Philippine Republic Act No. 8436

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8436 AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS TO USE AN AUTOMATED ELECTION SYSTEM IN THE MAY 11, 1998 NATIONAL OR LOCAL ELECTIONS AND IN SUBSEQUENT NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTORAL EXERCISES, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Section 1. Declaration of policy. — It is the policy of the State to ensure free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections, and assure the secrecy and sanctity of the ballot in order that the results of elections, plebiscites, referenda, and other electoral exercises shall be fast, accurate and reflective of the genuine will of the people.Sec. 2. Definition of terms. — As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean: 1. Automated election system — a system using appropriate technology for voting and electronic devices to count votes and canvass/consolidate results; 2. Counting machine — a machine that uses an optical scanning/mark—sense reading device or any similar advanced technol ogy to count ballots; 3. Data storage device — a device used to electronically store counting and canvassing results, such as a memory pack or diskette; 4.Computer set — a set of equipment containing regular components, i. e. , monitor, central processing unit or CPU, keyboard and printer; 5. National ballot — refers to the ballot to be used in the automated election system for the purpose of the May 11, 1998 elections. This shall contain the names of the candidates for president, vice-president, senators and parties, organizations or coalitions participating under the party-list system. This ballot shall be counted by the counting machine; 6.Local Ballot — refers to the ballot on which the voter will manually write the names of the candidates of his/her choice for member of the House of Representatives, governor, vice-governor, members of the provincial board, mayor, vice-mayor, and members of the city/municipal council. For the purpose of the May 11, 19 98 elections, this ballot will be counted manually; 7. Board of Election Inspectors — there shall be a Board of Election Inspectors in every precinct composed of three (3) regular members who shall conduct the voting, counting and recording of votes in the polling place.For the purpose of the May 11, 1998 elections, there shall be special members composed of a fourth member in each precinct and a COMELEC representative who is authorized to operate the counting machine. Both shall conduct the counting and recording of votes of the national ballots in the designated counting centers; 8. Election returns — a machine-generated document showing the date of the election, the province, municipality and the precinct in which it is held and the votes in figures for each candidate in a precinct directly produced by the counting machine; 9.Statement of votes — a machine-generated document containing the votes obtained by candidates in each precinct in a city/municipality; 10. City/municipal/district/provincial certificate of canvass of votes — a machine-generated document containing the total votes in figures obtained by each candidate in a city/municipality/district/ province as the case may be; and 11. Counting center — a public place designated by the Commission where counting of votes and canvassing/consolidation of results shall be conducted. Sec. 3. Qualifications, rights and limitations of the special members of the Board of Election Inspectors. No person shall be appointed as a special member of the board of election inspectors unless he/she is of good moral character and irreproachable reputation, a registered voter, has never been convicted of any election offense or of any crime punishable by more than six (6) months imprisonment or if he/she has pending against him/her an information for any election offense or if he/she is related within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to any member of the board of elec tion inspectors or any special member of the same board of Election Inspector or to any candidate for a national position or to a nominee as a party list representative or his/her spouse. The special members of the board shall enjoy the same rights and be bound by the same limitations and liabilities of a regular member of the board of election inspectors but shall not vote during the proceedings of the board of election inspectors except on matters pertaining to the national ballot. Sec. 4. Duties and functions of the special members of the Board of Election Inspectors. — 1. During the conduct of the voting in the polling place, the fourth member shall: a) accomplish the minutes of voting for the automated election system in the precinct; and (b) ensure that the national ballots are placed inside the appropriate ballot box; 2. On the close of the polls, the fourth member shall bring the ballot box containing the national ballots to the designated counting center; 3. Before t he counting of votes, the fourth member shall verify if the number of national ballots tallies with the data in the minutes of the voting; 4. During the counting of votes, the fourth member and the COMELEC authorized representative shall jointly accomplish the minutes of counting for the automated election system in the precinct; 5.After the counting of votes, the fourth member and the COMELEC authorized representative shall jointly: (a) certify the results of the counting of national ballots from the precinct; and (b) bring the ballot box containing the counted national ballots together with the minutes of voting and counting, and other election documents and paraphernalia to the city or municipal treasurer for safekeeping. Sec. 5. Board of Canvassers. — For purposes of the May 11, 1998 elections, each province, city or municipality shall have two (2) board of canvassers, one for the manual election system under the existing law, and the other, for the automated system. For the automated election system, the chairman of the board shall be appointed by the Commission from among its personnel/deputies and the members from the officials enumerated in Sec. 21 of Republic Act No. 6646. Sec. 6. Authority to use an automated election system. To carry out the above-stated policy, the Commission on Elections, herein referred to as the Commission, is hereby authorized to use an automated election system, herein referred to as the System, for the process of voting, counting of votes and canvassing/consolidation of results of the national and local elections: Provided, however, That for the May 11, 1998 elections, the System shall be applicable in all areas within the country only for the positions of president, vice-president, senators and parties, organizations or coalitions participating under the party-list system. To achieve the purpose of this Act, the Commission is authorized to procure by purchase, lease or otherwise any supplies, equipment, materials and services needed for the holding of the elections by an expedited process of public bidding of vendors, suppliers or lessors: Provided, That the accredited political parties are duly notified of and allowed to observe but not to participate in the bidding.If, inspite of its diligent efforts to implement this mandate in the exercise of this authority, it becomes evident by February 9, 1998 that the Commission cannot fully implement the automated election system for national positions in the May 11, 1998 elections, the elections for both national and local positions shall be done manually except in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) where the automated election system shall be used for all positions. Sec. 7. Features of the system. — The System shall utilize appropriate technology for voting, and electronic devices for counting of votes and canvassing of results. For this purpose, the Commission shall acquire automated counting machines, computer equipment, devices and materials and adopt new forms and printing materials.The System shall contain the following features: (a) use of appropriate ballots, (b) stand-alone machine which can count votes and an automated system which can consolidate the results immediately, (c) with provisions for audit trails, (d) minimum human intervention, and (e) adequate safeguard/security measures. In addition, the System shall as far as practicable have the following features: 1. It must be user-friendly and need not require computer-literate operators; 2. The machine security must be built-in and multi-layer existent on hardware and software with minimum human intervention using latest technology like encrypted coding system; 3.The security key control must be embedded inside the machine sealed against human intervention; 4. The Optical Mark Reader (OMR) must have a built-in printer for numbering the counted ballots and also for printing the individual precinct number on the counted ballots; 5. The ballot paper for the OMR counting machine must be of the quality that passed the international standard like ISO-1831, JIS-X- 9004 or its equivalent for optical character recognition; 6. The ballot feeder must be automatic; 7. The machine must be able to count from 100 to 150 ballots per minute; 8. The counting machine must be able to detect fake or counterfeit ballots and must have a fake ballot rejector; 9.The counting machine must be able to detect and reject previously counted ballots to prevent duplication; 10. The counting machine must have the capability to recognize the ballot's individual precinct and city or municipality before counting or consolidating the votes; 11. The System must have a printer that has the capacity to print in one stroke or operation seven (7) copies (original plus six (6) copies) of the consolidated reports on carbonless paper; 12. The printer must have at least 128 kilobytes of Random Access Memory (RAM) to facilitate the expeditious processing of the printing of the consolidated reports; 13. The machine must have a built-in floppy disk drive in order to save the processed data on a diskette; 14.The machine must also have a built-in hard disk to store the counted and consolidated data for future printout and verification; 15. The machine must be temperature-resistant and rust-proof; 16. The optical lens of the OMR must have a self-cleaning device; 17. The machine must not be capable of being connected to external computer peripherals for the process of vote consolidation; 18. The machine must have an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS); 19. The machine must be accompanied with operating manuals that will guide the personnel of the Commission the proper use and maintenance of the machine; 20. It must be so designed and built that add-ons may immediately be incorporated into the System at minimum expense; 21.It must provide the shortest time needed to complete the counting of votes and canvassing of the results of the election; 22. The machine must be able to generate consolidated reports like the election return, statement of votes and certificate of canvass at different levels; and 23. The accuracy of the count must be guaranteed, the margin of error must be disclosed and backed by warranty under such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Commission. In the procurement of this system, the Commission shall adopt an equitable system of deductions or demerits for deviations or deficiencies in meeting all the above stated features and standards.For this purpose, the Commission shall create an Advisory Council to be composed of technical experts from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Information Technology Foundation of the Philippines (ITFP), the University of the Philippines (UP), and two (2) representatives from the private sector recommended by the Philippine Computer Society (PCS). The Council may avail itself of the expertise and services of resource persons of known competence and probit y. The Commission in collaboration with the DOST shall establish an independent Technical Ad Hoc Evaluation Committee, herein known as the Committee, composed of a representative each from the Senate, House of Representatives, DOST and COMELEC.The Committee shall certify that the System is operating properly and accurately and that the machines have a demonstrable capacity to distinguish between genuine and spurious ballots. The Committee shall ensure that the testing procedure shall be unbiased and effective in checking the worthiness of the System. Toward this end, the Committee shall design and implement a reliability test procedure or a system stress test. Sec. 8. Procurement of equipment and materials. — The Commission shall procure the automated counting machines, computer equipment, devices and materials needed for ballot printing and devices for voting, counting and canvassing from local or foreign sources free from taxes and import duties, subject to accounting and a uditing rules and regulations. Sec. 9. Systems breakdown in the counting center. In the event of a systems breakdown of all assigned machines in the counting center, the Commission shall use any available machine or any component thereof from another city/municipality upon the approval of the Commission En Banc or any of its divisions. The transfer of such machines or any component thereof shall be undertaken in the presence of representatives of political parties and citizens' arm of the Commission who shall be notified by the election officer of such transfer. There is a systems breakdown in the counting center when the machine fails to read the ballots or fails to store/save results or fails to print the results after it has read the ballots; or when the computer fails to consolidate election results/reports or fails to print election results/reports after consolidation. Sec. 10. Examination and testing of counting machines. The Commission shall, on the date and time it shall set and with proper notices, allow