Dracula as a Metaphor of Opposition to Modernism Research Paper

Dracula as a Metaphor of Opposition to Modernism - Research Paper Example A novel which portrays this concept is Dracula by Bram Stoker. This novel is able to create a sense of identity through theories that were known while the book was being written in the late 1900s. Two of the theories that Stoker calls on are feminism and Marxism. These two theories are displayed through the plot, characters and results which occur through the book. The ability to create an understanding of these movements is able to further define concepts of identity while challenging the divisions in society in terms of feminist and Marxist thought. This research paper will examine the movements of feminism and Marxism and how these were opposed in the novel of Dracula. The author creates an understanding that the changing identities in the political and social movements would lead to a downfall in society and would create opposition. The author is able to show that, while the philosophies of these movements would be aesthetically pleasing, there was an undertone that would lead to difficulties within society. By creating an understanding of the horror which would be caused through the social movements, there is a link to individuals holding onto the Romantic ideals and the purity of the past instead of moving into the modern approaches. Examining this with the relationships to feminism, Marxism and the psychoanalytical approach the author takes creates a thorough understanding of the philosophies taking place in society at the time. Historical Affiliations with Dracula The basis of Dracula is regarded as one that is affiliated with the novel based on drama and terror through the main character. The character of Dracula is known to haunt those that come into contact with him through trapping them in his castle or torturing and murdering them with different concepts. However, the context that this book is written in moves beyond the horror and drama that is often associated with the book. It is also known that the author had a specific link to the cultural context of the time, specifically which was prevalent in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. The concepts were first based on the shift into modernism as well as the older concepts which applied to this, such as the Gothic. The descriptions and approach that Stoker uses is defined by relating to others in a bizarre form, similar to the Gothic style. However, the modernist cultural context relates this to the changing beliefs in relationships between the sexes and the need to change concepts such as social class that were emerging at the time. Combining the emerging philosophies of the time frame then created a different understanding of the book which links directly to the anthropology of the culture at this time frame (Riquelme, 585). The concepts which are associated with the history of Dracula then become important not only in defining the drama and horror that was a part of the Gothic period. More important, was Stoker’s desire to create an analysis of cultural identity of the time and how this led to some of the horrors of the time. This linked to many of the changes occurring at the time in Europe, specifically beginning with political changes that were moving to revolts and the desire to have freedom for the common man. The state that was being created was based on socialism, where everything was owned by a more powerful individual and in which others were subjected to the problem. The policies which were created then led to questions about identity and the social state of individuals, specifically with wo men having the same rights as men and workers being able to overcome the political states in society. The cultural identity

Personal Narrative and First-Hand Observation Essay Example for Free

Personal Narrative and First-Hand Observation Essay Personal Narrative and First-Hand Observation in a Narrative Life of Frederick Douglass, the Ballot or the Bullet, and Dance with the Devil By davidleny Personal narrative and first-hand observation are key components if an author wishes to be effective in his writing. Through the use of personal narrative and first- hand observation, the author is able to gain sympathy from or relate to the audience. Although it can be argued the use of these two components does not result in effective writing, it is proven to be true in Frederick Douglass A Narrative Life of Frederick Douglass, Malcolm Xs The Ballot or the Bullet, and Immortal Techniques Dance with the Devil. In A Narrative Life Of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass, Frederick uses his personal life experience to demonstrate the inhumane brutality and mistreatment against the African American slaves. Douglass is effective in his writing and attracts the attention of the audience. For example, earlier in the narrative Frederick mentions how loving and caring his grandmother was and how she took care of and nurtured every slave child. Later on in the narrative he mentions that when his old masters die, his grandmother was isolated and taken away from her children to live alone in the woods in a mud chimney hut. Text 1) The use of Douglass personal experience with his grandmother captivates his audience because the African American enslaved community, whom this narrative at the time was directed towards, also had a grandmother who nurtured them. Likewise in The Ballot or The Bullet by Malcolm X, Malcolm discusses that even though people have differences, we all face the same problem. Malcolm expresses that whether you are Muslim, Baptist, or Methodist, we all are going to suffer the decisions of the man that is in charge of us. (Text 2) The audience is able to connect to his experience because e involved people of all religions. Malcolms experience allows the audience to become aware of what is to come and that they will all suffer the consequences. Malcolm is effective in his writing because he includes the rights of every human. The audience concerning their well being of is captivated and becomes aware of the situation. Furthermore in Dance with the Devil by Immortal Techniques, the artist reveals the truth that not everyone is good, that everyone has evil in them. The artists engagement of all races and of the welfare of the people gains the attention f the audience and is effective. For example, the artist says that the person right next to you could be the devil and that the devil consumes the hearts of the selfish and the wicked. (Text 3, Lines 1,2, and 5. ) His use of the devil as evil supports his belief that not everything is good. First-hand observation and personal narrative is required to have effective writing in order to grasp the attention of the audience. This is evident in Frederick Douglass A Narrative Life of Frederick Douglass, Malcolm Xs The Ballot or the Bullet, and Immortal Techniques Dance with the Devil.

Standard American Diet Versus a Nutritarian Diet

Standard American Diet Versus a Nutritarian Diet Essential Nutrients Macronutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, and fat; they supply the calories to our body for energy and growth. Micronutrients include vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals; they do not contain calories but are essential for health and growth. They are found in whole foods, vegetables, beans, berries, and seeds. Standard American Diet In the standard American diet (SAD) about 85 percent of calories come from low-nutrient, high-calorie processed foods, animal products, dairy products and sweets. All these foods contribute to weight gain, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Only 10 percent of the SAD is from natural plants such as vegetables, beans, seeds and nuts, which contain micronutrients that help protect blood vessels and prevent cancer. Thats why we have an epidemic of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The Nutritarian Diet, Health Equation, and ANDI Scores A nutritarian diet is a diet plan rich in micronutrients based on the health equation: Health (H) = Nutrients (N) / Calories (C) This means the more nutrient dense your diet, the healthier you become. The Aggregate Nutrient Density Index (ANDI) ranks the nutrient value of many common foods based on the amount of nutrients per calorie. This system ranks foods on a scale from 1 to 1,000, with the most nutrient-dense cruciferous leafy green vegetables (kale, collard greens, mustard greens, and watercress) scoring at 1,000. The table in Dr. Fuhrmans ANDI Scores (https://www.drfuhrman.com/learn/library/articles/95/andi-food-scores-rating-the-nutrient-density-of-foods) is a list of ANDI Scores of many common foods. The Eat to Live Plan is a nutritarian diet plan with the following features: Large portions of green vegetables, raw or cooked Animal products limited to no more than three small servings per week No dairy, white flour, and white rice No processed foods, cold cereals, and sweets No sweeteners, except fruits and limited unsulfured dried fruits Carbohydrates with high ANDI scores, such as beans, peas, squashes, lentils, and intact whole grains Protective foods such as walnuts, mushrooms, onion, berries, and seeds. Food Pyramid Beef, sweets, cheese, milk, processed food, hydrogenated oil Rarely Poultry, eggs, oils Once a week or less Fish/Fat-free dairy Twice a week or less Raw nuts/Seeds 10-20% of calories Fruits 15-25% of calories Beans/Legumes 20-30% of calories Vegetables half raw and half cooked 30-70% of calories Glycemic Index (GI) and Glycemic Load (GL) Refined grain products-such as bagels, white bread, pasta, white rice, most breakfast cereals, and other processed grains- have low nutrient value. These foods are rapidly digested and converted to sugar, raising the glucose level in the bloodstream in the same way as if you had consumed a cube of sugar. Studies have shown that long-term intake of refined grain products causes weight gain and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. The glycemic index (GI) ranks food on a scale from 0 to 100 according to their impact on blood sugar levels after eating. Foods with a high GI are digested and absorbed rapidly, producing steep rises in blood sugar and insulin levels. Low-GI foods are digested and absorbed slowly, producing gradual rises in blood sugar and insulin levels. The glycemic load (GL) measures the actual calories of glucose produced by a serving of the food. Carrot is a good example of the lack of precision inherent in using only the GI measure. Carrots GI is 35, which is fairly high. But when carrots are eaten raw, their glycemic effect is lessened as the body does not absorb all the calories in raw foods. Carrots GL is only 3. It is not a negative food, even for the diabetics. The Glycemic Index (GI) Food Chart (http://documents.hants.gov.uk/hms/HealthyEatingontheRun-LowGlycemicIndexFoodList.pdf) shows the GI for many common foods. Studies have shown that a diet with a higher GL is associated with a greater risk of colorectal, endometrial, and breast cancers. Refined grain products, soft drinks, and fruit juices can cause weight gain and lead to diabetes. Studies also show the this link becomes stronger as the individuals weight and insulin resistance increases.

