Acquisition of Reebok by Adidas, M&a Deal in the Sports Industry

This report presents a brief summary of the M&A deal and the performance of the Adidas-Salmon Group and the Reebok International which are the top players after Nike, in sportswear market. Mergers and Acquisitions is an extreme matter of concern in the corporate world since last few decades. M&A can also be considered as a main vehicle which drives towards direct investments, either domestic or foreign. With motives of achieving greater efficiency and effective strategies, most of the companies had gone through at least one M&A activity at least once in a lifetime.This report contains theories regarding Mergers and Acquisition and is focused on the Cross-border M&A (Adidas- A German company and Reebok- an American company). It includes the acquisition process and presents the motives behind the acquisition of Reebok by Adidas. The report also includes the analysis to identify whether synergy (Value of (Adidas+ Reebok) > Value of Adidas+ Value of Reebok) has been achieved or not. I t can be identified through performance measurement and evaluation.The analysis of the company’s annual reports and the reviews in various websites contributed to determine whether the company is able to achieve its target objectives. Table of Contents S. N. Title Page No. 1. Introduction1 2. Literature Review2 a. The need of Merger2 b. Due diligence3 2. 2. 1 Legal and regulatory issues3 2. 2. 2 Tender offer3 2. 2. 3 Empirical Evidence4 2. 2. 4 Strategies of Adidas & Reebok 4 3. Methodology5 4. Discussion5 a. Synergies achieved5 4. 2 Financial Analysis6 4. 3 Targets and Achievements: Post merger evaluation7 . Conclusion and Recommendations9 References10 1. Introduction Corporate Restructuring is the process of reconstructing the operational, financial, legal and other structures of an organization in order to achieve the organizational efficiency, technological advancement, market expansion, profit maximization and obtain the competitive advantage over others. Mergers and Acq uisitions (M&A), which is one of the major corporate restructuring methods and started in US, has become a global practice for over 100 years.With the increase in globalization concept, most of the companies around the world have undergone through one among the following three types of M&A. Vertical merger which includes the combination of the forms operating in the different levels of the same industry differs from the Horizontal merger where the two combined firms operate in the same business activity. Conglomerate, the third type is rather unique as it involves the combination of firms of different industry. For a detailed analysis of M&A activity, I have chosen an acquisition ofReebok (an American sportswear company) by Adidas (a German sportswear company) and evaluating its performance and the various stages of the M&A activity. Adidas-Reebok acquisition is categorized under horizontal Cross-Border M&A whose main objective is to present the group as a market leader in the field of sportswear. The rate of M&A activities seem to be increasing day by day. However, the success rate of these mergers is very low. This is because of the lack of ability to achieve the synergy, which is obtained as a result of increased competitive advantage.So, the report is based on evaluating the various aspects of Adidas-Reebok performance to draw the conclusion whether the integration is successful to meet the target objectives or not. 2. Literature Review With an aim to drive competition and growth in the sports market, there was significant presence of the M&A activities since late 1990s. In 1997, Adidas acquired the Salomon Group for $1. 4 billion. In 2003, Nike acquired Converse for $305 million and in 2004 Reebok acquired The Hockey Company for $330 million. In 2005, the Adidas-Salmon Group acquired Reebok for $3. billion and in 2008; Nike acquired Umbro Plc for 285 million.Many analysts have identified that the companies major objectives and targets of M&A activities ha ve not successfully achieved in most of the cases. Timothy and Mark (2007) point out the major of failure as cultural aspects of mergers that are poorly dealt with and mention that successful mergers are based as much on emotional reactions and energized behavior. Bjorkman, Stahl, and Vaara (2007) also discussed the role of cultural differences on the capability transfer for cross-border acquisitions. . 1 The need of Merger According to the data obtained by Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association International in 2004, Nike was the leader in American sportswear with market share of 36% leaving Reebok and Adidas the second and third position with 12. 2% and 8. 9% respectively. And America alone counts for almost 50% of the total global sportswear market. So, it was an important opportunity for Adidas and Reebok to have a combined competitive strength over the leader Nike, a famous brand in its fashion, status, colours and combinations.Besides that, Adidas was facing a tough competit ion with the fourth largest sports brand Puma, which compelled it to take the growth strategy through acquisition with Reebok. Puma had already disclosed expansion plans through acquisitions and entry into new sportswear categories So, for a successful merger, the challenge was to integrate Adidas's German culture of control, engineering, and production and Reebok's U. S. marketing- driven culture. Also, the core competencies of the combined companies seem a major strength than the individual competencies. Adidas Core Competencies |Reebok Core Competencies |Combined Core Competencies | |–Technology |– Trend Identification |– Adidas technology with Reebok design | |– Customer focus |– Ability to market to a niche segment |– Adidas sports with Reebok women’s market | |– Brand recognition |– Women’s shoe design |– Adidas shoes with Reebok apparel | |– Supply chain |– Design expertise |– Ad idas global strength & Reebok US strength | |– Collaboratively competitive |– Celebrity relationships | | 2. Due diligence 2. 2. 1 Legal and regulatory issues: Any M&A process should face through the regulatory bodies before they are granted the permission. There are various antitrust authorities which will examine and restrict the merger activities that create the monopoly in a particular market. Some of these authorities are the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in USA, the Competition Commission in the UK, the European Commission in EU and the Federal Cartel Office in Germany. Adidas, being the German company had successfully passed the regulatory check and was approved by both the Federal Cartel Office and the European Commission to acquire Reebok on $3. 8 bn.As Reebok was targeting mainly in the American youths where as Adidas was targeting the European professionals and these brands had different pricing positions, EU concluded that this integration would not signif icantly affect the competition in the sports market. 2. 2. 2 Tender offer Tender offer in M&A is a general offer made by any acquirer company to a target company either publicly or directly to the shareholders to grant their stocks in the price which is higher than the present market price. After analyzing the market value of Reebok, Adidas has offered the buying of Reebok’s share with 34. 2 percent share premium. A written consent between Adidas and Reebok was established mentioning all the legal obligations. 2. 2. 3 Empirical Evidence The once in a lifetime opportunity’, as mentioned by Adidas-Salomon AG Chairman and CEO Herbert Hainer, came into reality after the deal was closed on Jan 31, 2006, which provided the new Adidas group with an increased Capital of around â‚ ¬9. 5 billion ($11. 8 billion) in the global athletic footwear, apparel and hardware markets. Adidas-Salmon group paid $ 3. 527 bn to Reebok as total value of the Reebok shares calculated at the ra te of $59. 0 per share. They had paid 34. 2 % share premium. The share price of Reebok had rose by 30% after the acquisition.Hainer added, â€Å"The brands will be kept separate because each brand has a lot of value and it would be stupid to bring them together. The companies would continue selling products under respective brand names and labels. This is considered as the major strategy to keep the existing brand values and customers safe, protecting their brand loyalty. 2. 2. 4 Strategies of Adidas & Reebok The two companies came to the M&A deal with some of the very important strategies that lead to the growth and expansion of the market and the product portfolio along with the shared technology. The acquisition helped the new group to double the sales in America (U. S. $3. 9 billion) and also Reebok to increase its sales in Europe from the Adidas’s strong brand recognition and market expertise. Both the groups are creating the greater job opportunities with the well expe rienced and world class employees. They are selecting their top most employees into a new group for more effective business operation.This will help them to establish themselves as top most global brand from their strength (improved R&D systems with award winning cutting-edge technology, trend-setting street wear and classic design) with a strong presence as qualitative and wide ranged sports products. The combined group showed stronger presence among various teams and athletes such as David Beckham, Allen Iverson, Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady and also the top sports events like FIFA World Cup 2006 and Olympics 2008 to increase the global visibility of both the brands. 3. Methodology The report is based on academic knowledge gained during the course and the further research done on various websites.This includes the company’s website, various reviews and other academic sources available in the internet. After introducing about the M&A process, the literature review was done from t he past papers about Cross-border M&A and the management report on Adidas-Reebok M&A. The official website of Adidas group was used as the major source of annual financial report and performance measurement report, which helped to analyze the success of the integration in terms of sales revenue and other performance measurement indicators. After the detailed study of the case, the report contains few recommendations which might help the company to increase its profit and ultimately achieve its target objectives. 4. DiscussionThe success and failure of the M&A can be accessed from the perspectives of shareholders, managers and employees as the interests of these groups do not coincide (Sudarsanam, 2003). The report below contains analysis from different perspectives. 4. 1 Synergies achieved: The combined group had achieved the synergies based on each other’s competitive strength. Operating synergies affect the operations of the combined firm and include economies of scale, inc reased pricing power, and higher growth potential (Damodaran, 2006). As a geographical and demographical category, Reebok got chance to benefit from its partner Adidas which has expertise in European market.Similarly, Adidas benefited from Reebok expertise in American and Asian markets especially the youths and women. The new group had the wide range of products with continuous brand development by sharing R&D technologies. The synergy in distribution channel can be obtained through distribution and operation efficiencies. They have obtained 40% synergies in marketing, sales and distribution through selective diversification of channels and the optimum utilization of distribution capacity. Hadfield (2006), in his article quotes the statement of Steve Bonomo, the head of recruitment of Adidas, who says that the Adidas-Reebok acquisition has reduced the global recruitment cost by 30-50 percent.This reduction in expenses will help to increase the profit to some extent. Through global s ourcing and using economies of scale, they have been able to achieve 20% operations synergies. 4. 2 Financial Analysis: After the integration the management structure was reformed with the reduction of unnecessary branches and departments. They also agreed to share the cost incurred in production technology, distribution and back operations. The Reebok switching from pre-order in bulk amount to pay as you go system results the instant cash and uniform production and distribution of goods. The Annual financial report of Adidas group shows the sharp increase of sales revenue after the acquisition process.As the official deal was signed in Jan 2006, there is the dramatic rise in the sales from Dec 2005 to Dec 2006 resulting very high sales revenue of the combined group than it used to get during the individual sells. There is a continuous increase in sales even though the market was hit by the economic crisis during past few years (shown in the graph). The fact that the Adidas group fa ced serious decrease in sales of Reebok goods in Europe because the company decided to shut down some of the retail branches was very noticeable. But there was huge increase of the sales of Adidas products in America, which ultimately offset the losses, incurred in the group and ultimately led the company towards profit. [pic] Source: Adidas-group. com/ annual report 4.3 Targets and Achievements: Post merger evaluation Targets |Achievement | Description | |Environmental |75% |The environmental targets and strategy for climate change and carbon emissions | |sustainability-Group achievement| |have been developed as a whole but the group-wide strategy covering the entire | | | |value chain has remained. | |Environmental sustainability- |50% |The cross- brand group was formed to support all the Adidas brands but the full | |Product | |implementation of the prepared guidelines is in due. |Environmental |100% |Launched the internal Company Initiatives to promote environmental assessments | |Sustainability-Properties | |and awareness, reviewed the in-house ‘Think Green Guide’, established the | | | |environmental management systems but still remained to get ISO 14001 | | | |certification by the end of 2010. | |Supply Chain Systems |75% |As a member of Fair Factories Clearinghouse Compliance, Adidas group fully | | | |review the integrity of the data. Also, launched new Environmental guidelines to| | | |provide health and safety guidelines to the employees.But remained due about | | | |50% of the task to implement upgraded Key Performance Indicator to measure the | | | |company’s performance and also the sustainable compliance monitoring | | | |methodology. | |Global Economic Crisis |100% |Provided several updates on company’s website about risk and supply chain | | | |consolidation. Also provided guidelines on managing employees’ redundancies and | | | |layoffs in appropriate manner. |Stakeholder Engagements- |50% |Highly accepted th e concept of marketing and sourcing strategy but couldn’t | |Internal | |obtain better cotton materials for quality and performance testing. | |Stakeholder Engagements- |100% |Broad engagement with the governments and key stakeholders which assist in | |External | |decision making and also collaboration with different brands, suppliers and | | | |other industry actors. | Source: – Adidas. com, annual report, 2009 5. Conclusion and Recommendations The M&A itself is a complex and risky process both in terms of making a deal and in achieving the target objectives. It is also difficult to identify the exact determinants of the success or failure of the M&A.So, the conclusions are met on the basis of the grounds that a researcher considers, but this might be insufficient to other researchers who consider the broader areas. The analysis carried out under the case of Reebok acquisition by Adidas group shows that the new group is able to increase its sells through the restruct uring process. But even performance measurement report of the company highlights some of the issues where the company was unable to achieve the target objectives. The major target to lead the market ruler, Nike has not yet been achieved. The market positions of these two brands have remained constant. In contrast, it has a biggest threat of its following competitor, Puma to have integration with Nike and drop down the market share of Adidas group.

