Strategic Analysis of Al Rahji Bank Essay - 4950 Words

Strategic Analysis of Al Rahji Bank (Essay Sample) Content: Name:Course:Institution:Date:Strategic Analysis: Al Rajhi Bank Saudi ArabiaIntroductionThe emerging imperativeness of Islamic banking in most Middle Eastern and developing countries has created a niche for this unique form of financial services provision. A report by Nazim and Bellens (8) indicated that the top 20 Islamic finance based banks reported a 12.6% return on assets, compared to an average of 15% by conventional banking institutions. One primary factor in the prominence of these banks is the apparent resilience to economic crises, especially the 2008-09 crisis, which affected a large proportion of the global financial institutions. The adherence to Sharia law propagates the emergence of financial products which prohibits the payment of interest charges for loans. Certain prohibitions in the types of investments sought is also a primary reason why this form of finance survived the crisis. Recent developments have made it possible for application of semi-privat e and private institutional entities, thereby creating greater flexibility in Islamic finance. There are a wide range of institutions in the West that have adopted Islamic banking, although this form of finance has its roots in Saudi Arabia. Al Rajhi Bank (ARB) is one such bank, instituted in Saudi Arabia. 1 Companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬s History, Development and GrowthARB HistoryThe bank was instituted in 1957, originally in Saudi Arabia, and has risen to become the largest Islamic Finance institution in the country. Originally, the company operated as Al Rajhi Trading and Exchange Corporation, and was later changed to a publicly owned entity in late 1980s through Royal Charter 57. Later on, the company was converted to an investment and banking corporation through ministerial decree 1398. The bank is closely associated with a wealthy commonsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ family in Saudi Arabia although it has benefited from close associations with the political dynasty in the country.By a variety of metrics, t he institution is considered the largest banking institution with a capital-funded base of SR 39 billion up from SR 750 million on registration of the institution. The bank has a total asset of SR 279 billion. The company 7600 employees, with a market capitalization of $4 billion. The Sharia compliant institution has fundamentally played a role in creating a link between the demands of modern and advanced financial institutions and the intricacies of Islamic banking. The bank has also spearheaded a range of developments and benchmarks for the banking sector and industry in the Middle East, creating a strong link with the contemporary banking systems. According to PWC (9), the institution adheres to IFRS requirements for fundamental accounting estimates in its financial statements, primarily in reporting the assessed liabilities and assets.Bank structureThe company has a wide network with 21,000 point of sale terminals, 2750 ATMs and 470 outlets, distributed across the country. As a result, it is deliberated as the largest financial institution, with high potential for growth due to provision of multifaceted opportunities for bridging modern and traditional banking in Islamic finance. The strategic locations are designed to provide access to the large network of customers to financial resources conveniently, while ensuring that financial planning and management is easily achieved. As at 2013, the company had seven fully owned subsidiaries as indicated in figure 1.Figure 1: Subsidiaries as at 2013Source: PWC (8)The bank owes its success to the oil based economy in the Middle East, which has accounted for the rapid growth over the 50 years it has been in operation. However, the management of the institution has also implemented strategies to take advantage of opportunities through aggressive marketing and promotion activities, aimed at expanding its market share. Fontaine and Ahmad (171) the companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬s board is comprised of a CEO and Muslim clerics with a postmodern perception towards management. Under guidelines of Islam such as those contained in Sharia law, the institutions have flourished through socio-cultural and political tenets, considering that the companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬s value, vision, mission and organizational culture are intrinsically instilled into the customers. Essentially, in addition to principles of management in the contemporary work place, the bank relies on honor, justice and respect across the various levels of management. The bank expanded its operations to the international market in 2006, with operational branches in Malaysia. As a novel product to the Asian market, Islamic banking quickly picked up, increasing to 19 in 2014. The bank has a branch in Jordan, and Kuwait among other locations, with the institutions acquiring fully fledged licenses to operate in these countries. 