Employment Relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Employment Relations - Essay Example It started due to poor conditions of labor and compulsory cruel over time for the labor. During the period of 1970s Labor movement was taking notice of racisisam and its affect it had on the labor and the labor policies. The trade union consisted of 11.5 million members. There were pamphlets and dvds which were offered starting from Brent trade council which showed the highlights of the movement. It was also talking about the work which the employers of George Ward were doing in order to fight for the trade unionism. The movement was supported by the conservative party, the national association of Freedom and police and the court. Here it is also important to talk about the trade union leadership which was basically giving vocal support to their members but they were not prepared properly in order to provide support to their members until the bitter end came of the strike, which made the strikers stop and accept the court action against them. Grunwicks was basically a photograph fact ory that was located in Brent, North London and it was run by the anti union employer named as George Ward. There were many strikes and work done earlier as well in order to gain the recognition for the workers however it 1976 the strike ked by Jayaben Desai started with 137 workers supporting his work. Though the end result which they had to face was they all being sacked but it was a proper strike ever that took place thus it was successful in at least starting a cause even if they had to face failure in the beginning. Local citizens, advice bureau and even Apex joined them so that an official recognition is given to the strike. The strikers were new and they had never been involved in anything which was against the rulling class but here they were not only against the ruling class but they were also fighting a battle which was between the trade movements and the people who was ruling them. Political aspect of this strike was clearly visible to the strikers who got the results and and answer very quickly. There were many solidarity actions which were spreading around the trade union movement as the strike lasted for a longer period of time and it became a very common thing around. People around boycotted the Grunwick factory and people were stopped to send photos to them for processing, even George Ward was not successful in stopping the strike. Many workers and members of other departments also joined hands with them which include local postal workers who became members of the union of postal workers and they stopped delivering posts. There were also some water and electricity cut offs but Apex and TUC was not involved in it and it was not evening supporting that. (Socialist Appeal ). All the actions of the postal workers were stopped as ordered by the union but Len Murray still attended one meeting of TUC that took place in Brent. The act of Mass picketing started in June 1977 and there were almost 3000 pickets. Police became very active as well who arrest ed almost 84 people. There was almost a civil war atmosphere created as there were scenes which were to familiarize the minor strikes and the atmosphere was just like a civil war atmosphere. 12000 pickets basically blockaded the factory for almost six hours where the branches of the

Citizens Rights and Responsibilities Essay Example for Free

Citizens Rights and Responsibilities Essay Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens In today’s society, the responsibilities of the citizens are to know their rights. Citizens are expected to; understand the rules that our government has presented to us, abide by these rules for our own well being and freedom, and serve our communities and government back. In 1789, the Constitution of the United States was ratified. Many people were not pleased with this constitution; they felt as though it did not protect their rights to the fullest extent and wanted to amend the constitution. On December 15, 1791, the Constitution of the United States was amended and we were given ten amendments, known as The Bill of Rights, to protect our freedoms. The Bill of Rights is a list of the most important rights citizens have and value. The purpose of the bill is to protect against any infringement from the government, so the citizens can live in a free nation and have control over their communities and lives. The first amendment on the Bill of Rights states, â€Å"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. † This amendment protects the right to fallow whatever religion one chooses to and be able to safely practice that religion. The amendment also grants one the freedom to say whatever they want, as long as it does not cause an out break of danger and chaos. Freedom of the press allows one to write and publish anything appropriate to the community. Freedom of assembly is the individual right to come together and collectively express, promote, pursue and defend common interests at certain times and places. Lastly, to petition the Government for a redress of grievances, this specifically prohibits Congress from abridging the right of the people. The second amendment; â€Å"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. This amendment guarantees a strong, well trained military to protect the United States. This amendment also protects the right to own a firearm and the government can’t say otherwise. â€Å"No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. † The third amendment states that soldiers are not allowed to be plac ed and granted access to live in ones home with out the owner agreeing to it first. The government may ask the owner, and with permission the soldier may take residency. The forth amendment states ; â€Å"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. This amendment protects the right of ones possession. Any representation of the government is not allowed to go though ones possessions and/or make an entry to ones living environment with out a warrant that allows such activities; then the government may search and take away personal belongings. No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation. The fifth amendment give one the right to refuse to answer a question because the response could provide self-incriminating evidence of an illegal conduct punished by fines, penalties or forfeiture. It also states that no one is to be denied the right to life, liberty, and property. Ones private property may not be taking by the government and used for the public without a higher consent. The sixth amendment of the Bill of Rights states; â€Å"In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence. This gives everyone convicted of a crime the right to a trial by jury in the district where the crime was committed. â€Å"In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law. † The seventh amendment codifies the right to a jury trial in certain civil trials. The eighth amendment prohibits the government from excessive bail and from harsh, unlawful punishment. â€Å"Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. † â€Å"The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. † The ninth amendment addresses rights of the people that are not specifically enumerated in the Constitution. The last amendment, the tenth amendment; â€Å"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people† restates the Constitutions principle of federalism by providing that powers not granted to the federal government nor prohibited to the states by the Constitution of the United States are reserved to the states or the people. The responsibilities of the citizens are also to vote, attend jury duty and to attend to community participation. Voting is not only a right, it is a privilege; by voting, the people have a voice in the government. If one is presented with the task of jury duty, they are expected to take off from work and attend. Jury duty is an important way to participate in government, unique to America and fundamental to preserving our commitment to government by the people. These are all rights for us, the citizens, as a way to retain control of our own lives and communities with out the infringement of the government so the government doesn’t have complete control. Work Sited: http://www. kids. gov/6_8/6_8_government_rights. shtml http://www. archives. gov/exhibits/charters/bill_of_rights_transcript. html

Financial Analysis: PepsiCo Beats Coca-Cola Essay -- Pepsi, Coke, busi

Pepsi vs. Coke the epic battle that every American and from the looks of their financial statements possibly everyone in the world must deal with does it have a winner. For the fiscal year 2005 it certainly does through analyzing financial statements with vertical, horizontal, and ratio analysis investors are able to clearly decide who the better choice for their investment is. By careful scruitiny and attention to detail any investor can safely put their money in a buiseness as an investment so long as they are adhering to rules and regulations of the GAAP. Using the tools for financial analysis and the information given I will determine the winner of that battle for 2005 at least from the investors point of view. In our literature it states that a â€Å"vertical analysis evaluates financial statement data by expressing each item in a financial statement as a percent of a base amount.† I chose to look vertically at current assets and liabilities, of both companies so I can compare these figures between Coca-Cola and PepsiCo to find out who is in better current standing. Current assets Vs. Total Assets for PepsiCo: ( 2005) 10454/ 31727 = approx. 33% of total assets are current (2004) 8639/ 27987 = approx. 31% of total assets are current Now we will look at the current liabilities vs. total liabilities for PepsiCo (2005) 9406/ 17476 = approx. 54% of the total liabilities are current (2004) 6752/ 14464 = approx. 47% of the total liabilities are current Current assets Vs. Total Assets for Coca-Cola: 2005) 10250/ 29427 =Approx. 35% Current 2004) 12281/ 31441 = Approx 39% Current And we will look at the current liabilities vs. total liabilities for Coca-Cola: 2005) 9836/ 29427 = Approx. 33% Current 2004... ...id volume growth for 2005†¦The company said it earned $864 million, or 36 cents a share, in the fourth quarter, a 28 percent drop from the year before. However, excluding one-time charges, the company earned 46 cents per share, a penny ahead of analysts' expectations. One-time items included taxes on repatriated foreign earnings and a charge related to a bottling investment.(Wilbert, 06)† It is a sad day when you have a 28% drop year over year and exceed â€Å"Wall Street expectations.† If I were in their shoes I would do whatever I had to do to entice consumers to put their hard earned cash back in my company even at the cost lower profitability sell for less but sell more†¦hey it works for Wal-Mart why not you to Coca-Cola. Until they change their investment and marketing strategies I would steer clear of investing in any new Coca-Cola stock for more than a few years.

Diversity of human potential Essay

Gardner meanwhile developed the concept of multiple intelligences to reflect diversity of what human beings can do. He argued that there aptitudes or different propensities including linguistics, logical-mathematical, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, spatial, interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligences. Learning as a social behavior Bandura’s social learning theory extends the concept of the human potential and noted the role of obtaining competencies through the process of response consequences or observational learning which is essentially imitation or modeling. Modeling according to this theory has four components. Attention, the first component is perception of the significant attributes of a particular behavior. Retention is the next component or coding or committing the behavior to memory. Motor reproduction is the ability to reproduce the modeled behavior. The fourth component is motivational or reinforcements – the necessary push to do set of actions associated with the particular behavior (Bandura, 1975). The three basic psychological concepts outlined above just about cover the domain of psychology and points us to the direction that although there are individual competencies or potentials what happened if these individuals co-exists at particular setting. Bandura posited learning would be impossibility without a social setting even assuming the individual has the potential to learn (Bandura, 1962, , 1975). Accounting for variations. Levels of permanence and variability defines features of the individual like body shape which is relatively permanent than mental recognition or perception which could change quickly which may be internal or influenced by external factors. If modeling is a way of learning accounting for changes through time would be the next step, which is progression. In the case of suicide which has very strong negative association Kolb’s experiential learning cycle model would be helpful and may provide an expanded understanding on how groups or social networks form. This is very important as it has been shown modeling or experiencing losing someone because of suicide is a difficult phase which has proven significant as shown by Bearman and Moody, in terms of suicidal ideation or making the person who committed suicide a model figure (Bearman & Moody, 2004). Kolb identified four phases which has interesting interrelationships if taken not as phases but states of mind which is simultaneously being processed. Psychological diversity would be immense because of possibilities of dominance of each of the state of minds. Concrete experience (CE) and abstract conceptualization (AC), for example could be taken as off tangent to each other as experience could be taken as activity which is cyclical in itself but abstraction and conceptualization (AC) is progressive. Human potential may have been the same in the past 300 years but the explosion of knowledge because of science and technology what Bruner may call as powerful amplifiers. Reflective observation (RO) and active experimentation (AE) meanwhile in context of CE and AC could explain possible changes or how situations develop. To tie these all up is talking about the process cognition. As applied to understanding of the complex act of committing suicide, we see that actual experience or feeling the pressure from the environment as continuing until the final act. It is easy to understand what clinical psychologist would point out that suicidal tendencies should be seen as a form of mental illness an irrational behavior wherein the mind or the will has ceased to function. Kolb’s model is posited on the positive or rational thinking and development towards a higher plane of competence and learning as the rule or trend of human behavior. But still we could use Kolb’s and others thinking on human development as operative albeit the outcome is generally considered unacceptable. A lot of cases tends to point out there are risky social situations which may push some people into progressive stages until the act of committing suicide. For this we explore the sociological perspectives.