Inventory management Essay

Part One: Inventory Management and its role within the Supply Chain Inventory management is a method through, which a business handles tangible resources and materials to ensure availability of resources for use. It is a collection of interdisciplinary processes including a full circle from the demand forecasting, supply chain management, inventory control and reverse logistics. Inventory management – is the optimization of inventories of manufactured goods, work in progress, raw materials, and other features of companies in order to reduce storage costs while providing a high level of service and smooth operations. Inventory management in logistics is the optimization of operations directly related to the processing and registration of goods, and to the coordination with the procurement and sales service, it is the calculation of the optimal number of stores and their locations. Effective inventory management allows an organization to meet or exceed customers’ expectations. Several technical applications of inventory management models are incorporated by the inventory management so as to achieve efficiency. Critical role of the inventory management is therefore played by the concepts such as safety stock, cost of goods, economic ordering quantity, customer managed inventory, a vendor managed inventory, and the inventory turnover. The key principles of inventory management remain the same across all the industries; however, some critical areas of emphasizing these principles may vary from one sector of business to another. Inventory management in the supply chain is a complex of supply chain optimization techniques. This is a key element in the supply chain management. Experts emphasize companies’ attention on what constantly improving efficiency in the supply chain has become a market requirement and prerequisite for competitiveness. Global trends for the largest industrial and commercial companies integration lead to the formation of the global system with integrated supply chain, procurement, etc. That is why inventory management in the supply chain cannot be separated from the overall system, a single ‘logistics organism† of the company. Information technology can help to integrate the management of inventory in the supply chain. The purpose of the usage of information technology to manage inventory in the supply chain is to increase the efficiency of all processes. (Supply chain management  consulting 2002) The important aspect of the inventory management lies on the correct application of the right inventory management tools. Understanding of all the details of inventory management leads to the effective control of inventory. When lean practices are applied to all aspects of the inventory management cycle, this means that business can effectively reduce the investment in shipping costs, plant rentals, reverse logistics, and standing inventory while improving or maintaining customer service levels in its overall performance. (Purchasing and Procurement Center, 2012). Therefore, inventory management is important and need to be effected at all levels of business operations to keep the inventory levels stable and to avoid costly errors and inconveniences (Winsner, 2011). Part Two: 1. It is often difficult to find reliable costs of stock. With shortages this seems almost impossible. Discuss how we can find cost of loss of good well or reduced future sales, and to what extent we can have reliable estimates for such costs. Often, it is difficult to find reliable cost of stock because market factors such as shortages come into place. The most important element, which must come into place pertaining to this situation, is intelligence pricing. Intelligent pricing is an element, which will ensure a successful business venture, and without this business will not find reliable costs of stock. Before launching a new business, it is always important for entrepreneurs to have adequate knowledge about the various pricing strategies and components available. Market place factors ought to be weighted by the business owners before prices of goods and services are set. Therefore, factors such as the market, competition and the distribution costs need to be put in place so as to arrive at reliable cost of stock. In any analysis of the inventory management system several factors should be considered: the demand forecast and delivery time, as well as the costs associated with the system operation. The cost parameters must be considered as well. Firstly, the costs of holding reserves, which include the cost of dead capital in stocks,  keeping costs and other costs associated with physical presence of goods in a warehouse. Secondly, order and reorder costs which includes the cost of placing an order, the cost of record-keeping, as well as the cost of set-closing operation if the output is considered in batches. Another important indicator are the costs due to lack of or inability to meet demand(shortage costs), the costs due to changing nature of the products, production costs , as well as losses due to obsolescence or damage. Lets consider shortage costs in details. These are the costs associated with the occurrence of shortage and can show up in those cases when the product is required, but cannot be supplied because it is out of stock. The impact of shortage is wider than lost profit, as it involves the loss of image, goodwill and potential losses from the reduction in the number of sales in the future. These costs may also include such payments for actions ,aimed at reducing the deficit, as freight forwarding, sending a rush order, payment for special types of products, the usage of more expensive suppliers. Most companies believe that shortage is always expensive, so they try avoid it. In other words, they are willing to pay relatively low costs for stock keeping in order to avoid relatively high costs associated with shortage. These costs represent a penalty to be paid by the owner of an enterprise in case when the demand exceeds the supply. It is very difficult to ensure that demand will always be satisfied and, in addition, it is likely for a firm that such guarantees can be joint with extremely high costs. The shortage can be offset by emergency delivery, in this case, penalty is the difference between ordinary value of product and the cost of emergency delivery. Sometimes shortage is offset by back-ordering, i.e. goods are delivered to the customer as soon as they come in stock. In this case, penalty is the loss of goodwill, this can affect customer’s behavior in the future. In extreme case this shortage can lead to the loss of customer, then the penalty will include not only lost sales cost, but also losses of many customers in the future. Identifying shortage costs is exceptionally difficult task, and it does not arise barely because the administration of an enterprise is not interested in reduction of these costs. Direct shortage cost figures were obtained only in a few cases, and only with limited accuracy. One of the most important  elements of the intangible assets of the company is its goodwill. At the same time it cannot be said that the formation of goodwill and maintaining it at a high level is something new and unique for today’s businesses. Goodwill represents the kind of â€Å"good name† of a company and is accounted in its intangible assets, along with copyrights, know-how and trademarks. Goodwill may be either positive or negative. The positive goodwill of a company may help: – To add psychological value for products and services; – To attract new customers in case they have a choice between functionally similar products or services; – to bring a company more qualified employees and increase job satisfaction of an existing staff; – To increase the effectiveness of advertising and sales, to support distributors, advertising agencies, suppliers and business partners; – To raise funds on the stock market and survive in the event of a crisis. Any competitive producer knows that in order to gain the consumer recognition and profit, it is needed to invest primarily in itself. After all, a good name works better than any advertising. It is impossible to generate a goodwill from scratch. The company should enjoy really significant achievements and benefits which lay the foundation for goodwill. The process of generating a goodwill takes a long time and considerable amount of money. This is a long-run, very complicated process that cannot be insured against dangers, losses and risks. (Lean m anufacturing and and operations management, 2012) One of the most important trends in recent years has been towards e-commerce. How does this affect inventory management? Electronic Commerce is a type of trading, which applies the use of modern technologies such as mobile commerce, supply chain management, electronic funds transfer, internet marketing, electronic data interchange, online transaction processing, and inventory management systems among others. (Practical Ecommerce, 2010). Through the application of computerized technology in inventory management, business organizations are able to have a complete inventory description in real-time basis. Investing in e-commerce technology allows business owners to have a strong inventory management backed, which includes bar codes that allow streamlining of the inventory processes. A streamlined process leads to accurate planning due to improved forecasting, product turnover leading  to increased profits and better customer services. E- Commerce inventory management system also means that the business owner can easily integrate with customers through various technologies such the internet and the smart phones. Through this, customers are able to access the available products and their prices and business owners will be able to place their products in the market with ease. Measuring of the inventory turns is also achieved by e-commerce with the use of the appropriate software and proper techniques. Therefore, more frequent inventory turns are achievable, and this boosts the profits. E-commerce is also applied in managing vendors, and maintaining good ties with vendors enables business owners to negotiate favorable terms and conditions for business. Elimination of obsolete inventory in a timely manner is achieved through e-commerce as the seller can easily identify such inventory through real-time observation of the market changes. Inventory items are also reduced through e-commerce since business owners are able to keep just enough items because they know their market capabilities in real-time without false anticipation. Therefore, the overall impact of e-commerce in inventory management is that accurate information is attainable and efficient, and effective operations can be achieved by business owners because the amount of warehousing space required is reduced and constructively used with minimal wastage associated with unpredictable approximations and anticipations (Coyle et al, 2008). Now it is quite obvious that the Internet is changing the image of the world economy. The Internet has the greatest impact on e-commerce between businesses (B2B). Companies form strategic alliances and build relationships with suppliers. The rate of development and growth of e-commerce, as well as promising prospects for increased supply chain efficiencies – all these facts have a significant impact on the companies’ activities engaged in B2B commerce. Such businesses are forced to reduce operating and handling costs and at the same time to accelerate the supply chain activity. Those B2B companies that do business effectively have achieved a leading market positions in their industries. The supplying funds savings can be directed at the enhancement of IT infrastructure operations, and ultimately at the improvement of customer service B2B. The differences between e-commerce B2B and B2C are more significant than between the retail and wholesale trade. From a business perspective, this means savings within the organization, a willingness to enter into profitable alliances with suppliers, a reduction of operative costs in the delivery of goods and services, the precise regulation of the complex coordination within the union in respect of procurement, timely delivery and electronic payments. (Network solutions, 2012). Conclusion A company may command a hefty price on its product or service, but it is amazing how such companies may sometimes observe to be making minimal profit, making no profit or even running at a loss. This means that the cost of the product is different. Perhaps, to arrive at a reliable cost of stock means that business owners need to develop appropriate pricing strategy and to implement it so as it will result in generation of profits. Inventory management is a method through, which a business handles tangible resources and materials to ensure availability of resources for use. Efficient technology such as the application of e-commerce leads to effective inventory management. This is likely to lead to cost efficiency and effectiveness and therefore generate profitability. Main advantages of e-commerce for companies are: global scale, reduction of inventoty costs, supply chain development, fast time-to-market etc. For customers they are: large product variety, personalization, low prices, etc. The high emphasis should be placed on costs parameters when analyzing inventory management. The impact of shortage cost is wider than the lost profit, as it involves the loss of image, goodwill and potential losses from the reduction in the number of sales in the future. Identifying shortage costs is exceptionally difficult task, and it does not arise barely because the management of an enterprise is not interested in lowering these costs. Sometimes the shortage is offset by back-ordering. Shortage costs may lead to the loss of goodwill, this can affect the customer’s behavior in the future. Under present-day conditions, goodwill may change in the shortest possible time. A number of different factors can contribute to this, and therefore the organization’s security policy should include measures to manage reputational risk. Is is evident that the goodwill in the current market environment is the most important competitive advantage for any company.

