Starbucks's finacial analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Starbucks's finacial analysis - Essay Example The cost of equity is calculated by the formula: Ce = Rf + (Em-Rf)*b, where The cost of debt of Starbucks is very low as the company has the vision to attain minimum debt. The amount of debt raised by Starbucks is very low. Due to the tax shield, the cost of debt of Starbucks is very low. The tax rate of Starbucks is 32.8%. The cost of equity and the cost of debt of Starbucks are multiplied respectively to the respective proportions of the debt and equity. The weighted cost of debt and weighted cost of equity are added to find the weighted average cost of capital (Yahoo finance, 2013). The weighted average cost of capital of Starbucks is 11.14%. The earnings before interest and taxes of Starbucks are about 15.7% of the total revenue in 2012. The earnings before interest and tax are the net earnings after operation before interest and taxes are paid (Baker and  Powell, 2009). The increase in EBIT over the last three years is depicted in the table given below. The FCF for Starbucks has been calculated below with the help of formula: Net Earnings before paying interest and tax * (1- tax rate) + Amortization and Depreciation – Net change in working capital – Capital Expenditure. The depreciation and amortization expense of the company consists of the expenses written off by the loss of valuation of its assets due to usage and part of the expenses due to repayment of the loans consisting of principal and interest payments. The depreciation and amortization of the company has increased by 5.56% from 2011 to 2012. The working capital of Starbucks is determined as the net of the current assets after meeting the current liabilities of the company to run its daily operations. The working capital of Starbucks has changed over the years which could be indicated by the trend of change in working capital over the years (Khan, 2004). The compounded annual growth rate

Retaining Top Performing Employees Research Paper

Retaining Top Performing Employees - Research Paper Example According to Sandhiya and Kumar (1778), â€Å"There are many factors which show the importance of the employee retention. They may be the turnover cost which includes hundreds of thousands to the company's expenses. In fact, it is difficult to calculate the turnover cost which includes hiring costs, training costs and productivity loss†. Other than material investment, loss of company’s intellect and information is also another major drawback that an organization has to sustain to when an employee leaves. Sandhiya and Kumar further assert that â€Å"the relationships between the customers and clients are developed in such a way that encourages continued sponsorship and services of the business. When an employee leaves the organization suddenly, the relationships that employee built for the company are suffered and also could lead to loss of contact with potential customer†. Hence, overall business performance is affected due to lack of connecting link between cli ent and organization and also potential risks of losing business may emerge as client may have their loyalty attached to a particular employee instead of an organization. In addition to that, employee turnover has a ripple effect; it has a tendency of affecting current workforce. Withdrawal of one employee can affect motivation level of other team members and in some cases may signal anxiety in employees. Employee retention rates have their contributions to employer’s goodwill which helps in attracting new talent and becoming a preferred employer.

SWOT and PEST Analysis of Infrastructure Project

SWOT and PEST Analysis of Infrastructure Project ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRY OUTLOOK Indian Construction Industry was almost similar to the construction industry evolution in other countries: founded by Government and slowly taken over by enterprises. After independence the need for industrial and infrastructural developments in India laid the foundation stone of construction, architectural and engineering services. The objective of such an imposition was to develop local design capabilities parallel with the inflow of imported technology and skills. This measure encouraged international construction and consultancy organizations to set upjoint venturesand register their presence in India. In India Construction has accounted for around 40 per cent of the development investment during the past 50 years. Around 16 per cent of the nations working population depends on construction for its livelihood. The Indian construction industry employs over 3 crore people and creates assets worth over20,000 crore. Total sales of construction industry have reached 42,885.38 crores in 2004 05 from21,451.9 crores in 2000-01. The Indian construction industry comprises 200 firms in the corporate sector. In addition to these firms, there are about 1, 20,000 class A contractors registered with various government construction bodies. There are thousands of small contractors, which compete for small jobs or work as sub-contractors of prime or other contractors. PEST ANALYSIS POLITICAL FACTORS SEZ Act to Boost Infrastructural Development: SEZ is the new destination for real estate investors. Currently 150 SEZs are approved out of which 85 SEZs are in the IT/ITES area and 10-15 SEZs in the electronics area.130 SEZs are developed by real estate developers which constitute  of about 50% of the total SEZ area. IT SEZ should be developed and made operational within the period of six months from the date of notification. Thus, 130 approved SEZs would result in investment of US$10 bn to US$ 12 bn immediately. Cement Prices Reduced for State Infrastructure Projects The continued thrust on infrastructure development will provide impetus to the healthy growth in demand, protecting the bottomline of cement companies to an extent. The reduction in the CST and in freight rates on diesel and limestone will be marginally positive for some companies. FDI Liberalization to Augment Industry Growth Recent amendments by the government have made accessibility to the required capital much easier. Opening of FDI in construction and allowing developers to raise capital in international markets has led to developments of larger projects benchmarked against international standard REITs to Positively Affect Real Estate Business The proposed introduction of REMF (Real Estate Mutual Fund) and REIT (Real estate Investment Trust) will boost real estate investments from the small investors point of view. This will allow small investors to enter real estate market with contribution as less than Rs 10,000. The concept of REIT is on the verge of entering India and would be structured as a company dedicated to owning and in most cases operating income producing real estate such as apartments, shopping centers, offices warehouses. ECONOMIC FACTORS Growth in Construction Activity Stimulating GDP Growth India is witnessing tremendous growth expansion of construction activities and construction is largest component of GDP. It has been growing at a rate over 10% in the past few years when GDP growth is around 8%.Within construction; sectors such as roads, railways, housing and power have been keen drivers. Rate Hikes Unlikely To Slow Down Growth It has been analyzed that residential prices have increased by about 15- 20% on average in the last one year. There has been strong growth in demand supported by rising disposable incomes, low interest rates, and fiscal incentives on both interest and principal payments and increasing urbanization. SOCIAL FACTORS Shifting Consumption Pattern to Fuel Industry Growth The consumption pattern of Indian households is undergoing a gradual, but steady change. The share of food and beverages, which used to constitute almost 50% of household spend until 2003 is expected to fall to 45% by FY08. We expect the share of discretionary items to consistently rise given the rising affordability and changing aspiration levels. Increased exposure to western lifestyles (through media as well as overseas travels) has altered the consumption pattern of Indian people. Rising Urbanization to Boost Industrial Growth Urban infrastructure consists of drinking water, sanitation, sewage systems, electricity and gas distribution, urban transport, primary health services, and environmental regulation. Many of these services are in the nature of ‘local public goods with the benefits from improved urban infrastructure. The urban population in India will grow by 85 million over the next 10 years. Green buildings in India The green building movement has gained tremendous momentum during 3 to 4 years, ever since the Green Business Centre embarked on achieving the prestigious LEED rating for their own centre at Hyderabad. The Platinum rating for green building has sensitized the stakeholders of construction industry. There is tremendous potential for construction of green buildings in India. The estimated market potential for green building will be about $ 400 million in 2010.There will be favorable policies of the government would provide the right impetus for advancing the green building movement in India. TECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS Low Technology Adoption to Hinder Growth The poor state of technology adopted by the construction sector adversely affects its performance. Upgrading of technology is required both in the manufacturing of construction material and in construction activities. As a large number of construction materials are manufactured in the unorganized sector, effective monitoring and regulation of the production of these materials to ensure proper quality becomes difficult. Use of low-grade technology in the construction sector leads to low value addition and low productivity, apart from poor or substandard quality of construction and time overruns in projects. The non-availability of quality construction tools is the main reason for this. Besides, the construction sector also lacks information about new technology. Construction as per Indian Requirements The construction needs to be done as per Indian standards and requirements which will demand considerable changes form the international requirements. The infrastructure requirements of India are much different