Two Successful Business People Who Inspire Me

Two Successful Business People Who Inspire Me Success is something that we all aspire to. We cannot feel genuinely happy for long if we felt like a failure within. The most encouraging reality about success is that it is attainable to all irrespective of who we are what we are or where we are. Success also has a different meaning for each one of us. Success being a personal realization should logically be achievable by all, but we know that this is not really so. Most of us are unable to accomplish what we really want to do or what we really work for.When we struggle for success and do not achieve it. We become frustrated and this leads us further from our goal. This is what has inspired me to study and write about this complex subject. Achieving success is right and can realize it with the ease it provides you to go about the right way, you just have to know the rules and apply them in your life. Bill Gates was born on Oct 28th, 1955 and he is an American business magnate, philanthr opist and chairman of Microsoft. The software company he founded with Paul Allen. He is consistently ranked among the world’s wealthiest people.During his career at Microsoft. Gates held the position of CEO and chief software architect and remains the largest individual shareholder. He has also authored or co- authored several books. Gates is one of the best- know entrepreneurs of the personal computer revolution. In the later stages of his career. Gates has pursued a number of philanthropic endeavors, donating large amounts of money to various charitable organizations and scientific research programs through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000. At Harvard, he met Paul Allen, who became Gates’ close friend.They got obsessed with the computers that they were late for some of their classes. They even skipper some classes to be in the computer lab. Unfortunately, their computer time finishes after spring. However, they did not graduate in the Harvard. Allen and Gates had to leave to devote their energy full-time and thriving company. They had a belief that the personal computer would be a valuable tool on every office desktop in every home. Gates and Allen began developing software for personal computers. They collaborated together to make the language BASIC in the first Microcomputer, and in 1975, they started the Microsoft Company.Warren Buffet is the world’s most successful investor and self-made billionaire. He is consistently ranked among the world’s Top 3 wealthiest people. Buffet runs and owns about 31% of Berkshire Hathway, a 136 billion investment company that has substantial stakes in Coca Cola, Wells Fargo and American Express. A 1 dollar investment in Berkshire in 1965 would bring about 5000 dollars in 2005. Since 1951, Buffet has generated an average annual return of about 31%. The average annual return of the Standard Poor’s 500 stock over that period is 11%.Warren Buffet was once asked what is the most i mportant thing he looks for when evaluating a company to invest in, without hesitation he replied â€Å"sustainable competitive advantage. † Indeed, while business valuation matters. â€Å"it is the future growth and prosperity of the company underlying a stock, not it is a current price, that is most important. A company’s prosperity in turn is driven by how powerful and enduring it is competitive advantage are. Sustainable competitive advantage and marked category leadership give a company the edge that keeps competitors at bay and reap extraordinary growth and profits.Warren Buffet seeks to identify rare companies with strong competitive advantage that has a potential to grow even stronger over time, when a company is able to achieve this, it is investors can be rewarded to decades. Obviously, we can draw the conclusion that both of buffet and Gates influence to me is far from my imagination. Beside stocks, ideas, and investment, I learn many aspects from them, the ir team spirit and their friendship with partner. I hope there will be more and more people like them, who are not only successful, but also influencing other people.