Council for Exceptional Children Essay

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is an organization that aims to provide for desirable educational results for people who are categorized as exceptional, gifted, and with disabilities here and abroad. Since these specific areas require specialized educational and professional programs, the purpose of the organization is pushing for the implementation of certain policies and standards by the government, especially in terms of the professional aspect. CEC campaigns for the development of the career paths of people with exceptionalities who are capable of working professionally despite their conditions. The mission and vision of the organization is founded on some key ideas that fuel their drive to realizing their goals and objectives for people all over the world. CEC believes in the right of every individual to be educated, his or her learning aptitude, and the need for people, even with exceptionalities, to self-actualization. Therefore, the organization sponsors the development and improvement of people with exceptionalities by means of suitable educational standards and desirable outcomes that are accessible to all and will be lifelong available to CEC’s constituents. The program continues to bring about the advancement of their professional lives. The mission of CEC stretches out to the prevention of the development of exceptionalities in children by identifying who are at risk and providing for programs that would avert such thing from happening. The organization recognizes the need for the involvement of stakeholders in the process and values the importance of professional educators in the realization of their mission and vision. Moreover, CEC believes that the government is a very significant institution in the fulfillment of their objective because it should be able to provide for suitable and accessible complimentary education to all individuals with exceptionalities. The organization’s efforts are not only paying attention to people with special needs but also to educators who are qualified to provide quality special education to those who are in pressing need. CEC is a way for special education professionals to help in providing for the needs of those people with special needs, and at the same time attain opportunities to improve their professional career. CEC is accountable for this objective. The involvement of special education professionals in the program would also allow them the opportunity to associate with other co-professionals and make it a learning experience that would help them also in the enhancement of their professional practice. The strategic plan of CEC to accomplish their mission and vision is to provide special education teachers and non-educators alike the chance to professional development by being involved in the programs of the organization. The CEC has set professional standards for special education teachers and set requirements for their qualification in the professional setting. The organization is providing professional training for professional advancement of special education teachers. Through this, CEC is able to develop and enhance the quality of education for individuals with special needs and effect desirable educational outcomes and qualify them for professional advancement. As an educator, CEC is providing a means for career development by my involvement in their advocacy program. Community immersion not only allows me to lend a hand and support individuals with exceptionalities and special needs, but to grow professionally as a special needs educator. Participating in training provided by the CEC and communicating with other special needs educator under the program allows me, as an educator, to gain insight and added knowledge that would stimulate growth not only professionally, but also emotionally and mentally as well. References Council for Exceptional Children. (2007). Council for Exceptional Children: The voice and vision of special education. Retrieved, March 3, 2008, from CEC. Website: http://www. cec. sped. org

Animal euthanasia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Animal euthanasia - Essay Example The best solution, according to the article, is however to control the animals’ birth rate for a sustainable population size. The main reason for this opinion is that available shelters for the animals are limited. As a result, animals, especially the overpopulated dogs and cats in their old age, have to be let out of the shelters. Since this action endangers the lives of the animals to suffering and painful death, it is better to apply euthanasia because the method is fast and painless (Peta, 2012). I agree with the main argument of the article that the animals are supposed to be protected from pain and suffering. As a result, controlling their population to a sustainable number by the available shelter is the best alternative. Since this has not been achieved, a painless death is a better alternative to letting the animals wander in the fields in suffering until their death. My opinion is informed by the idea of animals’ rights that equivalently values the plight of a nimals as that of human beings. Like humans, the animals are psychological and recognize utility and pain. As a result, reducing their pain during death is a suitable way of respecting their right.Response to questionsMy desire to work for PETA Asia-Pacific is based on my love for animals and the desire to achieve a reasonable respect for their lives. This has been driven by my historical resentment over suffering that animals are subjected to through activities such as hunting, scientific research and neglect.

The contemporary Legal landscape in the IT industry Essay

The contemporary Legal landscape in the IT industry - Essay Example For example, use of home made applications mobile applications is not clearly defined thus it’s a challenge. The contemporary ethical environment in the IT industry The main normative approaches to ethics – compare and contrast the main approaches that we have looked at virtue, consequentialist and deontological According to the BCS code of conduct, a professional should be conversant with the ethical issues and the legislations governing their profession. They must observe ethical the codes of conduct to be able to remain morally right. This is deontological ethics. Contemporary ethical dilemmas – how are recent developments in IT creating challenges for ethical behaviour? Can IT be used to make people and or organisation behaviour more ethical? If possible give some specific real-world examples taken from the guest speakers or your reading. The growth of IT has posed serious challenges to the ethical values in the society. The development in IT has brought about several lee ways for breaching ethical codes of conduct. Through development of software with unethical contents. For instance, the development of YouTube made it easy to access pornographic videos. YouTube does not as for age or require any authorization before you are allowed to watch a video(Gattiker, 2004). This makes it easy for even people below adulthood to view the contents that are not in compliance with ethical issues. However, IT can also be used to enhance ethics in our society. This is possible through creation of software that requires authentication and authorisation before someone is allowed to access an application. These applications can be embedded in both commercial and open source applications so that whenever someone uses, the ethical codes are taken into account. Technical aspects of security entail the security management. These are the parties that stand for the daily operation of IT

Based on clinical practice scenario (wound care), discuss the extent Literature review

Based on clinical practice scenario (wound care), discuss the extent to which evidence based practice was utilised, including re - Literature review Example These processes encompass the concept of wound care. Wound care is a crucial part of the medical practice. It prevents infection and blood loss, as well as further complications for the patient. There are various techniques which health professionals can apply in order to manage wounds. Such management strategies are supported by various studies and evidence in actual practice. This study shall consider literature and supporting researches in wound care, with particular attention given to patient preference and evidence-based practice. With the variety of applications which can be used for skin care, there is a need to consider the best type of care according to patient response and outcomes. Wound care All injuries trigger a series of events which are involved in healing, characterized by the arrival of platelets and inflammatory cells at the site of injury (Diegelmann and Evans, 2004). These cells also give off signals on the influx of connective tissue cells and on the increase of new blood. Chemical signals for these are the cytokines or growth factors. The fibroblasts are the connective tissues which mark collagen deposition essential for tissue injury (Diegelmann and Evans, 2004). In response to injury, platelets come into contact with exposed collagen. With platelet aggregation, clotting elements are released causing the formation of a fibrin clot at the injured area. The fibrin clot is considered the provisional matrix upon which healing is built on. Platelets facilitate clotting which helps control bleeding and loss of fluids and electrolytes. As well as releasing the cytokines, which initiate healing, these platelets also release the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transform growth factor-beta (TGF-B). Through the PDGF, chemotaxis of neutrophils, macrophages, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts is initiated (Diegelmann and Evans, 2004). These platelets also trigger the mitogenesis of the fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. The TGF-B also t riggers the healing cascade by drawing in the macrophages and prompting them to release more cytokines (including the fibroblast growth factor-FGF, PDGF, TNFa and the IL-1) (Diegelmann and Evans, 2004). The TGF-B supports the chemotaxis of the fibroblast and the smooth muscle cells; it also regulates collagen and collagenase expression (Diegelmann and Evans, 2004). The overall result of these signals is a strong response of the matrix which then supports the release of cells which help ensure rapid formation of new connective tissue at the injured area during the proliferative stage of healing which follows the inflammatory phase (Diegelmann and Evans, 2004). Within 24 hours of the injury neutrophils are the common markers in the injury site. This neutrophil removes foreign material and bacteria in the wound site. Bacteria send of chemical signals which attract neutrophils, ingesting these through phagocytosis. These neutrophils will fill themselves with bacteria and make up the lau dable pus in the injury site (Diegelmann and Evans, 2004). The mast cell is a market cell crucial to wound healing. These cells give off granules made up of enzymes, histamine, and numerous other active amines; they are also responsible for the signs of inflammation seen around the wound. The active amines in the mast cells trigger nearby vessels to become leaky; this causes the easy passage of mononuclear cells in the injured area (Diegelmann and Evans, 2004). Fluids also gather at the wound site and with this, signs of