the political parties and candidates or their representatives, citizens' arm or their representatives to examine and test the machines to ascertain that the system is operating properly and accurately. Test ballots and test forms shall be provided by the Commission. After the examination and testing, the machines shall be locked and sealed by the election officer or any authorized representative of the Commission in the presence of the political parties and candidates or their representatives, and accredited citizens' arms. The machines shall be kept locked and sealed and shall be opened again on election day before the counting of votes begins.Immediately after the examination and testing of the machines, the parties and candidates or their representatives, citizens' arms or their representatives, may submit a written report to the election officer who shall immediately transmit it to the Commission for appropriate action. Sec. 11. Official ballot. à ¢â‚¬â€ The Commission shall prescribe the size and form of the official ballot which shall contain the titles of the positions to be filled and/or the propositions to be voted upon in an initiative, referendum or plebiscite. Under each position, the names of candidates shall be arranged alphabetically by surname and uniformly printed using the same type size. A fixed space where the chairman of the Board of Election inspectors shall affix his/her signature to authenticate the official ballot shall be provided. Both sides of the ballots may be used when necessary.For this purpose, the deadline for the filing of certificate of candidacy/petition for registration/manifestation to participate in the election shall not be later than one hundred twenty (120) days before the elections: Provided, That, any elective official, whether national or local, running for any office other than the one which he/she is holding in a permanent capacity, except for president and vice-president, shall be deemed resigned only upon the start of the campaign period corresponding to the position for which he/she is running: Provided, further, That, unlawful acts or omissions applicable to a candidate shall take effect upon the start of the aforesaid campaign period: Provided, finally, That, for purposes of the May 11, 1998 elections, the deadline for filing of the certificate of candidacy for the positions of President, Vice President, Senators and candidates under the Party-List System as well as petitions for registration and/or manifestation to participate in the Party-List System shall be on February 9, 1998 while the deadline for the filing of certificate of candidacy for other positions shall be on March 27, 1998. The official ballots shall be printed by the National Printing Office and/or the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas at the price comparable with that of private printers under proper security measures which the Commission shall adopt. The Commission may contract the services o f private printers upon certification by the National Printing Office/ Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas that it cannot meet the printing requirements. Accredited political parties and deputized citizens' arms of the Commission may assign watchers in the printing, storage and distribution of official ballots.To prevent the use of fake ballots, the Commission through the Committee shall ensure that the serial number on the ballot stub shall be printed in magnetic ink that shall be easily detectable by inexpensive hardware and shall be impossible to reproduce on a photocopying machine, and that identification marks, magnetic strips, bar codes and other technical and security markings, are provided on the ballot. The official ballots shall be printed and distributed to each city/municipality at the rate of one (1) ballot for every registered voter with a provision of additional four (4) ballots per precinct. Sec. 12. Substitution of candidates. — In case of valid substitutions after t he official ballots have been printed, the votes cast for the substituted candidates shall be considered votes for the substitutes. Sec. 13. Ballot box. There shall be in each precinct on election day a ballot box with such safety features that the Commission may prescribe and of such size as to accommodate the official ballots without folding them. For the purpose of the May 11, 1998 elections, there shall be two (2) ballot boxes for each precinct, one (1) for the national ballots and one (I) for the local ballots. Sec. 14. Procedure in voting. — The voter shall be given a ballot by the chairman of the Board of Election Inspectors. The voter shall then proceed to a voting booth to accomplish his/her ballot. If a voter spoils his/her ballot, he/she may be issued another ballot subject to Sec. 11 of this Act.No voter may be allowed to change his/her ballot more than once. After the voter has voted, he/she shall affix his/her thumbmark on the corresponding space in the voting r ecord. The chairman shall apply indelible ink on the voter's right forefinger and affix his/her signature in the space provided for such purpose in the ballot. The voter shall then personally drop his/her ballot on the ballot box. For the purpose of the May 11, 1998 elections, each voter shall be given one (1) national and one (1) local ballot by the Chairperson. The voter shall, after casting his/her vote, personally drop the ballots in their respective ballot boxes. Sec. 15. Closing of polls. After the close of voting, the board shall enter in the minutes the number of registered voters who actually voted, the number and serial number of unused and spoiled ballots, the serial number of the self-locking metal seal to be used in sealing the ballot box. The board shall then place the minutes inside the ballot box and thereafter close, lock and seal the same with padlocks, self-locking metal seals or any other safety devices that the Commission may authorize. The chairman of the Board of Election Inspectors shall publicly announce that the votes shall be counted at a designated counting center where the board shall transport the ballot box containing the ballots and other election documents and paraphernalia.For the purpose of the May 11, 1998 elections, the chairman of the Board of Election Inspectors shall publicly announce that the votes for president, vice-president, senators and parties, organizations or coalitions participating in the party-list system shall be counted at a designated counting center. During the transport of the ballot box containing the national ballots and other documents, the fourth member of the board shall be escorted by representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines or from the Philippine National Police, citizens' arm, and if available, representatives of political parties and candidates. Sec. 16. Designation of Counting Centers. The Commission shall designate counting center(s) which shall be a public place within the cit y/municipality or in such other places as may be designated by the Commission when peace and order conditions so require, where the official ballots cast in various precincts of the city/municipality shall be counted. The election officer shall post prominently in his/her office, in the bulletin boards at the city/municipal hall and in three (3) other conspicuous places in the city/municipality, the notice on the designated counting center(s) for at least fifteen (15) days prior to election day. For the purpose of the May 11, 1998 elections, the Commission shall designate a central counting center(s) which shall be a public place within the city or municipality, as in the case of the National Capital Region and in highly urbanized areas.The Commission may designate other counting center(s) where the national ballots cast from various precincts of different municipalities shall be counted using the automated system. The Commission shall post prominently a notice thereof, for at least fifteen (15) days prior to election day, in the office of the election officer, on the bulletin boards at the municipal hall and in three (3) other conspicuous places in the municipality. Sec. 17. Counting procedure. — (a) The counting of votes shall be public and conducted in the designated counting center(s). (b) The ballots shall be counted by the machine by precinct in the order of their arrival at the counting center.The election officer or his/her representative shall log the sequence of arrival of the ballot boxes and indicate their condition. Thereafter, the board shall, in the presence of the watchers and representatives of accredited citizens' arm, political parties/candidates, open the ballot box, retrieve the ballots and minutes of voting. It shall verify whether the number of ballots tallies with the data in the minutes. If there are excess ballots, the poll clerk, without looking at the ballots, shall publicly draw out at random ballots equal to the excess and without looking at the contents thereof, place them in an envelope which shall be marked â€Å"excess ballots†.The envelope shall be sealed and signed by the members of the board and placed in the compartment for spoiled ballots. (c) The election officer or any authorized official or any member of the board shall feed the valid ballots into the machine without interruption until all the ballots for the precincts are counted. (d) The board shall remain at the counting center until all the official ballots for the precinct are counted and all reports are properly accomplished. For the purpose of the May 11, 1998 elections, the ballots shall be counted by precinct by the special members of the board in the manner provided in paragraph (b) hereof. Sec. 18. Election returns. After the ballots of the precincts have been counted, the election officer or any official authorized by the Commission shall, in the presence of watchers and representatives of the accredited citizens' arm, p olitical parties/ candidates, if any, store the results in a data storage device and print copies of the election returns of each precinct. The printed election returns shall be signed and thumbmarked by the fourth member and COMELEC authorized representative and attested to by the election officer or authorized representative. The Chairman of the Board shall then publicly read and announce the total number of votes obtained by each candidate based on the election returns.Thereafter, the copies of the election returns shall be sealed and placed in the proper envelopes for distribution as follows: A. In the election of president, vice-president, senators and party-list system: (1) The first copy shall be delivered to the city or municipal board of canvassers; (2) The second copy, to the Congress, directed to the President of the Senate; (3) The third copy, to the Commission; (4) The fourth copy, to the citizens' arm authorized by the Commission to conduct an unofficial count. In the conduct of the unofficial quick count by any accredited citizens' arm, the Commission shall promulgate rules and regulations to ensure, among others, that said citizens' arm releases in the rder of their arrival one hundred percent (100%) results of a precinct indicating the precinct, municipality or city, province and region: Provided, however, that, the count shall continue until all precincts shall have been reported. (5) The fifth copy, to the dominant majority party as determined by the Commission in accordance with law; (6) The sixth copy, to the dominant minority party as determined by the Commission in accordance with law; and (7) The seventh copy shall be deposited inside the compartment of the ballot box for valid ballots. The citizens' arm shall provide copies of the election returns at the expense of the requesting party. For the purpose of the May 11, 1998 elections, after the national ballots have been counted, the COMELEC authorized representative shall implement the provisions of paragraph A hereof. B.In the election of local officials and members of the House of Representatives: (1) The first copy shall be delivered to the city or municipal board of canvassers; (2) The second copy, to the Commission; (3) The third copy, to the provincial board of canvassers; (4) The fourth copy, to the citizens' arm authorized by the Commission to conduct an unofficial count. In the conduct of the unofficial quick count by any accredited citizens' arm, the Commission shall promulgate rules and regulations to ensure, among others, that said citizens' arm releases in the order of their arrival one hundred percent (100%) results of a precinct indicating the precinct, municipality or city, province and region: Provided, however, That, the count shall continue until all precincts shall have been reported. 