DRIVING SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION IN CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Thuesen, Christian Langhoff; Koch, Christian

2011-01-01

By adopting a theoretical framework from strategic niche management research (SNM) this paper presents an analysis of the innovation system of the Danish Construction industry. Theories within SNM look upon innovation in a sector as a socio-technical phenomenon and identify three levels of socio...... for innovation in the construction industry. By bridging SNM with business development activities through an adapted version of Ansoffs growth matrix, companies continuously and consciously can develop a competitive advantage by targeting new and existing markets with new or existing competencies...

Initial investment to 3D printing technologies in a construction company

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Cernohorsky, Zdenek

2017-06-01

Full Text Available This article deals with an initial investment to 3D printing technologies in a construction company. The investment refers to the use of building information models and their integration with 3D printing technology within a construction company. In the first part, there will be discussed an introduction of 3D printing scheme in a construction company from a lifecycle perspective in general. As a part of this scheme, the ideal variant of an initial investment will be considered a.k.a a pilot project. In the second part, there will be a more detailed discussion of the pilot project, more about each activities which should be its parts and which should analyze cost categories. These categories will be about particular lifecycle stages of the pilot project. In the third part, a summary is done. This article could be a handout for a construction company in a term of an initial investment to 3D printing.

Portfolio optimization of the construction sector companies in ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

The objective of this paper is to construct the optimal portfolio that will minimize the portfolio risk and can achieve the investors target rate of return by using the mean-semi absolute deviation model. The data of this study comprises 20 construction sector companies that listed in Malaysia stock market from July 2011 until ...

Value of Construction Company and its Dependence on Significant Variables

Science.gov (United States)

Vítková, E.; Hromádka, V.; Ondrušková, E.

2017-10-01

The paper deals with the value of the construction company assessment respecting usable approaches and determinable variables. The reasons of the value of the construction company assessment are different, but the most important reasons are the sale or the purchase of the company, the liquidation of the company, the fusion of the company with another subject or the others. According the reason of the value assessment it is possible to determine theoretically different approaches for valuation, mainly it concerns about the yield method of valuation and the proprietary method of valuation. Both approaches are dependant of detailed input variables, which quality will influence the final assessment of the company´s value. The main objective of the paper is to suggest, according to the analysis, possible ways of input variables, mainly in the form of expected cash-flows or the profit, determination. The paper is focused mainly on methods of time series analysis, regression analysis and mathematical simulation utilization. As the output, the results of the analysis on the case study will be demonstrated.

Borrowed Capital as Risk Factor for Large Construction Companies in Russia

Science.gov (United States)

Guzikova, L.; Plotnikova, E.; Zubareva, M.

2017-11-01

The paper investigates the features of the formation of the capital structure of large construction companies from the standpoint of the financial risks and opportunities for companies’ development. The authors compare the opportunities and risks linked with the use of the own and borrowed capital, analyze the capital structure of large Russian construction companies, identify factors affecting the capital structure and determining the ratio of own and borrowed sources of financing. In the paper the hypothesis is considered that companies use larger volumes of borrowed capital by means of their assets increase.

TQM in Construction and Manufacturing Companies of Pakistan: A Case Study

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Nafees Ahmed Memon

2013-04-01

Full Text Available The role of construction quality and continuous improvement is vital in the development of construction industry of developing countries. Construction quality and continuous improvement is linked with the adoption of quality management systems in construction companies. This paper highlights the importance of TQM (Total Quality Management and presents the benefits of TQM gained by construction organizations in worldwide construction sector. It examines and contrasts the level of acceptance and execution of TQM in construction and manufacturing sector of Pakistan. The paper also identifies the barriers in adoption of TQM and advantages of implementing TQM in construction sector of Pakistan. In the end, the paper presents some suggestions and steps for the implementation of TQM in construction companies of Pakistan. The findings and recommendations of the study are not only beneficial for the construction sector of Pakistan but also these will be helpful to other developing countries having similar scenarios.

The Crisis Management Practices of Australian Construction Companies

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M Loosemore

2012-11-01

Full Text Available Recent world events in the international relations arena and the subsequent knock-on affect on the insurance industry, have sent shock-waves through Australia’s business community,elevating crisis management to the top of the managerial agenda. This paperpresents the findings of exploratory research, which investigated the crisis managementpractices of construction companies. Using a diagnostic model of crisis preparednesswhich has been developed and tested across a broad range of industries, it concludes thatif the sample surveyed is typical, then crisis planning is rudimentary and undertaken in aninsular, informal, fragmented fashion, supported by few resources and little strategicguidance. Consequently, many construction companies will have an inadequate understandingof their crisis exposure, of how to cope with crises when they happen and of howto learn and recover from their aftermath.

The use of the mass customization process in companies from the construction sector

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Diego de Castro Fettermann

2014-11-01

Full Text Available Mass Customization (MC is often used to improve customer service and to reduce operational costs in manufacturing companies, and it can also be applied in low-scale contexts, such as construction. This paper aims to assess how construction companies are implementing MC. We compared a framework of MC found in the literature with three case studies and several improvement opportunities were highlighted. As a result, we could conclude that the MC is being poorly used in the construction business and companies can benefit by increasing the implementation of MC tools and techniques

Critical success factors for competitiveness of construction companies: A critical review

Science.gov (United States)

Hanafi, Abdul Ghafur; Nawi, Mohd Nasrun Mohd

2016-08-01

Making progress basically, a fundamental issue for the construction companies to get by in a highly competitive industry. From time to time, industry players are facing stiff and tough competition due to large number of players, whether existing or new players involved from various background and track record. Furthermore, the large numbers of component deciding the competitiveness of contractors, whose organization structures and governance have turned out to be more muddled. Different construction companies have their own unique criteria which may differ from one to another. The enormous amount of issues needs to bring down to manageable numbers so that measures can be identified and scrutinized to enhance competitiveness. This paper discusses the result from the critical investigation from past studies in the Asian countries, namely China, India, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. Several fundamental factors have been identified as CSFs in construction companies in respective country. Also highlighted a critical survey based upon various literatures written on this subject where critical success factors (CSFs) as a yardstick to gauge the relationship among CSFs in various construction companies in the Asian region. Far reaching estimation of an organization's performance and resulting input to its supervision is crucial for business change. Estimation additionally empowers organizations to be contrasted from one another on the premise of institutionalized data, permitting best practices to be distinguished and connected more widely. Different countries have their own set of critical success factors (CSFs) which may differ in term of priority and at the same time share common elements of success factor in accomplishment as a construction companies. The study, which is exploratory in nature, embraced the content investigation and inductive technique to accomplish its objectives.

Modeling Financial Liquidity Of Construction Companies Using Error Correction Mechanism

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Tomasz Stryjewski

2017-03-01

Full Text Available Financial liquidity is one of the most important economic categories in the functioning of the company. There are many methods of assessment of the company in this field, ranging from ratio analysis, to advanced models of financial flows. In this paper was presented econometric model of financial income, which was used to analyze the liquidity of the three construction companies. This analysis was made on the background of methods indicator.

Implementation of participatory ergonomics intervention in construction companies

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Molen, H.F. van der; Sluiter, J.K.; Vink, P.; Hulshof, C.T.J.; Duivenbooden, C. van; Holman, R.; Frings-Dresen, M.H.W.

2005-01-01

Objectives The effectiveness of the implementation of participatory ergonomics intervention to reduce physical work demands in construction work was studied. Methods In a cluster randomized controlled trial, 10 bricklaying companies were randomly assigned either to an intervention group (N=5) or a

Implementation of participatory ergonomics intervention in construction companies

NARCIS (Netherlands)

van der Molen, Henk F.; Sluiter, Judith K.; Hulshof, Carel T. J.; Vink, Peter; van Duivenbooden, Cor; Holman, Rebecca; Frings-Dresen, Monique H. W.

2005-01-01

Objectives The effectiveness of the implementation of participatory ergonomics intervention to reduce physical work demands in construction work was studied. Methods in a cluster randomized controlled trial, 10 bricklaying companies were randomly assigned either to an intervention group (N=5) or a

The thinking of Cloud computing in the digital construction of the oil companies

Science.gov (United States)

CaoLei, Qizhilin; Dengsheng, Lei

In order to speed up digital construction of the oil companies and enhance productivity and decision-support capabilities while avoiding the disadvantages from the waste of the original process of building digital and duplication of development and input. This paper presents a cloud-based models for the build in the digital construction of the oil companies that National oil companies though the private network will join the cloud data of the oil companies and service center equipment integrated into a whole cloud system, then according to the needs of various departments to prepare their own virtual service center, which can provide a strong service industry and computing power for the Oil companies.

The role of business models in Finnish construction companies

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Aki Pekuri

2013-09-01

Full Text Available Business models are seen as an essential part of successful businesses as they define the way companies create value for their customers and subsequently make profit from their operations. A good business model has a potential to separate a company from its competitors by creating a competitive advantage. The purpose of this research is to explore how managers understand and deploy the business model concept in construction. For this, eight experienced managers have been interviewed and their answers have been analysed using the theoretical aspects of business models as a reference. In the interviews, managers deployed business model concept very differently than what is accustomed in practice and in academia; they relate these models to different project delivery and contract structures or to companies’ business segments rather than to analysing how their companies provide value for customers in the selected markets. The results of the interviews indicate that the managers in construction do neither understand the concept properly nor exploit any similar value creation analysis in their business. The interviewees had significant problems describing their companies’ business models and value creation logic, pointing out the lack of analysis and understanding of customer values and needs in the project delivery process. This may be one of the overtones of the persistent client dissatisfaction in the construction industry. 

The role of business models in Finnish construction companies

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Aki Pekuri

2013-09-01

Full Text Available Business models are seen as an essential part of successful businesses as they define the way companies create value for their customers and subsequently make profit from their operations. A good business model has a potential to separate a company from its competitors by creating a competitive advantage. The purpose of this research is to explore how managers understand and deploy the business model concept in construction. For this, eight experienced managers have been interviewed and their answers have been analysed using the theoretical aspects of business models as a reference. In the interviews, managers deployed business model concept very differently than what is accustomed in practice and in academia; they relate these models to different project delivery and contract structures or to companies’ business segments rather than to analysing how their companies provide value for customers in the selected markets. The results of the interviews indicate that the managers in construction do neither understand the concept properly nor exploit any similar value creation analysis in their business. The interviewees had significant problems describing their companies’ business models and value creation logic, pointing out the lack of analysis and understanding of customer values and needs in the project delivery process. This may be one of the overtones of the persistent client dissatisfaction in the construction industry.

The image of the construction industry and its employment ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Peer reviewed and revised November. 2016. Abstract. As the construction industry does not seem to .... in order to survive or reduce costs, construction companies had ... the Construction Industry Development Board Act with promoting.

Evaluation on the efficiency of the construction sector companies in Malaysia with data envelopment analysis model

Science.gov (United States)

Weng Hoe, Lam; Jinn, Lim Shun; Weng Siew, Lam; Hai, Tey Kim

2018-04-01

In Malaysia, construction sector is essential parts in driving the development of the Malaysian economy. Construction industry is an economic investment and its relationship with economic development is well posited. However, the evaluation on the efficiency of the construction sectors companies listed in Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE) with Data Analysis Envelopment (DEA) model have not been actively studied by the past researchers. Hence the purpose of this study is to examine the financial performance the listed construction sectors companies in Malaysia in the year of 2015. The results of this study show that the efficiency of construction sectors companies can be obtained by using DEA model through ratio analysis which defined as the ratio of total outputs to total inputs. This study is significant because the inefficient companies are identified for potential improvement.

Management innovation, a way for mining companies to survive in a globalized world

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Klippel, A.F. [Klippel Consultores Associados, Rua Pedro Chaves Barcelos, 65/210 90450010 Porto Alegre, RS (Brazil); Petter, C.O. [Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS (Brazil); Antunes, J.A.V. Jr. [Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos - UNISINOS (Brazil)

2008-12-15

Among alternatives that ensure the survival of companies, innovation is one of the most relevant. Innovation may include dimensions such as: (1) the raw material; (2) the product; (3) the process; (4) the market; (5) the way the company is managed. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the implementation of a new way to manage industries of mineral extraction through the integrated use of Lean Production and Mining Engineering concepts. (author)

Management innovation, a way for mining companies to survive in a globalized world

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Klippel, A.F.; Petter, C.O.; Antunes, J.A.V. Jr.

2008-01-01

Among alternatives that ensure the survival of companies, innovation is one of the most relevant. Innovation may include dimensions such as: (1) the raw material; (2) the product; (3) the process; (4) the market; (5) the way the company is managed. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the implementation of a new way to manage industries of mineral extraction through the integrated use of Lean Production and Mining Engineering concepts. (author)

Construction and application of an indicator system to assess the ergonomic performance of large and medium-sized construction companies.

Science.gov (United States)

Bezerra, Isabela Xavier Barbalho; de Carvalho, Ricardo José Matos

2012-01-01

This article proposes a system of indicators to evaluate the performance of companies in ergonomics for buildings. The system was developed based primarily on studies related to the performance evaluation of the construction industry and on Brazilian standards of ergonomics and work safety and had also the contribution of national and international indicators related to ergonomics, work safety, quality, sustainability, quality of work life and to organizational behavior. The indicators were named, classified and their components were assigned to compose the theoretical model SIDECE--System of Performance Indicators in Ergonomics for Building Construction (as for the Portuguese acronym), serving the major goals of ergonomics: health, safety and workers' satisfaction and production efficiency. The SIDECE is being validated along with the building construction companies in the city of Natal, Brazil, whose practical results, deriving from the application of instruments to collect field data, are under process, to be presented on the occasion of the 18th World Congress on Ergonomics. It is intended that the SIDECE be used by building construction companies as a support tool for excellence management.

Development of a Supporting System of the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) for Construction Companies

Science.gov (United States)

Mano, Kouhei; Shiraki, Wataru; Inomo, Hitoshi; Kuyama, Hironori; Isouchi, Chikako

Recently, the natural disaster and the accident have happened frequently. Thus, many companies and local organizations had been suffered such as discontinuity of business, loss of profits, customers' confidence decrease, and tremendous damage out of business. Especially the business stop of construction companies are influenced the recovery activities, so that it could be late the rescue activities. In this study, a supporting system of the business continuity plan (BCP) for construction companies is developed using the web server and database, and then some ideas for the user's friendly system are considered.

Knowledge Management Practice in Two Australian Architecture-Engineering-Construction (AEC Companies

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Patrick Zou

2012-11-01

Full Text Available Knowledge management (KM could be described as a management system that supports the creation, sharing and retrieving of valued information, expertise and insight within and across communities of people and related organizations using information and communication technologies and hence it is a combination of the effective application of information technlogy and management of human resources. KM is becoming a core competitive factor in construction operations. This paper presents the results of two case studies of KM practices in large AEC (architecture, engineering and construction companies through desk-top study and semi-structured interviews. The results indicate that implementing KM in AEC companies leads to competitive advantages and improved decision-making, problem solving and business performance. The results also indicateed that while technology plays an important role, top management commitment, total employee involvement, performance assessment and the culture of knowledge-learning and sharing must be considered when implementing KM. Therefore it is suggested that the implementation of KM should incorporate the company's vision, work processes, technology and culture, to improve the ability of knowledge creating, capturing, sharing, retrieving and ultimately, to improve the company's competitive advantage, decision making, problem solving and innovation.

The Corporate Governance of Australian Listed Construction Companies

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Patrick Tait

2012-11-01

Full Text Available This paper compares the compliance level of Australian StockExchange (ASX listed construction and non-constructioncompanies with the ASX Corporate Governance Council (CGCrecommendations on sound corporate governance. It alsoexamines the difference in board characteristics between thetwo groups, paying particular attention to differences in boardindependence. It concludes that compared with the top 20 ASXlisted non-construction companies, listed construction companiesare less compliant overall particularly with regards to boardstructure, and have lower levels of independence both in terms ofCEO/Chairperson duality, the ratio of executive to non-executiveindependent directors and independent membership of nomination,remuneration and audit committees. These conclusions areimportant because sound corporate governance has beenassociated with higher levels of organisational resilience derivedfrom the reputational and fi nancial benefi ts of greater transparency,market value, investor attractiveness and organisationalperformance.

Supplier Selection Proces: An Investigation and Implementation Action at Construction/Building Company

OpenAIRE

Hensmit, Andre

2008-01-01

The investigation was carried out to identify and understand the key characteristic of supplier selection that is to be considered in the real experience by Construction Company in South East Asia, especially Indonesia. The goal of this project focuses on the selection supplier process and its approaches, how the company performing the co-partnership relationship with suppliers, and as well find out the reason fro accomplishing these factors. The project involves interviewing a company in Ind...

77 FR 30588 - R.J. Corman Railroad Company/Pennsylvania Lines Inc.-Construction and Operation Exemption-In...

Science.gov (United States)

2012-05-23

... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [Docket No. FD 35116] R.J. Corman Railroad Company/Pennsylvania Lines Inc.-- Construction and Operation Exemption--In Clearfield County, PA.... 10901 for R.J. Corman Railroad Company/Pennsylvania Lines Inc. (RJCP) to construct and operate 10.8...

THE INFLUENCE OF LIQUIDITY ON PROFITABILITY OF POLISH CONSTRUCTION SECTOR COMPANIES

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Monika Bolek

2012-04-01

Full Text Available The concept of financial liquidity is not very straight, as it has various aspects, although generally it refers to the current assets and liabilities management. Financial liquidity together with profitability are the core categories of enterprise activities which, in order to function efficiently, the company should treat as equally important. The growth of financial liquidity may negatively influence the company profitability. If the company is to liquid in the static sense than it will affect negatively the profitability since some capital will be frozen in current assets. In this article, the authors analyze theoretical aspects of the relation between liquidity and profitability, whereas the empirical part they examine this interdependence on a group of construction sector companies listed on Warsaw Stock Exchange.

Analysis of selected employee's care components in the large construction company

OpenAIRE

Šefčíková, Soňa

2012-01-01

The goal of the bachelor thesis is to give a construction company AB (which does not want to be identified) recommendations for current offer of the employee benefits. Based on expert interviews with the Compensation and benefits director and the analysis of employee benefits there have been identified limitations, which are eliminated by offering of specific amendment proposals and by the calculation of the company costs caused by the change. Bachelor thesis is divided into two parts. The in...

Load-bearing masonry system adoption and performance: A case study of construction company in a developing country

Science.gov (United States)

Ramli, Nor Azlinda; Abdullah, Che Sobry; Nawi, Mohd Nasrun Mohd; Bahaudin, Ahmad Yusni

2016-08-01

This study addresses the factors that influence the adoption of load-bearing masonry (LBM) system. A case study of the load-bearing masonry (LBM) system adoption is conducted through an interview to explore the situation of the technology adoption in a construction company. The finding indicates the factors influence the adoption of LBM system for the construction company are: organizational resources, usefulness, less maintenance, reduce construction time and cost. From the findings, these factors consistent with previous literature. Furthermore, the performance of the company was measured by looking into the financial and non-financial aspects. The LBM system brings good performance as it increased the profits of the company, a good quality of product and attracts more demand from customers. Thus, these factors should be considered for the other companies that are interested in implementing the LBM system in their projects.

Programs of quality improvement: an exploratory study in large Brazilian construction companies

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Silvia Helena Boarin Pinto

2009-03-01

Full Text Available This article aims to identify the major characteristics of the implementation of quality programs in large construction companies in Brazil. This study focuses on the most accepted and implemented models such as ISO 9000:2000, ISO 14001, Six Sigma and Total Quality Management (TQM. An exploratory study was carried out in seven large companies (approximately 37% of the total number. These companies were chosen from the “500 Largest and Best Brazilian Companies” list, published by Exame Magazine, in 2005, out of a total number of 15 large companies in the sector. The indings of this study show that the companies have been implementing quality programs, have been using more basic quality tools, and have been dificulty accounting resources that come from the implementation of quality programs.

Mobile Computing Changing the Traditional Ways of Organizing the Construction Company

OpenAIRE

Nataa uman; Mirko Punder

2008-01-01

The focus of this paper is to represent some important mobile computing potential which help tackle project collaboration and information dissemination problems. Especially in the construction industry where workers have no steady working places mobile computing is shown as a chance for optimising the traditional ways of organizing Construction Company. Special attention is given to the description of changing the current information system as well as to the hierarchical organization structur...

Critical Evaluation of Environmental, Social and Governance Disclosures of Malaysian Property and Construction Companies

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Renard Yung Jhien Siew

2017-06-01

Full Text Available There is an increasing demand from stakeholders for higher transparency on environmental, social and governance (ESG disclosures. Yet not much is known about the state of sustainability reporting in Malaysia especially in the property and construction industry. This paper aims to fill this gap accordingly. Content analysis of corporate websites, sustainability and annual reports was adopted as the main methodology in this study. Findings show that corporate governance indicators are most reported by Malaysian construction companies compared to other environmental or social indicators. It was also found that details on actual health and safety performance of these companies and the initiatives implemented were largely absent from their reporting. Given the increasing number of rating tools in the capital markets which serve to rank and file companies based on their sustainability disclosures and performance such as the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI and FTSE4Good Index, it is questionable as to how reliable this can be done for the Malaysian property and construction market. The paper will be useful to construction management practitioners and ESG analysts with a focus on Asian markets.

An Exploration of the Relationship between Training Grants and Profitability of UK Construction Companies

Science.gov (United States)

Abdel-Wahab, Mohamed; Dainty, Andrew R. J.; Ison, Stephen G.; Hazlehurst, Guy

2008-01-01

A levy/grant system exists in the UK construction industry to provide financial support for companies undertaking training activities. With the current UK government skills policy, there is an emphasis on ensuring that training support provided to employers is aimed at enhancing companies' profitability. This paper explores the profitability of…

The Dynamic Relationship between Growth and Profitability under Long-Term Recession: The Case of Korean Construction Companies

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Seungkyu Yoo

2015-12-01

Full Text Available We conducted an empirical analysis of the dynamic relationship between growth and profitability for small- and medium-sized construction companies that faced long-term economic stagnation in Korea. The period of the analysis spanned 2000 to 2014, and the full period was divided into two halves: before the 2008 global financial crisis and after it. Our empirical model was based on the system generalized method of moments model, and 264 construction companies were used as the study sample. The results of the empirical analysis are as follows. (1 A profitability-driven management strategy limits company growth, thus prolonging the economic downturn; (2 When the macroeconomic environment is relatively stable, high growth in the previous period fosters profitability in the current period. This implies that the phenomenon of dynamic increasing returns is present in the Korean construction industry, and learning through growth enhances productivity and profitability. Consequentially, a strategy oriented towards short-term profitability (popular with small- and medium-sized Korean construction companies makes the corporate management less resilient, causing them to select “de-growth” during the long-term stagnation by decreasing their scale of operations. Accordingly, it is important for companies to maintain the balance between growth and profitability.

The organizational structure and group the following criteria in assessing the success of the model construction companies

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Đurović Dušan D.

2016-01-01

Full Text Available The organization - an organizational structure presents a schedule of all the potential companies covering all human and material resources in the enterprise, which ensure the realization of business goals in function of their success. Defining the process, the use of SWOT analysis and evaluation of success using appropriate models condition and promote the role of the organization in a construction company. This article is an excerpt from the research within relevant doctoral dissertation [5] and displays the result of the evaluation of business performance of construction companies applying AHP model.

Experiences from implementation of ICT for resource management in small construction companies

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Svidt, Kjeld; Christiansson, Per

2006-01-01

This paper summarizes experiences from the process of implementation of ICT-based systems for resource management in small construction companies. The initial decision process, system requirements specification and integration, education and staff training, and end user experiences were followed ...

Selection and ranking of occupational safety indicators based on fuzzy AHP: A case study in road construction companies

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Janackovic, Goran Lj.

2013-11-01

Full Text Available This paper presents the factors, performance, and indicators of occupational safety, as well as a method to select and rank occupational safety indicators based on the expert evaluation method and the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (fuzzy AHP. A case study is done on road construction companies in Serbia. The key safety performance indicators for the road construction industry are identified and ranked according to the results of a survey that included experts who assessed occupational safety risks in these companies. The case study confirmed that organisational factors have a dominant effect on the quality of the occupational health and safety management system in Serbian road construction companies.

The importance of building construction materials relative to other factors affecting structure survival during wildfire

Science.gov (United States)

Syphard, Alexandra D.; Brennan, Teresa J.; Keeley, Jon E.

2017-01-01

Structure loss to wildfire is a serious problem in wildland-urban interface areas across the world. Laboratory experiments suggest that fire-resistant building construction and design could be important for reducing structure destruction, but these need to be evaluated under real wildfire conditions, especially relative to other factors. Using empirical data from destroyed and surviving structures from large wildfires in southern California, we evaluated the relative importance of building construction and structure age compared to other local and landscape-scale variables associated with structure survival. The local-scale analysis showed that window preparation was especially important but, in general, creating defensible space adjacent to the home was as important as building construction. At the landscape scale, structure density and structure age were the two most important factors affecting structure survival, but there was a significant interaction between them. That is, young structure age was most important in higher-density areas where structure survival overall was more likely. On the other hand, newer-construction structures were less likely to survive wildfires at lower density. Here, appropriate defensible space near the structure and accessibility to major roads were important factors. In conclusion, community safety is a multivariate problem that will require a comprehensive solution involving land use planning, fire-safe construction, and property maintenance.

Rules and regulations as potential moderator on the relationship between organizational internal and external factors with effective construction risk management in Nigerian construction companies: A proposed framework

Science.gov (United States)

Adeleke, A. Q.; Bahaudin, A. Y.; Kamaruddeen, A. M.

2016-08-01

Certain organizational internal and external factors have been found to influence effective construction risk management within the construction company which has contributed to massive risk occurrence on the projects. Yet, the influence of the organizational factors such as effective communication, team competency with skills, active leadership, political factor, organizational culture, technology factor and economic factor on effective construction risk management among the construction companies operating in Abuja and Lagos state Nigeria have not received considerable attention. More so, a moderating variable is proposed. This paper proposes rules and regulations as the potential moderator on the relationship between organisational internal factors, external factors and effective construction risk management.

Employee preferences for work-life benefits in a large New Zealand construction company

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Emily Morrison

2012-02-01

Full Text Available The construction industry is a challenging environment in which to work, with job characteristics that are linked to work-life conflict, and it is important for its future sustainability that initiatives to support employee work-life balance are undertaken. 121 head office and site-based employees within a large New Zealand construction company rated their preferences for work-life benefits, and the results were compared with those of a similar previous (Australian study. The most preferred work-life benefit factor (as for the previous Australian study was found to be ‘wellness and personal development’. Results suggest that company provision of a wide variety of work-life benefits from which employees can choose during different stages in their life and career is ideal. Qualitative results suggest some work-life conflict associated with working long hours and weekend work exists. It is proposed that to attract and retain valuable employees, the New Zealand construction industry must provide useful work-life benefits, reasonable working hours, and supportive workplace cultures in line with such initiatives. 

Employee preferences for work-life benefits in a large New Zealand construction company

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Emily Morrison

2012-02-01

Full Text Available The construction industry is a challenging environment in which to work, with job characteristics that are linked to work-life conflict, and it is important for its future sustainability that initiatives to support employee work-life balance are undertaken. 121 head office and site-based employees within a large New Zealand construction company rated their preferences for work-life benefits, and the results were compared with those of a similar previous (Australian study. The most preferred work-life benefit factor (as for the previous Australian study was found to be ‘wellness and personal development’. Results suggest that company provision of a wide variety of work-life benefits from which employees can choose during different stages in their life and career is ideal. Qualitative results suggest some work-life conflict associated with working long hours and weekend work exists. It is proposed that to attract and retain valuable employees, the New Zealand construction industry must provide useful work-life benefits, reasonable working hours, and supportive workplace cultures in line with such initiatives.

Concept for the generation of the model designated for the simulation of interaction between enterprises comprising one major construction company

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Dubovkina Alla Viktorovna

2014-12-01

Full Text Available The author offers an original concept designated for the generation of the model designated to simulate interaction between the enterprises comprising one major construction company within the framework of the production and logistics chain, comprising production facilities, transport enterprises, construction and assembly companies. The author has identified the factors that may produce an adverse effect on construction operations or cause untimely commissioning of a construction facility. The author employed methods of mathematics to describe the operations performed by each constituent enterprise. A graphic model describing each operation was compiled through the integration of mathematical functions. The model binds specific operations, performed by constituent companies, to deadlines, drives attention to interaction bottlenecks, and makes adjustments to assure reliable attainment of the main goal, that is, the timely commissioning of a construction facility.

Stainless steel pool constructing technology and management of Fangjiashan Nuclear Power Company

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wei Lianfeng; Wang Qun

2013-01-01

The construction of Fangjiashan nuclear power plant stainless steel cladding has been taken much attention. Based on the careful analysis of stainless steel cladding welding and construction main issues; Many measures have been taken such as welding technology, construction process, the stress control of welding deformation, the cleanliness control of construction process, install precision control, improvements of Non-destructive testing, product protection, etc. And installation methods and techniques have been improved and innovative, the installation quality of stainless steel cladding has been enhanced. At the same time, as owners of the plants, we explored the methods of quality supervision and control, together with the relevant units; and sense of quality management has been unified effectively, made stainless steel cladding quality getting better and better. Fangjiashan nuclear power stainless steel cladding construction quality and management experience has been highly recognized by every company. (authors)

Effective management of construction company in terms of linguistic communication

Science.gov (United States)

Shirina, Elena; Gaybarian, Olga; Myasischev, Georg

2017-10-01

The research presented here has been made over the years in the field of increasing the effectiveness of management in a construction company in terms of applied linguistics. The aim of this work is to share with the scientific community some practical findings of applying the technology of process management of the company, in particular the methods of linguistic efficiency considering the factors of the linguistic personality of the employee. The study deals with the description of applied linguistic and managerial models, views, practical results of their application in the applied field in order to assess production sustainability and minimize losses. The authors applied the developed technology to practical use, and the article presents the results of this application. The authors continue the research in this direction aiming at improving the production effectiveness of the proposed technologies and eliminating some identified drawback.

Servant leadership and work-related well-being in a construction company

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Michiel F. Coetzer

2017-11-01

Full Text Available Orientation: High levels of work-related well-being are imperative to ensure financial stability, competitiveness and sustainability in the construction industry. Leadership plays a fundamental role to enhance work engagement and to decrease burnout. The interrelationships between servant leadership, job demands, job resources, work engagement and burnout are still unknown, especially within the construction industry. Research purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the interrelationships between servant leadership, job demands, job resources, work engagement and burnout in a construction company. Motivation for the study: The construction industry is a highly demanding and labour intensive industry, which makes it difficult to sustain high work engagement and low burnout. This industry therefore calls for a people-orientated leadership approach, such as servant leadership, to enhance job resources to ultimately increase work engagement and to decrease burnout levels. Research design, approach and method: A quantitative research design was applied and four quantitative surveys were used to collect data. Two hundred and twenty-four sets of questionnaires were completed by employees in a South African construction company. Main findings: The results indicated that job resources mediated a positive relationship between servant leadership and work engagement and a negative relationship between servant leadership and burnout. Servant leadership had a positive significant relationship with job resources and significantly explained a proportion of the variance in job resources. Job resources, in turn, significantly explained a proportion of increase in work engagement levels and a proportion of reduction in burnout levels. An insignificant relationship was found between job demands and servant leadership. Practical or managerial implications: The findings showed that servant leadership could be used as an effective leadership approach to enhance

Costs and benefits of implementing child survival services at a private mining company in Peru.

Science.gov (United States)

Foreit, K G; Haustein, D; Winterhalter, M; La Mata, E

1991-08-01

Costs and savings of child health services were studied in a private mining company in Peru. Despite considerable outlays for medical services, few children under age 5 were vaccinated, and half of their illnesses went untreated. Children who were attended at the company clinic usually received unnecessary medication. As a result of the study, the company hired additional staff to provide integrated maternal-child preventive health care and family planning and contracted for intensive training and periodic on-site supervision. In less than 2 years, vaccination coverage reached 75%, and virtually all children under age 1 were enrolled in growth monitoring. Prescriptions were reduced by 24%, including a 67% drop in antimicrobials. The cost of the new services was $13,200 for the first 2 years. Approximately $6800 has been saved in pharmaceuticals prescribed for respiratory infection and diarrhea. Recently, two more mines adopted maternal and child health and family planning services. It is hoped that cost-benefit arguments will encourage other companies to incorporate aggressive child survival measures into their health plans.

Construction of Industrial Ecosystem of an Electric Company under Ecological Perspective

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Xin; Zhang, Yuan; Wu, Han

2018-01-01

Be confronted with more and more fierce competition environment, only by constantly integrating, constructing and restructuring internal and external resources as well as capabilities can enterprises adapt themselves to the rapidly changing environment and maintain the advantages of sustained competition. Business competition has changed from product competition of single enterprise to competition of bussiness ecosystem. Therefore, how to build a business system is the key to win competition. This paper draws lessons from business ecosystem and industrial ecosystem concept and takes the subordinate industry company of a large enterprise as the research object. On the the basis of combing its characteristics and organizational structure, an industrial ecosystem is tired to constructed.

METHODOLOGICAL AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS CONCERNING THE VAT COLLECTION SYSTEM Case study made in a company operating in the construction sector

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

BOGDAN OANA

2015-03-01

Full Text Available This paper presents the impact of the collected VAT on a company acting in the construction field in the current economic environmnet; the study is based on data provided by the company before and after applying the VAT collection system. The research reflects the VAT payable on State Budget three times: before its entry into the system, its activity during the application system and its situation in 2014 when the company can choose between staying in the system or getting out of it. The research method consisted in reviewing approaches made in the literature, articles and specialized studies in national and international journals. We followed a detailed approach of the effects generated by the VAT collection system among companies acting in the construction filed and we made a case study based on the activity of the construction companies before applying the system and their option to stay or exit the VAT collection system.

VALUE-BASED APPROACH TO MANAGING CURRENT ASSETS OF CORPORATE CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Galyna Shapoval

2017-09-01

Full Text Available In modern conditions of management, the value of an enterprise becomes the main indicator, which is learned not only by scientists, but also by owners of enterprise and potential investors. Current assets take a very important place among the factors that affect the value of an enterprise, so management of current assets becomes more acute from the point of their impact on enterprise value. The purpose of the paper is to develop a system of value-based management of corporate construction companies’ current assets. The main tasks are: the study of current assets impact on the value of corporate construction companies, the definition of value-based approach to managing current assets of corporate enterprises and development of value-based management system of corporate construction companies’ current assets by elements. General scientific and special research methods were used while writing the work. Value-based management of current assets involves value-based management of the elements of current assets. The value-based inventory management includes the following stages of management: the assessment of reliability and choice of supplier according to the criterion of cash flow maximization, the classification of stocks in management accounting according to the rhythm of supply and the establishment of periodicity of supplies in accordance with the needs of the construction process. The value-based management of accounts receivable includes the following stages of management: assessment of the efficiency of investment of working capital into accounts receivable, the assessment of customers' loyalty and the definition of credit conditions and monitoring of receivables by construction and debt instruments. Value-based cash management involves determining the required level of cash to ensure the continuity of the construction process, assessing the effectiveness of cash use according to the criterion of maximizing cash flow, as well as budget

Safety cost management in construction companies: A proposal classification.

Science.gov (United States)

López-Alonso, M; Ibarrondo-Dávila, M P; Rubio, M C

2016-06-16

Estimating health and safety costs in the construction industry presents various difficulties, including the complexity of cost allocation, the inadequacy of data available to managers and the absence of an accounting model designed specifically for safety cost management. Very often, the costs arising from accidents in the workplace are not fully identifiable due to the hidden costs involved. This paper reviews some studies of occupational health and safety cost management and proposes a means of classifying these costs. We conducted an empirical study in which the health and safety costs of 40 construction worksites are estimated. A new classification of the health and safety cost and its categories is proposed: Safety and non-safety costs. The costs of the company's health and safety policy should be included in the information provided by the accounting system, as a starting point for analysis and control. From this perspective, a classification of health and safety costs and its categories is put forward.

National evaluation of strategies to reduce safety violations for working from heights in construction companies: results from a randomized controlled trial

NARCIS (Netherlands)

van der Molen, Henk F.; den Herder, Aalt; Warning, Jan; Frings-Dresen, Monique H. W.

2016-01-01

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a face-to-face strategy and a direct mail strategy on safety violations while working from heights among construction companies compared to a control condition. Construction companies with workers at risk for fall injuries were eligible

Corporate governance and internationalization of capital of brazilian companies of the sectors construction and transports

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Anna Beatriz Grangeiro Ribeiro Maia

2013-08-01

Full Text Available The study aims at analyzing comparatively the representativeness of foreign capital in the capital of Brazilian companies of the sectors construction and transports, considering their segments on the BM&FBovespa. The internationalization of the 66 companies in the sample was measured by the percentage of the company's share capital held by foreign investors, and governance by the company's participation on the “Differentiated Level of Corporate Governance” (DLCG segments of BM&FBovespa. Using a descriptive and a quantitative study, the results of applying the Mann-Whitney test for the percentage of foreign capital in the capital of DLCG firms and of companies listed on the traditional market indicate that there is a difference statistically significant between the two groups of firms, confirming the hypothesis of this research. The conclusion is that governance is a sign of the internationalization of capital companies, confirming the efficiency of the administration based on the theory of transaction costs.

PERSONNEL COSTS IN THE CZECH CONSTRUCTION SECTOR: INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF COMPANY SIZE

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Martina Paulišová

2017-01-01

Full Text Available : Managing personnel costs is important in all companies, especially in those whose production is labor intensive. The construction sector therefore qualifies as a suitable area for analyzing issues associated with these costs. The aim of this study is to find out whether company size affects personnel cost management under various circumstances. Four research hypotheses focus on the relationships among and the relative importance of personnel costs, use of standards, range of employee benefits offered, and economic actions taken when faced with an economic crisis. The evaluation of hypotheses is supported by using the chi-square test of independence with the aim of confirming or rejecting the statistical significance of relationships between the examined categorical variables. Results have confirmed a significant effect of company size. Several research implications and suggested future research directions are also presented in the conclusion of this paper.

Effect of STOP technique on safety climate in a construction company.

Science.gov (United States)

Darvishi, Ebrahim; Maleki, Afshin; Dehestaniathar, Saeed; Ebrahemzadih, Mehrzad

2015-01-01

Safety programs are a core part of safety management in workplaces that can reduce incidents and injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of Safety Training Observation Program (STOP) technique as a behavior modification program on safety climate in a construction company. This cross-sectional study was carried out on workers of the Petrochemical Construction Company, western Iran. In order to improve safety climate, an unsafe behavior modification program entitled STOP was launched among workers of project during 12 months from April 2013 and April 2014. The STOP technique effectiveness in creating a positive safety climate was evaluated using the Safety Climate Assessment Toolkit. 76.78% of total behaviors were unsafe. 54.76% of total unsafe acts/ at-risk behaviors were related to the fall hazard. The most cause of unsafe behaviors was associated with habit and unavailability of safety equipment. After 12 month of continuous implementation the STOP technique, 55.8% of unsafe behaviors reduced among workers. The average score of safety climate evaluated using of the Toolkit, before and after the implementation of the STOP technique was 5.77 and 7.24, respectively. The STOP technique can be considered as effective approach for eliminating at-risk behavior, reinforcing safe work practices, and creating a positive safety climate in order to reduction incidents/injuries.

Predictors for the Success and Survival of Entrepreneurs in the Construction Industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Zahidy Abd-Hamid1

2015-05-01

Full Text Available A review of entrepreneurship literature suggests that entrepreneurial activities are the most important drivers for economic growth and corporate success, regardless of size, age or industry. Nevertheless, so far, only a few studies, if any, have considered entrepreneurship as a success factor for construction enterprises, although the importance of the construction industry to the nation’s economic growth is significant. This paper reports a conceptual framework for formulating the success and survival factors of entrepreneurs in the construction industry. It also integrates four major perspectives in entrepreneurship: entrepreneurial orientation, entrepreneurial organization, entrepreneurial competencies and entrepreneurial environment.

Maturity of project management in construction companies with the use of fuzzy numbers

Science.gov (United States)

Klaus-Rosińska, Agata; Kuchta, Dorota

2017-07-01

The main aim of the article is to describe issue of maturity in project management regarding construction companies. Taking into consideration this problem the literature research was made, existing project management maturity models were analyzed, model of maturity in project management (using fuzzy numbers approach) was described and tested. The results of testing stage are shown in the case study.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF INNOVATION ASPECT EVIDENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AND MULTI-SECTOR COMPANIES

OpenAIRE

Ricardo Floriani; Ilse Maria Beuren; Nelson Hein

2010-01-01

The goal of this study is to make a comparative analysis of innovation aspect evidence among construction and multi-sector companies. Descriptive research was done through a content analysis of administration reports from 2005 to 2007. From the researched material, 14 aspects of innovations were extracted, which offer the basis to the content analysis. Two non-probability samples were developed, the first consisting of 22 multi-sector businesses, within 18 economic sectors, which comprises th...

Foreign Ownership and Long-term Survival

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kronborg, Dorte; Thomsen, Steen

2006-01-01

probability. On average exit risk for domestic companies is 2.3 times higher than for foreign companies. First movers like Siemens, Philips, Kodak, Ford, GM or Goodyear have been active in the country for almost a century. Relative foreign survival increases with company age. However, the foreign survival...

Mathematical Methods of Managing Economic Sustainability of the Construction Company

Science.gov (United States)

Kostuchenko, Vasiliy; Zdanov, Andrej; Rodionov, Anatolij

2017-10-01

This article presents a long-term research in developing innovative mathematical techniques of managing the contractor’s economic sustainability proven by some experimental studies. The article aims at presenting some practical results of applying these techniques to the scientific community. This research presents a description of some applied mathematical models, views, and some results of their practical application in the applied field for the purposes of evaluating operational sustainability and minimizing losses in the process of managing the company. The authors have put the technology they have developed to practical use, and the article presents the results of such application. The authors have put the developed technology to practical use. Company management also means the management of power consumption, which is highly vital both for the construction and maintenance of buildings and structures. The articles also dwell on some possible improvements of managing energy consumption within the framework of the general management of company’s economic sustainability, because these phenomena have a tight organic interdependence. The authors continue researching this direction in order to improve the production efficiency of the proposed technologies as well as to eliminate some drawbacks they have spotted.

Purchasing innovations in the construction sector in the Netherlands : a comparison between SMEs and larger companies

NARCIS (Netherlands)

de Rijk, Melissa

2015-01-01

Posterpresentatie Ondernemerschapsmiddag KCO, gehouden op 16 november 2015. Main research question: To what extend does the purchasing activity of incremental and radical innovations of SMEs differ from that of larger companies in the construction sector in the Netherlands?

Enemona's Company experience in management of complex construction and modernization projects in sectors of industry and energetics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kalionski, V.