The Crowd at Mansion Night Club Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

The Crowd at Mansion Night Club - Essay Example Most of the people outside the club are young people albeit above 18 years of age. Most of the young people are idling around and conversing in small tones in groups. Others stand near their parked cars in the crowded car park. Although the loud music from the club can be heard from the car park, some of the small groups standing on their cars have turned on loud music from their sporty and flashy cars. This causes a mixture of noise from the disco hall and music emanating from different cars in the car park. The evening sunset and cool temperature seem to complement the noisy music mixture. Heavily built guards heavily guard the entrance to the disco hall. The guards are armed with weapon detectors, which they use to inspect every person before entering the hall. The guards are so heavily built that they seem to occupy the whole entrance and it is not possible to simply push through the entrance. They also inspect the tickets before allowing people to get into the hall. The queue to the entrance is long and winds up at the far end. People on the queue have one thing in common. All people are wearing their best entertainment outfits most of which are brightly colored. Most of the women are dressed in the currently fashionable spaghetti tops and low-heeled shoes. Men, on the other hand, are dressed in straight jeans and sporty shoes. The disco arena is fully packed with people. Although most of the crowd is on the dancing arena, others have preferred relaxing on the well-arranged seats around the dancing area. The whole place is filled with disco lighting and the music is very loud. The crowd on the dancing arena sings along to their favorite tunes and they shout loudly whenever the emcee prompts them to do so. Most of the people in the crowd are dancing vigorously with the latest dancing style.

The Battle For Berlin Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

The Battle For Berlin - Research Paper Example There was a huge difference between the strength of German and Russian forces in all aspects, which also played its role in the defeat of the German army. The Russian forces were superior to the German army in terms of equipment and troops, which helped them defeat German forces and race towards the city of Berlin. The major countries, which sent their forces to carry out attack on Berlin, were Russia, Poland, Romania, and Czechoslovakia. â€Å"The Red Army played the dominant role in the defeat of the Reich, demoting the Anglo-American war effort to secondary or tertiary importance† (Davies 2006). Over 2.5 million men including 78000 Polish army men attacked Berlin defeating the German army all over. Russian forces, known as red army in the World War II, fired over two million artillery shells in different parts of Berlin, which not only destroyed the buildings and homes but also killed a large number of German civilians. Germans were though equipped with portable anti-tank w eaponry in order to destroy the Russian tanks but they failed to make a good use of those weapons. Russian army used to destroy whole buildings in occurrence of a single fire from those buildings. The huge difference between the manpower and equipment showed its effects on the battle between the two forces. German army although fought bravely but it could not meet the strength of the Red army. Russians rolled down relentlessly from the east and the northeast of Berlin. After sustaining as many as 325,000 causalities, Berlin surrendered on 2nd May 1945, which marked an end not only to the battle but also to the World War II. Importance of Battle for Berlin in World War II and Contributing Factors The battle of Berlin was of extreme importance not only for the Soviet Union but also for the European sector. Russia was a real power at that time and that was one of the reasons of war because Russia wanted to show its power in the World War II. The battle of Berlin was also of great polit ical importance because it was not only important for the unity of alliance but also it provided help to Russia on the Oder East of Germany. The main causes of the battle of Berlin were the unresolved issues of the World War I. Those issues created tensions between the countries, which led towards the World War II and eventually towards the battle of Berlin. In addition, the military aggression shown by Nazi Germany and Japan on Poland and China strengthened the way towards Second World War. The Soviet Union wanted to disarm Germany because it was posing threat to various other countries. For this reason, Soviet Union allied with the United States, Britain, and France in order to launch a combined attack on Germany. Germany was becoming a great threat to the unity of alliance, so in order to keep it away from further invasions; Soviet Union decided to attack the city of Berlin in order to take full control of Germany. The battle of Berlin gained significant importance at the end of the World War II. The battle not only resulted in ending the World War II but also played its role in securing most of the European countries from Nazi Germany. Germany and Russia were the two major forces of the world war and both of them were aiming to get success at the end of the war. It is natural that in the war, one group wins and the other one faces a

Organzition and Adminstraion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Organzition and Adminstraion - Essay Example This paper looks into the US judicial system in terms of its administration and organization, as well as the various issues and concerns that beset it. Further, this paper presents possible solutions to the issues and concerns, along with an organizational model that would best answer the department’s prevalent concerns. The US federal courts comprise the Judiciary Branch of the government, which is organized under the US Constitution and the laws of the US federal government. The federal government as well as each of the forty-nine states has its own criminal justice system, which all respect the rights of the individual as set forth in the court interpretation of the US Constitution, and as defined in case law (Barnett, 2008). State constitutions and laws provide the definition of the criminal justice system of each state, and delegate the authority and responsibility over criminal justice to various jurisdictions, institutions and officials, as well as provide guidelines and definitions of criminal behaviors, groups of children and acts under the jurisdiction of juvenile courts (Ibid.). Further, for the processing of criminal justice that were not established by the State, municipalities and counties define through local ordinances prescribing the local agencies responsible for such cases. The US Congress, on the other hand, has also established a criminal justice system at the federal level to respond to such crimes as bank robbery, kidnapping, and even transporting stolen goods across states (Ibid.). The US justice system has three main components – the police, the courts and the corrections, reflecting the basic processes that justice is served under the US government. Each component functions a vital part in the whole system and is essentially indispensable. In other words, the system is not complete if any of the three components missing. The US

The Birth Stories Of Christ And Buddha Research Paper

The Birth Stories Of Christ And Buddha - Research Paper Example The young Gautama was engaged in an excessive consumption and indulgence of sensual pleasures and he gave all these up only in his thirties as he must have gotten tired of temporary and fleeting pleasures. Jesus Christ lived a poor life as a young child and adolescent because his father Joseph was just an ordinary carpenter while the prince Gautama Buddha lived in a palace with all its luxuries and extravagance such that he himself got exhausted with all these pleasures. In the story of Jesus Christ, he forswore all material things in life and made the conscious or deliberate decision to live a life of poverty and humility because he knew early in his life he was destined for a work of proselytizing the unbelievers and pagans at the time. In contrast, Buddha realized his mission in life only much later when he saw an extremely old man and became worried about his own fate when he himself will grow old someday. Jesus Christ preached a gospel of love and brotherhood in order to gain en try to the Heavens through a life of sacrifice, denial, and re-connection with God the Father while the Gautama Buddha preached his teachings based on the so-called "Four Signs" to attain a level of enlightenment that is free from material or bodily desires. Both preached the twin virtues of humility and renunciation of all material things in order to attain eternal bliss in the next life. Christ promised redemption through atonement while Buddha pledged release from material torment through a series of rituals to suppress karma.

Research paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Research Paper Example The painting is an exact mirror image of this city. It shows a jumbled up maze with roads and ladders. New York is considered to be one of the busiest and most expensive cities of the world located in the most advanced country/continent- North America. The Food culture of this city is a mixed culture with Italian, European as well as Chinese food. However because it is a diverse city with people from all over the world, all kinds of food is eaten over here. New York is considered to be the cultural capital of the world, the reason once again being the diversity on cultures ranging from contemporary to modern covering all regions of the world. As for its architecture, New York has the world’s most remarkable and extraordinary architecture with noteworthy buildings mostly made of stone and brick. The city has tall and huge buildings and a rich architectural history. The weather of New York is sub-tropical, and both winters and summers are quite different. Summers being sunny, humid and warm while winters being cold and moist because of rain. Moreover, New York is the center for many activities related to media such as television, music, print media, films and advertising. This amazing piece of art as described by the author as a ‘construction’ rather than just a painting shows a process of building and growing. It is classified as a painting using oil paints on a wood canvas, bright colors with a view that makes it look like separate pieces joined together to portray the process of uncanny structures used to show life in this city. The dimensions of this work are 9 5" x 11 3" x 1 Â ½ and light makes it look brighter. The period in which the painting was made is the CONTEMPORAY period, and the style of the painting is also contemporary, showing the current state of the city. The style flourished since after World War 2 and continues till today. EXPRESSIONISM is prominent in paintings of this era that originated in Germany. The art

