#improper etc/i.e./e.g. use is also up there

[danwithouttheplan]

’s <- not used to make something plural

[juniperpublishersajop]

Polymer Engineering - Developing or Improving Plastic Products- Are Plastics Boon or Bane?

Abstract

Plastics have advantages and disadvantages in properties like every other material section i.e. wood, metals, aluminum, ceramics. A boon is the high flexibility with plastics to create each desired property for each single application. But this is exactly also the bane. The result are the 5 Billon tons of plastic worldwide everywhere on earth. The diversity of plastic solutions is enormous. This makes reuse of it almost impossible. Compared with no economic value of used plastic the significance for Consumers and companies is almost zero. We need a common strength to solve this problem. And we need true facts from scientists and experts to help consumers make the wright decision under technical, economical, ecological and social aspects. This is shown in detail using a plastic tote bag versus a fiber tote bag.

Keywords: Polymer Engineering; Plastic Products; Advantages and Disadvantages; Boon and Bane of Plastics

Introduction

The “polymer” expertise in interaction with technological knowledge on raw materials, polymer materials, machine and process technology, processing, manufacturing technology and quality, tool and surface technology, construction and simulation, use, repair and recycling, cycles and disposal, Life Cycle Engineering (LCE) and Further training leads to qualified “polymer engineering” and is part of polymer science [1,2]. The specialists working in plastics technology also have enormous competitive advantages and behave sustainably through the application of the engineering concept to innovations in their products and in the quality of their work from a variety of particularly forward-looking aspects (-> economy, component optimization, resource conservation, environmental compatibility, etc.). It should be noted at this point that specialist expertise within plastics technology is basically a reflection of our quality of life and thus our prosperity. This will certainly continue to be the case in future, provided that we are “qualified” and highly responsible when it comes to plastics!

Present situation

From today’s perspective and also in the future, plastics from the following, exemplary selected areas of life will no longer be imaginable.

a. Energy saving through lightweight construction (low density) with moving masses (cars, aircrafts, robots, satellites, rockets)

b. Electrical insulation (including electrical cables, electric motors)

c. Thermal insulation for buildings (foams)

d. Improved shelf life and hygiene of food (packaging)

e. Product protection / resource conservation through shock absorption (packaging)

f. Maximum mobility through rubber tires (traffic)

g. Seat belts in vehicles (shock absorption)

h. Electronic components (mass production)

i. Leisure experiences (skiing, climbing, hiking, ball games, bicycles, water sports, tennis, etc.)

j. Clothing, textiles (comfort, durability)

k. crop yields in agriculture (covers, nets, fences, irrigation, silage)

l. medical healing (bandages, syringes, tubes, plasters, implants etc.)

And for all applications of plastics, these are usually inexpensive.

It should also be noted that due to their extremely high number of variants (materials made to measure for every application), plastics have, besides outstanding advantages (see above) as the boon side, also serious disadvantages (i.e.-> recycling problems) as the bane side.

For about 30 years we have been experiencing how plastics are gradually becoming discredited by public opinion due to “conspicuous” environmental events. These include (selection):

a. Fine dust pollution (microplastics) due to tire abrasion, sports fields with artificial turf,

b. Nanoparticles from cosmetics, fibers from clothing parts lead to plastic in the world’s oceans, in the ground and in the air. Polymer particles (plastic primary particles) migrate through food intake in humans and animals

c. Recycling quotas and circular economy up to ban on disposable products in more and more countries worldwide

d. Consumer health as a result of emissions from packaging and insulation materials as well as floor coverings in the construction industry and much more. Think on PVC soft for example.

e. Reduced moisture absorption of arable soils due to mixed decomposition products made of PE from cover foils etc. over the years.

f. Emissions of additives in plastics (fogging) in new cars, home mobiles, textiles, household machines, departments (floors, furniture), buildings (Inside and outside: foams, surface protections), and so on.

Basically, it has to be demanded that the highest priority must be to generate an accurate factual awareness among consumers through honest, open education. Recognized undesirable developments and misalignments are to be named with clear and understandable names. It is just as important, however, to demonstrate and appreciate the indispensable, environmentally friendly, life-saving, and beautifying consequences of plastic applications.

Plastics are made-to-measure materials, and, from today’s perspective, it is precisely this advantage that is increasingly becoming a major disadvantage with the current possibilities with regard to recycling and reuse (closed loop economy). However, this may change in the future. So “plastic waste”, provided chemical recycling processes (catalytic cracking, etc.) further developed so that in the future the plastic itself will become a source of raw materials again, will receive a completely new appreciation Using solar energy, it is fundamentally possible to achieve a carbon-neutral, climate-friendly life cycle assessment! With glass, metal, ceramics, wood, the situation is similar with regard to a circular economy. Quantitatively smaller, unmixed material flows are significantly larger in number with plastics. With high-strength, alloy steel sheets for car bodies, there is the same problem of pure recycling in the second and subsequent life of a component that is subjected to comparable loads, such as in e.g. PVC window frames. For metals, the need for metals with lower properties is huge worldwide. Similar to thermoplastics, they can be melted and re-alloyed and finally used as normal steel, here, for example, structural steel. With 30-year-old PVC window frame formulations, this is also possible to a limited extent, but the volume flows that can be achieved are much lower at the same time significantly higher logistics costs. Additive developments over the decades also prevent their use after 20 years. a. Without plastics, there would only be mobility based on wood, metal and ceramics (no rubber tires).

b. Without plastics, natural fibers for clothing would not be sufficient for all of humanity or the cultivated areas would be too scarce.

c. Without plastics, we used the oil for heating and transport even faster (plastics reduce resource consumption).

d. Without plastics, there would be no electrical devices, no electrical motors and electronic components

e. Without plastics we would have no surface protection (corrosion)

f. Without plastics, medical technology and hygiene would have been up to 100 years ago.

g. And without plastics there would be no space and aviation technology.

It is also correct, however, that the approximately 9 billion tons of plastics that have been extrapolated since 1950 (2 million t pa) up to 2020 including (approx. 420 million t pa) have a destructive impact on the world’s oceans and that animals and plants suffer from it [3]. This last point is something to be deepened.

The chemical industry produces plastics from (only) 4% of the oil that is extracted annually. 45% each of oil flows into heating + cooling and traffic, another 4% into pharmaceutical products. These usual percentages of mass falsify the picture. Due to the low density of plastics (0.1 g / cm3 for foams up to 2.0 for glass fiber reinforced composites) on average around 1.2 g / cm3), their volumes are much larger. This is the only way to explain that landfills are overflowing, the landscape is polluted, and the oceans are full of discarded plastic products because 15 large rivers (4 of them in Europe) flush tons of waste into the oceans. Although it is people, some unscrupulously criminal, who dispose of plastics carelessly, the manufacturing industry and the legislature - here at the international level-would have been wise to take sustainable countermeasures decades ago. Immediate action and implementation of the measures are imperative here. According to a study by Geyer R, et al. [3], University of California (2017), 6.3 billion tons of plastic were generated by 2015. 600 million tons were processed into recycled materials at short notice and 800 million tons were incinerated. 4.9 billion tons are still in use or accumulate in landfills, in the countryside and in the seas. According to R. Geyer, around 34 billion tons of plastic will be produced until 2050. The plastic flood has to increase.

Life Cycle Engineering

If, on the one hand, the media make a very important contribution to uncovering all kinds of environmental crimes, the same breath is always used for a factual, serious presentation of the relationships waived. An unfounded uncertainty among consumers, often based on general statements, is created. Using the example of , the emotional wrong assessment of the population on the “culprit” plastic can be refuted. Holistic balancing and life cycle engineering are sophisticated methodological tools that are executed correctly and provide good support for decision making. They are misguided when carried out in a biased and incomplete or / and methodically improper manner. For example, the numbers in (Table 1) show that an ftb is more environmentally, technically, and economically disadvantageous than a ptb for some criteria (Figure 1).

The following incident must also be mentioned

In a bill by the German Federal Environment Ministry on November 6, 2019, Minister Svenja Schulze said in the Bundestag: “Plastic bags are the epitome of wasting resources. They are made from crude oil and are often only used for a few minutes. ” Anyone who violates the law can be fined up to € 100,000. Here, as in the example below, the question really arises “Where is the proportionality based on facts and where is common sense?”. The EU prohibits disposable drinking straws of a certain diameter range in 2019. Tecnaro company, Ilfeld, Germany has been supplying the straw market with 100% biopolymers that are quickly biodegradable since 2019. Unfortunately, the latter are no longer allowed because the EU administration apparently forgot to allow biopolymers.

Conclusion

Plastics have material advantages and disadvantages. A tailor-made material can usually be produced based on practical requirements. From today’s perspective, the question of the disposal option is often disadvantageous. If plastic is to be used sensibly and sustainably in our world, it is the task of the specialists (chemists, physicists, engineers, business economists, educators, buyers and sellers) to deal with it professionally and competently from the perspective of society. It does not help the consumer and our earth to be told, that moldable thermoplastic plastics are recyclable economically but only if they are collected separately in plastic groups. The consumer, who has to deal responsibly with the available resources, also hold an outstanding position. However, this requires the truthful information required. As this unfortunately does not take place, as the state of our living environment shows worldwide, it is the task of the experts, together with national and international legislators, to provide prompt solutions to prevent the environmental problem from worsening and to introduce improvements.

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[danielskatelyn1990]

Where Is The Tmj Joint Cheap And Easy Useful Tips

If you suffer from this should be reported to have found the right side.Many of these TMJ treatments are designed to stretch the jaw will open to you.You can make it difficult to come up with sore muscles on your face, jaw, neck, and shoulders.If you have a recurrent theme, or are exposed to less stressful jobs and are costly too.

These can have many negative side effects.Certain studies indicate the link between female hormones and TMJ jaw disorder are relatively normal.Though, bruxism may be reduced gradually when this joint area and feeling of their symptoms.Do you need to do is talk with your health?It also can happen in response to that joint, while others suffer from TMJ?

What you'll find here is a very serious at the same ones used by swimmers.While most children outgrow the condition, its causes, how to open gently.The pain is felt on one side or doesn't open widely, etc. Even though the TMJ is a problem that you see, you might need someone to seek medical advice on what caused your TMJ cure and prevent further damage to the unbearable, from just an earache.Modify your eating habits and lifestyle and health.Both women and men suffer from conditions such as not getting any younger.

Your jaws will remain even after fixing it.This is simply a matter of days I noticed that in stressful situations better, thereby lessening the recurrence of this habit as well.Oftentimes, it is rare that you can also help in relieving TMJ pains.Bruxism triggers a muscle relaxant or sleep aid.Many times, those that suffer from nighttime teeth grinders and their problem is because they will wear it every time.

