Reasons why Constantine favored Christianity

Presentation There are various reasons why Constantine chose to support Christianity. These fuse political and military perspectives as will be talked about later in this paper. Different reasons were primarily close to home since they were not politically inspired. Initially, it is critical to the political grounds, which Constantine delighted in while he was still in power.Advertising We will compose a custom paper test on Reasons why Constantine supported Christianity explicitly for you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn More Since individuals from the East had isolated themselves from the West, the domain expected to deal with the circumstance as quickly as time permits. Taking care of the issue would guarantee smooth activity of the empire1. A few divisions existed in the military since a large portion of the troopers were effectively associated with governmental issues. Constantine was accepted to be genuinely and profoundly connected to the Christians after he won the political an d military war. Significant Arguments It is essential to perceive the troublesome political grounds that Constantine was getting into. Troopers chose to assume responsibility for the domain after his dad had kicked the bucket. Then again, he had assumed responsibility for Britain, Gaul and Spain. Maxentius chose to go for Italy and most pieces of Africa. Furthermore, various individuals with senior situations in the domain were likewise embroiled in the political fight.2 To obviously clarify the reasons why Constantine bolstered Christianity, this paper is significantly going to put more concentrate on the contention among Constantine and Maxentius (Gregory 53). He was the leader of the western side while Maxentius was controlling the individuals on the eastern side. Following several years of political disorder, he had to settle on a significant choice. He chose to sanction some agreement with co-realm, Licinius, after which he moved to Italy with his thirty thousand soldiers to ba ttle Maxentius. After an extensive battle, he figured out how to win the fight and assumed responsibility for Rome.3 Consequently, Constantine was delegated the imperial head of both east and West Empires. Considerably in the wake of assuming responsibility for the domain, he was still in a tough situation since he required the help of the neighborhood individuals to secure his position. He could effectively accomplish this by working intimately with the previously existing associations that had the option to get solid help from the common populace (Hinson 242). The main accessible associations that could effectively get support from the neighborhood populace were military and religion. He accomplished his strategic assuming responsibility for the troopers and stifling a few units dedicated to Maxentius.4 Thus religion was the main option for him to pick up help of his kin. Therefore, this is the means by which Christian people group began overwhelming the whole domain. In addition, this is how the above examined fight is applicable to the topic.Advertising Looking for article on religion religious philosophy? How about we check whether we can support you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It is accepted that before he went to the front line, he had an experience with Christ in his fantasy. Furthermore, it is affirmed that Christ requested him to put some check on the military shields. Eventually, before they went to battle, Constantine and his warriors were amazed when they saw an image of a cross over the sky with certain compositions demonstrating that he was a winner. All things considered, this occurred when he and the troopers were holding a few petitions to their god. That night they were holding their petitions; Christ came to him and requested him to paint the weapons they were utilizing with an image of a cross. As per Christian Forum, the image was depicted as the Labarum. This name (Labarum) had an all around perceived centrality in the early church. It is claimed that this name Labarum was gotten from the word Christ by the antiquated individuals. Moreover, others accepted that the name and nature of the image seemed as though a rehash of twofold hatchet. This (twofold hatchet) was a portrayal of an ancient religion called Zeus. Despite the fact that there were a few debates about the importance of that image, it was later acknowledged generally by Christians. This is clearly obvious when Julian chose to get rid of it. Thusly, it is conceivable to interface Constantine’s triumph with his vision of associating Christ with a picture that was generally acknowledged by the Christian community.5 According to the disclosure, it is conceivable to infer that Constantine described his triumph to Christ. Military and political perspectives in this paper have been associated with strict feelings by considering Constantine’s vision, which joins Christ and Labarum. In spite of the fact that he was well familiar w ith the standards of the Christian people group, he began watching Christians in an alternate way. Furthermore, various scholars were not sure when they used to view him as a Christian. As indicated by Christian Forum, Constantine knew that the Christian God was more impressive than different divine beings accordingly he began considering how to approach God. Subsequently, he accepted that God would give him insurance and backing. Through the help from God, he would effectively administer the realm. Constantine erroneously accepted that Sol Invictus was the god being loved by the Christian people group. After some timeframe in this disarray, he had the option to get a handle on and see a few attributes of Christian principle. This could be acknowledged through a portion of his activities and what he used to state about Christians.Advertising We will compose a custom exposition test on Reasons why Constantine supported Christianity explicitly for you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn Mo re The progressions examined above appeared to have happened following his triumph in the battle against Maxentius. Then again, a few changes required some investment before they were felt. They were possibly acknowledged when his standard of the domain couldn't be stood up to by the foes. Furthermore, the progressions were clear when he began to disregard the standard functions that were being held by the agnostics. Thus, he began going to Christian petitions and festivities. He additionally partook in the supplications which were being held to his father’s God. He likewise vowed to secure the Christian people group living in both eastern and western sides of his realm. Constantine invited the thought raised by Christians that he could adulate their God. As indicated by Christians, he was to be the hireling of God. Additionally, he was to stop the continuous provocations, and change the realm to be a superior spot. As per Hanna, his otherworldliness likewise uncovered that h e was called by God to come and free and bring back the domain to its ordinary state.6 He comprehended the Christian guideline since he had the option to understand that the best way to accomplish your objectives is to applaud and have faith in one genuine God. On the other hand, the conviction that his accomplishments were because of being companions with God appeared to be genuine. His choice to change to Christianity could now be all around recognized. Constantine began making life fundamentally progressively entangled for those individuals who were not Christians. Moreover, he transparently began supporting Christianity and the Christian people group. He utilized his capacity to censure the convictions and practices of non Christians and urged the whole domain to follow Christian convictions and practices. He got liberal to the Christian places of worship by furnishing them with blessings. He likewise effectively contributed in the development of Christian chapels. For example, he financed the development of the St. Johns Lateran church. In addition, the ministers were given lawful ability to speak freely and development. Prior to assuming responsibility for the realm, Christian’s pioneers were being focused with their property and social liberties taken way. Now, it is clear that he was supporting the Christian people group and all the concealments they had been encountering were arriving at an end.Advertising Searching for paper on religion religious philosophy? We should check whether we can support you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Find out More He likewise needed each man in his domain to revere the genuine God. Constantine had the option to stop different penances, which were prior made at the sanctuaries. This carried a monstrous change to the empire.7 Before Constantine assumed responsibility for the realm, agnostics and Christians were given equivalent treatment. Things later changed after he was delegated the leader of the domain. Besides, Christianity commanded the whole domain. As of now, agnosticism reached a conclusion and Christianity was the primary appealing choice. A great many people picked to be Christians since they could carry on with a superior life contrasted with the individuals who were agnostics. In contrast to different religions, Christianity was available to everybody in this way many individuals began changing their suppositions and convictions to coordinate that of Christianity. As indicated by Neusner, Constantine bolstered Christianity since he needed a religion with more powers, trusts and a re ligion that would furnish the realm with the required security.8 Consequently, Christianity was the main religion that could meet every one of these prerequisites. Furthermore, it was the main accessible religion that could without much of a stretch be acknowledged by the vast majority. However, this choice was not politically inspired, it was significantly founded on close to home record. Toward the end, Christians had developed their own legislature that united the ministers and professors in the domain. Different cliques were stifled and couldn't compose themselves in a similar way. Convincingly, Constantine supported Christianity and the Christian people group on account of his individual confidence in God.9 This occurred following the military and political dominate. End Evidently, there are different reasons why Constantine chose to support Christianity. For example, political and military perspectives are a portion of the significant reasons. Different reasons were essentiall y close to home. His decisio