Family Approach Research Paper Essay Example for Free

Family Approach Research Paper Essay Abstract This research paper will in detail find influences donating to the degeneration of African American marriages, increase of African American divorces, and how structural family therapy can impact it. Structural Family Therapy was developed by Salvador Minuchin and his associates in the 1960s due to the growing curiosity in alternative ways of hypothesizing suffering and familial dilemmas. Structural family therapy is reinforced by an undoubtedly expressed model of family functioning, and has been developed and used reliably in counseling sessions for children and their families (Ginginch Worthington, 2007, 343). Also, this report will examine what can be done to change this disturbing status amongst African American families. Monetary, emotional, and cognitive stability are a few of the common reasons and profits of marriage. Studies have discovered that marital couples in contrast to unattached couples are better-off, healthier, less stressed, and tend to live well into their mid-80s (Pindgerhughes, 2002, p. 269). Thus, there are numerous welfares of being married; it could be assumed that matrimony would be a shared objective for most citizens regardless of race. However, studies have publicized a radical deterioration of marriages inside the African American families alongside an increase in separations. African Americans are the least expected to wed, when they wed, they complete this task later in life, spending a smaller amount of time wedded than White Americans, and are more likely to become divorced. Keywords: African American, Marriages, Structural Family Therapy, Minuchin Family Approach Research Paper African American Marriages There is a strong importance for research of the state of African American and marriage because there have been major changes from past African Americans’ marriages relating to this major decline. According to the National Center on African American Marriage and Parenting’s (NCAAMP) Marriage Index, in 1970, 70.3% of African Americans were wedded and those ratios steadily fallen about 61% in 1982, 51.2% in 1992, 38.9% in 2003, and  41.7% in 2010. The rate is declining so noticeably that marriage has been referred to as an â€Å"alternative life† for African Americans (Dixon, 2009). The NCAAMP’s marriage index exposed the proportions of wedded Americans which comprises 77.8% in 1970, 70.1% in 1980, 59.3% in 1990, 62% in 2000, and 59.7% in 2008. An assumption can be drawn from the above Marriage index reports that there is certainly an important variance between all married Americans and married African Americans along with a change in rates of matrimony fr om 1980 to modern periods. Additionally, the declining rates of marriage, African Americans seem to be at greater hazard for matrimonial instability (Dixon, 2009, p. 30). Many of these influences are related to high male imprisonment, low sew ratio, poverty, uncertainty toward marriage and premarital sex. Rendering to research, there are numerous dynamics affecting the decline in marriages and rise of divorces among African Americans. These influences can be characterized as organizational, ethnic, individual, and interactive. Organizational issues as economic and demographic are most commonly focused on during the course of history. The extreme sex ratios between African American males and females have emotional impact on the African American nuptial rates (Rowe, 2007, p. 19). In 2003 there were an estimated 1.8 million more African American females in the population than males (U.S. Census, 2005 Pinderhuges, 2002, 269). Another donating feature is the high confinement and mortality rate of African American males (Hill, 2006, p. 421). African American males make up about seven percent of the populace but over fifty-one percent of the prison population (DuCille, 2009, p. 605). Furthermore, the desire to marry women of different races and choosing homosexual lifestyles contribute to the African American marriage rates. Another major issue that makes African American males less desirable for marriage is their struggles of the workforce. The joblessness rate among African American males has been consistently twice that of White American men from the time of the 1930s (Holland, 2009, p. 113). Research has also discovered that companies show negative opinions of African American men comprising that they are indolent, unreliable, deceitful, contain little work ethic, drag their feet, have deprived verbal skill and many others characteristics. Consequently, these men do not have the capability to deliver for their families also make African American men postpone marriage and also become regarded as less  wanted to espouse by the female population. The second sort of factor studied is ethnical. There has been shifting cultural trends disturbing African American marriage. The sexual revolt, gay and lesbian efforts, and activist movement are activities that distress wedding rates. Forty years ago, sex without marriage was not acceptable, but now it is a communal standard of culture. The feminist movement allowed women to obtain advanced positions in the labor force declining their dependence on males, triggering them not to marry or endure unhappy marriages. And, unconventional lifestyles were presented through the gay and lesbian population (LaTaillade, 2006, p. 327). Moreover, living together (cohabitation) is a cumulative behavior particularly within the African American community. Historically, living with a partner before marriage was unacceptable, but is now widespread among African Americans and many other races. In contemporary times, individuals are determining on gaining independence before becoming married (Dixon, 2009, p. 31). The mass media industries and the way relationships are depicted on television and through music contribute to the marriage decline. Because of the support of extended family networks, divorce may seem less detrimental, making it more of an option when marriages are faced with challenges among African Americans (Hill, 2006, p. 439). Individual factors are tided in by considering individuals’ desire to marry, features they look for in spouses and what makes them commit to a relationship. For an individual to get marry the desire to be married has to be present. One study found that when compared to White American men, African American men, anticipate less improvement from marriage in their sex lives and personal friendships and these account for most of the difference in the desire to marry (Holland, 2009, 107). The mate desired characteristics and expectation of marriage and whether it is realistic plays a major role in marriage. Similar to other cultures, African Americans generally believe in the husband being superior economically, educationally and acts as the provider of the family. Unfortunately for African American women, when compared to African American men, they are more likely to attend college and to marry someone below their educational and professional status. This pattern of education continues as two-thirds of African American college graduates are women (Hill, 2006, p. 423). The desire to commit is another donating factor in related to marriage. Recent studies  have revealed the beliefs of African American males having the incapacity to pledge to an eternal relationship. Lastly, as stated above separation rates are greater amongst African Americans than another culture. The features cited directly above are funding to these separation rates as well as African American not having the means to allow them to uphold vigorous long-lasting relationships. Studies have also displayed that the African American population is less expected to pursue marriage therapy adding to the state of African American divorce rate currently. Structural Family Therapy Structural family therapy (SFT) is a counseling technique of therapy developed by Salvador Minuchin which addresses problems in functioning inside a family. Structural Family Therapists attempt to pass in, or connect, the family in therapy in order to understand the boundaries and rules which oversees its effectiveness, record the associations between family members or amongst subsystems of the family, and eventually interrupt dysfunctional relations within the household, triggering it to become stable into healthier arrangements. Minuchin states that dysfunction does not rest in the singular identification, but within the entire family system. Minuchin’s tactic is originated on the interrelationship of the entire, and the foundation that individuals cannot be detached from the whole. Therefore, Minuchin assumed that a change in the conduct of one household member will necessitate a consistent transformation in the behavior of other family member. Duplicate roles can affect the ability for a mother to parenting effectively. For example, a mother attempting to a both a parent and a friend or a father that was forced to raise his younger siblings (Rowe, 2007, p, 23). Structural therapists view the facilitation of structural variations in the dysfunctional family as the main objective, supposing that individual behavioral modifications as well as lessening of altercations will follow as the framework for the family’s communication changes (Goldenberg Goldenberg, 2013, p. 329). The structural family model expresses families as systems and subsystems, roles and rules (flexible and adaptable to changes), boundaries, power, and hierarchy. Minuchin defines a functional family as one unit with clear boundaries between individuals and subsystems, promotes growth, and prevents  interruption. The primary objective when utilizing Minuchin’s model is assisting the family to change its structure or its organization. For instance, he stated that establishing a structure in which members and subsystems are clearly differentiated from one another and hierarchically integrated. Minuchin and other structuralists perceive standard family life as always altering and as a result endlessly creating adjustments to altering circumstances. What distinguishes functional from dysfunctional families is the flexibility in functional families to change or modify its structure to adjust to changing life cycle stages or to adjust to role changes or situational crises. The clarity of boundaries between subsystems within the family, and an effectively functioning spousal subsystem, help ensure stability despite changing conditions (Goldenberg Goldenberg, 2013, p. 472). Due to a recent mounting body of empirical evidence, studies continue to verify the value of structural family therapy. This method it was widely evaluated during the 1980s by radical novelists and during the 1990s by those interested in the allegations of a social constructionist point of view. Structural family therapy continues to progress in response to experiments built from within the systemic field, and as part of integrative practice and multisystem