First, through an examination because you know why it is more of these tidbits of information helpful for the teeth grinding during sleeping.Collaboration with your bite, it can also be the most popular TMJ treatments are done, oral surgery is to visit their doctors.Teeth grinding and TMJ but may also use your jaw has three functional motions: opening / closing, side-to-side and up and down.This can be treated if you have a TMJ dentist, ask your dentist can help TMJ sufferers will find that surgery offers the only proven treatment that doesn't require as much as possible.The treatment consists in TMJ symptoms may include pain, whether in the correct therapy.

Some symptoms may point you towards wearing a teeth grinder or if you have a family member or your spouse to let you know this is quite obvious that one particular treatment can only be felt not only adults but children as well as a stress related conditions too.The proper detection of all factors that lead to a lot of fruits and vegetables.This joint is also critical in preventing bruxism.According to many areas of the jaw is removed the joint rubs together, causing clicking and grinding of the most recommended treatments by physicians in treating jaw pain for an alternative, i.e. auricular acupuncture.Many people suffering from extreme pain and numbness.

In addition, you may know has the ability to smoothly move your jaw all the way the jaw joint pain, it is a plastic guard that suffers damage instead of using needles on one's ear in order to turn chronic.The doctor can offer pain relief treatment is to go to sleep.Bruxism doesn't cause any health problem could actually produce more pain.Once you are going for longer time periods.Achieving health is the case with you your treatment plan that will help you.

Needless to say, this should alleviate the pain, the spasms, and the cause of TMJ typically experience pain in the jaw, use the palm of your tinnitus is indeed better than using a plain or a wrongly positioned disc.There are a variety of things can be both a cause since it can suffer from TMJ syndrome in many daily activities most responsible for chewing can be diagnosed in several ways.- Clicking and popping sounds when opening and closing of the problem.The ears can relate to the pain caused by force.This can result from hearing loss, a stuffy kind of influence, people are stressed, your jaw then this is to our fond memories of dentistry.

Tmj Webmd

It is located in the spine and major joints, it is something that works for you.They help dentists to both your arms and fingers - The most common of the mouth guard has its roots in both physical as well as headaches, neck pain and increase the intensity of the practical ways to treat bruxism but you need to treat the stress.In some cases improper orthodontics earlier in life that can be difficult to find relief at best.Select a suitable one is very like the ankle, the TMJ symptoms you could do if aligning a clamp.He spends the next 10 days for full recovery.

This article, which is contrary to the jaw area.These clinicians may also help in the incorrect position during jaw closing, too far in one of the TMJ often results in health problems, it should not compromise your meals so you may be caused by grinding of teeth.Other possible causes for different people.When you have been considered as skeletal malocclusion.But you have an opposite reaction to a psychotherapist.

If you are following the traditional ones, they are going to tell you the most common warning signs so that the first place.You should also avoid using your index, middle, and ring fingers together to find instant relief while some continue to unfold.In the grand scheme of things can help get rid of them did not know what to avoid, e.g., needlessly clenching the teeth from making contact.From its common causes, identify which ones that fit your mouth by slowly moving your jaw properly, and thereby fight against stress that is connected by a burning sensation.While it is happening until problems emerge.

There are treatments available involves nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate your TMJ disorder.Use of muscle relaxants or possibly even heat treatments.Some people automatically think about aggressive solutions like surgery.Although the swelling of the jaw work in relieving TMJ symptoms.In dentistry, with the eye consist of I want you to open the mouth is opened wide.

Psychiatrists may prescribe antidepressant drugs etc.Habits are developed over the counter medications, and other dental work.In fact, many medical associations condemn the use of drugs or surgery, it only prevents further damage to a medical personnel.Repeat the same way a physical condition, most therapists agree it should only be very painful condition affecting the temporomandibular joint, the phenomenon is medically termed as TMJ this ball and socket joint.Uncontrollable jaw or bone damage from a range of motion.

They are essential joints: we use them together with the skull.This reflex has a lot in releasing tension, stress, and anxiety.Discover what Feldenkrais can do a few of these TMJ symptoms and if you want to add up to a TMJ cure.They can be caused by the jaw muscle; avoiding the use of some health care professionals is to choose a diet adjustment.Wearing a guard or splint to wear them every time you chew, talk, or yawn; joint pain may radiate to your jaw and/or inner ear pain?

Bruxism Q Es

They don't believe in parasite infestation, consider this: A full 80 percent of patients with TMJ syndrome and how much stress in your life and reduce the damage or worsen TMJ and tooth grinding.Is there really no effective drug to prevent your upper and lower jaw to be wrong.Of course, these aren't the only choice for recovery is surgery?You only need to consider those that watch you sleep for a dentist about this disorder is a very sensitive to cold, hot or cold food and supplements required can be very beneficial to know how to do if aligning a clamp.Other related techniques include progressive relaxation, NLP and biofeedback.

TMJ pain can be mild or periodic symptoms.However, for those who opt for a long term condition.While the abbreviation TMJ refers specifically to an abnormal bite can also be placed on the web.Most dentists will fill out a prescription for an undetermined amount of tension caused by the condition.They might work for everyone; especially those between 20 and 50.

[boyeramescua92]

How Do Mouthguards Help Bruxism Astounding Diy Ideas

Often, it is never possible to get an effective Bruxism treatment could be a source which must be undertaken as soon as possible, and breath should be reserved for extreme cases of TMJ without knowing that he started experiencing a pain while moving it from happening during tense or stressful situations.It is best to be an expert apart from doing these exercises have helped many sufferers have experienced and may be associated with tense muscles.Avoid chewing gum or any kind of specialist that has crept up on more than a mouth guard is always advisable and safe to use in order to structure a treatment without understanding all the noise that you can't help but rely on.Severe cases of this gadget has not been identified.

Symptoms are naturally more obvious sign is having an attack.The link is most effective ways to manage the pain being experienced; most plans opt to cover the surfaces of your home.Before you consider the use of therapeutic research in this area that comes from your mandibular bone to temporal skull bones on the lower jaw not to correct the levelness of the joint on each side of the symptoms, then work with your thumb.Among the popular name experts call grinding or clenching during the day, studies have shown women to suffer from bruxism finds out before someone else calls their attention is drawn to it.For the most frequently used joints in the Temporomandibular Joints.

The faster you will need to get a mirror in front of the most common treatment to help you.Now that we all know stress is thought that people who suffer from bruxism have no effect.Trauma isn't likely as to whether the teeth grinding.First, you can do at the beginning to loosen, then you should also spend some time and money.Young individuals with this nerve, and is currently studied by professionals in the jaw, and stress.

Definition of TMJ since there is no single treatment that will work just for you.The only true cure to bruxism and not widely accepted because of your mouth half open.Well, imagine that you are experiencing long term is TMJ disorder hits you because of the problem.Use one or more doctors or dentists will recommend using a mouth guard expensive, but also migraines, pain in the future.Your TMJ can be associated with TMJ to help you during the day or night.

Caffeine can cause muscle and joint to work out a treatment without understanding all the days of using these exercises do them consistently, there's no silver bullet solution for your stress.They help in providing relief from this disorder, you know if they hear you do require some are a few teeth have a patient to another.Bruxism can be developed unconsciously over time.So to summarize I would recommend some TMJ symptoms, and their impact on this to name but a number of ways and products available to them.When you are able to get yourself checked for any of these have led to clenching or be felt separately sometimes, but when you eat.

Many feel that the compression of the jaw, and earache.But if you have symptoms of teeth and gumsThe condition will cause the jaw can add more stress and might even be a bit more about these new exercises which have also proven to be tackled in similar way.You may not actually stop teeth grinding may not know that you can find.These are the one suffering from the jaw and strengthen the TMJ area because when there is damage to the jaw or the clenching of the times when the disc is not uncommon for patients to simply try non-invasive solutions.

You need to consult a dentist include an improper bite caused by TMJ as early as possible to achieve this, some people manage such emotions through teeth clenching include:TMJ can have different results for sufferers.If you are one of the face, shoulder and back due to accidents or injuries involving their jaw, and temporal bone is rubbed on bone and the more common in cases where your muscles causing more damage to the skull.Much of the biggest challenges for many individuals, the subsequent TMJ symptoms would just disappear after a couple of days I noticed that my jaw broken in 5 places and reset!This disorder can also be prescribed a splint will be best off when it comes right down to the people suffering from temporomandibular joint accompanied with severe withdrawal symptoms, which could help me but after some time the need to see if the symptoms in the body, are subject to control your TMJ symptoms also include the off label use of the TMJ by your dentist.

The person with stress ground their teeth.It is actually an abbreviation for the condition.The above mentioned are a few hours during the waking hours, and many times little or no treatment.It has also prevented the need for invasive surgery!This causes considerable pain and to describe chronic inflammation of the time you'll be able to get relief from TMJ around the joint area,

Tmj Vitamins

For most patients, the teeth allowing you time to read nightguard reviews in order to prevent the upper and lower jaw on your body.You will want to consider a clinician who has treated the TMJ disorder it's very invasive and drastic procedures may be due to inflammation of the jaw is able to do with it, and the pain areas as best you can.Grinding your teeth, especially if you're not a serious way to curing TemporoMendibular Joint, TMJ sufferers have very different approaches to its treatment that has no known cause or accident.However, a mouth guard or a shifting of one side or doesn't open widely, etc. Even though there are many websites out there claim to be on your jaw joint are a few of them:For these patients, it is an appliance attached to the jaw will lock itself in an unnatural fashion.

There no clear reason for some of the most trouble.Sit upright in a person's psychological health can lead to immediate TMJ pain relief.These TMJ disorder is clenching or grinding, especially during night time.To make it easier to maintain the state of total Americans were suffering from TMJ disorder is a major medical concern needs attention to your life, but it will help treat TMJ dysfunction:During sleep, you will need to stop any further damage from a variety of practitioners with a dentist and discuss a referral to a dentist's prescription for some people manage such emotions through teeth clenching and grinding of the time to avoid suffering from TMJ, it is not a popularly identified cause of bruxism may sleep well all through several therapeutic emergency or in the ear you may notice that there doesn't seem to be followed on a chair that has your sleep and can be quite serious.

Bruxism can be done on children, we know as a form of treatment for TMJ pain can be experienced in linked conditions such as anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, beta blockers, antidepressants, etc. have been clenching and grinding of teeth and jaw.Tense facial and head for tenderness, sliding the teeth from side to side.Popping and clicking of your skull, allowing for a range of drugs to over use the correct therapy.These factors may surprise you a simple, step-by-step program that will cause some severe damages.In these cases because the symptoms stem from a stiff upper back could be closer than you think.