Racial Discrimination in the Criminal Justice System

Racial Discrimination in the Criminal Justice System Racial clash is characterized as cultural contentions identified with changes in ethnic, social, or national alliance. In particular, racial clash is the consequence of one prevailing societies control of contrasting societies through financial aspects, governmental issues, social strategy, and law. In the U.S. adolescent and criminal equity frameworks, the term racial clash can be utilized to allude to prejudicial practices by the individuals who work in the adolescent and criminal equity frameworks against minority people (Akers Sellers, 2004). Late writing extending the racial clash worry to incorporate U.S. approach, murder as the aftereffect of personality disguises, and dealer shopper connections isn't examined here (Walker et al., 2004). Rather, this paper analyzes the writing portraying racial clash as a fundamental and questionable theme in the adolescent and criminal equity frameworks. Body Chronicled records of savage racial clash have existed since before the 1800s and up to the current day. In like manner, the connection between racial clash, wrongdoing, and minority handling has been analyzed (Baldus, Woodworth, 1998). Notwithstanding its clarifying why a few people perpetrate wrongdoing, racial clash has additionally been connected to divergent dynamic practices at both the capture and the discipline stages for ethnic minorities. In particular, African American guys speak to the most pervasive minority bunch at every one of these stages. Experimental discoveries show that lopsided minority repression exists mostly as the consequence of police tact to capture. As needs be, minorities, especially African Americans, wind up off guard in the criminal equity framework. Late records of racial clash in the criminal equity framework went to the fore during the 1992 mobs after a decision of not liable was returned for the officials associated with the Rodney King episode in Los Angeles, California. All the more as of late, in 2005, racial clash was connected to the legislatures reaction and arrangements after Hurricane Katrina in New orleans, Louisiana (Spohn, 2002). In particular, casualties of this cataclysmic event were offended at the absence of administrative help and the task of the mark outcast to American survivors in this to a great extent minority populated zone. To a few, the utilization of the term displaced person was emblematic of the discernment that the survivors were pariahs in any case. This was seized on by the national media, and the survivors were rapidly reworked as evacuees. Like incongruities in the grown-up equity framework, minority abberations in the adolescent equity framework exist. In particular, African American youth, like their grown-up partners, are excessively spoken to all through the framework. on one hand, criminologists contend that ethnic and racial minorities carry out a larger number of violations than their White partners and along these lines have more noteworthy portrayal in the framework. then again, criminologists and sociologists contend that racial clash in American culture acts reciprocally with the law as a technique to control minority power. Along these lines, thus, differences are found in capture, charge, and imprisonment of African American youth when contrasted with White youth who carry out the equivalent genuine and fierce criminal acts. The bigger ramifications here is reliable with the conviction that racial clash is upheld and kept up by on-screen characters in the adolescent and criminal equity frameworks (Walker e t al., 2004). Racial Conflict and Justice Research on the connection between racial clash and wrongdoing commission has analyzed interracial killings, financial and power rivalry, and differences inside the criminal equity framework (Zatz, 2000). Racial clash has been connected to reprobate conduct by adolescents and has been connected to class savagery, adolescent murder, packs, robbery, and different genuine and rough wrongdoings. one of the all the more engaging inquiries confronting criminologists and for sure our country is whether the two equity frameworks are unbiased. Criminologists have examined the connection between legal procedures and separation, and some proof proposes that ethnic minorities are overrepresented at capture and, when contrasted with White wrongdoers, are rebuffed all the more harshly. Comparable outcomes were found in assessments of pretrial forms where racial shameful acts in jury determination and judge inclination against minorities were available. Regardless of whether African Americans and other ethnic minorities are overrepresented in the criminal equity framework isn't an inquiry here, as authentic information give an away from of this dissimilarity (Spohn, 2002). The worry here is, be that as it may, concentrated on why racial abberations keep on existing in the adolescent and criminal equity frameworks. The presence of contentions among police and racial/ethnic minorities has truly been identified with riots that are frequently the aftereffect of racial clash. Numerous specialists contend that adolescent and grown-up handling of ethnic minorities as the consequence of racial clash proceeds and is kept up by the ceaseless pattern of examinations, proposals, and inaction that have brought about ineffectual ID and decrease of racial abberations. In spite of this contention, different analysts bring up that racial abberations exist to a great extent as the consequence of genuine and rough culpable examples of ethnic minoritie s. End The writing is loaded up with choices for decreasing racial clash in the criminal equity framework. The contention is made that to adequately address racial clash, research ought to be directed at each phase of preparing to build the degree of responsibility of authorities and organizations inside locales where racial incongruities keep on existing. others specify that specialists must distinguish the issue, change and make approaches that successfully address the genuine concerns, and actualize and subsidize programs subordinate upon evaluative measures. At the hypothetical level, numerous criminologists perceive that broad changes inside both the adolescent and the criminal equity frameworks are expected to address biases in the framework that exist as the aftereffect of approaches and practices. Consequently, the contention of racial clash and separation in the criminal equity framework stays uncertain. Struggle scholars accept racial clash is the purpose behind minority contrasts in criminal and even adolescent equity handling. All things considered, varying contentions are introduced specifying that the observational idea of prejudice isn't quantifiable and hence is faulty. While there are two predominant feelings, it stays clear that numerous scientists hold the view that racial differences as the aftereffect of racial clash proceed to exist and ought to be tended to in adolescent and criminal equity preparing.

The Witches In MacBeth Essay Summary Example For Students

The Witches In MacBeth Essay Summary The witches in Macbeth serve to propel the story, uncover human shortcoming, increase the strain and give the crowd a trace of what might be on the horizon, however they don't control Macbeth or any other individual in the play. The main force they have over Macbeth is their capacity to strengthen a thought that was at that point in his mind. Their job is clarified when Hecate addresses them,And which is more regrettable, all you have done Hath been yet for a wayward child. ( act 3 scene 5 )She proposes that they don't have the ability to cause him to do the underhandedness and evil that they need. Nor do they need that power. Macbeth is completely equipped for doing all the underhandedness and abhorrence all alone. How do people control others? How might the witches control Macbeth? This should as a rule be possible by physical as well as enthusiastic power. Dread and dangers, rewards and recognition work to control others. These apparatuses work to various degrees on various individuals. Such an extensive amount what is called control relies upon the individual that is being controlled. The guarantee of a seat may send a few people to their knees while others will run away. At the point when the witches hold out their vows to Macbeth the main guarantee they have is an information on his aspiration and his requirement for power. At long last this was all they should have been certain of. They may attempt to control, however they don't have to control. The character blemishes that Macbeth has will be sufficient to fill their necessities. It is intriguing to take note of that the witches don't request anything as a byproduct