Muslim Press During War1857

Muslim Press during the War of Independence of 1857 and Aftermath This disintegration of Mughal Empire started after the demise of the emperor aourangzeb, to which several causes are ascribed which are at present out of out study. Form journalistic point of viuew , we should have a glance to the independence war of 1857and its effects. The struggle for the feerdom of the county began long before 1875. Including the infidelity of the Hindus and infidelity of other sections of the native inhabitants of the sub-continent. However it was fully realized that armed struggle would be futile and that the situation demanded a long political and constitutional struggle for the coveted independence. The muslime of the sub-continent also realized the facts of being a minority in the sub-continent and being left alone to their fate by the major sections of the natives, especially the Hindus. The Hindus betrayed the muslims in the independence war of 1857 outrageously, rather joined hands with the British ruling clique in order to gain illegitimate advantages over the muslims, with the ulterior motive to avenge their slavery to the muslim rule for wver one thousand years. Hthe clear visualization of these facts and realization of their lost political, social, educational, economic and cultural supremacy resulted in the origin of two-nation theory which proved the way to the creation of Pakistan. The British government marked the former rulers of Delhi as their rivals. The failure of the struggle resulted in degeneration of the Islamic society in India, politically, socially , economically and culturally. Even before the decline of the political authority of the Mughals, the decay of Indian Muslims set in. Economically not only the upper class of the muslims that suffered under the new conditions, the peasants and the weavers forming the lower class or order of Muslim society were also badly affected. The change of government and the colonial and imperialist oppressive policies effected especially the muslim society, as they were the rulers before the East India. Company. At that stage, there was a revival of Hindu feeling of antagonism against the muslim coincident with the gradual weakening of the Mughal empire. The Hindus found greater relief with the advent of the British on Indian political stage. That is why most of the important families of the Hindu society sided directly or indirectly with the English. Even long before the independence war of 1857, the Hindus enjoyed the cooperation in the field of commerce with the East India Company. After the failure of the great struggle, the muslims of the sub-continent were politically, socially, culturally, economically crushed, and they became dormant after the shock of their defeat and demoralization On the other hand the Hindus were lavished all the opporitunities of business, commerce and employments. But is should be understood that the press at that stage was u buts infancy and was very feeble to influence the general public. It was next to impossibility that the native press with its total circulation of little more than five thousand could influence that whole sub-continent. After the struggle was over the newspapers especially owned by the Muslim were represses and disappeared from the scene, immediately after the 1857 independence war was over. During the war of independence the press just sided with the cause of the freedom-fighters. The launched strenuous efforts to boost up the morale of the people, by proving the cause of the struggle as just and justified. It published the progress if the war constantly and kept. The people in touch with the latest developments. The press though feeble it was raised criticisms against. The oppressive policies and atrocities of the British. In this struggle, â€Å"Delhi Urdu Akbar† â€Å"Khulasat-ul-Akbar and Sadiq-ul-Akbar actively took part in advancing and justifying the cause of the freedom fighters. They criticized the oppressive polices of the britishers. They amply gave space to the reporting of news and editorial on the subject. There polices, writing and editorials caused alarm among the British ruling party. Muslim press’s point of view the Muslim press raised their voice against the high oppressiveness meted out to the Muslims specially. The press quoted examples of atrocities the innocent Muslims, with glaring examples of objectives obliterate the Muslims their institutions their traditions and culture. On the other hand the Anglo-Indian press issued highly provocative statements in the form of the editorials and columns the overly incit3d their co-patriots to avenge the English murders and even delved into ethnic ribaldry, by freely lavishing abuses on the natives. The Anglo- Indian press accused the native press of gaining its selfish ends and fostering sedition and racial and religious animosities. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan Journalist. A Part from the freedom of the individual Islam has emphasized the free expression of ideas more than any other religion. It was due to the force of junctures of their history. The truth of Islamic massages provided them hope and courage in all stages of human disappo9ntment, one such difficult hour in Muslim history was the aftermath of the war of freedom in 185. Its disastrous consequences drove the Muslims into total alienation depression an degradation . but the forceful massage of Islam. Apart from the exhortations of mystics, religious scholars. And such enlightened philosophers as Syed Ahmad Khan them from total collapse. The trauma of 1857 left the Muslims of the sub-continent paralyzed socially, economically and politically. Apart from the untiring efforts put up by such Muslim luminaries as Sir Syed the Muslims press also played major role in bringing the ship of Muslim destiny ashore. Sir Sayyid not only wanted to unite the Muslims to become an effective social and political force but he also wanted to equip them with education necessary to fight a political battle of their rights in future. It was for this purpose that he opened a college which acquired the statues of a university later at Aligarh. A class of conscientious Muslim leader rose up to face the situation. It was decidedly the British imperialism which had firmly clutched the sub-consent in her iron hands, against which only political and constitutional warfare was feasible. It was the Muslims who were chagrined and disappointed where for the Hindus as usually successfully contrived with the ruling party in order to again their end nefarious objectives to wreak vengeance on the Muslims their pas masters and rulers. The Britisher applied their full force and polices to crush down the of the Muslim and the past rulers form whom they snatched power and grabbed land treacherously. The British rulers were fully aware of the philosophy of â€Å"Jehad† a basic tent in Islamic teaching and dearly cherished by the Muslims. There appeared a very wide gap between the Muslims and the government; and there was no one to bridge the gap. Objectives: Sir Sayyid Ahmad khan was the person who actually laid the foundations of the press as an institution of society. He launched and sponsored† Tahzib-ul-Akhlaq† and a bilingual â€Å"scientific society Magazine† with the role a motive to teach to deliver a message and to preach . the objectives can be summarized as below. The main objective was to usher in a cultural revolution gradually in muslin Society. Secondly it was intended to re-introduce complete thinking of age-old concepts unrelated to the real spirit of Islam. By the periodicals it wais intended to interdicted journalism –cum- literature with the implicit objective to present Islam in a rational and scientific perspective and foundations , shredding away the superstitions and futile traditions and convections which have penetrated in the fold of Islamic injunctions due to age-long mingling with the Hinduism. It was intended to the Muslims to the modern thinking and modern technology , civilization and allied progressive trends as witnessed in Europe. It was intended to urge the people to wake up from their good for nothing life which shrouded them in complete darkness and ignorance and carelessness. It was prescribed to urge and mould the Muslims to learn modern sciences. These periodicals were floated to assist the Muslims to be conscious of their glorious past of Islam. The main streams of positive thinking and development on sound footings. It was positively implied to introduce a gradual but health transformation of life in accordance with the teachings of Islam. The paper and the magazines by Sir Sayyid Ahmad khan were full- fledged program of introducing a comprehensive plan for social cultural literary and educational uplift. And renaissance of muslin society in the sub-continent which has fallen in the abysmal depth of ignominy. Risala-i-Baghawat-i-Hind (The Cause Indian Revolt):- Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in his above edited risala to bridge the ever increasing gap between the rulers and the Muslims and tried to allay the weight of responsibility of the alleged mutiny which was true cause of the so-called mutiny which was not a sudden phenomena but a general accumulation of differences and grievances for the last so many years. As such the contributory factors leading to the revolt war, according to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan are the following;- The so –called munity was caused due to several wrong- doing, frustrations against the ruled. People had lost all faith in the British Rulers. From the activates of the Christian missionaries in the sub continent, the people rightly believed that the alien government was bound to meddle into the religious affairs of the people. Economically the people ascribed their ruination to the money lending classes besides rates of revenue assessments. It not only reduced them to extreme impoverishment but also shaker their allegiance and faith to the British. With the introduction of new administrative setup and structure in the sub continent besides dissolution of native durbars and disbandment of the princely armies: all factors joined together in giving rise to a widespread unemployment in the whole of the sub-continent. The British made manufactures first throttled the indigenous industri3s due to their low cost of production and choked the industries in the sub continent. The policy first accelerated the unemployment. Second Phase Of Muslim Press: In the face of Hindu prejudice and the pressure of newly emerging social and political realities, the all-India Muslim league was established on December 30, 1906. Nawab Viqar –ul-Mulk, Nawab Samiullah , of Daca, and Mazhar-ul –Haq were some of the prominent Muslim leaders who played a significant part in the formation of a Muslim political organization . which could effectively voice the grievances and demand of the Muslim community and struggle for their rectification or realization, Maulana Muhammad ali, who was also present at this session, was one of the leading daftman of the league constriction . uring the later decades, Maulana Muhammad Ali along with his brother , Maulana Shaukat ali waged a relentless struggles for the rights of the Muslims Maulana Muhammad ali’s comrade along with a few other Muslim publication became the preventative voice of Muslim interests in India . Maulana Muhammad ali , Muolana Zafar Ali khan and Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad were a trio of Muslim newsmen and struggle for freedom . Maulana Muhammad Ali and Maulana Zafar Ali khan became the advocate of a two nation theory. While Maulana azad Joind hands with the Indian national congress. Oudh Punch :- Appeared in January 12,1857 in activities of the worshippers of new light . it somehow became the organ of public opinion and user to write against the British policies harmful for the people of India . it opposed all such measures. Dawn And star India : As the urgency of bringing out a daily English newspaper form Delhi became more poignant, the Quaid desired that â€Å"the star of India â€Å"Calcutta should be shifted to Dehli but should continue its circulation there to as an evening newspaper. After detailed exchange of news between MR M. A. H isphanci and the Quaid it was deiced that weekly Dawn should be converted into a daily and the star should continue its publication from its parent place . The selection of and editor posed some problems. With the exception of Berelvi of the Bombay Chronle. A Hindu owned daily and Abdur Rahman Siddiqi of the Morning Newz Calcutta there was no first class Muslim editor of and English daily. finanyl than postman Joseph was persuaded into accepting the editorship and daily dawn became a really in 1942.

Film and fashions essays

Film and fashions essays Very often, we come across persons trying to imitate their favorite star, be it in actions or in apparels. It cannot be denied that our viewers, especially those who are conscious about their outlook in dresses, are crazy for new films. When such about persons talk among themselves, that can freely and comment on who wore what and where in which sequence of a particular film. Variety has always attracted mans attention. A new dress on the screen cannot go unnoticed. The impression sets on the minds of the fashions conscious people. Their next step is to hunt for the similar dress in boutiques and major fashion joints or visit the tailor to get dress stitched. The general appeal is that what looked gaudy and attractive on the screen will surely look good on them. Mind it! It is not necessary that they look as appealing as the star wearing that dress. If we watched our old times movies we can notice that fashions repeat to a certain extent with a little alternation here and there. Te comes a time when a tradition outfit gets the importance of being la mode. Even hairstyles are not left behind. Our stars are trendsetters, and all the fans are the followers. Like films, fashions have no set rules. Take any new film, the directors or the producers concept is new. Wear anything different to set spark a blaze and thats fashion! The world of films and fashions are so interlinked that it is not possible to say that they do not influence each other. Fashions from the West are put forth in our Indian films and the attractive and the attentive viewers create the wave. Here fashions influence the dress designers will to make his star wear a particular dress. Film makers need fashions up-to-date to give audience a variety to select from and the fashion makers look forward to the films to give them new ideas. Thus, films and fashions are inter-dependent. It is maze that has neither the beginning n ...