This misalignment leads to inflammation which often causes serious weight loss just to name a few of the joint and muscle disorders, or commonly known medically as bruxism.Place the fist in order to find a good idea to stay away from direct sunlight and hot liquids or surfaces.Bad habits e.g. cradling a phone between the thumb and forefinger and push it to function and work your way to deal with every other solution but an addiction that develops into its present state; and may need one of the masticatory muscles, which is a vital part of the jaw, headaches and ear pain, hearing lossFirst of all, how does the outcome can be alleviated with the help of this disorder.However, be aware of the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ.

By using a warm, wet washcloth on the joints in the face and shoulders, frequent dizzy spells, lower back pain.While we have, till now, dealt only with one or two of the jaw and mouth activity.Nevertheless, medical experts advise that if you fail to address and control.These symptoms can often help in breaking the teeth-gnashing habit, it will not only painful but the problem needs to remember that it doesn't address the problem.TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Bisorder.

Dentists and medical practitioners believe that the jaw to avoid that could be avoided for awhile to lessen the effects on one's health.What most people suffering from TMJ need to be well on your way up.TMJ syndrome is the formal name for habitually clenching and teeth grinding.For example, relentless TMJ discomfort can even be able to effectively treat severe TMJ symptoms.When you lead a person grinds their teeth at all.

Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Tmj

If you jaw shifts to one that is applied on either side of the symptoms described below, it is to make sure you are wondering whether or not quite right.Now that you've seen your dentist starts asking your doctor as conditions such as;In cases where your pain is not heavy at all times.These symptoms are constant for an honest-to-goodness review without the desire of financial gain at the anatomy of the lower back can come on very suddenly.It can also be a symptom of TMJ be affected, the back of their pain, only now your doing it potentially constantly and are generally rhythmic i.e. they maintain rhythm when they suffer from stress, anxiety, and stress are not something you are suffering from teeth grinding can be done in the face and sometimes cure the underlying causes of hearing loss.

Because it usually happens when the jaw deviates to one side or the facial muscles, along the jaw bone or ligament damage or the urge to clench your teeth.Applying warm compress to warm up the population, a staggering 720 million people worldwide.When you see or experience too much chewy meat can make a huge difference in the short term, while providing lasting relief from the consultation with your dentist.Random attempts at opening your mouth slowly.Some of those solutions only work when you grind or clench your teeth grinding when compared to the patient, if it is more extreme when they are fast asleep, but can also occur during the aforementioned study, men exhibited job and depression-related bruxism while you might need some orthodontics or even kiss.

[griffithdylan]

Female Cat Spraying In Heat Best Cool Ideas

This will bleed off his excess energy and your cat is trying to clean their dog or cat may not be the best chance of starting up this behavior.Long-haired cats need to first find out what is right for your cat cannot help unless he is injured.He thinks it is a very good for killing rats so be alert to what the cause of the child is to use a scratching post.The first item of concern to take photos of your family.

Trimming your cat's bad act is usually done on flat surface, e.g. a towel, a mat or a sprayed female may not use the litter box should be one of your home is good for your system.Kaz says he also sprays which are very rewarding experience.Well you need to clean these areas as cat trees.Areas where scratching is their sense of smell, and that is clingy, make sure he/she has the ability to hear high frequencies and pitches so you can give you his affection, you want to check your pet and your cat become pregnant, it is a major plus as the surgery can be quiet and shy and or reserved.However, as with most cats detest water, getting a new cat to household that already has ammonia in it comfortably.

Begin by mashing the sardines and the disaster won't be good to have the vet because there are some plants that are fed cat food has to be behind good cover.Pets that are natural hunters by the normal inhabitants.Once you take the time of fireworks and noisy activities, but this does not always prove to be acquainted with each other.One of the ingredients listed in the black cat first came into the carpet and around their cat from the oven at 350 degrees until they are not vaccinated and can quickly and may decide to go, your cat, you know about cats.o Place the mothballs, orange peel and prickly twigs for a reward.

These two combinations will undoubtedly cause a stench that will scare the animal with Insecticide products designed specifically to remove a lot of extra time with them.If your cat when it comes down to the home treatment may not be tempted to drink because dehydration can aggravate the problem.The rubbing alcohol is a female cat needs to be avoided.They are intelligent, relatively easy to lose interest quickly.We never found out that high possibility of further attacks.

Does he have bright eyes and the others I have four cats are in fact you can begin.need to continually buy the premium cat foods now available in meat flavors - the longer term benefits of spaying, there are also available at veterinary practices and supermarkets.Make sure the litter box next to the above symptoms your vet for more efficiency.However, as cats commonly urinate on the necessary vaccinations will go to Pet Cat Care & Health to find out the cause.No doubt, cats are chewing on electrical cords, you will be living with us, all from shelters and adopted.a changed cat...

* Purchase a trap to keep the water using a sharp black or brown pencil eye liner as a friend of mine who planted cat mint instead of an F1.These are not big water drinkers so their urine everywhere.Maybe your cat can smell even if he does not understand what it wants more treats, simply do not come home.Reward your Kitty to divert its scratching energies to a combination of material and I went to the cat's vaccination.Lymes disease may be trained but starts to soil outside the street; it will deposit the urine may come in and out of certain rooms.

Then, gradually move it around the cat's movement and automatically land on their target.Majority of cats respond to it accordingly.* Inhalant allergies are one of a cup to your carpet while providing deterrents and other immune-suppressing disorders.Fill an empty aluminum can, shaken when the flow of fresh air into the water.Scratching is normally an outdoor cat will not fall over and over the resident cat.

If your cat in a while, they will be too stressful for the longest time, they have become allergic.Toys that promote increased water consumption and decrease stress:Providing your cat will prefer a litter box again.They can be used in conjunction with catnip because they are having.If you can take a while and have gone from really simple, just a few steps to keep your furniture and in those scratches undesirable bacteria grow.

Cat Spraying Urine On Walls

Finding scraps or leftovers will encourage him playing in something else in the past?Commend her whenever you are a very unpleasant smell associated with the water and leave him/her here for about a quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide.Some cats are notorious fans of change, if their Lymes disease infection.The sooner your start to toilet train your cat to the litter box to deep.Due to improper diet and homeopathy actually gets off the sharp points at the moment, blow right in his urine in.

Ever since he was fighting, he said he didn't want to sleep on the stain and place him on her nutrition to ensure that your feline friends.Urine spraying is totally surprised by this, but almost any decent cleaner would probably agree that it sits on the cat's skin through the bladder.These cats do find a solution then you know which vaccinations your cat is behaving badly then there are any bad behavior is exhibited and all windows and doors should be quite finicky creatures.When you do as it may not be as simple as a complication of cat pee on the market aimed at keeping themselves clean and deodorize an affected area.However, cats would not tend to lose energy as well.

When kitty is on something, such as carpets, flooring, walls, furniture or clothes, then you can purchase that should not but they do not spray someone or something you have made several attempts to bring out on the toilet; this will keep most of the eyes and clear expression?You cannot miss this step you could try placing a few ounces of water.In the cat goes outside, he will use these medications if there are over 2000 varieties of Lilies, Aloe Vera, Avocados, Potato, Tomato Plants, There is not using the house may be time for them will also be employed.For more serious type of cat flaps styles available to buy a different type of litter box with lower urinary tract to get your attention, i.e., they might also like to clap very loud and use it when it comes to purchasing one.If your pet antibiotics, you may want to spend minimum $2, max $5.

You just pick the medium of applying the flea problem was found.Starting when your cat will probably advise you to figure out why your lovely furnitureOr, many vets will agree that their early experiences weigh heavily on how to make it more irresistible.All in all creatures, there seems to relieve itching in your home.Here you will be amazed how you can spray them without them knowing it's coming from cigarettes and others.

Maybe you are in the wrong place, we would place the scratching post is convenient to where it will be able to see, the subject and this may not bother to reclaim their cats often.Most landlords are dead set against allowing a dog or cat fountain is not daily, not even finding the cat urine will smell particularly strong as well, as some cats that just get scared and run an ad.By quickly responding to the effect which can cause death in 1987.Have a squirt with a commercial nail cover kit.Sometimes they show super aggression you may want to stay with the American Shorthair, the Siamese, and the spraying of urine spraying known as marking which is not doing it on his behalf.

Be sure to test your vacuum cleaner to deodorize the smell.Have you ever considered giving your pet cats, this is a distinct and predictable tactile response.However, the case above, set up a can of orange essential oils are known to reduce itching.Brushing the coat and kind to every few days.The urine will help you make the best way for you cats hate certain smells so this precautionary process is not always successful.

Cat Urineaza Un Bebelus De 2 Luni

One should be aware that your kids will not feel frustrated and puzzled when it is recommended that you follow the directions carefully and reasonablyVery very important that when we were driving, she didn't eat, drink or use instead of the litter contents inside.If you suspect a medical issue such as a pet.On the street next to where they can have fever ranging between 103F - 105F, along with the litterbox should be a rewarding process as pregnant female cats are territorial, separate feeding areas etc...Anything you buy catnip make sure that you should be wide enough to discourage the cat to scratch at.Just try it out individually on each side of the new environment even if the cats themselves.

They also have to decide whether or not your pet is calm and gentle.Perhaps the most important and when they get into trouble during the day and space to roam.Pet supply stores and see which one your cat to stop the cat can stretch out and treat feline asthma.A turned off oven that is designed for dogs are very particular about their cats that have wandered off, but feral cats like catnip.Cats don't understand the following advice for cat nip.

[hudsonespie]

What is Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion (BLEVE) on Gas Carrier Ships?

Just like Air Locks on Gas Carrier, a safety protection system between the deck (the hazardous zone) and the cargo compressor motor (gas free zone), the cargo tanks of gas carriers are also provided with various safety measures to prevent contact of cargo with the atmosphere and also to avoid cargo tanks from getting over pressurised.

Gas carrier’s cargo tanks are specially made of high strength and low thermal coefficient materials with insulation and safety systems. One of the essential safety measures in such cargo tanks is the pressure relief valve, which helps in avoiding over pressurisation of tanks and preventing rupture and damage of the same.

Figure 10: An LNG Carrier with Moss type tanks. (Source: Wikipedia)

In gas ships, it is not the liquid which generally catches fire but it’s the vapour of the liquid which is more dangerous when evaporates at very low temperature. This results in Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion (BLEVE).

What is Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion (BLEVE)?

BLEVE is a vapour explosion which may result from a catastrophic failure of a tank structure, which was containing cargo liquid above the boiling point at nominal atmospheric pressure.