2 Companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬s internal strengthsStrengthsWide network of outletsPWC (4) indicated that the Bank has established a wide network o f service outlets, with varying products and services on offer. The wide network, which started domestically, has graduated to the international market place. Increase in the network provides a trajectory for enhancement of service quality, expansion of product and service categories, expansion of stakeholder categories, increased regulation and oversight, as well as access to highly qualified and effective employees. As a result, controlled expansion has created circumstances for the improvement of the internal and external environment for the banking institution (Fontaine and Ahmad (171). These wide networks have created double digit growth rates in financial aspects as discussed here under.Wide range of products and servicesAlthough the bank specialized in Islamic Banking, it has grown heterogeneously into an integrated financial services institution. Vayanos, et al (5) posited that from the range of outlets, it is clear that financial management and merchant services have joine d deposit taking and loan provision as the range of services accessible from the banking institution. Currently, the bank operates over 21,000 merchant outlets which are accessible cross the globe, making it possible for domestic customers to enjoy the services regardless of the location they are. In addition, the bank provides credit cards and a variety of corporate and consumer loans.Strong capital backingIslamic banking has thrived through high level of capital adequacy at the backdrop of a highly lucrative oil industry, with over US$1.54 trillion is assets compliant to Sharia law globally (Nazim and Bellens, 8). The reliable source of income at the national level has propagated increased savings at the household level, creation of reliable public good, enhancement of social amenities and improvement of the quality of life. The increased income levels coupled with huge disposable incomes has made it possible for consumers to seek out banks for savings and loans, as well as other innovative products which propagate capital adequacy. Although there are varied jurisprudence on Islamic banking based on the different Islamic schools of thoughtStrong financial performanceIn 2012, Annual report (13), ARB was classified as the first in terms of profitability, return to investment ratios, volume of loans and assets, market capitalization in the Gulf region as well as profit efficiency. In 2013, the company reported improved financial records in spite of reduction of cash and cash balance, financing and net investments from the previous year as indicated in the following statement of financial statement. Total assets grew from SR 267 billion in 2012 to SR 279 billion in 2013. Over the same period, liabilities grew from SR 230 billion to SR 241 billion, primary fueled by the expansion of the banking institution. Shareholder equity grew to SR 38 billion from SR 36 in the previous year. Although profits grow to SR. 10 billion up from SR 9.6 billion in 2012, the returns on time investments for customers dropped to a loss of SR 465 million from SR. 345 million in the 2012 (PWC, 8). This is primarily driven to the no interest environment in the country. The total operating income (SR 14 billion in 2013 compared to SR 13 billion) and all other metric for profits changes positively. A slight reduction in the profitability at SR 7.437 billion in 2013 compared to SR 7.884 in 2012 resulted to a 0.30 reduction in the diluted earnings per share in 2013, from 5.26 in 2012. This is directly attributable to increasing operating costs directly and indirectly related to expansion. Due to this performance, Saradar (1) revised the fair value of the banking institution to SR 87 due to the recession in profit margins notwithstanding increased growth in loans. The downward trajectory in net profits were however expected to reverse due to the strong asset base, considering that the companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬s past warrants valuation premiums, based on its reputation.Customer oriented servicesAccording to PWC (20), the rapid expansion of the banking institution is driven by the desire to serve a wide range of consumers. Vayanos, et al (18) agreed that the prominence of Islamic banking in the Middle East has gradually risen over the years, creating an impetus for spread to other locations. Most of the products, services and outlets are designed to meet the needs of the consumers, primarily based on Sharia Law provisions. As a result, in addition to protecting investments, shareholder wealth is increased sufficient over time, through focus on secure investments (Hardy and Puvost, 8). The bank has experienced a range of challenges associated with service delivery, which propagated changes in frameworks in customer service. The highly dynamic strategies applied by the bank to existing challenges makes it possible for rapid problem solution.Heterogeneity of the principles and productsThe...