Sales and Selling Prestige Watch Omega Watch Hong Kong Essays

Sales and Selling Prestige Watch Omega Watch Hong Kong Essays Sales and Selling Prestige Watch Omega Watch Hong Kong Paper Sales and Selling Prestige Watch Omega Watch Hong Kong Paper Sales and selling strategy analysis: Prestige Watch – Omega Watch Hong Kong Introduction Over the past decades, wearing prestige watch has been a sign of being successful and wealthy, together with wearing jewelries and riding luxury vehicles. Omega watch, being one of the most representative prestige watch brands under the world’s top watch manufacturing group, Swatch Group, this article discussed the current sales approaches, forces and difficulties. It concluded with appropriate actions and future direction in selling for the company. Industry Overview Direct selling is dominated sales strategy for Prestige Watch industry with distributions in their own brand retailers, watch shops, or watch and jewelries exhibitions. Customers buying luxury watches looking at overall value represented by the product, include durability, design, functionality, uniqueness and most importantly, the image that represented. The product is tangible but it is very difficult to measure as there are various factors and most of them are very subjective and personal. Therefore, selling of luxury watches are usually delivered face to face directly between salespeople and customer. Customers and distributors usually visit retail shops or product expos or relevant exhibitions to choose. Sometimes, salespeople will visit customers with selected products, usually for privileged or customers with more buying records. On the other hand, indirect sells such as internet or phone selling is not very likely to happen in prestige watch industry. Marketing communication plays an important role in building and maintaining stakeholder relationships, where retaining of customer relationship is the main focus of companies having a relationship marketing orientation. In the prestige watch industry, is only moderately relationship marketing oriented. The industry is very concerned in quality and customer commitment, however, its majority is not focused on account based selling to customize and fulfill customer’s need on individual basis. Salespeople usually provide response towards customer’s request, whilst, seldom contact customers proactively without any request. Due to economical changes, there’s a very steady upscale of sales in the industry over the past decades. The global economical problem of 2 extremes riches and poor has revealed the fact that there are more rich men globally and the demand of luxury watches has climbing up over the past years. In the single year of 2006, Swatch group has recorded an increase of gross sale by +12. 3% from the previous year to 5. 050 billion Swiss francs, net profit by +33. 7% to CHF 830 million. Behavioral factor changes also drive future changes in the sales practices. Among the rich people, there is a change in the age structure that there are more young millionaires. Successful of young IT professionals and financial analysts could be sources of those young riches. As observed by director of watch distributor, Mr Ying, the average age of customers has dropped from 50 to 35 over the past decade. Current luxury watches buyers, especially those young professionals, are often more well educated and have a stronger knowledge in wealth management. All these forces and changes will be illustrated in more details in following sections. The Company and Selling Strategy Omega was founded at La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland in 1848 by Louis Brandt. With its first series-produced calibers in 1894, Omega has paved the way of its marketing success being one of the most prestigious brands under Swatch Group, the top watch producer in the world. Omega watch is a typical prestige brand that may not listed as one of the top 10 luxury watches, but the brand is very well known especially for its achievement of being the first watch wear by first astronaut landed on the moon. As there are different sales approaches adapted and forces faced in different markets, we focus on Omega Watches Hong Kong for a more in-depth analysis here. The selling strategy of Omega lined up with others in the industry. Focus stayed in direct selling to customers through retailer shops, distributors or B2B / B2C exhibitions. Sales are usually retail salesperson type, or â€Å"Inside order-taker†, they stay in the shops or booth and make the transactions by providing retail services. Sometimes there are delivery salesperson those will deliver product to customer mainly for privileged customers. Being a brand selling luxury product, Omega has retained customer relationship through member registration with every customer. Decently printed product catalogues and company news were sent to members regularly. In addition to customer walk-in, the company also creates opportunities for sales to seek for new business. For example, members were also invited to join exhibitions or even cocktail parties and events on company’s important days, such as grand opening of new branch. Salespeople dominate in these events to resolve customers’ questions or introduce new goods to potential customers. Company Relationship Marketing Position As a seller of high value precious products, a good customer relationship lead to success of business and relationship marketing model is suitable for the company. However, currently Omega is not a heading relationship marketing company in the industry. Omega has maintained customer relationship through membership and personal contact to privileged customers. Currently, the bonding between sales and members are not very strong as they have little direct contacts. The table below illustrated key issues in relationship marketing orientation and where Omega has positioned in the industry. Extent in Relationship Marketing Orientation |Relationship Marketing |Prestige Watch industry average |Omega Watch company | |Focus |Customer retention rather |Concerned |Not very successful except to a few | | |than single sales | |privileged customers | |Orientation |On customer value rather |Both |Both | | |than product features | | | |Timescale |Long |Short |Short | |Customer service |High |High | High | |emphasis | | | | |customer commitment|High |High |High | |customer contact |High |Medium |Less | |Quality concern |First of all |First of all |First of all | Source: Adapted from Cranfield School of Management, â€Å"Marketing Management: A Relationship marketing Perspective†, Palgrave 2000, page 19 There are rooms of improvement for Omega to retain a better customer relationship. Competitive Advantage Having positioned as a prestige watch with mature skill and technology, the selling approaches developed by Omega has performed in line with the company marketing and production divisions. Marketed for customers in top tier, salespeople are trained to possess knowledge in their product and technology, with a high service level. There is regular management training to receive knowledge in latest technology used in new products from production division. They have to make sure that all salesperson has received the same necessary knowledge. Strengths for selling of the company include the very well back from its history, a very well known brand name was built since has introduced â€Å"moon watch† wear by the first astronaut landed on the moon, until its latest sponsorship of Olympic 2008. The company has already creating opportunities through its launch of jewelries in 2006, that widen coverage of product mix and supplements sales of watches. Besides, they have retained a comprehensive list of customers those could be used for future promotions. Though, weaknesses come from the relatively lower resell price and positioning of the brand remains in a high but not the top level for years. There maybe threats to the company, if there is no breakthrough of the brand, it will be a problem in selling to younger customer segments while it might be perceived as an â€Å"old brand† that remains in middle level of top watches. SWOT Analysis Strength |Weakness | |Good brand name |Reselling price | |Marketing sponsor of Olympic 2008 |Positioning | |Opportunities |Threats | |New jewellery line |Old brand name out dated in fast changing market | |Member list |New brands | | | | Forces and Problems Various forces exert from behavioral, technological and financial points of views driving changes in sales practices in the company. Behaviorally, as buying of prestige watch has become an investment for some of the buyers, which is very important to retain the resell value. Salespeople should be trained to retain condition of watches. Market knowledge, especially resell value of the product segment should be well equipped and updated among salespeople. Technological changes include advanced industrial technology and information technology has both driving changes towards the company. Technology change more frequent advanced skills in material or timepiece mechanical details. For example, Omega unveiled its new Calibres 8500 and 8501, two co-axial movements created exclusively from inception by Omega in Jan 2007. Also, information technology has speed up and improved accuracy of information exchange. Financially, there are more younger and educated customers for prestige watches and Omega. Therefore, on top of original matured and experienced salespeople, there should be younger workforce, with higher education background and more service based mind. Also, due to the develop of Chinese’s economy in latest years, there are more Chinese buyer looking for luxury watches in Hong Kong as there is guaranteed quality control. Major Forces driving changes in Sales Practice of the Company |Behavioral |Technological | |Higher education |Frequent technology change in parts and skills of watch | |Higher wealth management sense |manufacturing | |Rising customer expectations |Fast information xchange | |Globalization of markets |Salesforce automation / Electronic sales channels | |Managerial |Financial and Economy | |Changing to direct marketing alternatives |Increased number of young millionaires | |Blending of sales and marketing |More Chinese tourist buyers | |Increasing professionalism of salespeople and sales managers | | Future and Direction Due to changes in environment, there are some changes in sales practices and strategy as mentioned in previous section. Internally, there should be more salespeople training to adapt latest technology, product design and even stock levels. More young and high-educated sales staff should be employed to attract young professional customers. As Omega has just joined jewelry market, salespeople often possess professional experiences and knowledge in watches but lack of comprehensive knowledge in jewelry. Externally, to maximize effect of retention of customer relationship, Omega should make a use of the existing registered customer records. The salespeople should create more direct contact opportunities to their customers or registered member. For example, Omega may introduce watches and jewelry rentals to their registered members, especially for important occasions such as wedding and business parties. The rental could limit for registered or invited customer only so to retain the prestige image of the brand. Insurance should be applied upon rental to ensure safety of company revenue upon any damage or loss. To attract and retain more Chinese buyers, salespeople should also be well quipped with Mandarin and cultural knowledge to interact with Chinese customers. Most importantly, Omega should breakthrough itself and looks for a better position in the industry. One of the solutions could be releases of a new signature product with very luxury design and materials such that the brands image could be clarified better positioned as one of the top brands. Salespeople should have well equipped knowledge and build strong associate with privileged customers for further company developments. References: 1. Omega website omegawatches. com/ 2. Swatch group website swatchgroup. com/company/company. php? withflash=enabled 3. Wikipedia http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Omega_SA

8 Authors Who Wrote Under A Pseudonym Infographics

8 Authors Who Wrote Under A Pseudonym Infographics 8 Authors Who Wrote Under A Pseudonym We All Know their Names! You are for sure at least heard of the names back when studying at school or  college. You could not have missed the names of these authors and definitely mentioned them when your were pondering on  how should I  write my essay  for English or literature classes. The names of the authors gain even more  popularity when their books are turned into motion picture. We are sure you will be surprised to find out the true names of the authors you know very well!

Market Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Market Strategy - Essay Example Hence, while opting for a large scale expansion in China, the company was quiet confident that its traditional organizational structure comprising of well laid out stores backed by time tested retailing concepts and culture would work well in China (Pogoda, 1994). However, Wal-Mart soon realized that the Chinese customers required different sort of merchandize and goods. Therefore, to understand the local markets, the company decided to get actively involved with the local communities and started opting for local suppliers (Taylor, 2009). This strategy of retaining the traditional organizational structure, with localized procurement worked wonders for Wal-Mart in China. Just like Wal-Mart, when McDonalds decided to go global in the 90s, the company was confident that its well-calibrated organizational approach of offering franchises at the local level would work well in the foreign markets also. Luckily, for McDonalds, the things worked well as was expected and its brand of fast food soon became a rage in the New Markets in Asia, Latin America and Africa. However, this does not mean that McDonalds simply transplanted it US based organizational structure in the foreign markets. The company was well aware that food is always about flavors, which differ from place to place and people to people. Therefore, the company not only adapted its distribution strategies and packaging as per the local preferences, but also customized its products to suit the local tastes. For example, McDonalds offers Halal fast food in the Gulf and beer in Germany (McDonalds, 2005). From the very start, Skype succeeded in establishing itself as the most popular voice communication service around the world. The company conducted its business through it internet portal. However, it was not long that Skype realized that the emerging new trends and developments in the digital technology would make it literally obsolete, if it fails to customize and adapt to the novel digital