Monster: Literary Technique and Major Characters Essay

1. Title of the book: The title of the book is Monster. 2. Author’s name: The author of the book is Walter Dean Myers. 3. The year the piece was written: Monster was written in 1999 and published by HarperCollins. 4. Major Characters: The major characters of the story are; Steve Harmon, Kathy O’Brien, and Sandra Petrocelli. 5. Setting(s) of the story: The two settings are: The Detention Center and the Courthouse. Both of these settings are in downtown New York, and events and ideas from one setting transfer to the other. 6.Positive/Negative: In Monster, Sandra Petrocelli is considered or portrayed as negative due to her reasoning and her actions. One example of the negativity of Petrocelli is on page 21 when she refers to both Steve Harmon and James King as â€Å"monsters†. Another way she is portrayed as negative is through the many people she brings to the stand. She attempts to relate the already convicted felons with the innocent-until-proven-guilty James King and Steve Harmon. 7. Literary Techniques: 1. One literary technique used in Monster is foreshadowing. When Steve  says that prison is â€Å"being alone when you are not really alone and about being scared all the time† at the beginning of the story (page 4), it foreshadows the horrible emotional state he will live through both during the trial and even after it’s over. 2. Another literary technique is symbolism, also in the beginning of the book (page 7). Steve uses the blanket to symbolize comfort and safety from the trial and the decision of the jury. His inmate says: â€Å"Ain’t no use putting the blanket over your head, man. You can’t cut this out; this is reality. This is the real deal. † This makes him realize how serious his case is, and as a young man, he does not feel ready to give up his adolescence and his innocence. 3. The last literary technique is a metaphor, and is found right before he jury reaches a verdict (page 269). Myers uses a metaphor in showing Steve’s emotions by writing: â€Å"My case fills me†. In reality, it would mean that he is literally filled by his case, but that isn’t what he means. He means that his case is all that he thinks about: that there are no thoughts or feelings inside of him that do not pertain to his case. 8. Theme Statement: The theme statement of Monster is: Never judge a book by its cover, because it may not fully grasp the message of the content inside. 9. Personal Response: A connection I can make between the text and my own life is that I sometimes befriend someone who is not a perfect role model. I often get judged by who I hang out with and the things that those people do and say. This is how Steve is viewed during the case due to the fact that he knows James King and several other people that Sandra Petrocelli (Assistant District Attorney) calls to the stand. 10. Memorable Quotes: 1.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Most people in our community are decent, hardworking citizens who pursue their own interests legally and without infringing on the rights of others. But there are also monsters in our communities-people who are willing to steal and kill, people who disregard the rights of others. † This quote was said by Sandra Petrocelli (Prosecutor) and was directed towards the jury as part of her opening statement. This quote is significant in several ways, the first being the impact it had on Steve Harmon and his â€Å"movie†: Monster. Another way it was significant was through the minds of the jurors. It was significant because she attempted to isolate them from other people as an effect of their alleged prosecutions; despite the fact that they are innocent until proven guilty. 2. â€Å"I wish Jerry were here. Not in jail, but somehow with me. What would I say to him? Think about all the tomorrows of your life. Yes, that’s would I would say. Think about all the tomorrows of your life. † This quote was written down by Steve inside of his journal. He is debating what he would say to his younger brother Jerry if he was there with him. It is immensely significant due to the fact that he is writing down the advice he wished he had taken himself. He is finally starting to realize that his life (or most of it) may be spent in jail, and he is trying to keep that from happening to his brother. 3. â€Å"They take away your shoelaces and your belt so you can’t kill yourself no matter how bad it is. I guess making you live is part of the punishment. † This quote was written down in his journal as part of his â€Å"movie†. In this part of the story, he is yet to realize the severity of his case and the effect it could have on his life. It is significant because it shows how oblivious he is to what could actually happen to him.

Prevalence of Bullying among Middle School Children Consequences , Essay

Prevalence of Bullying among Middle School Children Consequences , Systemic Intervention and Policy Development - Essay Example This paper will examine the prevalence, behaviors, consequences, interventions and policy recommendation’s related to bullying prevention in middle school. Key terms: Bullying, relational bullying, behavior, consequences, policy Prevalence of Bullying among Middle School Children In the social context bullying is not a new issue, although in the last two decades bullying has taken on an additive role among school age children. The prevalence has changed in the last three decades and more studies have been completed on the prevalence, consequences, prevention and intervention strategies to decrease bullying. This has prompted policy decisions from the department of education and President Barrack Obama. The most vivid forms of aggressive behavior are seen on the evening news or in the Plain Dealer. â€Å"Bullying is defined as a form of social aggression that persists over time, characterized by imbalance of power† (Pelligrini, 2002, p. 151). The more dominant, and physi cally bigger or tougher an individual is more likely to repeatedly victimize a smaller, weaker, subordinate individual. Bullying can be found directly or indirectly. Indirect bullying is also commonly known as relational bullying.

Ethical Energy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 3

Ethical Energy - Essay Example In that, non-renewable resources are against the rights approach, the justice theory and the obligations to future generations approach used in environmental ethics. Renewable resources, on the other hand, present a clean alternative for energy production. Though the land required may be large, such land is available to the state of Belina. The high costs per unit are justified by the low social cost per unit. Therefore, it is recommended that Belina take up a combination of the wind power and biomass energy bids to supply the needs of its population. Renewable resources are energy sources that come from the natural environment (Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development, 1997). The other options to energy sources include use of fossil fuels and nuclear energy. Fossil fuels are finite, expensive to extract, and cause air, water and soil pollution, and produce greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Renewable resources are cleaner alternatives to the problems of pollution and the social inequality that the pollution creates. These resources are also renewable – therefore, they will never run out (West, 2008). Some people are of the view that the connection between economic growth and environmental deterioration is inevitable. Hesburgh (1992) recognizes that the connection between human energy needs and environmental deterioration is as old as human civilization. As man used wood for shelter and warmth, it caused harm to the environment. However, Hesburgh (1992) also explains that the ‘primitive societies were so small and fragile in comparison with the forces of nature with which they contended that their impacts were minimal’. Ausubel (2007) argues that renewable resources for the production of energy may be renewable but they are not green and they are almost as destructive or more destructive for the environment than the non-renewable sources of energy.

Introudation Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Introudation - Dissertation Example The role of the Saudi press during the recent conflict in Bahrain should be analyzed with respect to the Saudi government system, the Saudi society and the Saudi mass media. 1.1. The Saudi Government System The Saudi Government system comprises on the following three branches, on the basis of its goals, nature, responsibilities of the Country and the correlation of the ruler with the Saudi people. 1. Council of Ministers. 2. Legal and Judicial structure. 3. Consultative Council. 1.1.1. Council of Ministers The King, as the Prime Minister of the State, heads the Council of Ministers. Other members of this body include the Deputy Prime Minister (Crown Prince), the 2nd Deputy Prime Minister and the Cabinet Ministers (Saudi Arabian Information Centre, 1996). The responsibilities of the Council are drafting, supervising the execution of the external, internal, economic, financial, educational and defence policies, and general affairs of the Country. 1.1.2. Legal & Judicial Structure Saudi Arabia possesses a pervasive legal structure, in which the judicial system strictly follows the Shariah (The Islamic Law). At present, the Shariah legal system is governed by the Ministry of Justice through the Shariah Courts. The Special Courts or the Board of Grievances administers the disputes that emerge due to codified regulations. 1.1.3. Consultative Council The Consultative Council, also known as the Majlis Al-Shoura, fundamentally provides its advice to the King on important affairs by consulting its experienced and learned citizens. The Consultative Council, in its present form, comprises of a chairman and 90 advisors/members who are being hired by the King for a tenure of renewable 4 years. 1.2. Saudi-Society It is evident from the above description of the Saudi government system that the Islamic principles and the government permeate all areas of the social life in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, numerous political religious, cultural and economical factors influence the Saudi Arabian society to a great extent. The Saudi society is governed by the primitive ethics and traditions that have their roots deep in Islam as well as in Arabian morals and behavior, for instance, neighborliness and truthfulness (Ministry of Information, n.d.). 1.3. Saudi Mass Media As the case in the Saudi Arabian society, the mass media also cannot be considered individually from the influence of Islamic believes and government policies. 1.3.1. Saudi Press The National Press Agencies Act was approved by the Council of Ministers in January 09, 1964 through the resolution number 600 and a royal decree number 60 with the purpose to allow new people to know about their country, increase the rate of distribution by adding more readers to the national press (The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 1993). This act was also helpful in expanding the information and news from abroad. Several news offices began their work from outside as well as inside of Saudi Arabia, specifically in the Arab region. The government of Saudi Arabia provided the financial support to the Saudi national press. The press in Saudi Arabia is presently more dependent on advertisements as a result of the economic problems, especially since the year 1991. As for instance, in July-1999 the Saudi newspaper, al-Riyadh allocated more than 60 percent of its space per day to advertisements while the al-Yaum and Okaz newspapers of Saudi Arabia, respectively, dedicated 50 percent and 53 percent of their space to advertisement for