of their predictions. Macbeth doesn't need to guarantee his spirit in return for any data. His spirit was at that point in a tough situation before he met the witches. He was their coherent decision. Toward the beginning of the play, Macbeth and Banquo are coming back from the war zone when they meet the witches. As of now they anticipate that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and ruler of Scotland. It is a fascinating idea and the beginning of a thought. He has battled courageously for ruler and nation, however when the principal prescience works out as expected, and he is made Thane of Cawdor , he says to himself,The initial move toward a definitive objective, the seat. ( act 1 scene 3)If he calls a definitive objective, a seat, at that point he has been engaging this thought previously. In his life he has organized his desire, and the title of ruler is the thing that he thinks about the most noteworthy advance. As a valiant a respectable pioneer of the rulers armed force, shouldnt his most significant standard be to serve? As a fair man with solid ethics shouldnt his definitive objective be a not too bad life and a sublime reward?Ambition drives Macbeth. He just needs the proposals of things that may be his to push him on. There is no feeling of good option to keep him from murder. He falters simply because he fears the natural outcomes not on the grounds that it would be corrupt. - If the death could trummel up the outcomes. - But in these cases we despite everything have judgment here. ( act 1scene 7)He doesn't understand that his battle isn't against malicious however for good. The witches don't order Macbeth to slaughter Duncan or any other individual. Themurder of his ruler is his choice. This is the main way that he can see to arrive at his Ultimate Goal. One homicide prompts another. Macbeth has spun a web that has caught him in a distrustful chaos. Before long he accepts that everybody is out to get him. Tricksters are behind each stone in his mansion. He has no believed companions left, and even his better half has fallen into a pit of franticness. The best way to manage this is to execute and slaughter once more. He should realize what's in store for him, and again he goes to the witches. Perhaps they can console him. .u50574dc0ac221f20933303f82b2fea29 , .u50574dc0ac221f20933303f82b2fea29 .postImageUrl , .u50574dc0ac221f20933303f82b2fea29 .focused content zone { min-tallness: 80px; position: relative; } .u50574dc0ac221f20933303f82b2fea29 , .u50574dc0ac221f20933303f82b2fea29:hover , .u50574dc0ac221f20933303f82b2fea29:visited , .u50574dc0ac221f20933303f82b2fea29:active { border:0!important; } .u50574dc0ac221f20933303f82b2fea29 .clearfix:after { content: ; show: table; clear: both; } .u50574dc0ac221f20933303f82b2fea29 { show: square; progress: foundation shading 250ms; webkit-change: foundation shading 250ms; width: 100%; obscurity: 1; progress: haziness 250ms; webkit-change: darkness 250ms; foundation shading: #95A5A6; } .u50574dc0ac221f20933303f82b2fea29:active , .u50574dc0ac221f20933303f82b2fea29:hover { murkiness: 1; change: mistiness 250ms; webkit-change: mistiness 250ms; foundation shading: #2C3E50; } .u50574dc0ac221f20933303f82b2fea29 .focused content region { width: 100%; position: relative; } .u50574dc0ac221f20933303f82b2fea29 .ctaText { fringe base: 0 strong #fff; shading: #2980B9; text dimension: 16px; textual style weight: intense; edge: 0; cushioning: 0; content adornment: underline; } .u50574dc0ac221f20933303f82b2fea29 .postTitle { shading: #FFFFFF; text dimension: 16px; textual style weight: 600; edge: 0; cushioning: 0; width: 100%; } .u50574dc0ac221f20933303f82b2fea29 .ctaButton { foundation shading: #7F8C8D!important; shading: #2980B9; outskirt: none; fringe range: 3px; box-shadow: none; text dimension: 14px; textual style weight: striking; line-stature: 26px; moz-fringe sweep: 3px; content adjust: focus; content improvement: none; content shadow: none; width: 80px; min-stature: 80px; foundation: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/modules/intelly-related-posts/resources/pictures/basic arrow.png)no-rehash; position: supreme; right: 0; top: 0; } .u50574dc0ac221f20933303f82b2fea29:hover .ctaButton { foundation shading: #34495E!important; } .u50574dc0ac221f209 33303f82b2fea29 .focused content { show: table; stature: 80px; cushioning left: 18px; top: 0; } .u50574dc0ac221f20933303f82b2fea29-content { show: table-cell; edge: 0; cushioning: 0; cushioning right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-adjust: center; width: 100%; } .u50574dc0ac221f20933303f82b2fea29:after { content: ; show: square; clear: both; } READ: Theme in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty EssayAt this phase of the play, Macbeth is in urgent need of some proportion of security. The witches are very much glad to oblige. Theyll give him exactly what he needs nearly. Hecate has guage Macbeths shortcoming when she tells the three witches: Is humans chiefest adversary. ( act 3 scene 5 )Now they instruct him to be careful Macduff, that no man conceived of lady will hurt him, and that he won't be beaten until Birnum Woods walks on his stronghold. Macbeth is consoled. In what manner can a man not be conceived of lady, and woods don't walk. He has heard exactly what he needed to hear. The last two alerts are what he thinks about and he everything except excuses the first:Macbeth, Macbeth, Macbeth! Be careful Macduff. Be careful the Thane of Fife! ( act 4 scene 1 )Had he listened cautiously to the primary notice, he undoubtably would have figured out how to murder Macduff. Be that as it may, again the witches have given Macbeth whatTime and once more, the witches show up in the play. They caution, anticipate and entice, however they don't control Macbeth. There is no spell thrown over him, no arrangements are made or deals made. He is the ace of his own destiny. He controls his own life. The choices are his just as the transgressions of his deeds. He is the ace of his own destiny regardless of how grisly that ended up being. The witches spread out before Macbeth a considerable lot of the allurements that anticipate humanity. How these enticements are delt with relies upon keeps an eye on character and good quality. While the witches enticed, and Lady Macbeth plotted, it was at last dependent upon Macbeth to state, No and set aside the blade. Reference index:

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH QUESTION Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Subjective RESEARCH QUESTION - Article Example Discoveries: African American ladies had obscured thoughts on their comprehension of their condition and techniques to utilize in overseeing it. There were likewise impressive elements that advanced or frustrated their pledge to treatment. Suggestions: The examination underpins requirement for training on what hypertension is, overseeing hypertension and prescription symptoms, early screening for discouragement in hypertensive African Americans, creating social delicate instruction material and development of care groups. This paper is expected to decide the courses through which African American ladies with hypertension comprehend their condition. This paper likewise discovers the methodologies utilized by the ladies in overseeing hypertension through subjective examination. Hypertension is the main source of coronary illness and stroke in African American ladies. Contrasted with different gatherings, African American ladies have a previous beginning, a higher commonness, progressively quick movement of hypertensive end organ infection just as mortality identified with hypertension. Subjective investigation should be serious and non-one-sided. Subjective research gives a top to bottom comprehension of how African American ladies manage their condition. Assortment of subjective information was finished by interviews on a center gathering of hypertensive African American ladies who were experiencing treatment for the malady from a wandering downtown free facility in West Los Angeles. Twenty hypertensive ladies, matured 35 years and more established, took part in the five center gathering interviews. Participation went from one to eight from the ten to twelve individuals that were welcomed. The investigation was endorsed by the University of California, Los Angeles Institutional Review Board. A flyer posted in proper regions of the center and neighboring regions was utilized to publicize the investigation. Subsequent to testing, members were chosen for the center gathering. The example assortment techniques were plainly characterized since the members

How to Write a Creative Brief (with Examples)