Strategies for Risk Management in Construction

Strategies for Risk Management in Construction 1.1 Introduction Risk management is one of the subfields on nine knowledge area in project management. Risk management is about managing uncertainty that inherent in most projects that require formal project management, using ‘uncertainty in the plain English ‘lack of certainty sense. Risk management also refer to a series of processes which are required for the identification, analysis, and reaction towards the projects risk in order to maximize the effects of positive uncertainty even and minimize the consequences of negative uncertainty even. Risk management also been organise in developed countries. This due to the risk management is better applied in the developed countries. Comparing with other countries with various situations, Malaysia is a developing country which the politic, economy, social and technology have mad specific risks especially related. Unfortunately, in Malaysia, the management of risk is not so systematic and requires more research and development. Malaysia seems to be developing countries because the demand for founding infrastructures is highly increasing. Currently, the government is enforcing the development plan. National economic will be burden if the plan is falling behind. This means that it is important to recognise the risks that endanger the plan. A lot of budget was spent on investment in the construction industry. The application of risk management will result in taking correct, regulated, and prompt decision through being informed about the environment despite the complication and changes in the construction industries. 1.2 Problem Statement Knowing the environment and be capable in decision making in a prompt and correct manner is the key to success in managing todays challenge and risk imminent. In case of not recognise both internal and external risks factor of the project, the managerial decision-making error will take place. Moreover, it will cause problems in time and cost assessment forecasting. Through risk management, it can identify the risk generating factor and control or remove such risk factors through analyzing and choosing the suitable action. As one of the subfields in the nine knowledge area of project management, risk management is still being paid less attention in Malaysia. In very few organisations, employers or contractors can be seen who have a proper insight into risk management. There are no any practical guidelines to be properly implemented for risk management in this industry. Furthermore, as a result of lack of binding regulations, current regulations cannot force construction parties to undertake risk management. So, by adopting scientific approach to risk management, introducing its process and eventually its compliance with existing realities in development plans, particularly in project are a necessity. The issue of risk management was for the first time raised in mid-1990s in the United States. Laws and regulations for applying risk management in projects have now been adopted. Since risk management is a new field, except for several seminars and universities research project, applied research has not taken place in risk management in Malaysia. 1.3 Research Questions i. What kind of risks occurs in the construction projects and what are their factors? ii. What are the strategies that been applied in dealing with risk? 1.4 Research Objectives i. To identify risk factors in construction industry. ii. To identify strategies of risk management applied in construction industry. 1.5 Scope of Study This research is focuses on the implementation of risk management in the Malaysia construction industry. Therefore, the scope of this study is only limited in Pahang where respondents have been chosen randomly out of this area. Moreover, the respondents comprised of contractors registering in Grade 7. The reasons for being such is that the categorization of the grade of contractors reflect, to a great extent, the size of project that being executed in the company and the size of the company. Grade 7 of contractors is regarded as big companies with large-size projects. Depending on their size of project and their company, the risk that they encounter will differ. As a result of this, to make sure the data obtained could be reliable, its necessary to limit the respondents based on the size of project and company. 1.6 Expected Findings This research will achieve some precious advantages. First is to enhance the consciousness of different key personnel of project resulting in performing the project reliably while considering issues like risk management in general management project. To accomplish this, its essential to implement theoretical concepts mentioned in numerous literatures in reality. This can guarantee a well project management through attempting to prevent from normal issues in projects like poor quality of products, cost overrun, and delays. CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Introduction Risk will bring effect on the project cost, time, and scope. This chapter covers the construction project risks. All the risks will be recognised and categories into a number of group. Then, the current trend in risk management researches would be considered. In order to meet the first objective, identification and classification the strategies used by the project manager used to avoid the risk in their project. The second objective will be fulfilling through identification and classification of risk factor in construction projects. 2.2 Definitions 2.2.1 Risk Risk is an uncertain event or condition that, if it occurs, it can bring a positive or negative effect on a project objective (PMBOOK, 2000). Risk also can be defined as an uncertain event or set of circumstances if it occur, it will give effect on the achievement of the projects objectives (APM, 1997). This definition is widely use and gather welcoming upside and unwelcome downside effects. This definition works in theory but fails in practice. In this study, the effect of risk in construction project is through the way of integrated method, namely size of consequences and probabilities of happening have been measured. In the construction project, there is a lot of risk in every phase. This is the norm of any project not only in construction project. Construction firms want to have projects at international level. In every construction project, risks are present. Risks in international construction projects are more critical as compared to domestic projects especially when developin g countries are involved. That is the reason risk is desirable for international construction firms who want to do construction projects in foreign country, to identify the risks as early as possible, so that suitable strategies can be made for the penetration in to the foreign construction market and to manage these risks before the actual execution of projects on international level. Risk consequences in construction projects may reach an undesirable level because of inadequate resources and lack of advancements in technologies, therefore a thorough awareness and identification of risks is essential to prepare suitable strategies. International construction projects have many risks involved due to the nature of their structure. There are more parties involved and more phases are present in international construction projects than a conventional construction project. Each party has its different objectives. This difference in the objectives of parties leads to conflict of interest which is a root cause of risks in international construction projects. 2.2.2 Risk Factor Construction project is divided into separate phases. At the end of each phase, appraisal can be made and assessment of risk involved in proceeding with the project. The management of risk therefore a continue process and should span all the phases of the project. Since project risks are dynamic, a risk assessment must be carried out at the end of each phase prior to proceeding to the next phase. In fact, active management of risk must continue between the review points until the project is complete. Risk can also change during a phase. The result is a complete re-appraisal may need to be performed. There is a generic acknowledgement that human factors are the most important element that affects the project success. According to (Lynch, 2002), human factors bring affect to project success. A series of errors by a steel contractor lead to a near miss at Canary Wharf when a two-tonne pre-cast staircase fell from a crane and landed on the ground metres from a crowded side office. It was reported that the stairs fell when the left side eyebolt lifting pin of the staircase lifting gear came free. The load was transfer to the right-hand bolt, causing it ti shear. The report confirmed that the eyebolt was not correctly inserted. Independent testing agency Lloyds British examined key parts of the lifting equipment and concludes that the equipment would be sufficient had it been assembled correctly. Shortfalls in the firms arrangement at the site were criticised. No risk assessment or method statement had been drawn up specifically for the lifting operation and key decision were left to operators who were not trained to use eyebolt. All these shortcomings fall in sphere of human factors as defined earlier. 2.2.2 Risk Management Risk management is widely use by the companies or organizations to ensure the control of risk in the business process. In this research, the simplest possible approach to describe the risk management process is chosen due to the context of the construction sector. According to (Norman, 1993) risk management is a system use to identify and quantify all risk to a business or project that is exposed so that conscious decision can be taken on the way to manage the risk. Risk management also been mention in the PMBOOK as one of the nine areas of project management and has been illustrated as the process concerned with conducting risk management planning, identification, analysis, responses, and monitoring, and control on a project. 