The effects of globalization of the labor market Essay

The effects of globalization of the labor market - Essay Example With Globalization being such a used function of the world’s economic market, there was and is an effect on the labor market. The definition of globalization is highly contentious among professionals in the field of economics and business. Globalization is a term for the process of international integration brought upon by interconnectivity of cultural aspects.1 Cultural aspects can be further defined as technology, religion, infrastructure, and manufacturing processes. There are many types of globalization; increased internet activity, international cell phones, and aviation. Labor Market is a term that will be used that means the interaction between the workers and the employers. With globalization this could mean workers in one location and employers in another. This is an important topic to discuss as globalization of the labor market has increased the living wage of many countries and is the only income that some developing countries acquire. There are many good aspects o f globalization that increases the health and education of many third world countries. However, there are aspects of globalization that have both positive and negative aspects. The globalization that most people think of the most is the usage of other countries to assist in the production or manufacturing of products for consumption or use. This is known by many currently as outsourcing. While outsourcing is not the only form of globalization, this is the one element that has become a hot topic politically due to the extent and negative elements. Outsourcing is a negative form of globalization to portions of the United States, while for others it is one of the best things that has occurred. Globalization does many things both negatively and positively to the labor market. It is an understanding of these benefits and consequences to determine if a select labor market will gain from becoming a part of the world market. What globalization can do for a developing country is to bring in technology, education, training, and science that were not previously available to the citizens. Depending on the industry brought in, an increase of available jobs and increased wages will also occur. Regardless of what occurs there will be new opportunities in many sectors for individuals otherwise not available due to education or geographical location. With every benefit comes a detriment or at least the possibility of a detriment. With regards to globalizations effect on the labor market many things could prove costly and negative. With an increase in skilled labor needs, there is a drastic decrease in unskilled or ordinary workers which could lead to an increase of foreign workers and increase unemployment among native employees.2 Another thing that technology does is decrease the overall work force needed to complete the same task. For countries with a large work force, this technology could prove highly costly to the labor market. Most employers of large industries that beli eve in globalization do not maintain a large presence in developing countries. What this means is that most of the money created by native workers is siphoned back to the employers native country, leaving the developing nation without resources to develop.3 If this market globalization comes at the heels of international grants of money or resources, the country that received the funds will have to go through a process of privatization which is highly

Membranophones Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Membranophones - Assignment Example Nonetheless, the Greeks did not have much use of the drums, unlike the Romans who used it in their armies and in their orchestras. They, however, neglected the patterns and rhythms that the Africans had developed but after their fall and invasion of the Moor, the rhythm was reinstated. The Moor used a different type of membrane for the drums. Unlike with the Africans who used animal skins, the Moor used the animal intestines. This made the drums make more distinct sounds unlike those of prior times, which formed the basis for the genesis of the physics of drums in the period of the Middle Ages. In the current age, however, we use metal strings instead of the animal intestines alongside other designs. The evolution of the modern drum of bass originated from different parts of the world. For instance, the Indians used the bass drums and it was taken to Europe through the Turkish trade routes. It then became a main instrument in the European culture due its large sound and application i n daily routines. The Europeans then went into North America to set up colonies and used the drums in numerous situations. The incoming of the slaves from Africa led to the incorporation of the missing patterns and rhythm. I like the drum due to it bass effect and makes the sound have a masculine effect. I suppose I also like the base since when I grew up, most of the music I used to listen to would be rated highly or lowly depending on the quality of the base and beats it had which resonates well with the beats of the drum.

HENRY CLAY AND THE PROTECTIVE TARIFF Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

HENRY CLAY AND THE PROTECTIVE TARIFF - Essay Example Its core principal is to protect the domestic economy rather than to raise revenue. An example of a protective tariff is seen in the importation of oranges. Orange fruit does not grow everywhere, and South American countries often produce massive quantities for export. If a country can produce oranges but can import them from South America cheaper than growing them domestically, a protective tariff might be applied. This tariff will inflate the price of the imported oranges so that they are equal to or higher than the price of domestic oranges. Tariffs for many years were primarily used to collect Federal revenue and protect start-up industries. The government largely restricted its activities to maintaining order and protecting property by imposing army, navy and courts tariffs in order to raise enough revenues to finance government programs. This made the government largely self supporting. During wars or in attempt to meet other needs, additional income was secured by raising the tariff and excercise tax rates. Short term and unanticipated capital needs (budget deficits) were usually covered by borrowing. Those favoring protective tariffs mostly engage in manufacturing sector that would be negatively impacted by foreign competition. Exporting areas that would be severely hurt by retaliatory trade measures imposed by their trading partners. The exporting countries also feel as though protective tariffs deal them a double blow since they export cash crops to trading partners affected by protective tariffs and have to purchase foodstuffs and manufactured goods that might be more costly due to the imposition of protective tariffs.   On the opposite end of the spectrum are two arguments in favor of protective tariffs. One is that it keeps money earned locally within the domestic economy. The idea being that if a man earns a paycheck from a local business, he should feed that money back into other local