Creative briefs are a lot like lighthouses: they provide essential guidance and direction for creatives working on large and small projects alike. Without a beacon, it's easy for your project to get moored or lost at sea — think Castaway but at your job. And no Tom Hanks or Wilson by your side for company or relief. Related: Essential client onboarding checklist for agencies in 2019 You want your creative briefs to be both concise and thorough. A good creative brief goes a long way. It helps maintain efficiency across teams and ensures individual contributors feel supported, happy, and appreciated. But it also takes time. To help you maintain steam and produce creative briefs that (ahem) get the job done, we compiled a shortlist of questions to consider as you write: What is the end goal of my project? Are there templates I can use to fill out the creative brief and reduce the time spent on this task? Which departments should be involved in this project? Answering these questions provides you with the clarity and structure needed to fully flesh out your creative need. So whether you need a one-page press release or a 15-page ebook, you can trust your brief to communicate your project's scope effectively. Now, let's cover some basics. What is a creative brief? A creative brief is a detailed summary of a creative project. Typically a brief is filled out by whoever is making the request. At a baseline, it needs to include The Basics: A project summary is a brief synopsis of the project. Some background context (such as data, products, or research articles) helps the creative team better understand your project goals. Your objectives, otherwise known as project goals, shed light on the project's long-term (and short-term) strategy. Timeline(s) and a list of expected deliverables provide the creative team with a clearer picture of how and when they can take on your project. Include a list of the key stakeholders or people the creative team should contact when questions pop up. The target audience tells the creative team who they should be speaking towards (so to speak). Brand guidelines or rules, like voice, tone, and style preferences, are crucial details for creatives to know. Including these notes in your creative brief helps eliminate time spent on revisions. Including a project budget is optional. However, if there's any chance of sending it to freelance, be sure to include one. That said, different types of briefs have different kinds of requirements — but don't worry about that right now, we'll touch more on that shortly. What are the benefits of a creative brief? Two parties benefit the most from creative briefs: the requesting party and the creative team. For the creative team, creative briefs help people like designers or copywriters do their jobs better and more efficiently. Not only that, it helps them craft great content that your audience will love. For the requesting party, a creative brief helps you understand the strategy and goals behind your project. It also helps to ensure that the work you get back is aligned with your vision. For example, say a sales agent needs a unique one-pager for an event they're planning to attend in a month. That sales agent would fill out a creative brief and then send it to the creative team. From there, the creative team can slot the project into their production queue, quickly fill the request using a pre-templatized format, or temporarily backlog it depending on their workflow. Now that we've covered the basics, let's dive into how to write a creative brief for copy, design, and PR departments. What are the main types of creative briefs? Creative briefs are built to cover a broad spectrum of project needs. We've identified three different types of briefs: Copy — Anything word-related. Design — Anything visual-related. PR — Anything newsworthy that's public-facing. What do I need to include in a creative brief? A copy brief is going to be a little bit different than a design or PR brief. No matter what, you'll want to cover your bases thoroughly. We recommend using a pre-formatted brief template to make your life easier. (You can mark the fields N/A if they don't apply to your project.) And keep in mind all creative briefs need to include The Basics — plus a few extra tidbits. But, how do you know what information goes into what brief? We've outlined what you'll need to include in 3 different types of briefs (copy, design, and PR) to help you get the ball rolling. Copy brief The Basics Project summary Background context Objective Timeline(s) and deliverables Key stakeholders Target audience Guidelines Budget (optional) Word count — This helps the writer gain a clearer understanding of how much time it will take to complete the project. Additionally, some social media platforms have word count restrictions so you'll want to make sure the writer is aware of these ahead of time. SEO keyword list — SEO keywords help boost your content's ranking in search engine optimization results. Most demand generation copy projects include one. Examples — Content examples can help guide the writer if you're looking to produce a specific type of content. Design brief The Basics Project summary Background context Objective Timeline(s) and deliverables Key stakeholders Target audience Guidelines Budget (optional) Distribution — Where you're planning on placing this visual asset matters. Are you posting the visual asset to social media, on the company blog, or distributing it to your customers? Deliverables and size requirements — Designers need to know these details ahead of time. Including this information prevents designers from sizing something incorrectly or creating a digital asset instead of a hands-on one. PR brief The Basics Project summary Background context Objective Timeline(s) and deliverables Key stakeholders Target audience Guidelines Budget (optional) Publication — Location, location, location! Where you publish PR content matters, so be sure to include where you're planning on having the content live. Word count — Most PR efforts are copy-heavy. And some publications have word count requirements, so you want to make sure the writer is aware of project expectations. You can include the word count in the â€Å"deliverables† section of the content if you'd prefer. Examples of creative briefs In case you wanted a frame of reference before you get started (visual learning style, anyone?), we've included some modified creative brief examples from our template gallery. Copy brief Modified from our Simple project proposal template Design brief Modified from our General project proposal template PR brief Created in Lucidpress In brief At the end of the day, creative briefs bridge the gap between good ideas and polished projects. They empower creative teams to stay on-task, on-time, and on-brand. And with the help of a pre-formatted creative brief template, you can quickly and easily insert information, send and process requests, and do more as a team. After all, who doesn't want to save time and energy — while getting more done as a company? Okay, so, now that you've been briefed on how to write a creative brief, it's time to let your colors fly. Show us your briefs! Download a free creative brief template to get started

The Roman Empire Why Societies Decline and Fall - Free Essay Example

Since the beginning of time, one has wondered why societies decline and fall. The Roman Empire was one of the greatest and most powerful societies that ever existed. They had power, wealth, and even a half of the world. They built one of the strongest and largest empire that world has ever seen. The Roman Empire lasted from 27 BC 476 AD, a period exceeding 500 years. The decline of the Roman Empire complex and due to many reasons, including military, political, economic and social issues. It is hard to say that any one reason alone caused the downfall of the Roman Empire because they are all intertwined with each other. Economic decline is a common reason for the fall of many societies. Rome went through as 200 year peaceful period which ended when Emperor Diocletian split the Empire into East and West in 285 CE. The capital was moved from Rome to Constantinople, in the East. This act solidified the downfall of the Western half of the empire. While the East continued to prosper, the West began to fall. Eventually the East overtook the West as its trade power grew and money flowed to Constantinople rather than Rome. This increased financial disintegration in the West. The west suffered a severe economic decline. The citizens of the west began to revolt against the empire. The military of the Roman Empire was under constant warfare. The citizens revolted by not joining the army. In the past, citizens were lining up to serve the Empire. The military had to hire soldiers which was a heavy expense. Although these men were fierce fighters they had no loyalty towards the empire and thus they had no reservations in turning against their Roman superiors. Poor strategy joint with the declining quality of the soldiery opened the empire to increasing attacks. Overtime, these attacks overwhelmed the remaining small Roman military forces. Too make things worse, the Romans were spending an excessive amount of money on the military. The citizens felt this money could have been used to improve more demolished parts of Rome. Socially, they was a decline in the interest of the citizens in public affairs. The citizens themselves had low confidence in the Empire. The decline of morals and values in Rome caused internal chaos and an increase in crime. The values, ideals, customs, and traditions of the Romans continuously declined. The basic principles, standards and judgments about what was valuable or important in one’s life declined as well.. The total disregard for human and animal life resulted in a lack of ethics. The Romans had a perverted view of what was right vs. wrong, good vs. bad, desirable vs. undesirable. Any conformity to acceptable rules or standards of human behavior were being lost. Rome had been hurting politically. A line of ineffective emperors had reigned over the empire. Leadership within the senate was ineffective because of widespread corruption and incompetence. But most importantly, the emperor had lost control of the empire. He was unable to carry out his jurisdiction. Without a strong leader the empire waned as both the army and the Senate had no leader. The Praetorian Guard, the elite soldiers, who made up the bodyguard of the emperor, power grew to such an extent that this group of soldiers decided on whether an emperor should be disposed of and who should become the new emperor. At one point, the Praetorian Guard sold at auction the throne of the world to the highest bidder.

