting, alternative design option costing, cash flow predictions, final cost forecasting, management of variations including potential areas of dispute and timeous final account settlement, etc. that allows the maximum value for money requirement to be achieved.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? 2.4.1 Standard quantity surveying services According to A Guide for Quantity Surveying Appointments (2006) the standard services that can be provided by a professional quantity surveyor are: Financial viability studies and the initial budget planning prior to the detailed design to establish whether the project is feasible in terms of the clientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s financial budget; Preliminary cost studies and comparing alternative designs and materials in terms of operating and maintenance costs; Monitoring the design as it evolves to ensure it stays within clientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s budget; Preparing tender documentation for pricing by contractors and advising on contractual arrangements; Evaluating the submitted tenders and reporting on the suitability thereof; Negotiating the contract sums with the individual contractors; Preparing cash flow predictions; Preparing cost reports at regular intervals; Valuing construction work in progress; Preparing the final account thus determining the final cost; Settlement of the final costs with the contractor and sub-contractors. Additional specialist services that many quantity surveyors are experienced in providing are: Acting as project manager; Acting as principle agent; Consulting on property development; Valuation of buildings for insurance purposes etc.; Acting as an expert witness; Advising on the settlement of disputes through mediation and arbitration. Facilitating with fast track construction projects; Providing services for projects in engineering, mining and petro-chemical industries. It is recommended to employ the quantity surveyorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s full services as a professional consultant rather than in a technical/measurement role in order to utilize the quantity surveyorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s expertise to the best advantage. 2.4.2 Competencies of the professional quantity surveyor Competencies can be defined as the ability a person should have in a given occupational area subject to external and internal factors like organization size, type, and age (Barret, 1992). (Holmes Joyce, 1993) defined competence as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“a description of an action, a mode of behavior or outcome that a person should be able to demonstrate, or the ability to transfer skills and knowledge to new situations within the occupational area.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? In the construction industry the quantity surveyor can be seen as the economist and cost accountant, whose services facilitate the client to obtain the maximum value for the clientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s investment. There are three aspects which reflect value for a client in the construction industry, namely cost, time and quantity. Quantity surveyors add value to the construction project performance by using the appropriate competencies. It is therefore important for an assessment of the quantity surveyors competencies in order to highlight the continuing relevance of their services in the construction industry (Nkado Meyer, 2001:483). The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) set out the competencies required by professional quantity surveyors in three categories, namely basic -, core and optional competencies. Table 1 below presents the competencies in three categories. Under the structure of the RICS the basic competencies are present in all construction professions, the core competencies primarily for quantity surveyors and the optional competencies are required for specialization in a specific field. Table 1: Competencies set out by the RICS (Nkado Meyer, 2001:484). A Study conducted by Nkado and Meyer (2001:484) identified 23 defined competencies which apply to quantity surveyors in South Africa. A questionnaire was sent to randomly selected members of the ASAQS of a different demographic background. The questionnaire listed the 23 competencies in alphabetical order. The respondents were asked to rate the importance of the competencies for a career as a professional quantity surveyor in South Africa at present, the importance in the future and the level of evidence of each competency in the quantity surveying profession. Rating worked on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"not importantà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ and 5 being à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"very importantà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢. The researchers ensured the respondents anonymity to attain an honest response. Table 2: Competencies ratings (Nkado Meyer, 2001:487). Table 2 shows the ratings which have been converted to percentages for effective interpretation. It is interesting to note that three of the traditional core competencies are rated in the top five competencies required by quantity surveyors in South Africa at present, the three being procurement and financial management, economics of construction and construction contract practice. The results showed that management orientated competencies were rated of higher importance for future services while the highest importance for current services were technically orientated. The five most important competencies required by quantity surveyors in South Africa at present are: Computer literacy and information technology; Procurement and financial management; Economics of construction; Construction contract practice; Measurement. The five most important competencies required by quantity surveyors in South Africa in the future are: Computer literacy and information technology; Procurement and financial management; Economics of construction; Project management; Marketing. Competencies utilized by quantity surveyors with greatest efficiency in South Africa are: Measurement; Procurement and financial management; Professional practice; Construction contract practice; Economics of construction. It is evident that management orientated competencies will grow in importance and will replace the traditional technically orientated competencies as the core competencies of the quantity surveyor (Nkado Meyer,2001:490). 2.4.3 Professional quantity surveying fees The fees charged by professional quantity surveyors are proportionate with the work done for the client and according to A Guide for Quantity Surveying Appointments 2006 there are 5 options available: A time charge; A percentage fee based on a tariff recommended by The South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (see Table 3); An agreed percentage of the contract value; A lump-sum fee; Any other fee arranged between the quantity surveyor and the client. 