2.2.3 Fundamentals of Risk Management There are a lot of risks in the construction projects, and there is no standard method that can explain about the risk management. According to (Telford, 1998) risk in construction industry is the existence of real or possible chances or dangers affecting projects objective while commissioning or operating the project. According to (J. Walewski, 2002) , risks can be categories into two parts. The first part is pure risk when there is the possibility of financial gain. The second part is speculative risk that includes the possibility of both gains and losses. 2.3 Risk Management Process Project Risk Management involves procedure considering executing risk management planning, identification, analysis, response and monitoring, and control on a project. This procedure can update the majority of the project. Project risk management aims to enhance the possibility and effect of positive event, and reduce the possibility and effect of negative incident to the project. According to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, (PMBOOK, A guide to the project management body of knowledge, 2004), the Project Risk Management Process 2.3.1 Risk Identification Risk identification has two types which are prescriptive and creative. These two types of risk identification has their own function but they must be cautiously handled in order to make sure the process of identifying risk is economic. The result in the utilization of checklists of standard risk distinguished to appear in a special context when there is an attempt to modify the risk identification. Even though checklist is fast to make, but it is inclines to prepare the anticipations of the engaged, and the identification of risks going beyond the experience summarized in the list. The result of using the checklist method can be high, but if they are to have a function, it suggest that they better retained for examining the identification process, and make sure there is no familiar issues have been skipped or ignored. Brainstorming is another method that being hold in a group and it is the favoured method. This is a little more challenging for the participants compared to checklist method but the brainstorming seems more efficient. Brainstorming predict the identification process to gain inspiration from the wide capacity of the participants, due to decreasing the risk that is inadequate consideration will be given to new and more emergent issues, as can occur with the checklist method. 2.3.3 Risk Analysis The risk analysis is implement in each risk as significance rating structure that is considering any existent factors that might be occur which will function to check the risk. The risk analysis can be implementing with qualitative impact and likelihood scale and a matrix clarifying the significance of different composition of the risk. When risks are complicated by themselves that possibly includes various related impacts and events, some types of modelling might be essential. The significance of a risk is connected to a well explained event that will be a composition of the impact and likelihood of the risks. The significance of an unsure quantity will be a function of its three type of value which are the maximum, minimum, and most likely values. 2.3.4 Risk Evaluation Risk can be occurring in any situation. When there are just a lot of risks at the work, the evaluation phase may be proportionately simple and easy. On the other hand, it is a critical step for obtaining an accepted view of the proportionate of the recognized risks. Risk evaluation takes the primary analysis and examines the risks that occur towards the companys known preferences. Any risks which is too high or too low significance are adapted, with a record of the fact being hold for the purpose of tracking. 2.3.5 Risk Treatment Risk treatment comprises what should be done in order to give reaction to recognized risks. Any plans which were thought of before the risk management process commenced are enlarged with actions that been taken to manage the risks before they occur and providing contingency plans with which to get back if a risk happen. 2.3.6 Monitoring and Review In monitoring and review ingredient of the process, there are two levels of them. The other five steps must be remained under an examination as the time passes. Finding of better information may make the first evaluation out of date. It is now usually essential to start the whole process or repeat it once again when risks occurs, not until the change is especially deep, but those parts which are immediately influenced by changing occasions should be updated from time to time. The second step is the monitoring of the performance of the other five levels. The implementation of the risk management process attracts sources and should be administered in order to make sure that it is performed cost-effectively. 2.3.7 Communication and Consultation Communication and consultation is the key component of the risk management process and a major beneficial side effect. Risk management is success when it achieves a high level of creative input and involving all parties with a role to play in achieving a successful outcome for the project or business process being addressed. In both the planning and execution phase in the risk management process, it is prominent to make sure all those individuals who need to be involved are given adequate opportunity to do so and are kept informed of developments in the understanding of risks and the measurement taken to deal with them. 2.4 Tools and Techniques for Risk Response Planning In every project, the risks can raise when there are a lot of phases and tasks to be done in such a way that the least consideration is delivered to main issues of the project. According to (Bajaj, 2000), individual members of the project are usually focus only on the role that they have in the project risks and voluntarily or involuntarily try to pass these risks on to other project members. This means they do not want to take the responsibility to handle the risk by themselves. The crucial part of risk management is mitigating risk by minimize their effects. A systematic risk management strategy which is executed properly shall decrease the adverse effects. Risk mitigation that been properly planned and well managed is a replacement of uncertain and volatile events with a more predictable or controlled response ( (Chapman, 2002). A proper risk mitigation strategy is very important in order to reduce the likelihood of happening or possible influence and doubtfulness of a risk event. There are four types of risk management strategy which are: i. Risk avoidance which when a risk is not accepted and other lower risk choices are available from several alternatives; ii. Risk acceptance which when a conscious decision is made to accept the outcomes the event should occur; iii. Risk control which when a process of sequentially monitoring and improving the situation on the project is used. This process includes the development of a risk reduction plan and then pursuing the plan. This means that mitigation strategy is the most common risk management and handling technique; iv. Risk transfer which when the risk is shared with others. Sharing the risk with others involve contractual shifting, performance encouragement, insurance, warranties, bonds, and so on. 2.5 Classification of Risks in Construction The first stage in risk management is risk identification. Risk identification is recognising any risks that can be occur in the construction projects. Risk classification is one of the part in risk identification which is the trying to manage different risks that can give impact and influence a construction project. According to (Chapman, 2001), risk has four subcategories which are project, industry, client, and environment. From the other related literature, out of 58 risks recognized connected to construction joint ventures, (Shen, 2001) categorised them in 6 groups according to risks nature like financial, economy, technical, politic, and management. As a result, there are a lot of methods that can be use to categorizing risks that can affect to construction projects. According to other study by (Kalayjian, 2000), in the Third World of Construction classified that some of the most representative kinds of risks that are commonly use in todays global construction area are: i. Financial Risk is the economic feasibility in a project that relies on its capital organizing and capacity to draw dependable resources of financing at logical terms. Risks contain the owners power of acquiring enough budgets, deposit payment, receive tax incentives, and expect instability of currency exchange rates. ii. Design and Construction Risk which is in the construction project itself. To be success in construction projects, the managerial teams must have a power decision making. Risks that must be take care are an effective team selection process, obtaining permits and third party concurrence in timely fashion, procurement of adequate labour, materials and equipment, monitoring all changes in project scope, quality control assurance, and ensuring overall compliance with contractual obligations. iii. Weather and Environmental Risk is about the mother nature situation. In construction sites, there is vulnerable change in the weather and natural disaster like earthquakes, monsoons, and flood. Other risk can be reducing the other dangerous wastes and severe environmental legislation. iv. Economic and political risk is a risk which also can affect the construction project. The performance of economic in a country and political stability has a significant effect in construction activity and investment. Prominent risks consist of financial policy and governmental monetary responsibility, resources availability, development of infrastructures, internal stability, changes in managerial schedule, and political management. On the other research done by (Hassanein, 2007), there are several risk that has been identified which are: i. financial risks: the checklist mentioned about some financial