Ulysses Grant Biography - 18th U.S. President

Using Online Computer Aided System - 764 Words

Due to new and advanced technologies and innovative manufacturing developments, many companies in 2016 are using online computer-aided system or software to produce custom output for many online products that they sell. It is a place where customers can customize what they want through their e-commerce websites before they buy. Joseph Pine said that it is the process of developing, producing, and delivering affordable goods and services with enough variety so everyone can find exactly what they want. A place that customers can individualize and personalize a merchandise before purchase. Moreover, the customization can range from different colors and flavors to sizes and shapes, or logos to characters and numbers. For example, a customer can add different RAM sizes to his or her MacBook. They can also add a logo or name to a t-shirt or personalize their shoes with different colors and designs. There are many variations and flexibilities when it comes to online mass customization. Cust omers can design their own shoes and have them delivered within a few weeks through the Nike website. The Nike iD system is easy to use. The process begins with choosing the unique style or icon. Then the customers can choose the colors and patterns of the upper sole, underlay, swoosh, flywire, laces, midsole, and text/graphics. The options are endless. It is a true inspiration and amazing experience for anyone who wants individualization and personalization. The biggest downsides to thisShow MoreRelatedEssay about Computer Aided Design: CAD/CAM Systems904 Words   |  4 PagesCAD/CAM systems in production of tooling and dies: CAD/CAM is the advanced technology used in manufacturing process by the assistance of computers and software’s. In traditional manufacturing drawing is done by drafting in which modification and prototyping took more time and cost, but the latest CAD software’s eliminated this by software interface like ProE. Not only designing but also manufacturing was hectic involving lot of machine for single operations but latest advanced CNC machines integratedRead MoreThe use of computer technology in entertainment1069 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿The use of Computer technology in Entertainment. â€Å"The improvements in computer technology over the past decade have made video and audio streaming commonplace, making the computer a sophisticated and powerful entertainment medium† (Haupert, 2012, p.39). The use of computer technology is not limited to business, health, education and manufacturing industries but also widely used in entertainment and arts world. There are so many applications as there are entertainers and artists. People look forwardRead MoreComputer Aided Instruction987 Words   |  4 PagesCOMPUTER-AIDED INSTRUCTION Douglas N. Arnold I. Introduction Computer-Aided Instruction (CAI), diverse and rapidly expanding spectrum of computer technologies that assist the teaching and learning process. CAI is also known as computer-assisted instruction. Examples of CAI applications include guided drill and practice exercises, computer visualization of complex objects, and computer-facilitated communication between students and teachers. The number of computers in American schools hasRead MoreThe Age Of Artificial Intelligence1418 Words   |  6 Pagesin an entirely different ball park. With the uprise of technology and advancements constantly being made, it has now come time to question the use of artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence, or AI, means giving non living things, such as computers and robots, the ability to think for themselves to an extent† (Pros and Cons of Artificial Intelligence - HRFnd 1). The advances seen in the past few years—cars that drive themselves, useful humanoid robots, speech recognition, and 3D printers areRead MoreImpact of Computers in the Banking Sector1228 Words   |  5 PagesOF COMPUTER IN THE BANKING SECTOR In the 21st century, more and more people are using the computer and banking system to manage their personal and business finances. Indeed, the blending of computer and banking has made the overall management of household and business finances far easier than it ever has been at any point in history. With the computer and banking, it is simple to keep track of various types of financial accounts. Indeed, all you need to do is log onto the computer andRead MoreAre Rivalry Amongst Existing Competitors?1705 Words   |  7 Pagesand IT plays an intricate role here, but it doesn’t just stop there, it goes further to also help evaluate internal performance in the firm. IT tools such as computer-aided design(CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), Computer