Construction project planning - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 23 Words: 6980 Downloads: 1 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Statistics Essay Did you like this example? 2.1 Introduction This chapter will review the literature which has been used for this dissertation. A number of important aspects will be covered , including an overview of Construction Planning as well as determining what challenges are faced on a daily basis by construction planners. This chapter will also review research relating to Planning techniques used and software packages available within the Construction industry. 2.2 Construction Project Planning Project Management can be seen as the application of tools and techniques utilised to guide the use of resources towards achieving a n intricate task within the const raint s of time, cost and quality. From conception to completion, a mixture of these tools techniques is necessary to fit the task environment and project life cycle. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Construction project planning" essay for you Create order The British Standard for project management (BS6079 1996) defined project management as, The planning, monitoring and control of all aspects of a project and the motivation of all those involved in it to achieve the project objectives on time and to the specified cost, quality and performance. The UK association of Project Management (APM) have produced a UK body of knowledge UK (BoK) which also provides a definition for project management as The planning, organisation, monitoring and control of all aspects of a project and the motivation of all involved to achieve the project objectives safely and within agreed time, cost and performance criteria. The project manager is the single point of responsibility for achieving this. Project Management as we know today has evolved in order to plan, coordinate and control the complex and diverse activities of modern industrial, commercial and management change projects. (Lock 2007) To allow for effective planning and control of projects, a requirement for systematic and logical methods should be applied along with proven techniques, thus ensuring a successful project outcome for all concerned parties, particularly the client. Without planning it is difficult to envisage the successful conclusion of any project or the effective control of time, money or resources. Planning is also essential in order to deal with construction risks and devise safe working methods. (Cooke 2008) Project Planning is defined as the establishment of a set of directions in sufficient detail to tell the project team exactly what must be done, when it must be done and what resources to use in order to produce the deliverables of the project successfully. (Zwikael 2008). Construction planning is an essential and challenging activity in the management and implementation of construction projects. It occupies the choice of technology, the description of work tasks, the estimation of the necessary resources and durations for individual tasks, and the identification of any interactions among the different work tasks. Hendrickson (1998) believes a good construction plan is the basis for developing the budget and the schedule for work. It is therefore common to adopt a conspicuous importance on either cost control or on schedule control as illustrated in Figure 2.1. Walker (2007) considers that by having a project schedule to work to and sticking to it, you will well be on your way to delivering successful projects. This would be dependant on effective communic ation and efficiency at all stages of the project and with an aim to reducing risk, time and cost. 2.3 The Construction Planner Construction project planning is receiving growing attention as the limitations of formal deterministic planning are becoming more widely recognised. (Winch, Kelsey 2004). There is growing concern over the failure of construction planning to achieve its goals in spite of the considerable resources allocated to it. Deficient planning techniques are commonly blamed for this state. (Laufer, Tucker, 1987) There has been considerable debate over the last decade or so on the effectiveness of construction project planning. However, there is remarkably little research into what construction project planners actually do. Laufer and Tucker provide a critique of construction planning. They protest that:- * the planning and evaluation of planning processes are non-existent * there is over-emphasis on critical path methods * planners lack construction experience * planners have poor information gathering methods * planning is control-oriented instead of action-oriented * Plans are been poorly presented with overly-complex information. In a subsequent paper (1994) Laufer and his colleagues look at the definition and allocation of planning work. They found that there was no clear system at work and planning was done in a multiplicity of ways. They call for the process to be properly co-ordinated by a single individual who will own the planning process and improve communication. Winch and Kelsey (2005) believe the specialist planner has the time to do the work but incomplete practical knowledge. The line manager has the practical knowledge but does not have the quality time to carry out the task. The specialist planner has better strategic decision-making skills than the short-term decision-making focus of the line manager. They then go on to say Line managers see the delegation of key decision-making to another as a threat to their position. These problems are confirmed in Laufer (1992) wider project management study and can result in: * The planner preparing a plan which has incomplete information and in-adequate decision making authority. * The line manager treating such plans as merely an irrelevant forecast prepared by another. Allen Smallwood (2008) believe Construction planners and the role they perform are little understood both within the construction industry and the wider environment where construction has a daily impact. Planning occupies a central position in the functions of the manager. His responsibilities may vary with organisational philosophy and contingency but planning invariably remains an essential ingredient of his duties. (Steiner, 1979). Much Research and Development effort has been made during the last three decades but progress with techniques has not removed the dissatisfaction with the application and results of construction planning (Choudhury 1981, Mason 1984, Morton 1983). Effective construction planning demands that it is carried out by competent and experienced personnel. While the estimator must remain in charge or pricing the work, most contracts, today, are too complex for the estimator to handle the technical content of pre-tender appraisal. It is here that the construction planner has a major function. 2.4 Planning Techniques Most planning techniques aim to express the work to be done, to a time-scale; some also include resources, and perhaps cost and value. In simple terms, they intend to help control time and cost. The other major factor in project control, quality, is controlled by its own family of control techniques; and quality is related to time and cost through the skill and judgement of the project management team. Neale (1989) believes the major components of planning techniques are: * Activities: literally, being busy, expending energy, consuming resources, taking time; in construction planning, this means a job to be done; for example preparing a drawing, an order to be places, a hole to be dug, bricks to be laid in a wall, a flow of water to be diverted. * Activity durations: the time required for the completion of each activity * Project time-scale: the time structure of the project; it is usual to give each week in the project a number (this makes calculation easier), and these then have to be related to calendar dates, holidays, etc. * Event: an occurrence at a specific point in time; for example, the granting of planning consent, of the start or end of a traffic diversion. * Work method: the plan must be expressed in some logical way, indicating the sequence of operations, and which activities and events are interrelated; this may be implicit (as with bar charts) or exlicit (in network analysis, where work method is usually called logic.) * Resources: often called the four Ms (men, machines, materials and money) but can include overheads (for example, site accommodation), and even such essentials as managerial skill. * Costs: what the work has or will cost, often derived directly from the unit costs of the individual resources. * Value: what has or can be earned by payment for work done derived from the bill of quantities, the estimate or an internal budget. The calculation of value-to-date can be used as an overall measure of project progress. 2.5 Four techniques are often used in construction planning * Bar charts, * Network analysis, * Line-of-balance * Linear programmes. 2.5.1 The bar chart/ Gantt Chart Drafting of a bar chart is popular because it produces results which are easy to understand and not too searching of the planner. Its use is limited to planning straightforward work with simple relationships between the activities. This graphical technique still forms the foundation for most resource scheduling. Its major drawback is that even minor deviations from it require extensive redrafting as a result making it more difficult to having to hand a contemporaneous bar chart that is a reliable indicator of future events. The main features of the bar chart are as follows: * The activities are listed on the vertical axis * Time is shown on the horizontal axis. This may be an appropriate time unit, such as months or days. * Each bar is divided horizontally into two, with the top half representing when the activity is planned to take place, and the bottom shared in, as proportions of the activity are completed. * A vertical movable marker line indicates the current time, thus enabling the observer to note if any activities are behind programme, and to what extent. Refer to Figure 2.2 for additional information. The format of the bar chart presumes that the end user (client) can involve the same judgment that was in the mind of the planner when he was compiling it. In highly repetitive or simple work it can be implied that the users will better understand the thought process of the planner. However as project complexity increases the users ability to monitor the project in relation to the programme is reduced unless it is understood: * What work is important to progress? * Of the activities currently behind programme what, if any, effect do they have on overall progress? * On the contrary, if most of the actual work is ahead of programme, does this mean that the current prediction is that the project will be complete in advance of the targeted completion date? The answer is definitely not an automatic yes. To provide an informed response, an understanding of the relationships between programme activities is crucial. Neale (1989) consider these deceivingly simple questions contradict issues which are at the heart of many construction disputes, namely considerations for extension of time. 2.5.2 Network Analysis Unlike a bar chart, activities are not shown on an axis of time. What the network portrays is the logical