risks which are related to the projects in this study. ii. Technical risks: the checklist show allowances for similar standards and codes. This is because the two projects studied were tendered internationally which causes contractors from different countries. iii. Risk related to change: the checklist addressed certain provisions concerning the simultaneous progress of design and construction phases on the two fast track project under study. iv. Consortium risk: in some contracts, contractors are requested to make partnership including foreign and local contractors as a necessity of tendering qualification. v. Owner obligation risks: the checklist embraced factors which should be stated in the contract to clarify owners responsibilities and to guarantee these responsibilities would be come up with on time. These include an obvious interpretation of these responsibilities, time frame for their execution and declaration of amendments if these responsibilities are not executed shall be contained in the contracts. vi. Risks regarding interface with other contractors: the checklist included specific items to mitigate risks related to interfaces with other contractors. vii. Risks regarding interface with other contractors: the checklist included specific items to mitigate risks related to interfaces with other contractors. According to (Tang, 2007), the most important risks in project are poor quality of work, premature failure of the facility, safety, financial, and incorrect design risk. 2.7 Barriers of Implementation of Risk Management According to (Liu, 2007), the most dominant risk in the construction industry is the unsupportive culture within the industry. As a result, the lack of proficiency and experience is the general reluctance for implementation of risk management in the Chinas construction industry. Lack of proficiency and experience causes contractors to be unable to identify the significance and advantages of risk management. To improve the low understanding towards risk is through changing the culture of enterprise. This is because it is essential for Chinese contractors to agree with the risk managements concept as well as execute risk management techniques. The professionals behaviour seems the most significant issue affecting the improvement of risk management in the Chinese construction industry. Organizational learning becomes the critical element of an incorporated risk management procedure which being the learning structure formed to assist Chinese contractors in developing their performance an d knowledge towards risk management. In fact, to transform the modern knowledge to their own knowledge using organizational learning seems become the critical issue for Chinese contractors in order to develop their ambitious. According to (Baloi, 2003), it appears that professionals have not completely understood the value of risk management. This is because there are advances in the methods of risk management and availability of the enormous body of knowledge of risk management. The professionals recognised language, implementation costs, and educational barriers and a fear of change to be the principal barriers of the efficient conformance. According to (Hlaing, 2008), Singapore construction contractors on construction risk identification asserted that the reason that preventing the implementation of risk management process is money but it is not the major constraint for implementing risk management program for the companies but the most important risk in the list is lack of time. This is same as stated by (Lyons, 2004), identified that time constraint is a main restriction. The activities of construction industry are really related to time when the manufacture of the construction is basically used just-in-time for the manufacture need of customer. 2.8 Risk Identification Methods In order to be successful in project management, it requires the ability to predict the risks that affecting the project scope, time, and cost. However, there are a lot of researches about risk identification, risk assessment, and management for executed facilities is focusing on types of projects or categories of risks aspects. It is related to the literature from (Howell, 2001) about the political risks that exist. Now a day, the construction industry still cannot identify the risks that occur in the project activities. According to (Walewski, 2002), the worth of systematic risk management of activities on project has not been identified. This is because the lack of common vision about risk and the parties that involved in construction industry such as owners, designers, investors, and contractors have different objectives and the relationship among them are prevalent contradict. All of the project parties not systematically make their efforts at organizing risk analysis management among themselves and this particularly correct between contractors and owners. (Fang, 2004) show a model for risk assessment. The model use for tendering project in Chinese building project based on assessment and identification of critical risks in the Chinese construction industry. As a result, the projects risk could be evaluated by analyzing the issues such as the competition for tendering and reasonableness of bid price, lack of cooperation between contractors and the owner. In other study done by (Hassanein, 2007), the marked lack of consistency in the contractors risk identification effort been identified as the risk in the power station projects on Egypt. The contractors who have more experience in Egypt were better to identify the relevant risk. Vice versa, the local Egyptian contractors who have vast experience in Egypt but limited project management experience were not really expert to properly identify risks and to take the appropriate exceptions. In fact, the bidders do not include in their proposals on their true lists of exceptions which represent genuine risks to them. CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.1 Introduction This chapter will cover how the research will conduct to achieve the objectives of this study. The methodology that will be use are questionnaire survey among the Pahang construction professionals, and preliminary interviews with experts will carry out. The steps are as follows: 3.2 Data Collection 3.2.1 Interview Interview is the effective procedure of data collection because the actuality of condition could be perceived specifically and comprehensively while conducting the interview. For the purpose of this study, as the scope of this study is limited to Pahang, the interview sessions will conduct through two main ways which are telephone interview as well as email interview through the internet. 3.2.2 Questionnaire Questionnaire survey is one of the others way of data collection carry out among selected construction practitioners involve in construction projects. This specialist will working in contractor construction companies. The questionnaire will be identified from interview with construction practitioners and through literature review. The survey questionnaire will administer through e-mail and fax, and postal questionnaire, and secondly through the distribution to selected contractors which are project managers, managing directors, chairman, and head of technical departments operating in the Pahang construction industry. 3.3 Data Analysis All returned questionnaire will be check from completeness and suitability for use in statistical analysis. Next, all the data collected from the questionnaire will be analyse with the assistance of statistical software program called Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). After putting the data in SPSS software program, some statistical method will be apply to the data through frequency analysis and mean index, risk analysis matrix, and single sample T-test. After putting questionnaire data into SPSS, some statistical method will be applied to the using frequency analysis and mean index, risk analysis matrix, and correlation test. 3.4 Measurement Most of the question will applied using five point of Likert scale, and other question will applied with multiple choice. The most common scale that will be use is 1 to 5. There are three sections in the questionnaire. Section A will cover about the level of risk in construction project. Participant will be given three choices of answer which is low, medium, and high to scale the risk level according to their perspective. In section B, the typical Likert scale take the following format: Risk level Rare Unlikely Possible Likely Almost certain Score 1 2 3 4 5 Table 3.1: Risk factors In section C, the respondent will be asked to choose the scale between 1 to 5. The scale 1 shows a condition which the probability of strategies been use is minor where scale 5 means the maximum probability of risk strategies usage. Strategies Not important Little important Average Important Very important Score 1 2 3 4 5 Strategies for Risk Management in Construction Strategies for Risk Management in Construction 1.1 Introduction Risk management is one of the subfields on nine knowledge area in project management. Risk management is about managing uncertainty that inherent in most projects that require formal project management, using ‘uncertainty in the plain English ‘lack of certainty sense. Risk management also refer to a series of processes which are required for the identification, analysis, and reaction towards the projects risk in order to maximize the effects of positive uncertainty even and minimize the consequences of negative uncertainty even. Risk management also been organise in developed countries. This due to the risk management is better applied in the developed countries. Comparing with other countries with various situations, Malaysia is a developing country which the politic, economy, social and technology have mad specific risks especially related. Unfortunately, in Malaysia, the management of risk is not so systematic and requires more research and development. Malaysia seems to be developing countries because the demand for founding infrastructures is highly increasing. Currently, the government is enforcing the development plan. National economic will be burden if the plan is falling behind. This means that it is important to recognise the risks that endanger the plan. A lot of budget was spent on investment in the construction industry. The application of risk management will result in taking correct, regulated, and prompt decision through being informed about the environment despite the complication and changes in the construction industries. 