Aided Process Design, CAPP), flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), computer integrated manufacturing system (CIMS) and so on is needed to automate the manufacturing process and ensure optimal and state of the art implementation standards are met. This force is also goingRead MoreComputer-Aided Examination System2332 Words   |  10 PagesABSTRACT This document is meant for describing all the features and procedures that were followed while developing the system. This document specially mentions the details of the project how it was developed, the primary requirement, as well as various features and functionalities of the project and the procedures followed in achieving these objectives. Computer Aided Examination System forms the lifeline of the Educational Institutes to the functioning of the Examination. It is very essential for anRead MoreRole of the Internet and Crime1140 Words   |  5 Pageshow the Internet has aided criminal activity. The internet has aided to criminal activity by providing an increased amount of anonymity for the criminal. They are able to commit crimes from long distances even from other countries. Most people feel protected because they are not physically near the person they are committing the crime against. Computer related crimes have become prevalent in recent years as many aspects of human life are consumed by the use of computers and electronic communicationRead MoreApplication Software704 Words   |  3 PagesApplication Software Application software, also known as an application or an app, is computer software designed to help the user to perform specific tasks. Application software is contrasted with system software and middleware, which manage and integrate a computers capabilities, but typically do not directly apply them in the performance of tasks that benefit the user. The system software serves the application, which in turn serves the user.()Application software is usually designed forRead MoreTechnology : Technology And Education1702 Words   |  7 Pagespeople are using it for its convenience. Technology has changed tremendously that it is now being incorporated into the educational system. Heidi Hayes Jacobs, an author and world renowned education leader stated that, â€Å"Teachers need to integrate technology seamlessly into the curriculum instead of viewing it as an add-on, an afterthought, or an event†. Technology should help enhance the educational system and be responsible for academi c enhancement. Technology can help with education, by online classes

Key Concepts in Human Resource Management †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Key Concepts in Human Resource Management. Answer: Introduction Human resource management (HRM) is globally well-thought-out to be a significant way to improve operations and organizational performance. Human resource professionals usually play a vital role in contributing to the success of a business or firm through effective development of policies that align with the organizations goals, mission and values Renwick, Redman, and Maguire (2013). HRM mirrors a fundamental, partial perspective on nature of employment relationship. This paper seeks to critically analyze the peer review journal Human Resource Management, Theology and Meaningful Work by Sandrine Frmeaux and Grant Michelson. The critical analysis entails the key points, arguments, assertions, and assessment of the authors research. Major business HRM attempt to associate employee management practices and policies with the organization effectiveness. HRM has been faulted that it is not vocal on the attitudes and behavior of employees. Most of the HRM seems to emphasize on the notion that employees are not humans but resources hence workers treated as merchandises. HR professionals should be capable of creating an environment where meaningful work can take place, though they arent able to produce meaning work to enhance involvement and motivation. Organizations are considered to be worthy if it treats humanity in its employees as the end and not means, hence the employees should have the appropriate independence to be able to enhance their desires. The common understanding is that what several people share is being human therefore having human nature is significant in HRM (Kramar 2014). Meaningful work has characteristics such as providing adequate salary, allowing employees independence, is not coercive and supp ort moral development. According to Renwick, Redman, and Maguire (2013), organizations should practice the five levels of human quality treatment which includes maltreatment, indifference, justice, care, and development. It is not reasonable to hold the HR single handed accountable for ensuring that