2.4.3.1 Time Charges The following recommended hourly time charges for the private sector were approved by The South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession with effect from 1 January 2010 (SACQSP, 2010). (All rates are exclusive of VAT.) Not exceeding 5 years experience R 700-00 Exceeding 5 years and not exceeding 10 years experience R 1 250-00 Exceeding 10 years experience R 1 750-00 Specialist work R 2 190-00 2.4.3.2 Percentage fees By using table 3 a basic fee will be determined and multiplied by the appropriate percentage (Table 4, 5 6). The basic fee shall be calculated on the value for fee purposes (see table 3). Table 3: Basic fee (SACQSP, 2010) Table 4: Appropriate percentages for building work (SACQSP, 2010) Table 5: Appropriate percentages for engineering work (SACQSP, 2010) Table 6. Appropriate percentages for management services (SACQSP, 2010) Once the primary charge (table 3) is established, the amount is multiplied by the appropriate percentage. In addition to this there will be a marginal rate which would be added to the primary charge. The gross amount will be payable to the quantity surveyor as the professional fees. 2.5 Estimating and cost advice Aibinu and Pasco (2008:1258) states: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Pre-tender cost estimation (or early stage cost estimation) is the forecasting of the cost of a project during the planning and design stage.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Research done by Trost and Oberlender (2003) identified 11 factors that play a role in the precision of estimates of which the 5 most important are: Process design; Estimator team experience and cost information; Time spent on preparation of estimate; Site requirements; The current labour and bidding climate. According to Bennett, Morrison and Stevens (1981) estimating is the main function of cost planning services provided by the quantity surveyor. They conclude that cost planning is unsuccessful without decent estimating. Morrison (1984:57) states that quantity surveyors have developed different methods for estimating to deal with the large variety of projects and designs. These different methods differ in detail with some estimates being very thorough, for instance a priced bill of quantities. Other may be very simple and only entail a simple lump sum estimate. All other factors being equal, the estimateà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s accuracy will increase as the detail and time spent in preparing the estimate increases. 2.5.1 Clients brief The client, architect (design team) and the quantity surveyor are the most important members in the in the project briefing process. According to research done (Bowen, Pearl, Nkado Edwards, n.d.) it is vital to have an efficient client brief if the client is to reach his objectives with regard to the time, cost and quality of the project. Insufficient briefing of the design team by the client can lead to major frustration and unhappiness for the client. The brief procedure is the process where the client explains and spells out the objectives and requirements of a project (Bowen et al., n.d.). Bowen (1993) states that: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“The purpose of this stage is for the clients to communicate to the design team and specialist consultants their needs and objectives in initiating the project.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? For the client to be satisfied, the design of the building must fulfill the clientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s needs with regards to the technical aspects and quality standards. In addition to this the project must be completed within the budget and on time (Seymour Louw, 1990). In order to achieve this, a detailed and complete client brief is necessary to eliminate as many uncertainties as possible. 2.5.2 Feasibility studies After the briefing process, the quantity surveyor will do a feasibility study. The outcome of the feasibility study helps the client to decide whether to go ahead with the project. A feasibility study is conducted to ascertain whether a project idea is economically viable (Hofstrand Clause, n.d.). It is the quantity surveyors responsibility to make recommendations to the client on the viability of the project and give professional advice on any alternatives. The feasibility study involves economical and technical investigations that allow the client to decide whether to proceed with the project (Association of South African Quantity Surveyors, 2010). According to Hofstrand Clause (n.d.) a feasibility study: Identifies alternatives. Identifies reasons not to proceed. Indicate new opportunities. Gives quality information for better decision making. Assist in acquiring funding from banks and other investors. 2.6 Use of bill of quantities After the quantity surveyor completes the elemental estimate the client will decide whether the project will go ahead or not. This decision is largely based on whether the estimate is within the clientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s budget or not. If the estimate is within budget the client should instruct the architect to prepare detailed working drawings for construction. The quantity surveyor can start with the preparation of the bill of quantities once he has received these drawings (Bowles Le Roux, 1992). Davis, Love and Baccarini (2009:99) states that the bill of quantities has 2 main uses and these can be categorized under pre-contract and post-contract stage. In the pre-contract stage the bill of quantities aid contractors to prepare their tenders. In the post-contract stage the bill of quantities assists the quantity surveyor and the contractor in the valuation of the work in progress and work completed for payment purposes. The bill of quantities is mainly used for tendering purposes. It enables contractors to prepare tenders using the same information which will lead to more accurate tender sums. The bill of quantities allow for a common basis on which the tenders can be compared. This brings about a competitive market (Kodikara, Thorpe McCaffer, 1993:261). According to Bowles and Le Roux (1992) the bill of quantities describes the nature of the building. It is a document which lists all the items that need to be completed for the construction of the building. These items required for the completion of the building is measured from drawings and specifications received from the architect and engineers. The total cost for the project will be the sum of all the individual items added together. When these items are priced there must be an allowance for the execution of each item as well as a realistic profit margin. The information in the bill of quantities can be classified into three fundamental categories namely; preliminaries, preambles and bills. The preliminaries of a contract entail all requirements of the project which do not have a direct impact on the construction works. The preliminaries of a contract may include health and safety requirements, access to and from site, accommodation for workforce, insurances required etc. Preambles define the standards of workmanship and materials to be used. The bills contain the measured items needed to complete the works and comprises of the description, units and quantities (Kodikara et al., 1993:261). The bill of quantities, detailed construction drawings, engineering drawings and specifications will be issued to building contractors. These documents form part of the tender documentation. The tender documents enable contractors to submit a competitive tender for a project and aid them in determining an accurate price for the completion of the building. A practical time limit is set for the contractors to price the bill. All tenders should be handed in before the specified closing date. According to Davis et al. (2009:103), the bill of quantities has various advantages to the parties involved in a project: Pre-contract stage: Database à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" It