1.2 Problem Statement Knowing the environment and be capable in decision making in a prompt and correct manner is the key to success in managing todays challenge and risk imminent. In case of not recognise both internal and external risks factor of the project, the managerial decision-making error will take place. Moreover, it will cause problems in time and cost assessment forecasting. Through risk management, it can identify the risk generating factor and control or remove such risk factors through analyzing and choosing the suitable action. As one of the subfields in the nine knowledge area of project management, risk management is still being paid less attention in Malaysia. In very few organisations, employers or contractors can be seen who have a proper insight into risk management. There are no any practical guidelines to be properly implemented for risk management in this industry. Furthermore, as a result of lack of binding regulations, current regulations cannot force construction parties to undertake risk management. So, by adopting scientific approach to risk management, introducing its process and eventually its compliance with existing realities in development plans, particularly in project are a necessity. The issue of risk management was for the first time raised in mid-1990s in the United States. Laws and regulations for applying risk management in projects have now been adopted. Since risk management is a new field, except for several seminars and universities research project, applied research has not taken place in risk management in Malaysia. 1.3 Research Questions i. What kind of risks occurs in the construction projects and what are their factors? ii. What are the strategies that been applied in dealing with risk? 1.4 Research Objectives i. To identify risk factors in construction industry. ii. To identify strategies of risk management applied in construction industry. 1.5 Scope of Study This research is focuses on the implementation of risk management in the Malaysia construction industry. Therefore, the scope of this study is only limited in Pahang where respondents have been chosen randomly out of this area. Moreover, the respondents comprised of contractors registering in Grade 7. The reasons for being such is that the categorization of the grade of contractors reflect, to a great extent, the size of project that being executed in the company and the size of the company. Grade 7 of contractors is regarded as big companies with large-size projects. Depending on their size of project and their company, the risk that they encounter will differ. As a result of this, to make sure the data obtained could be reliable, its necessary to limit the respondents based on the size of project and company. 1.6 Expected Findings This research will achieve some precious advantages. First is to enhance the consciousness of different key personnel of project resulting in performing the project reliably while considering issues like risk management in general management project. To accomplish this, its essential to implement theoretical concepts mentioned in numerous literatures in reality. This can guarantee a well project management through attempting to prevent from normal issues in projects like poor quality of products, cost overrun, and delays. CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Introduction Risk will bring effect on the project cost, time, and scope. This chapter covers the construction project risks. All the risks will be recognised and categories into a number of group. Then, the current trend in risk management researches would be considered. In order to meet the first objective, identification and classification the strategies used by the project manager used to avoid the risk in their project. The second objective will be fulfilling through identification and classification of risk factor in construction projects. 2.2 Definitions 2.2.1 Risk Risk is an uncertain event or condition that, if it occurs, it can bring a positive or negative effect on a project objective (PMBOOK, 2000). Risk also can be defined as an uncertain event or set of circumstances if it occur, it will give effect on the achievement of the projects objectives (APM, 1997). This definition is widely use and gather welcoming upside and unwelcome downside effects. This definition works in theory but fails in practice. In this study, the effect of risk in construction project is through the way of integrated method, namely size of consequences and probabilities of happening have been measured. In the construction project, there is a lot of risk in every phase. This is the norm of any project not only in construction project. Construction firms want to have projects at international level. In every construction project, risks are present. Risks in international construction projects are more critical as compared to domestic projects especially when developin g countries are involved. That is the reason risk is desirable for international construction firms who want to do construction projects in foreign country, to identify the risks as early as possible, so that suitable strategies can be made for the penetration in to the foreign construction market and to manage these risks before the actual execution of projects on international level. Risk consequences in construction projects may reach an undesirable level because of inadequate resources and lack of advancements in technologies, therefore a thorough awareness and identification of risks is essential to prepare suitable strategies. International construction projects have many risks involved due to the nature of their structure. There are more parties involved and more phases are present in international construction projects than a conventional construction project. Each party has its different objectives. This difference in the objectives of parties leads to conflict of interest which is a root cause of risks in international construction projects. 2.2.2 Risk Factor Construction project is divided into separate phases. At the end of each phase, appraisal can be made and assessment of risk involved in proceeding with the project. The management of risk therefore a continue process and should span all the phases of the project. Since project risks are dynamic, a risk assessment must be carried out at the end of each phase prior to proceeding to the next phase. In fact, active management of risk must continue between the review points until the project is complete. Risk can also change during a phase. The result is a complete re-appraisal may need to be performed. There is a generic acknowledgement that human factors are the most important element that affects the project success. According to (Lynch, 2002), human factors bring affect to project success. A series of errors by a steel contractor lead to a near miss at Canary Wharf when a two-tonne pre-cast staircase fell from a crane and landed on the ground metres from a crowded side office. It was reported that the stairs fell when the left side eyebolt lifting pin of the staircase lifting gear came free. The load was transfer to the right-hand bolt, causing it ti shear. The report confirmed that the eyebolt was not correctly inserted. Independent testing agency Lloyds British examined key parts of the lifting equipment and concludes that the equipment would be sufficient had it been assembled correctly. Shortfalls in the firms arrangement at the site were criticised. No risk assessment or method statement had been drawn up specifically for the lifting operation and key decision were left to operators who were not trained to use eyebolt. All these shortcomings fall in sphere of human factors as defined earlier. 2.2.2 Risk Management Risk management is widely use by the companies or organizations to ensure the control of risk in the business process. In this research, the simplest possible approach to describe the risk management process is chosen due to the context of the construction sector. According to (Norman, 1993) risk management is a system use to identify and quantify all risk to a business or project that is exposed so that conscious decision can be taken on the way to manage the risk. Risk management also been mention in the PMBOOK as one of the nine areas of project management and has been illustrated as the process concerned with conducting risk management planning, identification, analysis, responses, and monitoring, and control on a project. 2.2.3 Fundamentals of Risk Management There are a lot of risks in the construction projects, and there is no standard method that can explain about the risk management. According to (Telford, 1998) risk in construction industry is the existence of real or possible chances or dangers affecting projects objective while commissioning or operating the project. According to (J. Walewski, 2002) , risks can be categories into two parts. The first part is pure risk when there is the possibility of financial gain. The second part is speculative risk that includes the possibility of both gains and losses. 