2005-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to present the Enemona's Company experience, gained during the management of complex projects related to Kozloduy NPP Modernization Program, enriched during the long-term collaboration with the international companies which are the executors of modernization projects. For the successful implementation of tasks on Framatom, Westinghouse, Atomenergo export projects, an exchange of process transfer, managerial practices were established between the Employers companies and Enemona Company, which along with the use of material resources, organization and personnel gave Enemona opportunity to implement and optimize goals that were set to the company. Some principles, approaches and methods of works have been established, based on strict scientific methods and practices that support Enemona to be competitive in order to assume fulfillment of similar projects not only at Kozloduy NPP site, but also at new projects and sites including the challenge for the erection of Belene NPP. In order to meet requirements of foreign companies, Enemona is able to apply new technologies and achievements in assurance of high quality of repair and installation activities on construction of new objects or their modernization

IMPLEMENTATION OF QUALITATIVE RULES IN COMPANY`S INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Anna WOLNOWSKA

2012-07-01

Full Text Available In the article there were presented chosen issues of quality management. Important role of information and work processes in companies were emphasized . Based on eight rules of quality management, TQM standards and ideas of discipline pioneers like Deming, Juran, Crosby and Shewart, author has constructed way of using chosen rules and assumptions to company`s information circulation. Analogy, suggested by author, has not only emphasized importance of information as a company`s resource, but also has pointed to possibility of improving ways of managing this information.

WILL THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM BENEFIT SOUTH AFRICAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES?

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

W. Joubert

2012-01-01

Full Text Available

ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The increased levels of competition experienced in recent times in the construction sector due to globalisation and the economic downturn highlighted the need for South African construction companies to be more competitive. This paper investigates the reasons for poor quality in the South African construction industry and whether the implementation of a Total Quality Management system in this industry will improve the situation.

AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die hoër vlakke van kompetisie wat gedurende die afgelope tydperk in die konstruksiebedryf ervaar is as gevolg van globalisering en die afswaai in die ekonomie, het die behoefte laat ontstaan dat Suid-Afrikaanse konstruksiemaatskappye meer mededingend moes raak. Hierdie artikel ondersoek die redes vir swak kwaliteit in die Suid-Afrikaanse konstruksiebedryf en of die implementering van ‘n Totale Kwaliteitsbestuurstelsel sal bydra om die situasie te verbeter.

Design and construction of solidification and dewatering facility at Alabama Power Company's Farley Nuclear Plant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Farnsworth, P.

1988-01-01

The approximate total cost of the structure and supporting piping systems is estimated to be 4.1 million dollars. Total dose savings per year could be as high as 70 man Rem for resin processing alone. The ability to store refueling equipment, process contaminated oils, load and unload trucks and containers regardless of weather conditions and support repair work on equipment greatly enhances the cost effectiveness of the project. It will take at least one year of operation of the facility to accurately assess the true cost savings to Alabama Power Company. The morale factor for the Waste and Decon Group has escalated measurably due to the dose reduction to our personnel. Plant and company management are well pleased due to the possibility of a spill or release to the environment has been eliminated which was on intangible cost. Facility construction has been completed as of this date and resin transfer anticipated within the next few days. Some of the problems encountered in planning and constructing this solidification and dewatering facility are presented. A safety evaluation for the facility is included in the appendix

Framework for continuous assessment and improvement of occupational health and safety issues in construction companies.

Science.gov (United States)

Mahmoudi, Shahram; Ghasemi, Fakhradin; Mohammadfam, Iraj; Soleimani, Esmaeil

2014-09-01

Construction industry is among the most hazardous industries, and needs a comprehensive and simple-to-administer tool to continuously assess and promote its health and safety performance. Through the study of various standard systems (mainly Health, Safety, and Environment Management System; Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series 180001; and British Standard, occupational health and safety management systems-Guide 8800), seven main elements were determined for the desired framework, and then, by reviewing literature, factors affecting these main elements were determined. The relative importance of each element and its related factors was calculated at organizational and project levels. The provided framework was then implemented in three construction companies, and results were compared together. THE RESULTS OF THE STUDY SHOW THAT THE RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF THE MAIN ELEMENTS AND THEIR RELATED FACTORS DIFFER BETWEEN ORGANIZATIONAL AND PROJECT LEVELS: leadership and commitment are the most important elements at the organization level, whereas risk assessment and management are most important at the project level. The present study demonstrated that the framework is easy to administer, and by interpreting the results, the main factors leading to the present condition of companies can be determined.

Assessing the sustainable construction of large construction companies in Malaysia

Science.gov (United States)

Adewale, Bamgbade Jibril; Mohammed, Kamaruddeen Ahmed; Nasrun, Mohd Nawi Mohd

2016-08-01

Considering the increasing concerns for the consideration of sustainability issues in construction project delivery within the construction industry, this paper assesses the extent of sustainable construction among Malaysian large contractors, in order to ascertain the level of the industry's impacts on both the environment and the society. Sustainable construction explains the construction industry's responsibility to efficiently utilise the finite resources while also reducing construction impacts on both humans and the environment throughout the phases of construction. This study used proportionate stratified random sampling to conduct a field study with a sample of 172 contractors out of the 708 administered questionnaires. Data were collected from large contractors in the eleven states of peninsular Malaysia. Using the five-level rating scale (which include: 1= Very Low; 2= Low; 3= Moderate; 4= High; 5= Very High) to describe the level of sustainable construction of Malaysian contractors based on previous studies, statistical analysis reveals that environmental, social and economic sustainability of Malaysian large contractors are high.

Effects of scaffold surface morphology on cell adhesion and survival rate in vitreous cryopreservation of tenocyte-scaffold constructs

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, Zhi [State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041 (China); Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The affiliated hospital of Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou 646000 (China); Qing, Quan [Sichuan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mianyang 621000 (China); Regenerative Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041 (China); Chen, Xi; Liu, Cheng-Jun; Luo, Jing-Cong [State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041 (China); Hu, Jin-Lian [Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong (China); Qin, Ting-Wu, E-mail: tingwuqin@hotmail.com [State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041 (China)

2016-12-01

Highlights: • The shapes of tenocytes varied when seeded on different surface of scaffolds. • Tenocytes were flat on smooth surface and spindle on micro-grooved surface. • Tenocytes were ellipse or spindle on porous surface. • Tenocytes got varying adhesion shape and elongation index on varying surfaces. • The tenocyte survival on porous surface was superior to the other two groups. - Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of scaffold surface morphology on cell adhesion and survival rate in vitreous cryopreservation of tenocyte-scaffold constructs. Tenocytes were obtained from tail tendons of rats. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was used to fabricate three types of scaffolds with varying surface morphological characteristics, i.e., smooth, micro-grooved, and porous surfaces, respectively. The tenocytes were seeded on the surfaces of the scaffolds to form tenocyte-scaffold constructs. The constructs were cryopreserved in a vitreous cryoprotectant (CPA) with a multi-step protocol. The cell adhesion to scaffolds was observed with electronic scanning microscopy (SEM). The elongation index of the living tenocytes and ratio of live/dead cell number were examined based on a live/dead dual fluorescent staining technique, and the survival rate of tenocytes was studied with flow cytometry (FC). The results showed the shapes of tenocytes varied between the different groups: flat or polygonal (on smooth surface), spindle (on micro-grooved surface), and spindle or ellipse (on porous surface). After thawing, the porous surface got the most living tenocytes and a higher survival rate, suggesting its potential application for vitreous cryopreservation of engineered tendon constructs.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT USING STATISTICAL PROCESS CONTROL TOOLS IN GLASS BOTTLES MANUFACTURING COMPANY

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yonatan Mengesha Awaj

2013-03-01

Full Text Available In order to survive in a competitive market, improving quality and productivity of product or process is a must for any company. This study is about to apply the statistical process control (SPC tools in the production processing line and on final product in order to reduce defects by identifying where the highest waste is occur at and to give suggestion for improvement. The approach used in this study is direct observation, thorough examination of production process lines, brain storming session, fishbone diagram, and information has been collected from potential customers and company's workers through interview and questionnaire, Pareto chart/analysis and control chart (p-chart was constructed. It has been found that the company has many problems; specifically there is high rejection or waste in the production processing line. The highest waste occurs in melting process line which causes loss due to trickle and in the forming process line which causes loss due to defective product rejection. The vital few problems were identified, it was found that the blisters, double seam, stone, pressure failure and overweight are the vital few problems. The principal aim of the study is to create awareness to quality team how to use SPC tools in the problem analysis, especially to train quality team on how to held an effective brainstorming session, and exploit these data in cause-and-effect diagram construction, Pareto analysis and control chart construction. The major causes of non-conformities and root causes of the quality problems were specified, and possible remedies were proposed. Although the company has many constraints to implement all suggestion for improvement within short period of time, the company recognized that the suggestion will provide significant productivity improvement in the long run.

Performance indices of project companies virtual divisions in the construction in CAD conditions

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sinenko Sergey

2017-01-01

Full Text Available At the present time we consider the construction operations development triggered by the modern technologies development. The electronics, robotics, artificial intelligence, wireless technologies and more became the present-day production attribute. The creation of virtual organizations has become the expected solution of business communities. Following in the footsteps of information boom, in this article we consider the problem of construction field virtualisation, in particular: characteristics of virtuality and virtual structures operation, in-virtual organization work peculiarities, difficulties faced by the company manager with such form of work and criteria for the assessment of organization efficiency. The virtual organization is deemed to be the voluntary cooperation form of partners, aimed at project work type. This is the unique team, the basic resources of which are time and technologies. In general such organization does not have any geographical origin and it works using the Internet. In the context given herein, the virtual structure is considered in CAD conditions that is based on the high degree of construction field IT. Specific relations between the employees make the impact on the work process, therefore a number of both subjective (social, individual, etc. and objective (financial indices are given.

78 FR 13665 - L.E. Bell Construction Company, Inc.; Notice of Termination of Exemption by Implied Surrender and...

Science.gov (United States)

2013-02-28

... Construction Company, Inc.; Notice of Termination of Exemption by Implied Surrender and Soliciting Comments... initiated by the Commission: a. Type of Proceeding: Termination of exemption by implied surrender. b... reserves the right to revoke an exemption if any term or condition of the exemption is violated. The...

Capital budgeting practices: Empirical evaluation of company practices in the construction sector in Colombia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Julián Ochoa Yepes

2014-12-01

Full Text Available The empirical analysis of capital budgeting or investment appraisal is a topic that has been widely studied in developed countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The documentation of these practices in emerging countries is scarce. This paper provides some information about current capital budgeting techniques through an empirical study of practices in a group of Colombian companies in the construction industry. In the companies surveyed it was found that 86% of professionals use the most recommended methods in the literature, such as the Internal Rate of Return (IRR and Net Present Value (NPV, with a preference for the IRR (50% always use it over the NPV (36% always use it. It was also found that 95% lack knowledge of more sophisticated methods, such as Real Options (OR. Most of the respondents subjectively determine the discount rate that is used for evaluation, indicating the lack of any theoretical justification to determine an appropriate rate.

The Survival of the Company Man in Iraq

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

Phillips, Kyle S

2008-01-01

This thesis examines the decision-making processes used by company grade officers operating in combat roles in Iraq and seeks to determine if innovation largely originates among lower ranking officers...

Customer service skills for survival.

Science.gov (United States)

McAtee, L F

1999-11-01

As APICS practitioners, we all must share a common goal. How can we contribute to our company's success? Success can be measured in positive terms of market share, growth, profitability, return on investment, or some combination thereof. Each company must establish its own definition of success. For the purposes of this article, success will be equated to one word that we can all readily identify with: survival. What skills do we need to survive in the marketplace of the next millennium?

Competing with giants. Survival strategies for local companies in emerging markets.

Science.gov (United States)

Dawar, N; Frost, T

1999-01-01

The arrival of a multinational corporation often looks like a death sentence to local companies in an emerging market. After all, how can they compete in the face of the vast financial and technological resources, the seasoned management, and the powerful brands of, say, a Compaq or a Johnson & Johnson? But local companies often have more options than they might think, say the authors. Those options vary, depending on the strength of globalization pressures in an industry and the nature of a company's competitive assets. In the worst case, when globalization pressures are strong and a company has no competitive assets that it can transfer to other countries, it needs to retreat to a locally oriented link within the value chain. But if globalization pressures are weak, the company may be able to defend its market share by leveraging the advantages it enjoys in its home market. Many companies in emerging markets have assets that can work well in other countries. Those that operate in industries where the pressures to globalize are weak may be able to extend their success to a limited number of other markets that are similar to their home base. And those operating in global markets may be able to contend head-on with multinational rivals. By better understanding the relationship between their company's assets and the industry they operate in, executives from emerging markets can gain a clearer picture of the options they really have when multinationals come to stay.

Countries and companies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jenning, J.S.

1990-01-01

The trends and factors currently emerging are likely to have significant influence on the way the upstream oil and gas industry evolves in the coming decade. This paper discusses how these trends might influence events in the 1990s, particularly how they might influence relationships between host countries and companies in the oil industry. State owned companies will dominate the industry in resource terms. These statcos fall into three groups: a small group of technically able, financially sound, well-managed companies; a group of consumer statcos that have limited domestic production but significant domestic demand; a large group that are finding it difficult to maintain their production facilities in good standing to maximize recovery from their resources. This paper describes the future private sector as consisting of the Surviving Sisters and smaller, private companies very active in the upstream. How will these various players behave in the years to come? Conventional activity in the upstream will continue as companies seek to optimize their upstream portfolios

HUMAN RESISTANCE TO THE USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Andi Andi

2005-01-01

Full Text Available The process of implementing information technology (IT often fails to bring the intended result because the human dimension is not given adequate consideration. Yet despite some evidence of failure, little has been written on the nature of human performance, compared to abundant resources about technical and procedural aspects, as it applies to the ideals of the IT philosophy. To combat people’s deficiencies, this paper focuses mainly on the question why people resist IT. It explores sources of human resistance to the use of IT. A survey is the conducted to personnel working for construction companies to examine the resistance sources. The result reveals personal money, habit, and threat to information security as most dominant sources for such resistance, instead of fear of employment instability as many previous researches have discussed. The paper discusses the resistances and suggests possible solutions to deal with them.

IMPLEMENTING AN INTEGRATED HEALTH, SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: THE CASE OF A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Filippos Tepaskoualos

2017-12-01

Full Text Available Over the past two decades, there has been an increasing trend of organizations implementing simultaneously two or more management systems. The structural similarities of these systems - despite the diversity of their fields of application, such as occupational health and safety for OHSAS 18001, and environmental management for ISO 14001 - have enabled many organizations to integrate different systems into a single one, rather than implementing them separately from one another. The purpose of this paper is to examine in depth a case of integration of the ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 systems, using a construction company as a research setting, in order to draw conclusions about the level of integration achieved, as well as the benefits, the problems, and the critical success factors of this endeavour. The findings of this study show that both the company's devotion to the fulfillment of the critical success factors and the identical structure of the two systems under consideration have facilitated the successful outcome of integration. However, this does not automatically imply that the company adopted the idea of full integration. Instead, the maximization of integration benefits and the elimination of related problems was achieved through the company's conscious choice to proceed with partial integration, keeping separate manuals, policies, and risk management procedures for each system. This study will be useful in order to understand that partial integration is a perfectly acceptable and realistic solution that, under certain circumstances, may even have a better cost-benefit ratio than full integration.

Innovation and construction management in Brazil: Challenges of companies in times of quality and productivity

Science.gov (United States)

Barbosa, A. A. R.; Vilnītis, M.

2017-10-01

Considering the efforts to optimize productivity and quality in the construction through the potential existing in the respective companies, this study presents an approach for identification, management and priorities of improvements actions at construction sites focusing status on productivity, added value and innovation in the socioeconomic context and scenario of construction industry in Brazil. Technological advances in recent years have made the Brazilian construction industry gradually incorporate technologies and forms of management, despite its traditionally conservative character. In current days, the innovations are pursued with the quest for greater quality, productivity, safety and customer satisfaction, which have been increasingly competitive and global. Construction in Brazil occupies an important role in the economy, directly contributing to GDP and acting on an extensive productive chain of suppliers, commercialization services and maintenance. The Brazilian construction sector has undergone major changes in recent years, facilitated by factors such as the resumption of public investments, the creation of laws that facilitate real estate, investments and funding of external resources, and the efforts of the Brazilian Quality and Productivity Program - PBQP H. However, the sector faces problems of a lack of skilled labour to meet the growth needs of the sector. There are still problems and challenges of quality and productivity that prevent full sector development. The aspects of nonconformity, low quality, high tax burden, outsourcing and informality of the workforce have not been adequately addressed and resolved. Through the use of indicators of productivity and growth, the challenges of the Brazilian construction industry are discussed and the possible paths for the sector that allow its full development and to reduce the distance between the Brazilian construction industry and that of the developed countries.

National evaluation of strategies to reduce safety violations for working from heights in construction companies: results from a randomized controlled trial.

Science.gov (United States)

van der Molen, Henk F; den Herder, Aalt; Warning, Jan; Frings-Dresen, Monique H W

2016-01-09

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a face-to-face strategy and a direct mail strategy on safety violations while working from heights among construction companies compared to a control condition. Construction companies with workers at risk for fall injuries were eligible for this three-armed randomized controlled trial. In total, 27 cities were randomly assigned to intervention groups-where eligible companies were given either a face-to-face guidance strategy or a direct mailing strategy with access to internet facilities-or to a control group. The primary outcomes were the number and type of safety violations recorded by labor inspectors after three months. A process evaluation for both strategies was performed to determine reach, program implementation, satisfaction, knowledge and perceived safety behavior. A cost analysis was performed to establish the financial costs for each intervention strategy. Analyses were done by intention to treat. In total, 41% (n = 88) of the companies eligible for the face-to-face intervention participated and 73% (n = 69) for direct mail. Intervention materials were delivered to 69 % (face-to-face group) and 100 % (direct mail group); completion of intervention activities within companies was low. Satisfaction, increase in knowledge, and safety behavior did not differ between the intervention groups. Costs for personal advice were 28% higher than for direct mail. Ultimately, nine intervention companies were captured in the 288 worksite measurements performed by the labor inspectorate. No statistical differences in mean number of safety violations (1.8-2.4) or penalties (72%-100%) were found between the intervention and control groups based on all worksite inspections. No conclusions about the effect of face-to-face and direct mail strategies on safety violations could be drawn due to the limited number of intervention companies captured in the primary outcome measurements. The costs for a face

ABWR construction experience in Japan

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kawahata, Junichi; Miura, Jun; Saito, Fuyuki; Mori, Hiroya

2003-01-01

The construction of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station Unit No. 6 and 7 (K6 and 7) owned by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), have been in service since November 1996 and September 1997 respectively, and are the first ABWRs in the world. Hitachi, Ltd. and Toshiba Corporation took part in the projects and achieved safety construction in 52- month schedule from rock inspection to turnover in cooperation with TEPCO and other contractors with broad experience in BWRs. Taking advantage of experience of the Kashiwazaki construction, the ABWR construction methods realize to satisfy with requests from electric power companies and to fit site conditions. The Chubu Electric Power Company's Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station Unit No. 5 (Hamaoka 5) and Hokuriku Electric Power Company's Shika Nuclear Power Station Unit No. 2 (Shika 2), which are ABWRs, completed rock inspection in May 2000 and June 2001 respectively, and are under construction. The ABWR construction methods are proved their validity through four actual construction projects. Safe constructions with the highest quality have been advanced thus further aiming at the introduction of the latest technologies and contributing to reduce plant construction costs and also to shorten schedule. (author)

Accident data study of concrete construction companies' similarities and differences between qualified and non-qualified workers in Spain.

Science.gov (United States)

López-Arquillos, Antonio; Rubio-Romero, Juan Carlos; Gibb, Alistair

2015-01-01

The aim of this paper is to discuss findings from an analysis of accidents in concrete construction companies in Spain and to compare the accident rates of qualified and non-qualified workers. A total of 125,021 accidents between 2003 and 2008 involving both blue-collar and white-collar workers were analysed, comparing the variables of occupation, age, company staff, length of service, location of the accident, together with the severity of the accidents. Results showed that lack of experience in the first month is more significant in non-qualified workers and experienced supervisors and that head injuries are more likely to lead to fatalities. The most remarkable similarity was that fatal accidents to and from the worksite are a problem common to both groups of workers.

Energy Performance Improvement in the Arab Beets Arena, Company Construction Materials Cienfuegos

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bericiarto Pérez, Frank Abel; Castro Perdomo, Nelson; López Bastida, Eduardo J.; Fuentes Díaz, Damarys

2017-01-01

Energy consumption over the years through the use of fossil fuels has led to the exhaustion of them, which is why large industries see energy management as an alternative to reduce their energy consumption. At present one of the most important tasks within organizations is energy efficiency due to the price of hydrocarbons, the pollution generated by them, and the need to reduce costs. The present research aims to apply the stages of energy planning in correspondence with the NC-ISO 50001: 2011 in the Construction Materials Companies, Cienfuegos. The work addresses the issues related to the Quality Management System, the Energy Management System and with it the Production Planning and Energy Planning. It performs the energy characterization of the organization and exposes the stages for energy planning. Energy planning is carried out for the UEB Áridos Arena Arimao, sand deposit E l Canal . (author)

Achieving organizational alignment - key to survival

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Allison, J.T.

1997-01-01

The restructuring of the gas and electric industry and the impact of the restructuring on organizational survival was discussed. The forces driving the trend to restructuring are commoditization of energy, demanding, fragmented customer needs, diverse, transforming technologies, and intense competition. Realigning a company to the changing marketplace is the key to survival with customers, financial markets, and with competition. This paper presented a reality-based, results oriented approach to strategy consulting. Four case studies - Telco, Natural gas holding company, Combined utility, and Duke/Louis Dreyfus - were used for illustrating different problems and different approaches to restructuring. In each case a comparison was made between the company's old organization in the early 1990's, the driving forces responsible for the change and the company's new organization in the mid 1990's. In all cases the predominance of the customer focus is quite apparent, as is the clear lines of demarcation between regulated and unregulated activities. The underlying theme in all restructuring is agility and striving for flexibility

The process evaluation of two alternative participatory ergonomics intervention strategies for construction companies.

Science.gov (United States)

Visser, Steven; van der Molen, Henk F; Sluiter, Judith K; Frings-Dresen, Monique H W

2018-03-26

To gain insight into the process of applying two guidance strategies - face-to-face (F2F) or e-guidance strategy (EC) - of a Participatory Ergonomics (PE) intervention and whether differences between these guidance strategies occur, 12 construction companies were randomly assigned to a strategy. The process evaluation contained reach, dose delivered, dose received, precision, competence, satisfaction and behavioural change of individual workers. Data were assessed by logbooks, and questionnaires and interviews at baseline and/or after six months. Reach was low (1%). Dose delivered (F2F: 63%; EC: 44%), received (F2F: 42%; EC: 16%) were not sufficient. The precision and competence were sufficient for both strategies and satisfaction was strongly affected by dose received. For behavioural change, knowledge (F2F) and culture (EC) changed positively within companies. Neither strategy was delivered as intended. Compliance to the intervention was low, especially for EC. Starting with a face-to-face meeting might lead to higher compliance, especially in the EC group. Practitioner Summary: This study showed that compliance to a face-to-face and an e-guidance strategy is low. To improve the compliance, it is advised to start with a face-to-face meeting to see which parts of the intervention are needed and which guidance strategy can be used for these parts. ISRCTN73075751.

The influence of liquidity on profitability of Polish construction sector companies

OpenAIRE

Bolek, Monika; Wili'nski, Wojciech

2012-01-01

The concept of financial liquidity is not very straight, as it has various aspects, although generally it refers to the current assets and liabilities management. Financial liquidity together with profitability are the core categories of enterprise activities which, in order to function efficiently, the company should treat as equally important. The growth of financial liquidity may negatively influence the company profitability. If the company is to liquid in the static sense than it will af...

Formalized description of assessment procedures of tender offers (of the construction organizer and contracting companies in case of engineering control scheme

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sborshchikov Sergey Borisovich

2016-10-01

Full Text Available The procedure of evaluating and selecting tender offers is not only an important element of the control system of investment and construction activity but is also an effective tool to increase its efficiency due to optimization of construction works price, reduction of their duration, stimulating innovations in the production, increasing the quality and engineering safety of construction production. At the recent time when new organizational forms and control schemes of investment and construction activity are appearing the system of competitive bidding gains more importance and new functions, because the choice of construction organizer and contracting companies directly influences the results of the construction. The authors consider the task of selecting the bidders’ offers which is a multicriterion task. The offers are evaluated according to the set of parameters reflecting the effectiveness of investment and construction projects. The criteria selection is based on the fact that the proposals of the organizer of construction and the contractors are related to the cost of works and to the deadlines which directly affects the implementation parameters of investment and construction projects.

A multicriteria model for ranking of improvement approaches in construction companies based on the PROMETHÉE II method

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Renata Maciel de Melo

2015-03-01

Full Text Available The quality of the construction production process may be improved using several different methods such as Lean Construction, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 or ISO 18001. Construction companies need a preliminary study and systematic implementation of changes to become more competitive and efficient. This paper presents a multicriteria decision model for the selection and ranking of such alternatives for improvement approaches regarding the aspects of quality, sustainability and safety, based on the PROMETHEE II method. The adoption of this model provides more confidence and visibility for decision makers. One of the differentiators of this model is the use of a fragmented set of improvement alternatives. These alternatives were combined with some restrictions to create a global set of alternatives. An application to three scenarios, considering realistic data, was developed. The results of the application show that the model should be incorporated into the strategic planning process of organizations.

How Do Contractors Select Suppliers for Greener Construction Projects? The Case of Three Swedish Companies

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Shahin Mokhlesian

2014-06-01

Full Text Available There are many studies of contractor selection based on clients and the selection of suppliers by contractors. However, supplier selection specifically related to green construction projects has been much less studied. Green construction differs from conventional construction because of differences in its underlying principles and use of environmentally-friendly materials and technologies. This paper studies how procurers in contractor companies in Sweden adopt green projects and how contractor perception of supplier mastery of green knowledge affects supplier selection. The investigation is based on a set of semi-structured interviews conducted among three large contractors in Sweden. A main finding is that the perceived differences between green and conventional projects do not change supplier selection dramatically. An implication is that “greener projects” is a more appropriate denotation than “green project”. Evidence shows that suppliers’ green knowledge is an important factor in supplier selection, as respondents rated suppliers’ knowledge of green projects as very important, and to fix his, there was a consensus among respondents about the need for close collaboration between contractors and suppliers. To ensure knowledge acquisition from suppliers and to increase their competitive advantage over rivals, contractors collaborate with their suppliers in a partnering setting. It is anticipated that the results of this study will be used to fill the gap in the literature on supplier selection in green projects and can also be used for construction firms contemplating getting involved in green projects.

Design, Implementation, and Improvement of a Methodology for Strategic Planning for Small and Medium Companies, Based on the Imaginary Construction of Concurrent Competitors

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nelson Santos Machado

2012-06-01

Full Text Available This article shows the results of five (5 research studies carried out in the western extreme of Santa Catarina, financed with the resources of the Fund to Support Research at the Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina – Unoesc or by participating companies. Such research had as its central objective the construction, application, and improvement of a strategic planning methodology adjusted to small and medium enterprises, for which conventional methods have proved to have complex, expensive, and questionable results. Having as reference Fahey (2003, we inserted the construction of an imaginary competitor-like tool of analysis of external and internal environments, as well as the establishment of strategies and actions for the company itself, in a time horizon, which acquires features of a fictitious competitor. The methodological procedures are qualitative, the design is the case study, with the adoption of action research in collecting and interpreting data, and research subjects were employees. The surveys were conducted between 2004 and 2010 in firms of service, commercial, and industrial sectors. As result, this methodology demonstrated applicability and feasibility, being able to be adopted by other companies of similar size and characteristics of those tested empirically. The main advantages are the creative process that involves the construction of an imaginary competitor, the participatory nature and of the use of action research, as well as the attachment that focuses on quality choices based on the experiences of the participants, rather than in statistical series, although they are used.

Exchange of current BPA surplus power for future power from certain companies' share of WNP-3 to settle a dispute over construction delay. Record of decision. Volume II. Exhibits

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1985-01-01

This exchange is between BPA and Portland General Electric Company, Puget Sound Power and Light Company, and the Washington Water Power Company. Pacific Power and Light Company (Pacific) is not initially a party to the exchange. Pacific may at any time prior to January 1, 1994 elect on at least 12 months notice to enter the exchange provided that if BPA determines to resume full plant construction Pacific must elect or forego the option within 6 months after construction is resumed. If the plant is terminated at a time when the option has not been exercised, the option may not thereafter be exercised. If Pacific elects to make the exchange effective and the plant is later terminated prior to the effective data of the exchange, the exchange will become effective on the specified data, unless, prior to such data. Pacific notifies BPA that is rescinds such prior election

IPO survival in a reputational market

OpenAIRE

Espenlaub, Susanne; Khurshed, Arif; Mohamed, Abdulkadir

2012-01-01

We examine IPO survival in a 'reputational' market, the Alternative Investment Market (AIM), where principle-based regulation pivots on the role of a regulatory agent, the nominated advisor (Nomad) to the IPO company. We find that Nomad reputation has a significant impact on IPO survival. IPOs backed by reputable Nomads 'survive longer (by about two years) than those backed by other Nomads. We also find that survival rates of AIM IPOs are broadly comparable to those of North American IPOs. Wh...

IMPORTANCE OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT FOR COMPANIES

OpenAIRE

Vivian Toledo Santos Gambarato; Pâmela Gimenez Mateus; Renato Luiz Gambarato

2015-01-01

This work addressed the importance of knowledge management as a strategy for the survival of companies in the market. It have been shown the talent retention concepts, people management, intellectual capital and technologies related to knowledge management, in the view of several authors, in order to prove the importance of these issues can provide organizations. A survey of companies was performed, which showed part of your reality with respect to talent retention practice and...

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT OF HOTEL COMPANIES: CASE STUDY OF HOTEL COMPANIES IN VOJVODINA (SERBIA

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Svetlana VUKOSAV

2014-12-01

Full Text Available Contemporary approaches to the management of the company are focused on achieving long-term success of the company in its complex and changing environment. Company as part of the wider environment, must adapt to the changing environment in order to survive, growing and developing. The task of strategic management is to enable the enterprise in the tourism industry to rationally and promptly react to changes in the environment in which it carries out its business and general activity. The aim of this paper is to determine whether and to what extent the process of the strategic management is being implemented in hotels in Vojvodina(that are changed ownership structure and what is their response to the competitive pressures and opportunities, and demands and needs of consumers Strategic positioning in order to achieve sustainable competitive advantage through product differentiation and segmentation of demand is imperative for success of hotel companies in Vojvodina.

Evaluation of IT in the Danish Construction Industry

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Andresen, Jan Lambrecht

1999-01-01

This report presents data on how companies from the Danish construction industry evaluate new IT investments and their existing IT systems.A questionnaire has therefore been sent to 648 Danish companies in the construction industry in order collect and analyse data on the current sophistication...... of IT evaluation practice.The analysis of the survey indicates in general that the evaluation of IT is unsophisticated and insufficient in the Danish construction industry. Several companies in the survey conduct evaluation of some IT investments, but often using informal procedures. However very few companies do...

Nuclear utility structure. Use of nuclear service companies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ring, L.E.

1980-01-01

The feasibility of utilities incorporating service companies to construct and maintain nuclear power plants is analyzed. Responsibilities of the service companies and the public opinion of the concept are discussed

The evolution analysis of listed companies co-holding non-listed financial companies based on two-mode heterogeneous networks

Science.gov (United States)

An, Pengli; Li, Huajiao; Zhou, Jinsheng; Chen, Fan

2017-10-01

Complex network theory is a widely used tool in the empirical research of financial markets. Two-mode and multi-mode networks are new trends and represent new directions in that they can more accurately simulate relationships between entities. In this paper, we use data for Chinese listed companies holding non-listed financial companies over a ten-year period to construct two networks: a two-mode primitive network in which listed companies and non-listed financial companies are considered actors and events, respectively, and a one-mode network that is constructed based on the decreasing-mode method in which listed companies are considered nodes. We analyze the evolution of the listed company co-holding network from several perspectives, including that of the whole network, of information control ability, of implicit relationships, of community division and of small-world characteristics. The results of the analysis indicate that (1) China's developing stock market affects the share-holding condition of listed companies holding non-listed financial companies; (2) the information control ability of co-holding networks is focused on a few listed companies and the implicit relationship of investment preference between listed companies is determined by the co-holding behavior; (3) the community division of the co-holding network is increasingly obvious, as determined by the investment preferences among listed companies; and (4) the small-world characteristics of the co-holding network are increasingly obvious, resulting in reduced communication costs. In this paper, we conduct an evolution analysis and develop an understanding of the factors that influence the listed companies co-holding network. This study will help illuminate research on evolution analysis.

Environmental performance assessment of a company of aluminum surface treatment

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Susan Catieri Ramalho

2013-08-01

Full Text Available The purpose of this article was to evaluate the environmental performance of a medium-sized company that provides services for surface treatment of aluminum. The treatment is known as anodizing. The research method was qualitative numerical modeling. The environmental performance of the company was organized into five constructs: atmosphere, wastewater, energy and natural resources, solid waste, and legislation and management. Nineteen indicators were chosen to explain the five constructs. Ten employees of the company prioritized the constructs and evaluated the situation of the indicators by means of a scale of assessment. By means of a mathematical model, the general performance of the environmental operation was calculated at 74.5% of the maximum possible. The indicators that most contributed to the performance not to reach 100% were consumption of electricity and water consumption. The construct of worse performance was natural and energy resources. These are the priorities for future environmental improvement actions that the company may promote.

Decision support system in an international-voice-services business company

Science.gov (United States)

Hadianti, R.; Uttunggadewa, S.; Syamsuddin, M.; Soewono, E.

2017-01-01

We consider a problem facing by an international telecommunication services company in maximizing its profit. From voice services by controlling cost and business partnership. The competitiveness in this industry is very high, so that any efficiency from controlling cost and business partnership can help the company to survive in the very high competitiveness situation. The company trades voice traffic with a large number of business partners. There are four trading schemes that can be chosen by this company, namely, flat rate, class tiering, volume commitment, and revenue capped. Each scheme has a specific characteristic on the rate and volume deal, where the last three schemes are regarded as strategic schemes to be offered to business partner to ensure incoming traffic volume for both parties. This company and each business partner need to choose an optimal agreement in a certain period of time that can maximize the company’s profit. In this agreement, both parties agree to use a certain trading scheme, rate and rate/volume/revenue deal. A decision support system is then needed in order to give a comprehensive information to the sales officers to deal with the business partners. This paper discusses the mathematical model of the optimal decision for incoming traffic volume control, which is a part of the analysis needed to build the decision support system. The mathematical model is built by first performing data analysis to see how elastic the incoming traffic volume is. As the level of elasticity is obtained, we then derive a mathematical modelling that can simulate the impact of any decision on trading to the revenue of the company. The optimal decision can be obtained from these simulations results. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method we implement our decision model to the historical data. A software tool incorporating our methodology is currently in construction.

Firms Started As Franchises Have Lower Survival Rates Than Independent Small Business Startups

OpenAIRE

Timothy Bates

1994-01-01

Aspiring entrepreneurs choosing to become franchisees certainly expect to improve their chances of survival during the turbulent early years of business startup and operation. Alignment with a franchiser parent company offers the franchisee managerial assistance, access to financial capital, and access to markets via the right to utilize the parent company trademark. This study examines survival patterns among franchise and nonfranchise small firms started between 1984 and 1987: survival thro...

Case Writing Projects in Co-Operation with Companies and Organizations

OpenAIRE

Bengtsson, Lars; Asplund, Carl-Johan

2008-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to present the process and evaluation of case writing projects in co-operation with companies and organizations in a course for engineering students. The case writing projects could provide an illustration and example framework for working with companies in constructing cases. Normally cases are constructed for teaching purposes in higher education. However, in order to get closer co-operation and more interest from the companies the authors encouraged the student...

Technology development brings sub-majors to N-power construction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon.

1985-01-01

In the past, the construction works of almost all reactor buildings were carried out by big five companies, but as the number of joint venture projects increased, the way opened for submajor firms to participate in the construction of main nuclear buildings. When the five major companies alone engaged in the construction of nuclear plant buildings, three submajor firms did most of the civil engineering works needed. The civil engineering works have been carried out also as joint venture. In order to break through the big five barrier, submajor companies have been engaged in the independent and joint development of nuclear-related design and construction techniques, and the gap with major companies has been closing. The typical joint study done by seven submajor companies was on the load-deflection characteristics of building structures. Also they engaged in aseismatic studies. The method of stripping the contaminated surface layer of shielding concrete is a new technique studied by JAERI. The activities of eleven submajor companies are reported. (Kako, I.)

Potential and Benefits of Building Information Modeling (BIM) During Pre-Construction, Construction and Post Construction Stage

OpenAIRE

Aw Nien Wei; Md Azree Othuman Mydin

2017-01-01

The construction industry is the main economic support for all countries around the world in which continually adapting to meet competitive challenges around the global market. Nevertheless, the construction project is becoming much more complex and difficult to manage. This is because the construction project involves a large number of stakeholder, for example, the consultant companies, architects, engineers, building surveyors and quantity surveyors. The technology current...

Cooperation in Construction:

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Vogelius, Peter; Storgaard, Kresten

2016-01-01

The study presents a building project executed by a major Danish construction company, where cooperation and its staging were essential for achieving high productivity and competitiveness. The form of this cooperation is the main theme for the article. The contractor actively changed the communic......The study presents a building project executed by a major Danish construction company, where cooperation and its staging were essential for achieving high productivity and competitiveness. The form of this cooperation is the main theme for the article. The contractor actively changed...... the companies in the case can be understood as possessing a social capital which is enforced and united by initiatives of the main contractor. The social capital was built up and maintained through the actual constitution of cooperation already in the initial phase of bidding before the building process....... The management logic of the main contractor is interpreted as based on a sociology-inspired understanding focusing on norms and social values rather than on contractual (law) and functional (engineering) logic, which had hitherto been prevalent in Danish construction management....

Labor construction trends

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

McCall, H.W.

1976-01-01

The increasing costs and schedule delays being experienced in construction projects have led companies to look for alternatives to their present methods of expansion. One of the facets being evaluated is the construction labor posture. As a result, more companies are employing open shop contractors. Certain benefits can be realized by open shop construction. Productivity, in terms of the time required and overall costs, is definitely improved at no sacrifice in quality. Before an owner decides to build a project open shop, however, he must be fully aware of the pro's and con's of both types of labor posture. He must know to select a capable open shop contractor and he must realize his obligations for a successful open shop program

77 FR 24483 - Kern River Gas Transmission Company; Notice of Filing

Science.gov (United States)

2012-04-24

... funds used during construction (AFUDC) capitalized as a component of the construction costs of its Apex Expansion project (Apex), by recording AFUDC on the Apex project as though it was compounded monthly during... Transmission Company; Notice of Filing Take notice that on March 29, 2012, Kern River Gas Transmission Company...

The social and economic impact created by construction of a nuclear power station: the part played by local companies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rongere, H.

1983-01-01

The president of the Sedan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and managing director of a public works company indicates how local and regional firms involved in the construction of the Chooz B power plant in the Ardennes organized themselves to cater for the requirements of the EDF. The measures taken by these firms to adapt themselves to the demanding and complex nuclear power market are indicated and further the repercussions of the on site work on employment levels and business activity are indicated [fr

MARKETING EXPENDITURES IN THE INDONESIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Krishna Mochtar

2004-01-01

Full Text Available In the 1960s, a “new” marketing concept known as "four Ps marketing mix" appeared and shifted the focus from the product to the customer. The objective of the new concept was not only profit, and the means of achieving the objective expanded to include the entire “marketing mix”: product, price, promotion, and place (channels and distribution. Expenditures of marketing in a company should be explored from these mixes, because each mix would have an impact on the total marketing expenditures. These four mixes are the main aspects of marketing and thus, should represent almost all expenditures in marketing in a company. From this research it is discovered that the responding contractors have only average efforts to improve or innovate their service, mostly using the latest construction methods and management approach. Correlated to their policy in the fourth mix (Place, they are still national oriented and not international oriented in marketing their services, this may lead to the big question of their survival; their motivation to innovate is only average while their target market is only national market. Their attitude to use more intensive “fees” policy rather than both product innovation and promotion is also interesting. Big percentage of the responding contractors assumes these “fees” are regular marketing practices. This attitude may better be stopped to make the construction industry practices healthier. Attitude to use more product innovation and true promotion approach in marketing in construction must be encouraged systematically in the future, to improve competitiveness in the long term.

Effect of Customer Satisfaction on Company Performance

OpenAIRE

Petr Suchánek; Maria Králová

2015-01-01

The subject of this article is customer satisfaction and its impact on company performance through satisfaction with its products, including a comparison with the competition. Research was conducted in search of factors which affect customer satisfaction on the one hand and the performance of the company on the other hand. We constructed a model explaining what specific factors (affecting customer satisfaction) have an impact on the performance of a company. This model can help management to ...

A Model of Functional Integration and Conflict: The Case of Purchasing-Production in a Construction Company

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Ellegaard, Chris; Koch, Christian

2014-01-01

into cross-functional conflict. Facing a conflicting functional relationship, managers must resort to conflict resolution methods, instead of attempting to integrate, as several integrative devices are not appropriate in conflicting interfaces. Originality/value – The proposed model contributes by connecting......Purpose – The purpose of this article is to generate theory on how functional integration and conflict interrelate by studying the interface between production and purchasing. Design/methodology/approach – An interpretive single case research methodology is adopted. The authors rely on in......-depth interviewing of managers in the production and purchasing functions of a construction company, as well as by its suppliers. Findings – Given low functional integration, antagonistic reasoning within each function and resultant conflicting behaviors are allowed to develop in a negative cycle, escalating...

Practice management companies improve practices' financial position.

Science.gov (United States)

Dupell, T

1997-11-01

To maintain control over healthcare delivery and financial decisions, as well as increase access to capital markets, some group practices are forming their own physician practice management companies. These companies should be organized to balance the expectations of physicians with the values of capital markets. This organization should include retained earnings, financial reporting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), predictable earnings and cash flow, physician ownership and leadership, and incentives for high-quality management. Three large, primary care and multispecialty clinics that merged to form a new physician practice management company increased their access to capital markets and improved their overall financial position, which will help them achieve long-term survival.

Prototypes construction from partial rankings to characterize the attractiveness of companies in Belgium

OpenAIRE

Napoles, Gonzalo; Dikopoulou, Zoumpolia; Papageorgiou, Elpiniki; Bello, Rafael; Vanhoof, Koen

2016-01-01

What are the most relevant factors to be considered by employees when searching for an employer? The answer to this question poses valuable knowledge from the Business Intelligence viewpoint since it allows companies to retain personnel and attract competent employees. It leads to an increase in sales of their products or services, therefore remaining competitive across similar companies in the market. In this paper we assess the attractiveness of companies in Belgium by using a new two-stage...

Construction industry accidents in Spain.

Science.gov (United States)

Camino López, Miguel A; Ritzel, Dale O; Fontaneda, Ignacio; González Alcantara, Oscar J

2008-01-01

This paper analyzed industrial accidents that take place on construction sites and their severity. Eighteen variables were studied. We analyzed the influence of each of these with respect to the severity and fatality of the accident. This descriptive analysis was grounded in 1,630,452 accidents, representing the total number of accidents suffered by workers in the construction sector in Spain over the period 1990-2000. It was shown that age, type of contract, time of accident, length of service in the company, company size, day of the week, and the remainder of the variables under analysis influenced the seriousness of the accident. IMPACT ON INJURY PREVENTION: The results obtained show that different training was needed, depending on the severity of accidents, for different age, length of service in the company, organization of work, and time when workers work. The research provides an insight to the likely causes of construction injuries in Spain. As a result of the analysis, industries and governmental agencies in Spain can start to provide appropriate strategies and training to the construction workers.