there is meaningful work because it is dependent on employees desire to meaningful work. Employees may prefer to be paid large package of salaries with and less meaning. Meaningful work experiences are beneficial to both the employees and the organizations. Employees who feel that their work is meaningless are likely to quit their jobs since they dont see a link between them and the organization (Jonck Swanepoel 2015). Meaningful work is linked to dignified work. Dignified work is interconnected materially to reasonable salaries, job security and work-life balance. The meaningfulness of the work is related to putting equilibrium between other commitments and paid work. A spiritual view of meaning at work entails spiritual sources such as becoming self, expressing self and serving others. Guerci (2015) assert that HR practitioners commit to helping the employees and organization to achieve exceptional exc ellence. HR policies and other management practices that are perceived to be coerced have the likelihood of causing meaningfulness in spite of its intention making HR practitioners to face challenges. Thite (2013) denote that HR practitioners are role models and therefore have an influence in developing an organization. It is possible for the HRM to create an environment where there is meaningful work. Organizations that insist on creating meaningful work through their HR, the organizations must build for their employees, a meaningful work experience, be aware of how it functions and manage it. Work is possible to state an employees social identity and aid in overwhelming existing life challenges. The theology of work gives a profound meaning of meaningful work. Developing and becoming self in Christian theology is derived from a God-like manner and not from an employees actions. The research challenges the opinion of the rational man that individuals would act in line with their interest to fulfill their personal needs. Theological reflection contests religion of the process and reinstates confidence on employees. Theological perception provides an interpersonal and optimistic view of work that it is okay when turned to others. Its important to note that human beings are not means to attain results within HRM but end in themselves. The compulsion of work does not create a beneficial purpose for an organization. Those who are believed to be workaholics as much as their organizations give them many considerations, it results in them not giving meaning to their work. Embracing of meaningful work is emphasized in varied ways though it is not possible for this to be executed outwardly. When meaningful work is looked with an outward perspective, it depends on the person looking at it. The connection between HRM and ethics has been a topic of discussion of recent times. There have been various occasions as pointed out by Jack, Greenwood, and Schapper (2012), that involved ethical scandals in several organizations globally that attract significant attention. Several businesses are therefore made to adopt a variety of HRM guidelines and practices to make evident their workforce contributions in line with similar arrangements. This paper seeks to critically analyze the peer review journal Agonism and the Possibilities of Ethics for HRM by Carl Rhodes and Geriant Harvey. The critical analysis entails the key points, arguments, assertions, and assessment of the authors research. The ethics of HRM is dominated by two lines of attack which include one at macro level which is associated with HRM embedded values and the second at micro level entailing HRM practices related to ethics. HRM function is supposed to function in a manner that ensures organizational morality as far as the organization workers are concerned. The HRM is the end resort where harmony between the organization and employees are set. There is a notion that the HR should be the organizations moral guardian of the organizations ethics. HRM is not only a practice but also a broad approach through which the HR experts can appreciate and direct their training. Employees can be punished if their behavior breaks the organizations rules/ values. The ethics within HRM is positively and majorly linked to matters of employee control and performance. Employees should be compliant organizationally, and complicit in how they behave at their workplace. Organizations are in a position to and should try to control and influence individual ethics and ethical partiality. Hard HRM deliberates that HRM is an approach with the purpose being to achieve benefit for capital from the human resource (Caldwell et al. 2011). The exploitation of the hard HRM model has ethically raised questions that various organizations top managers endorse it. Morally, what is believed