provides a cost database for future estimating Fee calculation à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" It provides a conclusive basis for the calculation of professional fees Asset management à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" It provide data for asset management of finished building, insurance, maintenance schedules etc. Taxation à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" Provide basis for precise preparation of depreciation schedules as part of the asset management plan. Post-contract stage: Accurate progress payments à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" It becomes a basis from which the interim payments can be evaluated. This insures work is done at a reasonable price and gives the contractor and client peace of mind that the contractor is not paid too much or too little for work completed. Pricing of contract instructions à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" It provides a basis for the valuation of variations to the project. Risk management à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" Prices from the contractor in the bill of quantities can be compared with current market related prices. According to Davis et al. (2009:103), the major disadvantages of the bill of quantities are that the preparation is time consuming and it tends to increase cost. 2.7 Conclusion It is clear from the above that the quantity surveyor can be a very valuable addition to the clientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s professional team. Quantity surveyors in South Africa are competent professionals. From the inception stage of a project, right through to the final payment, the quantity surveyor will give expert advice on financial and contractual matters. The successful completion of a project can never be guaranteed due to the many uncontrollable factors in the construction industry. However having the services of a quantity surveyor at your disposal will greatly improve the chances of completing a project successfully and within budget. CHAPTER THREE METHODOLOGY 3.1 Data In this chapter the data collection methods and the analysis of the data is explained. For the purpose of this study a qualitative research methodology was followed in order to test the hypotheses put forward. The research was conducted by way of a comprehensive literature review and collecting data through interviews and questionnaires. The research problem is mainly that the general public is unaware of the quantity surveying profession therefore data relating to the services that the quantity surveyor offer and the profession in general were required. 3.2 Collection of data Books and journals on the related topic from local and international sources were used for the collection of data. All the data was collected before the field work started and was done over a two month period. Furthermore, primary data was collected through personal interviews and questionnaires. Interviews were conducted with quantity surveyors. The interviews were informal but due to the researcherà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s relative lack of experience in conducting interviews the questions were well prepared. Questionnaires were used to obtain the necessary data from members of the general public who were recently involved in the construction of a residential building. The questionnaires consisted out of open ended questions and were administered in person. To maximize to accuracy of the response the questions were short and in unambiguous language (Leedy Ormrod, 2005:190). To insure the validity of the research an honest response is required. For this reason the names of individuals and the quantity surveying company approached for the research will be held confidential. 3.3 Data analysis The qualitative data was organized, summarized and analyzed by the researcher in order to reach a conclusion and make recommendations. It should be noted that the sample is very small, but for the purpose of this study it is sufficient for the researcher to understand the problem at hand and reach a conclusion. CHAPTER FOUR FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS 4.1 Introduction Primary data was collected through interviews and questionnaires as explained in the previous chapter. Ten individuals who were recently involved in a residential project were approached to complete the questionnaire. This chapter will discus the findings of the questionnaire and will incorporate the data collected from interviews with quantity surveyors. 4.1.1 Awareness of the quantity surveying profession Figure 4.1 Indicate the awareness of the quantity surveying profession. It was found that the large majority of the respondents were aware of the profession. However this does not necessarily mean they understand what the profession entails. An interesting observation was that the respondent, who was not aware of the quantity surveying profession, was the only respondent under 30 years of age. 4.1.2 Understanding of the quantity surveyor The question was what the understanding of quantity surveyors was by the respondents. Three of the ten respondents had reasonable accurate explanations. According to the respondents the quantity surveyor is responsible for the financial aspects of a project. This include preparing estimates, giving cost advice on the design of building to ensure design remains within the clients budget, valuing of completed construction work, preparing cost reports and assisting with the settlement of the final account. It should be noted that two of the three respondents had utilized the services of a quantity surveyor when they were building their houses. Four respondents had a reasonable understanding of the quantity surveying profession but have never been involved in a project were a quantity surveyor was present. Two respondents had a very vague idea of the profession with one commenting à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“they count bricksà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?. Figure 4.2 illustrate the understanding of profession by respondents Although nine out of ten indicated they are aware of the profession only tree could give an accurate description of the profession. 4.1.3 Employment of quantity surveyors Only two form the ten respondents utilized the services of a quantity surveyor. In this sample that amounts to 20%. Considering the respondentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s relative lack of experience and knowledge of the construction industry this is a very low percentage. 