The Influence of Micro and Macro Environment Components on Trade Companies in Romania

OpenAIRE

Elena Pîndiche; Roxana Ionita

2013-01-01

This paper deals with the impact of micro and macro environment components on trade companies in Romania. Trade companies organize and operate under specific environmental conditions impact or both. In the activity of any companies the environment plays a key role in defining its strategies in seizing and using opportunities of development, being practically the support in achieving the objectives of growth, profitability or just survival. Trade companies should have the best possible percept...

Environmental management in a printing company; transformation patterns in the Dutch industry

NARCIS (Netherlands)

de Bruijn, Theo; Green, Ken; Hofman, Peter; Groenewegen, Peter

2001-01-01

The concept of sustainability presents an enormous challenge for industry. Where in the past a sound economic performance ensured survival, in the near future the triple-bottom-line will determine whether a company is successful or not. Next to outstanding economic results, companies will have to

Innovation. An Instrument for Development of Companies

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ana-Maria Nica

2017-05-01

Full Text Available Innovation is seen in numerous specialized studies as an efficient method for improving the performance of a company based on the sector in which that company operates. Based on this idea, the article aims to determine the nature of inter-correlation between the innovation activity of companies and the level of performance of these, which are the main types of innovation and how they can influence companies` position and how the sector of activity can influence the dimension of the impact of innovation. For achieve these objectives have been analysed empirical studies in various sectors, studies which have highlighted a positive inter-correlation between innovation activity and the performance of companies with significant differences depending on the type of innovation and industry use. The article is completed by an empirical analysis which aims to determine the extent to which performance of companies in the construction sector is sensitive to innovation activity. For the analysis were collected data from 14 companies which developed the specific activities in the construction sector of Europe, were achieve a total of 112 observations. The results obtained by applying a multiple regression model shows a positive correlation relationship between indicators of innovation (R&D expenditures and the value of patents/patents on the one side and performance indicators (equity, labour productivity and number of employees on the other side. Another direction of research analysed in this paper is to determine the impact of labour indicators on the level of innovation, in this situation was achieve a positive but insignificant inter-correlation between those indicators.

Main Causes Of Mortality Of Companies In Central Region Of Ecuador

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jorge Vladimir Núñez Grijalva

2015-12-01

Full Text Available Most of the studies concerning trading companies, addressing aspects of the initial stage in the life of these, such as its formation stage. However, few studies have examined the final stage of a company and especially the causes of mortality and closing. This article analyzes the main causes of mortality trading companies from three different and complementary disciplines at once: legal, administrative and financial accounting in commercial companies of the Central Region of Ecuador. This research provides a summary of the major causes of mortality, which should be considered by the current and future employers, in order to strengthen their decisions regarding the survival of companies.

Design of Technical Support System for Retail Company Based on Cloud

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Shao Ping

2017-01-01

Full Text Available With the retail side of the market in China, the sale of electricity companies as a new source of power retail, they participate in the electricity market business. National and local governments subsequently introduced the corresponding policies and rules, the technical support system becomes one of the necessary conditions for the access of the retail company. Retail electricity companies have started the system construction, but has not yet formed a standardized, complete architecture. This paper analyzes the business and data interaction requirements of retail electricity companies, and then designs the functional architecture based on basic application, advanced application and value-added application, and the technical architecture based on “cloud”. On this basis, the paper discusses the selection of private cloud, public cloud and mixed cloud model, and the rationalization suggestion of system construction. Which can provide reference for the construction of the technical support system of the domestic retail enterprises.

The CEA-Industrie Group of Companies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1988-01-01

The 1988 financial and technological status of the CEA-Industry Group of Companies is summarized. The activities, technological innovations, and areas of development perspectives of the CEA-Industry Group of Companies, chiefly concentrated in fields relating to nuclear energy, are described. The principal business sectors of the group involve nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear plants and maintenance, computer applications and life science. Some activities of the group are extended to management, construction and financial fields

DETERMINANTS OF FINANCIAL STRUCTURE OF GREEK COMPANIES

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Gargalis PANAGIOTIS

2016-06-01

Full Text Available Capital structure is essential for the survival, growth and performance of a firm. There has been a growing interest worldwide in identifying the factors associated with debt leverage. This article aims to investigate the factors affecting the capital structure of companies listed on the Athens Stock Exchange (ASE. The data set used is composed of indicators reflecting the financial position and performance of 40 firms listed on the ASE in 2014. Using a regression model we estimate in what extent the financial structure of companies is affected by performance indicators and other specific factors like the field of activity or the size of the firms. The results obtained show an important influence of share of tangible assets in total assets of the company on the financial leverage, as main variable selected in order to reflect the capital structure of Greek companies.

The strategic management of construction companies during ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

... South Africa, to identify the key strategies that are able to keep construction entities in operation. .... executed to implement the corporate strategy of an organisation and any step taken in the ..... Exploring corporate strategy: Text and cases.

17 CFR 256.107 - Construction work in progress.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-04-01

... UTILITY HOLDING COMPANY ACT OF 1935 Balance Sheet Accounts: Assets and Other Debit Accounts § 256.107 Construction work in progress. This account shall include the total of the balances of work orders for service company property in process of construction. Work orders shall be cleared from this account as soon as...

Construction Marketing: Developing a Reference Framework

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mahmood Mokhtariani

2017-01-01

Full Text Available Successful companies are strongly committed to marketing management. However, marketing is either misunderstood or completely neglected in many construction companies, mainly due to the difficulty of applying conventional marketing in the industry, accompanied by the lack of sufficient research on the nature of marketing and tailored marketing theories and strategies for the construction. This study attempts to fill a part of this gap by examining the nature of the construction industry from the marketing viewpoint and developing a comprehensive framework. A systematic investigation into the nature via a combination of Kotler’s product classification system and Lovelock’s classification criteria reveals that construction is an “industrial, project-based, and primarily service-oriented” (IPS product with specific characteristics from the marketing perspective. Based on this nature, a reference framework for strategic marketing planning is developed through a literature review based on grounded theory and using the focus group discussion as a refinement tool. The framework indicates that construction companies are involved in and should plan for three working fields—project-based activities, relationship marketing, and marketing mix-related functions. The findings provide a fundamental basis that helps researchers and practitioners gain a true understanding of the concepts and scope of construction marketing and draw a clear and practical roadmap for future work.

RESTRUCTURING COMPANIES UNDER CRISIS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hezi Aviram SHAYB

2016-12-01

Full Text Available Nobody is planning to fail, but many companies are failing because of lack of planning. Real business experience showed during the years that crisis can be prevented, avoided or limited. If detected in time, the risks associated with the crisis can be mitigated and the effects can be diminished, with the condition that the actions required are done fast, in a sharp and accurate manner. When it comes, a crisis brings an intense level of pressure and under these conditions there is no time or room for mistakes. Delays, losing focus and lack of planning will bring a company one step away from failure. The right way to deal with crisis, if required measures are not done in time, is to minimize the losses and reposition in the best way possible. Analysing the success stories of some of the biggest and strongest companies in the world, led to an important conclusion: the majority of these companies were in the situation to face huge crises which threatened their ability to survive in certain moments, on their way to success. With the right planning and by setting a proper organisational structure, the negative aspects of the crisis can be turned into benefits and opportunities for the company. The most critical challenge for management is to assess the level of exposure to risk of the company and identify the key points to focus on in order to overcome the crisis and create value. In order to set up a strong plan in dealing with crisis, a business organisation needs reliable, efficient and effective tools and this is what this article is all about.

Tom Ford Construction, LLC Information Sheet

Science.gov (United States)

Tom Ford Construction, LLC (the Company) is located in Brentwood, Tennessee. The settlement involves renovation activities conducted at a property constructed prior to 1978, located in Nashville, Tennessee.

Analysis of employee benefits in company

OpenAIRE

Burda, Tomáš

2011-01-01

The main subject of Bachelor's Thesis called "Analysis of employee benefits in company" is to analyze system of employee benefits used in company Saint-Gobain Construction Products a.s. The theoretical part focuses on the meaning of employee benefits, their categorization, terms of tax legislation a trends. In the practical section of the work, the current state of employee benefits in the firm is discussed and reviewed. A survey was conducted to investigate the satisfaction of employees towa...

Design of a Construction Safety Training System using Contextual Design Methodology

OpenAIRE

Baldev, Darshan H.

2006-01-01

In the U.S., the majority of construction companies are small companies with 10 or fewer employees (BLS, 2004). The fatality rate in the construction industry is high, indicating a need for implementing safety training to a greater extent. This research addresses two main goals: to make recommendations and design a safety training system for small construction companies, and to use Contextual Design to design the training system. Contextual Design was developed by Holtzblatt (Beyer and Holtzb...

Liquidity ratios. A structural and dynamic analysis, during 2006-2012, of the companies having the business line in industry and construction, listed and traded on the Bucharest Stock Exchange

OpenAIRE

Diana Elena VASIU; Nicolae BALTEȘ; Iulian Nicolae GHEORGHE

2015-01-01

Liquidity ratios are used to measure a company’s ability to pay short-term debt, assessing the amount of cash and cash equivalents that it has on the short term. Considering the companies listed on Bucharest Stock Exchange among the best performing, due to the high requirements imposed by a stock market, in this paper has been analyzed the way the financial crisis affected the liquidity of companies listed on BSE, acting in industry and construction domains.

RA Construction KC, LLC Information Sheet

Science.gov (United States)

RA Construction KC, LLC (the Company) is located in Gladstone, Missouri. The settlement involves renovation activities conducted at a property constructed prior to 1978, located in Kansas City, Missouri.

Influential variables in the profitability of hospital companies

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Judit Creixans

2018-02-01

Full Text Available Purpose: This study attempts to evidence the economic and financial health of Spanish hospital companies in the period 2008-2015 and discover the variables that explain their profitability for survival and the opportune performance of their assets during a period of technological revolution and austerity. Design/methodology: The study methodology consists of the short and long-term financial analysis of the companies in the study sample during the period 2008-2015, together with analysis is of their economic state, equity and treasury. To add value to the research, the profitability of the hospital companies has been explained in terms of the following independent variables: short-term solvency, debt, business size, legal form, GDP per capita, population density of and indicators of Corporate Social Responsibility. Findings: In the analyzed period, the economic and financial health of hospital companies is characterized by acceptable liquidity and indebtedness that significantly influence its profitability; this is accompanied by good financial and expenditure management, though it is necessary to improve the management of assets. Research limitations/implications: It was not possible to obtain data for 2016, as it was not available in the database used (SABI. These data would have been useful to evaluate the changes in trends that are taking place in the health sector due to the technological revolution and economic policies affecting it. Practical implications: The health sector is one of the pillars on which society is based, and therefore knowing detailed economic and financial information allows us to make appropriate decisions, both on the hospital level and in terms of the economic policies of governments. Social implications: This study provides evidence of the financially relevant indicators that healthcare companies must control for their survival and to provide proper service to society in general. The research also identifies non

SMEs’ Organizational Performance: Comparative Study between Cooperated and Uncooperated Companies

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ana Karla de Lucena Justino Gomes

2017-12-01

Full Text Available Faced with the need for survival and competitiveness, here called micro and small enterprises (MPE, they seek to develop competitive differentials, such as the insertion of the company into a cooperation network. Several researches seek to identify the benefits of cooperative strategies, but few studies seek to compare the organizational performance of cooperating companies with that of uncooperated companies. Thus, the present study has as general objective to verify if the MPE, when inserted in cooperation networks, present organizational performance superior to those that are not inserted in that context. The present research is of the survey type and involves 67 companies inserted in cooperation networks and 154 companies that do not participate in cooperation networks. To achieve the objective, the organizational performance was analyzed based on the managers' perception regarding aspects associated to the following performance measures: customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, company growth, company profitability and overall performance. The results indicate that the companies included in cooperation networks presented superior performance when compared to the companies not included in cooperation networks

Draft environmental impact statement for construction and operation of the proposed Bangor Hydro-Electric Company`s second 345-kV transmission tie line to New Brunswick

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1993-10-01

This Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was prepared by the US Department of Energy (US DOE). The proposed action is the issuance of Presidential Permit PP-89 by DOE to Bangor Hydro-Electric Company to construct and operate a new international transmission line interconnection to New Brunswick, Canada that would consist of an 83.8 mile (US portion), 345-kilovolt (kV) alternating current transmission line from the US-Canadian border at Baileyville, Maine to an existing substation at Orrington, Maine. The principal environmental impacts of the construction and operation of the transmission line would be incremental in nature and would include the conversion of forested uplands (mostly commercial timberlands) and wetlands to right-of-way (small trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation). The proposed line would also result in localized minor to moderate visual impacts and would contribute a minor incremental increase in the exposure of some individuals to electromagnetic fields. This DEIS documents the purpose and need for the proposed action, describes the proposed action and alternatives considered and provides a comparison of the proposed and alternatives routes, and provides detailed information on analyses of the environmental consequences of the proposed action and alternatives, as well as mitigative measures to minimize impacts.

Evaluation of IT in the Danish Construction Industry

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Andresen, Jan Lambrecht

1999-01-01

How are companies in the Danish construction industry identifying the value achieved by investing in and using information technology (IT)? This question has become more important and is the subject of this paper.The construction industry has characteristics which may have some influence on how...... companies manage (and evaluate) their IT systems and what their requirements are. With the aim of identifying the sophistication of IT evaluation a questionnaire has been sent to 648 Danish companies in the construction industry. Primarily findings in the area of IT strategy and evaluation of IT systems...... are presented in this paper. The findings are compared with other related surveys and some comparisons will be made between these.The analysis of the survey indicates in general that the evaluation of IT is unsophisticated and insufficient in the construction industry. These indications are, however, found...

Guidance strategies for a participatory ergonomic intervention to increase the use of ergonomic measures of workers in construction companies: a study design of a randomised trial.

Science.gov (United States)

Visser, Steven; van der Molen, Henk F; Sluiter, Judith K; Frings-Dresen, Monique H W

2014-04-17

More than seven out of 10 Dutch construction workers describe their work as physically demanding. Ergonomic measures can be used to reduce these physically demanding work tasks. To increase the use of ergonomic measures, employers and workers have to get used to other working methods and to maintaining them. To facilitate this behavioural change, participatory ergonomics (PE) interventions could be useful. For this study a protocol of a PE intervention is adapted in such a way that the intervention can be performed by an ergonomics consultant through face-to-face contacts or email contacts. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the face-to-face guidance strategy and the e-guidance strategy on the primary outcome measure: use of ergonomic measures by individual construction workers, and on the secondary outcome measures: the work ability, physical functioning and limitations due to physical problems of individual workers. The present study is a randomised intervention trial of six months in 12 companies to establish the effects of a PE intervention guided by four face-to-face contacts (N = 6) or guided by 13 email contacts (N = 6) on the primary and secondary outcome measures at baseline and after six months. Construction companies are randomly assigned to one of the guidance strategies with the help of a computer generated randomisation table. In addition, a process evaluation for both strategies will be performed to determine reach, dose delivered, dose received, precision, competence, satisfaction and behavioural change to find possible barriers and facilitators for both strategies. A cost-benefit analysis will be performed to establish the financial consequences of both strategies. The present study is in accordance with the CONSORT statement. The outcome of this study will help to 1) evaluate the effect of both guidance strategies, and 2) find barriers to and facilitators of both guidance strategies. When these strategies are

Performance evaluation of the insurance companies based on AHP

Science.gov (United States)

Lu, Manhong; Zhu, Kunping

2018-04-01

With the entry of foreign capital, China's insurance industry is under increasing pressure of competition. The performance of a company is the external manifestation of its comprehensive strength. Therefore, the establishment of a scientific evaluation system is of practical significance for the insurance companies. In this paper, based on the financial and non-financial indicators of the companies, the performance evaluation system is constructed by means of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). In the system, the weights of the indicators which represent the impact on the performance of the companies will be calculated by the process. The evaluation system is beneficial for the companies to realize their own strengths and weaknesses, so as to take steps to enhance the core competitiveness of the companies.

Exploitation and Benefits of BIM in Construction Project Management

Science.gov (United States)

Mesároš, Peter; Mandičák, Tomáš

2017-10-01

BIM is increasingly getting into the awareness in construction industry. BIM is the process of creating and data managing of the building during its life cycle. BIM became a part of management tools in modern construction companies. Construction projects have a number of participants. It means difficulty process of construction project management and a serious requirement for processing the huge amount of information including design, construction, time and cost parameters, economic efficiency and sustainability. Progressive information and communication technologies support cost management and management of construction project. One of them is Building Information Modelling. Aim of the paper is to examine the impact of BIM exploitation and benefits on construction project management in Slovak companies.

The tao of survival skills to keep you alive

CERN Document Server

Ayres, James Morgan

2013-01-01

The Tao of Survival focuses on real-world, core survival skills that can save your life anytime and anyplace, in any emergency situation. It delves into fundamental concepts that most survival books don't cover, including how to deal with fear, developing mind/body skills, and fully engaging your senses to be aware of your surroundings. James Morgan Ayres has worked as a consultant for various U.S. government agencies and private corporations, founded four companies, and lived and worked all over the world. He's written seven books, taught seminars on the tao of survival and related

The effects of the global financial crisis on the Australian building construction supply chain

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ram Karthikeyan Thangaraj

2012-09-01

Full Text Available This study involves a financial analysis of 43 publicly listed and large private companies in the building and construction supply chain from 2005 to 2010; straddling the period of the global financial crisis (GFC; and examines the impact of the GFC on the performance of these companies. The construction supply chain was divided into four sectors – material suppliers, construction companies, property developers and real estate investment trusts (REITs. The findings indicate that the impact was minimal for both material suppliers and construction companies, but especially severe for the more leveraged property developers and REITs. Building material suppliers and construction companies have benefitted substantially from the building economic stimulus package provided by the Australian government to mitigate the effects of the GFC. Decreases in the valuation of assets have, to a large extent, reduced the profitability of property developers and REITs during the GFC but these companies have recovered quickly from these adverse conditions to return to a sound financial position by the end of the 2010 financial year. The results will inform investors, managers and construction professionals in devising strategies for prudent financial management and for weathering future financial crises.

Driver rostering for bus transit companies

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Nurmi, K.; Kyngäs, J.; Post, Gerhard F.

2011-01-01

Staff scheduling has become increasingly important for both the public sector and private companies. Good rosters have many benefits for an organization, such as lower costs, more effective utilization of resources and fairer workloads and distribution of shifts. The process of constructing

76 FR 25726 - Notice of Applications for Deregistration Under Section 8(f) of the Investment Company Act of 1940

Science.gov (United States)

2011-05-05

... Investment Management, Office of Investment Company Regulation, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549-4041... Management Company of Pennsylvania, applicant's investment adviser, or its affiliates. Filing Dates: The... Pennsylvania and Federated Investment Management Company, the investment advisers to the surviving funds, or...

Foreign Market Selection Factors in the Australian Construction Services Sector

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Faiza El-Higzi

2012-11-01

Full Text Available A survey of Australian construction companies is described, aimed at identifying the mainfactors considered when choosing foreign markets for their international activities. Thishighlights the importance of the host country’s economic, political and structural factors,the interplay of company motivations for expansion and the availability of a relevant constructionproject. Other factors influence a company’s approach to overseas operations,but do not significantly affect the choice of country. Also identified is a need to improvegovernment approaches to construction service expansion to other countries, with a focuson specific projects and policy regulations to assist the industry, and to build closer relationsbetween construction companies and financial institutions.

SPECIFICITY IN DEVELOPMENT OF CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

O. S. Golubova

2012-01-01

Full Text Available Specificity in development of construction industry of the Republic of Belarus determines  character of competition on the construction market, forms a pricing, marketing and product policy of building companies. Construction represents itself as a highly developed complex where interaction of business entities is of rather complicated multilateral character.

TRANSFORMATION OF COMPANIES FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF LAW NO. 31/1990

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Amelia Raluca BUŞCĂ

2015-07-01

Full Text Available The legal consequences associated with amendments of a memorandum of association are influenced both by the intended purpose of the shareholders and by the practical type of amendment, whether it is in the form of changes of the share capital, mergers and acquisitions, dividing a company, change of registered office, change in the form of a company, extension of the company or others. The paper proposes an approach to the effects of such changes underlining the general principles with a special focus on the uniqueness of the legal personality of a company maintained even after such alliteration as change in the form of a company occurs. The research has illustrated the importance of the subject matter to Company Law, seen as a determinant element of a company’s legal status through which this specific entity brings about the necessary flexibility vital to its existence and survival.

Selection of human capital in metallurgical companies using information technology (IT

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

I. Iancu

2013-10-01

Full Text Available Personnel selection is a process that takes place in a company in order to have better business performance and competitive advantage. Nowadays, companies have realized the importance of human capital as a necessity for survival in today’s competitive market. There are several methods for selecting staff, but this paper seeks to demonstrate that this selection can be done with the help of an expert system. Metallurgical companies face even greater challenges for managing personnel selection. This research will discover and test the key elements of management personnel selection and implementation of an expert system.

Optimal Capital Structure for Insurance Companies

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Laeven, R.J.A.; Perotti, E.C.

2010-01-01

This paper analyzes the capital structure decision that insurance companies face. A structural microeconomic model is constructed and solved by means of dynamic optimization. The model allows for a careful analysis of various aspects pertaining to the basic economic trade-off between increasing the

Company profile: Big changes revive independent's profits

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tippee, B.

1996-01-01

In 4 years' time, American Exploration has changed from an aggressive acquirer and manager of producing properties for institutional investors into a geographically focused independent producer dedicated to making money by finding and producing oil and gas. Through its adaptations to unexpectedly stagnant oil prices, American Exploration reflects the type of top-to-bottom changes many independent producers have made to survive a brutal decade. It also demonstrates that an independent producer can prosper in the absence of ever-rising prices: the company reported net income of $3.9 million last year following a $54.8 million loss--much of it related to an accounting change--in 1994 and a string of losses before that. In an interview with Oil and Gas Journal, Andrews discussed his company's transformation and financial turnaround, his new appreciation for the balance between capital and technology, and future directions of his company and industry

St. Laurent Construction Co., Inc. Information Sheet

Science.gov (United States)

St. Laurent Construction Co., Inc. (the Company) is located in Nashua, New Hampshire. The settlement involves renovation activities conducted at properties constructed prior to 1978, located in Merrimack and Nashua, New Hampshire.

Perspective on the personal and professional needs of the project leader in construction industry in Libya: a case study

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Abdul Hamid kadir Pakir

2010-05-01

Full Text Available The quality of leadership is one of the most important factors in determining the success and survival of groups and organizations. The purpose of this paper is to examine the leadership needs of the project manger in the Libyan construction companies. The objective was identified the most important and crucial personal and professional needs of the project manager. This study attempted to identify the needs of the project managers in the construction industry in Libya. The finding has shown that all managers surveyed basically agreed that adherence to law/legality, specific, concise and rational, followed by intuitive and open minded are ranked as the most crucial personal needs that should be acquired to become an effective project manager in the construction industry. On the other hand, attention to details, project focus, adherence to construction industries/ professional codes, time concious / constraints, problem solving were ranked as the crucial professional needs that required the respondents.

Guidance strategies for a participatory ergonomic intervention to increase the use of ergonomic measures of workers in construction companies: a study design of a randomised trial

Science.gov (United States)

2014-01-01

Background More than seven out of 10 Dutch construction workers describe their work as physically demanding. Ergonomic measures can be used to reduce these physically demanding work tasks. To increase the use of ergonomic measures, employers and workers have to get used to other working methods and to maintaining them. To facilitate this behavioural change, participatory ergonomics (PE) interventions could be useful. For this study a protocol of a PE intervention is adapted in such a way that the intervention can be performed by an ergonomics consultant through face-to-face contacts or email contacts. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the face-to-face guidance strategy and the e-guidance strategy on the primary outcome measure: use of ergonomic measures by individual construction workers, and on the secondary outcome measures: the work ability, physical functioning and limitations due to physical problems of individual workers. Methods/Design The present study is a randomised intervention trial of six months in 12 companies to establish the effects of a PE intervention guided by four face-to-face contacts (N = 6) or guided by 13 email contacts (N = 6) on the primary and secondary outcome measures at baseline and after six months. Construction companies are randomly assigned to one of the guidance strategies with the help of a computer generated randomisation table. In addition, a process evaluation for both strategies will be performed to determine reach, dose delivered, dose received, precision, competence, satisfaction and behavioural change to find possible barriers and facilitators for both strategies. A cost-benefit analysis will be performed to establish the financial consequences of both strategies. The present study is in accordance with the CONSORT statement. Discussion The outcome of this study will help to 1) evaluate the effect of both guidance strategies, and 2) find barriers to and facilitators of both guidance

Complexity, Contract Design and Incentive Design in the Construction Management Industry

OpenAIRE

Beg, Zeshawn Afsari

2015-01-01

In this paper I examine how one construction management company uses contract design and incentive design to respond to aspects of task complexity and relationship complexity present in its construction projects. In terms of contract design, I find that the company is unable to increase its use of cost-plus pricing when faced with technically complex projects. Instead, the company uses increased pre-execution design modification and price markups when technically complex projects are contract...

Managing environmental knowledge through learning processes in Spanish hospitality companies.

Science.gov (United States)

Cegarra-Navarro, Juan Gabriel; Martinez Martinez, Aurora

2010-11-01

The major focus of this research is to investigate whether environmental knowledge has any impact on organizational outcomes through an empirical investigation of 127 Spanish hospitality companies, using structural equation models. Our results show that environmental knowledge is an important determiner for developing organizational outcomes. However, this relationship is completed with just two related constructs: Firstly, the company's acquisition process plays a key role in managing the tension between the knowledge necessary to develop the appropriated environmental initiatives and current knowledge. Secondly, the company's distribution process also sheds light on tangible means for managers to enhance their company's outcomes through environmental knowledge.

Suffield a cornucopia for Alberta energy company

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thomas, A.

1995-01-01

Operations of the Alberta Energy Company's (AEC) Suffield properties in southern Alberta, the company's major production area, were reviewed. With a staff of just over 100, Suffield was said to produce an average of 180 million cubic feet of natural gas and more than 4100 barrels of oil per day. Suffield's remaining reserves were estimated to be 814 billion cubic feet of gas and 6.4 million barrels of oil. The field was expected to be in production for the next 20 years. A master plan to minimize normal field decline and control operating costs at Suffield was developed by AEC. Cloning gas storage plants was one of the methods used by for cost control. Designing and constructing identical gas plants was another means of producing major savings, especially in areas such as equipment purchase, and construction

Enablers of Innovation in the Construction Material Industry

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Wandahl, Søren; Lassen, Astrid Heidemann; Jacobsen, Alexia

2014-01-01

, which creates a strong interdependence between the different supply network partners and can be seen as a hindrance for innovation. Innovation models must embrace such a contemporary business structures, where competition often takes place between supply chains rather than between individual companies......The construction material industry is often acknowledged as slightly more innovative than the overall construction industry and could hence serve as a valuable learning place for how innovation could flourish in the construction industry. Construction is viewed as network or supply chain based......, it was found that different approaches for facilitating this journey exists, based on company characteristics. This paper adds to the body of knowledge on how to succeed with innovation in the construction industry. The increased awareness of an open and cooperative approach to innovation is of value both...

Exchange of current BPA surplus power for future power from certain companies' share of WNP-3 to settle a dispute over construction delay. Record of decision. Volume I

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1985-01-01

This Record of Decision (ROD) sets forth the Bonneville Power Administration's (BPA) reasons for settling litigation over the delay in constructing Washington Public Power Supply System (Supply System) Nuclear Project No. 3 (WNP-3). The litigation concerns the decision in May 1983 to defer construction until financing becomes available to the Supply System and a demonstrable need for the Project is established. The construction deferral was made at the request of the Administrator of BPA, a federal power marketing agency in the Pacific Northwest. BPA is obligated to pay principal and interest on bonds sold by the Supply System to finance 70 percent of the project. The construction delay was opposed by the project's minority owners, four Northwest investor-owned utilities (companies) which collectively own 30 percent of the project

Repeated freeze-thaw cycles reduce the survival rate of osteocytes in bone-tendon constructs without affecting the mechanical properties of tendons.

Science.gov (United States)

Suto, Kaori; Urabe, Ken; Naruse, Kouji; Uchida, Kentaro; Matsuura, Terumasa; Mikuni-Takagaki, Yuko; Suto, Mitsutoshi; Nemoto, Noriko; Kamiya, Kentaro; Itoman, Moritoshi

2012-03-01

Frozen bone-patellar tendon bone allografts are useful in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction as the freezing procedure kills tissue cells, thereby reducing immunogenicity of the grafts. However, a small portion of cells in human femoral heads treated by standard bone-bank freezing procedures survive, thus limiting the effectiveness of allografts. Here, we characterized the survival rates and mechanisms of cells isolated from rat bones and tendons that were subjected to freeze-thaw treatments, and evaluated the influence of these treatments on the mechanical properties of tendons. After a single freeze-thaw cycle, most cells isolated from frozen bone appeared morphologically as osteocytes and expressed both osteoblast- and osteocyte-related genes. Transmission electron microscopic observation of frozen cells using freeze-substitution revealed that a small number of osteocytes maintained large nuclei with intact double membranes, indicating that these osteocytes in bone matrix were resistant to ice crystal formation. We found that tendon cells were completely killed by a single freeze-thaw cycle, whereas bone cells exhibited a relatively high survival rate, although survival was significantly reduced after three freeze-thaw cycles. In patella tendons, the ultimate stress, Young's modulus, and strain at failure showed no significant differences between untreated tendons and those subjected to five freeze-thaw cycles. In conclusion, we identified that cells surviving after freeze-thaw treatment of rat bones were predominantly osteocytes. We propose that repeated freeze-thaw cycles could be applied for processing bone-tendon constructs prior to grafting as the treatment did not affect the mechanical property of tendons and drastically reduced surviving osteocytes, thereby potentially decreasing allograft immunogenecity.

Exploring the Linkages Between Deming’s Principle, World-Class Company, Operational Excellence, and Company Performance in an Oil and Gas Industry Setting

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wakhid Slamet Ciptono

2005-06-01

Full Text Available This study explores the linkages between Deming’s Principle, World-Class Company, Operational Excellence, and Company Performance in the Indonesia’s oil and gas industry. The aim of this study is to examine the causal relationships model between the Deming’s Principle (DP, World-Class Company (WCC, Operational Excellence (OE, and Company Performance (Monetary Gain Performance or MGP and Value Gain Performance or VGP. The author used 140 strategic business units (SBUs in 49 oil and gas companies in Indonesia. The survey was administered to every level of management at each SBU (Top, Middle, and Low Level Management. A multiple informant sampling unit is used to ensure a balanced view of the relationships between the research constructs, and to collect data from the most informed respondents on different levels of management. A total of 1,332 individual usable questionnaires were returned thus qualified for analysis, representing an effective response rate of 50.19 percent. Path analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM are used to analyze the effect of Deming’s principle on company performance and to investigate the interrelationships between Deming’s principle, world-class company, operational excellence, and company performance. The results show that Deming’s Principle has significant positive and indirect effect on company performance (monetary gain performance and value gain performance. Although the Deming’s Principle has no significant direct effects on company performance, the Deming’s Principle has significant positive effects on the intervening variables (world-class company and operational excellence. The result also shows that a complete model fit and the acceptable parameter level that indicate the overall parameter are good fit between the hypothesized model and the observed data. By concentrating on a single industry (oil and gas, SEM specification of the causal relationship model between five constructs can be

Globes and Teaching Aids Manufactured by Jan Felkl Company for the Polish Market

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Malgorzata Taborska

2016-05-01

Full Text Available Jan Felkl company from Roztoky (Roztok near Prague manufactured globes in seventeen language versions, since 1861 also in Polish language. The company was active until 1952, but it ceased to manufacture Polish-language globes as early as in 1914. In the aftermath of the First World War, and with the development of printing business, the demand for Czech globes shrank. It is difficult to estimate the overall output of Polish- language globes manufactured by Felkl’s company throughout the 53 years it operated. From catalogues and the surviving globes we know that terrestrial globes in six sizes, folding globes in two sizes, celestial globes (probably in four sizes, as well as telluria, lunaria and planetaria were manufactured for the Polish market. It is difficult to decide how many editions of individual types of globes were issued. Polish names were compiled by Franciszek Waligórski (one globe and Mirosław Suchecki. Only 28 globes have survived to this day, including one celestial globe. Most of them are globes of an 8-inch diameter, approved by the Austrian ministries as teaching aids for schools. Nearly half of the surviving globes date from the years 1894–1914. Only ten items are in museums.

Impact of integrated communication system in development of company Pestova-VIPA

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

MSc. Nermin Xhelili

2013-06-01

Full Text Available Nowadays it is important that every company understands the importance of marketing and handle it as its integrated part, because marketing activities present a cornerstone for longer survival of the company in the market. Apart from price, place (distribution and product, another marketing element is the promotion, given that promotion is an important part of integrated communication system. Integrated communication system are tools by which companies tend to inform, persuade consumers either directly or indirectly for products and services they offer. Paper explains theoretical aspect, but certainly part of this paper is the analysis of the promotional strategy within Company Pestova, including views of consumers which were explained through a survey, in our case, students of University of Prishtina. The aim of this paper is to understand the concept of marketing, analyzing integrated communication system, reflecting the work within the Company Pestova, and the impact of integrated communication system in this company. Paper will also provide some recommendations for a positive change to the current situation in Pestova Company.

Novel Integrated Multi-Criteria Model for Supplier Selection: Case Study Construction Company

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Željko Stević

2017-11-01

Full Text Available Supply chain presents a very complex field involving a large number of participants. The aim of the complete supply chain is finding an optimum from the aspect of all participants, which is a rather complex task. In order to ensure optimum satisfaction for all participants, it is necessary that the beginning phase consists of correct evaluations and supplier selection. In this study, the supplier selection was performed in the construction company, on the basis of a new approach in the field of multi-criteria model. Weight coefficients were obtained by DEMATEL (Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory method, based on the rough numbers. Evaluation and the supplier selection were made on the basis of a new Rough EDAS (Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution method, which presents one of the latest methods in this field. In order to determine the stability of the model and the applicability of the proposed Rough EDAS method, an extension of the COPRAS and MULTIMOORA method by rough numbers was also performed in this study, and the findings of the comparative analysis were presented. Besides the new approaches based on the extension by rough numbers, the results are also compared with the Rough MABAC (MultiAttributive Border Approximation area Comparison and Rough MAIRCA (MultiAttributive Ideal-Real Comparative Analysis. In addition, in the sensitivity analysis, 18 different scenarios were formed, the ones in which criteria change their original values. At the end of the sensitivity analysis, SCC (Spearman Correlation Coefficient of the obtained ranges was carried out, confirming the applicability of the proposed approaches.

Effect of Customer Satisfaction on Company Performance

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Petr Suchánek

2015-01-01

Full Text Available The subject of this article is customer satisfaction and its impact on company performance through satisfaction with its products, including a comparison with the competition. Research was conducted in search of factors which affect customer satisfaction on the one hand and the performance of the company on the other hand. We constructed a model explaining what specific factors (affecting customer satisfaction have an impact on the performance of a company. This model can help management to better run the business and achieve higher performance. The article is based on research that focused on companies in the food industry in Czech Republic and on their customers. First, we found the financial performance of surveyed companies (based on indicators ROA, ROE and assets turnover and on this basis they have been divided on companies efficient and inefficient. Furthermore factors were identified (based on previous research of authors that have an impact on customer satisfaction (among these factors include product quality, customer requirements for product, comparison with competitive products, etc.. With the use of non-parametric statistical methods, logistic regression and discriminant analysis was analyzed, what factors affecting customer satisfaction also affect business performance.

Specific Features of Entrepreneurial Departments Management in Russian Companies

Science.gov (United States)

Troshina, Elena P.; Mantulenko, Valentina V.; Shaposhnikov, Vladislav A.; Anopchenko, Tatiana Y.

2016-01-01

The topic is considered to be relevant due to the fact that entrepreneurship is necessary for the businesses survival and development worldwide, including Russia, and today some Russian companies are adapting their economies to the more developed economic standards. The entrepreneurial format adoption is an important stage of development for…

Competitive Strategies and Improved Performance of Selected Nigeria Telecommunication Companies

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Waidi Adeniyi Akingbad

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Abstract The influence of globalization in telecommunication companies has greatly increased the level of competition in the industry and they are forced to be competitive to survive. Different types of strategies are put in place in order to be profitable and competitive. All these strategies are directed to attract, retain and maintain customers for continuous profitability. However, majority of them hardly measure the impact of their strategic innovation on their customers. The paper seeks to explore the influence of competitive strategies embarked upon by selected telecommunication companies in Nigeria on their performance. The paper also examines how competitive strategies could be implemented for improved customer satisfaction, retention and loyalty. Three null hypotheses were postulated to test the relationship between lower prices and customer satisfaction, uninterrupted trunk services and customer loyalty, and customer complaint handling and retention. Only customers using telephone service were selected as respondents from Lagos State. The state was stratified in to 20 local government council area and questionnaires were distributed to 125 respondents in each of them. The completion rate of the questionnaire in each of them is between 103 and 110. Survey research design was adopted to carry out the study. A structured questionnaire was designed and validated through the construct validity and tested for confirmation using the KMO measure of sampling adequacy. It was also made reliable using Cronbach’s Alpha test. From the study, findings revealed relationship between competitive strategies and customer satisfaction, retention and loyalty. The findings revealed that there is a relationship between competitive strategies, its constituents and performance of telecommunication companies. It is recommended that universal mobile telecommunication services (UMTS operators should adopt the culture of competitive strategies since it can

Enterprise risk management in international construction operations

CERN Document Server

Zhao, Xianbo; Low, Sui Pheng

2015-01-01

This book provides readers an understanding of the implementation of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) for international construction operations. In an extended case study, it primarily focuses on Chinese construction firms (CCFs) based in Singapore. In this regard, the book explains the differences and similarities between Risk Management (RM), Project Risk Management (PRM) and ERM in the construction industry, and examines their linkages for international construction operations in a broader context. The explanation elaborates on how companies may adopt and implement RM, PRM and ERM as appropriate in their various operations, both in their home market as well as in overseas host markets. The book also reviews the whole spectrum of work relating to organizational behavior (OB) as one of the key underpinnings for companies to evaluate and implement ERM. It will benefit practitioners from the industry as well as academics interested in the implementation of ERM practices in international construction operat...

17 CFR 250.88 - Approval of mutual service companies; organization and conduct of business of subsidiary service...

Science.gov (United States)

2010-04-01

... and economical performance of services or construction or sale of goods by the company for or to its.... (a) Application for approval of a company as a mutual service company shall be filed by the company... finds that the company is so organized as to capitalization, ownership by, and representation of, member...

Company cases Denmark

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Tølle, Martin; Pedersen, Jørgen Lindgaard

2005-01-01

for government sector in Denmark. DC employed 1,000 persons and had a market share on 75 % in the market of large government institutions when it was taken over. Danish government wanted to sell DC in order to get more intensity in competion in IT - markets in general and especially in the market for public...... IT - solitions. CSC wanted to buy DC to penetrate the Nordic market. Some effects can be mentioned: Employment in CSC - DK is in 2003 1,700 persons or 2,600 including other companies bought up recently. In innovation positive effects can be registered from contacts with CSC - International. Not only from access...... - Laboratoriet, Benzon - Pharma and Pharma - Medica during years 1988 - 1991.Nycomed wants to establish itself as a company on European level.After a decade with different owners, fusions and splitting ups a construction in which head quarter and R&D move to Denmark close to Copenhagen. The importance...

Facility design, construction, and operation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1995-04-01

France has been disposing of low-level radioactive waste (LLW) at the Centre de Stockage de la Manche (CSM) since 1969 and now at the Centre de Stockage de l'Aube (CSA) since 1992. In France, several agencies and companies are involved in the development and implementation of LLW technology. The Commissariat a l'Energie Atomic (CEA), is responsible for research and development of new technologies. The Agence National pour la Gestion des Dechets Radioactifs is the agency responsible for the construction and operation of disposal facilities and for wastes acceptance for these facilities. Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires provides fuel services, including uranium enrichment, fuel fabrication, and fuel reprocessing, and is thus one generator of LLW. Societe pour les Techniques Nouvelles is an engineering company responsible for commercializing CEA waste management technology and for engineering and design support for the facilities. Numatec, Inc. is a US company representing these French companies and agencies in the US. In Task 1.1 of Numatec's contract with Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Numatec provides details on the design, construction and operation of the LLW disposal facilities at CSM and CSA. Lessons learned from operation of CSM and incorporated into the design, construction and operating procedures at CSA are identified and discussed. The process used by the French for identification, selection, and evaluation of disposal technologies is provided. Specifically, the decisionmaking process resulting in the change in disposal facility design for the CSA versus the CSM is discussed. This report provides' all of the basic information in these areas and reflects actual experience to date

Penetration of small and medium sized food companies on foreign markets

OpenAIRE

Ladislav Mura; Veronika Gašparíková

2010-01-01

In the world the interconnection of national economies and internationalization of economic processes occur. In turbulent changing business environment only those companies that understand the current trends in global economy may survive, develop and prosper. Therefore, the issue of internationalization for most companies becomes to be more important and the process of in­ter­na­tio­na­li­za­tion is the way how to stand this increasingly competitive environment. In presented contribution, the...

Site selection of the construction of the system for the production of pasta in AP Vojvodina

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Paunović Goran

2017-01-01

Full Text Available In the growing race for the market share, companies geographically position their production and office buildings according to the new business rules. In order for the company to survive in the market, it is necessary to maximize the profit, minimize the costs, maintain a good quality of the product and constantly improve it. The choice of location is one of the vital decisions in the process of building of a production system, although the selection of the location is a problem related to certain time sections in the life of a given production system, the need for research on the effect locations have is stable in time. The aim of the research is the methodological approach to the selection criteria of broader and narrower location for the construction of the production system for pastry production in Vojvodina as an area which has a rich base in raw material. The Agricultural and food industry as branches of industry have a long time tradition as well as a great potential in strengthening economic performances of the Economy of Vojvodina. Evaluation criteria and their use in the model of dimensional analysis will allow a good selection of a good location for the construction of the business systems for the production of pastry.

Hitachi's experience and achievements in ABWR construction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Inoue, Takashi; Miura, Jun; Murayama, Kouichi

2003-01-01

Hitachi, Ltd. (Hitachi) is taking charge of the turbine island of Chubu Electric Power Company's Hamaoka nuclear power plant Unit No. 5 (Hamaoka 5), and all facilities of Hokuriku Electric Power Company's Shika Nuclear Power Station Unit No. 2 (Shika 2). Hitachi has achieved shorter schedules and lower costs in the two projects with the following construction methods. First, Hitachi applied modularization and the area-by-area method. These methods enable us to undertake building and installation work in parallel. Second, the floor packaging construction method enables us to finish installation in every area earlier than conventional methods. Moreover, manpower can be distributed evenly. This paper reports the application of these advanced construction methods to the Hamaoka 5 and Shika 2 projects. Installations such as RCCV modules and condenser blocks are presented in this paper. In addition, Hitachi is using 3D-CAD engineering and our own construction management system to optimize the planning of construction procedures and the installation of equipment in these projects. Thus Hitachi is always striving to improve the reliability, safety and economy of ABWR construction technologies. (author)

Well construction team approach creates a new future for one company's operations on the Dutch Continental Shelf

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bakker, T.W.; Stringer, R.B.