to be ethical at the top management, mainly when it relates to work values, it then automatically becomes ethical for the workers. Renwick, Redman, and Maguire (2013) assert that HRM takes the obligation of making sure that morality of workers relations is unbiased in that all that is not ethical is placed within a managerial function that is appropriate to direct and control the ethics. The requirement for ethical action is presented when there is no agreement and when the organization institutionalizes the subjugation of difference. In differentiating ethical consensus, conflict is vital to the organization since it is essential for democracy if there are differences to be expressed and opposed. Agonism towards HRM arises when there is a resistance to organizations power and authority and their enforcement of non-negotiable ethical values. Conclusion HR professionals are supposed to be familiar with the basic ethics both in their organizations and nation. The familiarity enables the HRM to negotiate decisions that they make and other departments in their organizations. An ethical issue does not come out when the HRM tries to administer their moral systems, but when they are questioned through outside resistance. There are possibilities of correlation between HRM and ethics that does not put HRM as the cause or arbitrator of organizational ethics, but a player in socio-ethical relations. List of References Caldwell, C, Truong, D, Linh, P, Tuan, A 2011, 'Strategic Human Resource Management as Ethical Stewardship',Journal of Business Ethics, vol. 98, no. 1, pp. 171-182. Available from: 10.1007/s10551-010-0541-y. [3 April 2018]. Costea, B, Amiridis, K, Crump, N 2012, 'Graduate Employability and the Principle of Potentiality: An Aspect of the Ethics of HRM',Journal of Business Ethics, vol. 111, no. 1, pp. 25-36. Available from: 10.1007/s10551-012-1436-x. [3 April 2018]. Guerci, M, Radaelli, G, Siletti, E, Cirella, S, Rami Shani, A 2015, 'The Impact of Human Resource Management Practices and Corporate Sustainability on Organizational Ethical Climates: An Employee Perspective',Journal of Business Ethics, vol. 126, no. 2, pp. 325-342. Available from: 10.1007/s10551-013-1946-1. [3 April 2018]. Jack, G, Greenwood, M, Schapper, J 2012, 'Frontiers, Intersections and Engagements of Ethics and HRM',Journal of Business Ethics, vol. 111, no. 1, pp. 1-12. Available from: 10.1007/s10551-012-1427-y. [3 April 2018]. Jonck, P, Swanepoel, E 2015, 'Exploring the theoretical link between cultural and emotional intelligence: A system analysis for human resource management',South African Journal of Business Management, vol. 46, no. 4, pp. 77-83. Kramar, R 2014, 'Beyond strategic human resource management: is sustainable human resource management the next approach?',International Journal of Human Resource Management, vol. 25, no. 8, pp. 1069-1089. Available from: 10.1080/09585192.2013.816863. [3 April 2018]. Renwick, DW, Redman, T, Maguire, S 2013, 'Green Human Resource Management: A Review and Research Agenda',International Journal of Management Reviews, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 1-14. Available from: 10.1111/j.1468-2370.2011.00328.x. [3 April 2018]. Thite, M 2013, 'Ethics and human resource management and development in a global context: case study of an Indian multinational',Human Resource Development International, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 106-115. Available from: 10.1080/13678868.2012.737691. [3 April 2018].

McDonalds Enters the Chinese Market free essay sample

An exploration of the economic impact of McDonalds entering the Chinese market. McDonalds is the largest food service retailer in the world with more than 30,000 restaurants in 121 countries. This paper explores the economic impact of McDonalds entering the Chinese market. The two main economic impacts discussed are employment and the encouraging of greater foreign trade and investment. It also briefly describes the economic collaboration between America and China, the restaurant industry in China, and the goals that McDonalds has for the Chinese Market. Every new McDonalds Restaurant creates at least 100 new job opportunities depending on the size of the store. So by 2013 McDonalds would have created at least 100,000 more jobs for Chinas economy. In addition, McDonalds provides its employees with an opportunity to advance in the organization, McDonalds Restaurants offers comprehensive training programs to all staff levels and is committed to promoting from within. We will write a custom essay sample on McDonalds Enters the Chinese Market or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page (http://www.sjross.com/mcdonalds.html) This commitment provides workers with increased pay and training.