The Violence currently facing Colombia's dispossessed Essay

The Violence currently facing Colombia's dispossessed - Essay Example Thousands of people have lost their lives and millions are being put out of place. Large number of ingenious people, Afro-Columbians and farmers were forced to leave their relatives and native lands because of violence. Growing conflicts and calamities among the armed forces and guerrilla groups changed the land into dispossessed status and it indicates that the country could soon experience a revolution such as one impacting Mexico during 1910s. Studies and researches have recognized that the underlying cause of this crisis is related with U.S policies which promote the killing of millions of common people in Columbia. News reports about the dispossessed reveals the story that thousands of Columbians were relocated by years of war and state-backed terrorism. Analyzing the history, one can see that existing policies of the United States paved the way for a revolution. Therefore, one feel comfort to agree the statement that â€Å"The violence currently facing Colombia’s  "dispossessed† is indicative that the country could soon experience a revolution such as the one impacting Mexico during the 1910s†.The root cause of the crisis in Columbia lie its weak state, a divided ruling class, and two party political system which strictly prevented any kind of participation or voice from the common people. Periodic party competition between the Liberals and Conservatives led the country to armed conflicts. Things became worst, when the Liberal government passed measures for protecting social security and workers’ right of the same kind to Roosevelt’s New Deal. The emerging of Second World War collapsed reforms activities and President Alfonzo Lopez Pumarejo forced to face strong opposition from inside and the outside of his party. The assassination of Jorge Eliecr Gaitan, the leader of rebels paved the way for unending violence and conflicts. In 1986 election, fighting armed forces and guerillas faced general election as the result o f Government’s invitation. But after the election government and the armed Right go back on their promises. The election procedures false down and more than 3000 people were murdered. All armed forces came back to their own previous status, especially the guerillas returned to the hills and took arms. Existing armed conflicts and outrage violence in Columbia, indicates the emergence of a revolution. The book entitled, The dispossessed: chronicles of the Desterrados of Colombia by Alfredo Molano describes the conflicts took place in Columbia .Author clearly mentions about the U.S policies and its political supports towards the Columbian government indirectly acts as a catalyst in the process of spreading violence. From the very beginning, Alfredo Molano reveals the cause and effects of current war between military force and the guerillas. Author explores the real cause of conflict by saying; â€Å"Neoliberal policies forcing competition between small Columbian farmers and int ernational agribusiness drove more than five million farmers off their lands in the 1990s† (Molano, 2005, p.21). The arriving of the drug cartels and the paramilitaries in to the warfront changed the nation in to a land of political anarchism. Conflicts between the international agribusiness groups and small Columbian farmers promoted economic stagnation and food problem all over the country. As a result of political, ideological, and military polarizations guerilla

MOVIE ANALYSIS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

MOVIE ANALYSIS - Essay Example rrios in Los Angeles, US where football was not given much importance hence, he felt that his dream to be a professional footballer would not be fulfilled and will remain a dream. Even his father felt that it will be an impossible task for him to become a professional footballer and hence, forced him to join the gardening business. With the turn of events, Glen Foy, an ex-footballer an a well wisher of Santiago manages to convince the Newcastle boss to watch Santiago’s play and give him a chance to play for the Newcastle team in England. The boss of Newcastle liked Santiago’s play and they wanted him to go to England to join the club but Santiago did not have the sufficient fund to go to England. His father had stolen his hidden fund to invest in his gardening business, but Santiago’s grandmother arranged the fund by selling off some of her jewelry. He had few initial failures in joining the club but eventually, joins the club but for that he had to hide the fact that he had asthma from the club officials. The asthma problem led him to lot of trouble and even his performance became poor. He was dropped from the club but with support of one of his teammates he regained his position in the club. He practiced very hard and finally got the chance to play for the team in a match against Fulham owing to the injuries of many key players. He utilized the opportunity and scored a goal from a penalty, which finally led Newcastle to win the match. His performance was watched by his father back home in US, who felt very proud about his son’s success. But unfortunately, Santiago’s father died of heart attack just before the important final match of Newcastle against Liverpool. This incident completely demoralized Santiago but he decided to stay back so that he can play in that match. Roz Harmison, who was the nurse of the club also became Santiago’s girlfriend, informed him that his friend Jamie had tore a ligament, and will never be able to play football anymore.

Corporate Fundraising Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Corporate Fundraising - Essay Example The Relevant Laws Green Coffee Company Limited a Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance certified company, thus it has earned a significant extent of goodwill over the years (Rainforest Alliance 2013). In this regard, issue offer (sec 706), sale offer (sec 707) of securities need to be disclosed. In case of right issue, disclosures are not necessary (sec 708AA), apart from the disclosures on sale offer under section 707, there are certain sale offer which do not need discloses (sec 708A). Corporations Act 2001 prohibits the organisation which raises funds to execute its endeavour without the proper disclosures of the documents (Section 727) (AustLII n.d.). If an organisation offers 20 issues in 1 year then the publicity and the advertisements for issues will be restricted fir them. Prospectus issued by the company, in this case Green Coffee Company Ltd, will be a very important document relating to investments. Prospectus protects the investors by educating them regarding the investment proposals. Australian Accounting Standards Board continuously closely observes the work of the capital markets and makes amendments on the rules prevailing in the countries whenever necessary. On the other hand, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) works as a legislator and regulator. With regard to fundraising, Green Coffee Company Ltd needs to disclose various kinds of documents (sec 705). In case of full disclosure made in prospectus, a company needs to include the terms like content (sec710, sec 711, sec 713), procedure (sec 717), liability (sec 728 and sec 729) and defences (sec 731, sec 733); sort form of prospectus only needs to disclose its content (sec 712) (Thomson Playford 2006). Certain other kind of documents includes profile statement (sec 721) and offer information statement (sec 709). Details are given in the website of Commonwealth Consolidated Acts namely â€Å"www.austlii.edu.au†. Disclosures are not necessary when $10 million (includes t he received amount at past) or less is the targeted amount (ASIC 2012). Application of the Law Green Coffee Company Ltd. desires to expand its business in Vietnam. Investment in foreign country involves a substantial proportion of capital expenditure. Capital formation of an organisation includes debt financing and equity financing, which constitute capital structures of the firm. An optimum capital structure provides the firm better results. It is a registered company, for this reason it has to carry out its fundraising activities in consideration with the Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). As it is a public limited company so it has the opportunities to raise funds from the country which helps this organisation in terms of its expansion program. Before the distribution of the prospectus in the market, Green Coffee Company Ltd. has to ensure that it is providing its financial data which are correct from all the ends. The company also needs to evaluate the future earning potentials of the firm in respect of Vietnam. Vietnam’s guidance for the operations needs to be scrutinised. Forecasting techniques for cash inflows and outflows has to be compared. Owing to the reason that Chapter 6D deals with the fundraising activities, thus at the time the preparation of prospectus certain aspects need to be take into

Introduction to People, Organisations and Management Assignment

Introduction to People, Organisations and Management - Assignment Example Numerous theorists of personality describe personality in different ways that reflects their relevant hypothetical inclinations. Personality is complex parameter that intrigues society as people try to explain the behaviour and conduct of others (Hogan & Roberts, 2001, 30-34). The same stratagems are experienced by psychologists in their endeavour to underscore the essence of personality. However, perhaps the most significant difference between lay men and psychologist is the fact that people often concentrate on individuals in their quest to understand personality while psychologists nevertheless employ formations of personality that are applicable to all. Additionally, the study of personality entails the evaluation of the manner in which traits of personality grow. The theory of personality in the work place underscores the significance of human personality in workplace behaviour whereby the behaviour of people at the work place is guided by their personalities. It is conceived fr om an understanding the workplaces are just social avenues in which individuals interact and share experiences, therefore much of what transpires in the workplaces regarding human relations and social behaviour stems from the distinct human personality. On a broad perspective, the hypothesis signifies the impossibility of understanding human behaviour in work places without the consideration of personality. Generally, personality is a function of models of thought, emotion and conduct which portray people as unique. Furthermore, personality emanates from within a person and is regular all over life (Larsen & Buss, 2008, 99-105). Components of personality comprise of; regularity, physical and psychological, impact on behaviour and conduct and multiple manifestation. Regularity denotes that aspect of consistency whereby an individual’s personality is often perceived through numerous events and that such conduct remains regular in diverse situations. Consequently, personality af fects physical and psychological parameters of an individual though it could also be determined by biological requirements and courses. Personality has a dynamic effect on behaviour and in most cases an individual’s personality determine their behaviour. Finally, personality manifests through different situations in which certain mannerisms remain consistent, one event or situation is not sufficient to determine personality. There are several components of personality that indicate personality and its influence to a person in different avenues of life. In fact, the components are crucial in understanding the concept of personality in detail because they expose the characteristics that signify personality. Personality is inherently relevant in understanding behaviour in the workplace because an individual’s conduct at the work place is greatly influenced by personality factors. The concept of workplace personality underscores the distinct set of behaviours and character of an employee at the work place, which have a lot to do with personal inclinations and orientations. As a result, personality is very significant in comprehending human behaviour at the workplace. Basically, all human behaviour is a function of personality since personality is the basis of character and conduct. On a broad view, workplace behaviour is a

Corporate Fundraising Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Corporate Fundraising - Essay Example The Relevant Laws Green Coffee Company Limited a Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance certified company, thus it has earned a significant extent of goodwill over the years (Rainforest Alliance 2013). In this regard, issue offer (sec 706), sale offer (sec 707) of securities need to be disclosed. In case of right issue, disclosures are not necessary (sec 708AA), apart from the disclosures on sale offer under section 707, there are certain sale offer which do not need discloses (sec 708A). Corporations Act 2001 prohibits the organisation which raises funds to execute its endeavour without the proper disclosures of the documents (Section 727) (AustLII n.d.). If an organisation offers 20 issues in 1 year then the publicity and the advertisements for issues will be restricted fir them. Prospectus issued by the company, in this case Green Coffee Company Ltd, will be a very important document relating to investments. Prospectus protects the investors by educating them regarding the investment proposals. Australian Accounting Standards Board continuously closely observes the work of the capital markets and makes amendments on the rules prevailing in the countries whenever necessary. On the other hand, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) works as a legislator and regulator. With regard to fundraising, Green Coffee Company Ltd needs to disclose various kinds of documents (sec 705). In case of full disclosure made in prospectus, a company needs to include the terms like content (sec710, sec 711, sec 713), procedure (sec 717), liability (sec 728 and sec 729) and defences (sec 731, sec 733); sort form of prospectus only needs to disclose its content (sec 712) (Thomson Playford 2006). Certain other kind of documents includes profile statement (sec 721) and offer information statement (sec 709). Details are given in the website of Commonwealth Consolidated Acts namely â€Å"www.austlii.edu.au†. Disclosures are not necessary when $10 million (includes t he received amount at past) or less is the targeted amount (ASIC 2012). Application of the Law Green Coffee Company Ltd. desires to expand its business in Vietnam. Investment in foreign country involves a substantial proportion of capital expenditure. Capital formation of an organisation includes debt financing and equity financing, which constitute capital structures of the firm. An optimum capital structure provides the firm better results. It is a registered company, for this reason it has to carry out its fundraising activities in consideration with the Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). As it is a public limited company so it has the opportunities to raise funds from the country which helps this organisation in terms of its expansion program. Before the distribution of the prospectus in the market, Green Coffee Company Ltd. has to ensure that it is providing its financial data which are correct from all the ends. The company also needs to evaluate the future earning potentials of the firm in respect of Vietnam. Vietnam’s guidance for the operations needs to be scrutinised. Forecasting techniques for cash inflows and outflows has to be compared. Owing to the reason that Chapter 6D deals with the fundraising activities, thus at the time the preparation of prospectus certain aspects need to be take into

Smoking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 7

Smoking - Essay Example This article and all the insights presented in the text play an important role in explaining trends in smoking both within and outside the U.A.E region. The article observes the developments and transformations that have been triggered by Midwakh, an Arabic traditional pipe. These developments encompass cigars and shisha. The consideration of smoking patterns, trends, and practices from elsewhere around the globe makes this text credible for research purposes. It compares smoking in the U.A.E with the rest of the world. Finally, the information presented in the article is relevant to the final paper topic of discussion. The essence of research in the final paper is to capture significant aspects that shed light on smoking practices in the U.A.E. this text captures both men and women, and further highlights demographic factors that enhance the completeness of the final paper. In this respect, the ultimate plan is to use this article to understand the dynamics of smoking within and across the U.A.E. Al-Houqani Mohammed, Raghib Ali, and Cother Hajat. â€Å"Tobacco Smoking Using Midwakh Is an Emerging Health Problem-Evidence from a Large Cross-Sectional Survey in the United Arab Emirates.† PLOS One, 7.6.