4.1.3.1 Do you think the quantity surveyor was advantageous to the project? This question was put forward to the respondents who made use of a quantity surveyor. The two individuals who made use of a quantity surveyor had very positive feed back. In the interest of confidentiality the two projects which had quantity surveyors involved, will be referred to as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"project Aà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"project Bà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢. Project A was a large up market house with a contract sum of R 11 million. The client initially did not want to invest more than R 10 million. After receiving the design from the architect the quantity surveyor estimated the project will amount to R 13 million. The client received very valuable cost advice from the quantity surveyor and was able to reduce this amount R 11 million. In this case the client was able to save a substantial amount of money thanks to expert advice from a quantity surveyor. Project B was a smaller residential house with a contract sum of R 6.5 million. With the commencement of the construction work the contractor had unforeseen difficulties with excavating hard rock in the foundations. This had cost and time implications. When the quantity surveyor prepared the estimate for the building he allowed for unforeseen factors in a contingency amount. This contingency amount was able to absorb the added costs incurred due the additional work in the foundations and time delay. Although the professional fees for a quantity surveyor are expensive and may deter individuals from employing a quantity surveyor, it is likely to save the individual money. In both of the above cases the quantity surveyor was able to save the client money which exceeded the value of the professional fees the quantity surveyor received. The one respondent also noted that the valuations prepared by the quantity surveyor gave him peace of mind that he was not paying the contractor too much for work completed. 4.1.3.2 Why respondents did not make use of a quantity surveyor Figure 4.3 illustrates why respondents did not utilized a quantity surveyor. This figure illustrates that although the majority of the respondents where aware of the profession, they were unaware of the benefits of the quantity surveyor. 4.1.4 Completion of project within budget. According to data from the questionnaires only four from the ten respondents indicated that their respective projects finished within budget. Two of these made use of the services of a quantity surveyor. This means only two from eight projects without a quantity surveyor finished within budget. That amounts to only 25% in this sample. 4.2 Quantity surveyors perspective CHAPTER FIVE CONCLUTION 6. REFERENCES Association of South African Quantity Surveyors, 2010. Quantity Surveying a challenging professional career. https://www.asaqs.co.za/public/a_career_as_a_qs.html [10 June 2010] ASAQS, A Guide for Quantity Surveying Appointments 2006 ASAQS. 2010. The Role of the Quantity Surveyor, https://www.asaqs.co.za ASAQS. 2010. The History of a quantity surveyor, https://www.asaqs.co.za Barret, P. 1992. Measuring the ability gap for construction professionals. Construction Management and Economics, 10:321-42. Bowles, J.E Le Roux, G.K. 1992. Quantity Surveying: An Introduction. 2nd ed. Centrahil: Q.S Publications. Cornick, T. Osbon, K. 1994. A study of the contractorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s quantity surveying practice during the construction process. Construction Management and Economics,12:107-111, May 10. Cruywagen, H. Snyman, E. 2005. Affordability of quantity surveying services on construction projects in South Africa. www.cidb.org.za. Dent, C. 1970. Quantity Surveying a Fully Metricated Text. London: Oxford. Holmes, L. Joyce, P. 1993. Rescuing the useful concept of managerial competence: from outcomes back to process, Personnel Review, 22:37-52 Lee, J. 2008. Making Money out of Property in South Africa. 2nd ed. Cape Town: Zebra Press. Nkado,R. Meyer, T. 2001. Competencies of professional quantity surveyors: a South African perspective, Construction Management and Economics, 19:481-491, January 26. SACQSP, Remuneration as a quantity surveyor 2010, https://www.sacqsp.co.za Trost, S.M. and Oberlender, G.D. (2003) Predicting accuracy of early cost estimates using factor analysis and multivariate analysis. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 129(2), 198à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"204. Bowen, P.A. (1993) A communication-based approach to price modelling and price forecasting in the design phase of the traditional building procurement process in South Africa. Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, University of Port Elizabeth. Seymour, D. and Louw, S. (1990) The quality debate. Construction Management and Economics, Vol.3, pp.198-215. Hofstrand, D Clause, M.H. n.d. What is a feasibility study. https://www.extention.iastate.edu/AGDM/wholefarm/html/c5-65.html [20 June 2010] Leedy. P, Ormrod, J. 2005. Practical Research: Planning and Design. Pearson.

A Study On Student Government Association - 1549 Words

Pace’s Student Government Association—also known as SGA—is another school meeting public to the student body. Those who are in the Student Government Association are eboard Senators that represent different types of on-campus organizations and clubs. SGA senators meet every other Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. or until time permits on the top floor of Kessel building in the Multi-Purpose room. If special events are being held on SGA meeting days, SGA is usually in Butcher Suite, which is also on the top floor of Kessel. Members of SGA are expected to dress in formal business attire or in a modest appropriation. These members sit in rows and are assigned to specific seats in the room with signs—similar to congressional placards—that distinguish the type of club or organization the individual senator represents. The President and his board sits at the front of the room—separate from the senators; it is like the formation of a panel. This a ssociation uses parliamentary motions on a normal basis during their meetings. The purpose of SGA meetings is for senators to voice their concerns and make proposals to the President on behalf of the club and organization. The goal of the President and his board is to find solutions to the issues that are raised and to look into supporting students by ensuring that students are also doing well academically. Clubs and organizations also update each other about projects that they are working on and the progress they have made over time.Show MoreRelatedPositive Association Between Mean Ses Intake Composition And School Mean Performance1615 Words   |  7 Pagespositive association between mean SES Intake composition and school mean performance. Bashir Sajitha, (1994); investigated as whether the greater managerial discretion associated with the private sector leads to high academic performance in Tamil Nadu. Sample size and instruments used in this study A multigrade sampling design was used, yielding on analytic sample of pupils in schools ( public school, 20, private aided schools and 20 unaided private schools.) located in five districts of state.Read MoreEssay on Breakfast as a Scholastic Tool1448 Words   |  6 Pageslast a lifetime. While many may have trouble believing that a piece of toast in the morning can produce increased academic performance as well as a healthy mind, the fact is it has been proven to be true. It is for this reason that the federal government should establish a universal free breakfast program for all secondary schools in the United States. For many years, the United States has recognized the fact that there is a major problem with its educational system. In an assessment of our nationsRead MoreAn International Study On Student Assessment Essay1345 Words   |  6 Pagesinternational ranks of education, the United States, although lower ranked than before, has been stagnant in their performance. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, an international study on student assessment revealed the low ranking of United States compared to the rest of the world. The study surveyed 15-year old’s academic performance and the U.S. came at 25th in math, 14th in reading, and 17th in science (Kornbluh). The United States is a growing nation and in order to compete atRead MoreWorld War I And Higher Education1663 Words   |  7 Pagestransformation or become junior colleges to prepare students to attend universities (Cohen Kisker, 2009). The making of the contemporary research university helped some unive rsities survive the conflict. The Association of American Universities (AAU) formed in 1900 aided in the increase of research based institutes, and throughout World War I research to aid the war effort through studies on explosives and industrial processes was supported through government funding (2009). The Reserve Officers’ TrainingRead MoreThe Progression And Maturation Of Human Development841 Words   |  4 PagesDevelopmental psychologists examine the progression and maturation of human development throughout a lifetime (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014). Additionally, developmental psychologists study how humans are able to acclimate to changes. Traditionally, their roles focus around the various stages during childhood and adolescence due in part to the rapid changes experienced during the first stages of life, however they are not limited to those age groups. Undergraduate and graduate degreesRead MoreThe Cost Of A College Education1265 Words   |  6 Pagesalarming rate. Increased tuitions, decreased government funding, and increased institutional debt contribute to a $1 trillion student debt crises. These factors, along with critical mismanagement of funds on the part of Universities create an environment where education has risen at more than twice the rate of inflation. By examining educational institutions finances, we can begin to understand the problem, and how to solve it. In a study conducted by the Association of Higher Education Facilities (APPA)Read MoreIntelligence Survey Method1187 Words   |  5 Pagesthe respondents through structured inventory designed on the basis of objectives of the study and a Social Intelligence test. Secondary Data have been collected through various Journals, books internet which are restricted to the conceptual framework of the paper only. Sampling design The population has comprised of Higher Secondary School Students in Palakkad District. A convenient sampling size of 360 students of respondents has been selected using stratified random sampling. Tools SNS usage inventoryRead MoreEssay On Obesity1410 Words   |  6 Pages(Chriqui, 2013). However, the studies that were used and have been used, focus primarily on the school environment and the influence of physical education and physical activity policies as well as food and beverage policies. The author used several studies, to observe implementation and the influence of the policies stated above. Which were, qualitative, review, observational and quantitative studies. The studies where done on policy implementation studies, the association of policy with physical activityRead MoreThe Findings From My Current Research Indicate That It1697 Words   |  7 Pagescurrent research indicate that it is true that poor nutrition negatively affects the academic performance of the students. Also, the study shows that when the students are given meals with good nutrient content, it is significant because it supports their growth and development as well as improve their cognitive development (Langford, et. al, 2014). The study showed that majority of the students who performed poorly in their tests are the one that is fed in meals that lack nutrients. Those participantsRead MoreSchool Profile : Crown College Essay1023 Words   |  5 Pagesfocused on preparing spiritual students to serve and influence the country and world. Crown College is Christian-based, so the campus is alive with religious prayers, services, ministries and supportive program. Crown College maintains membership through the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), which includes more than 100 accredited educational institutions offer Christian faculty, administration and higher education programs. Around 20 percent of students are from 40 different countries

Depression And Its Effects On Adolescents - 1328 Words

Throughout the world, people are suffering from this disease. Depression affects people without regard to gender, age, or background. â€Å"Depression is a common but serious mood disorder. Depression can cause changes in how you feel, think, and manage daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks† (NIMH  » Depression, 1). â€Å"Major depression is a common mental disorder affecting adolescents in the United States† (NIMH  » Major Depression Among Adolescents, 1). Depression is mostly experienced by teens, but is considered an adult illness. In adolescents, some of the greatest reasons for depression is due to the maturation process, the stress that comes with it, sex hormones, and conflicts with parents. When seeking an adolescent with depression, there are countless warning signs to be aware of. A few of the signs to be aware of being suicidal ideation, poor performance in school, a general feeling of sadness, and changes in eating and/or sleeping routines. Additional warning signs may include feelings of hopelessness, irritability, anger, hostility, frequent crying, withdrawals from friends and family, loss of interest in daily activities, restlessness, agitation, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, lack of enthusiasm and motivation, fatigue, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, unexplained aches and pains, and thoughts of suicide (Smith Segal, 2016, 1). The warning signs andShow MoreRelatedEffects Of Depression On Adolescents And Adolescents1687 Words   |  7 PagesAdolescent Depression Introduction Depression is an illness that affects adults as well as adolescents. Actually, depression affects a great percentage of adolescents, more than one may think. One in five (20%) adolescents are experiencing some form of depression within their lifespan (Schwarz, 2009). 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To understand adolescent depression and what is needed to help people suffering from it, we need to further understand the prevalence of ad olescent depression, the effects it has on teens sociallyRead MoreAdolescent Depression And Its Effects1339 Words   |  6 Pages1st period January 5, 2015 Adolescent depression While researching I found out that many things about adolescent depression and thanks to the authors that published books, newspaper and magazines. These authors provided useful information about adolescent depression that helps me understand the results or tragic outcomes which made me value this issue. Providing me with graphs, rates, discussions and informing me with important information about adolescent depression. The information authors providedRead MoreThe Effects Of Depression And The Stress On Adolescents1524 Words   |  7 PagesAbstract Stress on adolescents that is caused by school created pressures is a very controversial topic in today’s society. They are required to have so much of their life figured out and achieve academic excellence or else they will be ruining their adult lives that they have not had much time to even think about. Such crucial responsibilities being given to them can cause the pressure to have both mental and physical effects on the adolescents. A lot more adolescents are feeling this stress thanRead MoreThe Effects Of Depression On Children And Adolescents Essay998 Words   |  4 Pagesrepeatedly that depression occurs in adulthood and that children and adolescents do not experience episodes of depression. The ailment of adulthood and depression is something that is not accurately especially given the current reality in face in society. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2015, an estimated 3 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the United States had at least o ne major depressive episode in the past year. Not to solely focus on adolescents, the evidence aboutRead MoreEffects Of Depression On Adolescents And Young Adults925 Words   |  4 Pagesclinical depression one may be suffering from. Clinical Depression is a mood disorder that is treatable. The symptoms of a depressed individual often reflect: hopelessness, agitation, guilt, feelings of worthlessness, fatigue, significant weight loss, insomnia and thoughts of suicide. Depression can distort the way that an individual views their lives, self or even the things around them. The effects of depression are expressed in numerous different ways among various age groups. For adolescents andRead MoreParental Depression And Its Effects On Children And Adolescents1714 Words   |  7 Pagesfor a valuable research (Capella, 2016). According to Reising et al., (2016), the study was to address parental depression, social economic status (SES), and community disadvantage for internal and external issues in children and adolescents. Also, taking to account that parental negligence is also a factor that is connected to the internal and external problems in children and adolescents. In addition, concurring to the previous research (Fear, et al., 2009) (Flynn Rudolph 2011), (Lewis, Colli shawRead MoreEffects Of Depression On Children And Adolescents1838 Words   |  8 PagesIntroduction Depression is a significant problem for adolescents and one of the most common reasons that they seek mental health treatment. Depression is often brought on or worsened by experiencing negative life events such as bullying, abuse or neglect, parental divorce, and countless others. There are numerous treatment options for depression, but cognitive behavior therapy is one of the most widely used and heavily researched treatments for depression in children and adolescents. 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Kashani, Carlson, Beck, Hoeper, Corcoran, McAllister, Fallahi, Rosenberg and Reid (as cited in Brollier, Hamrick , Jacobson, 1994) studied the prevalence of depression in adolescents and reported that approximately

The Effects of Noise Pollution Essay - 1340 Words

The Effects of Noise Pollution Have you ever considered that several of the noises you hear are noise pollution? The thought of pollution, to the majority of people, brings reflections of chemical spills, radiation, and holes in the ozone layer, and noise is usually last on the list. The term noise pollution is the term used to describe environmental pollution that deals with annoying or harmful noises and is constantly happening(1). Some common examples of noise pollution, that many people take for granite, are lawn mowers, airplanes, and car alarms. Noise pollution should be taken seriously because it can cause permanent hearing loss. According to a report from the Office of Noise Abatement and Control, millions of people are†¦show more content†¦ASHA reports that, in the United States alone, more than 20 million citizens are exposed to enough noise pollution to damage their hearing, 28 million Americans have already suffered hearing loss, and about 20 million Americans are exposed to hearing loss at their work places(3). According to ASHA, hearing loss can be caused by a single exposure, long-term exposure, or from extended exposure to moderate noise(4). For example, single exposure to an extremely loud noise would be a gun shot that can be as high as 140 decibels. Another example a long-term exposure hearing loss would be working in a factory over an extended period of time where noise is induced gradually, painlessly, and permanently. Listening to the stereo to load would be an example of a moderate noise. Hearing loss can be caused by the littlest noises; for example, if a child holds a squeakier toy next to his ear, this could cause hearing loss. Some hearing loss cannot be helped with hearing aides, like damage from working in a factory, and for others it can help a little. According to Nancy Nadler, director of the Noise Center at the League for the Hard Hearing, noise pollution can cause much more than just hearing loss. Health problems related to noise include stress, high blood pressure, sleeplessness, distraction, and lowered work productivity(5). Noise pollution also effects children in learning. Studies haveShow MoreRelatedCauses and Effects of Noise Pollution909 Words   |  4 PagesCauses And Effects Of Noise Pollution Noise can be defined as an unwanted or undesired sound. Decibel is the standard unit for measurement of sound. Usually 80 db is the level at which sound becomes physically painful. And can be termed as noise. Humans, animals, plants and even inert objects like buildings and bridges have been victims of the increasing noise pollution caused in the world. Be it human or machine-created, noise disrupts the activity and balance of life. While traffic dons theRead MoreNoise Pollution And Its Effect On The Environment Essay1425 Words   |  6 Pagesbut you can t fall asleep because of the noise from airplane or have you ever found it hard to hold a conversation with someone next to a busy street? If you’ve ever experienced any of these situations or anything similar, then you have just experienced first-hand noise pollution, while this may not seem like a big deal but noise pollution is becoming an increasing problem in cities and especially in urban areas. 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It can also look at the effects of noise and air pollution that is going to be created by the building process. B) Before a building is designed and built there are some physical factors that need to be taken into consideration as part of the construction planning process: Planning requirementsRead MoreNoise Pollution : An Underrated Environmental Pollution Essay1051 Words   |  5 PagesYuemeng Ma ENVS*1030 Oct 7, 2016 Noise Pollution: An Underrated Environmental Pollution In April of 2011, WHO and the European Union Cooperative Research Center published a comprehensive report on the impact of noise on human health, Burden of disease from environmental noise. This is the most comprehensive study of noise pollution in recent years. Noise pollution is not only annoying, poor sleep, but also can trigger heart disease, learning disabilities and tinnitus and other diseases, but alsoRead MoreNoise Pollution Essay1248 Words   |  5 Pagestypes of pollution such as water pollution, air pollution, solid waste, radioactive and nuclear energy, and lastly noise pollution. Noise pollution, or environmental noise, is displeasing sound created by humans, animals, or machines, that disrupts the activity or balance of domestic and animal life. The most common source of the pollution is brought on worldwide by transportation systems that include motor vehicle noise, aircraft noise and rail noise. Other sources that cause the pollution, both indoorRead MoreThe Hazard ous Effects of Pollution to the Environment and Human Health.Docx Uploaded Successfully1376 Words   |  6 PagesThe Hazardous Effects of Pollution to the Environment and Human Health Abstract Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that causes adverse change. It can take the form of chemical substances or energy. Pollutants, the components of pollution, can be either foreign substances/energies or naturally occurring contaminants. It is any discharge of material or energy into water, land, or air that causes or may cause acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) detrimentRead MoreNoise Pollution1508 Words   |  7 PagesNoise pollution  (or  environmental  noise) is displeasing human, animal or machine-created sound that disrupts the activity or balance of human or animal life. The word  noise  comes from the Latin word  nauseas, meaning seasickness. The source of most outdoor noise worldwide is mainly  construction  and  transportation systems, including  motor vehicle  noise,  aircraft noise  and  rail noise.[1][2]  Poor  urban planning  may give rise to noise pollution, since side-by-side industrial and residential buildingsRead MoreThe Effects Of Environmental Pollution On The Environment1405 Words   |  6 PagesEnvironmental pollution is a major problem in the world, posing many health risks to both humans and the environment when exposed to the pollutants for long periods of time. Environmental pollution can simply be defined as â€Å"the presence in the environment of an agent which is potentially damaging to either the environment or human health (Briggs, 2003, 2).† There are many different types of pollution, such as air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution. Environmental pollution needs to startRead MoreNoise Pollution Case Study Solution866 Words   |  4 Pages Noise Pollution Your Particular Case Study: http://e360.yale.edu/features/how_ocean_noise_pollution_wreaks_havoc_on_marine_life Table of Contents: Click here to jump to the right spot.î ¿ ¿ Research Notes Background on your topic: Your topic: Provide Solutions: Resources: Storyboard Rubricî ¿ ¾ Starting Point for Research Research Notes Background on your topic: Why is the ocean so important? (Food webs, oxygen producer, CO2 sink etc.) The ocean is important because it is a home to many different animals

Eno Restaurant Wine Bar - 1988 Words

Introduction ENO Restaurant Wine Bar was on the Atlanta, Georgia circuit for 10 plus years. It was a hit until the new owner step on the scene and the original owner had to give up on his passion since a teenage boy. ENO struggles to stay alive and revive itself with a new name, menu and swagger for the Elite socialite. In the mind of an entrepreneur failure is never an option. No entrepreneur wants to hear the word or talk about it. ENO got a second chance to shine in the spot light keeping its original name to include the new owner first name ENO by Zaza. Many would be impression that the new owner is a celebrity basketball player but was his star status good enough to score points to keep a business from failure. ENO Restaurant ENO was a European-Mediterranean influenced restaurant and wine bar. â€Å"ENO† derives from the ancient Roman term â€Å"Enotria† meaning â€Å"Land of Wine† Past and Present history has it that ENO means Wine. ENO was located at 800 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA, in the heart of Midtown in one of Atlanta’s most populated areas of town. ENO Restaurant Bar opened in1998 starting off as a partnership between Doug Strickland and Chef Jamie Adams. ENO is the realization of Doug Strickland vision of life dream to create a quality fine dining restaurant and casual food and wine bar that imbibes the slower more relaxed pace enjoyed by many in a Mediterranean atmosphere. ENO mission has always made a point that good food and wine is the linchpin of gastronomy. (D.

Killing the Cherry Tree free essay sample

Beads of cooling sweat speckle my forehead and drip off my nose as I run down the court. Hints of salt pinch my dried tongue. My muscles burn as my limbs push through maple syrup. Sneakers squeak, red-faced coaches bark and stomp, players yell and grunt, the crowd cheers and whoops. But I cannot hear any of that. A silence of concentration and focus envelops me. I look back and forth between the player I’m guarding and the player dribbling the ball, knowing she’s going to pass it. I stare between them to see them both, and think, â€Å"You’re not getting the ball.† She passes. I whack the ball away midair, sending it towards the other end of the court. With a surge of adrenaline, I leap forward, waving my arms as if to use the thick air to push myself, and sprint towards the ball. I snatch it up and run as fast as I can towards the basket, towards scoring. We will write a custom essay sample on Killing the Cherry Tree or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page I feel someone coming behind me and I tense slightly. But I’m at the basket. I pick up my dribble. Step. I lower my shoulder. Step. Layup. I’m sent flying from the shove behind me and smack into the wall like an angry judge’s gavel commanding order in the court. I growl, thinking there’s no way the shot went in. The whistle blows, the crowd stands and roars. I raise my eyebrows in surprise. I made the shot, and she fouled me. I cannot help the formation of a smirk as I pass her on my way to the foul line. The ref passes me the ball. Pure silence hangs in the humid air. Bounce, drop-spin, bounce, spin. Pause. Shoot. Swish. I look up at the excited crowd and scan for him. I see an overweight mom from the other team pouting. I see an old man calmly enjoying a mustard covered hot dog. I see a little girl counting out Skittles for her friend. I see the parents of my teammates obnoxiously cheering. I see my mom, who smiles and waves, sitting with my younger brother and sister. But he’s not with them. I glance by the doors at a photographer and a couple players from the game before. I think, â€Å"No surprise there.† Countless children experience the absence of a parent, much like I did. Parents may haveto work so much that they forget about the loved ones they are working for. Parents work hard for their family: to pay for a house, pay for education, give their kids the good life they deserve. Children deserve a healthy relationship with a parent. It is crucial to their development. Therefore, parents should spend as much time with their children as their job permits and cherish the time, as they only grow up once. My dad and I used to be as close as a father and his firstborn son. He used to give me toy cars and superhero action figures to play with in addition to my Barbies and Polly Pockets. He would take me with him to the office or a construction site, where I’d quietly sit in a corner playing with my purple teddy bear. He would carry me on his shoulders wherever we went so I could see over everyone’s head. He would do anything for me, including when I desperately wanted a cherry tree. After reading the George Washington cherry tree fable, I wanted to be just like George Washington. So my dad bought me a cherry tree. We spent hours together digging dirt, gathering stones, and planting the tree in the backyard. Little did I know that after years of sickness, the tree would die. Once I started sports, he supported me and coached me even if he had no idea what he was talking about. He would videotape all of my games, and even though I was pretty terrible at the start, he was proud. He was a great dad. He did work tirelessly, running his own small company, but he still found time to be with his family and attend dinner daily. When I was in fifth grade, however, when the economy took a hit, he started to work more often and began to drift away from us. Eventually, he had to shut down his company and start working for others. He first worked for a company stationed in Maryland, which required him to have an apartment there while the rest of us stayed home in Pennsylvania. Initially, he struggled to spend as much time as he could with us. The first thing to go was Sunday mass. Next were parent-teacher conferences, back to school night, basketball games, and opening presents on Christmas morning. And finally, my high school graduation. I came to think that my dad’s absence from my games was normal. I was used to it. His failure to show up didn’t upset me; many parents are unable to go to their children’s games due to work. So when he missed art showcases, talent shows, and awards ceremonies, I could have cared less. Eventually, he took a job with a different company specifically so he could work from home and spend more time with us. It sounded promising, but that’s not what happened. After years of choosing work over family I realized the absence wasn’t only from my activities, but from my whole life. Whenever he was actually home, there were only yelling, anger, and slamming doors. I couldn’t confide in him anymore. He didn’t know me or my siblings. There was an invisible, indestructible wall between us, blocking emotions and any chance of being close again. He was never mentally present in conversations unless he was giving a monologue on current politics. So whe n I left for college, it didn’t really feel like I was leaving him because he was never there. When my family dropped me off, he gave me a hug. I grew stiff and my eyes darted back and forth as my eyebrows knit together in confusion. I understand the necessity to provide for loved ones, and that for some jobs there is no way around long hours or traveling. But focusing on work can ruin the relationships with the very people one is trying to support through their job. The countless weekends my dad worked to impress clients were countless weekends my siblings and I missed going to the lake, playing board games, or going out for breakfast with him. Relationships, once broken, are very hard to rebuild. Because I know the importance of working, I am not discouraging it, but encouraging maintenance of parent-child relationships. Eventually, the economy improved, giving my dad more free time. Instead of spending his time with his kids, he spent it playing video games. Parents have a crucial role in the development and well-being of a child. The times my relationship with my dad were the worst were also the most miserable times of my life. I cannot tell if he feels the same way, but my mom constantly tells me, â€Å"He ’s going to regret it.† Parent-child relationships are important. Having a relationship with a parent is almost automatic; not much effort is needed to maintain it. Maintaining a relationship with a child is like caring for a cherry tree. It takes a lot to kill a cherry tree, but once it’s dead, it’s dead. Trees pretty much grow on their own and don’t need care. But if a tree becomes sick, it is up to the gardener to save it. If the gardener neglects the tree, it will die, and the fresh springtime cherries are lost forever. But if the owner gives the tree some of their free time and nurses it back to health, the tree flourishes and produces endless fruit.

Organic Nomenclature and Functional Groups free essay sample

Learning how to name and draw the structure of the various compounds is the first step in learning to speak the language of organic chemistry. Chapter 1 presented organic chemistry as the chemistry of the carbon atom. However, many organic compounds contain other atoms besides carbon that contribute significantly to the physical and chemical properties of the compound. Chemists call these atoms heteroatoms, and the groups they form, functional groups. This chapter provides an overview of the rules for naming organic www. ochem4free. com 5 July 2005 Organic Chemistry Ch 2 73 Daley Daley compounds. It also introduces the major functional groups that you will encounter as you study organic chemistry along with the rules of how to name them and draw their structures. The presence of heteroatoms radically changes the physical and chemical properties of the compounds to which they are bonded. In fact, the carbon— heteroatom bonds and the carbon—carbon multiple bonds are the main sites where chemical reactions take place. We will write a custom essay sample on Organic Nomenclature and Functional Groups or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Organic compounds are arranged into classes according to the particular functional groups that they contain. Members of each class of compounds share common chemical and physical characteristics. The names of organic compounds are assigned according to the class of the compound as determined by the functional groups. This chapter also shows how to draw the structural representations of these compounds. 2. 1 Drawing Organic Structures A two-dimensional structural formula of a hydrocarbon shows all of the atoms with all of their bonds in the plane of the page. Molecules are actual, three-dimensional entities. Their structure is a major factor that determines their physical properties and the way one molecule interacts with another molecule. These bonds are combinations of single bonds with hydrogen atoms and single or multiple bonds with other carbon atoms. For molecules that contain a large number of atoms or complex structures, drawing every bond and every atom is time and space consuming. A common notation developed to abbreviate the drawing without sacrificing the clarity of the structure is the condensed structural formula shown below for heptane: CH3 CH2 CH2 CH2 CH2 CH2 CH3 Heptane www. ochem4free. com 5 July 2005 Organic Chemistry Ch 2 74 Daley Daley Taking out the lines representing the carbon—carbon bonds condenses this formula still more: CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3 Heptane Heptane has five repeating —CH2— groups, called methylene groups. Because many organic molecules have such repetitive groups, an even more condensed notation shows these repeating units. Using this notation, the formula for heptane is as follows: CH3(CH2)5CH3 Heptane Bond-line formulas represent the carbon atoms as the intersection of lines and as line ends. You assume all the hydrogens needed to complete carbon’s valences. The bond-line structural formula is the notation that most organic chemists prefer to use. Bond-line formulas are easy to draw and quickly convey the essential structure of a molecule. Both the ends and the angles of the structure represent the carbon atoms. C—H bonds are not shown, but you should assume that the appropriate number of hydrogen atoms is present to complete the four bonds required by carbon to have its octet of electrons. The bond-line formula for heptane looks like this: Heptane Not all hydrocarbons are straight chains; many are rings. Chemists use the same structural formulas for them. Because the illustration of the two-dimensional structural formula of methylcyclopentane is so cluttered, it does not clearly show the ring. H H H C C H C C C H H CH HH H HH Methylcyclopentane The condensed structural formula is clearer. www. ochem4free. com 5 July 2005 Organic Chemistry Ch 2 75 Daley Daley CH2 CH2 CH CH2 CH3 CH2 Methylcyclopentane The bond-line structural formula is even clearer. Thus, chemists use it most frequently. Methylcyclopentane Often, chemists combine the bond-line and condensed notations to clarify a structure or emphasize specific features. This formula also represents methylcyclopentane. CH3 Methylcyclopentane Exercise 2. 1 Redraw each of the following condensed structural formulas using the bond-line notation.