1995-01-01

Rising costs and low energy prices were inhibiting the development of marginal fields on the Dutch Continental Shelf, resulting in a reduction in drilling activity and a loss of business opportunities. Independent benchmark surveys and critical analysis of total well costs showed the potential for major cost reductions that could turn many of the smaller offshore gas finds into economic development prospects. This triggered a change from traditional operating and contracting strategies to a partnering approach with the principal drilling and service contractors and the institution of a well-construction team (WCT). The WCT proved so successful, with an average well cost reduction of 21% in the first year, that a similar organization has been set up for all the land drilling and workover operations. This paper describes the strategies used and presents a comparison between the traditional performance and the results from the first year of operating as a WCT. The comparison includes the results of an independent benchmark study of 20 North Sea operating companies

Business model reconfiguration in green construction: A theoretical perspective

OpenAIRE

Abuzeinab, Amal; Arif, Mohammed

2013-01-01

PhD study Business models describe the business logic of a particular company and green business model is when a company changes part(s) of its business model and thereby both captures economic value and reduces the ecological footprint in a life-cycle perspective. In this paper, business model literature is reviewed with the intention of promoting learning to understand the economic complexity of environmental sustainability in the construction context. Although the green construction lit...

THE EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE ON THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS AND PROTECTION METHODS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Handan AKSUYEK,

2017-02-01

Full Text Available As with all sectors, recent extreme changes occurred in the exchange rates have substantially affected the construction operations. While the rise in foreign exchange rates leads to harmful effects in the negative direction at the operations having foreign exchange – based debt or it provides also advantageous effect in the positive direction at the construction companies having foreign exchange – indexed investments. In this context, this sudden change in foreign exchange rates which cannot be predicted beforehand and emerges as a result of speculative events. As with all operations carrying out foreign exchange – based tasks, these fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate head first among the factors which affect the achievement or failure of the cost or profit targets previously determined by the construction companies as well. Therefore, the companies whose costs and profits consist of different units of currency in their construction agreements should apply to the hedging methods in order to be protected against the exchange rate. As for the main tools of protection method are the derivative products such as forward, futures, swap and optional contracts. In this study, the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on the completion costs of construction projects is scrutinized. Moreover, the tools which may be employed by the construction companies in order to get rid of exchange rate which adversely influence the building companies in both directions have been comparatively evaluated.

Business Strategy Formulation By Shareholders and Company Management using The Analytical Network Process (ANPBusiness Strategy Formulation by Shareholders and Company Management Using Analytical Network Process (ANP

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Faizal Faizal

2016-11-01

Full Text Available This research aimed to identify the business strategy formulation by the shareholders and the management of the company. Ten companies were selected to be the objects of this research. Those companies were the information technology, telecommunication, printing, mining, construction and chemical companies in Indonesia. The research was conducted by using the Analytical Network Process (ANP and considering the chosen respondents as the decision makers (experts of those companies. The respondents were chosen by using the non-probabilitty sampling method. The result shows that the roles of the company managements are considered m ore influental (0,57143 than the roles of the shareholders (0,28571. From the output of stakeholder’s condition, the best-stratified priority strategies are differentiation (0,600515, cost of leadership (0,230754 and focus (0,168731.

Building Design-led Ambidexterity in Big Companies

OpenAIRE

Stoimenova, Niya; de Lille, C.S.H.; Bohemia, E.; de Bont, C.; Svengren Holm, L.

2017-01-01

Organisational ambidexterity is considered a crucial capability for long term firm survival and development. However, adopting and successfully implementing it presents multiple challenges. Furthermore, despite being increasingly popular in the last two decades, the role design can play in achieving it is notably missing from the discussion. This paper analyses the attempts to accelerate the innovation pace of two large international companies in the consumer electronics and healthcare and ai...

Elaboration of technology organizational models of constructing high-rise buildings in plans of construction organization

Science.gov (United States)

Osipenkova, Irina; Simankina, Tatyana; Syrygina, Taisiia; Lukinov, Vitaliy

2018-03-01

This article represents features of the elaboration of technology organizational models of high-rise building construction in technology organizational documentation on the example of the plan of construction organization. Some examples of enhancing the effectiveness of high-rise building construction based on developments of several options of the organizational and technological plan are examined. Qualitative technology organizational documentation allows to increase the competitiveness of construction companies and provides prime cost of construction and assembly works reductions. Emphasis is placed on the necessity to comply with the principle of comprehensiveness of engineering, scientific and research works, development activities and scientific and technical support.

ISO in the Construction and Manufacturing Companies: A Case Study from the Construction Industry of Hyderabad and Karachi, Pakistan

OpenAIRE

Nafees Ahmed Memon; Qazi Muhammad Moinuddin Abro; Zubair Ahmed Memon

2011-01-01

Construction industry plays very important role in development of any country. The development of construction industry depends to a larger extent on quality of construction productions and projects. Quality of construction productions and projects is linked with the implementation of QMS (Quality Management System) in construction organizations. ISO certification is one of the QMS which has been adopted in manufacturing and construction industry at the global level. The constr...

Factors affecting construction performance: exploratory factor analysis

Science.gov (United States)

Soewin, E.; Chinda, T.

2018-04-01

The present work attempts to develop a multidimensional performance evaluation framework for a construction company by considering all relevant measures of performance. Based on the previous studies, this study hypothesizes nine key factors, with a total of 57 associated items. The hypothesized factors, with their associated items, are then used to develop questionnaire survey to gather data. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was applied to the collected data which gave rise 10 factors with 57 items affecting construction performance. The findings further reveal that the items constituting ten key performance factors (KPIs) namely; 1) Time, 2) Cost, 3) Quality, 4) Safety & Health, 5) Internal Stakeholder, 6) External Stakeholder, 7) Client Satisfaction, 8) Financial Performance, 9) Environment, and 10) Information, Technology & Innovation. The analysis helps to develop multi-dimensional performance evaluation framework for an effective measurement of the construction performance. The 10 key performance factors can be broadly categorized into economic aspect, social aspect, environmental aspect, and technology aspects. It is important to understand a multi-dimension performance evaluation framework by including all key factors affecting the construction performance of a company, so that the management level can effectively plan to implement an effective performance development plan to match with the mission and vision of the company.

JOINING OF ECONOMIC ENTITIES AS A POSSIBILITY OF SURVIVAL ON THE MODERN MARKET

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nikolina Pavičić Rešetar

2016-12-01

Full Text Available In today's global market, a major challenge for every economic entity is to be competitive and achieve its objectives. The method of survival shows that those companies with the lowest costs will survive and remain on the market. G. J. Stigler explained this technique on the market share of different sized companies in the steel industry in the United States. In his method he groups enterprises by size (small, medium and large. Historically, it is known that economic entities have been joining together since the Middle Ages. At that time, traders who formed associations were not engaged only in trade, but also in transportation and monetary activity. Economic entities are still joining together today, mostly in the form of a cooperative, cluster, cooperation, public private partnership or holding. The reason for that lies in the reduction of costs, risks and competition and the possibility of increasing the capacity of economic entities. Also, it should be noted that there is a synergy effect when economic entities join together. We are witnesses of many failed businesses, which did not respond to the economic crisis and the needs of the market. The aim of this paper is to try to connect the technique of survival and joining of economic entities and show how a merger is one of the survival models that in conditions of economic crisis provides options to business entities. Only companies with the lowest costs and high-quality technology can survive and compete in today's market.

The Processes of Socialization of Heirs in Familyowned Companies: the challenge of constructing the multigenerational transition

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ana Luiza Albuquerque Cruz

2014-08-01

Full Text Available In the context of a family owned company, the general literature recognizes that the interaction between the family and the company is one of the main constituting and influential dimensions of the dynamics within these organizations in regards to the succession process. The main objective is to analyze the process of socialization between members of a business family and their influence in the dynamic constitution of the succession process. For such, a qualitative approach was adopted based on the technique of case study, conducted in a company in the pharmaceutical and retail sector with more than 100 years of operations in Belo Horizonte. From the interviews conducted with the researched subjects it was possible to observe that the early insertion of the successor-heir in the company dynamics allowed for him to be projected as the guardian of the family values, bearer of externally recognized competencies, depositary of the legacy and responsible for the continuity of the family. All of these capacities have contributed to legitimize the heir-successors in the process of succession of the researched company.

Evaluando el logro de los principios de la gestión de la calidad en empresas constructoras certificadas según ISO 9001:2000 Evaluating the attainment of quality management principles in construction companies certified by ISO 9001:2000

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Tania Romero

2007-12-01

Full Text Available Desde mediados de los años noventa, las empresas constructoras habitacionales chilenas comenzaron a incorporar la gestión de calidad y han implementado sistemas de gestión de la calidad (en adelante SGC optando principalmente, por utilizar las directrices dadas por la familia de normas ISO 9000. Las constructoras han invertido una gran cantidad de recursos, especialmente económicos y humanos, en implementar sus SGC con el fin de aumentar la satisfacción de sus clientes a través del mejoramiento de la calidad de sus procesos constructivos y de la calidad de las viviendas que construyen. Entonces, para ellos es muy importante saber si esta inversión está dando los frutos que esperan. Por lo anterior, se realizó una investigación para determinar el impacto real de los SGC en el desempeño de las empresas constructoras certificadas ISO 9001:2000 en cuanto al nivel de aplicación de los principios de la gestión de la calidad sin considerar el impacto que puede generar la implementación de otro tipo de normas como las de manejo ambiental y de prevención de riesgos. Para lograrlo, se empleó un instrumento de medición que consistió en una encuesta aplicada como entrevista personal, que fue respondida por 118 personas de 11 constructoras habitacionales chilenas, de un universo de 34 empresas certificadas ISO 9001:2000. Estas personas entregaron sus percepciones sobre el cumplimiento de los principios de gestión de la calidad en la empresa. El principal resultado de este estudio indica que las personas perciben que los principios de gestión de la calidad se están aplicando de manera insuficienteSince the nineties, housing construction companies began to incorporate the quality management and have developed quality management systems (QMS, using the directives given by the ISO 9000 standards. Construction companies have invested a big amount of resources -especially economic and human resources - in the development of their QMSs; this

Profit ability versus construction equipment maintenance

OpenAIRE

Clutts, Craig A.

2010-01-01

CIVINS (Civilian Institutions) Thesis document Approved for public release ; distribution is unlimited Construction equipment is a high cost of capital investment necessary for the successful existence of a private construction company and essential to the mission success of the Naval Construction Force (NCF). The highest impact cost factor other than the initial purchase investment is the expenses related to maintenance and repair. As the equipment ages, the ownership costs decrease an...

Application of quality assurance to a company in change

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Churchill, G.F.; Smith, C.R.

1994-01-01

The effect of change, particularly in the field of quality assurance, is examined for NNC, an engineering design, project management and consultancy company formed from the industrial group responsible for nuclear power station construction in the United Kingdom. The role of the company has changed over the past six years moving from being a single supplier for turnkey cost-plus nuclear power station projects to competing in the open market for contracts in diverse nuclear and non-nuclear projects. Changes in working practices needed to accommodate new business roles has been driven, in part, by the development and application of the company's quality system, described in this article. (UK)

POSSIBILITIES OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO SMALL AND MEDIUM HOTEL COMPANIES IN SERBIA

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Dragoljub Barjaktarovic

2010-06-01

Full Text Available Abstract:Small and medium hotel companies in the majority of developed tourist countries have dominant role in hotel industry. The same situation is with Serbia. An important precondition for successful business of a hotel is accepting and applying basic pillars of marketing concept i.e. satisfying needs and expectations of guests inorder to achieve profit. Small hotel companies have specific problems in their daily business. Top priority in management and surviving of hotels is cash, because fixed costs are very dominant so hotels earmark more resources for them than for marketing. This means higher engagement and involvement of the state in furtherdevelopment of small and medium hotel companies in Serbia. The state should provide favourable subsidized credit lines for small and medium hotel companies in Serbia, through appropriate support programmes.

Effects of a constructed Technosol on mortality, survival and reproduction of earthworms

Science.gov (United States)

Pey, Benjamin; Cortet, Jerome; Capowiez, Yvan; Mignot, Lenaic; Nahmani, Johanne; Watteau, Francoise; Schwartz, Christophe

2010-05-01

Soils, whose properties and pedogenesis are dominated by artificial materials or transported materials, are classified as Technosols. Some of these Technosols are used in soil engineering, which is the voluntary action to combine technical materials in a given objective to restore an ecosystem. Primary by products that are used to build these Technosols need to be assessed on an ecotoxicological point of view. The following study aims to assess the effects of a constructed Technosol made from different primary by-products on the mortality, survival and reproductions of two earthworm species. The model of Technosol used here is a combination of green-waste compost (GWC) and papermill sludge (PS) mixed with thermally treated industrial soil (TIS). OECD soil is used as a control soil. Three different experiments have been managed: i) the first, to assess the potential toxicity effect on Eisenia foetida biomass (28 days) and reproduction (56 days), ii) the second to assess the short-term effect (7 days) on Lumbricus terrestris biomass, iii) and the third to assess the medium-term effect (30 days) on L. terrestris biomass. Reproduction of E. foetida is enhanced with high proportions of GWC. For biomass, GWC seems to improve body mass contrary to other materials which lead to losses of body mass. Thus, for E. foetida, GWC seems to be a high-quality and long-term source of food. Body mass of L. terrestris decreased with GWC and OECD. At short-term only, TIS/PS leads to a gain of body mass. Only equilibrium of 25% GWC - 75% TIS/PS allows a gain of body mass at medium term. TIS/PS appears to be a low-quality and short-term food resource but an excellent water tank. It can be concluded that the constructed Technosol is not toxic for fauna but some differences appear between different tested material combinations, depending on nature, proportion and trophic properties of materials.

A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF THE MISSION STATEMENTS OF IRAN, TURKEY, INDIA AND UNITED STATES PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Shahriar AZIZI

2014-06-01

Full Text Available Pharmaceutical companies play a critical role in healthcare economy. Articulating mission statement of a Pharmaceutical company results in guiding strategies and activities of the firm. In this survey, mission statements of Iranian, Turkish, Indian and American pharmaceutical companies are analyzed. By using content analysis, frequencies of nine elements of the mission statement according to Fred R. David including: customers, product/service, market, technology, survival/growth/profitability, philosophy, self-perception, public image and employee were investigated. 98 mission statements of pharmaceutical companies (32 iranain companies, 16 Turkish companies, 30 Indian companies, and 20 American companies were analyzed. Simple correspondence analysis was used to extract the perceptual map. Results indicate that two dimensions of perceptual map include: focus of mission (throughput or input/output, and focus of mission elements (market or support. Iranian companies placed on the quarter of throughput /support, American and Turkish companies placed on the quarter of throughput/market. Indian companies placed on the quarter of input and output/market.

The art of company financial modelling

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Zoran Lukić

2017-01-01

Full Text Available In corporate finance, the term financial modelling denotes a widely used technique of comprehensive customised quantification of a company’s entire operations. Even though not mathematically strict, such models exhibit descriptive, explanatory and predictive qualities. The paper elaborates on the main steps and principles for building financial models of companies. It also identifies required assumptions and certain statistical properties of well-constructed models. Furthermore, it describes the use of such models for decision support purposes, supplemented by an illustrative example. Finally, it discusses general characteristics and concerns associated with appropriate model construction and use.

An Investigation of Women Engineers in Non-Traditional Occupations in the Thai Construction Industry

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Nuanthip Kaewsri

2011-06-01

Full Text Available For over a decade, the public and the private sectors have carried out research aimed at attracting women engineers to the construction industry and retaining them. However, studies on women engineers working in other types of construction-related businesses apart from contractor companies such as consultancies, developers, etc., have not been many. This paper aims to examine the experiences of women engineers in non-traditional careers and the implications for their turnover. A literature search on women’s careers in construction was performed in conjunction with semi-structured interviews with a sampling of 141 individuals. Results from three viewpoints, viz those of professional men and women engineers in contractor companies, and women engineers in non-contractor companies, were found to differ in many respects, including their opinions about career advancement, career path and the difficulties involved. It was also found that women engineers in contractor companies were much more affected by problems such as sexual harassment, work-life conflicts and equal opportunity than women engineers in non-contractor companies. Turnover rates of women engineers and their reasons for leaving were examined. Women engineers, particularly those in contractor companies, had to confront more barriers in non-traditional careers than their male counterparts.  Nonetheless, working in non-contractor companies provides a viable alternative for women engineers who want to have successful careers in the Thai construction industry.

Integrated system of competitive management as distinguishing for companies of gas pipelines networks construction; Sistema integrado de gestao como diferencial competitivo para empresas de construcao de redes de gasodutos

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Menezes, Jose R.R. de; Sobral, Maria do C.M.; Silva, J.J. Rego [Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, PE (Brazil)

2004-07-01

The perspective of fast and noticeable expansion of the natural gas market has stimulated investments in projects of natural gas distribution network. The roadblocks overcoming in this expansion, demands an adequate coordination between both, the environmental and power generation policy. In this article some aspects are discussed considering the integration between quality management and environment, using as a reference the NBR ISO 9001 and NBR ISO 14001 standards, which have been implemented in building companies involved in the construction of gas pipelines in urban regions. The implementation of these systems is understood as a competitive differential, contributing for companies' business strategy in a coherent way with the current concept of sustainable development. Finally, a brief model of implementation of a progressive environmental management system is presented, based on NBR ISO 14001 standards and the principles established in the System of Qualification for Companies of the Brazilian Program of the Habitat Quality and Productivity - PBQP-H. (author)

Integrated system of competitive management as distinguishing for companies of gas pipelines networks construction; Sistema integrado de gestao como diferencial competitivo para empresas de construcao de redes de gasodutos

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Menezes, Jose R.R. de; Sobral, Maria do C.M.; Silva, J.J. Rego [Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, PE (Brazil)

2004-07-01

The perspective of fast and noticeable expansion of the natural gas market has stimulated investments in projects of natural gas distribution network. The roadblocks overcoming in this expansion, demands an adequate coordination between both, the environmental and power generation policy. In this article some aspects are discussed considering the integration between quality management and environment, using as a reference the NBR ISO 9001 and NBR ISO 14001 standards, which have been implemented in building companies involved in the construction of gas pipelines in urban regions. The implementation of these systems is understood as a competitive differential, contributing for companies' business strategy in a coherent way with the current concept of sustainable development. Finally, a brief model of implementation of a progressive environmental management system is presented, based on NBR ISO 14001 standards and the principles established in the System of Qualification for Companies of the Brazilian Program of the Habitat Quality and Productivity - PBQP-H. (author)

Determinants of IPO survival on the Johannesburg securities exchange

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Brownhilder Ngek Neneh

2014-10-01

Full Text Available The purpose of this paper was to establish the determinants of IPO survival on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE. Using the Kaplan-Meier test, this study established that firms less than five years prior to listing on the JSE have a significant smaller mean survival time; firms with a gross proceed less than the median have a significant shorter mean survival time; overpriced IPOs have a significant higher survival time; IPOs listed during the hot market period on the JSE have a significant smaller mean survival time and IPOs with return on asset, operating profit margin, and return on equity less than or equal to zero have a low mean survival time. Also, being in the internet industry significantly shortens the mean survival time of an IPO. Moreover, based on the Cox Proportional Hazard model, it was established that the determinants of IPO survivability on the JSE are the firms’ age, size, market period, return on equity and operating profit margin are. These findings provide investors and companies in the JSE with empirical evidence of the determinants of IPO survivability of the JSE. As such, investors are advised to consider these factors when selecting their portfolios

Attitudes of the general public and electric power company employees toward nuclear power generation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Komiyama, Hisashi

1997-01-01

We conducted an awareness survey targeted at members of the general public residing in urban areas and in areas scheduled for construction of nuclear power plants as well as employees of electric power company in order to determine the awareness and attitude structures of people residing near scheduled construction sites of nuclear power plants with respect to nuclear power generation, and to examine ways of making improvements in terms of promoting nuclear power plant construction sites. Analysis of those results revealed that there are no significant differences in the awareness and attitudes of people residing in urban areas and in areas near scheduled construction sites. On the contrary, a general sense of apprehension regarding the construction of nuclear power plants was observed common to both groups. In addition, significant differences in awareness and attitudes with respect to various factors were determined to exist between members of the general public residing in urban areas and scheduled construction sites and employees of electric power company. (author)

Scheduling technicians and tasks in a telecommunications company

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Cordeau, J. F.; Laporte, G.; Pasin, F.

2010-01-01

This paper proposes a construction heuristic and an adaptive large neighborhood search heuristic for the technician and task scheduling problem arising in a large telecommunications company. This problem was solved within the framework of the 2007 challenge set up by the French Operational Research...

Visualization of construction engineering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Okada, Hisako; Miura, Jun

2000-01-01

It is required for nuclear power plant construction to reduce construction cost and shorten construction period. An early and accurate construction planning including schedule coordination among the companies has recently become more important and it is possible to obtain necessary information for construction planning in early stage. In this situation, we have been developing a visualization system for construction engineering for nuclear power plants. This system has an interface with the existing Plant Layout 3D-CAD system and consists of three sub systems: (1) Scheduling and simulation system, (2) Yard planning system and (3) Scaffolding planning system. This paper describes overview of this system. This visualization system is very helpful for construction engineers to easily understand situation and environment around installation area, to easily plan a work sequence and confirm the planned schedule, and it is also effective for customers and workers to understand the planning. As a result, this visualization system enables safety and high quality construction. (author)

Efficiency evaluation of a safety department in a construction company-A case study: A DEA approach

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Solomon Odeyale

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA is a decision making tool based on linear programming for measuring the relative efficiency of a set of comparable units. DEA helps us identify the sources and level of inefficiency for each of the inputs and outputs. This approach has been used to evaluate the efficiency of the safety department in five construction companies. A three-input, safety workforce, safety training, and safety budget, and two-output, Perfect days and Uptime, constant returns-to-scale (CRS model was developed. The model indicated the necessary improvements required in the inefficient unit’s inputs and outputs to make it efficient, by identifying what factor is responsible for the low efficiency of performance, and also what factor should be improved in order to improve the efficiency of the safety department. The result shows that the safety department of firm A, B and D are efficient, but Firm C and Firm E can improve their efficiency by reducing inputs up to 3.34% and 6.05%, respectively. The inputs identified for reduction were; number of safety staffs and safety budget for Firm C and E respectively.

DSM energy saving pilot project report. Company Augstceltne Ltd., Riga, Latvia

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Krievins, P.; Cakuls, A.; Kaross, V.; Jansons, D.

1995-05-01

This report is a part of the Joint Latvian - Danish Project DEMAND SIDE MANAGEMENT AND ENERGY SAVING. The Project is a part of the Danish aid and technology transfer to Latvia. It is the result of collaborative efforts between a Latvian team, consisting of the specialists from Latvenergo and a Danish team, which was represented by Danish Power Consult. The purpose of this pilot project was not only to carry out energy audit in the company Augstceltne Ltd and propose demand side management and energy saving measures. Another task of the project was the application of DPC energy audit methodic, measuring equipment and software in Latvian conditions and the promotion of energy saving programs in Latvia in this way. The Company Augstceltne Ltd was created to rent the rest of premises for many other independent companys and to earn money for surviving. Now the Company has 9 buildings with a total area of 26,920 square meters. The tower block has 23 floors and it is the main business centre. 66 companies are located in the building. (EG)

Financial Return in the Field of Constructions: What Accounting Issues Should an Investor Know?

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Baba M.C

2014-12-01

Full Text Available The present paper focuses on the accounting, taxation and analysis of the financial statements of companies within the construction field. The first part of the paper contains some guidelines regarding construction contracts and their accounting methods with respect to the international standards and issues on construction taxation introduced starting with 2014. The second part of the paper focuses on an analysis of the financial return of five large and medium-sized construction companies operating in the city of Brasov.

Audit Quality in Brazil: A Study of the Judgment of the Independent Auditors on Adoption of the Adjustment to Present Value in Construction and Engineering Companies Listed on BM&F-Bovespa

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Felipe da Silva Moreira

2015-04-01

Full Text Available Audit quality is a complex issue and difficult to measure on the audit quality level in the Brazilian stock exchange. Most of the companies listed on the on the stock exchange are audited by companies called the Big Four and in this context, the market assigns to them pretext of higher quality in their performances when compared with the non-Big Four companies. In Brazil, recent financial scandals while international accounting and auditing standards were been adopted. This provides an opportunity to analyze the adequacy of audit services to the convergence process. Given the scenario, the problem arises: Have the audit firms uniform quality, based on the technical criteria of their judgment when the proper adoption of CPC 12 – adjustment to present value by Brazilian listed companies? The objective of this study is to investigate the uniformity in the quality of services performed by audit firms in Brazil about Brazilian listed companies based on adoption to CVM deliberation number 564/08. This paper consists on the analysis of the accounting reports, reference form and the Auditors of the companies of the construction and engineering sector in years 2010 and 2011, revealing among its main findings the absence of uniform quality in the independent auditor’s report based on the adoption to the adjustment to present value.

Adjudication and Aribitrability of Government Construction Contracts ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

The former laws apply where a private individual or company usually referred to as 'employer' (otherwise known as 'owner' or 'client') enters into a construction contract with a contractor. And the latter involves a government department which intends to have construction works carried out on behalf of the government for ...

Why the oil companies lost solar

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Miller, Damian

2013-01-01

Solar energy is a growing source of electricity supply. Oil companies including BP and Shell recognized this early on and entered the solar industry when it was still in its relative infancy. These companies invested heavily in vertically integrated solar companies that were at one point among the largest in the world. But neither BP nor Shell was successful, and they both decided to exit the solar market. This stands as a paradox since such companies have the funds, the long-term perspectives, the management systems, the multinational presence and the lobbying clout to potentially succeed in this new energy industry. Why were they not successful, and why did they ultimately exit? This paper uses innovation theory to explore the reasons why large incumbent corporations typically fail to succeed in commercializing disruptive innovations at scale. Evidence from semi-structured interviews and discussions with former employees of BP Solar and Shell Solar confirm the explanatory power of key constructs from innovation theory in accounting for the big oil companies' experience with solar technology. Ultimately, the findings suggest that oil companies would have done better to treat their solar businesses as separate stand-alone entities. - Highlights: • This paper examines why BP and Shell were not successful in solar, and exited. • It finds innovation theory to be very helpful in answering the question. • The evidence from semi-structured interviews, press reports, and archival documentation is in line with innovation theory. • Both the theory and the findings offer a different way forward for future oil and gas entrants

The impact of internationalization and diversification on construction industry performance

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Horta, Isabel M.; Kapelko, Magdalena; Oude Lansink, Alfons; Camanho, Ana S.

2016-01-01

This paper investigates the impact of internationalization and diversification strategies on the financial performance of construction industry companies. The results obtained can guide the design of strategies to pursue company growth and achieve competitive advantage. The evaluation of

Data on empirically estimated corporate survival rate in Russia.

Science.gov (United States)

Kuzmin, Evgeny A

2018-02-01

The article presents data on the corporate survival rate in Russia in 1991-2014. The empirical survey was based on a random sample with the average number of non-repeated observations (number of companies) for the survey each year equal to 75,958 (24,236 minimum and 126,953 maximum). The actual limiting mean error ∆ p was 2.24% with 99% integrity. The survey methodology was based on a cross joining of various formal periods in the corporate life cycles (legal and business), which makes it possible to talk about a conventionally active time life of companies' existence with a number of assumptions. The empirical survey values were grouped by Russian regions and industries according to the classifier and consolidated into a single database for analysing the corporate life cycle and their survival rate and searching for deviation dependencies in calculated parameters. Preliminary and incomplete figures were available in the paper entitled "Survival Rate and Lifecycle in Terms of Uncertainty: Review of Companies from Russia and Eastern Europe" (Kuzmin and Guseva, 2016) [3]. The further survey led to filtered processed data with clerical errors excluded. These particular values are available in the article. The survey intended to fill a fact-based gap in various fundamental surveys that involved matters of the corporate life cycle in Russia within the insufficient statistical framework. The data are of interest for an analysis of Russian entrepreneurship, assessment of the market development and incorporation risks in the current business environment. A further heuristic potential is achievable through an ability of forecasted changes in business demography and model building based on the representative data set.

Overcoming recruitment challenges in construction safety intervention research.

Science.gov (United States)

Kidd, Pamela; Parshall, Mark; Wojcik, Susan; Struttmann, Tim

2004-03-01

Recruiting workers in small construction companies and securing their participation in voluntary safety programs or safety research poses unique challenges. Worker turnover and worksite changes contribute to difficulties in locating and enrolling participants. Economic pressures and time demands potentially threaten ongoing participation. Six simulation exercises designed to reduce back and fall injuries in small construction companies were developed based on data from focus groups of workers and company owners. Working with a workers' compensation insurer, we had access to owner-operators of general, heavy, and special trade construction companies reporting less than $10,000 in payroll expenses. Recruitment methods included a participation incentive, mailed invitations followed by phone contacts, and follow-up reminders. Despite using recruitment methods recommended in the literature, participation rates were low over a 2-year intervention period. Because of these difficulties, factors affecting participation or nonparticipation became an additional research focus. Owners' perceptions of already having a good safety record and of the time demands of participation were the most commonly cited reasons for not participating. Literature on recruitment emphasizes processes and procedures under investigator control rather than understanding potential participants' judgments about the adequacy of their existing practices and the potential benefits of intervention participation relative to potential time and productivity trade-offs. Greater attention to such judgments may enhance recruitment and participation in under-studied and difficult to access populations. Copyright 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

QUALITY OF HUMAN RESOURCES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sofronov Daniil Sergeevich

2012-10-01

Full Text Available Human resources serve as the basis for development of the national economy, as a whole, and the construction industry, as its constituent part. The problem of inferior labor productivity within the framework of the national economy and its construction industry is considered in the paper. The author has identified the reasons why the productivity of the national economy and its construction industry is low. Low quality manpower is one of the reasons. Analysis of the statistical information has proven that the quality of the manpower in the construction industry is unsatisfactory. The author has also analyzed the relation between the construction industry development pattern and the quality of the manpower. Low manpower quality is a consequence of low personnel training and development expenditures assumed by local construction companies, if compared to the same assumed in the developed economies. Russian businesses do not invest any proceeds into their employees, as any employee may leave the company at any moment, and the employer will lose the investment. Therefore, the performance rate of the Russian construction industry cannot catch up with its western counterpart. The author also provides the analysis of the western personnel development concept. The author also makes his suggestions designated to reverse the unfavourable trend of the construction industry.

The impact of downsizing on knowledge sharing in an airline company

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nuril Kusumawardhani Soeprapto Putri

2016-06-01

Full Text Available Companies are becoming more proactive towards changes in face of the turbulent environment. As the market becomes increasingly unpredictable, people are forced to develop their individual potentials for the sake of survival. Besides personal development, interaction among people through sharing of knowledge is equally critical. This paper discusses the impact of downsizing on knowledge sharing environment in an airline company. The findings reveal that employees had different views on the impact of downsizing on knowledge sharing. Their views were influenced by self-enthusiasm towards knowledge sharing. The availability of media for sharing also had an influence on knowledge sharing.

The main factor affecting the competitiveness of Contractor Company

Science.gov (United States)

Nurisra; Malahayati, Nurul; Mahmuddin

2018-05-01

Contractor companies must have the competitive advantage to compete in maintaining the survival of the company. Problems arise because quite a lot of advantages can be used and these advantages must be used appropriately to produce competitiveness for the company to continue to compete and to win the competition. This study aims to determine the main factors affecting the competitiveness of medium-class contractors in Banda Aceh. Data collection was obtained through questionnaires distributed to 31 middle-class contractors in Banda Aceh. Data processing and analysis is done by using descriptive analysis. Based on the result of descriptive analysis, it can be concluded that the most important competitiveness factor with a mean score value 4.52 is the relationship, and the factor that has the highest mean score value is the relationship with the government of 4.97, while the result of the ranking analysis is obtained 25 factor that is critical to the competitiveness of medium-class contractors in Banda Aceh.

MARKETING STRATEGY OF COMMERCIAL HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANY

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Cut Zaraswati

2017-01-01

Full Text Available The objectives of this research are to: 1 compare the effect of premium earnings products of health insurances after the launching of national social health insurance (JKN-BPJS (Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial for health; 2 analyze the internal and external factors of private/commercial health insurance companies; 3 formulate a marketing strategyy for health insurance product after the operation of JKN-BPJS for health.  It is a challenge for commercial health insurance to survive and thrive with the existence of JKN-BPJS for health which is compulsory to Indonesia’s citizens to be a member. The research begins by analyzing premium earnings of the commercial health insurance company one year before and after the implementation of JKN-BPJS for health, the intensive interviews and questionnaires to the chosen resource person (purposive samplings, the analysis on Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE, External Factor Evaluation (EFE, Matrix IE and SWOT are used in the research. Then it is continued by arranging a strategic priority using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP.  The result from the research is there is totally no decreasing premium earnings for the commercial health insurance company although the growth trend shows a slight drop.  The appropriate strategy for the health insurance company in the commercial sector is the differentiation where the implication is involving customer service quality improvement, product innovation, and technology and infrastructure development.      Keywords:  commercial health insurance company, Marketing Strategy, AHP Analysis, national social health insurance

The Aggressive Competitiveness Influence on the Retailer Company Performance

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Antonio Benedito Oliveira Junior

2015-08-01

Full Text Available The aggressive competitiveness refers to the company tendency to challenge direct and intensively its competitors when entering into a market or to enhance its position outperforming its rivals. An approach about aggressive competitiveness shares the traditional view of "strength-weakness-opportunity-threat", another view consistent with the hyper-competitiveness model, and the third view follows the dynamic competitiveness line. However, researches have not yet focused either on the motivations or on the strategic guidelines before the attack or on the direct relationship between Aggressive Competitiveness (AC and Retailer Company Performance (CP through a qualitative and quantitative study. Within this context, the objective of this research was to analyze: i the impact of the AC in the retail CP; and ii the effect of company size factor (medium/large versus micro/small in this relationship. It was carried out a mixed survey in two stages. In the first it was used a qualitative approach, through multiple case study with eight companies. Then, in the second phase it was held a survey with 64 companies. The results indicate a positive and significant impact of the AC on the CP, but this impact is not different between medium and large sized enterprises versus micro/small sized companies. This research contributes theoretical and empirically to the literature about AC of retail companies, generating subsidies for managers to adopt a more aggressive attitude in the competitive dynamics of the retail market. The practical cases studied here corroborate the influence of AC on the CP. Specifically it demonstrates the AC importance for the survival and growth of the company in increasingly dynamic, turbulent and competitive markets.

A STRATEGIC APPROACH OF THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR IN ROMANIA

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

TUDOR NISTORESCU

2010-01-01

Full Text Available Construction, one of the major economic sector of activity in Europe, was severely affected by the actual global recession, although the impact of the crisis and the moment when it occurred varied widely between the EU Member States. In Romania, the first effects of the economic crisis in the construction sector occurred since early 2009, being visible both in physical volume of construction works and in the volume and value of investments in this sector. The crisis in the construction works had a strong impact on the entire Romanian economy. With the present research paper „A strategic approach of the construction sector in Romania” we aim to highlight the competitive advantage the companies in the field have on the national market. To this end we will use the SWOT model of strategic analysis and M. Porter’s five competitive forces model, in order to highlight the main problems faced by these companies.

Experiences for construction and preoperation test of Shimane nuclear power station

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Niki, Yoshiya; Taniguchi, Takashi.

1975-01-01

Shimane nuclear power station of Chugoku Electric Power Company has begun its commercial operation on March 29, 1974 after the construction period of 49.5 months. The fundamental construction process which Chugoku Electric Power Company and Hitachi Ltd. had agreed was 45 month process, which was the readjustment of the construction process which General Electric Company had presented for preceding nuclear power plants in Japan and its results. The achieved construction and test process required 49.5 months with 4.5 months delay. This delay occurred in two points. The one was caused by the ''upside down'' problem of control rods which had been imported from G.E. The another was caused by the restriction of the rate of load increasing. Fuel charging which indicates the substantial finish of construction works, had begun at May 1, 1973 on schedule. Therefore it can be said that the construction works had been carried out just according to the fundamental process. However, analyzing the result of progress, the pressure test of a reactor containment vessel and the set-up and the first pressure test of a reactor pressure vessel led the schedule by about 2 months. On the contrary, the subsequent works delayed by just that leading time. (Tai, I.)

Construction of transmission pipeline across Osaka bay area -pipeline construction by shield tunnel under seabed-; Construction d'un gazoduc dans la zone de la baie d'Osaka - tunnel de protection sous-marin

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Takashi, AIhara [Osaka Gas Co., Ltd (Japan)

2000-07-01

Osaka Gas has been constructing a transmission gas pipeline across Osaka Bay Area with Osaka Port that has busy traffic. The company met several technical problems on the construction-design with measures against the subsidence of reclaimed land, anti-seismic measures, for example, in designing the pipeline construction by shield tunnel under seabed. This paper introduces the solutions to the technical problems. (authors)

Plant Engineering and Construction System with Knowledge Management: A Case Study in NPP Construction in Hitachi-GE NE

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mochida, T.; Hamamoto, M.; Nakamitsu, N.

2016-01-01

Full text: Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd. (HGNE) has more than 40 years BWR plants construction experience. The company continues to develop plant engineering system and plant construction systems based on the experience and the lessons learned. Currently, these systems are integrated in a variety of knowledge bases using the latest information technology (IT). Their performance is continuously validated in the recent NPP constructions. Typical examples are shown as case studies for knowledge management. These plant engineering and construction management systems are essential to achieve the on-time and on-budget-goals in NPP construction projects. (author

Assessing knowledge retention in construction organisations: Cases from the UAE

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mohammed Arif

2012-05-01

Full Text Available Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present different issues facing the problem of knowledge retention by construction sector companies in the UAE. Methodology: Existing framework in the area of knowledge retention has been used to assess three large construction consultancies in the UAE. The case study methodology used in this paper highlights some key issues in the area of knowledge retention in the UAE. Findings: Based on the analysis of the knowledge retention system the major drivers for its successful implementation are prevalence of a culture of sharing knowledge, reward and recognition for sharing knowledge, a technology platform that can accommodate multi formats of files, awareness of knowledge retention system and its benefits among its employees, and top management support. Research Limitations: The paper presents three case studies and draws conclusions about the UAE construction sector. Although the three companies are large companies, there are several Small and Medium sized Enterprise (SME operating in the construction sector in the UAE. Future researchers need to look at these SMEs. Originality / Value: Through the three case studies, several issues related to the implementation of robust knowledge retention practices have been identified and highlighted for the UAE construction sector.

ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF E-HRM SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION IN DEDEMAN COMPANY

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sofia Totolici

2013-12-01

Full Text Available Due to the situation in recent times and the latest global economic trends, an idea presented decades ago was reiterated: the most important resource of any organization is its human capital. As a direct consequence of this known idea, many specialists have treated in recent years, subjects which were related in one way or another with the field of Human Resources, since Human Resources sector will survive in the new economy only if it has a computer technology. As a result, the essential condition for achieving excellence in the computerized management of human resources management is the development and implementation of performant e-HRM systems. For this reason, any organization, regardless of its size and nature, must resort to the implementation of an e-HRM information system adapted to its specific needs, because the performance of the human resources activities (HR depend to a large extent on the correlation between software instruments and employees’ skills. In order to identify the effects and benefits of implementing e-HRM systems, we presented a case study focused on Dedeman Company – retailer of construction materials and interior design.

Childcare Practices among Construction Workers in Chira Chas, Jharkhand

Science.gov (United States)

Dhar, Rajib

2012-01-01

This study aims at examining the childcare practices and issues experienced by the low-income construction workers in India. It is concerned with understanding varied aspects relating to problems that construction workers, as parents, face while bringing up their children in one of the small construction companies of eastern India, in the state of…

DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO THE EBIT CONSTRUCTION AND THEIR IMPACT ON CORPORATE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BASED ON THE RETURN ON ASSETS: SOME EVIDENCE FROM CZECH TOP100 COMPANIES

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jiří Strouhal

2018-03-01

Full Text Available The paper discusses ways of measuring the financial performance of businesses. The aim is to determine to what extent the form of profit calculation influences value of return on assets (hereinafter referred to as ‘ROA’, which is frequently used as an indicator for measuring financial performance. The theoretical part is focused on the comparative analysis of accounting data based on Czech practices and IFRS with the in-depth focus on interest charges and reporting requirements. There is discussed the topic of objective and subjective measurement of financial performance. In the practical part, ROA is calculated using a profit in two forms of its construction. There are evaluated TOP 100 Czech companies in order to assess the differences in the final values of the tested indicator. The results are linked to the capital structure of the analysed companies and prove that the level of indebtedness influences the difference in the ROA calculations when different kinds of profit are used. In the case of the companies with higher indebtedness, it is more appropriate to compare the ROA indicators based on the nominator containing earnings before interest and taxes. It shall be concluded that this is a pioneer study of this topic in the Czech Republic and probably also in the CEE region.

Analysis of the financial task generated by the construction of a nuclear power plant in Mexico

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alonso, G.; Ramirez, R.; Palacios, J.; Delfin, A.

2011-11-01

The construction of new nuclear reactors requires of a high investment making them intensive projects in capital and that require as minimum of 5 years for its construction. The financial task that represents for the electric company is of vital importance, since in the case of privates in other countries prevents them of entering in this type of projects if they do not have its Government support. In the case of Mexico, being an electric company integrated vertically can have financing to carry out this investment type. In this study is analyzed the construction viability of new nuclear reactors in Mexico based on the financial task that represents for the Electric Company its construction. (Author)

Brand values for consumers and companies

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Veljković Saša

2010-01-01

Full Text Available In contemporary business management, which is characterized by intense competitive pressure, marketing is getting more and more dominant role. Companies on the market are more exposed to competitive pressure due to the growing number of suppliers (bidders and substitutive products on the home market, and increase of foreign competition due to the world economy globalization. The success of marketing tools usage largely depends on the expected financial effects realization, as well as the survival of company on the market does, both in long and short terms. Brand marketing is a useful tool in modern business environment and it is an important source of competitive advantage. The concept and essence of brand have been significantly changed recently, compared to the period of twenty or more years ago. Brand is no more considered as just a label or sign, it is a tool that creates value for consumers and significantly contributes to improving the competitive position on the market. In brand creating process one should start from the elements that influence the creation of value for consumers and to consistently apply mechanisms to maximize the function of the brand on the market and enable companies to achieve maximum impact in terms of achievement of competitive advantage. It is important at the same time, in the respect of analysis of the financial payback investment in brand creating, to conceder brand impacts on the financial performance of the company. The aim of this paper is to point out the role, importance and concept of brand in modern marketing, and to highlight the role and way of creating value for consumers with help of the brand, which contributes to improving the competitive position and points out the brand influence on the financial performance of companies.

18 CFR 367.1070 - Account 107, Construction work in progress.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-04-01

... NATURAL GAS ACT Balance Sheet Chart of Accounts § 367.1070 Account 107, Construction work in progress. (a) This account must include the total of the balances of construction projects for service company..., Construction work in progress. 367.1070 Section 367.1070 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL...

Causes of defects in the South African housing construction industry ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Martyn le Roux, Department of Quantity Surveying, P.O. Box 77000, Nelson Mandela ... in South Africa. There is a shortage of skilled people in the South. African construction industry; local and international companies within the construction industry are joining ..... observation of construction of any new home or building.

Yacuiba - Rio Grande Gas Pipeline (GASYRG), in Bolivia. The development of a company and the construction of the pipeline in a regulated and competitive environment; Gasoducto Yacuiba - Rio Grande (GASYRG), in Bolivia - experiencias de la creacion de una empresa y de la construccion del gasoducto bajo las condiciones de un escenario competitivo e regulado

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Loureiro, Mauro de Oliveira; Montano, Jose Ruben [Transierra S.A. (Bolivia)

2003-07-01

In order to fulfill contractual agreements, three Bolivian companies decided to create Transierra S.A., a gas transportation company that would increase the gas transportation capacity from the gas fields, located in the Southern part of Bolivia. The overall objective was to build and operate a gas pipeline from Yacuiba to Rio Grande in time to comply with already agreed dates to star commercial operation. The creation of the company and the construction process were conducted in a highly competitive and regulated environment. Construction completion schedules were tight; therefore, under the previously mentioned scenario, the company implemented creative strategies to achieve its goals. (author)

ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL DUE DILIGENCE UNSUCCESSFUL BUSINESS COMPANIES IN SERBIA

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

JELENA Toskovic

2015-06-01

Full Text Available In conditions of extreme financial and corporate scandals, in order to achieve a good position in the market and thus maximize profit, modern companies and their top managers must make continual innovation and change, as an adaptation of one of the basic imperatives of modern business. This means that today's modern enterprises are facing numerous challenges, including the need to find a way to survival, growth and development. The global economic crisis that occurred in 2007 passed the downfall of many companies and put into focus the creative application of financial resources in the process of bankruptcy. Each company during its life cycle comes to a situation that is found in some form of crisis, but if it fails to overcome the crisis inevitably is to declare bankruptcy, which is a recognition that the company failed to meet its objectives. The causes of business failure are different, so the task of the financial due diligence to do the recording of enterprises, carefully, systematically and thoroughly investigate, examine and analyze them information company that filed for bankruptcy. The point of introduction of due diligence is in providing input as soon as possible, in order to take advantage of information in the right way and made the right decisions and strategies of the business. So due diligence serves as a tool or vehicle for designing business decisions, which is in the territory of the Republic of Serbia still minimal use. The reorganization process is applied rather than the liquidation process, precisely in order to use all the resources that the company has, and thus protect shareholders, creditors and suppliers. This process is strictly controlled and regularized to avoid possible abuse by management that led the company to bankruptcy. The legislation allows considerable benefits company in the reorganization process, just to fit in a healthy leg, changed unsuccessful business and financial structure of the successful and

Leadership Quality for Malaysia Construction Leader to Steer a Success Construction Project

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ngah Nasaruddin Nur Ain

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Issues that dominate the construction industry for the long time such as time overrun, cost overrun, quality of construction and also safety during the construction process are difficult to resolve because of several factors involved which amongst them are leadership quality in the industry. Solving these issues can make the industry more sustainable in nature. This paper presents the need of leadership quality among construction parties involved to steer a construction project successfully. Literature work found that 11 leadership qualities to ensure construction project success. From the frequency analysis, five most dominant leadership qualities are team building, communication skill, visioning, planning & strategy skill, and decision making. Beside the literature, this study also seeks an opinion from a senior leader of a successful construction company regarding the need of these qualities amongst parties to resolve the construction issues. The results from an interview session indicate that he fully agreed with the need of all the qualities in the construction industry. This shows that there is a strong relationship between solving the issues with the leadership quality in ensuring construction project success. These qualities should be further investigated to acquire a better representation of leadership quality in resolving construction issues for Malaysia construction industry.

Servitization in Danish Manufacturing Firms: A Strategy for Survival?

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Slepniov, Dmitrij; Wæhrens, Brian Vejrum; Johansen, John

2010-01-01

) and by many traditional manufacturers is perceived as a strategy for survival. On the basis of multiple cases of Danish companies, this paper discusses the main reasons and strategic implications of servitization. Furthermore, it outlines the strategies of how traditional manufacturers can recoup the desired...... level of return from the developments associated with servitization....

Quality Management System at Construction Project: A Questionnaire Survey

OpenAIRE

P.P.Mane; J.R.Patil

2015-01-01

The best quality, time and cost are the important aspects of successful construction project which fulfills the main goal of construction industry. The quality management has to provide the environment within which related tools, techniques and procedures can be deployed effectively leading to operational success for a construction project. The role of quality management for a construction company is not an isolated activity, but intertwined with all the operational and managerial...

The Unidentified Value of IT in the Construction Industry

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Andresen, Jan Lambrecht

2000-01-01

A questionnaire survey was completed in spring1999 about the evaluation of IT in the Danish construction industry. This paper presents some of the results found in the analysis of the survey. It is found that few companies have a written IT strategy and in those who have, the practicality...... of their IT strategy is generally low. Most IT evaluation is done before the investment is made using primarily oral guidelines and subjective arguments. CAD systems are the most evaluated. In general it is found that the IT evaluations completed by companies in the construction industry are unsophisticated compared...

Support to design and construction of the PBMR plant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cazorla, F.; Moron, P.; Gonzalez, J. I.

2010-01-01

Developing the new reactor design to a licensable state for constructing a pilot plant is a tough task require specific resources, concerning knowledge and previous experience, which trespassing the pure scientific or technologic knowledge linked to the reactor conceptual design. Taking into consideration the experience derived from the collaboration between the South African company PBMR (PTY) Ltd.; the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor Designer, and Tecnatom SA, the article presents some of the aspects in which the companies or organization in charge of the design can demand external support to license and construct the pilot plants with guaranteed success. (Author)

The Benefits of the ABC Method Application in Croatian Companies

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Dubravka Pekanov-Starčević

2013-07-01

Full Text Available New business environment has changed the structure and behaviour of company costs. The changes are primarily reflected in the increasing share of overhead costs in the total costs. Given that competitiveness is reflected in the unit product cost, the exact determination of unit costs by cost drivers, primarily the precise allocation of overhead costs to cost drivers, have become crucial to the survival of companies in a turbulent market environment. The biggest problem in determining the exact product costs is incorrect allocation of overhead costs to cost drivers. In the 1980s, a new method of allocating overhead costs was developed – activity-based costing (ABC method. Advocates of this method claim that it allows a more accurate determination of product costs and identification and elimination of activities that do not add value to the company, thereby reducing costs and increasing profits, and ultimately creating and sustaining a competitive advantage. Using a sample of Croatian companies listed on the Zagreb Stock Exchange, we investigated to which extent they applied activity-based costing; its benefits to the cost management system, and which factors influenced the application of this methodology. This study provides a new insight into the development of cost management systems in Croatian companies.

The effects of the survival characteristics of parent Holocaust survivors on offsprings' anxiety and depression symptoms.

Science.gov (United States)

Aviad-Wilchek, Yael; Cohenca-Shiby, Diana; Sasson, Yehuda

2013-01-01

This paper examines symptoms of anxiety and depression of Holocaust survivors' (HS) offspring as a function of their parents' age, gender, and survival situation (whether the survivor parent was alone or with a relative during the war). The 180 adults (142 with two parent survivors; 38 with a single parent survivor) who participated in this study completed (a) a measure of state-trait anxiety, (b) a measure of depression symptoms, (c) a sociodemographic questionnaire was divided into three sections: information about the participant, about his mother and about his father. Participants whose mothers were aged 18 or younger during the war and survived alone report more symptoms of anxiety and depression than participants whose mothers were the same age yet survived in the company of relatives. Participants whose mothers were aged 19 or older and survived either alone or in the company of relatives, exhibited fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. The survival situation was the only predictor related to the fathers. There were no significant differences between participants with one or two HS parents. Although this study is based on a relatively small sample, it highlights the relationship between the parents' survival situation and symptoms of anxiety and depression among their offspring.

BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES OF BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING IMPLEMENTATION IN JORDANIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

OpenAIRE

Mohammed A.KA. AL-Btoush*, Ahmad Tarmizi Haron

2017-01-01

Construction companies are faced with the need to innovatively integrate the construction process and address project development challenges. One way of doing that is the integration of building information modelling (BIM) in the building design and development cycles. However, due to the lack of clear understanding and the absence of a holistic implementation guideline, many companies are unable to fully achieve BIM potentials or implement BIM in their project and building lifecycle. BIM imp...

Analysis of construction accidents in Spain, 2003-2008.

Science.gov (United States)

López Arquillos, Antonio; Rubio Romero, Juan Carlos; Gibb, Alistair

2012-12-01

The research objective for this paper is to obtain a new extended and updated insight to the likely causes of construction accidents in Spain, in order to identify suitable mitigating actions. The paper analyzes all construction sector accidents in Spain between 2003 and 2008. Ten variables were chosen and the influence of each variable is evaluated with respect to the severity of the accident. The descriptive analysis is based on a total of 1,163,178 accidents. Results showed that the severity of accidents was related to variables including age, CNAE (National Classification of Economic Activities) code, size of company, length of service, location of accident, day of the week, days of absence, deviation, injury, and climatic zones. According to data analyzed, a large company is not always necessarily safer than a small company in the aspect of fatal accidents, experienced workers do not have the best accident fatality rates, and accidents occurring away from the usual workplace had more severe consequences. Results obtained in this paper can be used by companies in their occupational safety strategies, and in their safety training programs. Copyright © 2012 National Safety Council and Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Potential and Benefits of Building Information Modeling (BIM During Pre-Construction, Construction and Post Construction Stage

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Aw Nien Wei

2017-11-01

Full Text Available The construction industry is the main economic support for all countries around the world in which continually adapting to meet competitive challenges around the global market. Nevertheless, the construction project is becoming much more complex and difficult to manage. This is because the construction project involves a large number of stakeholder, for example, the consultant companies, architects, engineers, building surveyors and quantity surveyors. The technology currently used in the construction industry is the AutoCAD (Automatic computeraided design. AutoCAD is a commercial software application for 2D and 3D computer-aided design (CAD and drafting develop by Autodesk. Generally, all the drawing design from Autocad will be exchanged among the stakeholder in the form of paper. Information exchanged among them mostly involves a lot of documents and drawings. This practice creates errors because of documents and drawings are mostly in a paper-based format that is not properly managed which results in miscommunication among them. Having wrong information in the construction process could hinder the productivity of projects because in a construction project information is one of the important construction materials. Building Information Modeling (BIM is one of the newly software in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC industries to ensure all parties receive the right information. BIM technology is also an intelligent model of a building constructed digitally in the way of 3D. The software will generate model containing the information needed to support the construction, fabrication, and procurement activities that needed to realize the building. This paper will discuss on potential and benefits of BIM during pre-construction stage, construction stage and during post construction stage

To tender, re-negotiate or partner: Strategies for contracting service companies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gouldie, T.A.

1994-01-01

The contracting of oilfield service companies by petroleum exploration and production operating companies is different than the contracting of civil engineering, construction or other project-oriented contractors. The relationship between operating companies and oilfield service companies has had a long and unique history which has evolved since the first oil wells were drilled over a century ago. The process of contracting service companies by operating companies for petroleum exploration and production work can be split into three distinct stages: (1) decide what it is that should be contracted out and what should be kept in house; (2) determine the method to use to select the contractor(s) to perform the work; and (3) agree to the contractual structure to best reflect the relationship the operating company and the service company with to initiate and maintain. As there are ongoing changes to the business structures and corporate thinking of both operating and service companies, there are also evolving changes to what are considered core businesses and the methods of selecting and contracting service companies by operating companies. Operating companies are recognizing the high costs of tendering for contractor services in terms of personnel time and administrative effort, and are relying more on negotiating and rolling-over existing contracts with their suitable, capable contractors. Partnering, in its many forms and levels, is increasingly being recognized as a useful method to get better work done at cheaper overall costs

Screen for genes involved in radiation survival of Escherichia coli and construction of a reference database

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sargentini, Neil J., E-mail: nsargentini@atsu.edu; Gularte, Nicholas P.; Hudman, Deborah A.

2016-11-15

Highlights: • 3907 Keio knockout mutants of E. coli screened for UV and X-radiation sensitivity. • 76 mutants showed significantly increased radiation sensitivity. • A database of 9 screening studies listed 352 genes only once; 103 genes, 2–7 times. • 33 genes from this study are uncommon and potentially novel. • Common and uncommon genes differ in gene function profile. - Abstract: A set of 3907 single-gene knockout (Keio collection) strains of Escherichia coli K-12 was examined for strains with increased susceptibility to killing by X- or UV-radiation. After screening with a high-throughput resazurin-based assay and determining radiation survival with triplicate clonogenic assays, we identified 76 strains (and associated deleted genes) showing statistically-significant increased radiation sensitivity compared to a control strain. To determine gene novelty, we constructed a reference database comprised of genes found in nine similar studies including ours. This database contains 455 genes comprised of 103 common genes (found 2–7 times), and 352 uncommon genes (found once). Our 76 genes includes 43 common genes and 33 uncommon (potentially novel) genes, i.e., appY, atoS, betB, bglJ, clpP, cpxA, cysB, cysE, ddlA, dgkA, dppF, dusB, elfG, eutK, fadD, glnA, groL, guaB, intF, prpR, queA, rplY, seqA, sufC,yadG, yagJ, yahD, yahO, ybaK, ybfA, yfaL, yhjV, and yiaL. Of our 33 uncommon gene mutants, 4 (12%) were sensitive only to UV-radiation, 10 (30%) only to X-radiation, and 19 (58%) to both radiations. Our uncommon mutants vs. our common mutants showed more radiation specificity, i.e., 12% vs. 9% (sensitive only to UV-); 30% vs. 16% (X-) and 58% vs. 74% (both radiations). Considering just our radiation-sensitive mutants, the median UV-radiation survival (75 J m{sup −2}) for 23 uncommon mutants was 6.84E-3 compared to 1.85E-3 for 36 common mutants (P = 0.025). Similarly, the average X-radiation survival for 29 uncommon mutants was 1.08E-2, compared to 6.19E

VUJE, Inc. Company mission

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2008-01-01

VUJE is an engineering company that performs design, supply, implementation, research and training activities, particularly in the field of nuclear and conventional power generation. Our earlier research specialization in the field of nuclear power generation has gradually diversified into design and engineering activities during performing particular tasks. Nowadays we are able to provide all activities related to construction, operation, modernisation and finally termination of operation mainly of power generating facilities. Our objective is to offer complex, professional and quality solutions according to our customers' needs and thus assist to show real asset of nuclear energy generation. (author)

Striking Features of the New Market Companies Adopting Hedge Accounting

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Leandro Augusto Toigo

2015-08-01

Full Text Available This research had as main objective to analyze the corporate and financial governance characteristics that discriminate against groups of companies that adopt hedge accounting in the new market for risk management. In this sense, there was descriptive survey the site of BM&FBOVESPA, conducted through desk review of the financial statements of 31/12/2012, including the explicative notes and management reports, there was also collecting data in reference form and Economatica. The population corresponds as 128 companies of the governance level - new market, and that the reserve sample was random and probabilistic, comprising 88 companies. We used a construct of the CPC 40 that deals with hedge accounting in order to segment the sample companies opting or not hedge accounting. The results of the application of Pearson's correlation and logistic regression with the Hosmer and Lemoshow tests (HLT and Test Omnibus coefficient model (OTMC, have shown that companies with ownership concentration, foreign investors and larger assets are adopting more significantly CPC 40. It follows that Brazilian companies belonging to the new market that adopt the practice of accounting disclosure to demonstrate improvement in risk management of the investments of the shareholders, are large companies with the capital structure composed of foreign investor and representative shareholder wealth.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF EXCLUSIVE AND INCLUSIVE TALENT MANAGEMENT STRATEGY IN COMPANIES

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Asta Savanevičienė

2017-12-01

Full Text Available The article deals with the practical application of exclusive and inclusive talent management strategies in order to form and maintain a competitive human resource potential of the company. The features of both exclusive and inclusive talent management strategies were defined and their practical appication in companies of various Lithuaniam industries was studied. The input from the respondents suggests that major companies prefer the inclusive talent management strategy, rather than exclusive. Summing up all the research results, the following conclusions were formulated: the features characteristic to inclusive talent management strategy dominate in the companies of manufacturing, banking, catering, consulting, trade, energy, transport, and agribusiness industries. In the company of technology industry, features of a mixed (having both exclusive and inclusive talent management strategy are apparent. The company in the construction-engineering industry has the dominating features of exclusive talent management strategy. Inclusive talent management strategy responds to the principles of human potential development-oriented expression and is an important message for the formulation of further insight into talent management, based on the use of internal potential.

75 FR 42432 - Northern Natural Gas Company, Southern Natural Gas Company, Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC...

Science.gov (United States)

2010-07-21

... Natural Gas Company, Southern Natural Gas Company, Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC, Transcontinental... abandonment of facilities by Northern Natural Gas Company, Southern Natural Gas Company, Florida Gas... resources, fisheries, and wetlands; Cultural resources; Vegetation and wildlife; Endangered and threatened...

Big five general contractors dominate civil construction market of nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon.

1985-01-01

The Japanese construction industry is a key industry accounting for about 20 % of the GNP, and the investment in construction amounted to 51,200 billion yen in fiscal 1984. 515,000 firms employing about 5.5 million workers belong to the industry. 99.4 % of these firms is the enterprises capitalized at less than 100 million yen, and most of them are small self-employment enterprises. The Construction Business Law provides that those who wish to engage in construction are required to obtain a permit from the Construction Ministry or from a local prefectural governor. There are big five and seven sub-major construction companies in Japan. The big five formed the tie-up relations with three nuclear reactor manufacturers. 76 civil engineering and construction companies recorded the sales related to nuclear power in 1983 amounting to 330.9 billion yen, equivalent to 21 % of the total nuclear-related sales. The construction of nuclear power plants and the characteristics of the construction, and the activities of the big five in the field of nuclear industry are reported. (Kako, I.)

What if simulation for a Brazilian company regarding marketing budget

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Diogo André PINTO

2016-06-01

Full Text Available The article research is a case study regarding how to design the marketing budget for a small Brazilian company that started the activity one year ago. Taking into account the data that we gather, we decided to use What-if simulation. The case study is a simplified model representation of a company, adjusted according to the data that is released as target for the following year. In practice, the formulation of a scenario allows the construction of a hypothetical world that the analyst can see and navigate.

Relationship orientation in social media: construct, measurement and link to company performance

OpenAIRE

Fudurić, Morana; Snehota, Ivan; Mandelli, Andreina

2014-01-01

Today, companies operate in a dynamic environment, characterized by fast technological development, vast competition and globalization as well as constant changes in the market which has led to the growing awareness of the importance of developing long term, profitable relationships with various stakeholders or partners. Combined with the emergence of social media during the 1990s that facilitate the development and maintenance of such relationships, the two concepts gain even more imp...

The vulnerability and resilience of the company in modern economic space

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Denis Viktorovich Kopantsev

2011-09-01

Full Text Available Modern economic space is characterized by a multitude of emergencies, unusual situations, and interference to the development of business. In these conditions, competitive immunity of the company cannot always stay on the same level - a strategic essential characteristic of the company, revealing not only the company's ability to compete in the market of business entities, but also the company's ability to withstand the potential risks from external and internal shocks (in case of crisis, natural disasters, accidents and other emergencies and the company's ability to recover from disruptive events due to the presence of internal, sometimes not popular and not involved resources and assets. Among the possible approaches to monitoring of company's competitive immunity is a significant reduction in its assessment of vulnerability and enhancement of resilience. Reducing vulnerability and increasing resilience of the company in a competitive environment is a highly difficult strategic challenge, requiring maximum inclusion of intellectual capital and other intangible assets. The fact that for the long-term survival and growth of the company it is needed to understand how to anticipate market changes and, accordingly, adapt to those. Without strategic thinking it is hardly possible to speak about the viability of the company in today's competitive economy. In this connection, there is such a phenomenon emerging as an economic (competitive intelligence, which is broadly and more actively being positioned in today's marketing environment. Competitive intelligence is considered in this paper as a special tool for market research, aimed at formulating and implementing a proactive strategy, where the fragments of events in the marketing environment are put together - that allows identifying strategic risks and opportunities.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COMPANY AND INCUBATOR FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ana Paula Ferreira Alves

2014-01-01

Full Text Available The biotechnology activities development demands an intense academic and scientific basis, a productive sector capable of transforming academic research in scientific products and services, and the creation of an institutional environment to promote the sector’s development. Moreover, many biotechnology companies establish formal partnerships with Universities (by technological incubator to expand innovative capacity coming into the market. The importance of biotechnology for developing countries is perceived by its ability to promote national development based on knowledge and innovation. In Brazil, the government establishes technological incubators to accelerate the company consolidation. In this way, it is important to study the relationship between the actors involved. In this context, this article aims to analyze the relationship between a technological incubator and a biotech company. To do so, the qualitative approach was adopted to reach the objective. Interviews with incubator’s employees of a Brazilian University and biotechnology company’s managers were conducted. The results show that the company-incubator interaction promoted projects approval which were able to support new researches development and to purchase production equipment. Incubated companies have higher chances of survival in the market from the interaction with University, through the technological incubator. The relationship between the incubator and the biotech company is considered a fundamental condition for biotechnology activities development.

A Paradigm Shift in the Implementation of Ethics Codes in Construction Organizations in Hong Kong: Towards an Ethical Behaviour.

Science.gov (United States)

Ho, Christabel Man-Fong; Oladinrin, Olugbenga Timo

2018-01-30

Due to the economic globalization which is characterized with business scandals, scholars and practitioners are increasingly engaged with the implementation of codes of ethics as a regulatory mechanism for stimulating ethical behaviours within an organization. The aim of this study is to examine various organizational practices regarding the effective implementation of codes of ethics within construction contracting companies. Views on ethics management in construction organizations together with the recommendations for improvement were gleaned through 19 semi-structured interviews, involving construction practitioners from various construction companies in Hong Kong. The findings suggested some practices for effective implementation of codes of ethics in order to diffuse ethical behaviours in an organizational setting which include; introduction of effective reward schemes, arrangement of ethics training for employees, and leadership responsiveness to reported wrongdoings. Since most of the construction companies in Hong Kong have codes of ethics, emphasis is made on the practical implementation of codes within the organizations. Hence, implications were drawn from the recommended measures to guide construction companies and policy makers.

75 FR 13524 - Northern Natural Gas Company, Southern Natural Gas Company, Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC...

Science.gov (United States)

2010-03-22

... Natural Gas Company, Southern Natural Gas Company, Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC, Transcontinental... notice that on March 5, 2010, Northern Natural Gas Company (Northern Natural), 1111 South 103rd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124- 1000, filed on behalf of itself and other owners, Southern Natural Gas Company...

A multi-agent safety response model in the construction industry.

Science.gov (United States)

Meliá, José L

2015-01-01

The construction industry is one of the sectors with the highest accident rates and the most serious accidents. A multi-agent safety response approach allows a useful diagnostic tool in order to understand factors affecting risk and accidents. The special features of the construction sector can influence the relationships among safety responses along the model of safety influences. The purpose of this paper is to test a model explaining risk and work-related accidents in the construction industry as a result of the safety responses of the organization, the supervisors, the co-workers and the worker. 374 construction employees belonging to 64 small Spanish construction companies working for two main companies participated in the study. Safety responses were measured using a 45-item Likert-type questionnaire. The structure of the measure was analyzed using factor analysis and the model of effects was tested using a structural equation model. Factor analysis clearly identifies the multi-agent safety dimensions hypothesized. The proposed safety response model of work-related accidents, involving construction specific results, showed a good fit. The multi-agent safety response approach to safety climate is a useful framework for the assessment of organizational and behavioral risks in construction.

Using Guidance in Communication Management during Crisis Situations within the Management of the Company

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ionel Sergiu Pirju

2013-02-01

Full Text Available In crisis situations, the communication process at the level of the company is distorted, because the exchange of information between the company and the environment where this acts is blocked. Although an efficient management helps limit the loss of information, it cannot reestablishthe communication process very quickly. This is achieved by guidance with the help of 2 elements: motivational triggers and special constructions. On the other hand, guidance has the role to reestablish both the communication process and the process of directing behaviors by transmitting precise tasks from which a concrete response is expected in a short time.Keywords: crisis communication, guidance, management, action triggers, special constructions

Correlation between safety climate and contractor safety assessment programs in construction.

Science.gov (United States)

Sparer, Emily H; Murphy, Lauren A; Taylor, Kathryn M; Dennerlein, Jack T

2013-12-01

Contractor safety assessment programs (CSAPs) measure safety performance by integrating multiple data sources together; however, the relationship between these measures of safety performance and safety climate within the construction industry is unknown. Four hundred and one construction workers employed by 68 companies on 26 sites and 11 safety managers employed by 11 companies completed brief surveys containing a nine-item safety climate scale developed for the construction industry. CSAP scores from ConstructSecure, Inc., an online CSAP database, classified these 68 companies as high or low scorers, with the median score of the sample population as the threshold. Spearman rank correlations evaluated the association between the CSAP score and the safety climate score at the individual level, as well as with various grouping methodologies. In addition, Spearman correlations evaluated the comparison between manager-assessed safety climate and worker-assessed safety climate. There were no statistically significant differences between safety climate scores reported by workers in the high and low CSAP groups. There were, at best, weak correlations between workers' safety climate scores and the company CSAP scores, with marginal statistical significance with two groupings of the data. There were also no significant differences between the manager-assessed safety climate and the worker-assessed safety climate scores. A CSAP safety performance score does not appear to capture safety climate, as measured in this study. The nature of safety climate in construction is complex, which may be reflective of the challenges in measuring safety climate within this industry. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:1463-1472, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Simulation Gaming in Construction: ER, The Equipment Replacement Game.

Science.gov (United States)

Nassar, Khaled

2002-01-01

The Equipment Replacement simulation game can be used to explain the different effects of various equipment buy/sell strategies on the economic performance of construction companies. The probabilistic aspect of demand in the construction market is incorporated. The game is implemented using Excel and Visual Basic for Applications. (Author/SK)

Penetration of small and medium sized food companies on foreign markets

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ladislav Mura

2010-01-01

Full Text Available In the world the interconnection of national economies and internationalization of economic processes occur. In turbulent changing business environment only those companies that understand the current trends in global economy may survive, develop and prosper. Therefore, the issue of internationalization for most companies becomes to be more important and the process of in­ter­na­tio­na­li­za­tion is the way how to stand this increasingly competitive environment. In presented contribution, the attention is paid to issues of internationalization of Slovak food industry enterprises such as their way of business internationalization, percentage share of foreign - trading activities on overall business activity, company evaluation of business internationalization or barriers of foreign markets pe­ne­tra­tion that researched companies have to deal with. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs are the engine of the Slovak economy, generator of development, innovation, growth and they employ more than 60% of employees. Almost all businesses operating in agri-food complex have character of small and medium enterprises. The results of carried research have shown that small and medium-sized companies are considered to be successful in operation on foreign markets in surrounding European countries.

Training in nuclear engineering companies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Perezagua, R. L.

2013-01-01

The importance of training is growing in all business areas and fields and especially in hi-tech companies like engineering firms. Nuclear projects are highly multidisciplinary and, even in the initial awarding and pre-construction phases, need to be staffed with personnel that is well-prepared and highly-qualified in areas that, in most cases, are not covered by university studies. This article examines the variables that influence the design of specific training for nuclear projects in engineering firms, along with new training technologies (e-learning) and new regulatory aspects (IS-12). (Author)

Reflexive Aero Structures for Enhanced Survivability, Phase II

Data.gov (United States)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration — Cornerstone Research Group Inc. (CRG) will develop an advanced reflexive structure technology system to increase the survivability of future systems constructed of...

Effects of the financial crisis on the wealth distribution of Korea's companies

Science.gov (United States)

Lim, Kyuseong; Kim, Soo Yong; Swanson, Todd; Kim, Jooyun

2017-02-01

We investigated the distribution functions of Korea's top-rated companies during two financial crises. A power-law scaling for rank distribution, as well as cumulative probability distribution, was found and observed as a general pattern. Similar distributions can be shown in other studies of wealth and income distributions. In our study, the Pareto exponents designating the distribution differed before and after the crisis. The companies covered in this research are divided into two subgroups during a period when the subprime mortgage crisis occurred. Various industrial sectors of Korea's companies were found to respond differently during the two financial crises, especially the construction sector, financial sectors, and insurance groups.

Catalan family companies with high growth during the crisis period

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nuria Arimany-Serrat

2016-11-01

Full Text Available Purpose: This study aims to analyze the financial and economic health of the Catalan family companies with high growth during the crisis period (2008-2013, as an engine of job creation and economic development of the territory, identifying the economic and financial characteristics. Design/methodology/approach: The data used comes from the financial statements of the high growth Catalan companies during the crisis period of 2008-2013, in particular it collects a sample of the 140 high growth Catalan companies where a 70% of them are family businesses, there is a financial and economic analysis using descriptive statistics of these family businesses with a regression model to achieve results and conclusions. Findings: During the 2008-2013 crisis, Catalan family companies with high growth that are mostly small businesses have a good economic and financial health, with moderate innovation and a great potential for survival. Research limitations/implications: It would be convenient to make the same study in similar territories where most of the companies are family businesses, in order to compare the financial and economic analysis, valuing the impact of these companies in the business. Practical implications: It allows valuing the projection of these kinds of family companies, mostly in Catalonia, in a financial and economic level, identifying if they have a proper financial strategy. Social implications: The results show that these companies have great financial and economic health and have a better response during a crisis period. Originality / value: The study shows that family businesses have moderate indebtedness and acceptable rendibility in the crisis period, although, since they are small businesses the lack of innovation and patents can lead to future problems.

SAFER - Company Snapshot - SAFER - Company Snapshot

Data.gov (United States)

Department of Transportation — The Company Snapshot is a concise electronic record of company identification, size, commodity information, and safety record, including the safety rating (if any),...

Construction contract revenue recording comparison

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hana Bohušová

2008-01-01

Full Text Available Publicly traded companies prepare their consolidated accounts in conformity with the international accounting standards (IAS/IFRS in accordance with the Regulation No. 1606/2002. This is obliged for all publicly traded joint-stock companies in the Czech Republic. Other companies prepare financial statements in accordance with national accounting standards. There are Accounting Act No. 563/1991 of Coll. and Regulation No. 500/2002 of Coll., Czech Accounting Standards in the Czech Republic. Both systems are based on different principles so there are many differences. The Czech Accounting System (CAS is based on the rules while IAS/IFRS are based on principles (Kovanicová, 2005. These differences are mainly caused by the different philosophy. CAS prefers the fiscal policy to the economic substance while IAS/IFRS prefere the economic substance. One of the most significant dif­fe­ren­ces is in the field of revenue recording. There are two standards concerning the revenues recording (IAS 18 − Revenue, IAS 11 – Construction Contracts in IAS/IFRS. CAS 019 – Expenses and Revenue are dealing with the revenue recording in the Czech Republic. The paper is aimed at the comparison of the methodical approaches for revenue recording used by IAS/IFRS and by CAS. The most important differences are caused by the different approach to the long term contracts (construction contracts, software development contracts revenues recording.

An investigation and analysis of safety issues in Polish small construction plants.

Science.gov (United States)

Dąbrowski, Andrzej

2015-01-01

The construction industry is a booming sector of the Polish economy; however, it is stigmatised by a lower classification due to high occupational risks and an unsatisfactory state of occupational safety. Safety on construction sites is compromised by small construction firms which dominate the market and have high accident rates. This article presents the results of studies (using a checklist) conducted in small Polish construction companies in terms of selected aspects of safety, such as co-operation with the general contractor, occupational health and safety documents, occupational risk assessment, organization of work, protective gear and general work equipment. The mentioned studies and analyses provided the grounds to establish the main directions of preventive measures decreasing occupational risk in small construction companies, e.g., an increase in engagement of investors and general contractors, improvement of occupational health and safety (OSH) documents, an increase in efficiency of construction site managers, better stability of employment and removal of opposing objectives between economic strategy and work safety.

Back to school: new paths opened between companies and campuses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Faulkner, P.

2000-01-01

Educational and training programs in effect at Alberta Energy Company (AEC) and Gulf Canada Resources Ltd are used to illustrate the enlightened attitude adopted by more and more oil companies as a result of the realisation that while the studies help the employee to realize their own objectives, in an industry where technological competitiveness and adaptability are means of survival, the company is the ultimate beneficiary. Unlike in the past when oil companies brought in experts for a mixture of general in-house courses, today's scientists, engineers, computer programmers and others need upgrading tailored to their particular roles. Instead of the company deciding on what course to put on, the responsibility for finding and arranging the matches has been transferred to the employees. Energy marketing, computer training, management and leadership courses are the most favored courses at the moment, with the Banff School of Management, the Niagara Institute, the International Human Resources Development Corporation, the Petroleum Industry Training Service, , Oil and Gas Consultants International, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and the University of Calgary, the favorite training grounds. Studying alone is a challenge for many, and it certainly is no free ride in terms of the effort involved, but the load is lightened by the knowledge that the cost is paid by the companies regardless of how advanced the training may be. While retraining has become hot stuff, there is still an acknowledged gap between theory and practice. Empirical evidence shows that the greatest benefit, both to the employee as well as the company, is obtained when the theory of the classroom is leavened by the hands-on experience of the real world

Cash Flow Forecasting : Proposal for New Long-Term Cash Flow Forecast in the Case Company

OpenAIRE

Pitkänen, Annika

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to develop a cash flow forecast model for the case company. The case company in this thesis was a Finnish building construction company. The group controlling set a target to improve the corporate treasury’s current long-term cash flow forecast because it was inaccurate and it often had outstanding deficiencies between actual and forecasted figures. A project team was set up to investigate on this issue and this research and development project is documented in t...

A Synthetic Indicator of a Company's Level of Intellectual Capital as a Hidden Value

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Przemysław Dominiak

2016-01-01

Full Text Available The authors of the paper analyzed 21 common methods of measuring a company's intellectual capital, finding that none of them meet all 6 demands that a model indicator should satisfy. As a result, a new method was developed, which meets the conditions for a model indicator. Using the chosen expert method, a synthetic indicator of a company's level of intellectual capital (WPKI has been determined. The authors of the paper determine the WPKI indicator for public construction companies using the algorithm defining a hidden value. (original abstract

Potential Use of Communications and Project Management Systems in Remote Construction Projects: The Case of Saudi Electric Company

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Bhzad Sidawi

2012-01-01

Full Text Available Remote projects have their unique problems that are caused mainly by the remoteness of the project itself thus the loose control over management. This is due to a number of reasons such as lack of human resources and infrastructure. Research studies that were undertaken worldwide - regarding this issue- has highlighted few unique management problems. The aim of this paper is to investigate how far the IT tools would help in managing remote construction projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA. Due to the lack of previous research regarding remote projects within the Gulf region and the KSA, a pilot study was conducted in 2009 to define and test the wording of questions that are part of the main survey. The main survey was undertaken on Saudi Electric Company (SEC. The study found that IT systems and tools have the potential but this potential is hindered by a number of technical, managerial, staff factors. Therefore, successful application of IT systems would require changes to the present management settings at various levels. This would ensure that the SEC is capable of achieving the full benefit from using these advanced systems.

Design of investment management optimization system for power grid companies under new electricity reform

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Chunhui; Su, Zhixiong; Wang, Xin; Liu, Yang; Qi, Yongwei

2017-03-01

The new normalization of the economic situation and the implementation of a new round of electric power system reform put forward higher requirements to the daily operation of power grid companies. As an important day-to-day operation of power grid companies, investment management is directly related to the promotion of the company's operating efficiency and management level. In this context, the establishment of power grid company investment management optimization system will help to improve the level of investment management and control the company, which is of great significance for power gird companies to adapt to market environment changing as soon as possible and meet the policy environment requirements. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to construct the investment management optimization system of power grid companies, which includes investment management system, investment process control system, investment structure optimization system, and investment project evaluation system and investment management information platform support system.

Young workers in the construction industry and initial OSH-training when entering work life.

Science.gov (United States)

Holte, Kari Anne; Kjestveit, Kari

2012-01-01

Studies have found that young workers are at risk for injuries. The risk for accidents is high within construction, indicating that young workers may be especially vulnerable in this industry. In Norway, it is possible to enter the construction industry as a full time worker at the age of 18. The aim of this paper was to explore how young construction workers are received at their workplace with regards to OHS-training. The study was designed as a qualitative case study. Each case consisted of a young worker or apprentice (< 25 years), a colleague, the immediate superior, the OHS manager, and a safety representative in the company. The interviews were recorded and analyzed through content analysis. The results showed that there were differences between large and small companies, where large companies had more formalized routines and systems for receiving and training young workers. These routines were however more dependent on requirements set by legislators and contractors more than by company size, since the legislation has different requirements with impact on OHS.

Corporate social responsibility in global and local companies of Southeast Europe

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Čibukčić Fuad

2017-01-01

Full Text Available The aim of this work is the analysis of theoretical assumptions and empirical research to find the answer to the question on how the activities in the field of corporate social responsibility in the region of Southeast Europe are present in the business of global and local companies market. Whether and to what extent to implement socially responsible behavior of companies with a different ownership structure, the revenue volume, market share, market activities and markets where it operates, and if the objectives of the companies are in line with the goals of social communities. they offer other than legal, and more benefits for their employees and provide them extra protection, whether, and to what extent, the state helps in carrying out socially useful activities and the compliance of the company's positive legal norms and international standards? The result of the research offered the conclusion that social responsibility activities in companies market of SE Europe are present in an increasing scope, a CSR program contributes to the awareness of the importance and necessity of such activities in the construction of a positive corporate image and relations of the companies with communities and stakeholders in the region.

Radioactive Waste Management at the New Conversion Facility of 'TVEL'R Fuel Company - 13474

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Indyk, S.I.; Volodenko, A.V.; Tvilenev, K.A.; Tinin, V.V.; Fateeva, E.V.

2013-01-01

The project on the new conversion facility construction is being implemented by Joint Stock Company (JSC) 'Siberian Group of Chemical Enterprises' (SGChE) within TVEL R Fuel Company. The objective is to construct the up-to-date facility ensuring the industrial and environmental safety with the reduced impact on the community and environment in compliance with the Russian new regulatory framework on radioactive waste (RW) management. The history of the SGChE development, as well as the concepts and approaches to RW management implemented by now are shown. The SGChE future image is outlined, together with its objectives and concept on RW management in compliance with the new act 'On radioactive waste management' adopted in Russia in 2011. Possible areas of cooperation with international companies are discussed in the field of RW management with the purpose of deploying the best Russian and world practices on RW management at the new conversion facility. (authors)

An novel of strategic planning in an industrial company

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Andrés Fernández-Companioni

2015-12-01

Full Text Available The article is the result of research conducted on the pharmaceutical company "East Laboratory", in Santiago de Cuba. Their goal: to design strategic planning for the period 2013-2017. Double matrices were used for the analysis input of external forces in the environment. Prospective analysis for the construction of scenarios performed by Mic Mac Mactor SMIC programs. It uses a new method of analysis for the development of the SWOT matrix, JPC - SWOT 2011 by a computer program. Were formulated objectives, strategies and actions that will allow the company to fulfill the vision formulated until 2017. The economic impact of this study was assessed by the management of the company as significant. Is expected to increase benefits by 5 % and a reduction of business costs by 3 %. By planning each key result area will be able to measure the qualitative and quantitative impact of the proposed objectives. 

The Social Construction Of Systems Applications Products (SAP R/3 By Employees Of A South African Chemical Industries Company

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Arnold Beyleveld

2005-11-01

Full Text Available Many companies that have implemented an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP system do not reap the intended benefits of the potential inherent in these systems despite their exorbitant implementation cost. The reasons for this are numerous. This study is aimed at understanding the social impact a Systems Applications Products (SAP R/3 implementation had on the end users of a South African Company in the Chemical Industry. A qualitative process evaluation study was undertaken to obtain a clearer understanding of the underlying organisational cultural factors that emerged from such an implementation. The objective was to provide a framework for companies considering such an implementation to ensure better system productivity and to assist companies already using an ERP solution with continuous improvement.

[Accidents at work in construction workers: a peculiar utilization of the information flow INAIL-ISPESL-Regions].

Science.gov (United States)

Madeo, G; Giaimo, M

2007-01-01

Indicators generally used to describe the work accident risk, i.e. frequency and injuries severity, are not suitable for comparison among single companies in order to point out those with major risk. We propose a method to draw out construction companies with higher risk of occupational injuries in the period 2003-2005 from INAIL-ISPESL-Regioni database. These companies will be object of specific interventions for the prevention, training and supervision from Prevention and Safety in Working Environments Services, from Provincial Labor Directions and Provincial Territorial Construction Committees.

Advanced design and construction technology for ABWR

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kawahara, Akira

2003-01-01

Recently, many countries start planning to construct nuclear plants, and the electric power companies and the plant suppliers are acutely aware of the importance of the technical infrastructure required for construction planning and execution as this has a significant influence on construction costs. Plant suppliers in Japan have been focusing its attention on the efficiency of construction from earlier, because of its significant role in determining overall construction costs. Through continuous efforts to reduce fieldwork costs, we have developed unique technologies, especially the 3D-CAD system and other advanced construction technologies including modularization. We, plant suppliers are now turning its attention to overseas nuclear plants construction also, and are developing more rational, economical, and global construction based on its vast experience in construction techniques. In this report, the evolution of plant engineering methods and construction technologies, the present level of progress in construction, and technical developments for the future, are described. (author)

Complexity of major UK companies between 2006 and 2010: Hierarchical structure method approach

Science.gov (United States)

Ulusoy, Tolga; Keskin, Mustafa; Shirvani, Ayoub; Deviren, Bayram; Kantar, Ersin; Çaǧrı Dönmez, Cem

2012-11-01

This study reports on topology of the top 40 UK companies that have been analysed for predictive verification of markets for the period 2006-2010, applying the concept of minimal spanning tree and hierarchical tree (HT) analysis. Construction of the minimal spanning tree (MST) and the hierarchical tree (HT) is confined to a brief description of the methodology and a definition of the correlation function between a pair of companies based on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) index in order to quantify synchronization between the companies. A derivation of hierarchical organization and the construction of minimal-spanning and hierarchical trees for the 2006-2008 and 2008-2010 periods have been used and the results validate the predictive verification of applied semantics. The trees are known as useful tools to perceive and detect the global structure, taxonomy and hierarchy in financial data. From these trees, two different clusters of companies in 2006 were detected. They also show three clusters in 2008 and two between 2008 and 2010, according to their proximity. The clusters match each other as regards their common production activities or their strong interrelationship. The key companies are generally given by major economic activities as expected. This work gives a comparative approach between MST and HT methods from statistical physics and information theory with analysis of financial markets that may give new valuable and useful information of the financial market dynamics.

A brief review of the construction aggregates market

Science.gov (United States)

Willett, Jason Christopher

2012-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey defines the construction aggregates industry as those companies that mine and process crushed stone and/or construction sand and gravel. Aggregates have been used from the earliest times of our civilization for a variety of purposes - construction being the major use. As construction aggregates, crushed stone and construction sand and gravel are the basic raw materials used to build the foundation for modern society. The widespread use of construction aggregates is the result of their general availability throughout the country and around the world along with their relatively low cost. Although construction aggregates have a low unit value, their widespread use makes them major contributors to, and indicators of, the economic well-being of the nation.

A Survival Model for Shortleaf Pine Tress Growing in Uneven-Aged Stands

Science.gov (United States)

Thomas B. Lynch; Lawrence R. Gering; Michael M. Huebschmann; Paul A. Murphy

1999-01-01

A survival model for shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) trees growing in uneven-aged stands was developed using data from permanently established plots maintained by an industrial forestry company in western Arkansas. Parameters were fitted to a logistic regression model with a Bernoulli dependent variable in which "0" represented...

Research study about the establishment of safety culture. Effects of organizational factors in construction industry's safety indices

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kojima, Mitsuhiro; Hirose, Humiko; Takano, Kenichi; Hasegawa, Naoko

1999-01-01

To find the relationships between safety related activities (such as safety patrol' or '4s/5s activities') and accidents rate in the workplace, questionnaires were sent to 965 construction companies and 120 answers were returned. In this questionnaire, safety activities, safety regulations and safety policies of the companies were asked and organizational climates, company policies, philosophies and the number of accidents in workplace were also asked. There seems some relationships between accidents rate and safety activities, safety regulations and safety policies in the companies, but the deviations between estimate values and observed values are so great that it seems impossible to estimate the accidents rate in the working place from the safety activities, safety regulations and safety policies of the companies. On the other hand, some characteristics of safety activities and organizational climates in the construction industry were identified using multi variants analysis. More detailed researches using sophisticated questionnaire will be conducted in the construction industry and petrochemical industry and relationships between the accidents rate and the safety activities will be compared between different industries. (author)

Understanding the relationship between safety culture dimensions and safety performance of construction projects through partial least square method

Science.gov (United States)

Latief, Yusuf; Machfudiyanto, Rossy A.; Arifuddin, Rosmariani; Yogiswara, Yoko

2017-03-01

Based on the data, 32% of accidental cases in Indonesia occurs on constructional sectors. It is supported by the data from Public Work and Housing Department that 27.43% of the implementation level of Safety Management System policy at construction companies in Indonesia remains unsafe categories. Moreover, there are dimensions of occupational safety culture formed including leadership, behavior, strategy, policy, process, people, safety cost, value and contract system. The aim of this study is to determine the model of an effective safety culture and know the relationship between dimensions in construction industry. The method used in this research was questionnaire survey which was distributed to the sample of construction companies either in a national private one in Indonesia. The result of this research is supposed to be able to illustrate the development of the relationship among occupational safety culture dimensions which have influences to the performances of constructional companies in Indonesia.

How Complaining Customers Make Companies Listen and Influence Product Development

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Christiansen, John K.; Gasparin, Marta; Varnes, Claus

2016-01-01

processes, mobilised a heterogeneous group of consumers into a loosely connected hybrid collective. The spokesperson acted on behalf of the hybrid collective and put growing pressure on a multinational company, influencing its decision making. In this case, the complaining customer did not exit, nor did he......The analysis in this paper shows how complaining customers can make companies listen to them by spurring the mobilisation of various actors into a hybrid collective strong enough to influence companies’ product development. Customers as sources of innovation have been analysed previously...... in the literature, whereas the process of how complaining users mobilise support to influence companies has received less attention and is not well understood. This study uncovers the processes that made it possible for a 17-year-old Norwegian to become pivotal in constructing a problematisation, which emerged...

ALICE doffs hat to two companies

CERN Multimedia

2007-01-01

During the fifth annual ALICE Industrial Awards ceremony, the ALICE Collaboration honoured two companies for their outstanding contributions to the construction of the experiment.For the past five years, the ALICE collaboration has been presenting its industrial partners with awards for meeting demanding or unusual requirements, for excellence in design or execution, for delivery on-time and on-budget and for outstanding cooperation. This year, on 9 March, ALICE presented awards to two companies for their exceptional performance. From left to right: Kees Oskamp (ALICE SSD), Arie de Haas (ALICE SSD), Gert-Jan Nooren (ALICE SSD), Shon Shmuel (FIBERNET), Yehuda Mor-Yosef (FIBERNET), Hans Boggild (ALICE), Jurgen Schukraft (ALICE Spokesperson), Catherine Decosse (ALICE) and Jean-Robert Lutz (ALICE SSD). FIBERNET Ltd., based in Yokneam, Israel, was rewarded for the excellent and timely assembly of the Silicon Strip Detector boards (SSD) of the Inner Tracking System with cable connections. Special low-mass cables, ...

Global Standardization or National Differentiation of HRM Practices in Multinational Companies?

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Edwards, Tony; Sanchez-Mangas, Rocio; Jalette, Patrice

2016-01-01

Drawing on a dataset constructed from a parallel series of nationally representative surveys of multinational companies (MNCs), we compare the performance management (PM) practices of MNCs in the UK, Ireland, Canada, Spain, Denmark and Norway. In each country we analyze data relating to MNCs from...

An assessment of drug testing within the construction industry.

Science.gov (United States)

Gerber, Jonathan K; Yacoubian, George S

2002-01-01

Drug testing in the workplace has gone from virtual nonexistence to widespread employer acceptance during the past two decades. This growth is particularly significant for the construction industry. High rates of alcohol and other drug use, coupled with the high-risk, safety-sensitive nature of the industry, have prompted the development of a variety of drug surveillance and prevention strategies. Despite this growing vigilance, no scholarly works have examined the impact of drug-related policies in the construction industry. To address this limitation, we investigate the efficacy of workplace drug-testing programs in reducing injury incident rates and workers' compensation experience-rating modification factors (MODs) within the construction industry. Analyses indicate that companies with drug-testing programs experienced a 51 percent reduction in incident rates within two years of implementation. Moreover, companies that drug test their employees experienced a significant reduction in their MODs. Policy implications are discussed in light of the current findings.

Study on mid and long-term strategic plan formulation for newly-constructed NPP

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Song Lin

2014-01-01

Mid and Long-term strategic plan plays a key role for the management of a newly constructed nuclear power company. Among others, process, goals, and risk management, are the primary concerns during plan preparing. The article analyzed these three areas for Fuqing NPP, including the formulating process for the plan, the mid and long-term goal setting of the company, the major risk analysis and countermeasure selection therefore. Through that solutions and suggestions for strategic plan formulation were concluded for newly-constructed NPP. (author)

Quality planning in Construction Project

Science.gov (United States)

Othman, I.; Shafiq, Nasir; Nuruddin, M. F.

2017-12-01

The purpose of this paper is to investigate deeper on the factors that contribute to the effectiveness of quality planning, identifying the common problems encountered in quality planning, practices and ways for improvements in quality planning for construction projects. This paper involves data collected from construction company representatives across Malaysia that are obtained through semi-structured interviews as well as questionnaire distributions. Results shows that design of experiments (average index: 4.61), inspection (average index: 4.45) and quality audit as well as other methods (average index: 4.26) rank first, second and third most important factors respectively.

Prognostic classification index in Iranian colorectal cancer patients: Survival tree analysis

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Amal Saki Malehi

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic index for separating homogenous subgroups in colorectal cancer (CRC patients based on clinicopathological characteristics using survival tree analysis. Methods: The current study was conducted at the Research Center of Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, Shahid Beheshti Medical University in Tehran, between January 2004 and January 2009. A total of 739 patients who already have been diagnosed with CRC based on pathologic report were enrolled. The data included demographic and clinical-pathological characteristic of patients. Tree-structured survival analysis based on a recursive partitioning algorithm was implemented to evaluate prognostic factors. The probability curves were calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method, and the hazard ratio was estimated as an interest effect size. Result: There were 526 males (71.2% of these patients. The mean survival time (from diagnosis time was 42.46± (3.4. Survival tree identified three variables as main prognostic factors and based on their four prognostic subgroups was constructed. The log-rank test showed good separation of survival curves. Patients with Stage I-IIIA and treated with surgery as the first treatment showed low risk (median = 34 months whereas patients with stage IIIB, IV, and more than 68 years have the worse survival outcome (median = 9.5 months. Conclusion: Constructing the prognostic classification index via survival tree can aid the researchers to assess interaction between clinical variables and determining the cumulative effect of these variables on survival outcome.

ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL DUE DILIGENCE UNSUCCESSFUL BUSINESS COMPANIES IN SERBIA

OpenAIRE

JELENA Toskovic; SLOBODAN Popovic; JASNA Markovic

2015-01-01

In conditions of extreme financial and corporate scandals, in order to achieve a good position in the market and thus maximize profit, modern companies and their top managers must make continual innovation and change, as an adaptation of one of the basic imperatives of modern business. This means that today's modern enterprises are facing numerous challenges, including the need to find a way to survival, growth and development. The global economic crisis that occurred in 2007 pass...

Moody, Suicide and Survival: A Critical Appraisal.

Science.gov (United States)

Vicchio, Stephen

1980-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to: (1) define suicide; (2) explicate Raymond Moody's position on suicide and survival after death; (3) analyze logical connections between divine commands and moral judgments; and (4) offer constructive comments on suicide and suicide prevention. (Author/RC)

Restructuring companies under crisis. A real case study

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hezi Aviram SHAYB

2017-09-01

Full Text Available Nobody is planning to fail, but many companies are failing because of lack of planning.Real business experience showed during the years that crisis can be prevented, avoided or limited. If detected in time, the risks associated with the crisis can be mitigated and the effects can be diminished, with the condition that the actions required are done fast, in a sharp and accurate manner.             When it comes, a crisis brings intense level of pressure and under these conditions there is no time or room for mistakes. Delays, losing focus and lack of planning will bring a company one step away from failure.             The right way to deal with crisis, if required measures are not done in time, is to minimize the losses and reposition in the best way possible.             Analyzing the success stories of some of the biggest and strongest companies in the world, led to an important conclusion: the majority of these companies were in the situation to face huge crises that threatened their ability to survive in certain moments on their way to success.             With the right planning and by setting a proper organizational structure, the negative aspects of the crisis can be turned into benefits and opportunities for the company.             The most critical challenge for management is to assess the level of exposure to risk of the company and identify the key points to focus on in order to overcome the crisis and create value.              In order to set up a strong plan in dealing with crisis, a business organization needs reliable, efficient and effective tools and this is what this article is all about.

Simulation of power plant construction in competitive Korean electricity market

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ahn, Nam Sung; Huh, Sung Chul

2001-01-01

This paper describes the forecast of power plant construction in competitive Korean electricity market. In Korea, KEPCO (Korean Electric Power Corporation, fully controlled by government) was responsible for from the production of the electricity to the sale of electricity to customer. However, the generation part is separated from KEPCO and six generation companies were established for whole sale competition from April 1st, 2001. The generation companies consist of five fossil power companies and one nuclear power company. Fossil power companies are schedule to be sold to private companies including foreign investors. Nuclear power company is owned by government. The competition in generation market will start from 2003. ISO (Independence System Operator) will purchase the electricity from the power exchange market. The market price is determined by the SMP (System Marginal Price) which is decided by the balance between demand and supply of electricity in power exchange market. Under this uncertain circumstance, the energy policy planners are interested to the construction of the power plant in the future. These interests are accelerated due to the recent shortage of electricity supply in California. In the competitive market, investors are no longer interested in the investment for the capital intensive, long lead time generating technologies. Large nuclear and coal plants were no longer the top choices. Instead, investors in the competitive market are interested in smaller, more efficient, cheaper, cleaner technologies such as CCGT (Combined Cycle Gas Turbine). Electricity is treated as commodity in the competitive market. The investor's behavior in the commodity market shows that the new investment decision is made when the market price exceeds the sum of capital cost and variable cost of the new facility and the existing facility utilization depends on the marginal cost of the facility. This investor's behavior can be applied to the new investments for the

Factors Affecting Use of Telepresence Technology in a Global Technology Company

Science.gov (United States)

Agnor, Robert Joseph

2013-01-01

Telepresence uses the latest video conferencing technology, with high definition video, surround sound audio, and specially constructed studios, to create a near face-to-face meeting experience. A Fortune 500 company which markets information technology has organizations distributed around the globe, and has extensive collaboration needs among…

WORK-LIFE BALANCE POLICIES IN JORDANIAN TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANIES

OpenAIRE

Mahmoud Abubaker; Christopher Bagley

2016-01-01

No published work is available on work-life balance (WLB) programs in Jordan. Drawing on the methodology of Critical Realism, interviews with ten senior managers, and case studies in two large telecommunication companies were undertaken. WLB practices had both similarities and differences from those in developed countries. WLB policy and practice was constructed within three main areas: social and cultural practices; financial practices; leave arrangements. In comparison with developed countr...

PRIVATE AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISE: FLETCHER CONSTRUCTION AND THE BUILDING OF NEW ZEALAND

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Astrid Baker

2002-01-01

Full Text Available This paper shows how a New Zealand company, Fletcher Construction, created wealth in partnership with the state. The first Labour government was elected in 1935 with a firm commitment to full employment and a broad social security system. Because Labour’s determination to get things done through local industry coincided with James Fletcher’s, and then his son’s, drive for company expansion and profits. Fletchers’ design or construction of roads, wharves, saw-mills, flour mills, pulp mills, paper mills, factories, railway stations, university buildings, hospitals, department stores, office blocks, houses, and ownership and management of stone quarries, brickworks and forests, left a mark in almost every town and city in the country. Many projects required building methods and materials new to New Zealand, the innovative use of traditional materials, large-scale plant, specialist, skilled staff and technical know-how from United States and British construction and engineering firms. In this way Fletcher projects drew together many different suppliers, equipment makers, skilled tradesmen and financiers. As a provider of employment in construction and manufacturing, with easy access to established business and political leaders and a powerful influence on policy making, the company became a potent force in New Zealand’s full employment welfare state.

Predictive modelling of Lactobacillus casei KN291 survival in fermented soy beverage.

Science.gov (United States)

Zielińska, Dorota; Dorota, Zielińska; Kołożyn-Krajewska, Danuta; Danuta, Kołożyn-Krajewska; Goryl, Antoni; Antoni, Goryl; Motyl, Ilona

2014-02-01

The aim of the study was to construct and verify predictive growth and survival models of a potentially probiotic bacteria in fermented soy beverage. The research material included natural soy beverage (Polgrunt, Poland) and the strain of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) - Lactobacillus casei KN291. To construct predictive models for the growth and survival of L. casei KN291 bacteria in the fermented soy beverage we design an experiment which allowed the collection of CFU data. Fermented soy beverage samples were stored at various temperature conditions (5, 10, 15, and 20°C) for 28 days. On the basis of obtained data concerning the survival of L. casei KN291 bacteria in soy beverage at different temperature and time conditions, two non-linear models (r(2)= 0.68-0.93) and two surface models (r(2)=0.76-0.79) were constructed; these models described the behaviour of the bacteria in the product to a satisfactory extent. Verification of the surface models was carried out utilizing the validation data - at 7°C during 28 days. It was found that applied models were well fitted and charged with small systematic errors, which is evidenced by accuracy factor - Af, bias factor - Bf and mean squared error - MSE. The constructed microbiological growth and survival models of L. casei KN291 in fermented soy beverage enable the estimation of products shelf life period, which in this case is defined by the requirement for the level of the bacteria to be above 10(6) CFU/cm(3). The constructed models may be useful as a tool for the manufacture of probiotic foods to estimate of their shelf life period.

Design and construction of hazardous waste landfill components

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Frano, A.J.; Numes, G.S.

1985-01-01

This paper discusses design and construction of two sections of a hazardous waste landfill at Peoria Disposal Company's hazardous waste management facilities in central Illinois. One section, an existing disposal facility, was retrofitted with leachate control and containment features for additional security. The second section, a new facility which had been previously permitted for development with a single clay liner, was modified to include a double liner and revised leachate collection system for additional security, and an all-weather construction and operation access ramp. The two sections of the landfill were granted a development permit allowing construction. An operating permit was granted after construction and certification by the designer allowing waste disposal operations. The sections will be accepting waste material at publication. Design and construction included: planning studies, design analyses, permitting, preparation of construction contract documents, construction assistance, monitoring construction, and certification

Working capital, profitability, liquidity and solvency of healthcare insurance companies

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

André Luiz de Souza Guimarães

2010-01-01

Full Text Available The purpose of this study is to analyze the adequacy of a working capital management normative model, in terms of profitability, liquidity and solvency. Through an empirical and analytical research, the analysis of variance results (ANOVA of a sample containing financial information from 621 healthcare insurance companies for the year 2006 ,show that different working capital structures are associated with different levels of profitability, liquidity and solvency, suggesting a preference order different from the one theorized by Fleuriet / Braga. The results indicate that a certain structure - where financial current assets exceed onerous current liabilities, and cyclical current assets exceed cyclical current liabilities ¿ is associated with higher levels of profitability, liquidity and solvency. In addition, the study reiterates the importance of efficient management of working capital to the performance and survival of healthcare insurance companies.

Decision support model for selecting and evaluating suppliers in the construction industry

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Fernando Schramm

2012-12-01

Full Text Available A structured evaluation of the construction industry's suppliers, considering aspects which make their quality and credibility evident, can be a strategic tool to manage this specific supply chain. This study proposes a multi-criteria decision model for suppliers' selection from the construction industry, as well as an efficient evaluation procedure for the selected suppliers. The model is based on SMARTER (Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique Exploiting Ranking method and its main contribution is a new approach to structure the process of suppliers' selection, establishing explicit strategic policies on which the company management system relied to make the suppliers selection. This model was applied to a Civil Construction Company in Brazil and the main results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed model. This study allowed the development of an approach to Construction Industry which was able to provide a better relationship among its managers, suppliers and partners.

47 CFR 32.2003 - Telecommunications plant under construction.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Telecommunications plant under construction. 32.2003 Section 32.2003 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) COMMON CARRIER SERVICES UNIFORM SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTS FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES Instructions for Balance Sheet...

New procedures of ergonomics design in a large oil company.

Science.gov (United States)

Alhadeff, Cynthia Mossé; Silva, Rosana Fernandes da; Reis, Márcia Sales dos

2012-01-01

This study presents the challenge involved in the negotiation and construction of a standard process in a major petroleum company that has the purpose of guiding the implementation of ergonomic studies in the development of projects, systemising the implementation of ergonomics design. The standard was created by a multi-disciplinary working group consisting of specialists in ergonomics, who work in a number of different areas of the company. The objective was to guide "how to" undertake ergonomics in all projects, taking into consideration the development of the ergonomic appraisals of work. It also established that all the process, in each project phase, should be accompanied by a specialist in ergonomics. This process as an innovation in the conception of projects in this company, signals a change of culture, and, for this reason requires broad dissemination throughout the several company leadership levels, and training of professionals in projects of ergonomics design. An implementation plan was also prepared and approved by the corporate governance, complementing the proposed challenge. In this way, this major oil company will implement new procedures of ergonomics design to promote health, safety, and wellbeing of the workforce, besides improving the performance and reliability of its systems and processes.

Utilisation of employee assistance programme to reduce absenteeism on construction sites

OpenAIRE

2013-01-01

M.Tech (Construction Management) Many construction companies are beginning to realize the value of their employees. Employees are to a large extent the engine of the organisation. Todays employees are under a lot of pressure and stress from home and at the construction sites. The construction industry just like any other industry, is faced with the challenges of dealing with personal as well as work related problems. These problems they have effect on job performance. An Employee assistanc...

Country Report Summary: Japan [Project Management in Nuclear Power Plant Construction: Guidelines and Experience

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2012-01-01

The Hokkaido Electric Power Company (HEPCO) is the owner of the Tomari NPP comprising three operating PWR units. The latest unit to be connected to the grid, Tomari Unit 3, is a 3-loop PWR power plant with an electric output of 912 MW(e) supplied by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). This is the newest unit in HEPCO and it is the newest PWR unit in Japan as well. The first concrete at Tomari Unit 3 was poured at the end of summer in 2004. The unit entered into commercial operation in December 2009. The Tomari site is located on a northern Japanese island. It is battered by strong winds and receives much snow in the winter. Therefore, civil works and building construction were temporarily suspended every year from the beginning of December until the end of March. This increased construction duration by one year compared to other sites. Consequently from first concrete to the start of commercial operation construction at Tomari lasted 64 months. There are specific factors in the approach to construction of nuclear power plants in Japan. (1) Japanese legislation defines that the sole licensee must be the electric power company. This implies that the electric power company is responsible for the safety of the plant and in that capacity it must submit for approval the Safety Analysis Report (SAR) but it is also responsible for the design and reliability of the plant; hence it must also submit for approval the Construction Plan (CP), containing all necessary detailed design information. Consequently, the electric power company becomes the sole counterpart to the regulatory body on all aspects of the project. (2) All Japanese electric power companies are considerably large and have the tradition to do the engineering of their power plant themselves, and this not only for nuclear but also for conventional power plant. Therefore, the owner/utilities in Japan carry themselves the burden of major portions of the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of their NPPs

INSTRUMENTS USED TO SUPPORT ACTIVE SALES IN THE COMPANY OF FOOD ECONOMY – A CASE STUDY

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Agnieszka Piotrowska

2015-06-01

Full Text Available Changing environment requires enterprises to meet the needs of customers. Being on the market, survival and development of the company are determined not only by well qualifi ed staff but above all a happy customer. Therefore, it is important to use appropriate instruments to support active sales of the company. The study was conducted among 64 employees working in the organization studied. The study aimed to assess the knowledge and expertise of the staff in terms of the tools used in the enterprise for communication with the market. The study shows that the company has a well-developed system of communication with the market. Advertising agents that are used in the audited company are primarily the Internet, magazines, and outdoor advertising. Company’s gadgets are as well as awards for regular customers are the most popular among the target group consumer promotion tools.

Construction permit of nuclear power plants in case of leasing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon.

1983-01-01

Guiding lines (unofficial): 1. A leasing company can be founded to finance and to operate a nuclear power plant. 2. The leasing company does not require a license according to section 7 of the Atomic Energy Act, for it neither constructs nor posesses the nuclear power plant. 3. This also applies if the proprietor, and later on operator, of the nuclear power plant holds an interest in this leasing company as a shareholder. Section 7, and 19 subsection 3 of the Atomic Energy Act. Higher Administrative Court of Rhineland Palatinate, Decision of July 20sup(th), 1982. (orig.) [de

IT substitution for energy leads to a resilient structure for a survival strategy of Japan's electric power industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Watanabe, Chihiro; Kishioka, Miharu; Carvajal, C.A.

2005-01-01

The dramatic surge in information technology (IT) around the world, and an evolving global economy, are subjecting firms to megacompetition. This is the case, particularly in Japan's electric power industry, where the power rate is one of the highest in the world; hence it is noted that Japan's industry has lost its price competitiveness in the world market, resulting in stagnation of production, hence leading to stagnation in power demand. In addition, an increase in trends of customer's preferences and the variety of participants in the power supply race, have put electric power companies at the mercy of customers with alternative supply sources. Given that uncertainty with respect to energy security, as well as power generation and distribution systems safety increases, as strongly cautioned by the recent blackout in the US and Canada, a dramatic conversion of existing strategies would be indispensable for electric power companies. A conversion from a high-demand-elasticity dependent, supply structure to a resilient structure is required. While the former aims at constructing a high-demand-elasticity supply structure, based on the myth of high growth of demand, the latter aims at maintaining profit, while minimizing the elasticities of factors with high uncertainty, such as energy resources and costly capital investment linked to a fluctuating power demand. This paper demonstrates the significance of IT substitution for energy through consortia structure, thereby utilizing IT spillover and leading to resilience and leveraging consortia structure as Japan's electric power industry survival strategy. An empirical analysis using Japan's nine leading electric power companies over the last quarter century has been conducted

Completion of latest ABWR 'SHIKA Unit 2' construction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yamazaki, Tatsuhiro; Yoshimoto, Yuichiro

2007-01-01

The Shika Nuclear Power Station Unit No.2 of the Hokuriku Electric Power Company, Inc. is the first Advanced BWR unit built in Japan by a single contractor and it is among the largest nuclear power stations in Japan. Its construction started in August 1999 when the first construction permit was issued. The design and construction of the plant was carried out with utmost care for betterment of operational safety, reliability and economy. The construction advanced on schedule and the plant entered its commercial operation in March 2006 as planned. Hitachi, Ltd. supplied the entire plant from design, fabrication and construction including the reactor and steam turbine generation system. In the design and construction of the plant, the most advanced technology has been applied in order to match the civil construction process and aim to supply safest, reliable and economical power plant. (author)

Effect of the equity multiplier indicator in companies according the sectors

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Lenka Lízalová

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Managers carry out the demand of the owners to maximise the rentability of invested capital with regards to the taken risk. The tool that evaluates the suitability to indebt in order to reach a higher rentability is the equity multiplier indicator. An analysis of the multiplier was carried out on 10 years of data from 456 Czech companies. Based on the data from these companies the influence of two components of the multiplier, which characterise the influence of indebtedness on the return on equity, was analysed. These components are “financial leverage” and “interest burden”, these having an antagonistic effect. The low variability of the equity multiplier is apparent in the companies of the administrative and support service sector and it is also relatively low in the companies of the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector; on the contrary, in for example the professional, scientific and technical activities and the sector of water, sewage and waste there are companies with higher variability of the equity multiplier. The paper identifies companies (in view of their sector specialization inclining to a larger utility of debts to increase the return on equity. The largest equity is reached in companies of the construction sector; the lowest effect of the multiplier is to be found in companies of the agriculture sector. The resulting value of the multiplier is to a large extent determined by the financial leverage indicator, to a lower extent and at the same time negatively by the interest burden indicator.

Treasury Financial Management company in the current economic crisis

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FLOAREA GEORGESCU

2015-03-01

Full Text Available Abstract. Any management decision has a direct monetary impact on the structure uses and sources of cash. Cash Management aims to permanently maintain a balance between inflows and outflows of cash and cash to predict the impact of any operational decisions that could affect these flows. The success of any business requires good management of all these flows. The principle of this approach is relatively simple: using a minimum of ores to obtain maximum performance in a given period. Cash management is an extremely complex issue, and balancing receipts and payments flow is a constant struggle for survival of firms. In It work we will focus on how they are oriented in a going concern basis, cash inflows and financing needs of current operations. Managers should understand and know the specific movements of cash within the business system, driven daily decisions on operating, investing or financing, and a variety of external circumstances which affect the company. Such decisions and events can affect the company's ability to pay its obligations to obtain credit from suppliers, banks or credit institutions and to maintain an operational level in line with the company's products and services through investments.

Improvement of internal book-keeping control at company "Balttranslaine"

OpenAIRE

Kolodinska, Aļona

2012-01-01

Master's thesis "Internal Accounting Control Improvement in Ltd."Balttranslaine"" is designed to determine the potential and directions for improving accounting controls Ltd. "Balttranslaine". The paper assesses Ltd. "Balttranslaine" internal accounting control system and develops proposals for its improvement, based on research on accounting control nature and its place in the overall company's internal control system, as well as the Latvian laws and regulations for construction and maint...

Interrelationship between a brand’s environmental embeddedness, brand awareness and company performance

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Ivana First

2007-07-01

Full Text Available The purpose of the research was to define and measure a brand’s environmental embeddedness that, unlike the constructs used in previous environmental research, measures to which extent brand identity is embedded in environmental values. The purpose was also to assess a correlation of this variable to brand awareness and company performance. This study is based on three overlapping theoretical backgrounds: brand management, corporate social responsibility and organizational culture. Secondary data as well as content analysis and survey-based primary data were used. The results indicate a correlation between the environmental embeddedness of brands and brand awareness, but no correlation of these two variables to company performance. Such results support the idea that companies should indeed invest in being environmentally friendly so as to increase their chances of being recognized, while also indicating that the companies that own strong brands cannot afford not to be environmentally conscious as that could hurt their corporate brand values.

Strategies to reduce safety violations for working from heights in construction companies: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Science.gov (United States)

van der Molen, Henk F; Frings-Dresen, Monique H W

2014-05-31

Safety measures should be applied to reduce work-related fatal and non-fatal fall injuries. However, according to the labor inspectorate, more than 80% of Dutch construction sites violate safety regulations for working from heights. To increase compliance with safety regulations, employers and workers have to select, implement and monitor safety measures. To facilitate this behavioral change, stimulating knowledge awareness and personalized feedback are frequently advocated behavior change techniques. For this study, two behavior change strategies have been developed in addition to the announcement of safety inspections by the labor inspectorate. These strategies consist of 1) face-to-face contacts with safety consultants and 2) direct mail with access to internet facilities. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of these two strategies on the safety violations for working from heights, the process and the cost measures. This study is a block randomized intervention trial in 27 cities to establish the effects of the face-to-face guidance strategy (N = 9), a direct mailing strategy (N = 9) and a control condition of no guidance (N = 9) on safety violations to record by labor inspectors after three months. A process evaluation for both strategies will be performed to determine program implementation (reach, dose delivered and dose received), satisfaction, knowledge and perceived safety behavior. A cost analysis will be performed to establish the financial costs for both strategies. The present study is in accordance with the CONSORT statement. This study increases insight into performing practice-based randomized controlled trials. The outcome will help to evaluate the effect of two guidance strategies on safety violations. If these strategies are effective, implementation of these strategies through the national institute of safety and health or labor inspectorate can take place to guide construction companies in complying with

18 CFR 367.51 - Components of construction.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-04-01

...) Insurance includes premiums paid or amounts provided or reserved as self-insurance for the protection... associated net book cost, less the appraised or salvage value at time of release from the job, must be... testing of service company property must constitute a component of construction costs. (b) [Reserved] ...

Performance indices of project companies virtual divisions in the construction in CAD conditions

OpenAIRE

Sinenko Sergey; Slavina Anastasiia

2017-01-01

At the present time we consider the construction operations development triggered by the modern technologies development. The electronics, robotics, artificial intelligence, wireless technologies and more became the present-day production attribute. The creation of virtual organizations has become the expected solution of business communities. Following in the footsteps of information boom, in this article we consider the problem of construction field virtualisation, in particular: characteri...

Structure of media and communication companies in Ecuador

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Gabriela Coronel-Salas

2012-12-01

Full Text Available The lack of information about the media landscape in Ecuador has prompted the Department of Communication Sciences at the Private Technical University of Loja to map the country's media, production companies, and advertising and public relations agencies. The need for a database on communication issues is still latent in Ecuador. Some public and private agencies have made some contributions to the construction of physical or virtual repositories, but the data provided have been limited to basic, often outdated, contact information. Based on a sample of over one thousand media companies, this study describes their structure, legal and corporate organisation, geographical location, contents, reach, and provided services. This study is an approximation to the country’s media reality and is part of a wider research project entitled “Mapa de la Comunicación de Ecuador” (“Ecuador’s Media Map”.

Physical activity and survival in breast cancer

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Ammitzbøll, Gunn; Søgaard, Karen; Karlsen, Randi V

2016-01-01

PURPOSE: Knowledge about lifestyle factors possibly influencing survival after breast cancer (BC) is paramount. We examined associations between two types of postdiagnosis physical activity (PA) and overall survival after BC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used prospective data on 959 BC survivors from...... the Diet, Cancer, and Health cohort, all enrolled before diagnosis. Self-reported PA was measured as time per activity, and estimated metabolic equivalent task (MET)-hours per week were summed for each activity. We constructed measures for household, exercise, and total PA. The association between...... from all causes during the study period. In adjusted analyses, exercise PA above eight MET h/week compared to lower levels of activity was significantly associated with improved overall survival (HR, 0.68; confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-0.99). When comparing participation in exercise to non...

Construction of corporate social performance indicators for Czech manufacturing industry

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Marie Dočekalová

2013-01-01

Full Text Available This article aims to map out the level of social performance measurement of Czech companies, i.e. what social performance indicators companies monitor and what information they provide to their stakeholders and to construct alternative corporate social performance indicators. Based on an analysis of 24 corporate voluntary reports and results of an empirical research performed among 79 large companies operating in the manufacturing industry, it was found that companies partially monitor their social performance, but from the perspective of international standards (e.g. Global Reporting Initiative, International Federation of Accountants it is still insufficient. Czech companies usually provide only absolute numbers which disguise real trends and do not allow year on year comparison or comparison with other companies. Czech companies should provide a comprehensive picture of their overall performance, they should not focus only on financial indicators based on accounting data, since it is known that the performance measurement based only on financial and economic performance does not lead to long-term success and sustainability of organizations. Companies should monitor more their impact on society within which they operate. Proposed corporate social performance indicators in a measurable and thus manageable way express social issues.

Evaluation of co-sourcing communications amongst international company and local public relations agencies (case company: company x)

OpenAIRE

Yin, Ying

2009-01-01

The subject of the thesis is the evaluation of co-sourcing communications amongst international company and local public relations agencies, taking the company x as a case. It analyses the environment the co-sourcing PR agencies communicate with international clients, compares with the current communications the case company has, and comes up with practical suggestions for the company to have better cooperation with local agencies to achieve mutual benefits. The theoretical part consi...

Effectiveness of Quality Management System (QMS) on Construction Projects

OpenAIRE

Behnam Neyestani

2016-01-01

Quality management system (QMS) provides generic guidance and requirements for establishing an appropriate quality management procedure, in order to lower cost, increase productivity, customer's satisfaction, and market share in the organizations since the last two-decade. In construction industry, it can assist the companies to achieve successfully their objectives, and ensure that all phases of construction project consistently meet client's requirements (need). The main aim of this article...

DEVELOPMENT FEATURES OF LEASING RELATIONS IN CONSTRUCTION

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Patimat A. Abdulkhalikova

2017-01-01

Full Text Available Abstract. Objectives Leasing, which is an alternative to traditional forms of investment for Russia, is currently among the most effective methods of financing construction organisations. Under conditions of shortage of available financial resources, leasing allows the modernisation of production to be carried out, modern equipment to be used or new production facilities to be opened in the shortest possible time. The purpose of the study is to comprehensively substantiate the specifics of leasing operations in construction and demonstrate its advantages as a tool for financing construction organisations. Methods The theoretical basis of the study was the fundamental provisions of economic, financial and management theory. During the process of research, logical, statistical and comparative analysis methods were used alongside expert evaluation and factor analysis approaches. Results For a leasing company whose purpose is to identify potential risk areas associated with the possibility of exceeding planned costs, it is recommended that a feasibility analysis be carried out prior to forming a loan portfolio. It is established that the transactions of a leasing company with a construction organisation can be presented as a separate investment project with a complex financial structure and a combination of interrelated long-term contracts. It is shown that the standardisation of principles of corporate governance and risk management is capable not only of reducing the susceptibility of a construction organisation to risk, but also of increasing the degree of trust on the part of customers and counterparties. Conclusion The expediency of using leasing in construction is due to the insufficient volume of private funds for the acquisition of equipment, which becomes particularly relevant against the background of rapidly aging facilities of construction organisations. Under conditions of largescale technical re-equipment, in which advanced

CASAS: Cancer Survival Analysis Suite, a web based application.

Science.gov (United States)

Rupji, Manali; Zhang, Xinyan; Kowalski, Jeanne

2017-01-01

We present CASAS, a shiny R based tool for interactive survival analysis and visualization of results. The tool provides a web-based one stop shop to perform the following types of survival analysis:  quantile, landmark and competing risks, in addition to standard survival analysis.  The interface makes it easy to perform such survival analyses and obtain results using the interactive Kaplan-Meier and cumulative incidence plots.  Univariate analysis can be performed on one or several user specified variable(s) simultaneously, the results of which are displayed in a single table that includes log rank p-values and hazard ratios along with their significance. For several quantile survival analyses from multiple cancer types, a single summary grid is constructed. The CASAS package has been implemented in R and is available via http://shinygispa.winship.emory.edu/CASAS/. The developmental repository is available at https://github.com/manalirupji/CASAS/.

The Effect of Relational Constructs on Relationship Performance

NARCIS (Netherlands)

P.C. Verhoef (Peter); Ph.H.B.F. Franses (Philip Hans); J.C. Hoekstra (Janny)

2000-01-01

textabstractWe examine the effect of relational constructs, such as satisfaction, trust and commitment on relationship performance (that is, positive word-of-mouth communication and the margin provided by each customer) of customers of an insurance company. A central issue concerns the effect of

Employees Motivation and Openness for Continuous Improvement: Comparative Study in Polish and Japanese Companies

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Stadnicka Dorota

2017-09-01

Full Text Available Currently, companies must change and evolve to keep pace with the changing environment, customers’ requirements and to be better than their competitors. The changes result from the need to adapt the products to new customers’ requirements as well as to maintain competitive prices of their products. Therefore, companies should be flexible to guarantee short lead time and minimalize their costs to offer a good price for the customers. At the same time, companies should create good work environment for their employees in order to get them involved in improvement processes. In order to survive and develop companies should motivate and involve their employees into a continuous improvement process in different areas of the company. Unfortunately, as based on the companies’ practice and previous research, in many cases employees are not willing to engage in the company development. Continuous improvement is the basis of the philosophy of Quality Management and Lean Manufacturing, which come from Toyota Production System (TPS. The TPS eventually spread throughout the world, and it is held up as an example of the proper management of a production system. The assumptions of TPS system were used to build systems in other companies, but not always with the same success as it was in Toyota. For this reason, the authors of this paper seek to answer the question of whether there are differences in engagement in a continuous improvement process between employees in a Japanese company and a Polish company operating in the same industry and realizing the similar manufacturing. In order to verify this, the research was conducted in two manufacturing companies which operate in the automotive industry. The results of the study and their analysis are presented in the work.

Analysis of noise on construction sites of high-rise buildings.

Science.gov (United States)

Barkokébas, Béda; Vasconcelos, Bianca M; Lago, Eliane Maria G; Alcoforador, Aline Fabiana P

2012-01-01

In the civil construction industry sector, it has been observed that the increasing use of machines has made tasks noisier and consequently caused hearing loss and had other adverse effects on workers. The objective of this study was to identify and assess the physical risks of noise present in activities undertaken in a construction company in order to propose control measures which will contribute to the management of health and safety within the company's organization. The methodology applied was based on verifying the characteristics of exposure to noise on construction sites, from an observation of sources which generated noise and making measurements of sound pressure levels emitted by these sources. The data was then analyzed and compared with the recommended performance levels established in control measures. As a result, it was found that some machines and equipment used in civil construction often generate noise above the acceptable levels and as such, in these cases, various control measures have been proposed. It is believed that the use of management techniques is the most effective way to assess risk and to implement the preventive and corrective actions proposed, and allows for the analysis of sound pressure levels on an ongoing basis.

Introduction of characteristics and construction methods for Lungmen NPP

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hur, Kyung Phil; Manager, General

2007-01-01

Daewoo Engineering and Construction Co., Ltd. has taken part in the construction of ABWR (Advance Boiling Water Reactor of capacity of 1,350MW) at Lungmen site in Taiwan since 1999 as a member of Joint Company for the Nuclear Island Civil Work and Nuclear Island Equipment and Piping Work. This paper discusses the introduction of NSSS of ABWR and the major construction methods applied to Lungmen Nuclear Power Plants. Even though there is no BWR or ABWR type of Nuclear Power Plants built in Korea, the information and data related to the newly advanced construction technologies which has been already applied successfully is very important for the future overseas expansion

Strategies of Dividend policy of the companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange

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Jabłoński Bartłomiej

2015-06-01

Full Text Available Research into the determinants of companies’ decisions about paying out dividends, which has been described in the Polish specialist literature, concentrates mainly on the dividends actually paid out. The research presented in the article refers to declarations of the companies included in their dividend policies. The aim of the article is to present an attitude to dividend policy exhibited by the companies listed on the Warsaw stock exchange. A particular attempt was made at identifying various formulas of constructing dividend policies by the companies and the declared conditions for dividend payments and their amounts. 118 dividend companies took part in the research and they were selected from among the companies listed on the Warsaw stock exchange in the years 2006-2012. The authors have analysed the dividend policy of the companies in terms of its components and the way it was formulated, as well as the determinants of decisions about dividend payments declared by the companies. The results of the analysis were referred to the types of strategies of the dividend policy presented in the specialist literature. The research results indicate that the boards of many companies do not consider formulating and publicising the principles of making dividend payments to be a relevant area of investor relations. The dividend policy of the companies is usually formulated too generally, with the use of general statements. Satisfying capital needs for the planned development processes appears to be a basic determinant of the distribution of profit, which is why residual dividend policy is prevalent in the analysed companies.

THE IMPACT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE QUALITY ON COMPANIES

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

IONESCU ALIN

2015-08-01

Full Text Available Corporate governance represents a current topic, with a considerable importance in field of economic research of the last decades, even more so in most developed and developing countries the companies listed at stock exchange are forced to adopt and implement several national and international recommendations regarding corporate practices. In the context of recent years, considering the maturity of financial system of developed countries, international organizations and researchers attention was focused especially on analyzing corporate governance concept in developing countries. The main purpose of this paper is to estimate the impact of corporate governance quality on the performance of the companies, taking into account a series of data provided by the World Bank database (www.enterprisesurveys.org in case of 82 developing countries around the world. In this regard, using the principal components analysis, were constructed two informational synthetic indicators: one which describes the corporate governance quality and one for companies performances of analyzed countries. Thus, in assessing the quality level of corporate governance were tacked into account some aspects considered relevant in the literature, such as the type of the companies, innovation, corporate social responsibility, transparency and quality of workforce, while corporate performance has been defined and quantified in terms of issues such as annual real growth of sales, growth of labor productivity and capacity utilization. In this context, the impact of corporate governance quality on the firms performance was tested using the generalized linear model framework and the main result of the study consists in the thesis that, in analyzed countries, companies performance index is significantly influenced by the corporate governance quality index.

Improving fish survival through turbines

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ferguson, J.W.

1993-01-01

Much of what is known about fish passage through hydroturbines has been developed by studying migratory species of fish passing through large Kaplan turbine units. A review of the literature on previous fish passage research presented in the accompanying story illustrates that studies have focused on determining mortality levels, rather than identifying the causal mechanism involved. There is a need for understanding how turbine designs could be altered to improve fish passage conditions, how to retrofit existing units, and how proposed hydro plant operational changes may affect fish survival. The US Army Corps of Engineers has developed a research program to define biologically based engineering criteria for improving fish passage conditions. Turbine designs incorporating these criteria can be evaluated for their effects on fish survival, engineering issues, costs, and power production. The research program has the following objectives: To gain a thorough knowledge of the mechanisms of fish mortality; To define the biological sensitivities of key fish species to these mechanisms of mortality; To develop new turbine design criteria to reduce fish mortality; To construct prototype turbine designs, and to test these designs for fish passage, hydro-mechanical operation, and power production; and To identify construction and power costs associated with new turbine designs

Radioactive Waste Management at the New Conversion Facility of 'TVEL'{sup R} Fuel Company - 13474

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Indyk, S.I.; Volodenko, A.V. [JSC ' TVEL' , Russia, Moscow, 49 Kashirskoye Shosse, 115409 (Russian Federation); Tvilenev, K.A.; Tinin, V.V.; Fateeva, E.V. [JSC ' Siberian Group of Chemical Enterprises' , Russia, Seversk, 1 Kurchatov Street, 636000 (Russian Federation)

2013-07-01

The project on the new conversion facility construction is being implemented by Joint Stock Company (JSC) 'Siberian Group of Chemical Enterprises' (SGChE) within TVEL{sup R} Fuel Company. The objective is to construct the up-to-date facility ensuring the industrial and environmental safety with the reduced impact on the community and environment in compliance with the Russian new regulatory framework on radioactive waste (RW) management. The history of the SGChE development, as well as the concepts and approaches to RW management implemented by now are shown. The SGChE future image is outlined, together with its objectives and concept on RW management in compliance with the new act 'On radioactive waste management' adopted in Russia in 2011. Possible areas of cooperation with international companies are discussed in the field of RW management with the purpose of deploying the best Russian and world practices on RW management at the new conversion facility. (authors)

Analysis of the Effect of Employee Costs on Company Performance

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Željko Požega

2010-07-01

Full Text Available The goal of every economic entity is to accomplish an optimal system of compensation management and to reach maximum returns through optimal employee investment, raising their motivation and knowledge as well as developing their abilities and skills. In order to reach this goal of maximizing company performance it is necessary to systematically approach the management of human resources within a certain economic entity and to create the fairest material and non-material reward and punishment system by using compensation management methods. This in turn will bring about a positive working atmosphere in the company, where employees will rapidly and easily adjust to changes, interact and co-operate with one another at a high level. This research, which studies the effect of employee costs on company performance, is divided into three chapters. The first chapter provides a brief theoretical overview of the importance of compensation management in human resources administration and reaching business efficiency, i.e. the different possibilities of creating a reward and punishment system in a company which aims to organise an optimal working atmosphere. The second chapter demonstrates the applied methodology and illustrates the information from different companies, which has been used in this research and analysis. The information comprises statistical data of employee costs, income, profits and losses from a sample of companies from the Republic of Croatia in 2008. The third part deals with the analysis and interpretation of the research results which show the effect of employee costs on the income and company performance, also expressed per employee. The goal of this research is to test the hypothesis that companies with higher employee cost, i.e. with higher investment in human resources, on average obtain a higher income and a higher profit per employee and are more efficient and more successful on the market. From the given hypothesis, one can

Assessing the impacts of implementing lean construction Evaluando los impactos de la implementación de lean construction

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Luis F Alarcón

2008-04-01

Full Text Available Over the last 10 years an increasing number of companies have implemented lean construction practices in an attempt to improve performance in construction projects. Most companies, and also some researchers, have reported satisfactory results from their implementation. However, there is still a need to provide more extensive analysis of the empirical evidence available to assess the impact of the implementation of lean construction. The authors have researched the implementation of the Last Planner System and other Lean Construction techniques in over one hundred construction projects over the last five years. They have also developed strategies and support tools for implementation. This paper analyzes some of the main impacts observed in the studied projects, and some of the lessons learned from implementations. The paper discusses difficulties and barriers for implementation, productivity improvements, variability reduction and effectiveness of implementation strategies. The paper also provides recommendations for future implementation and researchEn los últimos 10 años un creciente número de empresas constructoras ha implementado prácticas de Lean Construction para mejorar el desempeño de sus proyectos. La mayor parte de estas empresas, y también algunos investigadores, han informado sobre buenos resultados obtenidos en los proyectos. Sin embargo, todavía es necesario un análisis más completo de la evidencia empírica disponible para evaluar así el impacto de Lean Construction en los proyectos y empresas. Los autores han investigado la implementación del Sistema Ultimo Planificador y otras técnicas de Lean Construction en mas de un centenar de proyectos en los últimos 5 años y han desarrollado estrategias y herramientas de apoyo para su implementación. Este artículo analiza algunos de los principales impactos observados en los proyectos estudiados y las lecciones aprendidas en este proceso. Se discuten dificultades y barreras

A nomogram for predicting survival in patients with breast cancer brain metastasis.

Science.gov (United States)

Huang, Zhou; Sun, Bing; Wu, Shikai; Meng, Xiangying; Cong, Yang; Shen, Ge; Song, Santai

2018-05-01

Brain metastasis (BM) is common in patients with breast cancer. Predicting patient survival is critical for the clinical management of breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM). The present study was designed to develop and evaluate a prognostic model for patients with newly diagnosed BCBM. Based on the clinical data of patients with BCBM treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences (Beijing, China) between 2002 and 2014, a nomogram was developed to predict survival using proportional hazards regression analysis. The model was validated internally by bootstrapping, and the concordance index (c-index) was calculated. A calibration curve and c-index were used to evaluate discriminatory and predictive ability, in order to compare the nomogram with widely used models, including recursive partitioning analysis (RPA), graded prognostic assessment (GPA) and breast-graded prognostic assessment (Breast-GPA). A total of 411 patients with BCBM were included in the development of this predictive model. The median overall survival time was 14.1 months. Statistically significant predictors for patient survival included biological subtype, Karnofsky performance score, leptomeningeal metastasis, extracranial metastasis, the number of brain metastases and disease-free survival. A nomogram for predicting 1- and 2-year overall survival rates was constructed, which exhibited good accuracy in predicting overall survival with a concordance index of 0.735. This model outperformed RPA, GPA and Breast-GPA, based on the comparisons of the c-indexes. The nomogram constructed based on a multiple factor analysis was able to more accurately predict the individual survival probability of patients with BCBM, compared with existing models.

Lung cancer risk among construction workers in California, 1988-2007.

Science.gov (United States)

Calvert, Geoffrey M; Luckhaupt, Sara; Lee, Soo-Jeong; Cress, Rosemary; Schumacher, Pam; Shen, Rui; Tak, SangWoo; Deapen, Dennis

2012-05-01

Although lung cancer risks can vary by race/ethnicity and by construction occupation, these risks have not been examined extensively. This study analyzed 110,937 lung cancer cases identified from the California Cancer Registry between 1988 and 2007. Mean age at diagnosis, proportion diagnosed at an advanced stage, and proportion with 3-year survival were calculated for lung cancer cases employed in the construction industry. Case-control methodology was also used to assess the risk of lung cancer. Morbidity odds ratios (MORs) were estimated by conditional logistic regression. Construction workers were found to have a significantly elevated risk for all lung cancer combined (MOR = 1.57) and for each lung cancer histologic subtype examined. All construction occupations, except managers/engineers and supervisors, had a significantly elevated risk for all lung cancer combined. Roofers and welders had the highest risks for total lung cancer and for each of the histologic subtypes. Construction workers in each of the four race/ethnicity groups also had significantly increased lung cancer risks. Compared to non-construction workers, construction workers were diagnosed at an earlier age, at a more advanced stage, and had significantly lower 3-year survival, though differences were modest. These findings justify additional reductions in carcinogenic exposures in construction, and increased support for smoking cessation programs at construction sites. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Determination of sustainable values for the parameters of the construction of residential buildings

Science.gov (United States)

Grigoreva, Larisa; Grigoryev, Vladimir

2018-03-01

For the formation of programs for housing construction and planning of capital investments, when developing the strategic planning companies by construction companies, the norms or calculated indicators of the duration of the construction of high-rise residential buildings and multifunctional complexes are mandatory. Determination of stable values of the parameters for the high-rise construction residential buildings provides an opportunity to establish a reasonable duration of construction at the planning and design stages of residential complexes, taking into account the influence of market conditions factors. The concept of the formation of enlarged models for the high-rise construction residential buildings is based on a real mapping in time and space of the most significant redistribution with their organizational and technological interconnection - the preparatory period, the underground part, the above-ground part, external engineering networks, landscaping. The total duration of the construction of a residential building, depending on the duration of each redistribution and the degree of their overlapping, can be determined by one of the proposed four options. At the same time, a unified approach to determining the overall duration of construction on the basis of the provisions of a streamlined construction organization with the testing of results on the example of high-rise residential buildings of the typical I-155B series was developed, and the coefficients for combining the work and the main redevelopment of the building were determined.

Integrated surface management for pipeline construction: The Mid-America Pipeline Company Four Corners Project

Science.gov (United States)

Maria L. Sonett

1999-01-01

Integrated surface management techniques for pipeline construction through arid and semi-arid rangeland ecosystems are presented in a case history of a 412-mile pipeline construction project in New Mexico. Planning, implementation and monitoring for restoration of surface hydrology, soil stabilization, soil cover, and plant species succession are discussed. Planning...

Integrated construction management technology for power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Okada, Hisako; Miura, Jun; Nishitani, Yasuhiko

2003-01-01

The improvement and rationalization of the plant construction technology has been promoted in order to shorten the construction period, to improve the quality and reliability, and especially to reduce construction costs. With the recent remarkable advances of computer technology, it is necessary to introduce an electronic information technology (IT) into the construction field, and to develop a business process. In such a situation, Hitachi has developed and applied integrated construction support system, which is consistent among design, production and construction. This system has design information and schedule information made electronically as a basic database, and characterizes with project management function based on that information. By introduction of this system, electronic processing of information and reduction of paperwork has enabled high efficiency and standardization of on-site indirect work. Furthermore, by collaboration with the civil company, electrical data exchange has been carried out and developed techniques to improve the interface between mechanical and civil work. High accuracy of construction planning and unification of schedule data have been achieved, and consequently, rework and adjustment at the job site have been greatly reduced. (author)

The consequences of liberalisation of the gas market. Part 5. Distribution companies and small-scale consumers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Van Gelder, J.W.

1999-01-01

In the fifth article in the series on the effects of the liberalization of the Dutch natural gas market the effects on distribution companies and small-scale consumers are discussed. Companies that purchase more than 10 million m 3 of natural gas per year are free to choose another supplier. No later than 2007 the small-scale consumer (annual consumption less than 170,000 m 3 or 50,000 kWh) will be able to choose a gas and electricity supplier. Lower prices are not to be expected, but there will be more service, many new suppliers and a more varied supply of products and services. The energy distribution company will be offering tailor-made work. For small-scale consumers, too, price will be the decisive factor in choosing a supplier. Possibilities for distribution companies in this area are quite restricted, though. Obtaining market power in the buyers' market and cutting costs of operation may force prices down. Scaling-up and (international) cooperation therefore seem to be the best survival strategies in the free market. Sound solvency - which turns out to be present in particular in the smaller distribution companies - makes a company less vulnerable during a prolonged price dip

Prehospital cardiac arrest survival and neurologic recovery.

Science.gov (United States)

Hillis, M; Sinclair, D; Butler, G; Cain, E

1993-01-01

Many studies of prehospital defibrillation have been conducted but the effects of airway intervention are unknown and neurologic follow-up has been incomplete. A non-randomized cohort prospective study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of defibrillation in prehospital cardiac arrest. Two ambulance companies in the study area developed a defibrillation protocol and they formed the experimental group. A subgroup of these patients received airway management with an esophageal obturator airway (EOA) or endotracheal intubation (ETT). The control group was composed of patients who suffered a prehospital cardiac arrest and did not receive prehospital defibrillation. All survivors were assessed for residual deficits using the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) and the Dementia Rating Scale (DRS). A total of 221 patients were studied over a 32-month period. Both the experimental group (N = 161) and the control group (N = 60) were comparable with respect to age, sex distribution, and ambulance response time. Survival to hospital discharge was 2/60 (3.3%) in the control group and 12/161 (6.3%) in the experimental group. This difference is not statistically significant. Survival in the experimental group by airway management technique was basic airway support (3/76 3.9%), EOA (3/67 4.5%), and ETT (6/48 12.5%). The improved effect on survival by ETT management was statistically significant. Survivors had minor differences in memory, work, and recreation as compared to ischemic heart disease patients as measured by the SIP and DRS. No effect of defibrillation was found on survival to hospital discharge. However, endotracheal intubation improved survival in defibrillated patients. Survivors had a good functional outcome.

Information networks in the stock market based on the distance of the multi-attribute dimensions between listed companies

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Qian; Li, Huajiao; Liu, Xueyong; Jiang, Meihui

2018-04-01

In the stock market, there are widespread information connections between economic agents. Listed companies can obtain mutual information about investment decisions from common shareholders, and the extent of sharing information often determines the relationships between listed companies. Because different shareholder compositions and investment shares lead to different formations of the company's governance mechanisms, we map the investment relationships between shareholders to the multi-attribute dimensional spaces of the listed companies (each shareholder investment in a company is a company dimension). Then, we construct the listed company's information network based on co-shareholder relationships. The weights for the edges in the information network are measured with the Euclidean distance between the listed companies in the multi-attribute dimension space. We define two indices to analyze the information network's features. We conduct an empirical study that analyzes Chinese listed companies' information networks. The results from the analysis show that with the diversification and decentralization of shareholder investments, almost all Chinese listed companies exchanged information through common shareholder relationships, and there is a gradual reduction in information sharing capacity between listed companies that have common shareholders. This network analysis has benefits for risk management and portfolio investments.

Conditions for an optimal safety culture in construction

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Meijer, S.D.; Schaefer, W.F.; Dias, L.M.A.; Coble, R.J.

1997-01-01

This article discusses how much attention construction companies generally pay to the concept of safety and how they perceive it. The presupposition for the argument put forward in this article is that safety is not only the result of clear-cut and stringent measures, but that practical safety on

Company maturity models: Application to supplier development program in oil&gas sector

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jabier Retegi Albisua

2018-04-01

Full Text Available Purpose: In order to achieve excellence, outsourced maintenance contractors in Oil&Gas sector play a key role due to the important impact of their task on security, availability and energy consumption. This paper presents the process followed in order to implement a Supplier Development Program in a refinery using Company Maturity Model (CoMM and the results obtained in three cases validating the method to obtain a strategic improvement project medium term grid. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology followed consists of constructing a CoMM capturing the knowledge existing in the refinery and applying it with three supplier improvement teams. Findings and conclusions have arised through an observation of the three processes and extracting common conclusions. Findings: The resulting CoMM has been used for self-assessment by three suppliers and has demonstrated its potential to define a medium-term improvement project road map validated by the customer. Furthermore, during the design and application processes, the contribution of CoMMs to the SECI process of knowledge management has been observed. Practical implications: The use of CoMMs in a service contractor context can be applied in other sectors. It contributes to alignment of targets between the supplier and customer companies and to knowledge sharing inside both firms. Originality/value: Maturity models in many transversal fields (CMMI, EFQM, BPMM, PEMM, etc. have been thoroughly studied in the literature. Less effort has been made analysing the case of using maturity models constructed and implemented by a company for its specific purposes. In this paper, the process followed by a company to establish a Supplier Development Process using CoMMs is described.

Ecological and Economic Indicators of Oil and Gas Companies Functioning

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Anastasia V. Sheveleva

2016-01-01

Full Text Available This article analyzes the basic ecological-economic indicators of oil and gas companies, in particular the various volumes of oil, the number of spills per year of CO2 emissions, the costs of environmental protection. In the process of exploration, development and exploitation of oil and gas fields, production, refining, transportation and storage companies have a negative impact on the environment. Occur accidents involving oil spills, emissions and discharges of pollutants into the environment. As a result contaminates water resources, soil and atmosphere, animals dying, birds and fish, but also transformed the structure of the subsurface and changes the landscape, reduced strategic reserves of fuel and energy resources are formed objects of accumulated environmental damage. The need for construction of environmental protection facilities; the protection, rational use and rehabilitation of lands; protection of water resources and atmospheric air; monitoring the environment and industrial facilities; the prevention and elimination of consequences of accidents on pipelines; disposal and recycling of waste; environmental education; conducting scientific research requires oil and gas companies to undertake large expenditures. A positive trend of modern development of oil and gas companies is the introduction of mechanisms for environmental management in practice their activities, which leads to a gradual reduction of the negative impact of their activities on the environment.

17 CFR 270.3a-3 - Certain investment companies owned by companies which are not investment companies.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-04-01

... the definition of the term “investment company” by section 3(b)(1) or 3(b)(2) of the Act (15 U.S.C... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 3 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Certain investment companies owned by companies which are not investment companies. 270.3a-3 Section 270.3a-3 Commodity and...

Smart Companies.

Science.gov (United States)

Galagan, Patricia A.

1997-01-01

Capturing and leveraging knowledge is an important new management trend that is as yet undefined. Some companies are accounting for their intellectual capital and applying it to the company balance sheets. (JOW)

Corruption and internal fraud in the Turkish construction industry.

Science.gov (United States)

Gunduz, Murat; Önder, Oytun

2013-06-01

The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding about the internal fraud and corruption problem in the Turkish construction industry. The reasons behind the internal fraud and corruption problem as well as the types of prevention methods were investigated; and as a result various recommendations were made. To this end, a risk awareness questionnaire was used to understand the behavioral patterns of the construction industry, and to clarify possible proactive and reactive measures against internal fraud and corruption. The type of fraud experienced by Turkish construction companies was also surveyed in the questionnaire. The questionnaire was sent to 89 firms; and depending on the collected data, certain recommendations for construction industry professionals were provided.

Design and construction work of underground pit for existing light oil tank foundation at Onagawa Nuclear Power Station

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kikuchi, Keita; Date, Masanao; Horimi, Shingo

2017-01-01

Based on the new regulatory standards for commercial power plant reactors enforced in July 2013, Onagawa Nuclear Power Station of Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc. implemented various safety measure works. One of them was a measure for the existing light oil tank foundation for emergency diesel generators for Unit 2 reactor. In consideration of tornado, external fire, and earthquake resistance, the company implemented the underground pit construction for a light oil tank basement by utilizing the existing oil retaining wall and foundation. This paper reported the outline of the planning, design, and implementation of construction works, which were carried out while securing quality and safety. Upon installation of the underground pit, the company utilized the existing oil retaining wall from the viewpoint of reducing construction costs, shortening time schedule, and reducing environmental burden. As a result of checking bending and axial force, part of these values exceeded the design reference values. So, 3-dimensional shell model was applied, and the simulation results showed sufficient seismic margin. As a measure to secure seismic margin against shear force, Ceramic-Cap-bar construction method was adopted. Upon construction, the company adopted the water jet method, and devised the sequential order of construction. In parallel with the day and night work and tank installation, it constructed the top slab, which secured the time schedule and quality. (A.O.)

Residential construction cost: An Italian survey.

Science.gov (United States)

Canesi, Rubina; Marella, Giuliano

2017-04-01

This paper reports data describing development projects for new buildings according to construction costs in North-East Italy. A survey was carried out on local companies undertaking new residential development projects in two Italian regions (Veneto and Lombardy). The aim of this survey was to record new real estate construction projects, collecting both technical and socio-economic cost features. It is extremely difficult to collect such data for the Italian real estate construction sector, due to its lack of transparency, so that the novelty for the Italian scenario is the dataset itself. Another interest perspective of this survey is that socio-economic characteristics were also recorded; they are often studied in urban economics, but are usually related to property purchase prices and values, not to construction costs. The data come from an analysis of Canesi and Marella regarding the relationship between the trend of construction costs and the socio-economic conditions of the reference setting, such as the mean years of schooling of the workforce, housing market trends, and average per capita income.

Residential construction cost: An Italian survey

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rubina Canesi

2017-04-01

Full Text Available This paper reports data describing development projects for new buildings according to construction costs in North-East Italy. A survey was carried out on local companies undertaking new residential development projects in two Italian regions (Veneto and Lombardy. The aim of this survey was to record new real estate construction projects, collecting both technical and socio-economic cost features. It is extremely difficult to collect such data for the Italian real estate construction sector, due to its lack of transparency, so that the novelty for the Italian scenario is the dataset itself. Another interest perspective of this survey is that socio-economic characteristics were also recorded; they are often studied in urban economics, but are usually related to property purchase prices and values, not to construction costs. The data come from an analysis of Canesi and Marella regarding the relationship between the trend of construction costs and the socio-economic conditions of the reference setting, such as the mean years of schooling of the workforce, housing market trends, and average per capita income.

METAL STRUCTURES SURVIVABILITY ASSESSMENT WHEN SIMULATING SERVICE CONDITIONS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

O. M. Gibalenko

2016-04-01

Full Text Available Purpose. The research is aimed at improving the quality and reliability of measures of primary and secondary protection of metal structures at manufacturing companies, to prolong the service life of cyclically loaded structures of production facilities taking into account the corrosion level of danger. Methodology. Authors proposed to use the principles of process approach for statement and realization of management problems of operational service life in corrosion environments. The principles of ensuring reliability on the level of corrosion danger include justification of stages sequence for survivability assessment of a structural metalwork based on the strategy of DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve, control: definitions, measurements, analysis, improvement and monitoring of measures of primary and secondary corrosion protection. Findings. Providing control measures from corrosion according to the criterion of corrosion danger allows providing requirements of reliability of structural metalwork based on calculated provisions of the limiting conditions method and solving the problems of management in technological safety during the expected service life of structural objects. Originality. The developed strategy of maintenance of the industrial facilities on an actual state includes the process approach to resource management by creation of system for the account and the functional controlling, risk analysis and regulation of technological safety in production facilities of the enterprises. Realization of the principles of process approach to management of technological safety at the object level is directed to perfecting of tools and methods of anticorrosive protection, extension of a resource taking into account indexes of survivability (, and justification of program measures to ensure the reliability of enterprises(PER. Practical value. On the basis of process approach to quality and reliability management, generalizations of the

Doubts raised on the validity of construction and payment guarantees

African Journals Online (AJOL)

A construction company had been liquidated and the employer had called up the guarantee .... Due to the small size of the target populations in both the quantitative and qualitative ..... contingent liability that remains in terms of the guarantee.

A lean and agile construction system as a set of countermeasures to improve health, safety and productivity in mechanical and electrical construction

OpenAIRE

Court, PF; Pasquire, CL; Gibb, AGF

2009-01-01

This paper presents certain aspects of the findings of a research project to develop and implement a Lean and agile mechanical and electrical (M&E) Construction System on a case study project. The objective of the research project for the sponsor company is to improve its projects site operations making them safer for the worker and improving efficiency and productivity by overcoming the problems and issues that it faces in the M&E industry within the UK construction sector. The research find...

Studies on Labour Safety in Construction Sites

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

S. Kanchana

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Construction industry has accomplished extensive growth worldwide particularly in past few decades. For a construction project to be successful, safety of the structures as well as that of the personnel is of utmost importance. The safety issues are to be considered right from the design stage till the completion and handing over of the structure. Construction industry employs skilled and unskilled labourers subject to construction site accidents and health risks. A proper coordination between contractors, clients, and workforce is needed for safe work conditions which are very much lacking in Indian construction companies. Though labour safety laws are available, the numerous accidents taking place at construction sites are continuing. Management commitment towards health and safety of the workers is also lagging. A detailed literature study was carried out to understand the causes of accidents, preventive measures, and development of safe work environment. This paper presents the results of a questionnaire survey, which was distributed among various categories of construction workers in Kerala region. The paper examines and discusses in detail the total working hours, work shifts, nativity of the workers, number of accidents, and type of injuries taking place in small and large construction sites.

Studies on Labour Safety in Construction Sites

Science.gov (United States)

Kanchana, S.; Sivaprakash, P.; Joseph, Sebastian

2015-01-01

Construction industry has accomplished extensive growth worldwide particularly in past few decades. For a construction project to be successful, safety of the structures as well as that of the personnel is of utmost importance. The safety issues are to be considered right from the design stage till the completion and handing over of the structure. Construction industry employs skilled and unskilled labourers subject to construction site accidents and health risks. A proper coordination between contractors, clients, and workforce is needed for safe work conditions which are very much lacking in Indian construction companies. Though labour safety laws are available, the numerous accidents taking place at construction sites are continuing. Management commitment towards health and safety of the workers is also lagging. A detailed literature study was carried out to understand the causes of accidents, preventive measures, and development of safe work environment. This paper presents the results of a questionnaire survey, which was distributed among various categories of construction workers in Kerala region. The paper examines and discusses in detail the total working hours, work shifts, nativity of the workers, number of accidents, and type of injuries taking place in small and large construction sites. PMID:26839916

THE TRAINING AND COMPETENCE CONSTRUCTION FOR THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARIES SKILLS AND PERFORMANCE - A STUDY OF CASE AT A ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPANY

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Thays Ferreira Lima

2011-04-01

Full Text Available The Junior Companies exist to create bonds between the labor market and academic environment, providing the students the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge acquired during their classes, in order to support learning and enable these students to be complete professionals and prepared to join a corporate environment. However, the theoretical knowledge offered in the subjects during the undergraduate program are not always sufficient to enable the students to face the development of company activities. So, this paper has its content based on other researches, theoretical arguments and experiences acquired during the Trilingual Executive Secretariat undergraduate program, with the aim at studying the members´ competences required to develop their activities in a Trilingual Executive Secretariat Junior Company of a Paraná state university. This research was developed under the procedure of qualitative approach, using a case study. Through participant observation, the company data were collected. Examining the current course curriculum offered by the University analyzed and comparing it with those of other reputable universities that offer this same course and, considering the theoretical approach adopted, some subjects that have relevant theoretical content that are not present in this curriculum were identified and, according to this, some training courses to fill the gaps existing in the curriculum were suggested. This paper expands the available information to the Trilingual Executive Secretariat students, contributing to the evolution of studies in organizational environment, which are little researched, as is the case of Junior Companies.

Architectural Intention as the Mediator of Lean Housing Construction

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Frier, Marie; Kirkegaard, Poul Henning; Fisker, Anna Marie

2008-01-01

In recent years a number of companies have taken up the challenge of producing prefab houses using lean principles, hereby incorporating value driven production theory as the means to optimize construction processes. However, the value of home is dependent on architectural qualities and interior ...

Nobel prize winners from Siemens company

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon

2007-01-01

This paper deals with the history of discoveries and scientists which worked in the Siemens company. First Nobel prize winners from Siemens company was Gustav Ludwig Hertz from Hamburg. In his doctoral dissertation he deals with the study of collisions of electrons with molecules of gases. In the physics this experiment is known as 'Franc and Hertz experiment', which confirmed state of energy in Bohr theory and in 1925 he obtained Nobel prize. In 1945, as a director of the Department of physics in the research laboratories of Siemens, he constructed cyclotron kernel - magnet with mass of 80 tonnes. The second Nobel prize winner was Dennis Gabor worked in the Laboratory for measurement and medicinal technology in Siemensstadt (Berlin). When he tried to increase the resolution of electron microscopy he discovered the holography (method of 3-dimensional imaging). In 1971 he obtained the Nobel prize. The third scientist - Ernst Ruska discovered electron microscope. At Siemens, he was involved in developing the first commercially-produced electron microscope in 1939. In 1986, Ernst Ruska was awarded half of the Nobel Prize in Physics for his many achievements in electron optics.

PROVISION FOR ECONOMIC STABILITY OF CONSTRUCTION ENTERPRISES UNDER CONDITIONS OF UNSTABLE RUSSIAN ECONOMY

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. A. Kaminsky

2012-01-01

Full Text Available Construction enterprise economic stability is determined as condition at which there is most coordinated interaction of all activity components(financing, manufacturing, human resources, marketing, investment and management. Construction enterprise stability enhancing may beachieved through the implementation of adaptation programs. A mechanism of the impact on economic stability of individual components is described which makes it possible to increase overall stability of the construction company in different situations.

MERGER ACCOUTING FOR COMPANIES

OpenAIRE

SUCIU GHEORGHE

2014-01-01

Companies, especially nowadays, are characterized through great mobility, fast circulation of capital, occurring in their chase for profit. In this context, companies look for alliances, economical and political assistance. These objectives can materialize through merging of companies. The merger can be internal (between Romanian companies) or transboundary, which includes foreign companies. In order to correctly reflect these events, the merger operations must be regulated and mu...

Specifically Designed Constructed Wetlands: A Novel Treatment Approach for Scrubber Wastewater

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

John H. Rodgers Jr; James W. Castle; Chris Arrington: Derek Eggert; Meg Iannacone

2005-09-01

A pilot-scale wetland treatment system was specifically designed and constructed at Clemson University to evaluate removal of mercury, selenium, and other constituents from flue gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater. Specific objectives of this research were: (1) to measure performance of a pilot-scale constructed wetland treatment system in terms of decreases in targeted constituents (Hg, Se and As) in the FGD wastewater from inflow to outflow; (2) to determine how the observed performance is achieved (both reactions and rates); and (3) to measure performance in terms of decreased bioavailability of these elements (i.e. toxicity of sediments in constructed wetlands and toxicity of outflow waters from the treatment system). Performance of the pilot-scale constructed wetland treatment systems was assessed using two criteria: anticipated NPDES permit levels and toxicity evaluations using two sentinel toxicity-testing organisms (Ceriodaphnia dubia and Pimephales promelas). These systems performed efficiently with varied inflow simulations of FGD wastewaters removing As, Hg, and Se concentrations below NPDES permit levels and reducing the toxicity of simulated FGD wastewater after treatment with the constructed wetland treatment systems. Sequential extraction procedures indicated that these elements (As, Hg, and Se) were bound to residual phases within sediments of these systems, which should limit their bioavailability to aquatic biota. Sediments collected from constructed wetland treatment systems were tested to observe toxicity to Hyalella azteca or Chironomus tetans. Complete survival (100%) was observed for H. azteca in all cells of the constructed wetland treatment system and C. tentans had an average of 91% survival over the three treatment cells containing sediments. Survival and growth of H. azteca and C. tentans did not differ significantly between sediments from the constructed wetland treatment system and controls. Since the sediments of the constructed

Effects of distances and company resources for enterprise export performance

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Givanildo Silva

2015-12-01

Full Text Available The purpose of this article is to evaluate the effect of distance on the export performance of companies in Santa Catarina, and to what extent this effect is moderated by organizational resource characteristics. Multiple linear regression and variance analysis were used for a perception survey of export managers with a final sample of 49 exporting producers. The constructs showed internal validity and allowed the data to be analyzed. The results only revealed evidence regarding the effect of psychic distance, showing a positive relationship with export performance. Also, the model estimation showed that the organization's resources moderate the relation between distance and export performance. Finally the study also shows that the export team and the organizational structure moderate the effect of distance on the performance and future performance expectations of the companies.

Development of a record retention and retrieval system for the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hoffman, H.L.

1976-01-01

The records associated with the design and construction of a nuclear power plant have increased in both volume and complexity. Baltimore Gas and Electric Company chose to retain and make available these records by using microfilm and a computer-generated index system. The technique of filming, data assembly, and controlled distribution of this material to various locations within the Company was developed and implemented. The index system has been designed to locate information and to provide a basis for searches of the data base for special information

The Construction of Job Families Based on Company Specific PAQ Job Dimensions.

Science.gov (United States)

Taylor, L. R.; Colbert, G. A.

1978-01-01

Research is presented on the construction of job families based on Position Analysis Questionnaire data. The data were subjected to a component analysis. Results were interpreted as sufficiently encouraging to proceed with analyses of validity generalization within the job families. (Editor/RK)

Key Supplier Relationship Management: The Case of Croatian Medium-Sized and Large Manufacturing Companies

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Dario Miočević

2011-06-01

Full Text Available The key supplier relationship management represents a vital organizational process. Companies should pay attention not only to managing customer relationships but also to managing relationships with suppliers in order to perform well. They should identify the extent to which a certain supplier adds value through the procurement process. In this line of reasoning, both theory and practice make a distinction between strategic (key and non-strategic (transactional suppliers. By employing the segmentation of the supply market, companies balance their supplier portfolio and are capable of identifying the key suppliers. They can also develop specific programs and initiatives that are aimed at preserving these relationships. In the empirical part of the paper, a survey was conducted on a sample of 123 medium-sized and large Croatian manufacturing companies. The structural model involving the relationship between the key supplier relationship management and value-oriented purchasing was tested. The results indicate that there is a statistically direct, positive and significant relationship between these two constructs. Likewise, the results stress that a theoretical conceptualization and operationalization of the key supplier relationship management construct is both valid and justified. Finally, the theoretical and practical implications and limitations of this study are offered.

Determination of sustainable values for the parameters of the construction of residential buildings

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Grigoreva Larisa

2018-01-01

Full Text Available For the formation of programs for housing construction and planning of capital investments, when developing the strategic planning companies by construction companies, the norms or calculated indicators of the duration of the construction of high-rise residential buildings and multifunctional complexes are mandatory. Determination of stable values of the parameters for the high-rise construction residential buildings provides an opportunity to establish a reasonable duration of construction at the planning and design stages of residential complexes, taking into account the influence of market conditions factors. The concept of the formation of enlarged models for the high-rise construction residential buildings is based on a real mapping in time and space of the most significant redistribution with their organizational and technological interconnection - the preparatory period, the underground part, the above-ground part, external engineering networks, landscaping. The total duration of the construction of a residential building, depending on the duration of each redistribution and the degree of their overlapping, can be determined by one of the proposed four options. At the same time, a unified approach to determining the overall duration of construction on the basis of the provisions of a streamlined construction organization with the testing of results on the example of high-rise residential buildings of the typical I-155B series was developed, and the coefficients for combining the work and the main redevelopment of the building were determined.

Open Source Telecommunication Companies

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Peter Liu

2007-08-01

Full Text Available Little is known about companies whose core business is selling telecommunications products that lever open source projects. Open source telecommunications (OST companies operate in markets that are very different from typical software product markets. The telecommunications market is regulated, vertically integrated, and proprietary designs and special chips are widely used. For a telecommunications product to be useful, it must interact with both access network products and core network products. Due to specifications in Service Agreements Levels, penalties for failures of telecommunications products are very high. This article shares information that is not widely known, including a list of OST companies and the open source projects on which they depend, the size and diversity of venture capital investment in OST companies, the nature of the commercial product-open source software and company-project relationships, ways in which OST companies make money, benefits and risks of OST companies, and competition between OST companies. Analysis of this information provides insights into the ways in which companies can build business models around open source software. These findings will be of interest to entrepreneurs, top management teams of incumbent companies that sell telecommunications products, and those who care about Ontario's ability to compete globally.

Mechanisation and automation technologies development in work at construction sites

Science.gov (United States)

Sobotka, A.; Pacewicz, K.

2017-10-01

Implementing construction work that creates buildings is a very complicated and laborious task and requires the use of various types of machines and equipment. For years there has been a desire for designers and technologists to introduce devices that replace people’s work on machine construction, automation and even robots. Technologies for building construction are still being developed and implemented to limit people’s hard work and improve work efficiency and quality in innovative architectonical and construction solutions. New opportunities for improving work on the construction site include computerisation of technological processes and construction management for projects and processes. The aim of the paper was to analyse the development of mechanisation, automation and computerisation of construction processes and selected building technologies, with special attention paid to 3D printing technology. The state of mechanisation of construction works in Poland and trends in its development in construction technologies are presented. These studies were conducted on the basis of the available literature and a survey of Polish construction companies.

A dose-surviving fraction curve for mouse colonic mucosa

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tucker, S.L.; Thames, H.D. Jr.; Withers, H.R.; Mason, K.A.

1983-01-01

A dose-surviving fraction curve representing the response of the mouse colonic mucosa to single doses of 137 Cs gamma radiation was obtained from the results of a multifraction in vivo colony assay. Construction of the curve required an estimated of the average number of clonogens initially present per colonic crypt. The estimated clonogen count (88) was determined by a statistical method based on the use of doses per fraction common to different fractionation protocols. Parameters for the LQ and TC models of cell survival were obtained by weighted least-squares fits to the data. A comparison of the survival characteristics of cells from the mouse colonic and jejunal crypts suggested that the epithelium of the colon is less radiosensitive than that of the jejunum. (author)

Application of Strategic Management Principles as Tool to Improve Quality of Construction Technological Process

Science.gov (United States)

Kluchnikova, O.; Pobegaylov, O.

2017-11-01

The article focuses on the basic theory and practical aspects of the strategic management improving in terms of enhancing the quality of a technological process: these aspects have been proven experimentally by their introduction in company operations. The authors have worked out some proposals aimed at the selection of an optimal supplier for building companies as well as the algorithm for the analysis and optimization of a construction company basing on scientific and practical research as well as on the experimental data obtained in the experiment.

To the problem of ensuring stability of activities of construction companies engaged in high-rise building construction

Science.gov (United States)

Ivanov, Nikolay; Safe Aldeen, Ahmed

2018-03-01

Recently, more and more attention in scientific literature has been drawn to improving the sustainability of organization. The growth in the volume of high-rise construction in Russia makes the task of assessing and ensuring the sustainability of organizations and enterprises leading this type of construction very relevant. The article considers the approach to assessing the sustainability of the organization's activities in the context of functioning of quality management system (QMS). It puts forward the hypothesis that assessment of sustainability of an organization that has a real and efficient functioning quality management system can be based on the results of assessing the effectiveness of the QMS. The article describes in sufficient detail the sequence of actions to form a list of criteria for assessing the effectiveness of the QMS and sustainability of the organization, and to evaluate both characteristics on the basis of these criteria. For a clear interpretation of the results obtained, the authors use so-called petal diagrams. It suggests an original approach to their creation and analysis. Based on the results of the study, the authors conclude that in order to assess the sustainability of enterprises and organizations analysis of the dynamics of changes in the basic sustainability factors is mandatory.

INTEGRATED SYSTEMS FOR PLANNING AND RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN COMPANIES

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Balaban Mihai

2014-07-01

Full Text Available Information is one of the most valuable resources of a company, since with it and around it the whole set of business processes unfold within companies. Till using internet companies were eager to find information that was necessary for the functioning and development of the company; now things have changed radically: the information is abundant and is provided through all possible channels; today, in order to thrive you have to „choose" and to filter the information to remain competitive on the market you are active on. The performance of an enterprise is influenced by its ability to adapt itself to the environment, by the effectiveness of its actions in capitalizing opportunities, by its ability to cope with adverse situations and risks. Information management is a process that analyzes the previously collected information and then the information is used by managers to make decisions or as a base for their decisions. Information in management is the information that is necessary for making managerial decisions. Distribution or Information Flow: in order for it to be used appropriately, information should be exchanged between the various participants in the project. Other parts involved in the project may also use this information in making their own decisions. This way they can help those who collect information to determine its usefulness for the management. For management, information is an integral part of monitoring because it is obtained during monitoring and helps in planning and implementing its activities. The problem and the reason of this study is to increase awareness of the need for implementation of ERP solutions, primarily, and secondly to share observations with regard to this issue as well as the evolution of acceptance and integration in Romania of such integrated solutions. The effectiveness of information management and knowledge management is urgently needed to assure a continuous organizational survival and the

Employing Quality Principles in Evaluating Research Companies According to I.S.O Requirements 9001/2000 (AL-Melad Company Case Study

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Abdulrahman A. Ibrahem

2013-05-01

Full Text Available Research companies are considered to be the pioneer in the country since it have  advanced personal staff of high qualification. Thus it is considered as shining point in the society. Therefore, it have to be the first in applying the quality requirements. This will positively reflected on its performance.            The research aim is to evaluate the quality management for Al-Melad Company. In the present study, the current system of Al-Melad company is evaluated according to  I.S.O 9001/2000 requirement. A computer program is prepared for this purpose to facilitate evaluation process depending on check lists of quality requirements and on field existing conditions living with experts and on the information presented to the program operator through interviews, documents and registries.            The program  will evaluate each element and the pivot in the system and then a total evaluation of the applied quality system. It is found that the congruence percentage with the requirements is 29.84%. This finding illustrate the need of construction quality system based on mixing the functions of the main management (planning and organizing with I.S.O specification 9001/2000 and principles of total quality management.

Individual survival curves comparing subjective and observed mortality risks.

Science.gov (United States)

Bissonnette, Luc; Hurd, Michael D; Michaud, Pierre-Carl

2017-12-01

We compare individual survival curves constructed from objective (actual mortality) and elicited subjective information (probability of survival to a given target age). We develop a methodology to estimate jointly subjective and objective individual survival curves accounting for rounding on subjective reports of perceived survival. We make use of the long follow-up period in the Health and Retirement Study and the high quality of mortality data to estimate individual survival curves that feature both observed and unobserved heterogeneity. This allows us to compare objective and subjective estimates of remaining life expectancy for various groups and compare welfare effects of objective and subjective mortality risk using the life cycle model of consumption. We find that subjective and objective hazards are not the same. The median welfare loss from misperceptions of mortality risk when annuities are not available is 7% of current wealth at age 65 whereas more than 25% of respondents have losses larger than 60% of wealth. When annuities are available and exogenously given, the welfare loss is substantially lower. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Physician-owned companies.

Science.gov (United States)

Kostuik, John P

2007-05-15

The author relates his experience in the development of a spinal implant development company (K2M) that is significantly advised by physicians. To provide information about the development of a spinal implant company (K2M) advised by a group of professional spinal surgeons. To relate the federal laws (STARK and anti-kickback) as they pertain to surgeon-influenced companies. To discuss the role of a scientific advisory board. A self-developed company was developed together with significant, but minority physician financial input and majority scientific advice. A privately owned spinal implant development corporation (K2M) was developed 3 years ago. Physician financial participation was less than 20% (Stark laws state no more than 40%). Users of product are greater than 60% non-investor physicians. The development of a large scientific advisory board has been very influential in product development. A privately owned spinal implant company (K2M) has been developed strictly within Federal laws. Its board of scientific advisors that receives recompense commissurate only with effort significantly impacts the company policy.

Construction experience on PCRV liners at Fort St. Vrain

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cliff, J.O.; Wunderlich, R.G.

1976-01-01

The construction of the steel liners for the Fort St. Vrain prestressed concrete reactor vessel presented many unique problems for which techniques were developed to satisfy the rigid specification requirements. The PCRV cavity liner was fabricated from 1.9cm carbon steel plate. The liners were partially fabricated by Pittsburgh-Des Moines Steel Company at their Pittsburgh manufacturing facility. The liners were then shipped by rail to within approximately five miles of the jobsite and then trucked the remaining distance. The construction techniques, dimensional control, concrete support and testing utilized on the Fort St. Vrain project are presented in detail and demonstrate the flexibility of the PCRV for field construction. (author)

Tampa electric company - IGCC project. Quarterly report, January 1, 1996--March 31, 1996

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1998-02-01

This quarterly report consists of materials presented at a recent review of the project. The project is an IGCC project being conducted by Tampa Electric Company. The report describes the status of the facility construction, components, operations staff training, and discusses aspects of the project which may impact the final scheduled completion.

Key determinants of managing the marketing asset of global companies

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Tatyana Tsygankova

2016-12-01

Full Text Available As a result of organization and summarization of key concepts of evolution of the marketing tools of global companies, the authors determined the role of the marketing assets in the system of modern marketing management (as a dialectically higher stage of development of the analyzed tools, which will allow overcoming the antagonistic contradiction of “P- and C-vectors” of their development. The article identified the optimal set of key elements of the system of marketing assets, which are the brand, customer loyalty, reputation, network cooperation, marketing strategy, internal marketing, marketing information system and marketing innovation. Due to correlation and regression analysis of the impact of each system elements on performance of global companies, the model of the "marketing asset octagon" was built as an integrative management tool. Also, as a result of construction of the said model, the authors identified the most profitable marketing assets, return on investment and development of competencies in the field of efficient management will bring the highest profit to the company. On the basis of summarizing the regional and branch features of managing the disparate elements of the marketing assets of global companies, the key regional and sectoral priorities of formation, development and improvement of existing concepts of the international marketing management were identified, particularly in terms of building an author’s integrative octagon model.

Producing Reality Stardom: Constructing, Programming, and Branding Celebrity on Reality Television

OpenAIRE

Giggey, Lindsay Nicole

2017-01-01

The popular preoccupation with celebrity in American culture in the past decade has been bolstered by a corresponding increase in the amount of reality programming across cable and broadcast networks that centers either on established celebrities or on celebrities in the making. This dissertation examines the questions: How is celebrity constructed, scheduled, and branded by networks, production companies, and individual participants, and how do the constructions and mechanisms of celebrity i...

The adoption of innovative asphalt equipment in road construction

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Habets, M.J.M.; Voordijk, Johannes T.; van der Sijde, Peter

2011-01-01

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the adoption process of innovative asphalt equipment in road construction and how the level of knowledge as characterised by the level of education in the companies affects this process. The emphasis is on equipment used for transporting

Methodology of project management at implementation of projects of high-rise construction

Science.gov (United States)

Papelniuk, Oksana

2018-03-01

High-rise construction is the perspective direction in urban development. An opportunity to arrange on rather small land plot a huge number of the living and commercial space makes high-rise construction very attractive for developers. However investment projects of high-rise buildings' construction are very expensive and complex that sets a task of effective management of such projects for the company builder. The best tool in this area today is the methodology of project management, which becomes a key factor of efficiency.