5) The fifth copy, to the dominant majority party as determined by the Commission in accordance with law; (6) The sixth copy, to the dominant minority party as de termined by the Commission in accordance with law; and (7) The seventh copy shall be deposited inside the compartment of the ballot box for valid ballots. The citizens' arm shall provide copies of election returns at the expense of the requesting party. After the votes from all precincts have been counted, a consolidated report of votes for each candidate shall be printed. After the printing of the election returns, the ballots shall be returned to the ballot box, which shall be locked, sealed and delivered to the city/municipal treasurer for safekeeping. The treasurer shall immediately provide the Commission and the election officer with a record of the serial numbers of the ballot boxes and the corresponding metal seals. Sec. 19.Custody and accountability of ballots. — The election officer and the treasurer of the city/municipality as deputy of the Commission shall have joint custody and accountability of the official ballots, accountable forms and other election documents as well as ballot boxes containing the official ballots cast. The ballot boxes shall not be opened for three (3) months unless the Commission orders otherwise. Sec. 20. Substitution of Chairman and Members of the Board of Canvassers. — In case of non-availability, absence, disqualification due to relationship, or incapacity for any cause of the chairman, the Commission shall appoint as substitute, a ranking lawyer of the Commission.With respect to the other members of the board, the Commission shall appoint as substitute the following in the order named: the provincial auditor, the register of deeds, the clerk of court nominated by the executive judge of the regional trial court, or any other available appointive provincial official in the case of the provincial board of canvassers; the officials in the city corresponding to those enumerated in the case of the city board of canvassers; and the municipal administrator, the municipal assessor, the clerk of court nominated by th e judge of the municipal trial court, in the case of the municipal board of canvassers. Sec. 21. Canvassing by Provincial, City, District and Municipal Boards of Canvassers. — The city or municipal board of canvassers shall canvass the votes for the president, vice-president, senators, and parties, organizations or coalitions participating under the party-list system by consolidating the results contained in the data storage devices used in the printing of the election returns.Upon completion of the canvass, it shall print the certificate of canvass of votes for president, vice-president, senators and members of the House of Representatives and elective provincial officials and thereafter, proclaim the elected city or municipal officials, as the case may be. The city board of canvassers of cities comprising one (1) or more legislative districts shall canvass the votes for president, vice-president, senators, members of the House of Representatives and elective city officials by consolidating the results contained in the data storage devices used in the printing of the election returns. Upon completion of the canvass, the board shall print the canvass of votes for president, vice-president, and senators and thereafter, proclaim the elected members of the House of Representatives and city officials.In the Metro Manila area, each municipality comprising a legislative district shall have a district board of canvassers which shall canvass the votes for president, vice-president, senators, members of the House of Representatives and elective municipal officials by consolidating the results contained in the data storage devices used in the printing of the election returns. Upon completion of the canvass, it shall print the certificate of canvass of votes for president, vice-president, and senators and thereafter, proclaim the elected members of the House of Representatives and municipal officials. Each component municipality in a legislative district in the Me tro Manila area shall have a municipal board of canvassers which shall canvass the votes for president, vice-president, senators, members of the House of Representatives and elective municipal officials by consolidating the results contained in the data storage devices used in the printing of the election returns.Upon completion of the canvass, it shall prepare the certificate of canvass of votes for president, vice-president, senators, members of the House of Representatives and thereafter, proclaim the elected municipal officials. The district board of canvassers of each legislative district comprising two (2) municipalities in the Metro Manila area shall canvass the votes for president, vice-president, senators and members of the House of Representatives by consolidating the results contained in the data storage devices submitted by the municipal board of canvassers of the component municipalities. Upon completion of the canvass, it shall print a certificate of canvass of votes f or president, vice-president and senators and thereafter, proclaim the elected members of the House of Representatives in the legislative district.The district/provincial board of canvassers shall canvass the votes for president, vice-president, senators, members of the House of Representatives and elective provincial officials by consolidating the results contained in the data storage devices submitted by the board of canvassers of the municipalities and component cities. Upon completion of the canvass, it shall print the certificate of canvass of votes for president, vice-president and senators and thereafter, proclaim the elected members of the House of Representatives and the provincial officials. The municipal, city, district and provincial certificates of canvass of votes shall each be supported by a statement of votes. The Commission shall adopt adequate and effective measures to preserve the integrity of the data storage devices at the various levels of the boards of canvass ers. Sec. 22. Number of copies of Certificates of Canvass of Votes and their distribution. (a) The certificate of canvass of votes for president, vice-president, senators, members of the House of Representatives, parties, organizations or coalitions participating under the party-list system and elective provincial officials shall be printed by the city or municipal board of canvassers and distributed as follows: (1) The first copy shall be delivered to the provincial board of canvassers for use in the canvass of election results for president, vice-president, senators, members of the House of Representatives, parties, organizations or coalitions participating under the party-list system and elective provincial officials; (2) The second copy shall be sent to the Commission; (3) The third copy shall be kept by the chairman of the board; and (4) The fourth copy shall be given to the citizens' arm designated by the Commission to conduct an unofficial count. It shall be the duty of the c itizens' arm to furnish independent candidates copies of the certificate of canvass at the expense of the requesting party. The board of canvassers shall furnish all registered parties copies of the certificate of canvass at the expense of the requesting party. b) The certificate of canvass of votes for president, vice-president and senators, parties, organizations or coalitions participating under the party-list system shall be printed by the city boards of canvassers of cities comprising one or more legislative districts, by provincial boards of canvassers and by district boards of canvassers in the Metro Manila area, and other highly urbanized areas and distributed as follows: (1) The first copy shall be sent to Congress, directed to the President of the Senate for use in the canvas of election results for president and vice-president; (2) The second copy shall be sent to the Commission for use in the canvass of the election results for senators; (3) The third copy shall be kept by the chairman of the board; and (4) The fourth copy shall be given to the citizens' arm designated by the Commission to conduct an unofficial count. It shall be the duty of the citizens' arm to furnish independent candidates copies of the certificate of canvass at the expense of the requesting party. The board of canvassers shall furnish all registered parties copies of the certificate of canvass at the expense of the requesting party. c) The certificates of canvass printed by the provincial, district, city or municipal boards of canvassers shall be signed and thumbmarked by the chairman and members of the board and the principal watchers, if available. Thereafter, it shall be sealed and placed inside an envelope which shall likewise be properly sealed. In all instances, where the Board of Canvassers has the duty to furnish registered political parties with copies of the certificate of canvass, the pertinent election returns shall be attached thereto, where appropriate. Sec. 23. N ational Board of Canvassers for Senators. — The chairman and members of the Commission on Elections sitting en banc, shall compose the national board of canvassers for senators.It shall canvass the results for senators by consolidating the results contained in the data storage devices submitted by the district, provincial and city boards of canvassers of those cities which comprise one or more legislative districts. Thereafter, the national board shall proclaim the winning candidates for senators. Sec. 24. Congress as the National Board of Canvassers for President and Vice-President. — The Senate and the House of Representatives in joint public session shall compose the national board of canvassers for president and vice-president. The returns of every election for president and vice-president duly certified by the board of canvassers of each province or city, shall be transmitted to the Congress, directed to the president of the Senate.Upon receipt of the certificates of canvass, the president of the Senate shall, not later than thirty (30) days after the day of the election, open all the certificates in the presence of the Senate and the House of Representatives in joint public session and the Congress upon determination of the authenticity and the due execution thereof in the manner provided by law, canvass all the results for president and vice-president by consolidating the results contained in the data storage devices submitted by the district, provincial and city boards of canvassers and thereafter, proclaim the winning candidates for president and vice-president. Sec. 25. Voters' education. — The Commission together with and in support of accredited citizens' arms shall carry out a continuing and systematic campaign through newspapers of general circulation, radio and ther media forms, as well as through seminars, symposia, fora and other non-traditional means to educate the public and fully inform the electorate about the automate d election system and inculcate values on honest, peaceful and orderly elections. Sec. 26. Supervision and control. — The System shall be under the exclusive supervision and control of the Commission. For this purpose, there is hereby created an information technology department in the Commission to carry out the full administration and implementation of the System. The Commission shall take immediate steps as may be necessary for the acquisition, installation, administration, storage, and maintenance of equipment and devices, and to promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act. Sec. 27. Oversight Committee. An Oversight Committee is hereby created composed of three (3) representatives each from the Senate and the House of Representatives and three (3) from the Commission on Elections to monitor and evaluate the implementation of this Act. A report to the Senate and the House of Representatives shall be submitted within ninety (9 0) days from the date of election. The oversight committee may hire competent consultants for project monitoring and information technology concerns related to the implementation and improvement of the modern election system. The oversight committee shall be provided with the necessary funds to carry out its duties. Sec. 28.Designation of other dates for certain pre-election acts. — If it shall no longer be reasonably possible to observe the periods and dates prescribed by law for certain pre-election acts, the Commission shall fix other periods and dates in order to ensure accomplishment of the activities so voters shall not be deprived of their suffrage. Sec. 29. Election offenses. — In addition to those enumerated in Sec. s 261 and 262 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 881, As Amended, the following acts shall be penalized as election offenses, whether or not said acts affect the electoral process or results: (a) Utilizing without authorization, tampering with, destroying or s tealing: 1) Official ballots, election returns, and certificates of canvass of votes used in the System; and (2) Electronic devices or their components, peripherals or supplies used in the System such as counting machine, memory pack/diskette, memory pack receiver and computer set; (b) Interfering with, impeding, absconding for purpose of gain, preventing the installation or use of computer counting devices and the processing, storage, generation and transmission of election results, data or information; and (c) Gaining or causing access to using, altering, destroying or disclosing any computer data, program, system software, network, or any computer-related devices, facilities, hardware or equipment, whether classified or declassified. Sec. 30. Applicability. — The provisions of Batas Pambansa Blg. 81, As Amended, otherwise known as the â€Å"Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines†, and other election laws not inconsistent with this Act shall apply. Sec. 31. Rules a nd Regulations. — The Commission shall promulgate rules and regulations for the implementation and enforcement of this Act including such measures that will address possible difficulties and confusions brought about by the two-ballot system. The Commission may consult its accredited citizens' arm for this purpose. Sec. 32. Appropriations. — The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the Commission. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continuous implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.In case of deficiency in the funding requirements herein provided, such amount as may be necessary shall be augmented from the current contingent fund in the General Appropriations Act. Sec. 33. Separability clause. — If, for any reason, any Sec. or provision of this Act or any part thereof, or the application of such Sec. , provision or portion is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder thereof shall not be affected by such declaration. Sec. 34. Repealing clause. — All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. Sec. 35. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved: December 22, 1997