Institutional Racism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Institutional Racism - Essay Example In fact, just as the individual can act out of racism, so can an institution. The term "institution" can refer to a broad range of groups, such as the workplace, government and educational system. Institutional racism can have major effects on minorities, resulting in poorer education and medical assistance. First of all, many forms of racism still exist in today's schools and classrooms, affecting the education of ethnic groups. Institutional forms of racism are of major importance in education because they are built into the system and operate largely. For instance, the fact that most teachers are Caucasian causes schools to be run according to the values and beliefs of white society (Hickling-Hudson and Roberta 1). When this happens, black students are forced to feel that some of their behaviour is wrong, yet in fact it is only different by culture (Hickling-Hudson and Roberta 1). Unfortunately, the common school practice of standardized testing is an example of institutional racism. This is the way it occurs: children from all kinds of cultures come to school and are tested. Nevertheless, the tests mostly measure the degree to which children have attained the goals of the school according to a white society standard. Since minorities like lower class black children are the most soci ally distant from the school's goals, they show the lowest achievement on these tests (Jacobson, Olsen, King Rice, Sweetland and Ralph 34). Nevertheless, they may even be dismissed from schools. As . Alladin states, "In spite of the attempts to equalize educational opportunity for all groups, research on immigrant children's successful integration into the education system shows that there is a high drop-out rate among these students (15). Consequently, they are placed in homogenous groups, such as all ethnic groups being perceived as having the same learning characteristics, which are always ignored by teachers, as when learning differences are treated as a 'cultural' predisposition to not seek achievement (Jones 6). As highlighted in the racist discourse research of Maykel Verkuyten and colleagues: "[The] more liberal notion of equality stresses the idea that a society needs to assure that everybody has the opportunity to develop and improve him-or herself. Inequality then becomes a matter of not making the most of one's opportunities. The consequences of this principle is that the arrears of specific groups can be blamed on the groups themselves, rather than be a product of discrimination (441). Hence, students in ethnic groups then face then face a lot of pressure in the way they study, and that is how educational racism plays a role in our schools.In addition to education, the institutional racism in society has a great impact on the overall health of ethnic groups. The institutional racism that exists in many hospitals and clinics occurs in a number of ways, including the administration of policies that restrict admission of minorities, who are considered as unwanted patients (Randall 6). Many hospitals or clinics discriminate by telling minorities to look for a doctor. Discriminatory admission practices include, requiring pre-payment as a condition of obtaining medical care and refusing to obtain help by financing care for low-income patients, especially minorities (Randall 6). Such practices may have a destructive