Alcohols and Energy it takes to break them Essays

  Alcohols and Energy it takes to break them Essays   Alcohols and Energy it takes to break them Essay Alcohols and Energy it takes to break them Essay This experiment is to investigate how much energy alcohols give off when they are burnt. When burnt the alcohol reacts with oxygen to give the products Carbon Dioxide and Water. Chemical Formula: Structural formula (methanol) Structural formula (ethanol) The structural formulas for the rest of the group of the homologous alcohols have the same structure, with more carbon and hydrogen atoms arranged in the same way. In an exothermic reaction heat is given out when the new bonds are formed. When bonds are broken the heat energy is taken in so the reaction is endothermic. In this experiment we have an exothermic reaction because it produces more energy forming new bonds than breaking them. So it gives out heat energy. The energy output is found by subtracting the energy produced to form the bonds from the energy produced to break the bonds. This is known as the enthalpy, which is always negative as heat is lost from the reaction. This can be shown in this rough energy level diagram. Chemical Principles By Master Slowinski suggest that heat used by products (Hp) subtracted by heat used for reactants (Hr) equals the enthalpy (? H). It can be shown in this chemical formula. Hp Hr = ?H However doing a practical experiment is not the only way to work out the enthalpy of an alcohol. We can show it in energy level equations, using figures from textbooks to tell us the energy in kJ/mol. This is a good way to predict what results we might get from our experiments if they go according to plan. Here is an energy level equation, how to work out the energy produced by burning Methanol. Chemical symbol of bond Energy required to break/form bonds C-C 347 O=O 498 O-H 464 C=O 805 C-O 350 C-H 415 In our practical experiment to work out the amount of energy released from the reaction we need to use this equation. Heat Energy = mass of water x specific heat capacity x change in temperature = ________ Joules This equation is only assuming that the energy released by the alcohol we are burning is the same as the heat energy absorbed by the water. The specific heat capacity is the amount of energy required to heat the substance. The specific heat capacity of water is 4.2J/à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½C because that is the reliable figure that I have researched The bonds are made due to the forces of attraction between the atoms. This can be either covalent bonding, where the atoms share an electron, or ionic bonding which involves a metal and the one atom gives an electron to another atom. In our experiment the Hà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½O and the COà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ are examples of covalent bonding. I need to make my experiment a fair test by keeping the material of container, the volume of water in the container, the change in temperature and the height of the container from the flame the same. The only variable I will not be changing is the type of alcohol and the time taken to burn it. The variables for this experiment are: Material of Container: The beaker I keep the water in has to be the same as some materials are better conductors of heat than others. I will probably be using a copper container as it is easy to find and can withstand high temperature. The material will heat up, and I will have to use wooden tongs to keep the experiment safe and make sure that I dont get burnt. Volume of Water in Beaker: This needs to be the same throughout all of my experiments otherwise heat will be lost in the environment quicker or slower than the previous experiment. I have chosen water because it is safe and easy to obtain. Change in Temperature: We will keep this the same so that each of the alcohols can release the same amount of energy. If we were to use time as our controlling factor, then a fast burning alcohol such as Pentanol would increase the temperature far quicker than a slower burning alcohol such as Methanol. Height of Beaker above flame: This should be kept the same so that not very much heat energy can escape from going into the water. A boss and clamp, or a tripod should control this; I will investigate in my preliminary work, which one will work better. Length of Wick: I dont have any control over this factor, other than the Burner that I am using, the wicks should all be about the same size anyway. However I will try and chose burners that have wicks roughly the same length. Preliminary Work: In my preliminary work I will be trying to find out what volume of water would be best to use and whether to use a tripod or a boss and clamp to hold the beaker in place. I will also be investigating the temperature change in the water and what mass of the alcohols I should be using. I need to decide how many alcohols to burn and also to see how far above the flame the beaker will need to be. I will also be investigating the material of the beaker that the water is held in and looking at the length of wick. Prediction of Diagram of Preliminary work: Results of Preliminary Work: I tried out two different volumes of water, 50ml and 100ml. 50ml of water reached the temperature very quickly and 100ml of water is easy to use in my enthalpy calculations. The length of wick couldnt be altered from the length that it was originally at. The distance of the wick from the bottom of the beaker could be altered easily. I started off with it at 6cm from the bottom of the container, but changed it to 4.5cm as the movement of air in the classroom tended to blow the flame about a lot. I decided to use a copper beaker instead of a glass one as