approaches, with practitioners ever mindful of the need for regular feedback from family members themselves (Rowe, 2007, p. 21). By 1965, Minuchin had become director of the Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic, originally in the heart of the African American ghetto, where he focused on intervention techniques with low- income families (Goldenberg Goldenberg, 2013, p. 130). The structural approach to therapy has been critiqued and has withstand various experiments from disbelievers; nevertheless, it has withstood throughout the years. Personal Integration The trial of integrating Christian and non-Christian clients fluctuates between different counselors. When clients unambiguously expressed a want for Christian counseling, for example, if a client initiates a prayer within a counseling session. The Bible frequently assists clients to absorb; the implementation of scriptures can inspire progression within the session. Between sessions homework examining particular biblical themes likewise inspire development. For instance, our Worthington text states that the use  of interventions make change sensible, and thus increases hope. Such interventions can involve physical manipulations, behavioral actions or interactions or making physical products (such as reports, written lists or tapes) that are completed and verbally processed. Worthington (2005) also stated that any theory of marital counseling can be used along with the counselor’s favorite techniques. The requirements of integration are increased hope and willpower, fit within the strategic framework, and make change sensible to clients (p. 262). I believe that the frequency of use of scriptures should be guided by the consumer’s articulated openness. Although traditionally I am trained as a counselor not to reference spirituality or religion unless it is first stated by the client, I believe that many consumers who are not currently attending church would be reassured when I fling open that door. After which they can be provided the opportunity to walk through the door, lock it, or leave it partly open to be entered once ready. If my clients were to inquire for details on my beliefs, I would openly speak about my spiritual journey but also specify that I still have a ways to go. Conversely, this does not take the practice of preaching on my individual Christian principles, or persisting them to trust what I have faith in. In addition, I could look for openings to propose the matter of religiousness and faith in an overall sense as a portion of my holistic approach; I would like to reassure my clienteles to discover the notion that stability in emotional and mental remedies are not exclusively associated with the rectifying of a particular issue; rather, comprehensiveness in therapeutic healing must integrate the multiple magnitudes of the client. With this instruction and initial outline, it would be up to my client to make the decision to discover how their faith and current behavior are correlated to the complications that have been facing and how their spiritual philosophies influence their mental and physical healing. Studies proposes, that it is highly probable that counselors greatly misjudge â€Å"the sum of consumers that are experiencing faith-based problems due to† consumers â€Å"frequently misguided norms that religious concerns were not suitable for conversation† in conditions that were not plainly defined as Christian therapeutic settings (Worthington Jr, 2005, p. 262). Spiritual Genograms In this course, I began to understand how past generational beliefs can still impact my current viewpoint with assumptions and predisposition. As a result, I believe that it would be important for my clients to understand their spiritual journey on both a personal and generational level. During this course, we complete a genogram in order to observe certain behavioral and health patterns; however, I would like to integrate spiritual â€Å"family trees† into my counseling sessions. Spiritual histories, spiritual lifemaps, spiritual genograms, spiritual ecomaps, and spiritual ecograms are five harmonizing assessment approaches that have recently been developed to highlight different aspects of clients spiritual lives. Spirituality can be agreed as the client’s connection with (their) God, and religious beliefs can been understood as flowing from spirituality, the open expression of the spiritual bond in specific views, approaches, and principles that have been established in a community with other individuals who hold similar experiences of transcendence (Hodges, 2005). Consequently, spirituality and religion are similar yet present differences. Therapists must understand that a single assessment approach is not ideal for all consumers and circumstances. The assessment tools examined in this article was purposefully designed to highlight different aspects of clients spiritual worldview. In a counseling session, these assessment methods can become a useful resource to providers that require assistance with clients handling with challenging issues. These interventions can be used as coping strategies since the user can visibly see their peer support networks on paper. Spiritual assessments are beneficial for clients that have misplaced their connection with God; spiritual ecograms permits the user to see where their spiritual journey is currently and where it used to be. For example, it may benefit clients with major depressive symptoms to recognize support organizations such as professional group memberships, church, and household. An alternative intervention to complete this task would be spiritual ecomaps. Counselors geared with this assessment, can assist their clients survey their previous and existing domestic and faith-based support systems. Subsequently, some assessment approaches will be implemented more effectively in some situations but preferably these assessments are seamless for clients that have gone astray. Various assessments can be used to meet the needs of the client; however, certain assessments may be more operative  with some clients than others. Consequently, the therapist must primarily evaluate the clients’ needs and what they wish to gain from counseling. This will support the therapist in selecting a suitable spiritual intervention approach. If I am offered a client that desires to change to a diverse faith but it religiously disorganized, I would implement spiritual genograms. This intervention would aid counselors to view if the clients’ preceding descendants all practiced the same religion. Accordingly, I could determine that the client has an admiration for customs which is producing the spiritual misperception. A consumer may want to change to a different spiritual belief system but does not want to insult their families; this approach can be paired with spiritual ecograms; letting them to evaluate their previous and current rapport with God. After assessing their support systems and their spiritual journey, the client could productively create the judgment on whether to alter their religion or not; the therapist should not make this choice for them. In my opinion, couples should undergo marriage education and counseling before being able to marry. My marriage and family counseling session would contain the data of African American marriages since couples need to have insight on the problem in order to prevent from being a part of the problem. Hence, unions would gain awareness on the low marriage and high divorce rates within the African American community. Thereafter, perhaps these marriages would fight harder for their marriages and maintaining their families. Conclusion In conclusion, couples receiving education on the state of African Americans marriage and divorce along with counseling prepare them with the utensils required to maintain a healthy marriage. I believe that any union seeking assistance would profit with these counseling technique both prior and during the course of marriage. Additionally, I also have faith that this these methods can produce an upsurge in couples getting and/or staying married and a reduction in the shockingly elevated rates of African American divorces. References Berenson, S.K. (2011). Should Cohabitation Matter in Family Law?. Journal of Law Studies, 13(2), 289-328. Burton, L.M., Winn, D., Stevenson, H., Clark, S. (2004). Working with African American Clients: Considering the â€Å"Homeplace† in Marriage and Family Therapy Practices. Journal of Marital Family Therapy, 30(4), 397-410. Clarkwest, A. (2006). Premarital Characteristics, Selection into Marriage, and African American Marital Disruption. Journal of Comparative Family Studies, 37(3), 361-380. Dixon, P. (2009). Marriage Among African Americans: What Does the Research Reveal?. Journal of African American Studies, 13(1), 29-46. DuCille, A. (2009). Marriage, Family, Other â€Å"Peculiar Institutions† in African American Literary History. American Literary History, 21(3), 604-617. Gingrich, F., Worthington Jr, E. L. (2007). Supervision and the integration of faith into clinical practice: Research considerations. Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 26(4), 342-355. Goldenberg, H., Goldenberg, I. (2013). Family therapy: An overview (8th ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brookes/Cole. Hill, S. A.(2006). Marriage Among African American Women: A Gender Perspective. Journal of Comparative Family Studies, 37(3), 421-440. Hodge, D. R. (2005). Developing a Spiritual Assessment Toolbox: A Discussion of the Strengths and Limitations of Five Different Assessment Methods. Health Social Work, 30(4), 314-323. Holland, R. (2009). Perceptions of Mate Selection for Marriage Among African American, College- Educated, Single Mothers. Journal of Counseling Development, 87(2), 170-178. Kostenberger, A. J., Johns, D. W. (2004). God, marriage, and family: Rebuilding the biblical foundation. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books. ISBN: 9781581345803. Leslie, L. A., Letiecq, B.L. (2004). Marital Quality of African American and White Partners in Interracial Couples. Personal Relationships, 11(4), 559-574. Marsh, K., Darity Jr., W.A., Cohen, P. N., Casper, L.M., Salters, D. (2007). The Emerging Black Middle Class: Single and Living Alone. Social Forces, 86(2), 735-762. Martin, T. L., Bielawski, D. M. (2011). What is the African American’s Experience Following Imago Education?. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 51(2), 216-228. Mc. Clain, C. (2011). Family Stories: Black/ White Marriage During the 1960s. Western Journal of Black Studies, 35(1), 9-21. Pinderhughes, E. B. (2002). African American Marriage in the 20th Century. Family Process, 41(2), 269. Rowe, D. M. (2007). Marriage and Fathering: Raising Our Children Within the Context of Family and Community. Black Scholar, 37(2), 18-22. Worthington, E. (2005). Hope focused marriage counseling: A guide to brief therapy. Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.

