Sunday, May 17, 2020

Is It Safe to Drink Water From a Hose

Its a hot summer day and the cool water from the garden hose or sprinkler seems so inviting. Yet, youve been warned not to drink it. How dangerous could it be? The truth is, the warning is based on fact. Do not drink water from the hose.  Garden hoses, unlike plumbing inside your home, arent manufactured to deliver safe drinking water. In addition to bacteria, mold, and possibly the odd frog, the water from a garden hose typically contains the following toxic chemicals: leadantimonybromineorganotinphthalatesBPA (bisphenol A) Lead, BPA, and phthalates are used in garden hoses mainly to stabilize the plastics. The most common plastic is polyvinyl chloride, which may release toxic vinyl chloride. Antimony and bromine are components of flame retardant chemicals. A study conducted by the  Ecology Center in Ann Arbor, M.I.  (healthystuff.org), found lead levels exceeded  the safety limits set by the Safe Water Drinking Act in 100% of the garden hoses they tested. A third of the hoses contained organotin, which disrupts the endocrine system. Half the hoses contained antimony, which is linked to liver, kidney, and other organ damage. All of the randomly selected hoses contained extremely high levels of phthalates, which can lower intelligence, damage the endocrine system, and cause behavioral changes. How to Reduce the Risk The water from a hose isnt safe for you to drink, its not good for your pets, and it might transfer nasty chemicals to garden produce. So, what can you do to reduce the risk? Let the water run. The worst of the contamination comes from water that has been sitting in the hose a while. If you let the water run for a few minutes, youll greatly reduce the number of toxins.Store the hose in a dark, cool place. Sunlight and warmer temperatures increase the rate of degradation of the polymers and leaching of undesirable chemicals into the water. You can slow down these processes by protecting the hose from excess light and heat.Switch to a safer hose. Natural rubbers hoses are available that are manufactured without toxic plasticizers. Read the label when selecting a new garden hose and choose one that says it has a low environmental impact or is safe for drinking water (potable water). While these hoses are safe to use, its still a good idea to let the water run a few minutes to remove undesirable chemicals or pathogens on the surface of the hose.Be mindful of the fixture. Most outdoor plumbing fixtures are brass, which is not regulated to deliver potable water and usually contain lead. No matter how safe your hose may be, be aware the water may still contain heavy metal contamination from the faucet. Most of this contamination is removed once the water has run through the fixture, but this is the water furthest from the end of the hose. Its worth repeating: If you must drink from the hose,  let the water run before taking a sip.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Role of Project Planning in Improving Construction Project...

THE ROLE OF PROJECT PLANNING IN IMPROVING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT DELIVERY A CASE STUDY OF THE NIGERIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY BY EGWIM IKENNA OKECHUKWU 20011144146 PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE B. TECH. DEGREE IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT OF THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY OWERRI, IMO STATE NIGERIA. OCTOBER 2006. CERTIFICATION This is to certify that this research project was carried out by Egwim Ikenna O. of the Department of Project Management Technology, Federal University of Technology Owerri, under the supervision of Dr. Ukwuoma F.P.O and is hereby admitted as having partially satisfied the†¦show more content†¦AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY 3 4. RESEARCH HYPOTHESES 4 5. SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY 4 6. SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS 6 CHAPTER TWO HISTORICAL BACKGROUND 2.1 DEVELOPMENT OF CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA 7 2.1.1 PARTIES IN A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT 9 2.2 PROJECT PLANNING 11 2.2.1 THE PURPOSE OF PROJECT PLANNING 14 2.2.2 REASONS FOR PROJECT PLANNING 14 2.2.3 PITFALLS IN PROJECT PLANNING 15 2.2.4 CONSTRAINTS TO PLANNING 17 2.3 STEPS IN PLANNING A PROJECT 18 2.3.1 STEP 1: DEFINE AND ORGANIZE THE PROJECT 19 2.3.2 STEP 2: DEVELOP THEShow MoreRelatedReconstruction Of Post Disaster Reconstruction Projects896 Words   |  4 PagesPost-disaster reconstruction projects are influenced by administrative, political, social, economic, and cultural settings. The likelihood of success of such projects diminishes if and when systematic recovery plans are absent and the project cost and time overruns. 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Methodologies in Project Management-Free-Samples for Students