as the population spread, increasing urbanization, increasing slums, the small space for roads, the water problems are more. Ready-Mix-Concrete Being Experimented With The Ready mix concrete business in India is in its infancy. For example, 70% of cement produced in a developed country like Japan is used by Ready Mix concrete business there. Here in India, Ready Mix concrete business uses around 2% of total cement production. Much of construction done in India is very slow paced. The concrete making process at site takes much time with variation in quality. The increasing use of ready mix not only saves on time but allows the better quality. It will also eliminate the storage space at site, eliminate Procurement / Hiring of plant and machinery, reduce wastages of basic material, noise and dust at site will be reduced. Also organization at site will be streamlined. This will improve the rate at which infrastructure can be built in India. ABOUT THECOMPANY Lanco is one of the fastest growing Integrated Infrastructure Enterprises of India, operating across a synergistic chain of Strategic Business Units (SBUs) comprising Power, EPC, Construction, Renewable, Resources, Non-Power Infrastructure, Property development and CSR. Lanco Infratech Ltds current market capitalization is approximately Rs. 15,000 Crores (USD 3.33 billion). Out of the total Share Capital, the promoters holding is about 68 %. The gross revenue of Lanco as on March 2010 was over Rs. 8200 Crores (USD 1.8 billion). Lanco is fast emerging as one of the top three private sector power developers in India with 2092 MW under operation, 7153 MW under construction, and 11070 MW of projects under development. In a strategic move that provides increased fuel security for its current power generating assets and its future power portfolio expansions, Lanco through its step down Australian subsidiary, Lanco Resources Australia, has acquired Griffin Coal Mining Company and Carpenter Mine Management. Griffin coal, based out of Collie in Western Australia, owns the largest operational thermal coal mines in Western Australia, producing over 4 mtpa of coal which can be ramped up to over 15 mtpa in the near term, post development of evacuation infrastructure. Lanco has strategic global partnerships with top-notch companies which include: Genting, Harbin, GE, Dongfang, Doosan etc. Today, Lanco is one of Indias largest Power Traders in the private sector. A people driven organization, Lanco operates from 20 States in India and has international operations in Australia, China, Indonesia, Nepal, Singapore, United Kingdom and USA with a human resource base of about 6500 people. Lanco has an Order book of Rs 25,425 Crores as of September 2010. Lanco is also a privileged member to the World Economic Forum and it has been acknowledged as an elite member of the top two hundred â€Å"Global Growth Companies†. As part of its business strategy, the company has chalked out an ambitious growth plan Lancos Vision 2015: to build a High Performance Organization with an operating capacity of 15000 MW in Power. Lanco also envisages aggressive growth plans for EPC with a strong Order book growth. VISION OF LANCO An India without poverty, where the internationally agreed millennium development goals are met and people with dignity and respect, using their full potential to access the opportunities and exercise choices for their own development -a society that constantly moves to inspire people. MISSION OF LANCO To work towards developing rural and urben communities in order to reduce poverty and contribute effectively towards reduction in loss of environment resources. To improve human development indices through projects and programs at the local, state and national level. Mission†¦. Development of society through enterpreneurship Vision†¦. Most admired integrated infrastructure enterprise VALUES OF LANCO Integrity We choose to be honest in all our Business Interactions and Transactions and remain steadfast even when challenged. We strive for consistency between what we think, what we Say and what we do. Humility Respect We are consistently humble in our approach to and interactions with people. We treat every person with respect at all times, unconditionally. AWARDS EPC-World Awards 2010 for â€Å"Outstanding contribution in Power Energy sector (Generation)†. 8 th Construction World- Annual Awards 2010 for Fastest Growing Construction Company (Large Category)- 1stRank 7thConstruction World- Annual Awards 2009 for Fastest Growing Construction Company (Large Category)- 3rdRank Aban Power Company Ltd TERI Corporate Award for Environmental Excellence and Corporate Social Responsibility June 2009. IKU II IEEMA award for Excellence in Fast Track Commissioning of Small Hydro Projects February 2009 PRSI Confers Golden Jubilee Award for the â€Å"Most Impressive Public Relations Initiatives† August 2008 Clarion Power Corporation Ltd FAPCCI Award for Excellence in Renewable Energy 2007. Construction World NICMAR Awards 2007 for the Second Fastest Growing Construction Company (Medium Category) in India. LANCO Institute of General Humanitarian Trust (LIGHT) TERI Award 2006-07 for Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility. PRSI National Award for House Journal (English) First Prize PRSI Confers Golden Jubilee Award for the â€Å"Most Impressive Public Relations Initiatives† Award for Excellence in Bridge Engineering 1999 from the Indian Institute of Bridge Engineers. SWOT ANALYSIS STRENGTHS Employment and training opportunities in the field of construction. Private sector housing boom and commercial building demands Construction of the multi building projects on the feasible locations in the country. Good structured national network facilitates the boom of construction industry. Low cost well- educated and skilled labour force is now widely available across the country. Sufficient availability of raw material and natural resources in the country is supportive for the industry. Real estate development is on high and it is attracting the focus of the industry towards construction. WEAKNESS Distance between construction projects reduces business efficiency. Training itself has become a challenge. Changing skills requirements and an ageing workforce may emphasize the skills gap. Improvement in long-term career prospects is highly required to encourage staff retention and new entrants. External allocation of large contracts becomes difficult. Lack of clearly defined processes and procedures for construction and its management. Huge amount of money needs to be invested in this industry. OPPORTUNITIES Continuous private sector housing boom will create more construction opportunities. Public sector projects through Public Private Partnerships will bring further opportunities. Developing supply chain through involvement in large projects is likely to enhance the chances in construction. Renewable energy projects will offer opportunities to develop skills and capacity in new markets. More flexible training delivery techniques are now available. Financial supports like loan and insurance and growth in income of people is in support of construction industry. THREATS Long term market instability and uncertainty may damage the opportunities and prevent the expansion of training and development facilities. Current economic situation may have an adverse impact on construction industry. Political and security conditions in the region and Late legislative enforcement measures are always threats to any industry in India. Infrastructure safety is a challenging task in construction industry. Lack of political willingness and support on promoting new strategies. Natural abnormal casualties such as earth quake and floods are uncertain and can prevent the construction boom. Inefficient accessibility in planning and concerning the infrastructure. Competitors are emerging in the industry by leaps and bounds. METHODOLOGY To Start with, the historical growth of vehicles is examined based on the traffic surveys conducted in the past along the study corridor. Having examined the accuracy and reliability of data, we further analyze the motor vehicle registration statistics at the state level to establish a relationship between the economic variables and the registration data, as a proxy for the traffic growth. The relationship provides the elasticity values by vehicle type, which are then compared with the results of other studies of similar nature carried out in the recent past. The comparative picture provides us the required validation and modification of the estimated elasticity values. Finally, based on the future economic growth prospects in terms of income growth, per capita growth and population growth are considered for estimating the future traffic growth rate by vehicle type. Traffic Studies are carried out: To obtain the knowledge of the type and volume of traffic at present and to estimate future traffic that the road is expected to carry. To determine the facilities provided on the roads such as traffic regulation and control, intersections, so that improvement on the basis of traffic density may be carried out. To design the geometric features and pavement thickness on the basis of traffic surveys. Traffic survey and studies are done as a part of the study to assess the base year traffic pattern. Different traffic studies : A comprehensive 7 day traffic volume count at toll plaza locations. Origin-destination (OD) survey at 2 suitable locations. A comprehensive 1 day number plate registration survey at toll plaza locations. Comprehensive surveys between the alternate routes covering both existing and future responsibilities. Calculation of: Average daily traffic (ADT). Annual average daily traffic (AADT) considering the seasonality variation. A comprehensive 7 day traffic volume count at toll plaza locations: The main objective of classified traffic volume count was to access the traffic characteristics on project road section in terms of hourly variation, peak hour traffic, average daily traffic, traffic composition and directional distribution. The survey was carried out by vehicle counting and classifying the vehicle passing the survey station. The counts were made separately for motorized and non motorized vehicles. In addition toll exempted vehicles i.e. government, ambulance, fire vehicles