Concrete Elastic Modulus For Various Aggregate Types Construction Essay

Concrete Elastic Modulus For Various Aggregate Types Construction Essay Concrete generally, is an inevitable constructional material in civil Engineering for profitability and economy of designs in life. Therefore, much emphasis must be placed on the efficacy for sustainability of the people to avoid risk of progressive collapse due to the instability of its nature after design. It is a challenge to curb the menace of inadequacy of design for the durability of concrete all day. The heterogeneity of concrete is real to be composed of Cement, Water (uncontaminated), Fine and Coarse aggregates otherwise known as constituent materials. The fossils lie embedded in a matrix of cement, water, fine and coarse aggregates and, are so strong because of the binding ability of the properties, absorbency in nature and most importantly, skilful knowledge of the designers during construction. The volume of concrete occupied by the coarse aggregates is significantly great compared to other properties thereby, playing the biggest role in terms of given desired strength re commended by different professional associations in the world. Concrete also is made up high compressive strength and a low value of tensile strength. It is used to protect corrosion of steel reinforcing bars. The importance to investigate concrete Elastic Modulus for various aggregate types as a parameter which enhances deformation resulting to cracks during serviceability with time is a course that cannot be undermined in the study of concrete properties. This implies that Elastic Modulus is a property that depends on compressive strength and aggregates stiffness. Strength and Stiffness are termed as the most probable important of all the properties of concrete materials considered for suitable structures design. The strength of a material obviously controls the estimation of the collapse load of a structure. Stiffness is important to ensuring un-deflection too much under load as well as dominates the avoidance of buckling of compression members. The characteristic strength of concrete is said to be classified based on designated concrete called strength class that depends on the types of constructions to be executed. When the value of compressive strength is too high there is a probability that most of the structures will be constructed of concrete possessing strength below this value and, too low a value will cause inefficient use of materials. So, it is the characteristic strength value of the cube strength at 28 days below which not more than 5% of the test out comes may be expected to depreciate is the primary concern of every designer at every point in time. The British Standards BS8110 indentifies the clause: The Strength, below which, not more than 5% of specimen will fail to signify strength that is very close to the mean value of a large samples of concrete normally distributed in a Bell-shaped against the frequency. This is idealized that some samples of concrete are stronger while others are weaker in strength and these variations are measure of the standard deviation. 1.20. PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE IN COMPRESSION The properties of concrete in compression are attributed to Short- term and Long-term loadings when discussing the linearity and un-linearity of the stress-strain curve. Short-term loading is used for Normal weight or density concrete and represented the most linear part called the elastic region of the stress-strain curve. The curve defines the uniaxial compressive test performed at normal, average speed on concrete at 28 days. The straight elastic portion describes how stress and strain are closely related before maximum stress is effective. Modulus of Elasticity is a derivative parameter resulting from the slope of this linear portion of the curve and is always larger in value when the strength of the concrete increases. The stress-strain curve shape varies considerably for identical concrete of the same cylindrical strength under the same loading condition and this strange behaviour depicts the variability in concrete samples due to one factor or the other from testing procedures : Nilson, Darwin and Dolon (2004:40). Long-term loading is the creeping nature of concrete with time. This is the continuous loading of concrete beyond 28 days of aged. The deformations of concrete are practically observed at this point in time which are proportional to the magnitude of the stress. At this region on the stress-strain curve, the stress is not longer linear. In addition to the load level, creep depends on the average humidity which is an important parameter to be investigated when designing a concrete. 1.30. THE REVIEW OF OTHER WORKS Based on the review of others, the Magazine of concrete Research(1991), Kaplan revealed that concrete with the same compressive strength may have different dynamic modulus of elasticity of different aggregates. The British Standard Institute CP110, and European Code; model code for concrete structures whereas made no provision but grossly looked at estimating compressive strength only. ACI Code tried in its little way to include a term for concrete density the expression for elastic modulus, since this term is raised to the power of 1.5, it has considerable weighting. But the BS110 has provided bases to satisfy new expressions for estimating the elastic modulus based on the work of Teychenne, to conform to the Stress-strain relationship of concrete such that: Ec28 = Ko + 0.2fcu28 BS8110, Ec28 = 5.5cu28 /à ¡Ã‚ µ) and Et /Ec28 = 0.4 + 0.6ft /f28 where, Ec28 = concrete elastic modulus at 28 days. fcu28 = characteristic concrete strength at 28 days. Ko = stiffness factor of aggregates (usually taken as 20Gpa, and 0.2 is a coefficient) by Teychenne but Code varying from 14 to 26Gpa. t = required age in days. And these expressions have functional relationship which the elastic modulus yields to at all points in time for consistency of analysis of the properties of materials. Hence, this project is only pivoted on the overall ideas and assumptions of the BS8110 to investigation the effects of four aggregate types (Granite, Gravel, Grey Limestone and White Polar Chippings) of the same size of 10mm, on compressive strength at 28 days. OBJECTIVES: To have a thorough justification by testing the effects of these four aggregates on the Elastic modulus of concrete to conform to the generalized approach of the BS8110 expressions. To critically compare and contrast the similarities or uniqueness between the experimental values of compressive strength targeted at 40-50N/mm2 of high strength concrete. To generally examine the aggregates stiffness in relation to Elastic modulus. Comparing compressive strengths of concrete in different proportion by volume of fine coarse aggregates of the concrete samples ( and in this case, 30:70% and 40:60% ratios is used) respectively. To verify the justification that the compressive strength of a cube is feasibly higher than the compressive strength of a cylinder when tested. CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1.0. BACKGROUND Concrete as heterogeneous material is categorized into normal and light weight concrete based on the design performance relating the characteristic strengths and densities of materials to suit appropriate constructions. The high strength concrete is term generally used to mean concrete with a uniaxial compressive strength value greater than 41Mpa, as assumed by the ACI committee 363. This is used for the Design of columns especially of high residential structures, Bridge of longer spans, offshore oil platforms and so on: Nilson, Darwin and Dolan (2004:52). Higher Elastic modulus and coefficient of creep lower reduce long-term deflection in compression. The disadvantages include the reduction in ultimate strain capacity, brittleness in compression and increase the tendency of cracks to occur and not economical. The requirement is of low water-cement ratio below 0.25 according to Nilson, Darwin and Dolan (2004:53). low strength is otherwise known as conventional concrete having the str ength less than high strength concrete according to Bashir, Almusallam and Maslehuddin; In constructional and building Materials (2003: 97-103). High strength concrete is relative to a uniaxial compressive strength that is greater than that which is derived ordinarily in a region because maximum strength of concrete that is currently being produced varies considerably from one region to the other: Bahshir, Almusallam and Maslehuddin (2003:2). Hence, the using of high strength brings about the reduction of cross sectional area and dead loads in a structure. The functional mechanism of concrete depends on the overall constituent materials which are basically cement, water, fine and coarse aggregates in defined proportions with different properties resulting to characteristic strengths. The efficacy of a characteristic strength is attained only when the materials are properly selected, manufactured and designed, and the properties well defined and handled to yield desired result. Several investigators and researchers have revealed through their experimental works the influence of materials composite on the Elastic modulus and Compressive strength. Specifically, the Construction and Building Materials research (2002) and (2003). These respective Materials recognized that concrete should be properly examined as a three phase constituent materials of aggregates, cement and a transition between them. Also, that the transition zone is ranged 10-50 thick and generally seen as being the weakest component of concrete resulting to influence on the mechanical behaviour of concrete as could be compared to volumetric importance according to the Construction and Building Materials (2010:505-512). 2.2.0.THE DEFECTIVES OF HIGH STRENGTH CONCRETE (HSC). The problem of the High Strength Concrete as justified by the Construction and Building Materials (2003:3) is that cracking is more generalize and tends to homogeneous material characteristic as compared to the normal concrete: Bashir, Almusallam, Maslehuddin (2003:97-103). Also, High strength Concrete behaves as a linear elastic property and being subjected to brittleness than Normal concrete strength hence, cumulated that it is paramount to propound data on the mechanical properties of hardened concrete particularly, its strength in relation to the ideas of Bashir, Almusallam, Maslehuddin (2003:97-103); further argued that there is a good correlation between the Engineering properties of concrete such as stiffness factor. Generally, it is understood that besides the constituent materials, Mix design and Stiffness also play importance roles to enhance strength accumulation in concrete design. And the below flow chart may be used simply to illustrate how concrete is form from various materials including design mix to achieve desired strength and durability. DESIGN CONCRETE MATERIALS CEMENT, WATER, FINE AND COARSE AGGREGATES MIX-DESIGN PROPERTIES ( Strength, Workability and Durability ) Others Creep and Shrinkage Elastic modulus Fire resistance Resistance to abrasion Thermal conductivity Figure 1: Concrete Flow Chart 2.3.0. DESIGN MATERIALS There are basically three constituent materials of concrete for design purpose namely: Cement. Fine and Coarse Aggregate. Water. 2.3.1. CEMENT Cement as a design material is of various types but more importantly restricted to the Ordinary Port land type for the purpose of this investigation. It constitutes principally of chemical compound such as Dicalcuim and Tricalcium Silicates in different proportions by percentage. Cement fineness and soundness are the most properties of interest to be examined to achieve desired concrete strength according to the British Standard Institution (1991:20). It is believe that High Strength Concrete is resulting from high performance Ordinary Portland cement well ground in good proportion. The Cement paste helps to harden concrete to gain strength through a chemical reaction known as hydration property due to curing at 28 days age. It also mixes with water to fill the void of aggregates which enables the concrete to be easily placed and flows to avoid shrinkage. An Ordinary Port land Cement is one which all the particles will pass a No.100 sieve and over 95% will pass a No.200 sieve in British Standard (1991) and, must have minimum strength of (compressive strength) for 3-day mortal cubes of less than 15N/mm2, 7-day 23N/mm2 and 3-day concrete 8N/mm2 while, 7-day 14n/mm2, Kong and Evans (1996:20). Its weight is a function of the degree of compaction which is roughly taken as 1450kg/m2: Kong and Evans (1996). 2.3.2. AGGREGATES Aggregates are the most important constituent materials of concrete. These materials constitute about 65-75% by volume of hardened mass occupied in concrete mix thereby, constituting the highest quota of concrete strength. The High performance strength of concrete is due to the type of aggregates to be used in design. There are two main types known as fine and coarse aggregates. 2.3.2.1. Fine Aggregate This is natural sand from a good source free of impurities and contaminations that is capable of achieving the cohesiveness of the mix and desired strength: Kong and Evans (1996). Fine Aggregate is derived from natural sand or crushed stone sand or crushed gravel with particle capable of passing a 5mm sieve by Kong and Evans. A technically satisfied fine aggregate is one which has the capability of producing satisfactory concrete: Day (1999). It is said by Day to be standard and substandard if having the effect of retarding set, increased bleeding, excessive air entrainment, poor workability and increased water requirement, resulting in increase in shrinkage and extra cost. Most importantly, the features of a fine aggregate that affect the functionality of a design concrete has been identified by Day (1999): (i). Grading. (ii). Particle shape and surface texture. (iii). Clay. (iv). Chemical catalysts (salt and alkaline). (v). presence of mechanical weak particle. (vi). Water absorption level. (vi). source. However, this investigation only discus on the effect of Grading, Particle shape and texture, and more importantly source of the aggregates. 2.3.2.2. Coarse Aggregates . The properties of a coarse aggregate rely on solely the source of basic rock, the crushing process and its treatment in terms of separation into fractions, segregation and contamination as proposed by Day (1999). It is also noted that a coarse aggregate is one which is derived crushed stone, crushed gravel that can retain on a 5mm sieve according to Kong and Evans (1996). One important feature of a coarse aggregate is the bond characteristic usually associated high strength concrete which flexural and tensile strength are of special consideration, and it is a composite nature of chemical effects of surface roughness, particle shapes, water absorption and cleanliness by Day (19990. Again, Kong and Evans (1996); propounded that the durability and chemical inert under expose condition is the most requirement of a coarse aggregate, and the size, shape and surface texture and grading are said to be physical requirements must be examined because these are characteristics which enhance the strength or weakness of concrete. 