Designing a training programme for supervisor skills at Primark Essay

Type of training and how long will the training take? (on the job or off the job) Shadowing/demonstration/coaching/external or internal course 1 hour/1/2 day/ 5 days? Provider of training and Location Sales floor/store training room/Primark head office/College/Distance course. Internal training. Who will carry out? HR manager/training manager Description of training content What will the you do /learn during the training Cost of the training Physical cost of external course/cost of paying salary to trainee whilst not doing their job role/providing cover whilst trainee is on course/travel expenses – train tickets to London if going on a head office course What will the training allow me to achieve? What skills will you have learnt? How will it assist you in being successful in your new role? Why is this skill important? Consequences Shadowing for 1 hour Sales floor watching experienced supervisor complete rota Organisation of staff rota, including breaks and lunches. Watch the supervisor complete her daily rota and then complete own rota and discuss with mentor to get feedback on how to improve it No direct costs however, Primark will still need to pay us both our  £8.50 an hour salary despite the fact that both the experienced Supervisor and I will be less productive during the training. This may impact on customer service as we won’t be available to help customers during the hours training . The training may disrupt other members of staff and reduce overall productivity of the department I will be able to complete the daily staff rota ensuring all staff get the breaks and lunches they are entitled to with minimal disruption to customer service Key feature in the job description of a supervisor. Failure to complete this correctly may mean that staff do not get the correct breaks and may become demotivated and lower their productivity as a result which will trigger a fall in customer satisfaction and potentially sales and profit Demonstration for 20 minutes Shown on the sales floor by an experienced supervisor . Whilst walking around look at the trends , most common sizes and the popular items . The ability to see when a specific product is in high demand and inform head office that more stock needs to be ordered. Listening to retail sales assistants when they tell you a product is in high demand . There are no direct costs. Although the experienced supervisor and I will need to be paid  £2.52 for the 20 minutes . I will be less productive during the training, this may impact customer service as I will be too busy to help out customers. The training may disrupt other members of staff and reduce overall productivity of the department The ability to spot trends , and items that are selling out. The ability to order in new stock . Failure in ordering a high demand products would mean Primark would miss out on an opportunity to make a profit . Failure is ordering any stock means that that Primark wouldn’t have any stock to sell and the customers would go else where. 1 day off job training completing the Impact Factory Customer service course Training by Impact Factory in London. I will be taught on how to give the best customer service and be more confident with employees. Dealing with customer complaints in the most appropriate way . Talking to unsatisfied customers and seeing what they can do to help and make sure this doesn’t happen next time.  £21.10 for the ticket to London. A whole day’s pay at  £7.57 an hour for 9 hours which is  £68.13. Although it’s more expensive than getting another supervisor to do the training , the training will be a lot more formal and I will take it more seriously . The course costs  £450. I will be trained by an expert in customer service . Although resentfulness amongst other members of staff who haven’t been chosen to attend the course and become demotivated and less efficient as a result. The overall cost will be  £539.23 . I will learn how to give good customer service , deal with rude/difficult customers , advance my listening/ responding skills, make the customers point of view work for me, gain confidence in giving customer service and handling complaints with empathy/ efficiency. A good retail supervisor needs to deal with customer complaints appropriately . This is because the supervisor will be the face of the branch and if they give a bad impression , there could be a drop in customers. The customers could go to competitors with better customer service. On the job training doing 20 minutes coaching and a 10 minutes session a week later. On the sales floor at a off-peak time with HR manager Learning how to use the supervisor function on the till to be able to give customers returns / change / cancel orders. No direct costs but both the HR manager and I will need to get paid . Although because this session is short, there will be a lot of time to do more productive things. The training may disrupt other members of staff and reduce overall productivity of the department. Customers may receive poor customer service such as long wait times at tills even though it is at off-peak time which would Lower sales. HR manager will need to be paid  £10 for the 30 minutes. I will need to be paid  £3.79 for the 30 minutes. The HR manager’s journey from London will cost  £21.10. The overall cost is  £34.89. I will learn how to use the supervisor function on the till , be able to give customer returns / change and cancel orders. As I have practiced at different times, I am now very clear on how to use the supervisor function on the till . This means in peak time if a customer needs a return I can quickly use the function on the till without holding up a long queue . This means the customers will be happier as they don’t have to wait a long time and I can go do more productive things. If I was unable to do this Primark would get a reputation for poor customer service and customers would go to competitors , which would lower sales. Off the job training for 30 minutes doing Job shadowing . 30 minutes observation On the sales floor with an experienced supervisor Ensuring that the sales floor is always kept clean, the shelves are fully stocked with products and there’s no clothes on the floor. In prime time the retail sales assistant are aware how to work in the peak times including the holidays and Saturdays . There are no direct costs but I will be paid  £7.57 for the hour and so will the experienced supervisor. I will not being my job during this training session meaning a loss of productivity . I may disrupt other employees and reduce the overall productivity of the department. Customers may have to wait longer on the tills / fitting rooms as I will be unable to help them, which would lower sales. The overall cost would be  £15.14 . I will be able to deal with the sales floor at its prime time. Through observation I can be told what my weaknesses are and how I can improve on them. If I wasn’t able to manage the store at prime the customers would be left waiting unreasonable times for the tills/ fitting rooms . They would eventually get annoyed and leave to go to a competitor, meaning a loss in sales. The employees would become demotivated as they are constantly having to work in a hectic unorganised environment and may leave. If an employee leaves Primark would have to pay for the recruitment costs for the next employee. Off the job training in London doing a leadership course – 1 day course In London being taught about leadership by CIPD Making sure all the retail sales assistants are working efficiently . Motivating all the retail sales assistants to do their work to the best of their ability . This means carrying out appraisals and dealing with any performance issues appropriately . The course costs  £545 . I will have to be paid for the full day at  £7.57 which is  £68.13 . I will have to pay for a peak return ticket to London for  £21.10 . The overall cost will be  £634.23. I will be unable to any of my tasks , therefore there will be a loss in productivity. There will be Resentfulness amongst other members of staff who haven’t been chosen to attend the course and become demotivated and less efficient as a result. I will learn which leadership characteristics I need to develop , be able to select motivational ideas with the most potential to motivate and engage the retail assistants . I will be able to motivate the retail sales assistants . Therefore they will be able to give good customer service which means happy customers , they will come more frequently . This will build a better image for Primark. If I was not able to motivate employees, they would eventually find a different job. Demotivated employees give bad customer service so the customers would get annoyed and go to competitors. Once the employee leaves , more will leave increasing the staff turnover which would make it less appealing to work for Primark . Recruitment costs are also very high and this would need to be paid for. Off the job training interview skills course In London with an interviewing expert . Working alongside Human resources manager to co interview potential candidates for the role of retail sales assistant. A ticket to London is  £21.10 . I would have to be paid for the full day at  £7.57 an hour , which is  £68.13 overall . The course costs  £30 . The overall cost is  £119.23. The setting will be more formal and I will take it more seriously . There will be a loss of productivity as I will not be there for the whole day to do my job. There may be resentfulness amongst other members of staff who haven’t been chosen to attend the course and become demotivated and less efficient as a result. I will learn: the equality act 2010 , the cost of recruitment and staff turnover, the causes of poor recruitment, strategies for effective recruitment practice, the stages of recruitment, how to design a job description and person profile, how to analyse application forms and cvs , and interview techniques . I will be able to make sure when I interview a candidate for the role of retail sales assistant I will do it in the best way possible . I will be able to choose the most suitable candidate . I will be able to make sure the candidate is not discriminated against and therefore save costs and the reputation of Primark. If I was unable to interview a candidate appropriately I could ask a question that breaks the equality 2010. This would give Primark a bad reputation and they would be fined. In house training for the 3 Hours The HR manager in a meeting room Providing induction training for new retail sales assistants and making them feel welcome and at ease. No direct costs but I and the HR manager will need to be paid for the 3 hours. The HR manager will get paid  £60 and I will get paid  £22.71. The train journey from London to this Primark branch will need to be paid for which is  £21.10. The overall cost would be  £108.31. Me and the HR manager will not be productive for those 3 hours . The training may disrupt other members of staff and decrease productivity over the whole department. Customers may receive poor customer service as I will be unable to help them. I will be able to provide suitable training for the new retail sales assistants . I will educate employees about the effective use of technology ,ensure that Primark has the competitive edge, promote health and safety, create opportunities for career development and personal growth, helps employees comply with laws and regulations and improve productivity. This is important because this means the employees will give good customer service . If I trained the employees incorrectly they could decide to leave or they could injure themselves because I didn’t mention a health and safety rule. This would mean an employee would be harmed and Primark would have broken the health and safety act and could face fines. If the employees are trained badly they could give poor customer service which would drive the customers away to the competitors , which would lower sales.