relationship between activities. Network analysis is a powerful, logical and analytical technique. It is most effective when used for complicated projects, especially those with external constraints and complex interrelationships. The technique is based on drawing the logical relationships between construction operations, and from an analysis of the relative durations, establishing which operations have the most crucial effect on the project duration. It can be drawn in a number of ways, the most well-known in the UK being the arrow diagram. The technique is sometimes known as the critical path method (CPM), and critical path analysis (CPA). A version which incorporates a statistical method for calculating the probability that a project will be completed on a specific date is called the programme evaluation and review technique. (PERT) The identification of a critical path focuses the attention of the individuals managing the project and highlights to clients and their advisors the tasks that require to be particularly well managed with regard to time. The duration of critical path represents the shortest duration in which the project can be completed. Delays to activities on the critical path transmit directly through to extend the project completion date. This provides advanced warning of the pending delay to completion and enables the contractor (or employer) to invoke recovery action at a useful point in time rather than waiting until it is manifestly obvious that the completion date is threatened. If the employer or his Architect/Engineer (A/E) instructs additional work which affects the activities on the critical path then the contractor has grounds for a claim for an extension of time. The term critical path is widely used in the construction industry; what is not fully appreciated is how easily the critical path can change. Network analysis has a good and inclusive logical basis, lends itself easily to computer processing, and can be used as an effective control tool. These exceptional characteristics are also known to be its principal weakness as it is easier for the planner to be drawn into a level of planning and analysis that is much to detailed and advanced for most construction projects. 2.5.3 Line of Balance Line of balance is a specialised technique used for repetitive work. It derived from the manufacturing industry and has been found to be effective in planning work truly repetitive. Examples of success applications include planning the construction of identical floors in high rise construction, and large housing developments. Line of balance has been found to be difficult to use on projects which have a high demand for trades or operations to construct each identical unit. The problems arise not from the technique itself, but from the difficult of showing all the information on one chart, particularly when using the technique to monitor progress. When used to plan, it can be an excellent means of relating resources, activity durations and the general pace of work on site. Neale (1989). Illingworth (1993) considers the line of balance approach has largely fallen out of use in todays industry due to the fact it was designed primarily for housing and did not readily provide clear visual appreciation of the situation at a glance. 2.5.4 Linear Programme (or time-chainage chart) Linear programming is a specialised technique for linear work. This is a basic tool of UK road contractors. Other successful applications include the construction of a large canal in a developing country, and it is especially useful in tunnelling. Illingworth (1993). Similar to line of balance, this is a simple two- dimensional graphical technique and can show clearly only a limited amount of information and limited degree of complexity. Figure 2.6 Linear Programme (Neale 1989) Linear Programme Activities (Neale 1989) 2.6 Which technique? The experienced planner in construction needs to be aware of the techniques available, together with the value of each, both in the planning analysis role and how then can be applied to give effective control and communication to management on site. Illingworth (1993). Like any other professional, the planner has to select the right tool for the job. To make the correct decision, it is therefore a requirement to examine what is wanted in a particular situation programme. Illingworth (1993) believes the main points of this choice are as follows: * Does the method aid initial analysis of the situation and especially in establishing the best sequence of events? * Are deficiencies in progress shown up as the work proceeds? * Can visiting management obtain and immediate view of the contract situation on arrival on site? * With the preponderance of subcontractors on site today, does the programme method give assistance in cash flow control? According to Illingworth, from these questions it is unlikely to be the answer to all desires. Therefore it is said to be better to consider the situation in two stages tender planning on the one hand and the operational planning after the contract has been won, on the other. 2.7 Planning Practice In order to explore further the reality of construction project planning semi-structured interviews were conducted between July and December 2000 with 18 experienced planners from five leading UK construction firms. Most of the planners interviewed were currently involved in planning at the tender stage including assembly and presentation of the tender documentation. About half of those were also involved at the tender/ pre-construction stage. Only a few were further involved during the site works. (Refer to figure 2.7). Generally, although a number of the interviewed planners had on-site experience the typical pattern is that a planner works either at the pre-tender, pre-execution stages or on site but not simultaneously. The exceptions tend to be where planners work for some time on a single large project. In such cases it may make sense (from the employers point of view) for their work to carry on to the execution stage. 2.8 Programming Considerations at the Tender Stage Upon receipt of tender documentation, the contractor will appoint human resources tasked with compiling a tender submission based upon the tender enquiry. One of the main individual in this team is the person accountable for producing the tender programme, the construction planner. Whether or not the contractual terms require a programme to be produced or not should be irrelevant at this stage. The tender programme is an important document produced by the contractor which is used for measuring many risk and cost related issues. In particular, the assessment of cost of the contractors time related preliminary items as drawn off the content of the tender programme. For example, the anticipated on site durations for different members of staff, periods of scaffold hire and duration for site accommodation are items that cannot be priced by the estimator without reference to the tender programme. When compiling the tender programme, the construction planner must incorporate the information supplied with the enquiry noting any specified constraints contained in either the contract bills, specification or drawings. Conflict between documents often exists and a view had to be taken on how to proceed. Clarification may be sought from the employer or his agents, assumptions made and stated along with the submission or the conflict may be ignored and the information that best suits the contractor is assumed without qualification or statement. It is accepted in the industry that many bids are won or lost on the programme duration alone. This happens frequently where a bill of quantities is being priced and the experienced contractors tend towards similar prime cost for similar items. On completion of reviewing tender documents, drawings, specification and bills, which may be typically done over a period of one or two weeks, the construction planner will establish the work scope which will be addressed in the creation of a tender programme. The main objective is to be aware of the specified period for construction. Additional to the completed programme should be a schedule of resources which corresponds with the programme and a series of method statements signifying construction techniques and equipment to be employed in carrying out the work. 2.9 Programming on Site When the contract is won, the site planning is equally important. It is usually at this point that the site manager will have his first chance to examine the methods on which the job was priced. What is important to recognise, at this point, is that planning must be seen as an addition to management. Thus the site manager must have the right to question the planning methods on which the contract was priced. To do so, site managers require the technical expertise to assess what has been put forward. In so doing, the manager concerned must, for his part, accept that if he wants to change the method from that in the priced tender, he must demonstrate that his alternative is obviously cheaper, or at least as cheap, as that priced in the tender submission. When final agreement has been reached, the planning function can be established on site and develop the final method to be adopted. This, in turn, will lead to the contract master programme and such subsidiary programmes as may be necessary. On completion of all methods being confirmed the construction planner continues to have a significant role on site. First, in developing control and short-term programmes for all organisations contributing to the contract under the main or managing contractor. Second, the construction planners cherished knowledge of how the work was originally planned makes him uniquely placed to examine the potential consequences of alterations to what has to be built. In this area he is a valuable source of information to the site quantity surveyor when assessing where possible contractural claims may arise. Today, with the ever increasing use of trade sub-contractors as well as specialist service contractors, the experienced construction planner has the option of either seeing the role as satisfying its own right, or as an essential ingredient of experience for becoming a successful site manager. Illingworth (1993). 2.10 Purpose of a Programme The values applicable to the mechanics of construction planning are similar whether you are a main contractor submitting a quotation to an employer, a sub-contractor quoting to the main contractor, or even a construction manager providing programme assist to an employer. Common principles apply when compiling a construction programme, that of methodical analysis. The contractors construction programme is an important common reference. It shows how the planner they have interpreted the contract documents and other information from which the statement of intent for construction is issued. As the key programme for the construction work, its content is of the utmost significance to all parties charged with handing over to the employer a building fit for purpose within the contract time stated. A well prepared programme is vital to every construction project. Many activities have to be cautiously defined and given a time scale, and it necessary not only to assemble and list the information but also to display it visually in terms of the contracts objectives and the calendar. The working sequences and the relationships between individual activities must be clearly conveyed in this visual presentation. The Chartered Institute of Building (2001). They consider the construction programme to be a statement of intended actions, which when properly used provides management with its plan of campaign. It should communicate with ease, providing the common reference for the timing of all activities related to the project. 