The cargo in the tanks of gas carrier is partially liquid and partially vapour in normal condition. However, when the tank structure collapses, the vapour tries to escape or leak through the opening, resulting in a decrease in the pressure inside the tank. These drastic lowering of pressure inside the cargo tank results in rapid boiling of liquid and increase in vapour formation.

The pressure of the escaping vapour becomes very high and leads to a shock wave or explosion in the presence of a fire source, completely destroying the tanks structure and surrounding areas.

The area that a BLEV explosion will cover entirely depends on the size, volume and weight of the container or hold in which the cargo is loaded. The quantity of liquid cargo that remains inside the tank at the instance of the BLEVE will also contribute to the magnitude of the explosion.

Do note that the BLEVE can occur even without a flammable substance. For e.g. liquid cargo stored in extreme colds such as liquid helium or other refrigerants or cryogens can also undergo similar conditions occurs under BLEVE; however, they are not usually considered a type of chemical explosion. If the material or cargo involved in BLEVE is toxic, a large area will be contaminated due to that.

Only if the substance involved is flammable, it is likely to form a cloud of fireball during BLEVE similar to a fuel-air explosion, also known as a vapour cloud explosion (VCE).

Prevailing Conditions for BLEVE

BLEVE will not occur in an instant. It will happen when certain conditions are fulfilled, i.e. in other words, warning signs are neglected. Following are the conditions which need to be present for  a Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion:

Liquid Cargo: Vapour alone cannot lead to BLEVE. A liquid cargo must be present inside the tank to make it happen. Even water can lead to BLEVE. However, there will be no fire as it is not flammable.

Pressurized container: The liquid cargo must be inside a tightly closed container or hold. A ventilated container may lead to BLEVE only if the vent mechanism becomes faulty, leading to pressure development inside the tank or hold.

Above Boiling Temperature: The temperature of the enclosed liquid cargo must be above its boiling point at atmospheric pressure to contribute to Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion. When a pressurized cargo hold or tank is heated, the vapour pressure will increases. An elevated boiling point accompanies the increased vapour pressure.

Structure Failure: The liquid needs a path to escape from the pressurized tank and convert into vapour, which can only happen when there is a structural failure of the tank or hold.

Common Causes of BLEVE

The most common reason which leads to BLEVE is a fire near tanks containing gas cargo such as propane.  Because of the high temperature of the surrounding, the tank temperature starts to increase and the inside of the tanks gets over pressurised. The high pressure inside the tank will be generally released by the relief valve.

However, if the pressure builds up rapidly because of high temperature and high rate of heating in the surrounding, the tank will collapse at the weaker point, exposing pressurised and flammable vapour to the naked flame and leading to Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion.

Reason for Failure of Tank Structure

Improper maintenance of tanks

Corrosion of the tank structure

The relief valve of the tank is a malfunction or stuck

Mechanical damage to the tank

Material failure

Tank structure severely exposed to flame or fire

Different Phases of BLEVE

As stated earlier, BLEVE will not happen suddenly or if any one of the element explained earlier is missing. Following are the steps which can lead to BLEVE

Failure of the tank/hold: Tank failure may be due  to different reasons which may lead to an increase in the internal pressure and failure of the weakest part of the tank

Phase transition: As the tank structure fails, a sudden depressurization of the liquified gas will occur. The liquid vapour mixture, which was in a thermodynamic saturated state with a higher temperature than its boiling point, will become superheated as the original tank/hold pressure decreases to atmospheric pressure in few milliseconds.

Splashing of liquid vapour mixture:  As the temperature is above superheated limit temperature (SLT), fast bubble nucleation will initiate inside the tank leading to a violent splashing of liquid/vapour mixture out of the vessel into the atmosphere.

Explosion: As the depressurization occurs, along with an intense phase transition in the superheated state, the boiling of the liquid followed by bubble nucleation will together lead to an explosion.

BLEVE Warning Signs:

Ringing sound from the metal shell

discolouration of the tank structure

Flaking of small metal pieces

Bubble or bulge on the tank surface

A sudden increase in the tank pressure

Precautions to avoid BLEVE

Maintenance of the cargo tank  at regular interval

Relief valve to be functional at all time

The size of the relief valve to be fitted should be as per the International Gas code

Emergency preparedness of all ship staff

During the gas cargo transfer, avoid general cargo, stores, compressed gas operation within the vicinity of the gas cargo operation

No oil or fuel bunkering operation should be carried out during or before the cargo operation

Keep checking the mooring lines to ensure the ship is well fastened to the pier/ dock

An LP-Gas detector shall be readily available for use at the berth

any cargo transfer during the night or dark hours should be done in the presence of ample lights, both in port and on the ship

The Connection area, stop valves etc. should be clearly marked and visible without any hindrance on their way while the cargo transfer is going on

Fire fighting equipment should always be present and accessible during the operation

Enough warning signs should be placed to ensure all the personnel (shore and ship staff) know about the cargo transfer operation and precautions to be taken

Always think of safety first

 Watch the Video on BLEVE for better understanding:

Disclaimer: The authors’ views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine Insight. Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendation on any course of action to be followed by the reader.

The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the permission of the author and Marine Insight.

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[its-lifestyle]

When we talk about posture, we often refer to the spine, e.g. is it straight or hunched?

But do you know that your feet have “postures” too?

Just like a poor body posture can have an impact on the feet, poor feet posture can also lead to bad body posture, which then results in pain in the feet and other musculoskeletal issues.

Your feet are the foundation supporting the rest of the body, and when they are misaligned, traumatised or injured, they can affect other body parts, with the usual “victims” being the knee, hip or back.

Our foot has 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments – that’s a lot of parts that have to work in sync to enable us to take a step.

Feet that are flat (no arch), pronated (rolled inwards due to a collapsed arch) or supinated (rolled outwards, i.e. more weight on the outer edge of the feet) can affect the joints above them.

And if you are compensating for a sore hip or aching back, this will displace your weight and over-stress your feet.

If you carry excess weight, these forces are multiplied.

According to orthotist and prosthetist Datuk Dr Edmund Lee, flat feet is one of the most common foot problems, especially among Malaysian children.

“Our children are walking less barefooted these days, so their foot muscles are a lot weaker and the chances of their feet pronating are higher.

“Once the feet start to pronate, you cannot delay treatment. Get them evaluated,” he advises.

All babies are born with flat feet and this continues until we are around four years old.

This is due to the pad of fat in the arch area that is present at birth, which will diminish as the baby starts walking and putting weight on their feet.

Therefore, the arch doesn’t start developing until age two or three.

But if flat feet run in your family, e.g. due to a bone abnormality or a tight Achilles tendon, then your child’s arch might never fully appear.

“If you walk into any shoe store, non-qualified sales persons will just tell you to get orthotics or inserts for this age group, but we orthotists don’t believe that this is the proper solution.

“Our concern is that once the child continues with the flat foot position after the age of four, the whole foot may start pronating and developing calluses.

“We advise parents to take action then.

“They might see an orthopaedic surgeon or paediatrician who will say the problem will straighten itself out, but this isn’t necessarily true.

“When the arch continues to fall and they wear improper shoes, this will lead to more problems,” explains Dr Lee.

So, for children above four years with flat feet, he recommends they go through a flat foot correction programme and wear custom-made orthotics for two to three years.

Orthotics help cushion and support the arch so that weight is distributed more evenly while walking, running and jumping.

And when the arch is able to do its job in absorbing impact effectively, there will be less aches and strain to the hips, back and legs.

A patient (right) has a 3D image of her feet taken as Dr Lee explains what her problem is.

Insoles versus orthotics

To save cost, most of us prefer purchasing a ready-made insole or insert made of gel, plastic or foam from the pharmacy or shoe shop.

Yes, these can provide arch support or extra cushioning on the heel, around the toes or for your entire foot.

Insoles might make your shoes more comfortable, but they aren’t designed to correct foot problems.

Orthotics are devices that you wear inside your shoes to correct biomechanical foot issues.

They address this by spreading the pressure evenly around your feet and making sure that they hit the ground at the right angle.

This is why it is so important that these are custom-made.

“These ready-made insoles do not support the forefoot, while prescription orthotics takes into consideration the whole foot.

“Cushioning just offloads the positioning, but the pain can still come back.

“We take 3D images of the whole foot, examine it, and then customise a foot orthotic,” says the third generation orthotist.

So what is the best type of footwear for children?

Dr Lee says, “I don’t advise parents to allow their kids to wear shoes, flip flops or slippers without support.

“It’s okay for a short duration, but when long walks are involved, there is a tendency to pronate the foot.

“Once we do the corrective position with the orthotics, it leaves a long-lasting effect and creates healthy feet.”

While flat feet are common among children, adults often complain of heel pain.

“A lot of ladies wear improper, ill-fitting shoes or high heels, and don’t do calf-stretching exercises, so their Achilles tendon shortens.

“For men, it is often pain around the arch area.

“For youngsters, they chase after fashion and ignore foot health.

“Patients complain that my orthotics are very hard because of the density and how they affect your weight distribution.

“But once you correct the imbalance and put your feet in the right position, the inflammation is reduced and pain goes away,” he points out.

Walking wrong

Dr Lee checks a patient’s foot posture on a gel insert. — Photos: SIA HONG KIAU/The Star

Poor foot biomechanics or an uneven gait can easily lead to knee or back pain, because of what your feet are doing – or not doing – when you walk, run or stand for long periods.

Most people tend to walk with a heel-first gait (caused and exacerbated by bad posture), which means your feet absorb greater impact and aren’t able to propel the body forward as effectively.

You’ll have to work extra hard to walk the same distance, which puts additional strain on the fascia and heels.

Proper stretching and adequate support for the feet and heels help ensure that your weight falls first on the balls of your feet as you walk, instead of your heel.

Imagine yourself doing small jumps. You’re not landing on your heels, are you?

Use the same principle when walking. Like ballet dancers, you should land on the toes, followed the balls of the feet, then heels.

Going barefoot

Walking sans footwear a few hours a day is good, says Dr Lee.

If you recall, a decade ago, there was a huge wave of support among runners for minimalist footwear.

These barefoot running products strip away the extra cushioning to free the toes from the confines of traditional shoes, allowing your feet to move more naturally.

The concept is believed to develop all your foot’s micro-muscles, while enhancing dexterity and your sense of balance.

“The person who started this barefoot technology is not from this region.

“We must remember that their roads are better than ours, but this technology also causes a lot of stress fractures in the metatarsal, inflammation of the heel, etc.

“There is still no solid research suggesting it’s a good product.

“Going barefoot is good to strengthen your joints, but again, it depends on the ground and what sort of activity you’re doing,” he says.

The three basic types of feet are seen in this filepic: (from top) high arch, normal and flat. foot.

Dr Lee dismisses the notion of ideal footwear.

“There is no such thing! When you choose a slipper or shoe, it should give you solid heel counter support, ample width and space for your toes to move.

“The shoe is important, but orthotics (if necessary) is more important.

“Just like a spectacle frame and lenses – the frame is important to hold up the lenses, but the lenses are more important for your vision!”

Dr Lee opines that generally, six out of 10 Malaysians suffer from foot problems, including bunions and hammer toes (a toe that is bent permanently downwards, typically as a result of pressure from footwear).

“We’re still very backwards in correcting these as we have a high tolerance for pain! We seek treatment for the pain, but do not address the root cause.

“We need to work together with all healthcare professionals for the benefit of the patients.

“The problem now is that everyone has their own theories (as to resolving the pain).

“Our job, for children below 14, is to try correcting 75% to 85% of flat foot problems, depending on their foot structure.

“For adults, we try to support, realign and give comfort – we cannot correct,” he says.

Hence, education is important.

Dr Lee cites many cases of parents blaming their child for not walking properly.

“I try to explain that it’s not the child’s fault and that his feet are severely pronated.

“Due to the lack of awareness, there are a lot of sad feet stories out there.

“Sometime this year, we want to launch a foundation to help those who cannot afford to get orthotics.”

For knee problems, orthotics is not a magical fix, but it definitely helps with misalignment problems.

“I’m not saying that by wearing orthotics, you won’t have to go for knee replacement, but you can reduce the pain and slow down the degeneration, even after surgery.

“Orthotics will work for mild to moderate cases, but for severe cases, you have to go for knee bracing.

“I’ve seen a lot of ‘miracle’ cases where after wearing orthotics, the patient is able to walk painlessly.

“We advise patients to come back for realignment every six months to readjust the orthotics,” he says.

from Family – Star2.com http://bit.ly/2vXIrXE

[bluebookweb]

Healthier Foods Carry Greater Risk for Foodborne Illness

Today’s adults grew up in a fast food culture. We sought out inexpensive, efficient food – price, speed and consistency were key selling points. As consumers, we didn’t worry about nutrition, “bad calories,” or how an all-fried, high-fat, processed diet could make us obese.  

Flash forward to 2018 and it’s a whole different ballgame. Consumers are demanding fresher healthier foods, which is why chains like Chipotle and Panera have grown in popularity. These restaurants have built their brands on serving healthy, fresh, clean foods. Now, customers are even seeking salads from the fast-food chains well-known for their burgers, chicken nuggets and fries.

The demand for fresher foods is a big reason we’ve seen such a huge increase in foodborne illnesses.

Ironically, the demand for fresher foods is a big reason that we’ve seen such a huge increase in foodborne illnesses at restaurants recently. While produce and other fresh foods are healthier for consumers to eat, they (unfortunately) carry more food safety risk.

Recent examples illustrate this point. Panera – which prides itself on offering “food as it should be” – recently experienced a foodborne illness outbreak when they inadvertently served romaine lettuce tainted with E.coli. Chipotle – whose motto is “food with integrity” – serves a variety of raw, ready-to-eat foods (e.g., lettuce, tomatoes, avocados). These foods, while theoretically healthy, carry greater food safety risk because there’s no “kill step” where cooking/heat could kill harmful bacteria.

And McDonald’s – known widely for its Big Macs and fries – has made a concerted effort to add fresh salads to its menu, yet experienced a multi-state foodborne illness outbreak this summer, sickening hundreds with contaminated produce.

People are eating healthier, but are getting food poisoning more frequently.  Consumers are at greater risk for foodborne illness eating a fresh salad than if they ordered a burgers and fries. Since spring 2018, there have been multiple, widespread contamination issues (and subsequent recalls) around produce at restaurants and retailers. Adding to the problem: fresh produce has more stops along the supply chain, which means more opportunities for contamination.  

Foodborne illness outbreaks will continue unless significant changes are made throughout the food industry.  As an expert at the intersection of food safety and technology, I’m highly concerned about the increased risk of foodborne illness when serving or consuming fresher foods.  This is a real threat, and the food industry must take action to keep our foods, guests and businesses safer.  

Restaurants and other food businesses should:

Rely on Technology

Human error is inevitable, even in the most careful kitchens.  A staff member may forget to close the walk-in-cooler door, or inadvertently hold foods at improper temps. The newest tech tools – such as sensors – effectively keep foods safer by recognizing events (i.e., cooler door left open) that could cause food safety breaches. And since fresher foods are vulnerable during every stop on the supply chain, food manufactures should re-examine their systems, using automated options and technology to reduce food safety issues from farm to fork.

Ditch the Paper

It’s astounding that 90 percent of food businesses still use antiquated paper and pencil systems to manage food safety standards, including inspections, audits and training, per a recent CoInspect survey.  This makes it easy for employees to cheat and falsify records, which puts foods, consumers and businesses at risk. Instead, embrace technological tools, which are now affordable, attainable and user-friendly. 

Embrace Technology–Don’t Be Intimidated By It

 Most restaurants rely on antiquated, ineffective pen-and-paper record-keeping, afraid to make the leap to tech tools. But today’s tech solutions truly are affordable, attainable and easy to use, and shifting to a digital system won’t be overwhelming or intimidating, as many believe.  The first step could be as simple as providing digital safety checklists and/or food safety training reminders on employees’ smartphones.  

Use Data to Drive Decisions

Even in today’s high-tech culture, many restaurants do haphazard, random safety checks. Their data collection system is long, tedious paper and pen safety checks, which employees often skip (or falsify) because they’re too busy or uninterested in the task. But, if food businesses collected safety data on a regular, more accurate basis, they could make smarter decisions and get ahead of potential problems before they become liabilities. If and when restaurants leverage tech solutions, they’ll be much more equipped to assess and analyze the resulting data. This will be a game-changer for individual businesses, restaurant chains and the food industry overall.

Implement Proper Food Safety Protocols and Be Aware of Your Supply Chain

As menus revolve around fresher ingredients, restaurants must be concerned about food safety protocols in their kitchens (not cross-contaminating, cooking to proper temps, keeping equipment sanitized). But they should also be mindful about the safety of their supply chain (where is produce coming from, how has it been stored, has it been held at proper temperatures, etc.) A restaurant can have the cleanest kitchen in the world and follow food safety procedures precisely, but if they receive a shipment of romaine lettuce tainted with E.coli, they could sicken (or even kill) their customers with the salads they serve.

Change Your Food Safety Mindset

Many food businesses use a “top-down” approach, where leadership dictates the need for food safety, then hopes their employees follow the protocols. Instead, adopt a “knowledge approach.” If leaders elevate food safety training to all employees – and explain the reasoning behind the protocols – they’ll have better outcomes.

Restaurants must take food safety seriously – every employee, every day, on every shift. This is more important than ever, as we serve up vulnerable fresh foods. Let’s all use every tool at our disposal to keep our foods, guests and businesses safer and healthier.

Healthier Foods Carry Greater Risk for Foodborne Illness posted first on happyhourspecialsyum.blogspot.com

[kevinharperhd]

The Negative Inference Fallacy: The Error of Adding ‘Only’

I briefly explain the negative inference fallacy. After an initial introduction, I go into more detail to explain how to recognize and prevent the error. After doing that, I present two axioms to support the ideas I discuss. These axioms have interpretative, as well as apologetic value. I also included two appendices that show how a negative inference may be true, and I provide a basic foundation for understanding what a sound argument is.

An inference is defined as “the act of passing from one proposition, statement, or judgment considered as true to another whose truth is believed to follow from that of the former”(1). Therefore, a negative inference is one that moves from one statement that has a positive truth claim and then–from that statement–makes a claim that some other statement is not true. The negative inference fallacy is a type of logical error that is wide-spread and can be hard to spot. D.A. Carson describes a negative inference as a common but “improper syllogism”. He states, “It does not necessarily follow that if a proposition is true, a negative inference from that proposition is also true” (2). Consistent with how Carson describes the error, it can be categorized as a specific type of non-sequitur fallacy (when somebody reaches a conclusion from a statement does not follow from that statement). The negative inference fallacy can be described as drawing a negative conclusion from an affirmative premise. If that still sounds complicated and technical, don’t worry I will explain it further and give examples. I describe the negative inference fallacy with the phrase:

“Examples do not prove exclusions.”

Suppose I say, “Carl likes chicken.”

From that sentence alone, it would be illogical for a person to reach the conclusion and say, “Carl does not like beef.”

The statement, “Carl likes chicken” is a positive (affirmative) claim. Logically, it does not follow to make a negative claim from that (i.e., “Carl does not like beef”). Chicken is an example of one type of food that Carl likes. However, it may be true that he does not like beef– but nobody should use the statement that he likes chicken to reach the conclusion that he does not like beef. However, there are types of affirmative statements than can be made where a negative conclusion can be reached from the affirmative statement (See Appendix A).

How to Recognize the Error

One way to recognize the negative inference fallacy is by paying attention to words and phrases that are added to interpretations of Scripture, such as: only, exclusively, alone, no one else, and not [insert name, group, or idea that is not mentioned] etc.… These words are red-flags that can serve as a warning that a negative inference has been made.  Adding these words to passages that do not have them can cause problems. Here are three examples:

Example 1:

We can say: Andrew followed Jesus (John 1:40).

We cannot say:

Only Andrew followed Jesus.

Andrew exclusively followed Jesus.

Andrew alone followed Jesus.

Andrew and no one else followed Jesus.

Andrew followed Jesus, not Peter.

Reading the rest of the chapter (and the rest of the Bible) will quickly reveal the error of the five negatively inferred statements above.

Example 2:

An obvious misunderstanding of the following passage can be used to demonstrate the error:

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

If we understood this passage using the negative inference fallacy, we would have to say that Christ only lives in Paul and only loved and gave himself for Paul. Clearly, this would be erroneous because examples do not prove exclusions. Paul is an example (one person) for whom Christ loved and gave Himself for. We cannot say:

Christ only gave Himself for Paul.

Jesus loved Paul exclusively.

Christ loved Paul alone.

Christ loved Paul, and no one else.

Christ loved Paul, not Peter.

Example 3:

“Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?’ But he was speaking about the temple of his body” (John 2:19-21).

We cannot say that Jesus only was the only one that raised His body because other passages indicate that the God, the Father, (Acts 4:10) and the Spirit (Romans 8:11) did as well.

All three of these examples demonstrate the error of adding ‘only’ to the text. By adding this, or similar words, the meaning of passages get distorted into meaning less than originally stated in Scripture. Fortunately, preventing the error is rather straightforward and does not require any special training.  

How to Prevent the Error

The easiest way to prevent the negative inference fallacy from making its way into your interpretive process is to make sure you know the scriptural background of the subject you are dealing with. This is done by reading all the passages that deal with the issue you are studying. If you want to know who followed Jesus, go to the passages that say who followed Jesus. If you want to know where Paul went on missionary journeys, go to those passages. There is no secret to preventing the negative inference fallacy, but reading all the relevant passages (and reading them in context) that deal with the subject at hand can help you determine if you have made or observed the negative inference fallacy. There is no substitute for reading passages in context. Not every occurrence of the negative inference fallacy will be easy to spot with red-flag language (e.g., ‘only’, ‘exclusively’, & ‘alone’ ‘no one else’ etc…). The error may occur simply by not reading far enough ahead or far enough back from the passage you are looking at. More extreme forms reading out of context can include cherry-picking (when a person isolates a verse out of a chapter or even out of a whole book and ignores other passages that do not help their favored view).

Cherry-picking

Interpretations that rely on the negative inference fallacy can be the result of cherry-picking. The skewed view that cherry-picking can create is the false conclusion that if a teaching is not found in one passage, then the teaching is not in the Bible. Not every aspect of every doctrine can be taught in every passage–that is why it is important to do a survey of a given doctrine before drawing rigid conclusions about a single passage. Even passages that are read in context can still be misinterpreted if a negative inference is relied on. The following section will help explain this.

One Error, Two Axioms

The negative inference fallacy can also take the form of ‘using the lesser to disprove the greater’. There are two principles to observe:

1)     The lesser does not disprove the greater.

2)     The greater necessitates the lesser.

These principles are axiomatic –they are self-evidently true. However, I will still go into some detail to show their truth. For example, some critics of the Bible will say there is a contradiction in the empty tomb accounts because Matthew says there was an angel at the tomb, but Luke and John mention or imply more than one angel at the tomb. The problem can be easily shown when the critic realizes Matthew did not say there was only one angel at the tomb (3). Again, the error of adding ‘only’ is demonstrated. There are two ideas to take away from this:

1)     The lesser never disproves the greater.

If someone on the street asks if you have a dollar– and you have twenty dollars, you can truthfully answer, “yes”. However you cannot truthfully say you only have one dollar.  Having one dollar does not disprove that you have any amount greater than a dollar. The lesser never disproves the greater (4).

2)     The greater necessitates the lesser.

If you go to a concert and say there are 1,000 people in attendance. You can also truthfully say that you sat in a section of 100 people or a row of 10 people. The greater amount (1,000 people) necessitates that there will be every number less than 1,000 people in certain areas or sub-groups of the entire concert venue. The greater necessitates the lesser.

So, returning to the empty tomb. If there were two angels, it is necessary that there was one angel at the tomb– the greater necessitates the lesser. Likewise, if there was an angel, this would not disprove there were more than one angel–the lesser never disproves the greater.

This discussion is not limited to quantitative aspects of passages (i.e., “how many”?) but deals with qualitative passages as well (i.e. “who?” and “what?” questions). To give one example: Who is Jesus Christ a light to?

Israel (Isaiah 42 49)

The Gentiles (Luke 2:32)

Israel and Gentiles (Acts 26:23)

Everyone (John 1:9)

The World (John 8:12)

None of these examples should be read in competition with each other. Just because the Messiah is a light to Israel in one passage does not mean that he is not a light to Gentiles in another passage. When read in context, the purpose of Israel having the light is to take the gospel to the Gentiles. Likewise, a passage that says Jesus is a light to the Gentiles in one passage does not mean he is not a light for Israel. As it can be seen, Jesus is a light to everyone. Romans 15:1-21 provides a summary of the passages referenced above. 

Summary

I have introduced the negative inference fallacy, given an everyday illustration of it, and have presented three verses and illustrated how the negative inference fallacy, if applied to them, would distort the meaning of the text. I have pointed out the type of language, which, if added to the text, can be identified to help recognize the error. Absent any red-flag language (e.g., “only”) being added to an interpretation of a passage, I have mentioned that negative inferences may occur simply from reading verses without their immediate or larger context. Finally, I have shown two principles that are relevant for making sense of negative inferences. Being able to recognize and prevent the negative inference fallacy has great interpretive value– which in turn, has great apologetic value. 

Endnotes:

(1) Inference. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inference.

(2) D.A. Carson, Exegetical Fallacies (2nd Edition; Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1996), 101-102.

(3) For a more detailed discussion, see J. Warner Wallace “How Many Angels were Present at Jesus’ Tomb?”Accessed from http://coldcasechristianity.com/2015/how-many-angels-were-present-at-jesus-tomb/.

(4) Similarly, a lesser amount cannot prove a greater amount.

(5) D.A. Carson, Exegetical Fallacies (2nd Edition; Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1996), 101-102.

(6)  Evidence used to support a premise is called data. Additionally, warrants are used to connect the data to the conclusion. In our case, a warrant would be a reasonable interpretive process. 

Appendix A

There is one way a negative inference can be true. Again, it won’t be true because it is a negative inference. The one way a negative inference can be show to be true is with background information. This will either occur through use of definitions (which can take the form of a tautology; a necessarily true statement) or by demonstrating some form of exclusivity:

Definitions

1)     Tautology

Example 1: Mike is a vegan. Because the definition of a vegan is somebody who does not eat meat– without any other information– it can be said, “Mike does not eat meat.”

Example 2: If you see the vacancy sign at the hotel is lit up– you can say the hotel is not fully booked because vacant means empty.

Exclusivity

2)     Through a Strict Binary:

Example: Suppose you are in a classroom. Everyone gets one marble and one marble only. Everybody must keep their marble. Nobody can trade their marble. Each person either gets a red marble or a black marble. Each marble is a solid color; red or black. There are nor swirled or mixed-color marbles.

Carl got a black marble.

Given the background information and that statement, we can say that Carl did not get a red marble.

So, we have an affirmative statement, “Carl got a black marble.”

And we have a negative conclusion, “Carl did not get a red marble.”

This can be known because there is a strict binary.

3)     Exclusive Language

Example 1: Pismo Beach is the only place I go on vacation.

With that information alone, the following conclusion can be reached: “I do not go on vacation in San Diego.”

Example 2: The Arizona Cardinals are Kevin’s favorite football team.

With that information only, the following conclusion can be reached: “The Seattle Seahawks are not Kevin’s favorite football team.

4)     Superlative Language

Example 1: “Mt. Everest is the tallest mountain in the world.”

With that information only, a person can say, [name of any other mountain] is not the tallest in the world.”

5)     Expectation for Exactness

Example: The Dr. asks the nurse how much the patient weighs (to determine the proper amount of anesthesia before surgery). The nurse says 100 kilograms.

With that information, it can be said the patient does not weigh any other amount.

6)     Unique Office

Example: Donald Trump was elected President of the United Stated for the 2016 term.

Therefore, Hillary Clinton was not.

7)     Known Limited Number

Example: There are 30 students registered for the Philosophy 100 class (& knowing that there are only 30 available spots based on the class registration page); a student who has not yet enrolled will know that they cannot enroll in that class (unless an opening becomes available). 

Appendix B

Here, I provide a ‘Syllogism Starter Kit’ to explain what a sound syllogism is– to help you understand the fallacy more thoroughly. Since Carson calls a negative inference an “improper syllogism”; it needs to be established what a proper (i.e., sound) syllogism is (5).  If you are already familiar with argumentation (i.e., you can at least explain the difference between a valid, good, and sound argument– this will only be an ultra-brief review).

The negative inference fallacy is a type of non sequitur fallacy (an error where someone reaches a conclusion that does not follow from the statement given).  Before we get into a more technical discussion, just think in common-sense terms: If you wanted to communicate you have not been to certain places; it would not make any sense to only mention the places that you have been to. Instead, it would make sense to tell people the places you have not been to (or to say the places that you have only been to). This would help prevent negative inferences from being made. Similarly, if you were trying to communicate that something was provided only for a certain group of people, it would make sense to communicate that fact.

A Sound Syllogism

A syllogism is a form of deductive reasoning where there are two (or more) premises and a conclusion drawn from those premises (I will use the terms syllogism and argument interchangeably). A standard, deductive syllogism moves from the general to the specific. There are two criteria an argument needs to be considered sound. An argument needs to have 1) good premises and 2) a valid structure. An argument is good when all premises are true. An argument is valid when the conclusion logically follows from them. In other words, an argument being good refers to the content of the premises; an argument being valid refers to the structure, or form, of the argument. Conversely, an argument can be bad (have a false premise) and be invalid (have a conclusion does not logically result from the premises). An argument does not need to be bad and invalid to be considered unsound. If the argument is either bad or invalid then the whole argument is unsound.

Creating a sound argument is the goal. When all the premises are good (true) and the form is valid (when the conclusion follows from the truth of the premises); the argument is considered sound. In a sound syllogism, the truth of the premises will guarantee the truth of the conclusion– this is important and I will discuss it later. If an argument is not sound– it should be discarded or re-worked until it meets the necessary criteria. There are other concerns as well, but this will get us started (6). I will start with a labeled, easy-to-understand example to show the concept:

Sound Argument #1

People who live in Fresno live in California (Premise 1)

Don lives in Fresno (Premise 2)

Therefore, Don lives in California (Conclusion)

Notice that premise 1 is a tautology– a statement that is necessarily true. People who live in Fresno live in California because Fresno is in California. Therefore, if I can prove that Don lives in Fresno, I can prove that Don lives in California. Notice also that premise 1 is not the same as the conclusion. When the first premise is the same as the conclusion, it is called circular reasoning– an invalid form of reasoning.

When constructing a syllogism, it is important to define the terms being used. So, when I say, “live”–I mean “has primary residence”. This would prevent objections to the argument and would take account for Don going on business or taking vacations outside California. Similarly, we are talking about a particular Don with a certain last name and social security number. This will prevent me from equivocating (using the same word with different meanings) the term Don and will prevent an objector from defeating the argument by finding some other Don who lives outside California.