2.3 Risk Management Process Project Risk Management involves procedure considering executing risk management planning, identification, analysis, response and monitoring, and control on a project. This procedure can update the majority of the project. Project risk management aims to enhance the possibility and effect of positive event, and reduce the possibility and effect of negative incident to the project. According to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, (PMBOOK, A guide to the project management body of knowledge, 2004), the Project Risk Management Process 2.3.1 Risk Identification Risk identification has two types which are prescriptive and creative. These two types of risk identification has their own function but they must be cautiously handled in order to make sure the process of identifying risk is economic. The result in the utilization of checklists of standard risk distinguished to appear in a special context when there is an attempt to modify the risk identification. Even though checklist is fast to make, but it is inclines to prepare the anticipations of the engaged, and the identification of risks going beyond the experience summarized in the list. The result of using the checklist method can be high, but if they are to have a function, it suggest that they better retained for examining the identification process, and make sure there is no familiar issues have been skipped or ignored. Brainstorming is another method that being hold in a group and it is the favoured method. This is a little more challenging for the participants compared to checklist method but the brainstorming seems more efficient. Brainstorming predict the identification process to gain inspiration from the wide capacity of the participants, due to decreasing the risk that is inadequate consideration will be given to new and more emergent issues, as can occur with the checklist method. 2.3.3 Risk Analysis The risk analysis is implement in each risk as significance rating structure that is considering any existent factors that might be occur which will function to check the risk. The risk analysis can be implementing with qualitative impact and likelihood scale and a matrix clarifying the significance of different composition of the risk. When risks are complicated by themselves that possibly includes various related impacts and events, some types of modelling might be essential. The significance of a risk is connected to a well explained event that will be a composition of the impact and likelihood of the risks. The significance of an unsure quantity will be a function of its three type of value which are the maximum, minimum, and most likely values. 2.3.4 Risk Evaluation Risk can be occurring in any situation. When there are just a lot of risks at the work, the evaluation phase may be proportionately simple and easy. On the other hand, it is a critical step for obtaining an accepted view of the proportionate of the recognized risks. Risk evaluation takes the primary analysis and examines the risks that occur towards the companys known preferences. Any risks which is too high or too low significance are adapted, with a record of the fact being hold for the purpose of tracking. 2.3.5 Risk Treatment Risk treatment comprises what should be done in order to give reaction to recognized risks. Any plans which were thought of before the risk management process commenced are enlarged with actions that been taken to manage the risks before they occur and providing contingency plans with which to get back if a risk happen. 2.3.6 Monitoring and Review In monitoring and review ingredient of the process, there are two levels of them. The other five steps must be remained under an examination as the time passes. Finding of better information may make the first evaluation out of date. It is now usually essential to start the whole process or repeat it once again when risks occurs, not until the change is especially deep, but those parts which are immediately influenced by changing occasions should be updated from time to time. The second step is the monitoring of the performance of the other five levels. The implementation of the risk management process attracts sources and should be administered in order to make sure that it is performed cost-effectively. 2.3.7 Communication and Consultation Communication and consultation is the key component of the risk management process and a major beneficial side effect. Risk management is success when it achieves a high level of creative input and involving all parties with a role to play in achieving a successful outcome for the project or business process being addressed. In both the planning and execution phase in the risk management process, it is prominent to make sure all those individuals who need to be involved are given adequate opportunity to do so and are kept informed of developments in the understanding of risks and the measurement taken to deal with them. 2.4 Tools and Techniques for Risk Response Planning In every project, the risks can raise when there are a lot of phases and tasks to be done in such a way that the least consideration is delivered to main issues of the project. According to (Bajaj, 2000), individual members of the project are usually focus only on the role that they have in the project risks and voluntarily or involuntarily try to pass these risks on to other project members. This means they do not want to take the responsibility to handle the risk by themselves. The crucial part of risk management is mitigating risk by minimize their effects. A systematic risk management strategy which is executed properly shall decrease the adverse effects. Risk mitigation that been properly planned and well managed is a replacement of uncertain and volatile events with a more predictable or controlled response ( (Chapman, 2002). A proper risk mitigation strategy is very important in order to reduce the likelihood of happening or possible influence and doubtfulness of a risk event. There are four types of risk management strategy which are: i. Risk avoidance which when a risk is not accepted and other lower risk choices are available from several alternatives; ii. Risk acceptance which when a conscious decision is made to accept the outcomes the event should occur; iii. Risk control which when a process of sequentially monitoring and improving the situation on the project is used. This process includes the development of a risk reduction plan and then pursuing the plan. This means that mitigation strategy is the most common risk management and handling technique; iv. Risk transfer which when the risk is shared with others. Sharing the risk with others involve contractual shifting, performance encouragement, insurance, warranties, bonds, and so on. 2.5 Classification of Risks in Construction The first stage in risk management is risk identification. Risk identification is recognising any risks that can be occur in the construction projects. Risk classification is one of the part in risk identification which is the trying to manage different risks that can give impact and influence a construction project. According to (Chapman, 2001), risk has four subcategories which are project, industry, client, and environment. From the other related literature, out of 58 risks recognized connected to construction joint ventures, (Shen, 2001) categorised them in 6 groups according to risks nature like financial, economy, technical, politic, and management. As a result, there are a lot of methods that can be use to categorizing risks that can affect to construction projects. According to other study by (Kalayjian, 2000), in the Third World of Construction classified that some of the most representative kinds of risks that are commonly use in todays global construction area are: i. Financial Risk is the economic feasibility in a project that relies on its capital organizing and capacity to draw dependable resources of financing at logical terms. Risks contain the owners power of acquiring enough budgets, deposit payment, receive tax incentives, and expect instability of currency exchange rates. ii. Design and Construction Risk which is in the construction project itself. To be success in construction projects, the managerial teams must have a power decision making. Risks that must be take care are an effective team selection process, obtaining permits and third party concurrence in timely fashion, procurement of adequate labour, materials and equipment, monitoring all changes in project scope, quality control assurance, and ensuring overall compliance with contractual obligations. iii. Weather and Environmental Risk is about the mother nature situation. In construction sites, there is vulnerable change in the weather and natural disaster like earthquakes, monsoons, and flood. Other risk can be reducing the other dangerous wastes and severe environmental legislation. iv. Economic and political risk is a risk which also can affect the construction project. The performance of economic in a country and political stability has a significant effect in construction activity and investment. Prominent risks consist of financial policy and governmental monetary responsibility, resources availability, development of infrastructures, internal stability, changes in managerial schedule, and political management. On the other research done by (Hassanein, 2007), there are several risk that has been identified which are: i. financial risks: the checklist mentioned about some financial risks which are related to the projects in this study. ii. Technical risks: the checklist show allowances for similar standards and codes. This is because the two projects studied were tendered internationally which causes contractors from different countries. iii. Risk related to change: the checklist addressed certain provisions concerning the simultaneous progress of design and construction phases on the two fast track project under study. iv. Consortium risk: in some contracts, contractors are requested to make partnership including foreign and local contractors as a necessity of tendering qualification. v. Owner obligation risks: the checklist embraced factors which should be stated in the contract to clarify owners responsibilities and to guarantee these responsibilities would be come up with on time. These include an obvious interpretation of these responsibilities, time frame for their execution and declaration of amendments if these responsibilities are not executed shall be contained in the contracts. vi. Risks regarding interface with other contractors: the checklist included specific items to mitigate risks related to interfaces with other contractors. vii. Risks regarding