Questions: 1.Define what a Methodology is and the role it serves in Project Management. 2.Familiarise yourselves with the various Methodologies in the list below. Choose two Methodologies to Compare and Contrast, analysing the similarities and differences between them both. 3.Finally, identify how your chosen Methodologies and Processes relate to the Project Life Cycle . Answers: Introduction Project management can be explained as the implementation of skills, knowledge, techniques, and tools for performing different activities for ensuring that the requirements of the project are met. It ensures the completion of the project by complying with the needs and requirement of the project. 1.Define what a methodology is and the role it serves in project management. The methodology can be explained as a model which is used by the project manager for the purpose of designing, planning, implementing and achieving the objectives of the project. Project management methodology provides various advantages (Karaman Kurt, 2015). Methodology plays a vital role in the project management. The role of methodology in project management is explained below: Reduction in the efforts and costs Recognizing and correcting the problems Analysis of the risks so as to apply strategies for coping with those risks Ensures right thing is done at right time and in right manner Provides competitive advantage (Singh Lano, 2014). Enhances satisfaction level of stakeholders Generate faster and cost effective results Contributes to the performance of the project team Effective and efficient utilization of the resources Making predictions regarding the staffing needs of the project It helps in the identification of the skill, competence needs and knowledge of project management (Singh Lano, 2014). 2.Familiarise yourselves with the various methodologies in the list below. Choose two methodologies from this list to compare and contrast, analyzing the similarities and differences between them both. There are different methodologies available which can be used for the project management. These methodologies are discussed below: Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK): It can be understood as the complete set of standards which are accepted within the project management industry. It is a complete package of effective practices, processes, terminology, and guidelines which act as standards for the industry (Chin Spowage, 2012). PRINCE2: this methodology has been developed by the UK government as a process based method for the management of the project in an effective manner. SDLC: it is a conceptual model which is used for the management of the project. The purpose of this model is to define the various stages which are a part of the information system development project. The focus of this methodology is on enhancing the quality of the project (Karaman Kurt, 2015). Waterfall: it is a sequential design process which helps in the completion of the project in an effective manner by executing every step and moving towards the next step. This methodology stores records which can be used for future projects. This is a traditional methodology which is being replaced by Agile methodology. Agile: an incremental approach is followed in this type of methodology. The focus of this methodology is on constant improvement by defining the various principles for the development of software (Chin Spowage, 2010). The comparison has been made between PMBOK and PRINCE2 for the analysis of the differences and similarities between both. Differences between PMBOK and PRINCE2 Basis PMBOK PRINCE2 Definition It acts as a standard and guide. It works as a structured methodology for the project management. Number of principles No principles There are 7 principles in PRINCE2. Centre of focus The focus is on the requirements of the customers. The focus is on the business case and product. Themes and knowledge areas covered There are 12 knowledge areas in PMBOK (Business insight, 2013). There are 7 themes in PRINCE2. Number of process and activities included It includes 5 process groups along with 47 processes It includes 7 processes along with 35 activities. Practicality It is considered less practical approach for the small size projects. It is considered more practical approach for small size projects (Bonnie, 2014). Similarities between PMBOK and PRINCE2 Both these methodologies have been considered as proven approaches on an international level for implementation of the project. Both methodologies help in meeting the needs of the organizations at every level. Both approaches help in doing the projects in right way (Chin Spowage, 2010). 3.Finally, identify how your chosen methodologies and processes relate to the project life cycle PMBOK is having five phases through which a project passes through. These five phases include initiation, planning, execution, control, and closure. Every phase focuses on checking the process of the project so as to make sure that the project is completed in a successful manner (Business insight, 2013). Project life cycle in PRINCE2 methodology is divided into 7 phases. These phases include starting the project, providing direction to the project, initiation of the project, execution of control, management of the delivery process of the product, management of the stage boundaries and closure of the project (Bonnie, 2014). Conclusion This assignment has discussed the concept of project management and the role played by the methodology in project management. There are different methodologies available which can be used for project management. References Bonnie, E. (2014). Project Management Basics: PRINCE2 Explained. Wrike. Business insight. (2013). What is the Project Life Cycle ?. Business insight. Chin, C. M. M. Spowage, A. C. (2010). Defining and Classifying Project Management Methodologies. PM World Today, 12(5), 1-9. Waheed, N. (2014). CMMI, PRINCE2 and PMBOK The Big Three. Proc. of the International Confrerence on Advances in Computing and Information Technology, 6-9. DOI: 10.3850/ 978-981-07-8859-9_02 Chin, C. M. M. Spowage, A. C. (2012). Project Management Methodologies: A Comparative Analysis. Journal for the Advancement of Performance Information and Value, 4 (1), 106-118. Karaman, E. Kurt, M. (2015). Comparison of project management methodologies: prince 2 versus PMBOK for it projects. Int. Journal of Applied Sciences and Engineering Research, Vol. 4, Issue 4. Singh, R. Lano, K. (2014). Literature Survey of previous research work in Models and Methodologies in Project Management. International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 5 (9), 107-122.