etc. were classified separately. Traffic Volume is the number of vehicles crossing a section of road per unit time at any selected period. The commonly used units are vehicles per day and vehicles per hour. The various methods available are: Manual methods Combination of manual and mechanical method Automatic devices Moving observer devices Photographic methods Generally manual method is used. This method employs a field team to record traffic volume on the prescribed record sheets. In this method the fluctuations of traffic volume during the hours of the day and the daily variations are observed. Origin-destination (OD) survey at 2 suitable locations: Origin and Destination survey for road section was obtained by carrying out by police assistance. Data of origin and destination of the trip was collected in the survey; a zoning system was order to analyze the origin destination data. Origin destination data was used to identify the zones that contribute to the traffic on the road. Growth of traffic on the road will depend upon the economic developments in the influence areas of the road. TheOrigin -Destination survey was carried out with the primary objective of studying the travel pattern of passenger and goods traffic along the study corridor. The results of this survey forms a useful input for estimating the growth rates for traffic projections, identification of toll plaza location and planning for toll collection system. The various applications of OD survey may be summed up as follows: To locate expressway or major routes along the desire lines. To judge the adequacy of parking facilities and to plan for future. To locate intermediate stops of public transport. To establish preferential routes for various categories of vehicle including by pass. Methods for collecting the OD survey data: Road-side interview method License plate method Return post card method Tag-on-car method Generally road-side interview method is used in which vehicles are stopped at previously decided interview stations by a group of persons with the help of police assistance and the answers to prescribed questionnaire are collected on the spot. A comprehensive 1 day number plate registration survey at toll plaza locations: Registration plate survey is carried out at all toll plaza locations to know that how much traffic is influenced by the local traffic. Because if the person is staying inside the radius of 20 kms from the toll plaza location then he has to pay only 50 percent of the toll tax according to the government policy. Comprehensive surveys between the alternate routes: The main objective of this survey is to analyze the alternative routes and leakage of traffic on the project road because it will directly affect your toll revenue. Average daily traffic (ADT): Average daily trafficorADT is the average number ofvehiclestwo-way passing a specific point in a 24-hour period, normally measured throughout a year. ADT is not as highly referred to as the engineering standard ofAADTwhich is the standard measurement for vehicle traffic load on a section of road, and the basis for most decisions regardingtransport planning, or to the environmental hazards of pollution related to road transport. Annual average daily traffic (AADT): Annual average daily traffic or AADT is a measure used primarily intransportation planningandtransportation engineering. It is the total volume of vehicle traffic of ahighwayorroad for a year divided by 365 days. AADT is a useful and simple measurement of how busy the road is. It is also sometimes reported as average annual daily traffic. One of the most important uses of AADT is for determining funding for the maintenance and improvement of Highways. AADT is calculated by multiplying Seasonal variation factor in ADT. Formula for calculating Annual average daily traffic (AADT) from ADT is as under: Annual average daily traffic (AADT) = Factor * Average daily traffic Seasonal Variation of traffic (correction factor) The flow of traffic on the road varies significantly during different months of the year. As monthly flow data is not available, petrol and diesel sales are collected from petrol stations along the highway to calculate the correction factor. This data is analyzed compared to the month of ADT the annual average variation factor valuated to arrive at AADT from ADT as recorded. REASEARCH AND FINDINGS For completion of the project â€Å"Strategies involved in opting an infrastructure project (highway) through traffic study† The aim of the project is to analyze and interpret the traffic study reports based on which highway projects are bid. Interpretation of the report is very critical as it helps in assessing the revenue generation for the entire concession period, based on which a bid is made. In order to complete my project, I was asked to thoroughly analyze the report on â€Å"Kota-Jhalawar road section on NH-12 and Aligarh-Kanpur road section on NH-91† KOTA-JHALAWAR ROAD SECTION ON NH-12 TRAFFIC SURVEYS Proposed number and locations of traffic survey stations have been identified after detail reconnaissance. The Traffic Engineer has trained the post-in-charges and monitors the training of surveyors by them. Survey and count sheets have been spot checked on a regular basis and data registered in the field office. Data to be collected from includes: The type of traffic surveys and the minimum number of survey stations were as under:- CLASSIFIED VOLUME COUNT The classified traffic volume count surveys have been carried out for 7 days (continuous, direction-wise) at the selected survey stations indicated below. Keeping in view the vehicle classification system given in IRC codes (IRC 9 1972, IRC SP: 19 2001) the following generalized classification system have been used in recording the classified volume count. Motorized Traffic Non-Motorized Traffic: 2-Wheeler Bi-Cycle 3-Wheeler Cycle-Rickshaw Passenger Car Animal Drawn Vehicle (ADV) Utility Vehicle (Jeep, Van etc.) Hand Cart Other Non-Motorized Vehicle Bus LCV Truck MCV: 2-Axle Rigid Chassis MCV: 3-Axle Rigid Chassis MAV Semi Articulated (For Procedure of Traffic Analysis refer Annexure I ) ORIGIN-DESTINATION SURVEYS: We have carried out O-D and Commodity Movement Surveys at locations given below in accordance with IRC: 9-1972. The roadside interviews were on random sample basis as per TOR. The trip matrices were worked out for each vehicle type information on weight for trucks was summed up by commodity type and the results tabulated, giving total weight and average weight per truck for the various commodity types. The sample size for each vehicle type was indicated on the table and also in the graphical representations. The data derived from surveys has also been analyzed to bring out the lead and load characteristics and desire line diagrams. Three Locations identified for O-D surveys are as under:- Near Kebal Nagar Village(Both Direction) †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.265.000 Near Devarighata (Both Direction) †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..320.000 Near Chandrabhaga river Toll Plaza†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..337+500 TURNING MOVEMENT SURVEYS The turning movement surveys for estimation of peak hour traffic for the design of major intersections were carried out for the Study. The details regarding composition and directional movement of traffic have been compiled. The methodology for the surveys was in accordance with IRC: SP: 41-1994. The data derived from the survey was used to analyze and to identify requirements of suitable remedial measures, such as construction of underpasses, flyovers, interchanges, and grade-separated intersections along the project road alignment. Intersections with high traffic volume requiring special treatments either presently or in future were identified. Locations comprising major intersections have been identified during detail reconnaissance. Data for turning movement survey is vital in identifying the section for operation as toll road. Details are presented in Annexure to chapter 6. Identified Location of Turning Movement Count (TMC) stations are as: Sangod Kanwas Junction †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.291.000 Chechat Rawat Bhata Road †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.304.600 Link Road of SH 9A Ram Ganj Mandi †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦315.500 Bagher Mandawar Junction †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.67+683 Mandawar Teendhar Junction †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦346+539 AXLE LOAD SURVEYS The axle load surveys have been done using load cell. The axle load data was collected axle configuration-wise. The number of equivalent standard axles per truck was calculated on the basis of results obtained. The results of the survey have been used for VDF. Furthermore, the data from axle load surveys was analyzed to bring out the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and Single Axle Load (SAL) Distributions by truck type (axle configuration). SPEED-DELAY SURVEYS Appropriate field studies such as moving car survey to determine running speed and journey speed. The data was analyzed to identify sections with typical traffic flow problems and congestion. Recommendation was made for suitable measures for segregation of local traffic, smooth flow of through traffic and traffic safety. These measures have included the provision of bypasses, under-passes, flyovers, grade separated intersections and service roads. Speed delay survey was done for whole project highway. TRUCK TERMINAL SURVEYS The data derived from the O-D, speed-delay, and other surveys was analyzed to assess requirements for present and future development of truck terminals at suitable locations en-route. ROAD INVENTORY SURVEYS Detailed road inventory surveys have been carried out to collect details of all existing road pavement features along the existing road sections. The data collected through road inventory surveys was sufficient to meet the requirements. The data are presented in the format given as â€Å"Road Inventory Data Sheet† (IRC-SP- 19-2001). The headings are given below. Terrain (flat, rolling, mountainous) Land Use (agricultural, commercial, forest, residential etc) @ every kilometer; Name of Village Carriageway width, surfacing type and condition @ every 500m and every change of feature whichever is earlier; Shoulder surfacing type and width and condition @ every 500m and every change of feature whichever is earlier; Height of embankment or depth of cut @ every 200m and every change of feature whichever is earlier. Submergence Details of cross road The data have been collected in sufficient detail, compiled presented in tabular form. The data have been stored in computer files using utility packages, such as EXCEL etc. SUBGRADE CHARACTERISTIC STRENGTH The testing of soils for classification mechanical characteristics has been as per terms of reference. â€Å"Testing of three sub-grade soil samples for each design section or three SWOT and PEST Analysis of Infrastructure Project SWOT and PEST Analysis of Infrastructure Project ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRY OUTLOOK Indian Construction Industry was almost similar to the construction industry evolution in other countries: founded by Government and slowly taken over by enterprises. After independence the need for industrial and infrastructural developments in India laid the foundation stone of construction, architectural and engineering services. The objective of such an imposition was to develop local design capabilities parallel with the inflow of imported technology and skills. This measure encouraged international construction and consultancy organizations to set upjoint venturesand register their presence in India. In India Construction has accounted for around 40 per cent of the development investment during the past 50 years. Around 16 per cent of the nations working population depends on construction for its livelihood. The Indian construction industry employs over 3 crore people and creates assets worth over20,000 crore. Total sales of construction industry have reached 42,885.38 crores in 2004 05 from21,451.9 crores in 2000-01. The Indian construction industry comprises 200 firms in the corporate sector. In addition to these firms, there are about 1, 20,000 class A contractors registered with various government construction bodies. There are thousands of small contractors, which compete for small jobs or work as sub-contractors of prime or other contractors. PEST ANALYSIS POLITICAL FACTORS SEZ Act to Boost Infrastructural Development: SEZ is the new destination for real estate investors. Currently 150 SEZs are approved out of which 85 SEZs are in the IT/ITES area and 10-15 SEZs in the electronics area.130 SEZs are developed by real estate developers which constitute  of about 50% of the total SEZ area. IT SEZ should be developed and made operational within the period of six months from the date of notification. Thus, 130 approved SEZs would result in investment of US$10 bn to US$ 12 bn immediately. Cement Prices Reduced for State Infrastructure Projects The continued thrust on infrastructure development will provide impetus to the healthy growth in demand, protecting the bottomline of cement companies to an extent. The reduction in the CST and in freight rates on diesel and limestone will be marginally positive for some companies. FDI Liberalization to Augment Industry Growth Recent amendments by the government have made accessibility to the required capital much easier. Opening of FDI in construction and allowing developers to raise capital in international markets has led to developments of larger projects benchmarked against international standard REITs to Positively Affect Real Estate Business The proposed introduction of REMF (Real Estate Mutual Fund) and REIT (Real estate Investment Trust) will boost real estate investments from the small investors point of view. This will allow small investors to enter real estate market with contribution as less than Rs 10,000. The concept of REIT is on the verge of entering India and would be structured as a company dedicated to owning and in most cases operating income producing real estate such as apartments, shopping centers, offices warehouses. ECONOMIC FACTORS Growth in Construction Activity Stimulating GDP Growth India is witnessing tremendous growth expansion of construction activities and construction is largest component of GDP. It has been growing at a rate over 10% in the past few years when GDP growth is around 8%.Within construction; sectors such as roads, railways, housing and power have been keen drivers. Rate Hikes Unlikely To Slow Down Growth It has been analyzed that residential prices have increased by about 15- 20% on average in the last one year. There has been strong growth in demand supported by rising disposable incomes, low interest rates, and fiscal incentives on both interest and principal payments and increasing urbanization. SOCIAL FACTORS Shifting Consumption Pattern to Fuel Industry Growth The consumption pattern of Indian households is undergoing a gradual, but steady change. The share of food and beverages, which used to constitute almost 50% of household spend until 2003 is expected to fall to 45% by FY08. We expect the share of discretionary items to consistently rise given the rising affordability and changing aspiration levels. Increased exposure to western lifestyles (through media as well as overseas travels) has altered the consumption pattern of Indian people. Rising Urbanization to Boost Industrial Growth Urban infrastructure consists of drinking water, sanitation, sewage systems, electricity and gas distribution, urban transport, primary health services, and environmental regulation. Many of these services are in the nature of ‘local public goods with the benefits from improved urban infrastructure. The urban population in India will grow by 85 million over the next 10 years. Green buildings in India The green building movement has gained tremendous momentum during 3 to 4 years, ever since the Green Business Centre embarked on achieving the prestigious LEED rating for their own centre at Hyderabad. The Platinum rating for green building has sensitized the stakeholders of construction industry. There is tremendous potential for construction of green buildings in India. The estimated market potential for green building will be about $ 400 million in 2010.There will be favorable policies of the government would provide the right impetus for advancing the green building movement in India. TECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS Low Technology Adoption to Hinder Growth The poor state of technology adopted by the construction sector adversely affects its performance. Upgrading of technology is required both in the manufacturing of construction material and in construction activities. As a large number of construction materials are manufactured in the unorganized sector, effective monitoring and regulation of the production of these materials to ensure proper quality becomes difficult. Use of low-grade technology in the construction sector leads to low value addition and low productivity, apart from poor or substandard quality of construction and time overruns in projects. The non-availability of quality construction tools is the main reason for this. Besides, the construction sector also lacks information about new technology. Construction as per Indian Requirements The construction needs to be done as per Indian standards and requirements which will demand considerable changes form the international requirements. The infrastructure requirements of India are much different as the population spread, increasing urbanization, increasing slums, the small space for roads, the water problems are more. Ready-Mix-Concrete Being Experimented With The Ready mix concrete business in India is in its infancy. For example, 70% of cement produced in a developed country like Japan is used by Ready Mix concrete business there. Here in India, Ready Mix concrete business uses around 2% of total cement production. Much of construction done in India is very slow paced. The concrete making process at site takes much time with variation in quality. The increasing use of ready mix not only saves on time but allows the better quality. It will also eliminate the storage space at site, eliminate Procurement / Hiring of plant and machinery, reduce wastages of basic material, noise and dust at site will be reduced. Also organization at site will be streamlined. This will improve the rate at which infrastructure can be built in India. ABOUT THECOMPANY Lanco is one of the fastest growing Integrated Infrastructure Enterprises of India, operating across a synergistic chain of Strategic Business Units (SBUs) comprising Power, EPC, Construction, Renewable, Resources, Non-Power Infrastructure, Property development and CSR. Lanco Infratech Ltds current market capitalization is approximately Rs. 15,000 Crores (USD 3.33 billion). Out of the total Share Capital, the promoters holding is about 68 %. The gross revenue of Lanco as on March 2010 was over Rs. 8200 Crores (USD 1.8 billion). Lanco is fast emerging as one of the top three private sector power developers in India with 2092 MW under operation, 7153 MW under construction, and 11070 MW of projects under development. In a strategic move that provides increased fuel security for its current power generating assets and its future power portfolio expansions, Lanco through its step down Australian subsidiary, Lanco Resources Australia, has acquired Griffin Coal Mining Company and Carpenter Mine Management. Griffin coal, based out of Collie in Western Australia, owns the largest operational thermal coal mines in Western Australia, producing over 4 mtpa of coal which can be ramped up to over 15 mtpa in the near term, post development of evacuation infrastructure. Lanco has strategic global partnerships with top-notch companies which include: Genting, Harbin, GE, Dongfang, Doosan etc. Today, Lanco is one of Indias largest Power Traders in the private sector. A people driven organization, Lanco operates from 20 States in India and has international operations in Australia, China, Indonesia, Nepal, Singapore, United Kingdom and USA with a human resource base of about 6500 people. Lanco has an Order book of Rs 25,425 Crores as of September 2010. Lanco is also a privileged member to the World Economic Forum and it has been acknowledged as an elite member of the top two hundred â€Å"Global Growth Companies†. As part of its business strategy, the company has chalked out an ambitious growth plan Lancos Vision 2015: to build a High Performance Organization with an operating capacity of 15000 MW in Power. Lanco also envisages aggressive growth plans for EPC with a strong Order book growth. VISION OF LANCO An India without poverty, where the internationally agreed millennium development goals are met and people with dignity and respect, using their full potential to access the opportunities and exercise choices for their own development -a society that constantly moves to inspire people. MISSION OF LANCO To work towards developing rural and urben communities in order to reduce poverty and contribute effectively towards reduction in loss of environment resources. To improve human development indices through projects and programs at the local, state and national level. Mission†¦. Development of society through enterpreneurship Vision†¦. Most admired integrated infrastructure enterprise VALUES OF LANCO Integrity We choose to be honest in all our Business Interactions and Transactions and remain steadfast even when challenged. We strive for consistency between what we think, what we Say and what we do. Humility Respect We are consistently humble in our approach to and interactions with people. We treat every person with respect at all times, unconditionally. AWARDS EPC-World Awards 2010 for â€Å"Outstanding contribution in Power Energy sector (Generation)†. 8 th Construction World- Annual Awards 2010 for Fastest Growing Construction Company (Large Category)- 1stRank 7thConstruction World- Annual Awards 2009 for Fastest Growing Construction Company (Large Category)- 3rdRank Aban Power Company Ltd TERI Corporate Award for Environmental Excellence and Corporate Social Responsibility June 2009. IKU II IEEMA award for Excellence in Fast Track Commissioning of Small Hydro Projects February 2009 PRSI Confers Golden Jubilee Award for the â€Å"Most Impressive Public Relations Initiatives† August 2008 Clarion Power Corporation Ltd FAPCCI Award for Excellence in Renewable Energy 2007. Construction World NICMAR Awards 2007 for the Second Fastest Growing Construction Company (Medium Category) in India. LANCO Institute of General Humanitarian Trust (LIGHT) TERI Award 2006-07 for Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility. PRSI National Award for House Journal (English) First Prize PRSI Confers Golden Jubilee Award for the â€Å"Most Impressive Public Relations Initiatives† Award for Excellence in Bridge Engineering 1999 from the Indian Institute of Bridge Engineers. SWOT ANALYSIS STRENGTHS Employment and training opportunities in the field of construction. Private sector housing boom and commercial building demands Construction of the multi building projects on the feasible locations in the country. Good structured national network facilitates the boom of construction industry. Low cost well- educated and skilled labour force is now widely available across the country. Sufficient availability of raw material and natural resources in the country is supportive for the industry. Real estate development is on high and it is attracting the focus of the industry towards construction. WEAKNESS Distance between construction projects reduces business efficiency. Training itself has become a challenge. Changing skills requirements and an ageing workforce may emphasize the skills gap. Improvement in long-term career prospects is highly required to encourage staff retention and new entrants. External allocation of large contracts becomes difficult. Lack of clearly defined processes and procedures for construction and its management. Huge amount of money needs to be invested in this industry. OPPORTUNITIES Continuous private sector housing boom will create more construction opportunities. Public sector projects through Public Private Partnerships will bring further opportunities. Developing supply chain through involvement in large projects is likely to enhance the chances in construction. Renewable energy projects will offer opportunities to develop skills and capacity in new markets. More flexible training delivery techniques are now available. Financial supports like loan and insurance and growth in income of people is in support of construction industry. THREATS Long term market instability and uncertainty may damage the opportunities and prevent the expansion of training and development facilities. Current economic situation may have an adverse impact on construction industry. Political and security conditions in the region and Late legislative enforcement measures are always threats to any industry in India. Infrastructure safety is a challenging task in construction industry. Lack of political willingness and support on promoting new strategies. Natural abnormal casualties such as earth quake and floods are uncertain and can prevent the construction boom. Inefficient accessibility in planning and concerning the infrastructure. Competitors are emerging in the industry by leaps and bounds. METHODOLOGY To Start with, the historical growth of vehicles is examined based on the traffic surveys conducted in the past along the study corridor. Having examined the accuracy and reliability of data, we further analyze the motor vehicle registration statistics at the state level to establish a relationship between the economic variables and the registration data, as a proxy for the traffic growth. The relationship provides the elasticity values by vehicle type, which are then compared with the results of other studies of similar nature carried out in the recent past. The comparative picture provides us the required validation and modification of the estimated elasticity values. Finally, based on the future economic growth prospects in terms of income growth, per capita growth and population growth are considered for estimating the future traffic growth rate by vehicle type. Traffic Studies are carried out: To obtain the knowledge of the type and volume of traffic at present and to estimate future traffic that the road is expected to carry. To determine the facilities provided on the roads such as traffic regulation and control, intersections, so that improvement on the basis of traffic density may be carried out. To design the geometric features and pavement thickness on the basis of traffic surveys. Traffic survey and studies are done as a part of the study to assess the base year traffic pattern. Different traffic studies : A comprehensive 7 day traffic volume count at toll plaza locations. Origin-destination (OD) survey at 2 suitable locations. A comprehensive 1 day number plate registration survey at toll plaza locations. Comprehensive surveys between the alternate routes covering both existing and future responsibilities. Calculation of: Average daily traffic (ADT). Annual average daily traffic (AADT) considering the seasonality variation. A comprehensive 7 day traffic volume count at toll plaza locations: The main objective of classified traffic volume count was to access the traffic characteristics on project road section in terms of hourly variation, peak hour traffic, average daily traffic, traffic composition and directional distribution. The survey was carried out by vehicle counting and classifying the vehicle passing the survey station. The counts were made separately for motorized and non motorized vehicles. In addition toll exempted vehicles i.e. government, ambulance, fire vehicles etc. were classified separately. Traffic Volume is the number of vehicles crossing a section of road per unit time at any selected period. The commonly used units are vehicles per day and vehicles per hour. The various methods available are: Manual methods Combination of manual and mechanical method Automatic devices Moving observer devices Photographic methods Generally manual method is used. This method employs a field team to record traffic volume on the prescribed record sheets. In this method the fluctuations of traffic volume during the hours of the day and the daily variations are observed. Origin-destination (OD) survey at 2 suitable locations: Origin and Destination survey for road section was obtained by carrying out by police assistance. Data of origin and destination of the trip was collected in the survey; a zoning system was order to analyze the origin destination data. Origin destination data was used to identify the zones that contribute to the traffic on the road. Growth of traffic on the road will depend upon the economic developments in the influence areas of the road. TheOrigin -Destination survey was carried out with the primary objective of studying the travel pattern of passenger and goods traffic along the study corridor. The results of this survey forms a useful input for estimating the growth rates for traffic projections, identification of toll plaza location and planning for toll collection system. The various applications of OD survey may be summed up as follows: To locate expressway or major routes along the desire lines. To judge the adequacy of parking facilities and to plan for future. To locate intermediate stops of public transport. To establish preferential routes for various categories of vehicle including by pass. Methods for collecting the OD survey data: Road-side interview method License plate method Return post card method Tag-on-car method Generally road-side interview method is used in which vehicles are stopped at previously decided interview stations by a group of persons with the help of police assistance and the answers to prescribed questionnaire are collected on the spot. A comprehensive 1 day number plate registration survey at toll plaza locations: Registration plate survey is carried out at all toll plaza locations to know that how much traffic is influenced by the local traffic. Because if the person is staying inside the radius of 20 kms from the toll plaza location then he has to pay only 50 percent of the toll tax according to the government policy. Comprehensive surveys between the alternate routes: The main objective of this survey is to analyze the alternative routes and leakage of traffic on the project road because it will directly affect your toll revenue. Average daily traffic (ADT): Average daily trafficorADT is the average number ofvehiclestwo-way passing a specific point in a 24-hour period, normally measured throughout a year. ADT is not as highly referred to as the engineering standard ofAADTwhich is the standard measurement for vehicle traffic load on a section of road, and the basis for most decisions regardingtransport planning, or to the environmental hazards of pollution related to road transport. Annual average daily traffic (AADT): Annual average daily traffic or AADT is a measure used primarily intransportation planningandtransportation engineering. It is the total volume of vehicle traffic of ahighwayorroad for a year divided by 365 days. AADT is a useful and simple measurement of how busy the road is. It is also sometimes reported as average annual daily traffic. One of the most important uses of AADT is for determining funding for the maintenance and improvement of Highways. AADT is calculated by multiplying Seasonal variation factor in ADT. Formula for calculating Annual average daily traffic (AADT) from ADT is as under: Annual average daily traffic (AADT) = Factor * Average daily traffic Seasonal Variation of traffic (correction factor) The flow of traffic on the road varies significantly during different months of the year. As monthly flow data is not available, petrol and diesel sales are collected from petrol stations along the highway to calculate the correction factor. This data is analyzed compared to the month of ADT the annual average variation factor valuated to arrive at AADT from ADT as recorded. REASEARCH AND FINDINGS For completion of the project â€Å"Strategies involved in opting an infrastructure project (highway) through traffic study† The aim of the project is to analyze and interpret the traffic study reports based on which highway projects are bid. Interpretation of the report is very critical as it helps in assessing the revenue generation for the entire concession period, based on which a bid is made. In order to complete my project, I was asked to thoroughly analyze the report on â€Å"Kota-Jhalawar road section on NH-12 and Aligarh-Kanpur road section on NH-91† KOTA-JHALAWAR ROAD SECTION ON NH-12 TRAFFIC SURVEYS Proposed number and locations of traffic survey stations have been identified after detail reconnaissance. The Traffic Engineer has trained the post-in-charges and monitors the training of surveyors by them. Survey and count sheets have been spot checked on a regular basis and data registered in the field office. Data to be collected from includes: The type of traffic surveys and the minimum number of survey stations were as under:- CLASSIFIED VOLUME COUNT The classified traffic volume count surveys have been carried out for 7 days (continuous, direction-wise) at the selected survey stations indicated below. Keeping in view the vehicle classification system given in IRC codes (IRC 9 1972, IRC SP: 19 2001) the following generalized classification system have been used in recording the classified volume count. Motorized Traffic Non-Motorized Traffic: 2-Wheeler Bi-Cycle 3-Wheeler Cycle-Rickshaw Passenger Car Animal Drawn Vehicle (ADV) Utility Vehicle (Jeep, Van etc.) Hand Cart Other Non-Motorized Vehicle Bus LCV Truck MCV: 2-Axle Rigid Chassis MCV: 3-Axle Rigid Chassis MAV Semi Articulated (For Procedure of Traffic Analysis refer Annexure I ) ORIGIN-DESTINATION SURVEYS: We have carried out O-D and Commodity Movement Surveys at locations given below in accordance with IRC: 9-1972. The roadside interviews were on random sample basis as per TOR. The trip matrices were worked out for each vehicle type information on weight for trucks was summed up by commodity type and the results tabulated, giving total weight and average weight per truck for the various commodity types. The sample size for each vehicle type was indicated on the table and also in the graphical representations. The data derived from surveys has also been analyzed to bring out the lead and load characteristics and desire line diagrams. Three Locations identified for O-D surveys are as under:- Near Kebal Nagar Village(Both Direction) †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.265.000 Near Devarighata (Both Direction) †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..320.000 Near Chandrabhaga river Toll Plaza†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..337+500 TURNING MOVEMENT SURVEYS The turning movement surveys for estimation of peak hour traffic for the design of major intersections were carried out for the Study. The details regarding composition and directional movement of traffic have been compiled. The methodology for the surveys was in accordance with IRC: SP: 41-1994. The data derived from the survey was used to analyze and to identify requirements of suitable remedial measures, such as construction of underpasses, flyovers, interchanges, and grade-separated intersections along the project road alignment. Intersections with high traffic volume requiring special treatments either presently or in future were identified. Locations comprising major intersections have been identified during detail reconnaissance. Data for turning movement survey is vital in identifying the section for operation as toll road. Details are presented in Annexure to chapter 6. Identified Location of Turning Movement Count (TMC) stations are as: Sangod Kanwas Junction †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.291.000 Chechat Rawat Bhata Road †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.304.600 Link Road of SH 9A Ram Ganj Mandi †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦315.500 Bagher Mandawar Junction †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.67+683 Mandawar Teendhar Junction †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦346+539 AXLE LOAD SURVEYS The axle load surveys have been done using load cell. The axle load data was collected axle configuration-wise. The number of equivalent standard axles per truck was calculated on the basis of results obtained. The results of the survey have been used for VDF. Furthermore, the data from axle load surveys was analyzed to bring out the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and Single Axle Load (SAL) Distributions by truck type (axle configuration). SPEED-DELAY SURVEYS Appropriate field studies such as moving car survey to determine running speed and journey speed. The data was analyzed to identify sections with typical traffic flow problems and congestion. Recommendation was made for suitable measures for segregation of local traffic, smooth flow of through traffic and traffic safety. These measures have included the provision of bypasses, under-passes, flyovers, grade separated intersections and service roads. Speed delay survey was done for whole project highway. TRUCK TERMINAL SURVEYS The data derived from the O-D, speed-delay, and other surveys was analyzed to assess requirements for present and future development of truck terminals at suitable locations en-route. ROAD INVENTORY SURVEYS Detailed road inventory surveys have been carried out to collect details of all existing road pavement features along the existing road sections. The data collected through road inventory surveys was sufficient to meet the requirements. The data are presented in the format given as â€Å"Road Inventory Data Sheet† (IRC-SP- 19-2001). The headings are given below. Terrain (flat, rolling, mountainous) Land Use (agricultural, commercial, forest, residential etc) @ every kilometer; Name of Village Carriageway width, surfacing type and condition @ every 500m and every change of feature whichever is earlier; Shoulder surfacing type and width and condition @ every 500m and every change of feature whichever is earlier; Height of embankment or depth of cut @ every 200m and every change of feature whichever is earlier. Submergence Details of cross road The data have been collected in sufficient detail, compiled presented in tabular form. The data have been stored in computer files using utility packages, such as EXCEL etc. SUBGRADE CHARACTERISTIC STRENGTH The testing of soils for classification mechanical characteristics has been as per terms of reference. â€Å"Testing of three sub-grade soil samples for each design section or three

Symbols and Symbolism in Heart of Darkness - The Symbol of Ivory :: Heart Darkness essays

The Symbol of Ivory in Heart of Darkness In Heart of Darkness Joseph Conrad often uses vague,"muted" descriptions, leaving a melange of possible meanings in the reader's lap. One exception to this trend is Conrad's symbolic use of ivory. Within the frame of the story, his references to ivory can obviously be seen as a representation of the white man's greed. Towards the end of the book ivory comes to symbolize the oozing evil that drips from the heart of darkness. It isn't long before Conrad makes a commentary on the greed of the whites. By the thirty-seventh page via Marlow associates them with a "false religion." He says that the men at the Central Station are, "like a lot of faithless pilgrims bewitched inside a rotten fence. Pilgrims are usually people who travel to a holy place, so why the choice of words? Conrad further explains in the following lines when he says, "The word 'ivory' rang in the air, was whispered, was sighed. You would think they were praying to it." In their rapacity the "pilgrims" have placed ivory as their God, a realization that has greater meaning towards the end of the book. The significance of ivory begins to move away from avarice and takes on a purely evil connotation as Marlow approaches those hearts of darkness: the Inner Station and Kurtz. Kurtz's relationship with ivory seems to have been reiterated by every company member through the course of the story. Of course Kurtz "harvested" more ivory than all the other stations combined, and therefore it almost seems appropriate that Conrad would use extensive ivory imagery in describing Kurtz. Earlier, during his digression on Kurtz, Marlow says, "The wilderness had patted him on the head, and, behold, it was like a ball-an ivory ball". By the time that Kurtz is carried out on a stretcher the evil has so overtaken him that, "I could see the cage of his ribs all astir, the bones of his arms waving. It was as though an animated image of death carved out of old ivory had been shaking its hand with menaces at a motionless crowd of men made of dark and glittering bronze". The evil has now grown to encompass his entire body, and soul.

Reproductive Technologies

Reproductive Technologies Introduction Twenty years ago, the only reproductive technologies available to infertile couples were artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization. Since that time, there has been an increase of reproductive technologies, and a multitude of options are now available to those couples who are infertile. Infertility affects ten percent of men and women. One in six Canadian couples is infertile. To overcome infertility many couples have chosen the path of reproducing artificially using reproductive technologies.Reproductive technologies are a term referring to methods used to achieve pregnancy by artificial or partially artificial means. They help improve a couple’s chance of conceiving and carrying a child to term. The Canadian government had recognized the importance of reproductive technology and created the Bill C-13 which was introduced into the House of Commons on October 9th, 2002. This act is respecting assisted reproduction and related rese arch. Attempts at the first non-human embryo transfer date back to the 1980’s.Improvements and discoveries over the following decades lead to the first successful IVF births in 1959 in rabbits by a Chinese scientist. The first human in vitro pregnancy was achieved in Australia in 1973, but it resulted in an early miscarriage. Louise Brown was the first baby conceived through in vitro fertilization. She was born on July 25, 1978, in Oldham, England. Dr. Robert Edwards and Patrick Steptoe had been researching fertility methods since 1968 that included artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization.In vitro fertilization is the most common type reproductive technology. This process involves s man’s sperm and the women’s eggs being collected and combined in a laboratory dish. The embryo is then transferred to the women’s uterus. One cycle of IVF costs on average $12, 400. It has a success rate of approximately twenty eight to thirty five percent. Artifici al insemination or intrauterine insemination is another reproductive technique. A sample of sperm is directly injected into a women’s uterus. This allows the sperm to be screened for genetic disorders.The success rate is approximately five to twenty five percent. A new development in IVF is in vitro maturation. Immature eggs are collected from the ovary and ripened outside the women’s body. They are then fertilized through IVF. This treatment is suitable for women who cannot produce mature eggs. IVM has a success rate up to thirty percent. Technology is not the only type of fertility treatment for infertile couples. Couples may also take fertility drugs. Women can take these drugs to act hormones for women who aren’t producing eggs properly.Fertility drugs can range from fifty dollars to five thousand, depending on the type of treatment. Though reproductive technology helps infertile couples conceive, it also has its setbacks. Risks with reproductive technologie s include bleeding or infection, birth defects, increased risk of cancer physical and financial stress and the chances of miscarriages at twenty percent. Key Questions How has reproductive technologies affected fertility? Reproductive technologies have increased fertility. Couples who are unable to have children can now do so due to assisted reproductive technologies.It has provided happiness and hope for couples who were first deemed as infertile. Reproductive technologies have also helped same sex couples of having children. Women can conceive through donated sperm through in vitro fertilization or through artificial insemination. Also men can have children through a surrogate who can conceive with the multitude of reproductive technologies. Couples who settle down later in life with lower fertility rates can still have children with assisted reproductive technologies. What issue has arisen from assisted reproductive technologies?Reproductive technologies have caused an ethical di lemma. Many individuals do not believe that using technology is proper to have children. The Catholic Church does not support reproductive technologies. The church regards these procedures as dehumanization and depersonalization of reproducing. Many believe that children should come into being as a direct result of sexual intercourse of the parents, where they are accepted as a ‘gift’ and blessing and not as a ‘product’ of doctors. Technology can be used to assist the fertility of a couple’s sexual act, but it should never replace it.Is reproductive technology negatively or positively affecting couples? Reproductive technologies are positively affecting couples. Couples can fulfill their wish of having children. There are many forms of reproductive technologies to help address every couple with conceiving a child. However, the couple’s family view on reproductive technology can negatively affect them. If a couple comes from a family who does n ot believe in having a child through technology that can put great stress on the couple. The couple would not like to go against their family’s belief but still would like a child.Their family could tell them to wait and have a child naturally which could result the couple to further decrease their chances of conceiving. Will there be more types of reproductive technologies in the future? With technology constantly changing and new items being brought out every few years, it could be likely for different types of reproductive technologies to be discovered. As technology keeps growing, we are constantly coming up with new ways to do things. With advanced technology we are likely to find new ways to help couples to conceive a child. Will fertile couples use reproductive technologies to have children?Fertile couples may use reproductive technologies to have children. With men and women fully establishing their careers before settling and having children they may not have the tim e to raise children in the earlier stages of their relationship. When they are ready to they could use reproductive technologies to speed the process of having children. ASP Connections Anthropologists would look at the point of view of cultures toward reproductive technology. They would see the beliefs and opinions of a culture and how the society develops based on reproductive technology.The school of thought theory that relates to this is cultural materialism. Cultural Materialism is based on the idea that the true explanation of a culture can be derived by examining members decisions regarding human reproduction and economic production This connects to reproductive technologies because it is based on the idea that the true explanation of a culture can only be taken by examining member’s decision regarding human reproduction. It also believes in that the type of technology that is adopted by a culture determines what type of society they develop in.A culture could be fine regarding couple using technology to help them conceive or they could be against it because the child is not conceived naturally. Anthropologists could ask; how reproductive technology is viewed in cultures and groups and does other cultures belief influences another’s? Sociologist would explain reproductive technology as something that is helping society grow. Reproductive technology is helping infertile couples have children, therefore growing their society and economy. These children will grow up and help our economy by buying items and replacing workers who are retiring.The school of thought theory that relates to reproductive technologies is Neo-Marxism. Neo-Marxism relates to reproductive technology because it looks specifically to economic power to see the various ways in which it influences society. All aspects of reproductive technology are very expensive. If a wealthy couple is infertile they can easily go to reproductive technology and undergo the treatments. For a couple who are lower or middle class it will be harder for them to afford the treatments. The wealthy have more power to easily access anything they need.Sociologist could ask whether reproductive technologies are positively or negatively affecting society and if only the wealthy make up the most users of reproductive technology? Psychologists would focus on the behaviour of the individuals who know reproductive technology. They would find out personal opinions on how reproductive technologies are changing society. They would also look at individual reactions of couples who are undergoing reproductive technology. They would see how their emotions are to failure rates of reproductive technologies and success rates.The school of thought theory that relates to reproductive technologies is behaviourism. Behaviourism focuses on childhood experiences and the practises parents use to raise their children. If a child