interface with other contractors: the checklist included specific items to mitigate risks related to interfaces with other contractors. According to (Tang, 2007), the most important risks in project are poor quality of work, premature failure of the facility, safety, financial, and incorrect design risk. 2.7 Barriers of Implementation of Risk Management According to (Liu, 2007), the most dominant risk in the construction industry is the unsupportive culture within the industry. As a result, the lack of proficiency and experience is the general reluctance for implementation of risk management in the Chinas construction industry. Lack of proficiency and experience causes contractors to be unable to identify the significance and advantages of risk management. To improve the low understanding towards risk is through changing the culture of enterprise. This is because it is essential for Chinese contractors to agree with the risk managements concept as well as execute risk management techniques. The professionals behaviour seems the most significant issue affecting the improvement of risk management in the Chinese construction industry. Organizational learning becomes the critical element of an incorporated risk management procedure which being the learning structure formed to assist Chinese contractors in developing their performance an d knowledge towards risk management. In fact, to transform the modern knowledge to their own knowledge using organizational learning seems become the critical issue for Chinese contractors in order to develop their ambitious. According to (Baloi, 2003), it appears that professionals have not completely understood the value of risk management. This is because there are advances in the methods of risk management and availability of the enormous body of knowledge of risk management. The professionals recognised language, implementation costs, and educational barriers and a fear of change to be the principal barriers of the efficient conformance. According to (Hlaing, 2008), Singapore construction contractors on construction risk identification asserted that the reason that preventing the implementation of risk management process is money but it is not the major constraint for implementing risk management program for the companies but the most important risk in the list is lack of time. This is same as stated by (Lyons, 2004), identified that time constraint is a main restriction. The activities of construction industry are really related to time when the manufacture of the construction is basically used just-in-time for the manufacture need of customer. 2.8 Risk Identification Methods In order to be successful in project management, it requires the ability to predict the risks that affecting the project scope, time, and cost. However, there are a lot of researches about risk identification, risk assessment, and management for executed facilities is focusing on types of projects or categories of risks aspects. It is related to the literature from (Howell, 2001) about the political risks that exist. Now a day, the construction industry still cannot identify the risks that occur in the project activities. According to (Walewski, 2002), the worth of systematic risk management of activities on project has not been identified. This is because the lack of common vision about risk and the parties that involved in construction industry such as owners, designers, investors, and contractors have different objectives and the relationship among them are prevalent contradict. All of the project parties not systematically make their efforts at organizing risk analysis management among themselves and this particularly correct between contractors and owners. (Fang, 2004) show a model for risk assessment. The model use for tendering project in Chinese building project based on assessment and identification of critical risks in the Chinese construction industry. As a result, the projects risk could be evaluated by analyzing the issues such as the competition for tendering and reasonableness of bid price, lack of cooperation between contractors and the owner. In other study done by (Hassanein, 2007), the marked lack of consistency in the contractors risk identification effort been identified as the risk in the power station projects on Egypt. The contractors who have more experience in Egypt were better to identify the relevant risk. Vice versa, the local Egyptian contractors who have vast experience in Egypt but limited project management experience were not really expert to properly identify risks and to take the appropriate exceptions. In fact, the bidders do not include in their proposals on their true lists of exceptions which represent genuine risks to them. CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.1 Introduction This chapter will cover how the research will conduct to achieve the objectives of this study. The methodology that will be use are questionnaire survey among the Pahang construction professionals, and preliminary interviews with experts will carry out. The steps are as follows: 3.2 Data Collection 3.2.1 Interview Interview is the effective procedure of data collection because the actuality of condition could be perceived specifically and comprehensively while conducting the interview. For the purpose of this study, as the scope of this study is limited to Pahang, the interview sessions will conduct through two main ways which are telephone interview as well as email interview through the internet. 3.2.2 Questionnaire Questionnaire survey is one of the others way of data collection carry out among selected construction practitioners involve in construction projects. This specialist will working in contractor construction companies. The questionnaire will be identified from interview with construction practitioners and through literature review. The survey questionnaire will administer through e-mail and fax, and postal questionnaire, and secondly through the distribution to selected contractors which are project managers, managing directors, chairman, and head of technical departments operating in the Pahang construction industry. 3.3 Data Analysis All returned questionnaire will be check from completeness and suitability for use in statistical analysis. Next, all the data collected from the questionnaire will be analyse with the assistance of statistical software program called Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). After putting the data in SPSS software program, some statistical method will be apply to the data through frequency analysis and mean index, risk analysis matrix, and single sample T-test. After putting questionnaire data into SPSS, some statistical method will be applied to the using frequency analysis and mean index, risk analysis matrix, and correlation test. 3.4 Measurement Most of the question will applied using five point of Likert scale, and other question will applied with multiple choice. The most common scale that will be use is 1 to 5. There are three sections in the questionnaire. Section A will cover about the level of risk in construction project. Participant will be given three choices of answer which is low, medium, and high to scale the risk level according to their perspective. In section B, the typical Likert scale take the following format: Risk level Rare Unlikely Possible Likely Almost certain Score 1 2 3 4 5 Table 3.1: Risk factors In section C, the respondent will be asked to choose the scale between 1 to 5. The scale 1 shows a condition which the probability of strategies been use is minor where scale 5 means the maximum probability of risk strategies usage. Strategies Not important Little important Average Important Very important Score 1 2 3 4 5

Urban Legend of Photos of Hikers on the Appalachian Trail :: Urban Legends

Lost Among the Leaves: Secret Photos of Hikers on the Appalachian Trail This story, which I have named â€Å"Lost in the Leaves†, is a very detailed and place specific version of the unexplained photographs legends. While unexplained photograph legends often involve humorous pictures taken as a practical joke, there is also a darker streak of these legends. These are legends where mysterious photographs reveal just how near a person was to death through photographs developed after the fact. The fear in these is of what could have happened. In this version however, the photographs serve to warn the endangered as well. This urban legend thus allows other interpretations for why the photographs were taken, and shown to the endangered party. I collected this urban legend from a Freshman here at the University. It was told to him as a scary story when he was hiking along the Appalachian trail, about five years ago. Have you ever been on the Appalachian Trail? OK. The man who proposed it had a utopian vision of a long, tenuous string of outposts stretching from Maine to Georgia, such that adventurous young men and women, possibly disenfranchised by society and the economy, could trek from one end of the country to the other sharing each night with similarly disposed adventurers. Each outpost was to consist of dozens of beds, a kitchen, a chess set sitting on the porch. The idea was every traveler should feel at liberty to pursue the trail at whatever speed they desired, with the assurance that wherever their feet took them they would find welcome. Reality falls a little short of this vision -- most of the shelters are actually three-sided cabins with four bunks-- Mouse infested-- But still, finding a structure of obviously human origin in the wilderness is a comforting thing. Sometimes, on the trail, you'll come across an artifact of a previous traveler -- say -- a rope swing -- that is obviously constructed with such care that it seems to carry something of the soul of the person who put it there. I remember once coming to the top of a mountain and finding a meadow that was bare grass except for one tree in the middle -- and from that tree hung a rope swing that looked to have been there for decades. The Appalachian Trail convinces those who follow it of the existence of ghosts. Benevolent ghosts.