copper transfers heat quickly and not a lot of heat will be used to heat the copper beaker up. I also discovered that I would have to use a boss and clamp instead of a tripod as a boss and clamp is a lot more stable and I can alter the height of the beaker more easily. I cannot alter the mass of the alcohol that I am using, but I can measure the mass before I start and the mass at the end of the experiment, to work out how much mass of the alcohol has been burned. To decide what the temperature change had to be I could work out what it couldnt be before my preliminary experiment. I could cool the water, but it would take up valuable practical time. I could change the starting temp of my water, but there was no point as it was 24à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½C, room temperature. I also couldnt raise it to more than 70à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½C incase some of the water evaporated. In the end I settled with 20à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½C temperature change as it didnt get too hot, and didnt take up too much time, so it allowed for some repeats. I also had to stir the water with a thermometer, to keep the heat constant in the copper container. Here are my preliminary results: Experiment 1: Mass changed from 127.22g to 126.7g when we burned Pentanol. We used 100ml of water and we had the beaker 6cm above the wick. The starting temperature was 24à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½C which we raised 10à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½C. Experiment 2: Mass changed from 126.7g to 126.0g when we burned Pentanol. We used 100ml of water and the beaker was 4.5cm above the wick. The starting temperature was 24à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½C, which we increased by 20à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½C. Experiment 3: Mass changed from 117.42g to 116.85g when we burned Methanol. We used 50ml of water and the beaker was 4.5cm above the wick. The starting temperature was 24à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½C and we raised it by 20à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½C. Experiment 4: Mass changed from 116.85g to 115.94g when we burned Methanol. We used 100ml of water and the beaker was 4.5cm above the wick. The starting temperature was 24à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½C and we raised it by 20à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½C. Diagram of Experiment: Apparatus: 1 measuring cylinder 5 different alcohol burners 1 copper container 1 box of matches 1 boss and clamp stand 1 pair of wooden tongs 1 thermometer 1 heat proof mat 1 set of scales A piece of paper and a pen 1 tap supplied with water Measurements: 100ml of water Copper Beaker 4.5cm above the burner I will be using a boss and clamp stand I will be raising the temperature of the water 20à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½C Method: 1) Measure 100ml of water into a copper container, making sure that the container is clean. If it is not clean then rinse it out before beginning experiment. 2) Record the mass of the alcohol burner and place on a heatproof mat next to the boss and clamp stand. 3) Set up the boss and clamp with the container 4.5cm above the wick of the burner. 4) Stir and record initial temperature of the water. 5) Light the wick immediately after I have done this and continue stirring the water. 6) As soon as the water has reached 20à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½C above the starting temperature blow out the wick and record the mass of the alcohol and burner. Throughout the test I will control the mass of water, 100ml, the same copper can and the wick 4.5cm from the bottom of the copper container. Predictions: I predict that alcohols with more carbon atoms in their chemical structure will produce more energy when their new bonds are formed. I predict that the alcohols with more carbon atoms such as Pentanol will produce more energy than an alcohol with less carbon atoms such as methanol. I also predict that the alcohols with more carbon atoms in their chemical structure will not have as much mass burned. This is because they are releasing more energy per gram than the alcohols with less carbon atoms in their chemical structure. Using the theoretical energy level diagram I can see how my results will come up against the theoretical ones. Alcohol Theoretical Energy Level Diagrams Results Methanol 666 kJ/mol Ethanol 1276 kJ/mol Propanol 1895 kJ/mol Butanol 2520 kJ/mol Pentanol 3138 kJ/mol Robert Bennett 10JR, 10A5 Robert Bennett 10A5 Dame Alice Owens School

W1D Tacoma Narrows Bridge Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

W1D Tacoma Narrows Bridge - Essay Example As emphasized, if a different kind of design was used, specifically that of â€Å"Clark Eldridges original design for the 1940 Tacoma Narrows Bridge† (Washington State Department of Transportation: What if†¦?, 2005, par. 2), the bridge was perceived to have been able to stand the natural forces and wind speeds that it encountered. The fact was corroborated as a comprehensive evaluation of the cause of the failure finally attested that â€Å"aerodynamic forces never have been taken into consideration in the design of any bridge. Heretofore bridges have been designed to withstand static stresses only† (American Association of Physics Teachers, 2000, p. 14). Thus, the project’s failure was identified to have been sourced in the planning and design stage where information was noted to be crucial and paramount prior to implementation of the structural phase. Washington State Department of Transportation. (2005). Lessons From the Failure of a Great Machine. Retrieved February 24, 2015, from wsdot.wa.gov: