Three Gorges Dam Construction Project

Three Gorges Dam Construction Project Section 1: Goal, Scope and Rationale The Three Gorges Dam is widely accepted as the largest Dam Construction project to ever take place. The main goal of the project was to design and build the biggest hydroelectric dam of the world on the Yangtze River in China, which would be over 180 meters in height and 2.3 km in width. The motivation behind constructing the Dam was in order to control the rivers water levels to limit flooding, and to produce hydroelectric power. (YangtzeRiver.org) (Power-Technology, 2010) The Dam was intended to raise the water level on one side of the river by 100 meters. This would lead to many small towns and buildings that were near the Three Gorges Dam to become flooded. In fact, over one million people were to be displaced in order to construct the Dam. In order to accommodate the people who were displaced, new towns had to be built in order to transfer the people living near the Dam to other safe areas. The project also involved installing some 28 generators in order to produce an estimated 18 MW of hydroelectric power. (LongPassages.org) An additional 6 power generators are planned to be installed in order to increase the Dams power production capacity (InternationalRivers.org) The Dam was also designed to facilitate ship locks, which would be extremely useful in order to a llow ships to travel across the dam without interfering with their travel route options. (LongPassages.org) The Project was given the green light for construction to begin in 1992 but official construction started in 1994. The Project cost was estimated at $9 billion. The project was to be funded by several different sources including international banks from Switzerland and Canada and various other companies. (InternationalRivers.org) Section 2: Strategy Alignment The Three Gorges Dam was a project undertaken by the Chinese government. As the Chinese government obviously did not have the resources available to construct the Dam, e.g. expertise, experience and equipment, the Chinese government outsourced to European and American companies. Western companies which were involved in the project were mainly involved with supplying the power equipment and restrictions were imposed on them. It was agreed upon that the manufacture of the power equipment such as generators and turbines had to take place in China, in partnership with local companies. (InternationalRivers.org) In the example of the Three Gorges Dam, which is a government led project, it can be clearly observed how the project aligns with the governments strategy. China is generally accepted as one of the largest Carbon Dioxide emitting countries in the world coming in second place behind the United States and suffers from increasing pollution levels in the air. In addition to this, China is considered to be a booming economy, with an ever increasing demand for energy. In order to be able to supply this increasing demand in energy, without increasing its carbon footprint, the Chinese government implemented a strategy of investing in clean sources of energy such as hydroelectric power. (DavorH, 2015) To some extent the Three Gorges Dam aligns with this strategy as it promised. The Dam would produce 18 MW of clean hydroelectric power which would in turn reduce Chinas dependency on coal for energy production and would reduce Chinas carbon footprint. Also the Dam would enable the controlling of water levels and hence flooding. (Hays, 2013) (YangtzeRiver.org) There were of course alternative ways to produce clean energy and to reduce Chinas carbon footprint, rather than building the Three Gorges Dam. Some alternatives include nuclear power, solar energy, Wind energy or even investing in making energy production from coal power stations more efficient. All these methods could also have reduced Chinas carbon footprint. Section 3: Management of Risk When it comes to risks, the Three Gorges Dam can be considered to pose many. From risks to the environment, to financial risks, to physical risks, the Three Gorges Dam has them all. I believe that in my opinion the largest risk is the physical risk of a major earthquake. Geologists have confirmed that the Dam lies on the intersection of two fault lines. This is usually the area most prone to earthquakes as tectonic plates slide across each other. It is believed that even though the Dam lies in a high risk area already, the massive weight of the water exerts extremely high pressure on the ground below the Dam which can eventually assist in the formation of an earthquake. Several tremors have been recorded near the Dam since its construction which has raised concern over this phenomenon. (Watson, 2008) It is possible that in the event of a large earthquake, the Dam could possibly collapse. In the event that the Dam would collapse, massive amounts of water would be suddenly released and allowed to travel downstream, as well as massive pieces from the Dam wall. This could result in large scale destruction of property downstream, destruction of the environment and even mass scale death since millions of people live downstream of the river. The Chinese government has been addressed with these concerns from its citizens. The Chinese government has made a statement ensuring the public that the largest scale earthquake that is possible in that region is not large enough to destroy the Dam. (Adams, 2011) I believe the risk of an earthquake destroying the Dam is the most significant risk to the Three Gorges Dam as it poses a risk that occurs suddenly and there is no warning given prior to the event which would enable engineers to assess the situation. Section 4: Conclusions: Evaluation of Project Success When taking into consideration what the main goal of the project was, which was to build the worlds largest Dam and hydroelectric power station, the project has succeeded. The Three Gorges Dam is now the largest Dam in the world and the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world. On the other hand, there were other aspects in which the project can be considered to have failed. The project was aimed to cost $9 billion before construction begun, but by 2012 the expected cost had climbed up to $37.2 billion. The actual cost was more than 4 times the estimated cost before the project had begun and this is a major problem for the projects success. With regards to time, the project begun construction in 1994 and construction was completed in 2006. (InternationalRivers.org) At the end of the Dams completion, an estimated 1.4 million paper were calculated to have been forced to relocated somewhere else, a total of 16 cities, 140 towns and 1350 villages were submerged in water. (BBC, 2012) On the other hand, the reason the Dam was constructed was to produce hydroelectric power in order to reduce the Chinese Governments dependency on coal, and to control flooding. With regards to power production, in 2012, the Dams power production capacity was 22.5 Gigawatts, which is equal to an outstanding 11% of Chinas hydroelectric power production capacity. The fact that a single Dam amounts to 11% of the countries hydroelectric power production capacity can definitely be considered as a success in that manner. With regards to flooding control, Chinese officials have stated that the Dam is a solution to the problem of flooding. (BBC, 2012) In my opinion, I consider the whole project to have been a success, as it has increased Chinas hydroelectric power production capacity by a large amount as well as allow for the controlling of life taking floods. Even though the project cost far more than estimated, and has created problems for some people I believe that the ultimate goal of inc reasing Chinas hydroelectric power production capacity as well as allowing for the controlling of flooding was achieved and therefore the project can be considered a success. References   Adams, P. (2011) Chinese study reveals Three gorges dam triggered 3, 000 earthquakes, numerous landslides. Available at: https://journal.probeinternational.org/2011/06/01/chinese-study-reveals-three-gorges-dam-triggered-3000-earthquakes-numerous-landslides/ (Accessed: 5 December 2016). BBC (2012) Chinas Three gorges dam reaches operating peak. Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-18718406 (Accessed: 5 December 2016). DavorH (2015) China hydropower as the right solution? Available at: http://www.our-energy.com/china_hydropower_as_the_right_solution.html (Accessed: 5 December 2016). Hays, J. (2013) THREE GORGES DAM: BENIFITS, PROBLEMS AND COSTS. Available at: http://factsanddetails.com/china/cat13/sub85/item1046.html (Accessed: 5 December 2016). InternationalRivers.org Available at: https://www.internationalrivers.org/sites/default/files/attached-files/3gorgesfactsheet_feb2012_web.pdf (Accessed: 5 December 2016). LongPassages.org Available at: http://www.longpassages.org/3_gorges_dam.htm (Accessed: 5 December 2016). Power-Technology (2010) Available at: http://www.power-technology.com/projects/gorges/ (Accessed: 5 December 2016). Watson, S. (2008) Why could chinas Three gorges dam cause an environmental disaster?Available at: http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/three-gorges-dam-disaster1.htm (Accessed: 5 December 2016). YangtzeRiver.org Available at: http://www.yangtzeriver.org/threegorges_dam/why-built-three-gorges-dam.htm (Accessed: 5 December 2016).

Bloodchild: Oppression in Science Fiction Essay -- Butler Bloodchild E

Bloodchild: Oppression in Science Fiction Throughout American literary history, nearly every form of literature has covered the topic of slavery and black oppression in America. From William Lloyd Garrison’s abolitionist papers to Harriet Beecher Stowe’s controversial Uncle Tom’s Cabin to Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, the exploration of the black position in America has been a theme that engrossed generations. In the past century, as science fiction has established its place in the literary genre, authors such as Octavia Butler have become increasingly popular. In her short story "Bloodchild", Butler extends the discussion of oppression in America into the science fiction genre. In this manner her story, "†¦like almost all science fiction, though it seems to concern itself with human beings and worlds of the far distance and future, it also concerns itself with the here and now" (Asimov 110). Within the first few passages of "Bloodchild", Butler establishes that the Tlic clan has oppressed the Terran clan in the past. Though this history of superiority and oppression exists between the two species, T’Gatoi, a Tlic, is still a friend of this Terran family. "Only she [T’Gatoi] and her political faction stood between us and the hordes who did not understand why there was a Preserve†¦or†¦did not care" (Butler 1036). Gan and his family are forced to live on a preserve, keeping the Tlic from entering in and enslaving his family further. Already, one can see the similarity to the United States of America’s relations with the African-American people. Butler substitutes the race issue with a difference of species, creating an obvious physical incongruity between the oppressed and oppressors. This physical difference was often r... ...d its treatment of those who differ physically from the majority of the population. Through science fiction, Butler has reached another section of the literary audience, and challenged them to open their minds and to change their world. Bibliography Primary Source Butler, Olivia. "Bloodchild." The Prentice Hall Anthology of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Ed. Garyn G. Roberts. Upper Saddle River: Prentice-Hall Inc., 2001.1035-1049. Secondary Sources Asimov, Isaac. "Science Fiction and Society". Asimov on Science Fiction. American Medical Association. 103-111 Du Bois, W.E.B. The Souls of Black Fold. New York: Fawcett World Library, 1903. Litwak, Leon. Trouble in Mind: Black Southerners in the Age of Jim Crow. New York: Knopf, 1998. Rundblad, Georganne and Peter Kivisto. Multiculturalism in the United States. Thousand Oaks: Pine Forge Press, 2000.

Recruiting and Selecting Leaders for Innovation Essay

Introduction A reading recount of Lauren E. McEntire, Tiffany M. Greene-Shortridge. (2011). Recruiting and Selecting Leaders for Innovation: How to Find the Right Leader. Advances in Developing Human Resources, 13, 266-278. The recruitment and selection process system is getting difficult it is because of today’s affected society. To identify good leaders to fit into the organisation is it a time-consuming and expensive process. It is crucial for the organisation to stay competitive in the market as innovative leaderships played a crucial role. (Greene-Shortridge, Lauren E. McEnture and Tiffany M., 2011) The research shown that human resources (HR) professional practices to hire the right skills leader to fit into an innovative organisation, the overall succession played a vital role in the success for the organisation (Sarros, Cooper, & Santora, 2008; Shipton, Fay, West, Patterson, & Birdi, 2005). The objective of this article had emphaise the importance of develop an organisations’ recruitment and selection strategies to hire an innovative leaders to fit into the organisation. There are several recommendation selection tools such as common behavioral/psychological assessments, behavioral interviews and succession planning. Summary It is important to have a visionary innovative organisational leader because is the great impact for the organisation to scale greater heights. The HR professionals are greatly responsible to ascertain the individuals to play a significant role on the motivation and performance with other members. The leader’s role is to boost the morale and earned due respect and recognition as a model. Training and Development has been a tool for self-development. The turnover rate is remaining low and retention will be shown higher. There will be a direct impact on the leadership that led by a good leader. To identify the visionary innovative leaders is the most difficulties recruitment process for HR professional. Successful leaders are usually employed and not actively looking for a better opportunity. The most effective recruitment is identifying through the private/medial social networks, headhunting, peer referrals, professional societies or alumni list. Using peer referral is effective for the recruitment process it is because they were from the mid-to upper-level successful in the organisation and that make the organisational referral. The new recruitment techniques are through social networking media and websites. To make it more productive recruitment tool (a) use current employee as a search point (b) look for a competent and relevant key experience (c) use the internal referral within the organisation. It is a best practice to recruit internal as initial information is easily access. There are a few types of selection tools that are available; the most popular is the Innovation Potential Indicator to assess the capability to carry out innovative ideas in particular scenarios (Burch, Pavelis & Port, 2008). There are other types of selection assessment such as personality, motivation, experiences/biographical data and situational judgment which allow administering online. Within the assessment centers, the result allows for evaluation to relate the leadership capability and performance. Another selection tools is Person-Organisation Fit Assessments (P-O fit), it is to assess the compatibility between the individual and organisation. In accordance, this is a value-based selection tools to test the values of creativity and innovation. P-O fit relates to the attributes and competence, which between job satisfaction and commitment. Behaviorally Based Interviews has become a successful approach to predict a person through the past experiences. Usually interviewers will customer the situational questions to cater to the relevant past work experiences. Such answer allows the interviewer assess the candidates’ leadership skills or  special skills. Succession planning has been the most popular practice for large organisation. An effective succession plan can take a few years to identify an innovative leader within the organisation. The most challenging is keep close contact with current and future innovation leader needs and advance to a new role. Critique Strength In this article, author state a few points to recruit and select innovative leaders in various ways. The value of a great leader in the organisation and what is important for an innovative leader. The task is to build the organisation confidence, the vision, and culture and to know what kind of leader suit the organisation. The author clearly demonstrates in recruitment and selection of a good leaders it appears to be the traditionally way for HR professional. Recruit and groom the innovative leaders internally have continually shown to be a valuable investment (Groves, 2007; Hempel & Brady, 2006; Roshto, 1997). A good leader must be able to foresight and wisdom to enable the organisation to grow constantly. It allows the organisation to evolve into a new generation. The ideal candidates should have the competences or characteristics were deeming the most critical. (The Business Times, 2011) Weakness However, the author opinion on the behavioral based interview may be a traditional method for fair selection procedures (Moscoso, 2000; Salgado & Moscoso, 2002). But the author is unable to show the facts of the success rate of the retention of keys leader. Another tools that author state is the Innovation Potential Indicator (IPI) is to assesses the person capability for a particular environment (Burch, Pavelis, & Port, 2008) Link Relevant to the case study The case study â€Å"A Matter of Choice† objective is to identify who is the best person to lead Andre Pierrot’s empire (Teh & Girardi, 2010). The article has identified the recruit and selection of the innovative leader. The important of succession planning is to identify the ideal candidate to be seen as a leader, the leader must add value to the organisation. The candidate must express interest to do the job. (Dennis Carey, John J. Keller, and Michael Patsalos-Fox, 2010) The organisation has to clearly state what kind of leader they are looking for, the vision of an organisation. The focus group discussion has to list down the criteria, identify the best suited to fit into the organisation. Make use of the functional competency of leadership attributes to identify a leader. Conclusion Thus, succession planning is targeted within the organisation level. The new leader should share the organisation vision and mission. Once the new leader has been appointed, it allows the potential to be understudying the current leaders. The seamless change and transformation is benefit for the staff. Being a successor, it has to established leader who inspires many with her optimism, positive energy and nurturing demeanor (The Straits Tiimes, 2011).

3 Ways We All Treat College Differently

You’re probably overhearing about how all students are different by now we study differently, we join different cliques (oh yeah, cliques still exists in college), we party in new and confusing ways†¦but what if there were some science behind the way we students diverge? Studies Show†¦ Although as a student you’re probably completely overhearing what studies show, but this one might actually speak to you. A recent study from the American Institute of Research revealed that many students who drop out of a regular college are not doing so because college is wrong for them overall it’s because they might well have been suited to a different kind of college, namely a community one. Despite the stick community colleges get (even from that entire TV show about one), the study seems to point to the fact that those who choose to go to a community college outright might well have a better grasp on what they’re doing with their lives as they might be more likely to graduate that way. We Go to College for Different Reasons Of course we do. This is almost a given, isn’t it? But the same study as before showed that some students choose to go to college purely because they see it as a pipeline to a future career, without considering the implications it might have on their life if this doesn’t turn out to be the case. An article discussing the study criticised the â€Å"unidirectional† way we treat college students (basically, treating college as a one-way, non-stop trip to career paradise), pointing out that most students will change direction at least once during their college career. Whether it’s to change degrees, retake semesters, switch universities, or drop out all together is another matter but the fact is everyone’s college journey is a little bit different, and failing to acknowledge that does students no good. We Learn Differently Given that pretty much every site on the internet has a â€Å"different types of student† list buried guiltily somewhere in their old pages, the different types of student joke is one that’s pretty much overstayed it’s welcome by now. But there’s a reason for this, and it boils down to the fact that most students have a completely unique way of studying. Some of us will banally mind-map everything and stick it all over our house (guilty as charged), while others will flick through textbooks over and over again until something actually sticks in their head. Whatever your method (provided you’ve got one at all), if it works for you, that’s just dandy. But often discrepancies in the way the students learn are ignored by teachers, with many prescribing certain ways of learning things and pushing their own specific notes on their classes. Try to take in the important stuff and make it stay in your head in a way that works for you and try not to get put off by the overachiever scribbling down every single thing the lecturer’s saying.