How Does Arthur Conan Doyle Create Tension And Suspense In The Speckled

How Does Arthur Conan Doyle Create Tension And Suspense In The Speckled Band The Speckled Band is just one of the murder mystery stories featuring the famous detective, Sherlock Holmes. Holmes was not any ordinary detective, he was a detective who was famous for solving murders. In this case Holmes is trying to solve the mystery of the 'Speckled Band'. Some examples of tension building techniques are dramatic events and in some instances the inclusion of red herrings. Bad weather and night time are also used as a means of building up atmosphere and tension. The main setting is Dr Roylot's house in the middle of a wild, stormy night. This immediately creates a sense of uneasiness in the readers mind. In his description of the storm, Conan Doyle uses sounds to very good effect. He talks about the howling wind and the rain beating on the windows. This language has a double impact because the words `howling' and `beating' are onomatopoeic. In fact, all the way through the story, we see many examples of onomatopoeia. The feeling created is of watching a film with full sound effects. Conan Doyle's excellent skills in imagery are evident in his description of Julia on page 174. He uses vivid language, such as `state of agitation', `drawn and grey' and `restless, frightened eyes' to build up a terrifying picture of this woman in the reader's mind. However, no author can maintain tension levels at a height throughout the whole story. There need to be moments of calm - a lull in the storm, Conan Doyle achieves this contrast admirably in his description of the journey from Waterloo Station through the Surrey countryside. The language used here is soft and delicate creating a mood of calm and beauty. We see... ...e describes him by saying 'so tall his hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway†¦deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high thin, fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance of a fierce old bird of prey.' This first description of him gives us an impression that he is tall and somewhat eagle like. He is essential to help create suspense. Roylott is Helen and Julia Stoner's stepfather. He was a doctor and also had knowledge of exotic animals and owned a few too. '†¦ The doctor kept a cheetah and a baboon. We had no feeling of security until our doors were locked.' This shows he has a keen interest for animals. Roylott is violent and aggressive. Sherlock Holmes was also an important character in order to build up suspense. He was a detective and helped Helen Stoner to investigate the cause of her sister, Julia's death. He helped to create suspense.

Free African Americans Essay

The Antebellum period had a huge impact on the free African American people. The Antebellum period is the time that is pre-Civil War and post-War of 1812. The United States was expanding to a more powerful nation and slavery was the biggest industry in their economy. During this period of time, African Americans had to deal with many obstacles/adversities as free blacks in all regions of the United States. The regions known as, in the northern, upper south, deep south, and far west regions of the United States was where the free African American encountered different and similar situations and experiences. Throughout history the north always was known as the first region that freed slaves. The northern states didn’t us the same economic methods as the southern states and the far west. They adopted a new way of making money. According to The African American Odyssey, â€Å"Between 1860, a market revolution transformed the north into a modern industrial society. † This new method changed economy for the north until present day. This was a new age of industry and the production of factories. Slavery was not needed as much as the southern states where they had good sun to cultivate and profit from crops such as cotton. Even though this new method lightened the idea of slavery in the north, the freedom for blacks was still limited. Whites did not want to deal with blacks so they enforced new black laws in which resulted in the segregation of school, communities and any other public uses. Free black men had limited voting rights where they barely had any rights to vote. Most of all these black laws impacted the employment level to a low gradient for the free blacks in the north. This battle for employment had many negative impacts on free Black’s ways of life. Families were tarnished under the pressure of providing for their families with the scarcity of jobs. They enforced fugitive slave law where the white slave masters can hunt and recapture runaway slaves from the south. This made life difficult and filled the free blacks with fear because they were more prone to be wrongfully enslaved. Like the south the whites did not want to deal with blacks whatsoever. Irish immigrants were taking all the jobs away from the blacks many blacks had unskilled jobs such as being barbers and shoemakers. The free African American upper south region did have similar experiences as the north but much more were different. Though they shared similar churches family businesses and fraternities the upper south was still separated by the idea of slavery and the different economic methods. The impact of slavery created different communities. The free blacks in the north lived with other free Blacks while in the upper south; the free Blacks lived with slaves. The fugitive slave laws had a bigger impact on the upper south than the north. The free black was definitely more prone to be enslaves. Many sheriffs would harass and arrest free blacks randomly on profiling them as runaway slaves. They did have a tool known as free papers that was proof for their freedom. But these papers were useless most of the time because they constantly had to be renewed. These free papers impacted the everyday life of African Americans because they had to make sure that their papers weren’t stolen, lost, or tarnished. The free Blacks had fewer freedoms. They could not vote at all and they had problems going outside at night. They could not congregate in groups and had no rights to bear arms. Life as a free Black person was tougher than the north because of the low employment rates downgraded again due to the Irish immigrants taking their jobs. Their jobs were different during the antebellum period. Many people were maids and servants and washers. Upper south institutions where tarnished and almost did not exist. Black churches were overran by white ministries and left the black ministers with no opportunities to practice on their careers. Schools were almost absent. They were low funded whereas many blacks in the upper south were left uneducated. There were no schools and no jobs which gave success to the whites on preventing the advancement of the free blacks. Unlike the north and the upper south, the Deep South barely had any free blacks despite the fact that the population of African Americans in the Deep South was enormous. There were many incidents of racial mixing with slave owners and the female slaves. Diversity was there but slavery still kept their children enslaved. They usually had a choice to buy their way out of slavery. Many of the free slaves did not have their own separate identity from the white slave owners. Many of the free blacks were just like the whites. They were accepted in the churches. Many wealthy free blacks were educated due to the establishment of private schools. Unlike the north and the Upper South, they had better skilled jobs such as carpentry and tailors. Many whites began to overlook the success of the free African American In the Deep South and made it even more impossible to live. Unlike the North, Upper South, and the Deep South, the Far West absolutely did not want anything to do with free Blacks. The black laws in the Far West were made to ban all free Blacks from settling in their region. The Gold Rush of 1849 resulted in the migration of many White and free Black men to settle out west in states like California and Oregon. The Far west was known to be more multicultural and have multicultural communities. Many blacks had the same jobs of that the free Blacks from the regions had except for the gold mining. Many Blacks prospered from gold. Slavery was a huge propaganda in the upper south and the whole south in general. It was a reality that all African American whether free or enslaved could not avoid. The northern states were gradually enhancing their advancement in the idea of acceptance and coexistence with the Whites in the US. The north had at least a bit of a head start for the search of equality in the U. S. The conditions of living might have been similar and different in many ways but this time all came to an end once the fugitive slave laws were enhanced. Many free African Blacks were enslaved and wrongfully accused to be slaves. The new laws were undisputed and changed the Blacks’ idea of freedom and fight for equality Work Cited Hine D, The African American Odyssey (2011). Combined Volume, 5th Edition. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.