Power Balance Bands Conclusion Essay Example for Free

Power Balance Bands Conclusion Essay The purpose of this experiment was to once and for all answer the question, â€Å"do the Power Balance Bands truly have an effect on a person’s balance strength and flexibility or is the whole thing a scam? † The company claims that the these bracelets have a hologram in it and when the hologram comes in contact with your body’s energy field, it allows your body to interact with the natural, beneficial frequency stored within the hologram, resulting in improved energy flow throughout your body. But is this true? The original claim for this experiment was that if people are wearing the power balance band while participating in various balance, strength, and flexibility tests then the band will in fact not have any effect on the persons balance, strength, or flexibility. The data showed a very small difference between the performance of the â€Å"fake† and â€Å"real† Power Balance Bands. All three tests showed no more than a . 3% difference between the means for both bands. This experiment was essentially an experiment testing the placebo effect on the use of the Power Balance Bracelet. The placebo effect is the measurable, observable, or felt improvement in health or behavior not attributable to a medication or invasive treatment that has been administered. The goal was to convince people the â€Å"original† Power Balance band actually worked, and that the â€Å"fake† one didn’t. My results showed little to no change in performance regardless of which band the student was wearing. This observation confirmed my hypothesis that neither band would have any affect on a person’s performance. The systematic error in this experiment was that I was not able to test 50 tests subject, I was only able to test 36 which luckily still allowed me to get accurate results. The Random error in this experiment was that it was difficult to measure the improvement, or digression of the participants, for both the Balance Test and the Strength Test. The only recorded limitation for this experiment was the fact that while performing the Balance and Strength Test if each participant made to 10 seconds while balancing they were stopped and had their abilities observed and recorded. The generalizability of the results can apply to all humans however; this experiment is exclusive in that it cannot be generalized for all other objects, insects, or animals. For future directions I would increase the sample size, and also change the tests so that they can be measured by something other than time.

Meeting Energy Demands of the Growing Population

Meeting Energy Demands of the Growing Population Literature review Nowadays, an important factor for economic and social development is energy sufficiency. Energy is the fuel of growth. Scientists predictions show that by the year 2050, energy demand will increase significantly due to the fact of the increasing population of the earth and that more buildings are going to be constructed. (Ref: Facts and trends, energy and climate, world business). A lot of predictions are published about how fast the population, the economy and the energy consumption of the world will increase in the years and decades to come. In reference to the matter of growth, development and energy demand, most of the predictions were wrongly made. Most predictions are reciprocally dependant on each other, and each one relies on many other factors. However, the only prediction that can be securely made is for the population and that the growth will be larger in the less development countries than the developed countries. (UNITED NATIONS) Developed countries are managing to improve the living conditions and decrease the death rates, but at the same time the birth rates have been decreasing at about the same rate over the last century. By this way the population growth is around 0.4% per year, in the industrialized world. On the other hand, less developed countries are managing their development and as a result have increased birth rates and decreased death rates. Consequently, their average population growth has increased from about 1% per year, from fifty years ago to about 2.1% per year today. At the moment, the worlds population is increasing at an annual rate of 1,7%, whereas the population in developed countries is around 1,2 billion (25% of the total) and in less developed countries is around 4 billion (75% of total world population). (United Nations) Population increases are directly connected with the energy demand and the building sector. It is therefore essential to develop new energy technologies on a massive scale for everyone to be able to survive on this planet. Ordinary buildings are unable to contribute to these essential needs, and cover the gush of the energy demand which is going to follow over the next decade. Energy use and climate impacts Power plants use fossil fuels for their energy productions and therefore this way cover the energy demands of the people. As a consequence though, from the burning of the fossil fuels, green house gases are produced and emitted into the atmosphere. As mentioned in the introduction, these anthropogenic activities have a significant contribution to the green house effect and the climate changes. Generally, in reference to the climate changes issues, scientists opinions are split into two. On the one hand, it is believed that the changes are part of the earths life and it is something normal which has been accelerated by our human activities and there is a possibility to stabilize the climate changes. On the other hand, it is believed that these changes are not normal and are going to make the world uninhabitable. For this reason, fast and immediate actions should be taken by all countries, targeting to reduce the energy demands and green house gases. It is almost definite that any of these actions will have a deep impact on the economy of each country. Many people believe that energy saving, means diminishing the current quality of living and reducing economy activity. In addition, economists believe that without economic growth, investments on technology will be reduced as it will difficult to confront climate changes. On the other hand, scientists argue that technological development is the key to the solution in reference to the climate changes problem. The truth is that, any solution in reference to climate changes will need an effort from everyone and investments on technological research and development, giving us this way a chance for a better future! IPCCs fourth assessment report further concluded that the building sector is not only the largest potential for significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also that this potential is relatively independent of the cost per ton of CO2 eqv. achieved. With proven and commercially available technologies, the energy consumption in both new and old buildings can be cut by an estimated 30-50 percent without significantly increasing investment costs. Energy savings can be achieved through a range of measures including smart design, improved insulation, low-energy appliances, high efficiency ventilation and heating/cooling systems, and conservation behaviour from the buildings users. (Reference- IPCCs fourth assessment report) Summarising the above it is obvious that the population growth, economic development, human habits, way of living and environmental restrictions influence the energy demand around the world. Scientists and in general, the governments who are trying to give solutions to the big problem of the growing energy demands and its consequences, have to take into account all of these factors. Reshaping the energy future It is necessary for all countries to reshape the future of energy, as all scientific researches show. The actual word reshape, includes new innovation technologies and sources which are going to contribute to the energy needs of the world. It is necessary to find new paths which are further environmental friendly and will permit a better future. A lower carbon world is feasible in the next decade even during the next few years, if all countries can realize that significant changes that should be done. This especially applies to the developed countries as they have to reconsider and find a link between the quality of life and their energy consumption. It is necessary for everyone to understand that a high standard of living does not demand a high consumption of energy and to adapt to the new energy sources. The good news is that small changes in the energy scenery are now visible as many have started to be influenced. For example, the raised use of gas, the use of renewable energy on buildings, everyday life and high efficiency cars are some of the small steps that have been offered to people due to technological development. As figure three shows, the IPCC scenarios (A1B-AIM and B2-AIM) were based on the new technological achievements in the energy sector. It is definite that this evolution is not enough for our earths climate but the two scenarios predict a possible CO2 stabilization. Finally, efforts to create an energy efficient world are starting, in reference to low carbon technologies and effective measures. (Reference-world business facts and trends on climate change) As stated in the report of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) a lower carbon world would require a marked shift in the energy/development relationship, such as similar development levels to be achieved with an average of 30% less energy use. Both energy conservation through behavioural changes and energy efficiency via technology plays a role. Such a trend is a feature of the IPCC B1 storyline, which sees a future with a globally coherent approach to sustainable development. It describes a fast-changing and convergent world toward a service and information economy, with reductions in material intensity and the introduction of clean and resource efficient technologies. The scenario leads to relatively low GHG emissions, even without explicit interventions to manage climate change.'(Reference Energy and climate change, world business) A Sustainable World Energy Perspective An important key to the worlds energy problem is sustainable development. Sustainability includes the economic and technological development, which respect and protect the environment. Searching literature for an exact definition of sustainable development, guided us to the The Brundtland Report of the UN World Commission on Environment and Development. In this report a definition of sustainable development, is given: Humanity has the ability to make development sustainable – to ensure that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs However it is difficult to find exact definitions which represent the sustainable development accurately, due to the fact that it is an idea which involves too many parameters. (Reference Engineering_for_Sustainable_Development) It is amazing to see how the sustainable development concept, stays on important issues of discussion even with the passing of tweedy years from the Brundtland report. In this concept, development faces three important paths: the economic, the social and the environmental (figure 4). If governments want to meet these targets it is necessary to carry out innovative technologies and a socio-economic approach. Nevertheless, sustainable development is not the only problem and therefore it is always important to consider the three major paths. Protection of the environment, economic success and improvement of social conditions, will be the achievements of a flourishing sustainable development. These three paths are linked together for a sustainable development and their integration must be equal without any compromises. The goal of sustainable development is, to point out the importance of the environment to the public who are now alive and for the coming generations. It is important for everyone to understand that our existence depends on the global environment and every decision of this generation is going to affect the lives of our future generations. Thus for this goal to be achievable, it is necessary to take measures for low green house emissions, use renewable sources and improve the energy consumption of our current lives. Governments and engineers are searching for the best way to come within reach of this goal as it is very difficult for developed and developing countries to achieve it. Presently, the building sectors involvement is essential because of its deep impact on energy consumption, its significant emissions and its use of huge natural sources. The buildings that currently exist will continue to exist, for more than 30 years and therefore this influences the lives of future generations. A sustainable approach of this sector is necessary due to its rapid growth. The new approach for the buildings sector will include buildings which will need less energy to operate, produce low carbon emissions, use environmental friendly materials and produce their own energy from renewable sources. It is almost definite that the sustainable green development of the building sector will help countries accomplish the targets of the Kyoto Protocol, whilst also guarantee at the same time, the future for coming generations. Evolution of the buildings and the opportunity for change. As believed by many, buildings are our third skin and this plays an important role for humans to survive. From the beginning of human history, humans always aimed to try and protect themselves from all weather conditions and all changes, developing due to this, different kinds of shelters. Over the years, humans adapted and managed to survive all the different changes that have happened on earth. The question now, is what will happen whilst we are facing the rapid climate changes and what will be the future consequences? Hundreds of thousands year ago, people moved from place to place and tried to create the best conditions to live in. Depending on the place, whether hot or cold, humans developed different kind of shelters to protect themselves from the heat of the sun in the deserts, or the cold of the northern climates. Studies of these people movements over the years, shows us a big variety of shelters and developments of different ways in order to face the climate conditions. Other factors, which determine the humans survival techniques in extreme conditions from the past, like the lower attitude of the Arctic Circle, were the design of the buildings, the quality of clothes and the behavioural adaptations, like changing posture, activity level sand choosing the most comfortable space to occupy, by moving around rooms and buildings and landscapes; and then of course the use of energy from the burning of fossil fuels or the careful use of stored energy in heat or cold stores. (Adapting building cities for climate change) Another extraordinary point from past decades is the energy issue. People mainly used coal, wood and water to provide themselves with enough energy, whether in a passive or active manner and covered in this way, their need for heating or cooling. By taking advantage of the natural and available energy resources, humans managed to develop houses which were ready for all extreme weather conditions. All these extreme weather conditions made humans innovate new approaches for buildings, and provide them with a more comfortable life. An interesting approach of surviving all the climate changes is to move to different areas at the respective time of the year, which is when they are comfortable, and to leave them again when they are not – to migrate. (Adapting building cities for climate change) This approach is an impossible one to apply, in the modern way of life and the new cities. Nevertheless what could be extracted from the past is the expertise of the ancient people and the way they faced the climate changes. In our day and age, engineers and scientists use the knowledge from the past whilst at the same time search for new innovative approaches for the buildings. The evolution of the buildings sector involves the innovation of new technologies whilst the same time, protecting the environment and its natural sources. It is not just a matter of how to build or what to build but it is also a matter to make the buildings adaptable to the new challenges of the climate changes and energy efficient. This evolution is directly connected with the world surviving because buildings are part of the global environment which at the moment is in danger. As written in the book titled Adapting Buildings and Cities for Climate Change the risk of not surviving in a particular building type and region will be largely dependent on the nature of that building and on how much the climate changes. Both are crucial in the challenge of designing buildings today in which people can be comfortable in 50 years time. At the point where the evolution of the building sectors began, there are great opportunities to change the current negative predictions of the climate changes. Significant reductions on energy consumption, better design, adequate technology and appropriate behaviours are some of the keys points which could accomplish the transformation of the buildings sector (figure 7). This transformation needs the participation and contribution from the businesses, the markets, the politicians and engineers. All together, they must act right away because the use of renewable sources is slowly growing and the energy demand is rapidly increasing, setting this way, tight deadlines in order to transform the sector. As it is mentioned in the Energy Efficiency, Buildings report and the IPPC 4th Assessment report, Residential and commercial buildings, action is essential as part of the worlds response to climate change because energy use in buildings is 30-40% of final energy consumption and carbon diox ide emissions in most countries. (Reference- Energy Efficiency in the Buildings report and the IPPC 4th Assessment report, Residential and commercial buildings) There are many opportunities to transform the buildings sector into the new era, as well as being feasible and applicable for old and new buildings. Significant energy reductions can be achieved by using new technologies, e.g. energy efficiency appliances, low consumption cooling systems etc, use of renewable sources, better design and operation and use of environmental friendly materials. Using these methods it will be possible to reduce the energy demand of up to two-thirds. Low-energy buildings must become the norm rather than the novelty project. (Reference- Energy Efficiency in the Buildings report) Beyond the opportunities given to change the buildings sector and stabilize the climate changes, this transformation will additionally contribute to the economy growth by giving new opportunities for jobs and businesses. (Reference- Energy Efficiency in the Buildings report)As already mentioned, the transformation will only succeed in the case where, building energy becomes a high priority to the governments and businesses leaderships, whilst cooperation between engineers, businesses and authorities is also established in reference to this issue.( Reference- Energy Efficiency in the Buildings report) Buildings types: characteristics and profiles Around the world, a vast variety of different types of buildings can be found, and each different type covers multiple and different needs. It is therefore essential at this point, to present the different types of buildings, as this report will focus on the buildings sector and the energy demands. Despite the fact that in the literature review, it is possible to find a plethora of terminology of the building types, nevertheless the general idea of this separation, of the buildings into categories is the same. Usually the separation of the buildings is a result of its use. It is very important to additionally mention at this point, that in most countries, many of the buildings were built before any energy regulation and these buildings will be around for at least the next 40 years. As figure 8 shows, in Europe, 50% of the buildings were built before 1975. Residential Buildings Residential buildings are commonly found all over the world. However, big and small differences can be found in all of them depending on the climate varieties of each country. For example, in hot climates the important need is for cooling and keeping the temperatures comfortable all over the house. This is achieved by the use of control systems, high insulation materials, shading systems and double or triple glazing. Additionally, this way, the energy demands and cost stays under control. In addition, a high use of passive or active solar systems is found in these hot climate countries. On the other hand, buildings in the cold climates have different needs to achieve temperature comfort. In these climates, the need for heating is essential but this is directly related with other parameters, such as low emissivity windows, good insulation materials and good design. It is very important in these climates, whilst designing, to consider the thermal mass of the building, as this may contr ibute during the night to the heating. (Low-Energy Building Design Guidelines) Where residential buildings are concerned, it is easy to use renewable sources and cover the energy needs of a house because the demand is not so big. For example, photovoltaic systems can be used as the main source of energy, minimizing the CO2 emissions and the operation costs of the building. Non-Residential Buildings Non-Residential Buildings are also commonly located all over the world. In contrast with the Residential buildings, these kinds are appropriate for extreme hot or cold climates, without any access to utilities. As it is described in the Low-Energy Building Design Guidelines report of the U.S. Department of Energy these building types have a natural connection with the outdoors; and the structures present an opportunity to interpret the resource-conservation mission of the agency to the visiting public. These structures typically combine a need for window area, massive construction, and a tolerance for temperature swings—all of which are highly compatible with low-energy building design. Day lighting is another key strategy for deployment in these building types. (Low-Energy Building Design Guidelines) However, the energy balance of a Non-Residential building is almost independent, from lighting and internal gain. A great opportunity on these kinds of buildings, is to apply the low energy methods and design, due to the fact that such buildings have low energy consumption. A visitor centre is a good example, of this kind of building, and usually they have big budgets allowing the choice of high tech materials and technologies. (Low-Energy Building Design Guidelines) Urban Office Buildings Urban office buildings are usually located in the city centres because these buildings offer public services, to the people. As known, urbanization in most countries carries negative consequences for the city centres, for example, expensive land prices. Due to this fact, the design and use of these buildings must be compact and offer the maximum possible. The use of the building is generally defined by the services that are offered, and the space is then separated into offices and support facilities. (Low-Energy Building Design Guidelines) Quite frequently, another characteristic of office buildings is their old style, as well as other restrictions, due to the fact that many countries conserve the old buildings in the city centres. Thus the changes for energy conservation or better energy performance on these buildings are limited and therefore it is difficult to apply low energy strategies. In