Whose Reality Expository Piece Essay Example for Free

Whose Reality Expository Piece Essay Computer gaming and in particular online gaming with games such as World of Warcraft and social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace nowadays are a becoming a massive issue and are taking over millions of peoples realities the world over. Their sense of real or unreal, fact or fiction, and even in some cases right or wrong is becoming increasing blurred or warped by the illusion cast over them by their second lives that it is difficult for them to tell the difference between reality and illusion. See reality is defined as the state or fact of being real, but we as humans have the capacity This is because online, you have greater control over who they are, what they do, etc. Whereas in real life you have little to no control what happens to you e. g. bad things, like deaths. This adds to the appeal of these â€Å"second lives† because you do have a great deal of control over who you are, what you look like, who you associate with and what you do. There is a fine line between reality and illusion and sometimes, with the help of computer technology that line can become very blurry. This piece will allow you to delve deeper into what reality and illusion are, and the differences between them. Also to have a better grasp on what an avatar and second lives are in regards to online games and forums and also the pro’s and con’s of video gaming. A blurred sense of reality is known as an illusion and this can have detrimental effects on many aspects of one’s life. Reality can be defined as the state or fact of being real, but as humans we have the capacity to perceive or interpret our own realities in many different ways. Some of the ways a blurred sense of reality can have negative effects on a person’s day to day life are that they can become so involved in their online persona that they call other people by their online names, lack of motivation for their real job, among other things. This was the case in Colorado, America where a 34 year old man was fired from his job as a financial planner because he was playing the online fantasy game â€Å"World of Warcraft† at work. He was so involved in his â€Å"second life† as a superhero on the game that it took over his life. It is clear to see that a strong sense of reality is essential in order to maintain the line between reality and illusion. The lines between reality and illusion can become warped with the aid of avatars and second lives so it’s about finding a balance. An avatar is an online persona created by people for virtual reality games. The appeal of these avatars is that you can make them look however you want e. g. black, white, tall, short, fat, skinny, etc. The goal of these avatars is to boost them or progress through a game via levelling up. So it provides the players with a sense of accomplishment when they grow a level, unlock a new accessory, get a badge, beat a boss, etc. A second life evolves when a player becomes so engrossed in their game playing that it takes over their life and becomes a new life inside their real one, and this is a danger all gamers face: a loss or blurred sense of reality. The difference between reality and illusion can sometimes be so difficult to distinguish between because the line has been blurred so badly. Often due to excessive gaming or networking, or overly motivated gamers who are obsessed with boosting their avatars. The online fantasy game â€Å"World of Warcraft† has over 13 million players worldwide and over half of them have admitted they have an addiction in a recent online poll. This has taken its toll on them in a variety of ways including their work life, their social life, and not to mention their financial accounts, as you have to keep paying for this particular game monthly. It is all about finding a balance between work and play in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Reality all comes back to the individual person, their reality is based on their perception on the world and their previous life experiences. There should be no duplicate realities, just like there are no two people the same. What my reality is should never be the same as what your reality is. For each person has different, albeit special, beliefs. And these beliefs should be what, over the years, shape our reality to what it is. Not what somebody else says is going on, not what everyone else is doing, but what our heart says is real. So, if they wish to blur their line between reality and illusion with hours upon hours of gaming, avatar obsessions or networking who are we to stop them, because after all, it is their reality.