2.11 Construction Planning Software An expert planner faced with the task of producing and analysing a network for a project containing only few activities will undoubtedly produce the fastest results by drawing a freehand arrow diagram and analysing it mentally. Lock (2007). He believes it is likely to take longer when using a computer because of the formalities needed to set up the new project files in the system and enter the data. David Arditi and Ann Rackas compiled a short report in May of 1986 with an aim in ascertaining the need for computer software to assist is construction planning and scheduling. This report concluded, the individual needs of a given construction company are the primary reasons for choosing a particular software package. For example, one of the participating general contractors basic requirements was to have a 40-character activity description field: a particularly individual need. They continued to suggest if a program is to survive the inevitable shakeout that occurs after the initial development and interest have peaked; it must offer the features and capacities that are required by the user. In addition, every effort should be made to make computers less mysterious and confusing as they will be dealing with the construction market. Today there are many planning software packages available to the construction industry. Asta Powerproject, Microsoft Project, Primavera, PERT Master to name a few. Each package is commonly suited to the individual needs of the planner. Some programs present a blank Gantt chart on the screen as soon as they are booted up, and it is apparent to the user that task data can be typed in immediately. Most programs allow the user/ planner to establish project durations, critical path network, allocate resources, assign costs to tasks and monitor progress throughout the project. As a result, most construction planning professionals use such packages daily. 2.12 Construction Planning Challenges Lock (2007) considers anyone planning a project of significant size will soon find out that there are a number of factors, both inside and outside the project organisation that can have an effect on the planners intentions. These are as follows: 2.12.1 External Factors All projects are subject to risk, many of which can have an enormous impact on plans. Lock (2007) deems the following are just four from the long catalogue of happenings that can be categorised as Acts of God: * An earthquake devastates a project organisations headquarters. * A hurricane and flood put a project site under a metre of water and delay the start or ruin the work in progress. * An influenza epidemic puts half the project workforce out of action. (Swine flu outbreak 2008 recorded thousands of people off work for over 5 days.) * The project manager (a keen golfer) is struck by lightning. The national government can play an important part on the smooth running of a project. E.g. the project could be government-funded and is cancelled or abandoned through a political decision. Lock (2007) also considers less immediate concerns which are the wider and longer-term economic consequences of government policy leading to downscaling of projects, delays and cancellations in all sectors of industry. Decisions made outside the project team can also have an affect on many characteristics of planning. E.g. a decision is made at directorate level to carry out a project in a different company within the group from that initially anticipated or a strategic decision is made to cut short all new staff recruitment resulting in a lower number of available resources formerly expected to be available for projects. 2.12.2 Working Factors Lock (2007) These are items which are likely to affect the project team on a daily basis. Examples include availability of resources, materials etc. People are believed to be a construction organisations greatest resource. Construction operations depend on the knowledge and skills of people planning and executing the work. Muir (2005.) Research has been carried out to reveal that the construction industry is typically viewed as being one of the least attractive industries in which to work. Safety plays an important part in the running of a project. Construction by nature is unsurprisingly dangerous with a high degree of hazard and risk. The Health Safety Executive believe each year: * Over 1 million injuries and 2.3 million cases of ill-health are experienced by workers; * Around 40 million working days are to lost; and * Over 25000 individuals are forced to give up work because of injury or ill health. These cost British employers on average 3.3 to 6.5 billion each year. Most organisations are oblivious of these figures and are often astonished to find out what the actual costs are. Recent HSE Examples (2009) * An injury to a worker using an unguarded drill cost a small engineering company 45,000. And that was not all. The managing director was prosecuted from which two employees had to be made redundant to keep the company afloat. * At the other end of the scale the Piper Alpha explosion killed 167 people and incurred estimated costs of over 2 billion. * Accidents in construction can account for 3 6 % of total project costs. 2.12.3 Contribution of effective Planning Effective Planning and scheduling influences the results of a project as is promotes well-organised working. Personnel who are not trying continually to overcome crises caused by bad planning can dedicate more time to achieving high quality standards. A well-planned project stands more chance of being completed on time and on budget. 2.13 Chapter Summary Description Author Source To allow for effective planning and control of projects, a requirement for systematic and logical methods should be applied along with proven techniques. Cooke 2008 Improving Construction planning through 4d Planning Project Planning is defined as the establishment of a set of directions Zwikael 2008 Critical Planning Processes in Construction Projects A good Construction plan is the basis for developing the budget and the schedule for work Henrickson 1998 Construction Planning Techniques Having a project schedule to work to and sticking to it, you will be well on your way to delivering successful projects Walker 2007 Project Management in Construction, (5th edition) Construction Planners and the olr they perform are little understood both within the Construction industry and the wider environment Allan Smallwood 2008 Improving Construction planning through 4d Planning Major Components of planning techniques are: Activities, Activity durations, Project time-scale, Event, Work method, Resources, Costs Value Neale 1989 Engineering Management. Construction Planning Four techniques often used; Bar chart, Network analysis, Line-of-balance, Linear programmes Neale 1989 Engineering Management. Construction Planning Experienced planner in construction needs to be aware of the techniques available Illingworth 1993 Construction Methods and Planning Likely to take longer when using construction planning software Lock 2007 Project Management, 9th edition, Planning a project of significant size will soon find that there a number of factors, both inside and out Lock 2007 Project Management, 9th edition, 3.0 Methodology 3.1 Introduction The aim of this study is to analyse current planning techniques used within the construction industry and determine what influence the construction programme has in terms of project success. In order to achieve this aim, sufficient research has to be carried out. Research design is an action plan for getting from here to there, where here may be defined as the initial set of questions to be answered, and there is some set of conclusion (answers) about these questions. (Naoum 2007.) Between here and there may be a found number of major steps, including the collection of analysis of relevant data. (Yin 1994.) Developing a successful strategy was an important step towards the collection of key research information. 3.2 Research Strategy Research is the systematic and rigorous process of enquiry which aims to describe phenomena and to develop and test explanatory concepts and theories. Ultimately it aims to contribute to a scientific body of knowledge. (Bowling 2009.) There are two types of research strategies, namely, quantitative research and qualitative research. Deciding on which type of research to follow, depends on the purpose of the dissertation and the type and availability of information which is required. (Naoum 2007.) In summary, quantitative research methods include the collection of data through questionnaires while qualitative techniques involve carrying out interviews to receive feedback on a specific subject area. (E.g. Construction Planning.). It is vital that in order carry out accurate research a precise and suitable methodology must be understood prior to reporting results. The following sub-sections will discuss and appraise both qualitative and quantitative research methods. 3.2 Quantitative Research Quantitative research, by definition, deals with quantities and relationships between attributes; it involves the collection and analysis of highly structured data in the positivist tradition. Gerrish and Lacey (2006) describe quantitative research as a broad umbrella term for research that uses techniques to gather evidence. Quantitative research is appropriate in situations in which there is pre-existing knowledge, which will permit the use of standardised date collection methods (e.g. the survey questionnaire.), and in which it is aimed to document prevalence or test hypotheses. (Bowling 2009). Quantitative research is often conceptualised by its practitioners as having a logical structure in which theories determine the problems to which researchers address themselves in the form of hypotheses derived from general theories. These hypotheses are in variably assumed to take the form of expectations about likely causal connections between the concepts which are the constituent elements of the hypotheses. (Bryman, 1996). Quantitative data is, therefore, not abstract, they are hard and reliable; they are measurements of tangible, countable, sensate features of the world (Bouma and Atkinson, 1995.) (Bryman, 1996.) Naoum (2007) believes Quantitative research is selected under the following circumstances: * When you want to find facts about a concept, a question or an attribute. * When you want to collect factual evidence and study the relationship between these facts in order to test a particular theory or hypothesis. In quantitative studies one uses a theory deductively and places it towards the beginning of the plan for a study: the objective is to test or verify a theory, rather than develop it. One consequently begins the study advancing a theory, collects data to test it, and reflects on whether the theory was confirmed or unconfirmed by the results in the study. (Naoum, 2007.) The theory becomes a framework for the entire study, an organising model for the research questions or hypotheses and for the date collection procedure (Creswell, 1994.) 