addition, the development of the surrounding area and the high tower new buildings are an important factor, which influence the energy performance of an office building due to the shade provided. (Low-Energy Building Design Guidelines) On the other hand, new urban office buildings have a great opportunity to save energy as new technologies and design can be afforded and are significant potentials. Another point which helps low energy designs to be applied on office buildings is the wide use of curtain walls, mainly in most of the downtown buildings. The problems which can occur from the use of this kind of buildings is lack of thermal comfort, lack of orientation and the overuse of glass enhance low energy buildings design. New approaches on the office buildings, has started to be applied and they are getting transformed into high technology buildings, which offer better services to the people who work there. A key factor of successful low energy office buildings is the placement of the private office at the back side of the building. As a result of this design, the artificial lighting will be reduced as natural lights are directed further into the buildings. This will have a significant impact not only for energy demands but also to the HVAC systems. Nevertheless, Urban Office Buildings demand a careful design which takes into account the climate, the orientation, the facade design, the HVAC, shading from the surrounding buildings and the complex interactions amongst lighting. (Low-Energy Building Design Guidelines) All the above types of buildings constitute the common categories that serve the different human needs. However, there are many subcategories which are adapted specifically for each different climate and different needs. Energy impacts of the buildings The energy impacts of a building, is a very important factor to consider, in order to succeed with the design of low energy buildings. The different types of buildings and the differences between their energy demands, is the key for the development of zero energy buildings. As mentioned before, each type of building is designed for a specific use and to cover different needs. Starting with the residential buildings, studies show us, greater energy consumption than the commercial buildings. The report includes six different regions which are Brazil, China, Europe, India, Japan and the United States. During this report the residential sector is divided into two categories, consisting of the single family and the multi-family buildings, this way being able to focus on the energy performance for each case. (Reference- energy efficiency in buildings –market) Consumption Survey; Federcasa, Italian Housing Federation (2006), Housing Statistics of the European Union 2005/2006; Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (2003), 2003 Housing and Land Survey (Japan); EEB core group research) (Reference- energy efficiency in buildings –market) As the above figure shows (figure 9), single family buildings are more common in Brazil, India and the United States, in contrast with China, Europe and Japan where the single family buildings are at the same level as multifamily buildings. It is possible that in a few years, this global scenery will change and more multifamily buildings will be required, due to an increasing population of the earth and the growing urbanization in big countries. On the other hand, the development of the countries and economies will allow more people to get richer and own a single family house. (Reference- energy efficiency in buildings –market) Generally, the residential buildings tend to increase the energy demands all over the world. Unfortunately, the modern way of life includes extra comforts which are offered by the high technological appliances and the bigger buildings. As the quality of life increases, the energy consumption grows and more natural sources are needed to cover these human needs. Nevertheless, the energy demand is changing from country to country, as the climate and economy growth, are affecting peoples habits. (Figure 10) The above graph shows us that in six different regions, the economic growth and the climates have different impacts on the energy consumption of each country. For example, space heating is essential in Europe and China, in contrast with Japan and India where the use is low. Additionally in Japan, water heating is very important, whilst in other countries not so much. Another important point to notice on this graph, is cooking in India, as many areas do not have access to electricity therefore their main energy use, is cooking. (Reference- energy efficiency in buildings –market) Amongst the residential buildings, one big subcategory is the single family buildings. (Figure 11) All around the world, single family buildings have the greatest impact on energy consumption and CO2 emissions. In the developed countries, people tend to consume more energy at their homes, as they demand more comfort and have bigger spaces, better heating and cooling systems, artificial lighting and use more appliances. For example, whereas in Japan people tend to heat only one of the rooms instead of the whole house, but in Europe they tend to install central heating systems and heat the whole building. All these factors reflect the changes of peoples behaviour, as they become wealthier from the economic growth. It is a fact, that as more people will become wealthier the demand for single family homes will also increase, and the demand will then be greater than today, therefore increasing the energy consumptions. (Reference- energy efficiency in buildings –market) The issue of reducing consumption in single family buildings is not so simple. In general, all countries encounter serious barriers when it comes to taking effective measures for lower energy consumption. In Europe, many of the buildings that already exist, have an enormous challenge to retrofit these old buildings and apply low energy building principles. Definitely, these changes will cost money and everyone is interested in getting financial backing from the governments. Another issue at hand is to raise awareness, about all the changes that everyone needs to know about, especially with regards to the green technology and the proposed energy solutions which will cover their needs, and be easy to install. Unfortunately until now, the lack of information and financial measures has not helped the development of green technologies and designs for single family houses. The World Business Council for Sustainable Development mention that there are two key barriers to transforming what is currently a refurbishment market into an energy-efficient market: the first one is that people do not know where to find the relevant information on options, prices and suppliers; there are no one-stop shops for retrofitting and the second one is that homeowners base decisions largely on the first cost rather than overall financial returns. (Reference- energy efficiency in buildings –market) In developing countries, the biggest problem is the lack of regulations and mechanisms which would then force the people and the market to change. For example, in China the building codes are not effectively applied and in Brazil, 75% of the single homes are illegally built. In addition, developing countries as mentioned before have different needs to the developed countries, so the need to provide houses is more essential that the need to reduce energy consumption. (Reference- energy efficiency in buildings –market) In Japan and the US, the growing population is followed by high rates of constructions. This rapid development of the market causes huge problems to also then apply the green principles on a big scale. Another major problem in these countries is the big differences between the submarket which block, in some ways, the measures of low energy design. The key to the solution in these countries is strengthening their regulations, by giving more information to the public and changing their behaviour. (Reference- energy efficiency in buildings –market) In the cases of the multifamily buildings, which belong in Residential buildings sector, another approach is necessary for energy efficiency. These types of buildings are commonly located in cities where the urbanization problems are huge. In Europe, the US and Japan these buildings vary from very small to luxury apartments, so the energy demand is also varied. As referred to before, many of the buildings in the centre of the towns were built many years ago, so to achieve energy efficiency and apply the low energy principle is a great issue. In developing countries, incomes influence the preference for bigger houses and more energy consumption, therefore making a multifamily building a key factor for lower energy demand. (Reference- energy efficiency in buildings –market) Still, comparing single family homes with apartments, obviously the energy needs in an apartment are less due to their small size and space and lower exterior wall area. Looking at the example of the US (figure 12), apartments use almost half the heating energy and lighting energy than a single family house. In general, the energy profile of a single family house is much higher than that of the multifamily building. It is almost definite, that due to the increasing population the living standards in developing countries are growing fast which influences the energy demand. (Reference- energy efficiency in buildings –market) The office sector in most countries has a significant impact on the energy consumption. These kinds of buildings belong to the commercial buildings sector and they are one of the biggest categories, as they use large amounts of space and energy! The actual buildings, depending on their use, can be found having a great variety, which are from small single buildings to skyscrapers. Usually though, due to the rapid world development which demands more public services, the office buildings are newer rather than older buildings. In China, where technological developments and services increase rapidly, the office sectors are growing rapidly. Additionally, the technological developments influence and change ones working life as with new high technology, it is easier for some people to work from their homes. The results of these new trends, is the reduction of the floor space needed per person, having fewer large offices and more flexible space. All these factors influence the energy consump tion of an office building. Some other factors that affect the energy demand in office buildings are the same ones as the ones for Meeting Energy Demands of the Growing Population Meeting Energy Demands of the Growing Population Literature review Nowadays, an important factor for economic and social development is energy sufficiency. Energy is the fuel of growth. Scientists predictions show that by the year 2050, energy demand will increase significantly due to the fact of the increasing population of the earth and that more buildings are going to be constructed. (Ref: Facts and trends, energy and climate, world business). A lot of predictions are published about how fast the population, the economy and the energy consumption of the world will increase in the years and decades to come. In reference to the matter of growth, development and energy demand, most of the predictions were wrongly made. Most predictions are reciprocally dependant on each other, and each one relies on many other factors. However, the only prediction that can be securely made is for the population and that the growth will be larger in the less development countries than the developed countries. (UNITED NATIONS) Developed countries are managing to improve the living conditions and decrease the death rates, but at the same time the birth rates have been decreasing at about the same rate over the last century. By this way the population growth is around 0.4% per year, in the industrialized world. On the other hand, less developed countries are managing their development and as a result have increased birth rates and decreased death rates. Consequently, their average population growth has increased from about 1% per year, from fifty years ago to about 2.1% per year today. At the moment, the worlds population is increasing at an annual rate of 1,7%, whereas the population in developed countries is around 1,2 billion (25% of the total) and in less developed countries is around 4 billion (75% of total world population). (United Nations) Population increases are directly connected with the energy demand and the building sector. It is therefore essential to develop new energy technologies on a massive scale for everyone to be able to survive on this planet. Ordinary buildings are unable to contribute to these essential needs, and cover the gush of the energy demand which is going to follow over the next decade. Energy use and climate impacts Power plants use fossil fuels for their energy productions and therefore this way cover the energy demands of the people. As a consequence though, from the burning of the fossil fuels, green house gases are produced and emitted into the atmosphere. As mentioned in the introduction, these anthropogenic activities have a significant contribution to the green house effect and the climate changes. Generally, in reference to the climate changes issues, scientists opinions are split into two. On the one hand, it is believed that the changes are part of the earths life and it is something normal which has been accelerated by our human activities and there is a possibility to stabilize the climate changes. On the other hand, it is believed that these changes are not normal and are going to make the world uninhabitable. For this reason, fast and immediate actions should be taken by all countries, targeting to reduce the energy demands and green house gases. It is almost definite that any of these actions will have a deep impact on the economy of each country. Many people believe that energy saving, means diminishing the current quality of living and reducing economy activity. In addition, economists believe that without economic growth, investments on technology will be reduced as it will difficult to confront climate changes. On the other hand, scientists argue that technological development is the key to the solution in reference to the climate changes problem. The truth is that, any solution in reference to climate changes will need an effort from everyone and investments on technological research and development, giving us this way a chance for a better future! IPCCs fourth assessment report further concluded that the building sector is not only the largest potential for significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also that this potential is relatively independent of the cost per ton of CO2 eqv. achieved. With proven and commercially available technologies, the energy consumption in both new and old buildings can be cut by an estimated 30-50 percent without significantly increasing investment costs. Energy savings can be achieved through a range of measures including smart design, improved insulation, low-energy appliances, high efficiency ventilation and heating/cooling systems, and conservation behaviour from the buildings users. (Reference- IPCCs fourth assessment report) Summarising the above it is obvious that the population growth, economic development, human habits, way of living and environmental restrictions influence the energy demand around the world. Scientists and in general, the governments who are trying to give solutions to the big problem of the growing energy demands and its consequences, have to take into account all of these factors. Reshaping the energy future It is necessary for all countries to reshape the future of energy, as all scientific researches show. The actual word reshape, includes new innovation technologies and sources which are going to contribute to the energy needs of the world. It is necessary to find new paths which are further environmental friendly and will permit a better future. A lower carbon world is feasible in the next decade even during the next few years, if all countries can realize that significant changes that should be done. This especially applies to the developed countries as they have to reconsider and find a link between the quality of life and their energy consumption. It is necessary for everyone to understand that a high standard of living does not demand a high consumption of energy and to adapt to the new energy sources. The good news is that small changes in the energy scenery are now visible as many have started to be influenced. For example, the raised use of gas, the use of renewable energy on buildings, everyday life and high efficiency cars are some of the small steps that have been offered to people due to technological development. As figure three shows, the IPCC scenarios (A1B-AIM and B2-AIM) were based on the new technological achievements in the energy sector. It is definite that this evolution is not enough for our earths climate but the two scenarios predict a possible CO2 stabilization. Finally, efforts to create an energy efficient world are starting, in reference to low carbon technologies and effective measures. (Reference-world business facts and trends on climate change) As stated in the report of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) a lower carbon world would require a marked shift in the energy/development relationship, such as similar development levels to be achieved with an average of 30% less energy use. Both energy conservation through behavioural changes and energy efficiency via technology plays a role. Such a trend is a feature of the IPCC B1 storyline, which sees a future with a globally coherent approach to sustainable development. It describes a fast-changing and convergent world toward a service and information economy, with reductions in material intensity and the introduction of clean and resource efficient technologies. The scenario leads to relatively low GHG emissions, even without explicit interventions to manage climate change.'(Reference Energy and climate change, world business) A Sustainable World Energy Perspective An important key to the worlds energy problem is sustainable development. Sustainability includes the economic and technological development, which respect and protect the environment. Searching literature for an exact definition of sustainable development, guided us to the The Brundtland Report of the UN World Commission on Environment and Development. In this report a definition of sustainable development, is given: Humanity has the ability to make development sustainable – to ensure that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs However it is difficult to find exact definitions which represent the sustainable development accurately, due to the fact that it is an idea which involves too many parameters. (Reference Engineering_for_Sustainable_Development) It is amazing to see how the sustainable development concept, stays on important issues of discussion even with the passing of tweedy years from the Brundtland report. In this concept, development faces three important paths: the economic, the social and the environmental (figure 4). If governments want to meet these targets it is necessary to carry out innovative technologies and a socio-economic approach. Nevertheless, sustainable development is not the only problem and therefore it is always important to consider the three major paths. Protection of the environment, economic success and improvement of social conditions, will be the achievements of a flourishing sustainable development. These three paths are linked together for a sustainable development and their integration must be equal without any compromises. The goal of sustainable development is, to point out the importance of the environment to the public who are now alive and for the coming generations. It is important for everyone to understand that our existence depends on the global environment and every decision of this generation is going to affect the lives of our future generations. Thus for this goal to be achievable, it is necessary to take measures for low green house emissions, use renewable sources and improve the energy consumption of our current lives. Governments and engineers are searching for the best way to come within reach of this goal as it is very difficult for developed and developing countries to achieve it. Presently, the building sectors involvement is essential because of its deep impact on energy consumption, its significant emissions and its use of huge natural sources. The buildings that currently exist will continue to exist, for more than 30 years and therefore this influences the lives of future generations. A sustainable approach of this sector is necessary due to its rapid growth. The new approach for the buildings sector will include buildings which will need less energy to operate, produce low carbon emissions, use environmental friendly materials and produce their own energy from renewable sources. It is almost definite that the sustainable green development of the building sector will help countries accomplish the targets of the Kyoto Protocol, whilst also guarantee at the same time, the future for coming generations. Evolution of the buildings and the opportunity for change. As believed by many, buildings are our third skin and this plays an important role for humans to survive. From the beginning of human history, humans always aimed to try and protect themselves from all weather conditions and all changes, developing due to this, different kinds of shelters. Over the years, humans adapted and managed to survive all the different changes that have happened on earth. The question now, is what will happen whilst we are facing the rapid climate changes and what will be the future consequences? Hundreds of thousands year ago, people moved from place to place and tried to create the best conditions to live in. Depending on the place, whether hot or cold, humans developed different kind of shelters to protect themselves from the heat of the sun in the deserts, or the cold of the northern climates. Studies of these people movements over the years, shows us a big variety of shelters and developments of different ways in order to face the climate conditions. Other factors, which determine the humans survival techniques in extreme conditions from the past, like the lower attitude of the Arctic Circle, were the design of the buildings, the quality of clothes and the behavioural adaptations, like changing posture, activity level sand choosing the most comfortable space to occupy, by moving around rooms and buildings and landscapes; and then of course the use of energy from the burning of fossil fuels or the careful use of stored energy in heat or cold stores. (Adapting building cities for climate change) Another extraordinary point from past decades is the energy issue. People mainly used coal, wood and water to provide themselves with enough energy, whether in a passive or active manner and covered in this way, their need for heating or cooling. By taking advantage of the natural and available energy resources, humans managed to develop houses which were ready for all extreme weather conditions. All these extreme weather conditions made humans innovate new approaches for buildings, and provide them with a more comfortable life. An interesting approach of surviving all the climate changes is to move to different areas at the respective time of the year, which is when they are comfortable, and to leave them again when they are not – to migrate. (Adapting building cities for climate change) This approach is an impossible one to apply, in the modern way of life and the new cities. Nevertheless what could be extracted from the past is the expertise of the ancient people and the way they faced the climate changes. In our day and age, engineers and scientists use the knowledge from the past whilst at the same time search for new innovative approaches for the buildings. The evolution of the buildings sector involves the innovation of new technologies whilst the same time, protecting the environment and its natural sources. It is not just a matter of how to build or what to build but it is also a matter to make the buildings adaptable to the new challenges of the climate changes and energy efficient. This evolution is directly connected with the world surviving because buildings are part of the global environment which at the moment is in danger. As written in the book titled Adapting Buildings and Cities for Climate Change the risk of not surviving in a particular building type and region will be largely dependent on the nature of that building and on how much the climate changes. Both are crucial in the challenge of designing buildings today in which people can be comfortable in 50 years time. At the point where the evolution of the building sectors began, there are great opportunities to change the current negative predictions of the climate changes. Significant reductions on energy consumption, better design, adequate technology and appropriate behaviours are some of the keys points which could accomplish the transformation of the buildings sector (figure 7). This transformation needs the participation and contribution from the businesses, the markets, the politicians and engineers. All together, they must act right away because the use of renewable sources is slowly growing and the energy demand is rapidly increasing, setting this way, tight deadlines in order to transform the sector. As it is mentioned in the Energy Efficiency, Buildings report and the IPPC 4th Assessment report, Residential and commercial buildings, action is essential as part of the worlds response to climate change because energy use in buildings is 30-40% of final energy consumption and carbon diox ide emissions in most countries. (Reference- Energy Efficiency in the Buildings report and the IPPC 4th Assessment report, Residential and commercial buildings) There are many opportunities to transform the buildings sector into the new era, as well as being feasible and applicable for old and new buildings. Significant energy reductions can be achieved by using new technologies, e.g. energy efficiency appliances, low consumption cooling systems etc, use of renewable sources, better design and operation and use of environmental friendly materials. Using these methods it will be possible to reduce the energy demand of up to two-thirds. Low-energy buildings must become the norm rather than the novelty project. (Reference- Energy Efficiency in the Buildings report) Beyond the opportunities given to change the buildings sector and stabilize the climate changes, this transformation will additionally contribute to the economy growth by giving new opportunities for jobs and businesses. (Reference- Energy Efficiency in the Buildings report)As already mentioned, the transformation will only succeed in the case where, building energy becomes a high priority to the governments and businesses leaderships, whilst cooperation between engineers, businesses and authorities is also established in reference to this issue.( Reference- Energy Efficiency in the Buildings report) Buildings types: characteristics and profiles Around the world, a vast variety of different types of buildings can be found, and each different type covers multiple and different needs. It is therefore essential at this point, to present the different types of buildings, as this report will focus on the buildings sector and the energy demands. Despite the fact that in the literature review, it is possible to find a plethora of terminology of the building types, nevertheless the general idea of this separation, of the buildings into categories is the same. Usually the separation of the buildings is a result of its use. It is very important to additionally mention at this point, that in most countries, many of the buildings were built before any energy regulation and these buildings will be around for at least the next 40 years. As figure 8 shows, in Europe, 50% of the buildings were built before 1975. Residential Buildings Residential buildings are commonly found all over the world. However, big and small differences can be found in all of them depending on the climate varieties of each country. For example, in hot climates the important need is for cooling and keeping the temperatures comfortable all over the house. This is achieved by the use of control systems, high insulation materials, shading systems and double or triple glazing. Additionally, this way, the energy demands and cost stays under control. In addition, a high use of passive or active solar systems is found in these hot climate countries. On the other hand, buildings in the cold climates have different needs to achieve temperature comfort. In these climates, the need for heating is essential but this is directly related with other parameters, such as low emissivity windows, good insulation materials and good design. It is very important in these climates, whilst designing, to consider the thermal mass of the building, as this may contr ibute during the night to the heating. (Low-Energy Building Design Guidelines) Where residential buildings are concerned, it is easy to use renewable sources and cover the energy needs of a house because the demand is not so big. For example, photovoltaic systems can be used as the main source of energy, minimizing the CO2 emissions and the operation costs of the building. Non-Residential Buildings Non-Residential Buildings are also commonly located all over the world. In contrast with the Residential buildings, these kinds are appropriate for extreme hot or cold climates, without any access to utilities. As it is described in the Low-Energy Building Design Guidelines report of the U.S. Department of Energy these building types have a natural connection with the outdoors; and the structures present an opportunity to interpret the resource-conservation mission of the agency to the visiting public. These structures typically combine a need for window area, massive construction, and a tolerance for temperature swings—all of which are highly compatible with low-energy building design. Day lighting is another key strategy for deployment in these building types. (Low-Energy Building Design Guidelines) However, the energy balance of a Non-Residential building is almost independent, from lighting and internal gain. A great opportunity on these kinds of buildings, is to apply the low energy methods and design, due to the fact that such buildings have low energy consumption. A visitor centre is a good example, of this kind of building, and usually they have big budgets allowing the choice of high tech materials and technologies. (Low-Energy Building Design Guidelines) Urban Office Buildings Urban office buildings are usually located in the city centres because these buildings offer public services, to the people. As known, urbanization in most countries carries negative consequences for the city centres, for example, expensive land prices. Due to this fact, the design and use of these buildings must be compact and offer the maximum possible. The use of the building is generally defined by the services that are offered, and the space is then separated into offices and support facilities. (Low-Energy Building Design Guidelines) Quite frequently, another characteristic of office buildings is their old style, as well as other restrictions, due to the fact that many countries conserve the old buildings in the city centres. Thus the changes for energy conservation or better energy performance on these buildings are limited and therefore it is difficult to apply low energy strategies. In addition, the development of the surrounding area and the high tower new buildings are an important factor, which influence the energy performance of an office building due to the shade provided. (Low-Energy Building Design Guidelines) On the other hand, new urban office buildings have a great opportunity to save energy as new technologies and design can be afforded and are significant potentials. Another point which helps low energy designs to be applied on office buildings is the wide use of curtain walls, mainly in most of the downtown buildings. The problems which can occur from the use of this kind of buildings is lack of thermal comfort, lack of orientation and the overuse of glass enhance low energy buildings design. New approaches on the office buildings, has started to be applied and they are getting transformed into high technology buildings, which offer better services to the people who work there. A key factor of successful low energy office buildings is the placement of the private office at the back side of the building. As a result of this design, the artificial lighting will be reduced as natural lights are directed further into the buildings. This will have a significant impact not only for energy demands but also to the HVAC systems. Nevertheless, Urban Office Buildings demand a careful design which takes into account the climate, the orientation, the facade design, the HVAC, shading from the surrounding buildings and the complex interactions amongst lighting. (Low-Energy Building Design Guidelines) All the above types of buildings constitute the common categories that serve the different human needs. However, there are many subcategories which are adapted specifically for each different climate and different needs. Energy impacts of the buildings The energy impacts of a building, is a very important factor to consider, in order to succeed with the design of low energy buildings. The different types of buildings and the differences between their energy demands, is the key for the development of zero energy buildings. As mentioned before, each type of building is designed for a specific use and to cover different needs. Starting with the residential buildings, studies show us, greater energy consumption than the commercial buildings. The report includes six different regions which are Brazil, China, Europe, India, Japan and the United States. During this report the residential sector is divided into two categories, consisting of the single family and the multi-family buildings, this way being able to focus on the energy performance for each case. (Reference- energy efficiency in buildings –market) Consumption Survey; Federcasa, Italian Housing Federation (2006), Housing Statistics of the European Union 2005/2006; Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (2003), 2003 Housing and Land Survey (Japan); EEB core group research) (Reference- energy efficiency in buildings –market) As the above figure shows (figure 9), single family buildings are more common in Brazil, India and the United States, in contrast with China, Europe and Japan where the single family buildings are at the same level as multifamily buildings. It is possible that in a few years, this global scenery will change and more multifamily buildings will be required, due to an increasing population of the earth and the growing urbanization in big countries. On the other hand, the development of the countries and economies will allow more people to get richer and own a single family house. (Reference- energy efficiency in buildings –market) Generally, the residential buildings tend to increase the energy demands all over the world. Unfortunately, the modern way of life includes extra comforts which are offered by the high technological appliances and the bigger buildings. As the quality of life increases, the energy consumption grows and more natural sources are needed to cover these human needs. Nevertheless, the energy demand is changing from country to country, as the climate and economy growth, are affecting peoples habits. (Figure 10) The above graph shows us that in six different regions, the economic growth and the climates have different impacts on the energy consumption of each country. For example, space heating is essential in Europe and China, in contrast with Japan and India where the use is low. Additionally in Japan, water heating is very important, whilst in other countries not so much. Another important point to notice on this graph, is cooking in India, as many areas do not have access to electricity therefore their main energy use, is cooking. (Reference- energy efficiency in buildings –market) Amongst the residential buildings, one big subcategory is the single family buildings. (Figure 11) All around the world, single family buildings have the greatest impact on energy consumption and CO2 emissions. In the developed countries, people tend to consume more energy at their homes, as they demand more comfort and have bigger spaces, better heating and cooling systems, artificial lighting and use more appliances. For example, whereas in Japan people tend to heat only one of the rooms instead of the whole house, but in Europe they tend to install central heating systems and heat the whole building. All these factors reflect the changes of peoples behaviour, as they become wealthier from the economic growth. It is a fact, that as more people will become wealthier the demand for single family homes will also increase, and the demand will then be greater than today, therefore increasing the energy consumptions. (Reference- energy efficiency in buildings –market) The issue of reducing consumption in single family buildings is not so simple. In general, all countries encounter serious barriers when it comes to taking effective measures for lower energy consumption. In Europe, many of the buildings that already exist, have an enormous challenge to retrofit these old buildings and apply low energy building principles. Definitely, these changes will cost money and everyone is interested in getting financial backing from the governments. Another issue at hand is to raise awareness, about all the changes that everyone needs to know about, especially with regards to the green technology and the proposed energy solutions which will cover their needs, and be easy to install. Unfortunately until now, the lack of information and financial measures has not helped the development of green technologies and designs for single family houses. The World Business Council for Sustainable Development mention that there are two key barriers to transforming what is currently a refurbishment market into an energy-efficient market: the first one is that people do not know where to find the relevant information on options, prices and suppliers; there are no one-stop shops for retrofitting and the second one is that homeowners base decisions largely on the first cost rather than overall financial returns. (Reference- energy efficiency in buildings –market) In developing countries, the biggest problem is the lack of regulations and mechanisms which would then force the people and the market to change. For example, in China the building codes are not effectively applied and in Brazil, 75% of the single homes are illegally built. In addition, developing countries as mentioned before have different needs to the developed countries, so the need to provide houses is more essential that the need to reduce energy consumption. (Reference- energy efficiency in buildings –market) In Japan and the US, the growing population is followed by high rates of constructions. This rapid development of the market causes huge problems to also then apply the green principles on a big scale. Another major problem in these countries is the big differences between the submarket which block, in some ways, the measures of low energy design. The key to the solution in these countries is strengthening their regulations, by giving more information to the public and changing their behaviour. (Reference- energy efficiency in buildings –market) In the cases of the multifamily buildings, which belong in Residential buildings sector, another approach is necessary for energy efficiency. These types of buildings are commonly located in cities where the urbanization problems are huge. In Europe, the US and Japan these buildings vary from very small to luxury apartments, so the energy demand is also varied. As referred to before, many of the buildings in the centre of the towns were built many years ago, so to achieve energy efficiency and apply the low energy principle is a great issue. In developing countries, incomes influence the preference for bigger houses and more energy consumption, therefore making a multifamily building a key factor for lower energy demand. (Reference- energy efficiency in buildings –market) Still, comparing single family homes with apartments, obviously the energy needs in an apartment are less due to their small size and space and lower exterior wall area. Looking at the example of the US (figure 12), apartments use almost half the heating energy and lighting energy than a single family house. In general, the energy profile of a single family house is much higher than that of the multifamily building. It is almost definite, that due to the increasing population the living standards in developing countries are growing fast which influences the energy demand. (Reference- energy efficiency in buildings –market) The office sector in most countries has a significant impact on the energy consumption. These kinds of buildings belong to the commercial buildings sector and they are one of the biggest categories, as they use large amounts of space and energy! The actual buildings, depending on their use, can be found having a great variety, which are from small single buildings to skyscrapers. Usually though, due to the rapid world development which demands more public services, the office buildings are newer rather than older buildings. In China, where technological developments and services increase rapidly, the office sectors are growing rapidly. Additionally, the technological developments influence and change ones working life as with new high technology, it is easier for some people to work from their homes. The results of these new trends, is the reduction of the floor space needed per person, having fewer large offices and more flexible space. All these factors influence the energy consump tion of an office building. Some other factors that affect the energy demand in office buildings are the same ones as the ones for