Role of the Quantity Surveying Profession

Role of the Quantity Surveying Profession In order to identify the role of the Quantity surveyor in the modern UK industry we will review his implications and duties during all the different stages of the construction cycle. Also and for information we will review how a Client appoints a Quantity surveyor and when, in order to understand his early involvements in the process. And finally we will explain how the surveyor claims his fees and how the Client paid the QS services. But firstly, lets go in the past to understand where the job of quantity surveyor comes from and when it first appears in the UK. HISTORY The quantity surveyor profession can trace its roots back to the rebuilding of London after the Great fire ROLE OF A QUANTITY SURVEYOR NOWADAYS Quantity surveyors are the accountants of the building profession planning and managing costs of construction projects from start to finish. Quantity surveyors (or QSs as they are known, since its a bit of a mouthful) either work for a private QS practice and act on behalf of clients or for a contracting firm which carries out construction work. This profession is certainly not all hard hats and wellies. In fact the role of the quantity surveyor has changed so dramatically in recent years that the profession doesnt always answer to the name of quantity surveying anymore! You will often see private practices referring to themselves as cost consultants and project managers because of the nature of the work they now handle. Due to the recession, QSs have had to adapt or die and there are now fewer, larger private practices than ever before taking on a broader remit of work. No longer do quantity surveyors just measure and price work, they have a more strategic role. Nowadays the QS is involved at all stages of a project from preparing tenders and planning costs to preparing final bills of quantities; essentially, making sure projects are planned and completed to cost and quality, on time. UK construction professionals are respected abroad and, partly in response to the depressed home market, many UK firms have developed an international outlook. WHEN TO APPOINT A QUANTITY SURVEYOR In order that maximum benefit can be gained from his skill a Quantity surveyor should be appointed by any client as soon as possible in the life of a project, preferably at the inception of a scheme, so that the QSs advices can be provided on: The costs of the project (meet the Clients budget). The best procurement route can be selected according to the Client requirements. Selection of others consultants and contractors. It is recommended that a Client and his Quantity surveyor should meet and discuss the appointment before any agreement is reached, unless the services provided by the Qs is to be restricted in the process. HOW TO SELECT AND APPOINT A QUANTITY SURVEYOR There are three methods available when it comes to select a Quantity surveyor; Selection based on existing knowledge A Client may select and then appoint a QS using existing knowledge of the surveyors performance and reputation. This may a result of past succefull project, good relationship or by recommandations from others. Selection from a panel maintained by a Client A Client may maintain a panel of Quantity surveyors. He will have records of their experience which will enable him to make any selection or appointment. Selection from an ad hoc list produced by a Client If a Client cannot make a decision using any of the two others methods it may be more appropriate produce an ad hoc list. Whichever of the above methods of selection is used it is important for the selection criteria to include the following: The financial standing of the QS under consideration The experience, competence and reputation of each candidate for equal chance. Their ability to provide the services required by the Client. SERVICES OFFERED BY A QUANTITY SURVEYOR This diagram shows the different phases of the construction cycle. The Quantity surveyor is involved in each of these phases. The following will explain what the duties of the QS are during the construction cycle. Quantity surveying in Construction phases Inception and feasibility At inception and feasibility the Quantity surveyor has the duty of: Liaise with client and other consultants to determine the Clients requirements and development of the full brief. Advise on selection of other consultants. Advise on implications of proposed project and liaise with other experts to develop such advice. Advise on the most appropriate procurement route. Establish Clients order of priorities for quality, time and cost. Prepare initial budget estimate from feasibility proposals. Prepare overall project cost calculations and cash flow projections. Design stage During the design stage the Qs will: Prepare and develop preliminary cost plan. Advise on cost of design teams proposals. Monitor cost implications during detailed design stage. Maintain and develop cost plan, and prepare periodic reports and updated cash flow forecasts. Tender documents During this stage, the Quantity surveyor will: Advise on tendering and contractual arrangements taking into accounts the Clients priorities and information available from designers. Advise on insurance responsibilities and liaise with Clients insurance advisers. Advise on warranties. Advise on bonds for performances and other purposes. Prepare tender and contract documents in conjunction with the Clients and members of design team. Provide copies of documentations as agreed Advise on use and/or amendments of standard form of contract or contribute to drafting of particular requirements in association with Clients legal advisers. Draw up form of contact, obtain contract drawings from members of the design team and prepare and deliver to both parties contract copies of all documents. Tender selection and appraisal At this stage of the tender actions phase the Qs has to: Advise on shortlisting prospective tenderers. Investigate tenderers and advise the Client on financial status and experience. Attend pre-contract interview with tenderers. Arrange delivery of documents to selected tenderers. Check tender submissions for accuracy, level of pricing. Advise on errors and qualifications and, if necessary, negotiate the offers. Advise on submission of programme of work and method statement. Prepare appropriate documentation if necessary, to adjust the tender received to an acceptable contract sum. Review financial budget in view of tenders received and prepare revised cash flow. Prepare tender reports with appropriate recommendations. Construction During the construction the Quantity surveyor will: Prepare recommendations for interim payments to contractors, subcontractors and suppliers in accordance with the contract requirements. Post contract During this last stage of the construction cycle the Qs will: Value designers draft for varying the project before issue. Prepare periodic cost reports in agreed format at specified intervals including any allocations of cost and/or copies as requested by third parties. Prepare the final account. Attend meetings as provided under agreements. Provide copies of documentation as provided under the agreement. PAYMENTS The Client shall pay the QS for the performance of the services the fees and charges in such instalments as are set in the fee offer clause. All fees and charges under the agreement are exclusive of value added Tax which if due shall be paid concurrently in addition. The due date for payment shall be 7 days after the date of the submission of the invoice. The quantity surveyor when submitting his invoice shall on each invoice confirm the basis on which the stated amount is calculated. The final date for payment has to be 21 days after the due date for payment. The payment has to be made no later than the final date for payment. Any amount due to the Quantity surveyor under the agreement which remain unpaid by the client after the final date must be bear interest at the rate stated in the fee offer clause. BIBLIOGRAPHY Client guide to the Appointing a Quantity Surveyor, first edition(February 1992; RICS books Cost Planning of Buildings, Eighth Edition; Ferry and Brandon Lecture notes 2010; Discipline Project 2 RIBA Outline Plan of Work 2007 amended Nov 2008