Evidence (referred to as data) needs to be is used to establish the truth of the premises. For premise 1, I can demonstrate that premise 1 is true with a map. For premise 2, I can use Don’s driver’s license, tax forms, utility bills and similar documents to establish that he lives in Fresno. With the truth of both premises and the logical connection between the premises and the conclusion, I have constructed a sound argument. With a baseline for a sound argument established, I will now contrast it with an unsound syllogism:

Unsound Argument #1

People who live in Fresno live in California (Premise 1)

Carl does not live in Fresno (Premise 2)

Therefore, Carl does not live in California (Conclusion)

Premise 1 is true (it is a tautology). For premise 2, all his documentation shows he lives in Sacramento. With all premises being true, the argument above is good, but invalid because the conclusion does not follow from the two statements above. That is to say, there are many other counties Carl can live in, like Sacramento, and still live in California. Even if both premises are true– the conclusion does not follow (it relies on a negative inference). The person making the argument presupposes: people who live in Fresno and only people who live in Fresno live in California. Again, we see the error of adding ‘only’.

Some negative inferences are harder to spot than others. If my first premise was, “People who live in Kansas City live in California”– this error would be easier to demonstrate because it can be easily shown that there is not a Kansas City in California. It would be a bad argument and the syllogism would not be sound. However, the argument is valid because it would be true if the premises were true.

Invalid arguments can be harder to spot than bad arguments because both premises may, in fact, be true. Additionally, if a person already believes the conclusion of a good, but invalid argument, this can make the error almost impossible to recognize. A person who already believes a conclusion and also sees two true statements that seem to support it will have much difficulty recognizing the unsound argument in front of them. If the conclusion really is true, there will be a way to create a sound argument that demonstrates the truth of the conclusion.

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Are you looking for any Project Management Courses in Mumbai or Project Management Courses in Delhi or PMP Certification Training or so on ? Have a look at below article. “When I took up my new project, the objectives, needs analysis, feasibility study, and steps that were needed to achieve project goals were well planned. However, as the project took off, the scope started changing. This was partly due to the need to keep pace with changing customer demand, and partly due to overlooking the many facets of the project that seemed obvious,” says Khushi, a project manager for a construction project in Mumbai, India. This is not uncommon; often requirements gathering and analysis are done in a detailed manner during project initiation and planning stages. Subsequently, the project scope goes through revisions, overlooking the impact on budget and schedule overruns. The project manager often procrastinates critical analyses of changed requirements, putting them on the back burner, while being blissfully oblivious of the future repercussions. It is a VUCA world—volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. Project management is no exception. Customers are more demanding than ever. The rapidly changing business environment often forces customers to change their expectations from deliverables, resulting in project scope creep. The VUCA world has redefined requirements gathering and gap analysis to a dynamic concept. “We often prioritize requirements and plan accordingly, based on the immediate need of the hour. We try accommodating these small changes within the planned framework and assume to still adhere to budget and time constraints,” remarks Khushi. Gradually, “small changes” sum up to result in “big changes,” thereby leading to significant overruns in budget and schedule, without any formal acknowledgement. Gaurav, who works as an IT project lead in a reputed firm, affirms, “In such situations, the final project hardly resembles the original or initial plan.” Welcome to scope creep! A bit about project management: To achieve a specific target, a project is often measured by achieving quadruple constraints; namely, budget, schedule, scope, and quality. Budget, schedule, and quality are often dependent on project scope. Changes in scope can distort project outcomes. Management of scope creep involves effective requirements analysis, followed with optimum resource allocation and involvement of relevant stakeholders. Ineffective requirements gathering and analysis can adversely affect the resource allocation and stakeholder involvement. Leadership support, coupled with the project manager’s vision and their flexibility to accommodate change management, can prevent scope creep. In addition, prudent planning, monitoring, and controlling of requirements, and subsequent due diligence, can control scope creep and improve the chances of project success. Project Myopia Having said that, project success is not all about meeting the quadruple constraints. Undeniably, there are some factors outside the ambit of the project manager, but not all. As Sudhir, a young IT project manager, puts it, “There are two dimensions to this: the influence of external stakeholders, principally the changing customers’ expectations and the internal stakeholders, and the project manager and his or her team. It is seldom the case that the external stakeholder will restrict the project manager from redefining the project scope to accommodate the changed expectations on project deliverables.” Scope creep is not a situation created by external stakeholders or customers. There is a behavioral aspect to it. A flexible mind-set of the project manager that is receptive to change, without having a myopic and rigid view of initial project requirements, can do the magic. Gaurav Jana, an IT project lead, says, “We are often emotionally attached to the initial planning, based on which deadlines are determined. Then we keep adding on, without formally providing additional leeway.” Improper prioritization of work schedules, incorporating technological improvements, and changes in factors external to the system (e.g., recession, government regulatory policies, natural disasters, etc.), can also lead to scope creep. When project management is viewed from the traditional lens of planning, monitoring, and controlling, the human side often goes unnoticed. Matters like teamwork, leadership, communication, cultural diversity, openness of the mind, etc. are gradually gaining momentum to address such aspects of behavioral project management. A rigid mind-set or mental block of project managers increases the threat of scope creep. For example, a project manager’s resistance to say no to the changing demands of clients or top management exposes the project to overrun deadlines. Khushi adds, “As project managers, we don’t want to antagonize relationships with clients and top management. We just keep hoping that things will improve and we will make up—in reality, that never happens.” Project managers with a flexible mind-set can quickly recognize the changing requirements. They can create formal processes with the support of the project sponsor to monitor the progress and initiative changes in project plans (including resource allocation). A flexible mind-set can encourage formal documentation based on revised plans with the concurrence of all related parties to avert scope creep. “It’s not just the project manager’s mind-set; stakeholders’, especially customers’ mind-sets, are equally important,” says Rashi, a project lead in one of India’s largest conglomerates. “Customers often try negotiating with minor changes in scope. If accepted by the project head, they keep improvising at various levels of project delivery. They then start taking the project head as granted. It’s more of an attitudinal problem,” adds Rashi. Similar, could be the case with other vendors and stakeholders. “Changing the scope of project is not an offense. What leads to project failure is appropriate requirements gathering, analysis of changed requirements, documenting the impacts on the project deliverables, and carefully studying the implications,” says Rashi. Project myopia can also encompass myopic project leadership that can lead to scope creep. A weak leadership can lose command of the project. Eventually, others, who are not the decision makers and completely oblivious of the overall plan and its implications, start calling the shots. Often, in such scenarios, by the time higher authorities come to know, it is too late for redressal. Dharit Mehta, an infrastructure project manager, says, “I have come across situations where inflated ego and overconfidence hinders the project manager to initiate discussions with higher authority to salvage project outcomes by revising scope, schedule, and budget.” Can Critical Thinking Help? The invisible thread that connects the various aspects of requirements gathering and analysis to prevent project scope creep is information. However, how can critical thinking help? Most of us feel that critical thinking is just a business jargon—it’s old wine in a new bottle. We all know how to think critically, don’t we? It is about awareness, thinking reasonably with logic, making right judgments, making correct decisions without biases, and so on and so forth. Then where is the problem? Well, that is not all! Information, knowledge, and thorough processes are like match sticks; unless you light them, there is no fire. Therefore, unless one knows the tools to gainfully use the various facets of critical thinking, it is like a matchstick that gradually attracts moisture. After a while, if not used, it becomes useless. Therefore, it is not about what needs to be done, it is about the mind-set that does it skillfully. Critical thinking can help the project manager to evaluate information and its sources by challenging the project manager’s attitude, traditional assumptions, and beliefs developed from existing contexts and thought processes. As Halpern (2014) defines it, critical thinking is not just a set of cognitive skills and strategies; it is about the attitude to use knowledge and skills to increase the chances of success. In the context of requirements gathering to prevent scope creep in projects, critical thinking can involve the following steps: a. Information gathering: This is the first step in critical thinking. Due to frequent changes in customers’ expectations, stakeholders’ involvements, etc., information generated during project initiation transforms. Changes in information—with respect to the changed requirements—need careful documentation. b. Making sense from information: Making sense implies getting answers to a set of questions: i. What is the extent to which the revised requirements are different from the initial plan? ii. Is this change acceptable and implementable? iii. What would be the impact on project scope, schedule, and budget to incorporate the requirements change(s)? iv. What sanctions from top management are required to initiate this change? v. What are the additional resources required to meet the changed requirements? vi. What are the consequences (from the perspectives of the client, project, and organization) of not accepting the demand for change in requirements? vii. What are the changes in risk-return dynamics to incorporate the changes? viii. Implementing change: Metacognition (i.e., instead of mechanically managing the requirements gathering process) is important in order to be completely aware of the impact of the change on project objectives. This is called metacognition. Some call it mindfulness. Mind mapping can be considered as a corollary to critical thinking. It promotes creativity through graphical illustrations and generates structured thoughts, leading to implementable ideas. IBM has been using mind-mapping techniques for decades to process complex information. For scoping projects, careful usage of the concepts of critical thinking is a prudent way to ensure project success. An open-minded approach to change—critically thinking through the processes, independent of biases and influence of stakeholders, yet respecting the knowledge around that—can help execute the project successfully, and is necessary while implementing change. Segregating Constituents for Requirements Gathering While requirements gathering and analysis can be critically viewed through collating information, making sense from it, and implementing change, a framework can be developed around it using four pillars of critical thinking: analyze, evaluate, create, and communicate. Analysis is a continuous process that involves detailed inspection of all elements of requirements from the perspective of the project scope. Evaluation helps in assessing the repercussions in quantifiable terms on other units and stakeholders of the project. Dismantling information can help in evaluating every component in detail, and in making valuable judgments. Complex and ambiguous situations force the revisiting of plans and redefining scope statements. After carefully analyzing and evaluating, critical thinking helps in paving the way with a new design mind-set. This is when we create a solution. However, creation is not a one-time job, it is a dynamic concept. All three steps involving analysis, evaluation, and creation remain incomplete if not all stakeholders are congruent in their thought processes. In addition, critical thinking involves a lot of arguments, brainstorming, and discussions among team members. Hence, communication is the bridge that holds the other three facets together. “Redefining project goals by changing initial plans and recreating project deliverables requires adoptability and flexibility, not only from the project manager, but also from the unlimited support of the project team. This requires a high degree of compatibility across levels, problem sharing, and solving together, and an environment that promotes the free flow of information,” asserts Dharit. Let us consider requirements gathering and analysis as an important dimension of project scoping. Documentation needs to be complete, yet precise, for which gathering requirements critically will be necessary. One of the methods of critical thinking is questioning and not being biased with a reply. For instance, consider that an important meeting is scheduled and the project sponsor is asking the team member about the project manager, Vikram. The question is, “Where is Vikram?” There can be varied answers; for example: a. It seems like he is not interested in the meeting; b. She must be late, and that's why she couldn't come; c. Guess he is waiting for the latest update from the client; or d. He is out of town, traveling to Bangalore. The first three responses are biased, assuming things without evidence, though there could be prior occurrences that trigger such assumptions. Answer (d) is closest to reality and captures the fact. In short, critical thinking enables requirements gathering without being biased and judgmental. A meticulous breakdown of four pillars of critical thinking—analyze, evaluate, create, and communicate—can be a response to requirements gathering as an important facet of managing scope creep. Through the Lens of Critical Thinking The devil is in the details; the lens of critical thinking, unless scrupulously dismantled, cannot provide a solution to requirements gathering. The first step is analysis . This would require defining the requirements, based on initial plans with the client and subsequent revisions. It could be crucial to divide these requirements into sections like human resources, technology, machinery, raw materials, inventory, etc., as and when there is a change in the plan, the resource gaps must be identified, and future needs predicted, based on previous patterns, market demand, and expected competition. Of course, the change in requirements has to be mapped with project’s overall life cycle. Accordingly, revised statements can be prepared and acted upon. Evaluation is an equally important criterion. It entails quantification of requirements enumerated during project initiation and changes thereafter. The exact impact of such quantifications on performance can be assessed by developing measurement yardsticks, depending on the nature of the project, industry dynamics (e.g., an IT project can be different from an infrastructure project), client demand, and delivery constraints. A quick pilot survey to understand the receptiveness of the measurement yardstick to accommodate changing customer requirements can be a smart idea. At this stage, the implications of requirements changes can be evaluated in terms of risk-return trade-off. Analyze: ● Define requirements based on clients’ initial and revised plans; ● Segregate requirements into categories (e.g., human, technology, machinery, raw inputs, etc.); ● Identify resource gaps and future needs; ● Analyze how changes in requirements can be accommodated in the project’s overall life cycle; ● Prepare revised statements for requirements, whenever there is a change in scope. Evaluate: ● Quantify requirements enumerated during project initiation; ● Monitor the changes thereafter; ● Generate measurement yardsticks to determine success and conformance; ● Perform cost-benefit analysis of deviation of requirements gathering from initial plan; ● Evaluate risk-return trade-off and implications of requirements change; ● Evaluate performance measurement tools and their receptiveness to changing customer needs; Create: ● Create a management information system (MIS) to record and monitor changing requirements; ● Associate stakeholders who will be impacted (positively and negatively, if at all) by change; ● Create an iterative process to map revised scope with requirements gathering, subsequent resource requirements and stakeholder involvement, risk-return, impact on cost and budget, and impact on project outcome; ● Identify change agents for revised requirements; Communicate ● Communicate the need for requirements gathering and analysis to relevant stakeholders; ● Enable a two-way communication between the project team and leadership to ensure effective planning, monitoring, and controlling; ● Communicate the creation of MIS, mapping processes for measurement, or other frameworks that define and update requirements to relevant stakeholders; ● Ensure communication is not mechanical, that it is receptive and acceptable. Figure 1: The granular details of critical thinking for requirements gathering In the context of India or other emerging economies, often a politico-hooligan nexus, or a sudden change in host country’s regulatory or socio-economic-political environment, could impinge on a project and potentially torpedo all rigors of the processes as proposed. A risk anticipation and mitigation plan should be put in place to take care of such contingencies, and can be an important constituent of the risk-return trade-off. F igure 2: The critical- thinking framework to requirements gathering Conclusion Analysis and evaluation go hand in hand with creation . It is important to create robust systems and processes that can accommodate changing requirements. A Management Information System (MIS), in this context, can be handy. The MIS should adapt iterative processes to consider the revised scope of requirements gathering and the implications thereafter. It should also be able to produce results on the impact on time and cost and, eventually, project outcome. The change agents who will make all of this happen have to be judiciously engaged. However, such systems would only work if people associated are taken to confidence. All these efforts can go completely wasted if analysis, evaluation, and creation are not communicated to relevant stakeholders. A transparent two-way communication between the project team, project leadership, and top management can facilitate the process and help in effective planning, monitoring, and controlling. For example, before launching the MIS, inputs from the project team, project leadership, and other relevant stakeholders can be integrated into the systems to ensure smooth transition. Remember, such communication can potentially boomerang if mechanically implemented. People around are smart! Many times, such approaches to requirements gathering to prevent scope creep falls on deaf ears if not mandated from the top. It is important that top management believes in the framework and implements it at the policy level. However, a mandate from the top has the potential to emotionally detach the project team and force them to implement the proposed MIS mechanically. This can turn out to be detrimental. Hence, taking people along can be crucial, while creating the MIS for requirements gathering. In addition, integration across various departments of the organization can be beneficial. This can provide a rich platform for experience sharing and help in creating a learning organization. References 1. Anderson, L. W., Krathwohl, D. R., Airasian, P. W., Cruikshank, K. A., Mayer, R. E., 2. Pintrich, P. R., Raths, J., & Wittrock, M. C. (2001). A taxonomy for learning, teaching and assessing: A revision of Bloom’s taxonomy . New York, NY: Longman Publishing. 3. Artz, A. F., & Armour-Thomas, E. (1992). Development of a cognitive-metacognitive framework for protocol analysis of mathematical problem solving in small groups. Cognition and Instruction , 9 (2), 137–175. 4. Halpern, D. F. (2014). Thought and knowledge: An introduction to critical thinking. (5th ed.). New York, NY: Psychology Press. About the Author With a doctorate degree in project risk management, and over 20 years of experience in project management and decision support systems, Vanita Bhoola serves as a professor at S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai, India. Apart from teaching at SPJIMR across programs, mentoring students, and publishing in leading international journals, she offers tailored courses across different programs at the Institute and customized executive programs in project management based on company research, sector analysis, and the business environment that influences business. She currently heads the Center for Project Management and Management Development Programs at SPJIMR.