grows up in a family that follows religious beliefs and one of those beli efs is having children the natural way then that will affect their emotions and behaviour towards reproductive technology. An individual may be hesitant in accepting reproductive technology as a method of conceiving and fear what their family may think of them.Questions that a psychologist could ask is if family values affect an individual’s behaviour toward reproductive technology and are individual thoughts toward reproductive technology positive or negative? Case Study Obstetrics and Gynaecologists at the University Hospital in Ghent, Belgium completed a case-control study of all pregnancies obtained with assisted reproduction technology in the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium from 1992 until 1997 to investigate differences in peripartum obstetric events and the prenatal outcome.They studied three thousand fifty-seven singleton and 1241 twin pregnancies were studied. About 90% of pregnancies resulted from in vitro fertilization; the remainder resulted from intracytoplasmic s perm injection. Control subjects were selected from a regional register and were matched for maternal age, parity, fetal sex, plurality, and date of delivery. The main outcome measures were duration of gestation, birth weight, prenatal death, prenatal morbidity, incidence of congenital malformations, and incidence of caesarean delivery.The results were odd ratios and 95% confidence intervals were 2. 6 (1. 4-4. 8) for prenatal mortality, 3. 5 (2. 2-5. 7) for birth before 33 weeks of gestation, and 1. 7 (1. 5-1. 9) for caesarean delivery in singleton pregnancies that resulted after in vitro fertilization. Twin pregnancies obtained with in vitro fertilization, were similar for all outcome measures, except for the incidence of caesarean delivery (odds ratio, 1. 4; 95% confidence interval, 1. 2-1. ) compared with spontaneously conceived twin pregnancies. The prenatal outcome of singleton pregnancies obtained with in vitro fertilization is significantly worse than that of spontaneously co nceived pregnancies, mainly because of the increased rate of preterm birth. The outcome of twin pregnancies obtained with in vitro fertilization is comparable with that of normally conceived twins. For both singleton and twin pregnancies obtained with in vitro fertilization, the incidence of caesarean delivery is increased.This is important to reproductive technologies because it shows that using reproductive technologies could cause defects in children and having more children than intended. Bibliography (No author) At Issue: Human Reproductive Technology. (n. d. ). SIRS Issues Researcher. Retrieved October 12, 2012, from sks. sirs. com/cgi-bin/hst-article-display? id=S200008707-0-6416&artno=0000307357&type=ART&shfilter=U&key=&title=At%20Issue%3A%20Human%20Reproductive%20Technology&res=Y&ren=N&gov=Y&lnk=N&ic=N (No author) Louise Brown. (2012). Biography. com. Retrieved 07:50, Oct 28,

Genetically Modified food should not be banned Essay

Food is the basic requirement for living, as more and more people need food while the population was increased every year, food is becoming an important issue in the world. The invention of Genetically Modified food is a reasonable solution to solve this issue. Therefore, the Genetically Modified food should not be banned for several reasons. In addition to the fact that Genetically Modified food already provides benefits to us, there are several considerable profits to agriculture, environment and human health. Genetically Modified food should not be banned while they provide benefits to agriculture. The high productivity is creating by Genetically Modified food; the GM crops double the food yield by improves the pesticides and fertilizers in the crops. â€Å"the productivity gains from G. M. crops, as well as improved use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, allowed the world’s farmers to double global food output during the last 50 years, on roughly the some amount of land, at a time when global population rose more than 80percent. † (Prakash, C. S. , Conko Gregory, 2004, p17) The GM food not only improves the productivity, but it also put the insect resistance and weather resistance into the crops. â€Å"Examples include insect-resistance rice for Asia, virus-resistance sweet potato for Africa, and virus-resistance papaya for Caribbean nations. † (Prakash, C. S. , Conko Gregory, 2004, p18). Compare to the traditional crops, GM crops can provide resistance to bugs and insect or virus-resistance, thus, the GM crops can grow well then the traditional crops. Because the GM crops have resistance to insect, farmers do not need use pesticide to their crops. Furthermore, using of GM crops can reduce the damage from pesticide to the land, and protect environment. Genetically Modified food has benefits to the environment when they provide advantage to agriculture. GM food can reducing the using of natural resources while they growing, such as water. â€Å"In 2000 alone, U. S. farmers growing bioengineered cotton used 2. 4 million fewer gallons of fuel and 93 million fewer gallons of water, and were spared some 41,000 ten-hour days needed to apply pesticide. † (Prakash, C. S. , Conko Gregory, 2004, p18). GM crops not only reduce the using of natural resources, but it also decreases the damage of farming land. â€Å"With potentially reduced environment consequence, such as reductions in agrochemical use, including pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. † (Schaal, Barbara, 2002, p110), the less herbicide used on land, the less damage that land have. In addition, the GM crops protected environment by reducing the using of natural resources and herbicide. GM food provides benefits for human health, it not only decreases the negative effect, but it also proffers nutrition which human need. The indirect negative effect from pesticide is worked on human body, and it is damaged human health, â€Å"In China, where pesticide are typically sprayed on crops by hand, some 400 to 500 cotton farmers die every year from acute pesticide poisoning. † (Prakash, C. S. , Conko Gregory, 2004, p18). Every year, people and farmers were dying from acute pesticide. However, GM crops contain the insect resistance which means farmer does not need acute pesticide to the crops. Therefore, GM food can provide advantage to human health by reduce pesticide need. GM food also can furnish nutrition that human require, â€Å"Among the most well known is Golden Rice-genetically enhanced with added beta carotene, which is converted to Vitamin A in the human body. â€Å". In next a few years, GM food will improve to provide further nutrition to benefit human health. There people who oppose Genetically Modified food suspect that long-term effects are unknown. However, the Genetically Modified food have been investigated, there are no negative effect found on GM food on current market. â€Å"While traditionally developed foods are not generally tested for allergenicity, protocols for tests for GM foods have been evaluated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO). (Campbell, Jonathan, 2006 p67). In addition, scientist still focus on develop Genetically Modified food to achieve more and more benefits to human. GM foods may give us a long-term effect, but it will not be find on the current market. The opponents also consider that Genetically Modified food is not safe and it has negative effect on human health. Nevertheless, Genetically Modified foods on the international market have no risk for human heath. â€Å"GM foods currently available on the international market have passed risk assessments and are not likely to present risks for human health. In addition, no effects on human health have been shown as a result of the consumption of such foods by the general population in the countries where they have been approved. † (Campbell, Jonathan, 2006 p67) Thus, the GM foods will not provide a negative effect on human health. Although Genetically Modified food is not used in every single country, Genetically Modified food is still the suitable solution to solve the food for hungry people. Furthermore, people will not banned Genetically Modified food, and stop the development. In the future, as Genetically Modified food will get more development, it will achieve further benefits to our agriculture, environment and human health. ReferenceCampbell, Jonathan. â€Å"Genetically Modified Organisms Production, Regulation, and Marketing. † International Debates, 4, 2006, 66-69. Prakash, C. S. , and Conko Gregory. â€Å"Technology for Life: How Biotech Will Save Billions From Starvation. † American Enterprise,15,2004,16-20. Schaal, Barbara. â€Å"Genomics and Biotechnology in Agriculture. † The Genomic Revolution, 2002, 108-123.