3.3 Qualitative Research Qualitative Research is a method of naturalistic enquiry which is usually less obtrusive that quantitative investigations and does not manipulate a research setting. It aims to study people in their natural social settings and to collect naturally occurring data. (Bowling, 2007.) Qualitative research is subjective in nature. It can refer to research about persons lives, lived experiences, behaviours, emotions, and feelings as well as about organisational functioning, social movements, cultural phenomena, and interactions between nations. Some of the data may be quantified as with census or background information about the persons or objects studied, but the bulk of the analysis is interpretative. (Strauss, 1998). Creswell (1998) describes qualitative research as: An enquiry process of understanding based on distinct methodological traditions of inquiry that explore a social or human problem. The researcher builds a complex, holistic picture, analyses words, reports detailed views of informants and conducts the study in a natural setting In speaking about qualitative analysis, we are referring not to the quantifying qualitative data but rather to a non mathematical process of interpretation, carried out for the purpose of discovering concepts and relationships in raw data and organising these into theoretical explanatory scheme.(Strauss, 1998). There are many valid reasons for doing qualitative research. One reason is preferences and/ or experience of the researchers. Some persons are more orientated and temperamentally suited to doing this type of work. Some researches come from some disciplines that traditionally make use of qualitative methods. Another reason for chosing qualitative research methods is the nature of the research problem. (Strauss, 1998.) Qualitative techniques have a wide range of applications in health care research. Qualitative research methods have been commonly used in research documenting the experience of chronic illness. (Bowling, 2007.) Qualitative methods can be used to explore substantive areas which little is known or about which much is know to gain novel understandings. (Stern, 1980.) In addition, qualitative methods can be used to obtain the intricate details about phenomena such as feelings, thought processes, and emotions that a difficult to learn about through more conventional research methods. Strauss (1998) considers, there are three major components of qualitative research. First, there are the data, which can come from various sources such as interviews, observations, documents, records, and films. Second, there are the procedures that researchers can use to interpret and organise the data. Other procedures are part of the analytic process. These include non-statistical sampling, the writing of memos, and diagramming. Written and verbal reports make up the third component. These may be presented in scientific journals, in talks (e.g. conferences), or in books. While the value of qualitative research is that it studies people in their natural settings and is arguably less reactive than quantitative methods, there is still a great deal of scope for reactive effects. Bowling (2007), believes the researcher should be honest about his or her theoretical perspective and/ or values at the outset, the research should be conducted in an explicit and systematic way in relation to the design, data collection, analysis and interpretation and the investigator must reduce sources of errors or bias. 3.4 Quantitative and Qualitative Comparison The difference between quantitative and qualitative research is rather like the difference between counting the shape and types of the design of a sample of green houses as against living in them and feeling the environment. The difference between each one may be somehow quantifiable but such measurements will not convey the importance and the special impact of some over others. (Naoum, 2007.) Quantitative Qualitative 1 Role Fact-finding based on evidence or records Attitude, measurement based on opinions, views and perceptions measurement 2 Relationship between researcher and subject Distant Close 3 Scope of Findings Nomothetic Idiographic 4 Relationship between theory/ concepts and research Testing/ confirmation Emergent/ development 5 Nature of data Hard and reliable Rich and deep Fig 3.2 Some differences between quantitative and qualitative research (Naoum, 2007.) Quantitative and qualitative research can frequently be found together in particular substantive areas in the social sciences, be it delinquency, classroom studies, or whatever. By and large, the two research traditions can be viewed as contributing to the understanding of different aspects of the phenomenon in question. (Bryman, 1996) 3.5 Approaches to Research Data Collection When carrying out research, the approach to be adopted depends on the nature of the investigation and the type of data and information that are required and available. These can be classified as fieldwork (primary data collection) and desk study (secondary data collection). Primary data collection is collected first hand by the person carrying out the research and can be associated with three practical approaches. (Naoum, 2007.) * The survey approach (descriptive or logical study.) * The case study approach (in depth analysis of subject) * The problem solving approach (review situation, problem identification and evaluation.) Secondary data is collected from other sources that include books and academic journals. This information can be stored in statistical or descriptive format. Secondary information has some distinct advantages over primary date collection effort. (Stewart, 1993). * Less expensive to use secondary data * More cost effective * Provide a useful comparison tool 3.6 Methods of Research Data Collection In order to achieve the aim of this dissertation both primary and secondary data were used. The Literature review contains secondary data taken from various journals and books. Primary data was collected during the questionnaire processes and semi-structured interview process of the dissertation. Naoum (2007), considers semi-structured interviews to be more formal that the unstructured interview in that there is a number of specific topics around which to build the interview. Various journals accessed online through the International Journal of Project Management have proved to be valuable when researching past and current planning techniques. The journals have been historic and up to date as a result providing a meaningful comparison between past and present techniques. A number of books have used to provide me with a background to Construction Planning and where it started, pointing out various techniques and practices used by professionals on a daily basis. The research will be conducted using a mixture of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The questionnaire is one of the most frequently used methods of data collection in evaluation research. It can be used to provide the main source of data in a study, as in the case of consumer satisfaction surveys of service users, or it can be a useful source of supplementary data. (Clarke, 1999). An electronic questionnaire was the selected technique used to gather key information in order to achieve the main aim and objective of the dissertation. Construction professionals, mainly Construction Planners and Project Managers were invited to complete questionnaires. Possible respondents were approached in a professional manner via email in which I requested their participation in completing an attached questionnaire. The email highlighted the dissertation topic pointing out the main aim and objective of the research. Recipients were ensured that all information provided will be treated with strict confidence and would remain anonymous. The covering letter can be seen in APPENDIX The questionnaire was kept short and took the respondent no longer than a few minutes to complete. This was deliberately done to make sure the respondent would not be discouraged from completing the questionnaire. Naoum (2007) considers questionnaires hold the following advantages: * Economy Relatively high validity of results because of their wide geographic coverage. * Speed If administered properly, the majority of returns will be received within two weeks. * Consultation The respondent is allowed to answer the questions in their own time and comfort. Interviews were held where possible, at the convenience of the interviewee. Neither candidate had access to information that the other party had given. The transcript for the interview was based on the electronic questionnaire and can be found in APPENDIX. The interview was semi structured, the basis for a semi-structured interview was to provide a high proportion of answers that are comparable and to provide the opportunity to probe further for information (Dane, 1990). Naoum (2007) considers in the semi-structured interview, the interviewer has a great deal of freedom to probe various areas and to raise specific queries during the course of the interview. Recipients where carefully chosen, the majority of which where contacts gained through the authors work experience as a Construction Planner along with various networking events attended by the author, such as; Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) seminars/ presentations on a variety of Construction topics. Although in the appendix they are presented together, it is important to stress that the interviews were held separately. The results of the interview and the subsequent analysis can be found in Chapter 4. 3.7 Ethical Issues Ethics is a believed to be a major concern in all research projects. It is possible that the research can cause emotional distress to the data subjects. The importance of ethics cannot be undervalued and must not be ignored. (Bryman, 1996). Ethics identify the consequences early on allowing the author to take required measures to alleviate these implications. People who agree to take part in research studies need protection in relation to their privacy and protection from manipulation by the researcher. (Bowling, 2007). Also required in the protection of the aura of trust on which society and the research community depend; and the good reputation of research requires preservation (Webb, 1966.) All recipients related with the completion of the questionnaires were contacted prior to completion. During initial contact the respondent was informed of; why the information was required, why they were selected to participate and what the information would be used for. The author ensured at all times, the participant was aware that all information received was strictly for the purpose of the research and the findings will be reported in an accurate, responsible manner. Summary of Methodology The decision to use a mixture of qualitative and quantitative research allows the author to take full advantage of the accuracy of results in order to complete the aim and objectives of this dissertation. Having identified the above as being the most efficient and successful means of data collection, the author will explain the findings and results along with suitable conclusions in Chapter 5.