Gioacchino Rossini Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Gioacchino Rossini - Essay Example In the following year, 1823, he was contracted to write Semiramide, which was a serious opera for La Fenice in Venice, before moving to Paris via London in 1824. In London, he worked as a music director at the Theatre of Italien from 1824 to 1826 (Walton 98-102). However, it was not until the death of Isabella and his marriage to Olympe, when he decided to move with his new bride back to Passy a leafy suburb in Paris where he died. While still of tender age, Rossini was taught and encouraged to do music at home before being enrolled to Liceo Musicale in Bologna by his parents. After his graduation from the school, he began his career at the Venetian Teatro San Moise School to compose a single act comedy called La Cambiale di matrimonio. He owes the success of his career to the efforts and encouragement of his parents who insisted on him to study music. In school, Rossini received training in playing the piano and the cello, taking a few days to learn the latter (Walton 8). His style of writing was on the reflections of the issues that affected people at that particular time. La gazzetta for example, was a piece about how newspapers affected people’s lives, while after his retirement, he composed sacred pieces that he called â€Å"Sins on my Old Age.† Although he mostly wrote his pieces from the head, at times, he composed his sacred pieces and delectable miniatures â€Å"The Sins of my Old Age† using both piano and voice. During his time, Rossini was a good cook and he loved the job a lot. He even invented a meal named after him, the tournedos Rossini. Most of pieces became so popular that to date, they receive audience in theatres when performed, many years after his death. There are some interesting facts about Rossini that are of interest to people studying about his life and his music career. He retired from music a very wealthy

Understanding Relationships Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Understanding Relationships - Essay Example It may be rather difficult, as it requires a lot of effort and understanding. But now I more deeply explored this question and may say that some years ago I had an awful lack of relationship tips to use. For instance now I understand the importance of looking into the eyes during a conversation with your partner all the time when he speaks and being sincere in own wish to understand his point of view - that is very captivating. If you do not understand something, you should not be shy to ask direct questions for clarification. You may also scroll in mind your understanding of what your beloved person tried to convey during the conversation. At least it will show that you care about good communication in your relationship, as well as that you really listen and understand his or her point of view. It does not necessary to agree with your partners point of view, but at least you should try to understand it. For me successful communication in relationships also includes expressing own feelings in a positive, constructive way. Accusations and arguments may only put the other person in the defending position. Instead, in my new relationship now I am trying to express what I feel about a particular situation and ask for my boyfriend’s opinion on how this issue can be resolved. It is important to be brief and do not wander from side to side during the discussion. For good communication it is very important to remain calm. It can be quite difficult, especially if the situation is heated up with emotions. In my previous relationship I tend to gain momentum during the conversation, and that made me more worried. It is important not to do this; otherwise the try to talk to the beloved person will fail. Finally, now I try to be sure that I have chosen the right moment to communicate with my partner about important issues, as communication in a relationship can be overshadowed by some inevitable distractions. For example it is a bad idea to

Current event article related to the management topics Essay

Current event article related to the management topics - Essay Example Such agencies are usually established under the Chinese Labor Contract Law to provided workers who can offer services for subsidiary and temporary positions (Chen). Contracts for the outsourced workers are signed with the employment agencies and not the companies that the employees end up working for. Such an arrangement constitutes domestic outsourcing and it provides a means through which organizations can easily address the issue of labor shortfalls as a result of employee turnover by having a quick access to qualified labor. Domestic outsourcing has also helped organizations to manage their labor costs by only hiring the exact amount of labor needed during a particular time. Domestic labor outsourcing has been widely used in administrative, research and teaching posts in universities in China. However, the outsourced staff enjoys fewer social security benefits and lower wages compared to the regular workers on similar jobs. They are also discriminated by the organizations’ training and promotion opportunities. The practice has been blamed for the rising cases of inequalities among workers especially in public service (Chen). In Beijing alone, universities have outsourced an approximated 3,500 workers in administrative, teaching and research positions. The figure is 1000 less in Shanghai (Chen). The domestic outsourcing model should be reviewed to ensure equal rights are enjoyed by all employees in the public

Machine guns Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Machine guns - Essay Example . automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger† (National). This is one example where laws confuse us more than help. The machine gun has had a checkered history; it was invented in the mid nineteenth century by Dr. Richard Jordon Gatling, and was known as the Gatling gun. He patented his invention in 1861. The Gatling gun was the first rapid firing gun which can precisely be referred to as the ancestor of modern machine gun. Dr Gatling said â€Å"it occurred to me that if I could invent a machine-a gun- which could by its rapidity of fire enable, one man to do as much battle duty as a hundred that it would to a large extent supersede the necessity of large armies and consequently, exposure to battle and disease would be greatly decreased (Richard par 4).† This was followed in 1885 by a Maxim gun which was the first machine gun that was self powered, in that it used the recoil energy of the previous bullet to load and fire the next bullet. The modern machine gun is a development of the Maxim gun. All machine guns for firing use a basic mounting which is as follows People have been collecting guns all over the world for decades. It is similar to people like collecting swords. But now a new hobby has emerged of collecting machine guns in most countries of the world, owning a machine gun is illegal, but in the United States 34 states of the union, it is legal for citizens to own and shoot with machine guns. In case you wish to start a hobby as a machine gun collector then please do ensure that the state you reside allows you to own a machine gun. In some states such as Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, New York, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Washington State and the district of Columbia, have a total ban on privately owned machine guns. However, despite the above quarters of million Americans own machine guns. The National Firearms Act 1934 is the nodal act that governs

Do you think there are any important dimensions or elements of Assignment

Do you think there are any important dimensions or elements of democracy that are missing from Diamond and Morlinos list Do any of those listed seem unnecessary or redundant Explain your reasoning - Assignment Example In such arrangement, the greater percentage of the populace will have to get a pie of the national cake. More so, competition can only thrive when there is equality. Equality is the only component that calls for contestants on the same ballot. Therefore, competition as an element is misplaced or repetitive. However, this dimension has no difference at all when "participation" as dimension is factored in. Participation according to many pundits means involving decision-making, sharing the national cake and the appointment of key governmental jobs. If there is a new understanding of the word "Participation", then it could be different or function differently with equality (Diamond & Morlino, 23). It is only with the presence of equality that participation can thrive. A claim that participation and equality are two different pillars of democracy is myopic at its best and redundant at its worst. Secondly, the duo, have mentioned vertical accountability and horizontal accountability. They have gone ahead and mentioned responsiveness. The two are interrelated. It is only that responsiveness is a complex and takes into account many things including the vertical accountability. The political environment that enables responsiveness is similar to those that support responsiveness and are all enshrined in democracy (Diamond & Morlino, 26). The two, therefore, is the same. In addition, the mention of respect and rule of law as different is perfect. Rule of law is nonsense where respect is non-existent. Rule of law bring a fair playing ground for the entire nation, and it takes respect and humility of the mighty to be the same as the poor who are viewed on the lenses of being under the law (Diamond & Morlino, 26). Its only respect that will lead to rule of law and allowing no to be so mighty to be over the law or so small to be beneath the very

Market Model Patterns of Change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Market Model Patterns of Change - Essay Example Wal-Mart is a perfect example of a business operating in an oligopolistic market structure. This is because they have low prices in the market enabling them compete healthily with other businesses dealing in similar products/services. Secondly, Wal-Mart operates with fewer sellers in the market giving them mutual interdependence over the other firms in the business. The long term effect of Wal-Mart operating an oligopoly will result to rise of economies of scale. This is because they will take advantage of having been in the markets to put barriers to other business wishing to join the business. Secondly, Operating under oligopoly market structure, Wal-Mart may collude to form a monopoly form of market structure, therefore, dictating their terms in the market. As a short term effect, Wal-Mart will be forced to renew their strategies of working because they will be facing different competitors in the market (Roberts & Berg, 2012). Factors affecting Wal-Mart competitiveness is their capability in retailing. The business has various stores situated in various strategic places. These stores seek their profits by retailing their products through high volumes and using low mark-ups to give them a competitive advantage over other business dealing in the same line of products. Secondly, Wal-Mart achieves their competitiveness owing to their standardized pallets, tight delivery schedules and computerized tracking. This has given them an edge over many businesses dealing in the same line since they are not in a position to raise enough capitol to ensure efficiency in the systems. They are also able to use their technology as a source of marketing, therefore, minimize on their revenue spending. Thirdly, Wal-Mart prices play a significant role in influencing their activities and encouraging their competitiveness to other businesses. This is because it is an economy of scale, therefore, they purchase raw materials at a m uch cheaper price

Financial Reporting Systems and Economic Development Essay

Financial Reporting Systems and Economic Development - Essay Example The role of the financial reporting system, as supported by accounting standards, the law and the ethics, in economic development is reviewed and analyzed in this paper. Particular emphasis is given on faithful representation, as an indicator of the reliability of financial statements. Also, the circumstances under which true and fair override apply are identified and explained. It is proved that faithful representation, in its current form, is something more than simple a compliance with accounting standards. One of the most critical issues when having to evaluate the quality of financial statements is that these statements should achieve faithful representation. In order to understand the role of ‘faithful representation’, as an element of the financial reporting systems, it would be necessary to refer to these systems, as the basis on which a firm’s financial practices are usually based. In accordance with Uddin et al., two major financial reporting systems are considered as the most credible for businesses in all sectors: the US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP) and the IFRS.1 The use of one of these systems, which have been appropriately tested as of the effectiveness in financial reporting, results to the increase of credibility of the local economy. From this point of view, it has been proved that the use of these systems within a particular country leads to the increase of the foreign direct investment (FDI) to the above country. Thus, accounting standards and financial reporting are closely related to the performance of the local economy, of course under the terms that global financial markets are stabilized, i.e. that these markets do not suffer from delays in the implementation of financial and other projects. In the literature the term ‘faithful representation’ has been given various explanations, which are all similar. For example, in the study of Hussey reference is made to the use of the term fait hful representation in order to show the reliability of the financial statements involved.2 In other words, the specific term is used in order to indicate the fact that the information included in the financial statements is accurate and responds to the actual financial status of the organization. Apart from reliability, the term ‘faithful representation’ also reflects the completeness of information included in the financial statements.3 The financial statements are considered as complete when they include all necessary information.4 A similar approach in the description of faithful representation is included in the study of Needles et al. In accordance with the above researcher, the term ‘faithful representation’ means that the financial statement involved is ‘complete, neutral and free from error’.5 It is further explained that the phrase ‘free from error’ does not imply the full accuracy of the particular financial statement, a s such requirement is quite difficult, almost impossible, to be achieved since financial statements are highly based on estimations.6 At this point, the following problem appears: how the reliability of financial statements is proved? The fact that there are some transactions that cannot be measured, at least not precisely, is highlighted in the study of Hussey.7 On the other hand, the availability of the data involved is an issue that needs to be carefully considered when having to

Southwest Airlines - External Environment Analysis Essay - 1

Southwest Airlines - External Environment Analysis - Essay Example This paper will look at the Five Force Model affecting the degree of competition as developed by Michael Porter and discuss the effect of each factor on the airline industry. We will also conduct a PEST analysis for Southwest Airlines as part of the airline industry. The Porter Five-Force Model Michael Porter put forth his Five Force Model in his groundbreaking work ‘Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors’ back in 1980. In the decades that followed, he has further explored the global business arena in terms of competition, the value chain, the competitive advantage of nations and even how to create and sustain superior performance in business. Porter maintains that the five forces that affect the level of competition among firms in an industry are (1) barriers to entry and exit; (2) threat of substitutes; (3) bargaining power of buyers; (4) power of suppliers and (5) existing rivalry between firms. In the same work, Porter has also anal yzed industries as falling into one of the following five groups: (a) Fragmented; (b) Emerging; (c) Mature; (d) Declining and (e) Global (Porter, 1980). In fact, Porter’s analysis serves as a good theoretical tool to supplement a firm’s PEST analysis, which we shall now conduct for the airline industry in general and Southwest Airlines in particular. Sources-barriers to entry and exit: The high cost of entry and exit in the airline industry globally include investment in equipment, infrastructure, buildings and facilities, an experienced workforce and aircraft maintenance and inspection, insurance, safety and security features. The high cost of aircraft and fuel is also affecting airline sustainability and the bottom line (Southwest website, 2012). Sources-threat of substitutes: Alternative choices for air passengers would include fast trains, buses, automobiles and even ferry services. However, nothing beats the convenience of an airplane. Terrorist threats, luggage r estrictions and safety and security checks can also scare passenger away (Porter, 1980). Sources-bargaining power of buyers: With the Passenger Protection Act in place to safeguard customers against price hikes, and insurance, safety and security measures that must be maintained at all times, and discount prices that are eagerly picked up by bargaining customers, this puts the buyers in the driving seat on many counts (David, 2011). Club memberships and frequent flyer miles may be offered to regular passengers to help retain their loyalty, and there are often possibilities of an upgrade to a higher class if seating is available.   Sources-power of suppliers: McDonnell Douglas and Airbus Industries are two of the most well-recognized aircraft manufacturing firms having a global recognition and reputation. Both of these firms take most of the world’s orders but there are also a number of smaller firms that make smaller and lighter aircraft for other purposes.

Gobi Fund Essay Example for Free

Gobi Fund Essay Why is it difficult to establish a new fund? Why is track record so important in fund raising? The main concern is to convince the investors to invest their money in Gobi. Therefore, it is necessary to raise a rational-sized fund. To raise a new fund is not an easy thing to do as everything including the fund structure, team, approach, LP base, and amount of capital have to be defined appropriately. The general partners also need to contribute their own money in order to convince the investors to invest together with them. The track record is very important in fund raising because if Gobi has a good track record, more investors will be interested to invest in it. Q2. Prepare a SWOT analysis for Gobi Fund II proposal in the context of venture capital fundraising. Gobi operates in an area where there is a lot of pent up demand (IT and digital media). * Gobi can acts like a bridge for western LPs to invest in Chinese companies. It is difficult to raise a new fund and if Gobi do not really have a good track record, it will become harder to gain the investors trust in order to raise the new funds. May have the advantage in acquiring a higher return from investment in the IT and media market since they already invest in that industry during the early stage. Meaning that they already have the experiences in investing in IT industry, therefore, may not become a problem to earn a high return. What are the keys to raising the second fund and how large should it be? There is no definite answer in this question as they could be changing depends on the situations. The planning horizons may take between 7 to 10 years or maybe longer than that because of a lack of infrastructure and development in the industry. The fund size may be between $100 million to $200 million allowing around $2 million to $5 million for each company. The subsequent funds should be of similar size or larger as the industry grows. Gobi wants the first close at $75 million. The key is whether to include more financial LPs or not. Q4. From the perspective of a potential LP, what are your choices when funding international focused VC funds? Would you fund Gobi? Gobi has never exited from an investment before, and there is high level of risks involved in the development of early stage IT companies as well as huge risks that may impede company development and growth. However, Gobi operates in an area where there is a lot of pent up demand (IT and digital media) and Gobi can acts like a bridge for western LPs to invest in Chinese companies. It may be a good choice to invest in it if it offers a rational return considerate with the level of high risks involved.

Muhammad And Jesus: Compare The Men

Muhammad And Jesus: Compare The Men This essay was kindly submitted by Collins Maritim Thomas Carlyle observed that the history of the world is really the biography of great men. And no two men have influenced our world more than Jesus and Muhammad. Nations have used their words as the foundation of their cultures and laws. Fully half of the worlds inhabitants trace the roots of their beliefs back to Muhammads words in the 7th century and the teachings of Jesus Christ in the 1st century. So who were these men who have changed our world, and how do they compare with one another? We begin with Muhammad. Muhammad didnt appear extraordinary at first. But in time his name became known throughout the Arab lands as the one who united a disparate group of nomad Arabs into a powerful force for their God. And today, nearly 1,400 years later, 1.8 billion Muslims revere Muhammad as the greatest of all prophets. About six hundred years before Muhammad another man appeared on the scene who in three short years changed our world. His name is Jesus Christ. Within a few generations after he left earth, the power and might of the Roman Empire was enveloped by the phenomenon of Christianity, and today it is the worlds largest religion with over 2 billion followers. Although Muslims and Christians both believe strongly in God, their religious differences have changed our 21st century world. But, can their many religious differences be traced back to the teachings of Muhammad and Jesus? If these religious leaders were alive today, would they reflect the divisions of their followers, or would they agree with one another? Perhaps we can answer that question by looking at the similarities and differences of Muhammad and Jesus. Both religious leaders had some similarities, but their differences account for much of the division we see today between Islam and Christianity. In the next several pages, we will look at the: Life of Muhammad Life of Jesus Similarities between Muhammad and Jesus Differences between Muhammad and Jesus After comparing Muhammad and Jesus, we will attempt to draw conclusions about what led to their enormous influence upon our world. We will also examine their messages for essential differences. First lets take a brief look at their lives. Life of Jesus Christ Jesus Christ was born about 6 B. C. in Bethlehem, an obscure village in the Roman province of Palestine. It was a time when many Jews were looking for the long promised Messiah spoken of hundreds of years before by Hebrew prophets. Luke, who documented the life of Jesus, writes that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, and that the angel Gabriel proclaimed him as the Son of the most High, the Savior of men (Luke 1:26-38). Jesus worked as a carpenter in the Galilean town of Nazareth. At age 30 he began his public ministry by teaching Gods Word and performing nature-defying miracles. Jesus words and miraculous deeds attracted huge crowds like a magnet. He spoke of God with an authority that marveled everyone. Jesus sinless life of moral purity amazed both his followers and his enemies. He also astounded them by turning water into wine, walking on water, calming storms at sea, giving sight to the blind, healing paralyzed limbs, and restoring life to the dead. No one had ever demonstrated such power and authority. And his enemies were unable to refute Jesus amazing power over nature. Not only did Jesus perform great miracles, but he also spoke words of such profound wisdom, that it was said of him that no man has ever spoken like this. His words were spoken with authority and revealed remarkable insight about the human condition. In fact, Jesus said his words were the words of God Himself. Although the crowds that followed Jesus loved and accepted him, Jewish religious leaders were jealous of his fame and wisdom. In their envy, they continually sought to trip him up or catch him in a violation of their law. But Jesus life was pure and above reproach. Rather than violating Gods law, Jesus fulfilled every single command by his righteous life. Jesus continually demonstrated heartfelt compassion for the poor and downcast. He looked beyond the outward appearances of men into their hearts. Jesus was always kind, going out of his way to help people, regardless of how important they were. Jesus never boasted about himself. And his humility was blended with incredible courage and strength. He condemned religious hypocrisy, and spoke boldly in the face of overwhelming opposition from the Jewish leaders and Roman rulers. But Jesus also taught forgiveness, and demonstrated it by forgiving his executioners as he hung on the cross uttering, Father forgive them for they dont know what they are doing. (Luke 23:26-49). Jesus made claims that totally infuriated his enemies. Jesus claims make it impossible that he was simply a prophet, a great religious leader, or merely a good man. He was either who he claimed to be, [God] or he was a liar, or a madman, or something worse. Jesus was betrayed by Judas, one of his 12 disciples, and turned over to his Jewish enemies. The Romans then crucified Jesus on a cross and certified his death. After verifing his death, his body was placed into a rich mans tomb in Jerusalem. Jesus had told his disciples he would rise from the grave three days after his crucifixion. His disciples didnt believe his words at first, and they fled the scene, afraid they would be killed like their leader. But three days after Jesus crucifixion, they were suddenly changed. In a dramatic turnaround, they began proclaiming that Jesus had risen, and eventually died as martyrs for what they believed to be true. Before he ascended, Jesus promised that he would return to earth someday as Ruler. His followers conviction spread like a wildfire, consuming the entire Roman Empire. Our world has never been the same. Life of Muhammad Muhammad was born in 570 A.D in Mecca, a city in Western Saudi Arabia. He was an orphan, having lost both parents by the age of 6. After age 8 the young Muhammad was raised by his uncle, Abu Talib. In time he joined the trading caravans as a merchant. At age 25 Muhammad married a wealthy widow by the name of Khadijah, 15 years his senior. The couple had four daughters and two sons who died in infancy. During Muhammads life he had a total of eleven wives. He was described as gentle and humble by nature. He loved children and animals. At age 40, Muhammad fell into a trance in a cave on Mount Hira near Mecca where he claimed to have heard the angel Gabriel speak to him. Muhammad reportedly ran home crying out, O, Kadijah! I have either become a soothsayer or else I am possessed of the Djin [demon] and gone mad. Khadijah and her Christian cousin Waraqah consoled Muhammad, assuring him his vision must be real, and that he was truly Gods prophet. Muhammad had additional revelations of Gabriel speaking to him, but he still had agonizing doubts about their reality. He was even more troubled when the revelations ceased, becoming dejected and entertaining suicide. It wasnt until later when his revelations resumed, that Muhammad finally began proclaiming himself as a prophet, and preaching in the one sovereign God, resurrection, and the last judgment, and the practicing of charity to the poor and the orphans. Muhammad was illiterate and recited his revelations orally. It wasnt until after his death that they were compiled and written down in the Quran. Muslims accept the Quran as a miracle, believing it is 100% inspired with no human error. Much of what we know as Islam the lives and sayings of the Prophet is based on texts from between 130 and 300 years after Muhammads death. In the face of rampant idolatry, Muhammad became zealous for Allah. It was his zeal that led Muhammad to take up the sword for Allah. He would spread Islam by conquering the infidel (unbelieving) peoples, including Christians and Jews. Prior to taking up the sword, Muhammad had co-existed peacefully with the many Jewish inhabitants of Medina. But when he realized the Jews rejected his prophetic calling and radical ideas, he became angry, and began treating them cruelly. As a result, some Jews were driven into exile by his militia, while others were executed with their widows and children being sold as slaves. Prior to his death, Muhammad led several military campaigns. He proved to be a courageous and capable military leader. By the time of his death in 632, Muslims ruled only in Arabia. But within ten years the Arab Muslims conquered Palestine, Syria, Egypt, Iraq, and then Persia (Iran). In one generation Muhammad and his followers had changed the political landscape of the Eastern world. Today Muslims around the world honor Muhammad as Allahs one True Prophet. Similarities between Jesus and Muhammad Before we look at the differences between Jesus and Muhammad, lets identify a few of their similarities. Great religious leaders Jesus and Muhammad established the worlds two largest religions, Christianity with 2.1 billion, and Islam with 1.8 billion people, together half of the worlds population. Monotheism Although their views of Gods nature were different, both men believed in and taught about one true God who is sovereign, infinite, all powerful, all-knowing, and the ultimate judge of all mankind. Old Testament Scriptures Both men accepted the Old Testament as Gods Word, and acknowledged Abraham, as the one through whom God would make a great people. Jews and Christians believe Gods promise is through Abrahams son, Isaac, while Muslims believe it is through Abrahams other son, Ishmael. Written legacy Neither Jesus nor Muhammad wrote a book. However, their respective followers recorded their words that we have today; the New Testament detailing the eyewitness accounts of Jesus life and words, and the Quran, which records Muhammads account of his revelation. Whereas Muslims regard the Quran as a Miracle that must be taken by faith without the necessity of evidentiary support, Christians point to numerous evidences of ancient documents substantiating the reliability of the New Testament. Worldwide influence Muhammads most enduring influence has been his ability to unite disparate groups of Arab peoples under the banner of Islam, primarily by military conquest. This influence spread further by conquests of several surrounding countries. Between the 8th century to the 13th century, Islam was instrumental in several developments in the arts and sciences. This period of cultural advancement is called The Golden Age of Islam During this Golden Age Muslim scholars made contributions to literature, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and chemistry. Muhammads influence rings loud today through his 1.8 billion followers around the world. Jesus Christ influenced Western Civilization peacefully. He told us that God loves each of us individually and created us for Himself. He taught us to love and forgive each other. Secular world historian Will Durant credits Jesus teachings with the beginning of democracy. Jesus teaching of the high value of the individual resulted in the establishment of schools such as Yale and Harvard, the abolition of slavery, the elevated dignity of women, and countless hospitals charities and humanitarian works. Differences between Muhammad and Jesus Although some similarities exist between Muhammad and Jesus, their differences are far greater. Lets look at a few of the most important. Different Claims Muhammad said he was just a man; Jesus claimed to be God. In fact, Muhammad never claimed to be more than a man, a prophet of Allah. His following prayer reflects that: O Allah! I am but a man. (Ahmed, Musnad, Vol. 6, pg. 103) Although Jesus was fully a man who felt pain, became hungry, tired, and was tempted like us, Jesus also claimed to be fully God, equal with his heavenly Father. He said that prior to becoming a man, he and the father had always existed as one God, and had jointly created the universe. Several popular conspiracy theories, like The Da Vinci Code, have asserted that the church invented Jesus divinity, but historical evidence indicates the earliest Christians believed that Jesus is both Lord and God. Christianity would not be the same if Jesus disciples hadnt truly believed he was God. (The term, Son of God does not mean a biological offspring, or that Jesus is inferior to his Father, it only reflects their relationship with one another within the godhead). All the evidence points to the fact that the disciples totally embraced his deity. Different Character As a mortal man, Muhammad sinned like us. Jesus was said to be without sin (John 8:46). Even his enemies were unable to accuse him of breaking any of Gods Commandments. But Muhammad admitted he had erred, and asked Allah for forgiveness three times (Sura al-Ghafir 40:55; 47:19 al-Fath 48:2). Different Authority Muhammad never performed a miracle (Quran 29:50), but Jesus exhibited complete authority over nature by performing numerous miracles (Mark 3:9,10). Different Credentials Jesus fulfilled ancient Hebrew prophecies; Muhammad did not. Muhammad offered no credentials but his revelation. Yet, nearly 300 Old Testament prophecies with 61 specific details were fulfilled by Jesus Christ. Only God could have brought all those details to pass. Thus, Jesus is a perfect match for each of them. Jesus divine credentials were established by his fulfillment of Gods prophetic Word. Different Power Jesus resurrection demonstrated divine power; Muhammad died and his bones are reportedly within his grave at Medina. Jesus, on the other hand, came back to life three days after he was crucified and confirmed dead by Roman executioners. Both Jesus crucifixion and resurrection are historical facts for which there is compelling evidence. Different Message Jesus taught love and grace; Muhammad taught submission and rules. Muhammad taught that we must attain salvation by adhering to Islams Five Pillars of the Faith. In other words, our salvation depends on our own efforts. Even then, one has no assurance of forgiveness, and must depend upon the mercy of Allah for forgiveness. Some Muslims believe that the Quran teaches that becoming a martyr for Allah will gain them favor and they will be rewarded by a heavenly harem. Jesus said God created us for a relationship with Himself. His plan is to adopt us into His heavenly family as His beloved children. However, we rebelled against Him and broke His moral laws. The Bible calls this sin. Such disobedience against a holy God requires judgment. Our good deeds, money, or prayers cannot take away our sins. The Bible tells us God is a pursuing God who devised a plan to free us from our sin debt. Gods solution was to pay the price Himself. In order to accomplish that, Jesus became a man who would die in our place (Philippians 2:5). Jesus said: God so loved the world that He sent Jesus to die for us (John 3:16). Jesus taught that salvation is a free gift which must be embraced by faith in him alone, not our deeds. It is our choice to accept or reject Gods free pardon. Jesus and Muhammad have at time been confused amongst scholars as being one in the same. Both of these individuals were born at completely separate times; however, both men served very similar purposes while on Earth. Jesus promoted Christianity and Muhammad promoted

Information Systems Capstone

Information Systems Capstone Richard Lecator   Background information of the Company The company is known for its dominant role in the collection and analysis of data. The firm has been operational for a duration almost equaling two years and has a total of approximate 20 employees, where four have been delegated to the IT department. Due to the rampant growth that has been exhibited by the firm, pundits predict that it is going to experience a staggering 60% growth for the next one and a half year. The organization collects data by the help of the Web analytics and then combines it with the data obtained from the operation systems. Web analytics hold a significant role in the majority of the marketing plans for the business, and it involves measuring, collecting, analyzing and then reporting the data collected from the website for the sake of development and optimization of usage of the web. The firm is a very young one and hence is struggling to adapt to the limited technological infrastructure it has to keep it running. However, regardless of this, the firm still anticipates having the business expanded in the next half a year by having its operational activities moved from its current one floor to a spacious three floors. The company has all the information regarding its operations kept in the form of both hardware and software and stored on-site. Details regarding the Type of Business that the Company is Engaged In. The firm works on web analytics and effective qualitative reportage. The software used by the firm enables it to have high quality, data collection that is very effective that starts in minutes without any necessity of additional programming (Aalst, 2009). Therefore, whether it is a huge document, review or digital sets of data, the organization will be able to provide you with analytical services, which will be of great help for you in acquiring answers that are simpler to ambiguous business queries. Types of Data that the Company Collects The firm is further able to collect native and email data from almost all the electronic sources, with the inclusion of the individual computers, storage devices for mobile media, backup tapes, networks belonging to the companies, and the mobile devices for personal use (Aalst, 2009). This shows that the company is well equipped to manage almost all of the devices. The Current Outsourcing and offshoring activities. Globalization and an increase in the competition on the global standards have pushed the organization to incorporate a wider range of economical transfers and the process of exchanging goods and services, technical know-how, personnel, and numerous other related intermediate activities that are part of the value chains for the global markets. When it comes outsourcing and offshoring, there is always a very close relationship amid the locations, motivational standards and the organizational strategy for the company (Warranty Data Collection and Analysis, 2011). Technological advancements will ultimately play great roles in reshaping this subject more in the organization. The main reason behind the organization resolving to the activities related to outsourcing and offshoring when it comes to knowledge is because the firm has an objective of cementing its competitive advantage. This will only be achieved through exploitation of the locally available talent and proficiency in the host economies. The skilled information personnel in position and their responsibilities The following are the duties and the responsibilities of the team that will ensure the fulfillment of the project. The Senior Project Director  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   The individual will be in charge of ensuring that the project is planned, directed and ensures a  smooth running of the project. The individual will also be in charge of ensuring that the project deliverables and their functions are achieved as stated in the Charter of the project (Ward, 2006). He will also be in charge of ensuring that accountability is maintained when it comes to managing the resources for the project. The Quality Manager and the Technical Lead Will ensure that both the proposed product and that the qualities of the process for the project are maintained. Will manage every days activities for the project and that there is a good liaison with the projects technical management. Will ensure that the technical disciples regarding the project are maintained. Will partner with the IT department to ensure that adequate technical assistance is accorded to the project handlers. Will be in charge of advising on the insight regarding the health of the project. Will be available to offer leadership assistance to the technical staff throughout the life cycle of the project. Will provide necessary assistance to the Senior Project Director in establishing the best technical policies, procedures, and processes for the project. Implementation and test lead Will be in-charge of: Managing the implementation phase of the project. Providing leadership when it comes to implementation management by forming, synchronizing, scheduling, and closely overseeing the activities during the implementation phase. Directing the testing process of the newly created structure. Will work with the state and the federal departments to ensure that the test is carried out as provided for by the law. Operation Lead Will be in charge of: Coordinating and supervising how the new system works The particular data collected by the company The information systems that is currently being used by the company: Operational Systems and Databases Below are some of the operating systems and Databases that the organization has been using to help with its day to day activities. Operating System They include: Microsoft.NET 2.0 Framework ASP.NET 2.0 master pages, the gratified pages, and Web Parts. Windows Workflow Foundation. Databases Business Request Data Site custom data InfoPath Forms Services Analytics and Interfaces The most used analytic interface being used by the organization is the graphic interface. Infrastructure and Security To ensure the security of the collected data, the firm has resolved to the use of the combination of both the technologies of the cloud computing and Software-as-as-a-Service (SaaS). Therefore, when the organization thoroughly implements the above-outlined structure, then the structures it will have initiated in place will be able to assist with holding the demand for the expansion that the business requires. References Aalst, W., Joseph, M., Mylopoulos, J., Sadeh, N. M., Shaw, M. J., Szyperski, C., Gotel, O., Meyer-Stabley, B. (2009). Software Engineering Approaches for Offshore and Outsourced Development: Third International Conference, SEAFOOD 2009, Zurich, Switzerland, July 2-3, 2009. Proceedings. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg. Ward, P., Dafoulas, G. (2006). Database management systems. London: Thomson. Warranty Data Collection and Analysis. (2011). London: Springer-Verlag London Limited. Information Systems Capstone Information Systems Capstone Richard Lecator The organization is proud to be able to review and enter into a partnership with its customers in the goal of overhauling the company visibility. This visibility will be done in hopes to increase brand awareness while increasing the residential customer base and the industrial IT services. Through the improved visual appearance of the company assets the brand will become known for its appearance and with the known presence will make changes within the organization. The graphics will provide information in regards to the company as well as local contacts and the company website. With that, the organization will strive to increase its quality of field service as well as improve the quality of the customer service through face to face interactions as well as online and telephone interactions. To ensure maximum satisfaction of the organizations customers, the following Project Implementation plan has been drafted to assist with ensuring that the project is smoothly and comprehensively carried out. The refurnishing process of the organizations IT department is a huge project that the organization would like to capitalize on greatly. The IT Plan The IT department holds a vital role in the process of realization of the project. The organization understands this with a very strong implication. This is why the firm has taken necessary steps to ensure that the IT plan developed has a close association with its Business Plan. This Organizations IT plan will help in achieving the successes of the project by making sure that the best IT personnel that bear recommended qualifications are brought on board. If put to use according to plan, the plan will prove to be a great tool in assisting with controlling the activities of the IT department throughout the whole process. Roles and Responsibilities of Team Members of the Project The list provided below outlines the duties and the obligations of the Organizations project team. The Senior Project Director In charge of planning directing and overseeing the project, and making that the project deliverables and its functionality are realized. Ensures that there is maintenance of accountability when it comes to managing all of the resources being used in the project. Acts an intermediary with between the project and its sponsors. The Quality Manager In charge of managing the quality of the product and the process involved in the project. Ensures that the traceability matrix of the requirements is maintained. In charge of providing insight into the health of the project. The Roles and the duties of: The Technical Lead have been clearly outlined. The Implementation Lead. The Application Support Lead. The Test Lead have been properly and thoroughly outlined. The Configuration Lead and, The Operations Lead have all been clearly outlined in the Human Resource Plan. Project Organizational Charts The graphic structure below, derived from DMOZ Regional: North America: United States: Tennessee: Guides and Directories. (2016), is a representation of the reporting hierarchy for the project. The chart below, shows the existing association of the tasks for the project and the members of the team. All of the changes that are proposed to the responsibilities of the project must receive a direct approval from the Office of the Project Manager. Proposal of change will only occur with a basis to the control process of change for the project. When the change is made, all of the documents for the project will be updated and then redeployed by the procedures. Roles Infrastructure Preparation Requirements Gathering Design Configuration Development Implementation Software Testing Conduct Training Senior Project Director A A R R C C Quality Manager A R C C Technical Lead A R Implementation Lead I A R C I Application Support Lead A C R I Test Lead A C R C C Configuration Lead R A R C Operation Lead C Key: R Responsible for completing the work A Accountable for ensuring task completion/sign off C Consulted before any decisions are made I Informed of when an action/decision has been made Gantt Chart Staffing Management Plan       The Staffing Management Plan helps with the formalization of the processes that are used in managing the project. This plan positions itself with the available processes like refurbishment, cultural and people policies, the policies for the supply chain, and the collective agreements that have been continuously applied by organization for its staffing. During the resources planning, there is significance in considering the resources that are commonly used in the project and the ones from the external environment. The Staffing Management Plan will aim to provide a solution to the required resources to offer support to the program through the life cycle of the project. However, it is of significance to note that the details contained in the plan will only be for the foreseeable future and will be updated with a continuation of realization of the process. When it comes to the staffing of the project and the resources, the requirements will vary with time as the project progresses. This document will be subjected to continuous updates as deemed necessary for the phases that are to come. Finally, purchased services contracts from the external that includes Amplified Staff, particular, and accomplished task contracts will help greatly in bringing in new staff in the course of realizing the project (Project Management Institute, 2004). When it comes to the management of the organization, the focus has been solemnly put on ensuring that the goals of the process are achieved so that the mission and vision of the organization are achieved.   The quality program is inclusive of the team members who have basic duties of making the processes, ensuring that their effectiveness, and overseeing the actions that will make an improvement in the manner in which the organization manages quality during  and after the project. References    Project Management Institute. (2004). A guide to the project management body of  knowledge (PMBOK guide). Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute. DMOZ Regional: North America: United States: Tennessee: Guides and Directories. (2016).