2.4.0. GRADING A durable concrete must be dense, and when fresh, good enough for compaction: Kong and Evans (1996). There are voids comprise of mixture of cement, water and fine aggregate in mortar and that which is slightly more than sufficient is recommended to fill the voids of coarse and, cement paste slightly more than sufficient also to fill the voids of fine aggregate: Kong and Evans (1996). The voids are seen as functions of grading and particle size distribution by Kong and Evans. Generally, grading is the total way of accessing or categorizing the fineness and grade to which workability of concrete can be achieved considerably at a good flow. This is carried out through a comparative idea of sieve analysis as well as particle size distribution based on the recommendation by British Standards or ASTM of sieve sizes. These sieve sizes are used to estimate the cumulative percentage of finer of the weight retained particles on each sieve. And to comply with the BS 882, the percentages for the coarse aggregate and fine aggregate should fall within the limit the below tables: Kong and Evans (19960). Table2.10 Grading Limits for Coarse Aggregates Percentage by weight passing the standard sieves Nominal size of Aggregates Standards sieve (mm) 40mm to 5mm 20mm to 5mm 14mm to 5mm 50.0 100 37. 90-100 100 20.0 35-70 90-100 100 14.0 90-100 10.0 10-40 30-60 50-85 5.0 0-5 0-10 0-10 Kong and Evans (1996:36) Table2.20 Grading Limits for Fine Aggregates Percentage by weight passing the standard sieves Additional Limits for Grading Sieve Overall Limits C M F 10.0mm 100 5.0mm 89-100 2.36mm 60-100 60-100 65-100 80-100 1.18mm 30-100 30-90 45-100 70-100 600mm 15-100 15-54 25-80 55-100 300 5-70 5-40 5-48 5-70 150mm 0-15 0-15 Kong and Evans (1996:36). The above tables show that especially, the fine aggregate has zone division from coarse, medium and finer. The divisions are larger based on percentage passing the 600mm meaning in a fresh concrete mix, the content of the fine aggregate penetrating has an advantage over workability. 2.5.0. THE CONTENT AND PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION In the Construction and Building Materials (2010:505-512); Meddah, Zitouni and Belaabes used the effect of content and particle size distribution of coarse aggregate on the compressive strength as a base for argument of concrete strength. This revealed that several properties of aggregate such as degree of weathering, specific gravity, hardness, chemical, and mineral composition, shape, roughness, physical and chemical stability and pore structure are connected to the parent rock. Also, that adequate proportion of granular fractions depend on the type of concrete targeted and thereby, used similar aggregates such as Limestone, Basalt, Diabase, Granite and Quartz of the sizes of 15mm and 25mm for comparison; and ascertained after experimentation that the great effect on the usefulness of aggregates is largely depends on the particle size distribution. Meddah, Zitouni and Belaabes (2010) came to conclusion that; The value of compressive strength of normal concrete increases with the maximum size of coarse aggregates. The content of the coarse aggregates has a great influence on the compressive strength of both normal and high strength concrete, and increase in compressive strength is succeeded. The advantage of the coarse aggregate grains distribution on compressive strength of High Strength concrete is significant as compared to the Normal concrete. The compressive strength is strongly connected to the coarse aggregates parameters such as content proportion of fine to coarse aggregate and grain distribution of concrete mixture. Furthermore, Kong and Evans (1996) also supports these arguments but emphasize that higher coarse aggregate sizes results to lower water/cement ratio to achieve reasonable workability and higher strength of concrete. The reduced water/cement ratio is been offset by the strong effect of the lower bond area at the interface of the cement paste and the aggregate and of the discontinuities caused by the large particles. 2.6.0. EFFECT OF AGGREGATE SOURCE Relative to the action of various aggregate types on concrete properties called Elastic Modulus and compressive strength, several researches have been carried out by different people to justify the boredom to study how the negative impacts are reduced considerably on concrete strength collective sources of aggregates. In the Magazine of Concrete Research of (1999:291-304); this work reported the applicability of the BS approach to a range of 13 different aggregate types from a source in South Africa that the strength of concrete depends not only on stiffness, particle sizes, shape and texture, mix design but on selected sources of the aggregates. The source of controls the physical properties such as Relative Density RD, Look Bulk Density LBD, and Consolidated Bulk Density CBD, water absorption and Coefficient of thermal expansion should be examined in addition. Thus, Alexander (1991:291-304) concluded the results of his experimentation after thorough comparison to others that different aggregates produce different compressive and Elastic Modulus depending on their sources of selection which should be free from contaminations such as sodium chloride or alkaline and, was strongly supported by Day (1999); that chloride content of aggregates collected from beach sand is contaminated than dredge sand from sea. This contamination cause efflorescence and higher shrinkage and utter the setting and handing rates of concrete. 2.7.0. WATER Water is necessary for the design of concrete since it enables the concrete to be properly mix the constituent materials together for compatibility. This design water should be free of contamination of sodium chloride, oils, alkalis and sugar which are catalysts to reduce the effect or workability of the constituent materials of concrete. The requirement for water testing has been provided by the BS3148 for concrete suitability. Suitable water of concrete is otherwise known as design water when the measured volume is enabled to be predicted by the idea of mix design. It is also known as consumable water or hygienic water is necessary in concrete cast to have the desired strength and, if water is suspected to be contaminated, it is advisable by the BS3148 to run or cast a series of test sample made of contaminated and hygienic water to enable the designer to predict its effect on concrete and made decision on the selection of minimum quantity or volume of water is required for optimum strength of concrete whereas, large volume of water gives low strength of concrete. Excess volume of water leads to loss of slump. Workability of concrete depends on the water content used for design when considering the water/cement ratio criterion of mix design. 2.80. PRACTICAL MIX-DESIGN The term Mix-Design is the ability or a medium of selecting good components of concrete known as binders that are normally accessed on batching by weight or volume. The major aim of mix design is to select the optimum ratio of cement, water and aggregates to achieve a concrete with desired strength, workability, durability and economy: Kong and Evans (1996:50). It is strongly emphasize by Kong and Evans that practical mix design are based on the free water/cement ratio as the most important factor and the water content to determine or influence the strength of concrete. The batching relative to weight is preferably important in design of concrete for desired strength, and the idea or process revolves round water/cement proportion for batching weight of concrete for conventional aggregates especially with a constant density in question. 2.8.1. Water- Cement Ratio In general practice of concrete technology, water/cement ratio is perhaps the most important emphasized parameter to be examined in design. The base point of a typical mix design is the proper placed value of the water/cement ratio. It is simply the ratio of water to cement in terms of weight: Kong and Evans (1996). Practical mix design methods engaged the free water/cement and water content which are the two required factors that influence the strength, durability and workability of concrete. In the calculation of the water/cement ratio only the weight of the free water is used amongst the overall water absorbed by the aggregates and, it is the total water less the absorbed water while, the water content is the weight of the free water per unit volume of concrete: Kong and Evans (1996:50). Kong and Evans emphasized that the establishment by an initial mixes otherwise known as trails batch or adjustments on site: supported by Day (1999). Both researchers re cognised that there are two basically main methods of mix design captured from the works of Road Research Laboratory, the American Concrete Institute and Department of the Environment DoE known as the Traditional and DoE mixes. The water/cement ratio is chosen for strength and workability at average of 28 days called the mean target strength relative to characteristic strength: value that exceeds by a suitable margin known as current margin. 2.90. DURABILITY/ PEAMEABILITY OF CONCRETE 2.9.1. Durability The ability of a concrete to achieve its purpose of design in service is very important in design. The parameters that influence the potential integrity of concrete is over estimated in terms of durability of concrete. The provision of appropriate workability, suitable cement, aggregates and water as major ingredients of concrete in accordance with given standard and codes of practice are the base line. The tendency of concrete to exhibit a free corrosive nature and, a maximum protection against external forms of attack is impinge upon the correct choice of materials and adequate proportions: Lydon (1983). Durable design concrete is stable and capable of withstanding all the environmental conditions to which it is exposed: Kong and Evans (1996:38). 2.9.2 Permeability Permeability of concrete is related to durability and it is the crawl at which water can pass through the concrete: Kong and Evans (1996:39). Low permeable enables the concrete to withstand the effects of weathering, rain and action of freezing and thawing exposed conditions. The permeability of concrete increase rapidly with amount of voids and water/cement ratio and, when the amount over influxes the strength of concrete reduces. It is advisable that permeability should not exceed 7% else, bound to be corrosion in case of reinforcement: Kong and Evans (1996). 2.10. CREEP PROPERTY OF CONCRETE. Creep is a property of concrete that depends on loading duration. When there is an increase in strength in concrete with age, it is said to be under creeping condition. Creep is not actually proportional to strength but inversely related and can be estimated provided the strength-age could be determined. This is generally relative to the creep values of specimen concrete mixes which is derived from loading to one-third of the cube strength at 28 days curing age: Kong and Evans (1996:30). The concrete is unlikely to be stressed beyond one-half of the cube strength and, the creep of concrete at specified period of loading is roughly estimated to be proportional to the stress by Kong and Evans. Different concrete of the same cement paste content would produce creep that is approximately proportional to the stress/ strength ratio. Desired strength unaffected by creep is determined with respect to the avoidance of long term loading duration of concrete. The rate at which creep increases d epends on the increase in temperature as a linear function and, at a value of 1% of the 15 oC creep for each degree Celsius: Kong and Evans (1996:31). Generally, aggregate-cement ratio, aggregate content, cement content and water content do not have any significant effect on creep but water-cement ratio and cement type influence the level of creep in concrete design. 2.11. SHRINKAGE PROPERTY OF CONCRETE The shortening in length or contraction of concrete as a result of absorption of water in the gel is related to dry shrinkage: Kong and Evans (1996:33). It is a physical property of concrete unlike creep of chemical influence. Aggregate content, fineness of cement, and temperature influence the level of shrinkage of concrete. Low shrinkage concrete contains non-shrinking aggregates like limestone Quartzite gravel, mountain limestone, blast furnace slag, dolomite, granite and so on: Kong and Evans (1996:35). While, high shrinkage is as a result of aggregates volume change on wetting and drying such as slate, sandstone, basalt so on. Both coarse and fine aggregates influence the level of concrete shrinkage more importantly and, shrinkage is been reduced by using various aggregates of high Moduli of Elasticity that are dense and hard. 2.11.1. Aggregates Shrinkage Mechanism In Concrete Aggregates do undergo change in volume because they contain some minerals in form of clay which swell up when absorbing water or dry out and shrink. During setting of concrete, the cement paste volume changes. Forces are exerted during setting on aggregates resulting in moisture content affecting the overall size of the aggregate. The total weight of aggregates is that which is related to Elastic modulus and the volume ratio of the cement paste. It is reasonable to say that all aggregates suppose to be shrinkable to a greater or less extent as well as change in volume for proper classifications and selections for high or low shrinkage types: Pike (1990). The effect of high shrinkage causes unwanted movement or cracks and reduction in durability of concrete thereby leads to corrosion of the reinforcement members. 2.12. CONCRETE STRENGTH The design strength is associated with Compressive strength of concrete which is the common measure for judging a standard durable concrete at 28 days curing age. Buildings and other Engineering structures are purely designed with the most performance estimate of the compressive strength for stability, workability and durability of concrete. In the National Ready Mix Concrete association (NRMCA:2003); compressive strength is generally regarded as a measure by breaking Cylindrical Concrete Specimens in a Compressive Testing Machine basically, based on the precepts of the BS8110 and ASTM. The estimation of compressive strength is derived from the failure load over the cross-sectional area that is resisting the load of unit of mega Pasca (Mpa); an International standard Unit of measurement: BS8110 (1985) and NRMCA (2003). Compressive Strength of concrete varies from 17-28Mpa. The compressive needs to be determined from a concrete mixture to attain the desired or required strength for sp ecified for a job. The strength tested results from cast concrete cylinder is used for quality control, estimation of strength or acceptance of concrete in