VULNERABILITY OF COMPANIES

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

ARMEAN ANDREEA

2013-06-01

Full Text Available In present, the study of vulnerability of companies is increasing in every field due to the unstable economic environment influences. The object of this research is to define and identify vulnerabilities of companies and the establishment of evaluation methods at their level. This article emphasizes the importance and usefulness of one of the best known model in this way, from our point of view, namely Băileşteanu, Negrila Pattern. This pattern covers both external factors and internal ones, that increase vulnerabilities of companies, and fit the companies in which the state of vulnerability are (vitality, viability, vulnerability, high vulnerability, difficulty and high difficulty, with a matrix. The result of the research is that any company belonging to any field, can be analyzed using this model, and assigned to one of the conditions defined within.

The Danish East India Company

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Sørensen, Karsten Engsig

2005-01-01

The article analysis the first Danish East India Company incorporated in 1616, which was the first Danish Stock Company and which has impacts even on modern Danish company la......The article analysis the first Danish East India Company incorporated in 1616, which was the first Danish Stock Company and which has impacts even on modern Danish company la...

Company Portfolios Answer the Question: What Do You Know about My Company?

Science.gov (United States)

Watson, Michelle L.

2001-01-01

Job seekers can demonstrate their knowledge of a potential employer by developing a company portfolio. Elements include company history, mission, values, and goals; size and location(s); financial status; and recent changes in the company and industry. (SK)

The Case for Family-Friendly Work Practices in the Australian Construction Industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Valerie Francis

2012-11-01

Full Text Available Although significant changes at the social, demographic, technological and workforce levelshave transformed the relationship between family and work, these changes have notbeen reflected in the employment practices of many construction companies. Many of thejob and organisational factors found to be negatively associated with family functioning arepertinent to construction professionals. Staff are expected to work long hours in demandingroles and this, combined with job insecurity and frequent relocation, means that familylife and individual well-being can be compromised. A growing body of research has foundthat the implementation of family-friendly work policies and practices can lead to greaterproductivity, lower attrition rates and higher morale in the workplace. In addition providinga work environment that is supportive of workers' family roles can help to alleviate workrelatedmental health problems.This paper outlines the changing demographic trends and societal attitudes that are makingindividuals and organisations question current work cultures and structures. Optionsfor making the construction industry a more family-friendly work environment are considered.All professionals, regardless of their age, gender and family responsibilities, canbenefit from these initiatives. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of theseissues for construction companies and future research work.

Safety in construction industry - overview

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chockalingam, S.; Nehru, R.M.; Ramprasad, K.; Sonawane, A.U.

2016-01-01

The construction industry plays an important role in the social and economic development in a country. Safety in the construction industry is considered a major issue in developed and developing countries. In urban sector of India increasing numbers of workers have taken up construction work as a means of immediate employment, which provides cash earnings at the end of the day. Being as unorganized sector, the fatal injuries in DAE unit for the construction industry (Nuclear Power Project including BHAVINI: 62.7% from 1999 to 2014) is higher than the category for all other units (UCIL:13.3%; ECIL:6.7%; NFC and ZC: 4%; HWP: 2.7%; IREL:2.7%; Nuclear Power Plant: 2.7% etc., from 1999 to 2014). A variety hazards exist in the construction site. The best way to protect workers against workers against hazards is to control problems at the source. The problem regarding construction industry is not that the hazards and risks are unknown, but it very difficult to accurately identify in a constantly changing work environment. To prevent hazards at work, all possible hazards that may be encountered should be identified in advance through Job Hazard Analysis (JHA). The present scenario has deduced a fact that efficient Safety Management Techniques (SMT) are (essential for today's construction companies and adaptation of legal requirements including regulatory requirements and proactive safety management techniques will help organizations in providing a better workplace to its employees and reduce the accidents. (author)

Hierarchical level oF managers’ abilities: A Moderator between Quality Management Practices and Company Financial Performance

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Wakhid Slamet Ciptono

2007-09-01

Full Text Available This study investigates the moderating impacts of hierarchical level of managers’ abilities on the form and strength of all structural relationships between quality management practices and company financial performance. This study describes the structural relationships among the research constructs —six critical factors of quality management practices (quality improvement program, supervisory leadership, supplier involvement, management commitment, training to improve products/services, cross-functional relationships; the contextual factors of oil and gas companies—world-class performance in operations (world-class company practices, operational excellence practices, company non-financial performance; and company financial performance. It uses a sample of 1,332 managers in 140 strategic business units (SBUs within 49 oil and gas companies operating in Indonesia. The empirical results indicate that the goodness-of-fit of the unconstrained model is much better than that of the constrained model, and this is an indicator that hierarchical level of managers’ abilities moderates all structural relationships among the research constructs. Hence, the hierarchical level of managers’ abilities acts as a moderating variable of the whole model (i.e., among critical factors of quality management practices, world-class company practices, operational excellence practices, company non-financial performance, and company financial performance. It means that the major contribution of the hierarchical level of managers’ abilities is how to make changes in the organizational system. Top level managers’ abilities are deemed the most capable of making significant changes because of their broad sources of power and influence. Conversely, lower level managers’ abilities find it more difficult making significant changes in the system because of bureaucratic control processes that limit their actions —powerlessness or a chronic lack of autonomy

Survival prognosis in plantations of Pinus caribaea Morelet var. caribaea Barrett & Golfari

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ouorou Ganni Mariel Guera

2018-01-01

Full Text Available The present study was carried out with the objective of obtaining regression equations and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs for the prognosis of Pinus caribaea var. caribaea survival in Macurije Forest Company, province of Pinar del Río - Cuba. The data used in the modeling comes from the measurement of the variables age (years and survival (density in circular permanent plots of 500 m² established in P. caribaea var. caribaea plantations. The study was divided into three stages: i Adjustment of survival traditional regression models; ii Training of ANNs for survival prognosis, including categorical variables «site» and «Basic Units of Forest Production»; iii Comparison of regression equations performance with those of ANNs in survival prognosis. The best models and ANNs were selected based on: adjusted determination coefficient - R2aj (%, square root of the mean square error - RMSE (% and residue distribution analysis. The evaluation of the models goodness of fit also included the verification of the assumptions of normality, homocedasticity and absence of serial autocorrelation in the residues by Kolmogorov-Smirnov, White and Durbin-Watson tests, respectively. The model of Pienaar and Shiver (1981 turned out to be the best fit in survival prognosis. The ANN MLP 13-10-1 was the one with the best generalization capacity and presented a performance similar to that of Pienaar and Shiver equation.

Tips for cleanroom construction and renovation.

Science.gov (United States)

Mixon, William; Huffman, Lanny

2009-01-01

The installation or renovation of a cleanroom is an increasing priority among compounders who, to offer sterile preparations, must comply with the most recent version of United States Pharmacopeia revised General Chapter 797 guidelines. To upgrade their pharmacy facilites, many compounders have worked successfully with a large-scale mechanical engineering firm or a specialized construction company dedicated to cleanroom installation. However, a qualified local mechanical contractor with design capability is a valuable and often overlooked resource for the construction of customized stae-of-the-art cleanrooms. In this report, we describe the installation of such a facility in a busy pharmacy and suggest ways in which compounding pharmacists can identify competent local contractors and control the cost of construction and upgrades. The addition of a cleanroom has enabled The Compounding Pharmacy in Hickory, North Carolina, to achieve accreditation from the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board.

The Nature of Payment Problems in the New Zealand Construction Industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Thanuja Ramachandra

2011-06-01

Full Text Available Delay and loss of payment is a serious problem in the construction industry of many countries. These affect the cash flow of contractors which is critical to meeting their financial obligations. Payment defaults by the principal leads to insolvency of contractors and in turn other parts of the project chain. In recognition of some of these problems, most countries have established payment-specific construction industry legislation and other contractual measures to mitigate the problems, but nevertheless the problem persists. In this context, the paper examines the nature of payment problems in the construction industry in New Zealand. It is part of a larger study, that seeks solutions to payment losses in the construction industry.The study uses two approaches; an analysis of liquidators’ reports, and an analysis of court cases involving payment disputes to determine the magnitude of payment problems on construction parties. The findings are presented using simple descriptive and interpretive analyses. The study finds that trade creditors are impacted negatively (payment delays and losses by the liquidation of property developers, general construction and construction trade companies. 75% of trade creditors are unable to be paid fully by these categories of construction companies after liquidation proceedings. Liquidation proceedings take an average 18 months before they are finalised. The analysis of court cases found that 80% of payment disputes are between principals and contractors; with considerably significant percentage of disputes resulting in outright loss of payments. Only 40% of the cases are successful, in which case claimants are able to fully recover the amount in dispute. Payment losses are more prevalent in liquidation than delays and unlike in legal disputes, there is no security for those losses. The study finds that construction parties use remedies contained in the security of payment provisions within standard conditions

The Nature of Payment Problems in the New Zealand Construction Industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Thanuja Ramachandra

2011-06-01

Full Text Available Delay and loss of payment is a serious problem in the construction industry of many countries. These affect the cash flow of contractors which is critical to meeting their financial obligations. Payment defaults by the principal leads to insolvency of contractors and in turn other parts of the project chain. In recognition of some of these problems, most countries have established payment-specific construction industry legislation and other contractual measures to mitigate the problems, but nevertheless the problem persists. In this context, the paper examines the nature of payment problems in the construction industry in New Zealand. It is part of a larger study, that seeks solutions to payment losses in the construction industry.The study uses two approaches; an analysis of liquidators’ reports, and an analysis of court cases involving payment disputes to determine the magnitude of payment problems on construction parties. The findings are presented using simple descriptive and interpretive analyses. The study finds that trade creditors are impacted negatively (payment delays and losses by the liquidation of property developers, general construction and construction trade companies. 75% of trade creditors are unable to be paid fully by these categories of construction companies after liquidation proceedings. Liquidation proceedings take an average 18 months before they could be finalised. The analysis of court cases found that 80% of payment disputes are between principals and contractors; with considerably significant percentage of disputes resulting in outright loss of payments. Only 40% of the cases are successful, in which case claimants are able to fully recover the amount in dispute. Payment losses are more prevalent in liquidation than delays and unlike in legal disputes, there is no security for those losses. The study finds that construction parties use remedies contained in the security of payment provisions within standard

Regulating Listed Companies: Between Company Law and Financial Market Law in Danish Law

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Clausen, Nis Jul

2011-01-01

The article discusses different elements and aspects of the regulation of listed companies in particular whether such regulation should be placed in company law or in financial marked law.......The article discusses different elements and aspects of the regulation of listed companies in particular whether such regulation should be placed in company law or in financial marked law....

Analysis and evaluation of status reports for quality assurance practice in nuclear power plant construction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1984-01-01

The study elaborates the structure and definitions of a general description of quality assurance systems with respect to planning and construction of nuclear power plants and indicates standards concerning the production and adaption of structural components. It is suggested to introduce in the licensing procedure the so-called comprehensive constructional report by an expert. For contractors, tasks and responsibilities of the major companies with regard to quality assurance are expressly stipulated. The study also suggests the inclusion of ARGEN, the elaboration of production and test sequence plans and the introduction of a control and evaluation system for the feedback of experience among companies involved and ARGEN. (DG) [de

PBL - Problem Based Learning for Companies and Clusters

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hamburg, I; Vladut, G.

2016-07-01

Small and medium sized companies (SMEs) assure economic growth in Europe. Generally many SMEs are struggling to survive in an ongoing global recession and often they are becoming reluctant to release or pay for staff training. In this paper we present shortly the learning methods in SMEs particularly the Problem Based Learning (PBL) as an efficient form for SMEs and entrepreneurship education. In the field of Urban Logistics it was developed four Clusters with potential of innovation and research in four European Regions: Tuscany - Italy, Valencia - Spain, Lisbon and Tagus - Portugal, Oltenia – Romania. Training and mentoring for SMEs, are essential to create competitiveness. Information and communication technologies (ICT) support the tutors by using an ICT platform which is in the development. (Author)

77 FR 20882 - Manning Grain Company; Acquisition and Operation Exemption; Fillmore Western Railway Company

Science.gov (United States)

2012-04-06

... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [Docket No. FD 35612] Manning Grain Company; Acquisition and Operation Exemption; Fillmore Western Railway Company Manning Grain Company (MGC... Docket No. FD 35607, Manning Rail, Inc.--Acquisition and Operation Exemption--Manning Grain Company...

Horizon Dam design, construction, and quality management

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Patrick, B. [EBA Engineering Consultants Ltd., Nanaimo, BC (Canada); Sisson, R. [Canadian Natural Resources Ltd., Fort McMurray, AB (Canada)

2010-07-01

This paper discussed the design and construction of the Tar River Diversion Dam and the quality management system (QMS) used during construction. The project was unusual in that the company constructed the project using its own workforce, without contractors, under challenging schedule and site conditions. The topography, geology and geotechnical aspects of the site were discussed along with the embankment design, seepage control measures and construction execution. The QMS was designed to fit the needs of the unique construction execution strategy and meet safety, reliability, performance, and operation requirements, comply with all regulations and approval conditions, and identify and communicate risk to the appropriate entity. Specifications and construction procedures had to be modified to accommodate equipment operators trained with the skills and techniques of mine operations, not those associated with conventional civil construction projects. Foundation movement identified during construction required mid-build design changes, construction rescheduling, and additional deformation analyses to determine long-term stability. The QMS allowed changes in the understanding of site conditions to be quickly addressed and risks to be identified and cost-effectively mitigated. Design consultants were used to modify designs and appropriately identify and mitigate risks. The approach to embankment construction was successful because the QMS included processes for change management, issue resolution, and risk-benefit assessment, and because experienced personnel had a regular presence on the construction site and worked collaboratively. The effective QMS was deemed to be integral to the success of the construction project. 1 tab., 7 figs.

Modern Methods for Cost Management in Construction Enterprises

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mesároš Peter

2015-06-01

Full Text Available Cost management should be seen as an essential function of enterprises which perform their activities in current market environment. One of the main factors affecting the level of achieved profit and favourable market position is cost structure. The company's ability to obtain necessary and reliable information on their own cost, subsequent processing and effective cost management is crucial for achieving success. This study focuses on cost management and the use of modern methods of cost management in construction enterprises. The aim of this paper is to identify approaches to cost management in Slovak construction enterprises, based on own empirical research.

MERGER ACCOUTING FOR COMPANIES

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

SUCIU GHEORGHE

2014-05-01

Full Text Available Companies, especially nowadays, are characterized through great mobility, fast circulation of capital, occurring in their chase for profit. In this context, companies look for alliances, economical and political assistance. These objectives can materialize through merging of companies. The merger can be internal (between Romanian companies or transboundary, which includes foreign companies. In order to correctly reflect these events, the merger operations must be regulated and must respect national and international regulations. One important request concerning the merger operations is that the accounting values of the assets, debts and ownership equity must be brought to the present financial value.

Análise dos movimentos recentes de diversificação nas empresas construtoras de porte médio no Brasil Analysis of the diversification actions developed by the Brazilian medium construction companies

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

João Gualberto Coutinho Rocha

2002-01-01

Full Text Available Ao longo dos últimos anos, as empresas brasileiras de construção civil vêm desenvolvendo ações de diversificação em seus negócios, com especial ênfase no segmento das concessões de obras e serviços públicos. Baseado em uma pesquisa realizada junto a 26 empresas construtoras de porte médio, o presente artigo pretende analisar as reais motivações, interesses, capacidades, formas associativas adotadas e resultados derivados da decisão por diversificar nessas empresas. O objetivo final do artigo é o de apontar eventuais distorções entre interesses e estratégias, e capacidades disponíveis e demandas exigidas para o cumprimento dos programas de diversificação em tais empresas, procurando, ainda, indicar caminhos alternativos para o futuro.Throughout the last years, the Brazilian construction companies have been developing diversification programs, especially in the fields of infrastructure privatization. Based on a research took effect with 26 medium companies, this article intends to study the real motivations, interests, capacities, partnership forms and results of the actions developed by these companies. The final purpose of the article is to discuss eventual distortions between interests and strategies, and abilities and demands, trying to point new strategic ways to the future.

Niche construction game cancer cells play.

Science.gov (United States)

Bergman, Aviv; Gligorijevic, Bojana

2015-10-01

Niche construction concept was originally defined in evolutionary biology as the continuous interplay between natural selection via environmental conditions and the modification of these conditions by the organism itself. Processes unraveling during cancer metastasis include construction of niches, which cancer cells use towards more efficient survival, transport into new environments and preparation of the remote sites for their arrival. Many elegant experiments were done lately illustrating, for example, the premetastatic niche construction, but there is practically no mathematical modeling done which would apply the niche construction framework. To create models useful for understanding niche construction role in cancer progression, we argue that a) genetic, b) phenotypic and c) ecological levels are to be included. While the model proposed here is phenomenological in its current form, it can be converted into a predictive outcome model via experimental measurement of the model parameters. Here we give an overview of an experimentally formulated problem in cancer metastasis and propose how niche construction framework can be utilized and broadened to model it. Other life science disciplines, such as host-parasite coevolution, may also benefit from niche construction framework adaptation, to satisfy growing need for theoretical considerations of data collected by experimental biology.

Niche construction game cancer cells play

Science.gov (United States)

Bergman, Aviv; Gligorijevic, Bojana

2015-10-01

Niche construction concept was originally defined in evolutionary biology as the continuous interplay between natural selection via environmental conditions and the modification of these conditions by the organism itself. Processes unraveling during cancer metastasis include construction of niches, which cancer cells use towards more efficient survival, transport into new environments and preparation of the remote sites for their arrival. Many elegant experiments were done lately illustrating, for example, the premetastatic niche construction, but there is practically no mathematical modeling done which would apply the niche construction framework. To create models useful for understanding niche construction role in cancer progression, we argue that a) genetic, b) phenotypic and c) ecological levels are to be included. While the model proposed here is phenomenological in its current form, it can be converted into a predictive outcome model via experimental measurement of the model parameters. Here we give an overview of an experimentally formulated problem in cancer metastasis and propose how niche construction framework can be utilized and broadened to model it. Other life science disciplines, such as host-parasite coevolution, may also benefit from niche construction framework adaptation, to satisfy growing need for theoretical considerations of data collected by experimental biology.

Integrated Management System in construction company-effective tool of quality, environment and safety level improving

OpenAIRE

Gašparík, Jozef

2009-01-01

Contribution Presents the struCture of integrated M anageMent systeM ( iMs) according to international standards ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004 and STN OHSAS 18001:2009, which consists of 3 management systems focused to quality, environment and safety of building processes. The purpose of paper is to describe basic steps concerning the development of IMS. Paper analises basic processes of IMS like company vision, IMS planning, implementing, monitoring, revive and improving. The paper presents ...

Global oil company profiles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1997-01-01

Global Oil Company Profiles provides a comprehensive review of 50 of the top oil companies in the world. Each chapter is devoted to an individual company, providing an invaluable insight into the organisation, its structure and operations. Using the most recent data available, the report offers an up-to-date analysis of performance and future direction, as well as a unique benchmarking system for each company profiled. (author)

SAFER - Company Snapshot

Data.gov (United States)

Department of Transportation — The Company Snapshot is a concise electronic record of company identification, size, commodity information, and safety record, including the safety rating (if any),...

Efficient estimation of semiparametric copula models for bivariate survival data

KAUST Repository

Cheng, Guang

2014-01-01

A semiparametric copula model for bivariate survival data is characterized by a parametric copula model of dependence and nonparametric models of two marginal survival functions. Efficient estimation for the semiparametric copula model has been recently studied for the complete data case. When the survival data are censored, semiparametric efficient estimation has only been considered for some specific copula models such as the Gaussian copulas. In this paper, we obtain the semiparametric efficiency bound and efficient estimation for general semiparametric copula models for possibly censored data. We construct an approximate maximum likelihood estimator by approximating the log baseline hazard functions with spline functions. We show that our estimates of the copula dependence parameter and the survival functions are asymptotically normal and efficient. Simple consistent covariance estimators are also provided. Numerical results are used to illustrate the finite sample performance of the proposed estimators. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.

Opportunities for smaller engineering companies despite globalization. Chancen kleiner Ingenieurbueros trotz Globalisierung

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lorentzen, P. (IPL Ingenieurbuero Peter Lorentzen, Frankfurt am Main (Germany))

1999-06-01

The trend to size is escalating into gigantism. The biggest in the branch merge to become the oversized. In view of this situation, the question which arises is what are the survival chances of the smaller players Will they all drop out of the running The answer to this question does not only concern the future order books of smaller companies, but in conjunction therewith and predominately the social security of employees, type and scope of assignments as well as the competitive situation and the consequences of all these on remuneration. (orig.)

Performance factors of Czech brewing industry companies

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Gabriela Chmelíková

2013-01-01

Full Text Available The aim of this paper is to identify and subsequently quantify the intensity of relation between selected value drivers of Czech brewing industry companies and thus answer the question of what the significance level of partial indicators influencing the economic value added in the Czech brewing industry is. The aim was achieved by construction and application of multifactorial model for value generators explanation, which represents a synthesis of the INFA model and performance system Balanced Scorecard. The features typical for the first part of the model are algorithmized relations and financial character of the elements, while in the second with non-financial elements the ability of algorithmization is lost and the connection are defined solely on the basis of causality. This inconsistency also implied the difference in the character of analysis results. The proposed model made it possible to identify the most significant generators of value in the Czech brewing industry and it thus became an important guideline for brewery management. The results of the analysis offer a comprehensive overview of the most important value generators and thus enable the company managers to attain the goals of the owners more effectively.

Mitigating construction safety risks using prevention through design.

Science.gov (United States)

Gangolells, Marta; Casals, Miquel; Forcada, Núria; Roca, Xavier; Fuertes, Alba

2010-04-01

Research and practice have demonstrated that decisions made prior to work at construction sites can influence construction worker safety. However, it has also been argued that most architects and design engineers possess neither the knowledge of construction safety nor the knowledge of construction processes necessary to effectively perform Construction Hazards Prevention through Design (CHPtD). This paper introduces a quantitative methodology that supports designers by providing a way to evaluate the safety-related performance of residential construction designs using a risk analysis-based approach. The methodology compares the overall safety risk level of various construction designs and ranks the significance of the various safety risks of each of these designs. The methodology also compares the absolute importance of a particular safety risk in various construction designs. Because the methodology identifies the relevance of each safety risk at a particular site prior to the construction stage, significant risks are highlighted in advance. Thus, a range of measures for mitigating safety risks can then be implemented during on-site construction. The methodology is specially worthwhile for designers, who can compare construction techniques and systems during the design phase and determine the corresponding level of safety risk without their creative talents being restricted. By using this methodology, construction companies can improve their on-site safety performance. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Planning the amount of construction work by modelling the industry competitive field

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Panteleeva Margarita

2017-01-01

Full Text Available The article gives the author’s interpretation of concepts such as the model of competitive field and competitive market conditions in the field, and shows how to quantify the competitive field provided adequate statistical base for the operation of enterprises in market competition. The authors offer a competitively construction company with a model of the competitive field, which gives the following definition: a model of a competitive field is a graph crossing function of the life cycle of concrete products construction companies. However, the model cannot afford to manage the process, it only helps to visualize the situation. To control you need to select a specific element of the model, which can be quantified. The authors make it through the competitive field, which is defined as a closed path created by the intersection of functions depending on the market price of the construction product by product positioning in the market of the time. For a quantitative analysis of the competitive field size must use the main economic-mathematical methods and types of statistical analysis of competition.

Overview of reaction to the economic crisis in construction and real estate modelling

OpenAIRE

Petrošius, Jonas; Kelpšienė, Loreta

2010-01-01

This paper analyzes general economic crisis and its effect on industry. Construction sector while being a mediator between production and service sectors makes impact on both of them; one new immediate workplace on a construction site incites the establishing of two or more workplaces in other industry branches. After the bursting of the real estate bubble the effects of crisis on construction and real estate sectors are very tangible both in the world and in Lithuania. Companies whose work i...

The Value and Incentives of Option-based Compensation in Danish Listed Companies

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bechmann, Ken; Jørgensen, Peter Løchte

2003-01-01

AbstractOver the last decade the Danish corporate environment has experienced a significant increase inthe use of option-based compensation (OBC). This and many other facts are documented in the presentpaper which provides the first insights into the characteristics of the option and warrant cont...... as at firm, personnel group, and individual level. The paper also contains a section which discussesand presents evidence on the incentive effects provided by the option-based compensation contractsadopted by Danish listed companies....... contracts issuedby the complete sample of Danish companies listed on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange.A newly constructed database containing all publicly available information on details of DanishOBC contracts allows us to present, for example, results regarding contract values at an aggregated aswell...

Barriers to the Development of SME's in the Australian Construction Industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Anthony Mills

2012-11-01

Full Text Available Small and medium sized companies (SMEs operating in the construction industry in regionalareas of Australia often struggle to compete against city-based companies for constructionwork. This paper identifies the barriers that confront SMEs in areas outsidemajor cities, specifically in regional areas of Victoria (Australia where local firms oftencompete unsuccessfully against large Melbourne-based organisations. The authors alsolook at the possibility of using e-commerce solutions to give regional SMEs greater competitivenessas well as considering possible policy initiatives that may assist these companiesto be more successful in tendering against city-based competition.

Handling construction waste of building demolition

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Vondráčková Terezie

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Some building defects lead to their demolition. What about construction and demolition waste? According to the Waste Act 185/2001 Coll. and its amendment 223/2015 Coll., which comes into force on January 1, 2017, the production of waste has to be reduced because, as already stated in the amendment to Act No. 229/2014 Coll., the ban on landfilling of waste will apply from 2024 onwards. The main goals of waste management can thus be considered: Preventing or minimizing waste; Waste handling to be used as a secondary raw material - recycling, composting, combustion and the remaining waste to be dumped. Company AZS 98 s. r. o. was established, among other activities, also for the purpose of recycling construction and demolition waste. It operates 12 recycling centers throughout the Czech Republic and therefore we have selected it for a demonstration of the handling of construction and demolition waste in addressing the defects of the buildings.

Clean coal technology project to Polk Power Station, Tampa Electric Company, Florida, Volume 1: Report

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1994-06-01

Tampa Electric Company proposes to construct and operate a 1,150-MW power station in southwestern Polk County, Florida. The proposed Polk Power Station would require an EPA NPDES permit for a new source and would include a 260-MW IGCC unit as a DOE Clean Coal Technology demonstration project. This EIS document assesses the proposed project and alternatives with respect to environmental impacts. Mitigative measures are also evaluated for the preferred alternative. Included in this Volume I are the following: alternatives including Tampa Electric Companies proposed project (preferred alternative with DOE financial assistance); affected environment; environmental consequences of the alternatives

DETERMINANTS OF ECONOMIC EXPOSURE: AN EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM THE MISCELLANEOUS COMPANIES IN INDONESIA

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. Shabri Abd. Majid

2015-12-01

Full Text Available This research empirically measures the economic exposure of 11 selected miscellaneous companies in Indonesia. It also attempts to empirically explore the influence of firm size, export, liquidity, and leverage on the economic exposure of those companies. Annual data from 2007 to 2010, which was collected from the www.idx.co.id and www.bi.go.id were used and analyzed by the multiple linear regression to measure the economic exposure and examine the influences of the firm size, export, liquidity, and leverage on the economic exposure. Both partial (t-test and simultaneous (F-test hypotheses were constructed and tested using the software of SPSS for Windows. The research documented that, with the exception of the liquidity, which has a negative and significant effect partially on the economic exposure, all other variables, i.e., the firm size, export, and leverage were found to have insignificant effects. Meanwhile, based on the F-test, the research found that the firm size, export, liquidity, and leverage affected simultaneously and significantly the economic exposure of the companies. These findings imply that in order to manage their economic exposure, the companies should control these variables, especially the liquidity.

17 CFR 250.12 - Exemption of certain public utility companies from the definition of subsidiary companies of...

Science.gov (United States)

2010-04-01

... utility companies from the definition of subsidiary companies of holding companies. 250.12 Section 250.12... REGULATIONS, PUBLIC UTILITY HOLDING COMPANY ACT OF 1935 Registration and General Exemptions § 250.12 Exemption of certain public utility companies from the definition of subsidiary companies of holding companies...

Section 1: Company directory

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon.

1991-01-01

This is a 1992 directory of those companies doing business in all areas of the independent power producers industry. The listing includes the company name, address, telephone and FAX numbers, and the name of a company contact. The listing is international in scope

Draft environmental statement related to construction of Erie Nuclear Plant, Units 1 and 2: (Docket Nos. STN 50-580 and STN 50-581)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1977-11-01

The proposed action is the issuance of construction permits to the Ohio Edison Company, acting on behalf of itself, the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Duquesne Light Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, and the Toledo Edison Company, for the construction of the Erie Nuclear Plant Units 1 and 2, located in Erie County, Ohio. A total of 704 hectares (ha) (1740 acres) will be used for the Erie plant site. Construction-related activities on the primary site will disturb about 223 ha (551 acres). Approximately 641 ha (1584 acres) will be required for transmission line rights-of-way. The 3.86-km (2.4-mile) intake and discharge pipeline land corridor will involve alteration of approximately 13 ha (32 acres) of corridor and 1 ha (2.5 acres) for shore facilities. Also, 3.9 ha (9.6 acres) of lake bottom will be disturbed to provide 15-m-wide (50-ft-wide) trenches and an additional 15-m-wide (50-ft-wide) area for storage of excavated material for subsequent backfill for the 701-m (2300-ft) intake and 579-m (1900-ft) discharge lines. Plant construction will involve some community impacts. No residents will be displaced from the site property. Traffic on local roads will increase due to construction and commuting activities. The influx of construction workers' families (a peak work force of about 2700) is expected to cause no major housing or school problems. It is assumed that aquatic organisms entrained in the circulating water system will be killed due to thermal and mechanical shock. The maximum impact based on the population densities of phytoplankton and zooplankton organisms in the adjacent lake area will be the destruction of 0.1% of the entrainable organisms from the lake water. The entrainment of fish larvae will not constitute a significant impact on the lake fishery. 62 figs., 32 tabs

Global gas company profiles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1997-01-01

This report provides a detailed assessment of 60 of the top gas companies form around the world, analysing them according to their internal dynamics and in relation to their competitors. It devotes each chapter to an individual company, providing invaluable insight into the organisation's operational background, financial performance and strategic goals. Using the most up-to-date information available, Global Gas Company Profiles allows you to make detailed analysis of each company's performance and future direction. (author)

Tank Operations Contract Construction Management Methodology. Utilizing The Agency Method Of Construction Management To Safely And Effectively Complete Nuclear Construction Work

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Leso, K.F.; Hamilton, H.M.; Farner, M.; Heath, T.

2010-01-01

Washington River Protection Solutions, LLC (WRPS) has faced significant project management challenges in managing Davis-Bacon construction work that meets contractually required small business goals. The unique challenge is to provide contracting opportunities to multiple small business construction subcontractors while performing high hazard work in a safe and productive manner. Previous to the Washington River Protection Solutions, LLC contract, Construction work at the Hanford Tank Farms was contracted to large companies, while current Department of Energy (DOE) Contracts typically emphasize small business awards. As an integral part of Nuclear Project Management at Hanford Tank Farms, construction involves removal of old equipment and structures and installation of new infrastructure to support waste retrieval and waste feed delivery to the Waste Treatment Plant. Utilizing the optimum construction approach ensures that the contractors responsible for this work are successful in meeting safety, quality, cost and schedule objectives while working in a very hazardous environment. This paper describes the successful transition from a traditional project delivery method that utilized a large business general contractor and subcontractors to a new project construction management model that is more oriented to small businesses. Construction has selected the Agency Construction Management Method. This method was implemented in the first quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2009, where Construction Management is performed by substantially home office resources from the URS Northwest Office in Richland, Washington. The Agency Method has allowed WRPS to provide proven Construction Managers and Field Leads to mentor and direct small business contractors, thus providing expertise and assurance of a successful project. Construction execution contracts are subcontracted directly by WRPS to small or disadvantaged contractors that are mentored and supported by DRS personnel. Each small

TANK OPERATIONS CONTRACT CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT METHODOLOGY UTILIZING THE AGENCY METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT TO SAFELY AND EFFECTIVELY COMPLETE NUCLEAR CONSTRUCTION WORK

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

LESO KF; HAMILTON HM; FARNER M; HEATH T

2010-01-14

Washington River Protection Solutions, LLC (WRPS) has faced significant project management challenges in managing Davis-Bacon construction work that meets contractually required small business goals. The unique challenge is to provide contracting opportunities to multiple small business construction subcontractors while performing high hazard work in a safe and productive manner. Previous to the Washington River Protection Solutions, LLC contract, Construction work at the Hanford Tank Farms was contracted to large companies, while current Department of Energy (DOE) Contracts typically emphasize small business awards. As an integral part of Nuclear Project Management at Hanford Tank Farms, construction involves removal of old equipment and structures and installation of new infrastructure to support waste retrieval and waste feed delivery to the Waste Treatment Plant. Utilizing the optimum construction approach ensures that the contractors responsible for this work are successful in meeting safety, quality, cost and schedule objectives while working in a very hazardous environment. This paper describes the successful transition from a traditional project delivery method that utilized a large business general contractor and subcontractors to a new project construction management model that is more oriented to small businesses. Construction has selected the Agency Construction Management Method. This method was implemented in the first quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2009, where Construction Management is performed by substantially home office resources from the URS Northwest Office in Richland, Washington. The Agency Method has allowed WRPS to provide proven Construction Managers and Field Leads to mentor and direct small business contractors, thus providing expertise and assurance of a successful project. Construction execution contracts are subcontracted directly by WRPS to small or disadvantaged contractors that are mentored and supported by DRS personnel. Each small

Are Entrepreneur-Led Companies Better? Evidence from Publicly Traded U.S. Companies: 1998-2010

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Joel M. Shulman

2010-12-01

Full Text Available Do U.S. publicly-traded companies led by entrepreneurs perform better than nonentrepreneur-led U.S. public companies? Our data suggests they do. We analyze monthly stock returns of U.S. publicly traded companies over the time period 1998-2010 and find compelling evidence demonstrating that irrespective of market capitalization and time period, companies led by U.S. entrepreneurs provide better stock performance than several stock market indices primarily comprised of non-entrepreneur-led U.S. companies.

Collapse simulation of building constructions

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nekrest'yanov Viktor Nikolaevich

Full Text Available The physical reasons for building structures destruction are both the forces arising at stress-strain state of construction elements and external influences arising at emergency situations, as well as their moments, impulses and periodic impulses with the frequencies close to of fluctuations frequencies of construction elements. We shall call the mathematical calculation models for the parameters-reasons of destructions the basic models. The basic models of destruction of building structures elements allow not only providing necessary level of reliability and survivability of the elements and the construction as a whole already at the stage of their design, but also giving the chance, at their corresponding completion, to provide rational decisions on the general need of recovery works and their volume depending on destruction level. Especially important for rational design decisions development, which ensure the demanded constructional safety of building structures, is library creation of the basic mathematical models of standard processes of bearing elements destructions for standard construction designs for the purpose of the further forecast (assessment of the level and probabilities of standard destructions. Some basic mathematical models of destructions processes of the standard elements of building structures are presented in the present article. A model of accounting for construction defects and a model of obtaining requirements to probabilities of partial destructions of a construction are given. Both of these models are probabilistic.

Born global companies: A case study about the internationalization behaviours of Portuguese companies

OpenAIRE

Carlos, Diogo Miguel Pais Grou Simões

2015-01-01

Portuguese Born Global Companies have been performing an important role in the Portuguese market, mainly due to their innovative ideas and the positive contribution to exportations. This study focuses on the international strategies of four of these companies, comparing them with four international Non-Born Global Companies, in qualitative analysis. It will be possible to see a preference by the Non-Born Global Companies over proximate cultural countries. By following opportunities instead...

Business, Government and Foreign Policy: Brazilian Construction Firms Abroad

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Bernardo Frossard Silva Rego

2017-04-01

Full Text Available This article analyses the interaction between Brazilian companies and government in the context of foreign policy, observing the state's support for the internationalization of large Brazilian civil construction firms. The results show that over the years these companies had privileged access to the Federal Executive, including civil service agencies. One consequence of this system of channelling demands through the Executive was to demote the Legislative branch to a secondary role. This pattern of interaction changed following the restoration of Congress's decision-making capacity, prompting the sector to diversify its areas of influence, focusing in particular on the Congress. To expand internationally, construction firms interact with the government primarily through the Executive, specifically via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty, which provides technical and diplomatic support, and the Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico, which supplies funding. The main argument of this article is that foreign policy should be examined through the relations between state and non-state actors in a multitude of decision-making arenas, taking into consideration both domestic and international factors.

Misleading outside directors in public companies – The Israeli case

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

David A. Frenkel

2006-01-01

Full Text Available The external directors, who serve by law on the board of directors, are responsible for ensuring that, in addition to protecting the interests of stakeholders, the company will take the public interest into consideration. In this research we critically assess this system of corporate governance, and examine whether the external directors can actually succeed in looking out for the public’s interest. The research is based on in-depth interviews with external directors of leading public companies in Israel, representing different sectors. The issue at stake is both conceptual and practical: Conceptually there is an issue of how the notion of "the public interest" is understood and whether the legal construct of "outside directors" is capable of manifesting the public interest. Practically the issue at stake has to do with organisational sociology and how the relations within the Board are set and who are the outside directors.

A Model Suggestion to Predict Leverage Ratio for Construction Projects

OpenAIRE

Özlem Tüz; Şafak Ebesek

2013-01-01

Due to the nature, construction is an industry with high uncertainty and risk. Construction industry carries high leverage ratios. Firms with low equities work in big projects through progress payment system, but in this case, even a small negative in the planned cash flows constitute a major risk for the company.The use of leverage, with a small investment to achieve profit targets large-scale, high-profit, but also brings a high risk with it. Investors may lose all or the portion of th...

US company's new nuclear project progresses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Archie, Jeffrey B.

2011-01-01

Operated by South Carolina Electric and Gas Company in the southeastern United States, V.C. Summer Nuclear Station has maintained a reputation of excellence for more than 25 years. The key to its success: placing safety as its first priority, keeping a keen focus on operations, establishing a culture of continuous learning, and embracing collaboration with industry peers. This philosophy guides its new nuclear project, which SCE and G has undertaken to meet the need for baseload generation in its service area in a manner that is clean, safe, reliable, and efficient. In the process, SCE and G is generating jobs and boosting the economy. Site preparation has been under way since 2009. SCE and G anticipates receiving its combined construction and operating license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the independent, federal agency that oversees commercial nuclear power plants in the U.S., in late 2011 or early 2012, which will allow major construction to commence. The 2 new reactors are scheduled to begin commercial operation in 2016 and 2019, respectively, placing V.C. Summer at the forefront of a U.S. nuclear renaissance and carrying its legacy of excellence into the future. (orig.)

The capitalization of operating leases: Analysis of the impact on the IBEX 35 companies

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Francisca Pardo

2018-06-01

Full Text Available Purpose: This paper analyzes the consequences of the change in the accounting rules about operating leases in the companies and users of financial information. Design/methodology/approach: We use the constructive capitalization method to estimate the liabilities and leased assets and perform an ex ante analysis of the regulatory impact in the IBEX 35 non-financial companies. Non-parametric tests are employed to examine the effect on certain ratios, and through a multivariate regression we investigate the business characteristics that explain the variation of EBITDA. Findings: The ratios under study are significantly affected by the capitalization of operating leases. The explanatory analysis shows that larger companies, which have a higher market valuation and belong to the retail sectors are the ones with a greater increase in EBITDA. Research limitations/implications: The sample size is small, which implies some caution in the generalization of the results. Certain hypotheses have been introduced to apply the constructive method, although the sensitivity tests confirm that the results are robust. Practical implications: In certain cases, to avoid non-compliance with restrictions, particularly in debt contracts, contract renegotiations should be initiated. The constructive method yields liabilities and assets significantly smaller than other simpler methods (such as the factor method, so these results can be a relief for certain non-sophisticated users. Social implications: Investors, shareholders and lenders, and other users will have more transparent information, which should improve their decision-making. Originality/value: The study of the impact on the magnitudes of the balance sheet and the financial ratios is complemented with a descriptive analysis, which takes into account the industry, and with the modeling of the explanatory factors of the change in EBITDA.

75 FR 36153 - Surety Companies Acceptable on Federal Bonds-Terminations: Victore Insurance Company

Science.gov (United States)

2010-06-24

... from this company, and bonds that are continuous in nature should not be renewed. The Circular may be... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Fiscal Service Surety Companies Acceptable on Federal Bonds--Terminations: Victore Insurance Company AGENCY: Financial Management Service, Fiscal Service, Department of the...

Promoting Sustainability through Investment in Building Information Modeling (BIM Technologies: A Design Company Perspective

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Marius Reizgevičius

2018-02-01

Full Text Available The aim of this article is to enhance the understanding of how design companies perceive the benefits of Building Information Modeling (BIM technologies application. BIM is recognized in the literature as a (potentially powerful driver leading the construction sector towards sustainability. However, for design companies, the choice to invest in BIM technologies is basically an economic one. Specifically, a design company assesses economic benefits and efficiency improvements thanks to the application of BIM technologies. The article discusses the return on investments (ROI in BIM technologies and reviews ROI calculation methodologies proposed by other authors. In order to evaluate BIM return on investment correctly practical ROI calculations are carried out. Appropriate methods, together with the relevant variables for ROI calculation, are developed. The study allows for adjusting the calculation method making it more accurate and understandable using the Autodesk Revit based ROI calculation of the first year.

Company environmental communication

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Andriola, L.; Luciani, R.; Borghini, S.

2001-01-01

Environmental communication is becoming a sine qua non for companies which are more and more pressed by the need to reinforce communication with interested parties: environmental groups, local communities, local and national authorities, employees, share-holders, banks, insurance companies, customers and consumers. Reliable environmental information, just like economical and property data, is now required during both company take-over and financing, and in some cases it can affect insurance premiums. In fact, environmental guarantees are more and more often required because breaching environmental regulations can entail legal sanctions going as far as suspension of business. There now also Green investment funds that engage their resources only against specific environmental guarantees on the part of the companies that, before being selected for the investment, are submitted to rather accurate questionnaires by the investment manager [it

Setting up charging electric stations within residential communities in current China: Gaming of government agencies and property management companies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wu, Tian; Ma, Lin; Mao, Zhonggen; Ou, Xunmin

2015-01-01

The difficulty of charging electric vehicles (EVs) is now hindering their further development. Governments generally choose to build stations for home charging (including piles) within residential communities. Given the conflict of interest between various government agencies and property management companies, constructing a charging station within residential communities would result in welfare loss for the property management companies and therefore lead to the principal–agent problem. This paper constructs a two-period imperfect information game theory model to study the moral hazard involved in this issue and government agencies' optimal choice. In the analytic solution of the model, we find that the optimal choice for a farsighted government agency is to constantly improve the incentive mechanism and introduce charging stations only when the conflict of interest is eliminated. Any benefits derived from government regulations by force would prove short-lived. The government should focus on long-term returns in the development of EVs, and its optimal mechanism should be designed to mitigate the principal–agent problem of property management companies, thereby accelerate the progress of EV charging infrastructure and improve overall social welfare. - Highlights: • The charging of electric vehicles (EVs) is hindering their use. • A game theory model is used for analysis of EV charging station construction. • Charging stations are in residential communities in China. • Government agencies are constantly improving incentive mechanisms

International company restructuring and the effects on high-skilled employees in lead companies