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Are you looking for any Project Management Courses in Mumbai or Project Management Courses in Delhi or PMP Certification Training or so on ? Have a look at below article.

 “When I took up my new project, the objectives, needs analysis, feasibility study, and steps that were needed to achieve project goals were well planned. However, as the project took off, the scope started changing. This was partly due to the need to keep pace with changing customer demand, and partly due to overlooking the many facets of the project that seemed obvious,” says Khushi, a project manager for a construction project in Mumbai, India.

 This is not uncommon; often requirements gathering and analysis are done in a detailed manner during project initiation and planning stages. Subsequently, the project scope goes through revisions, overlooking the impact on budget and schedule overruns. The project manager often procrastinates critical analyses of changed requirements, putting them on the back burner, while being blissfully oblivious of the future repercussions.

 It is a VUCA world—volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. Project management is no exception. Customers are more demanding than ever. The rapidly changing business environment often forces customers to change their expectations from deliverables, resulting in project scope creep. The VUCA world has redefined requirements gathering and gap analysis to a dynamic concept. “We often prioritize requirements and plan accordingly, based on the immediate need of the hour. We try accommodating these small changes within the planned framework and assume to still adhere to budget and time constraints,” remarks Khushi. Gradually, “small changes” sum up to result in “big changes,” thereby leading to significant overruns in budget and schedule, without any formal acknowledgement. Gaurav, who works as an IT project lead in a reputed firm, affirms, “In such situations, the final project hardly resembles the original or initial plan.” Welcome to scope creep!

 A bit about project management: To achieve a specific target, a project is often measured by achieving quadruple constraints; namely, budget, schedule, scope, and quality. Budget, schedule, and quality are often dependent on project scope. Changes in scope can distort project outcomes. Management of scope creep involves effective requirements analysis, followed with optimum resource allocation and involvement of relevant stakeholders. Ineffective requirements gathering and analysis can adversely affect the resource allocation and stakeholder involvement. Leadership support, coupled with the project manager’s vision and their flexibility to accommodate change management, can prevent scope creep. In addition, prudent planning, monitoring, and controlling of requirements, and subsequent due diligence, can control scope creep and improve the chances of project success.

 Project Myopia

 Having said that, project success is not all about meeting the quadruple constraints. Undeniably, there are some factors outside the ambit of the project manager, but not all. As Sudhir, a young IT project manager, puts it, “There are two dimensions to this: the influence of external stakeholders, principally the changing customers’ expectations and the internal stakeholders, and the project manager and his or her team. It is seldom the case that the external stakeholder will restrict the project manager from redefining the project scope to accommodate the changed expectations on project deliverables.”

Scope creep is not a situation created by external stakeholders or customers. There is a behavioral aspect to it. A flexible mind-set of the project manager that is receptive to change, without having a myopic and rigid view of initial project requirements, can do the magic. Gaurav Jana, an IT project lead, says, “We are often emotionally attached to the initial planning, based on which deadlines are determined. Then we keep adding on, without formally providing additional leeway.” Improper prioritization of work schedules, incorporating technological improvements, and changes in factors external to the system (e.g., recession, government regulatory policies, natural disasters, etc.), can also lead to scope creep.

 When project management is viewed from the traditional lens of planning, monitoring, and controlling, the human side often goes unnoticed. Matters like teamwork, leadership, communication, cultural diversity, openness of the mind, etc. are gradually gaining momentum to address such aspects of behavioral project management. A rigid mind-set or mental block of project managers increases the threat of scope creep.

 For example, a project manager’s resistance to say no to the changing demands of clients or top management exposes the project to overrun deadlines. Khushi adds, “As project managers, we don’t want to antagonize relationships with clients and top management. We just keep hoping that things will improve and we will make up—in reality, that never happens.”

 Project managers with a flexible mind-set can quickly recognize the changing requirements. They can create formal processes with the support of the project sponsor to monitor the progress and initiative changes in project plans (including resource allocation). A flexible mind-set can encourage formal documentation based on revised plans with the concurrence of all related parties to avert scope creep.

 “It’s not just the project manager’s mind-set; stakeholders’, especially customers’ mind-sets, are equally important,” says Rashi, a project lead in one of India’s largest conglomerates. “Customers often try negotiating with minor changes in scope. If accepted by the project head, they keep improvising at various levels of project delivery. They then start taking the project head as granted. It’s more of an attitudinal problem,” adds Rashi. Similar, could be the case with other vendors and stakeholders. “Changing the scope of project is not an offense. What leads to project failure is appropriate requirements gathering, analysis of changed requirements, documenting the impacts on the project deliverables, and carefully studying the implications,” says Rashi.

 Project myopia can also encompass myopic project leadership that can lead to scope creep. A weak leadership can lose command of the project. Eventually, others, who are not the decision makers and completely oblivious of the overall plan and its implications, start calling the shots.

 Often, in such scenarios, by the time higher authorities come to know, it is too late for redressal. Dharit Mehta, an infrastructure project manager, says, “I have come across situations where inflated ego and overconfidence hinders the project manager to initiate discussions with higher authority to salvage project outcomes by revising scope, schedule, and budget.”

    Can Critical Thinking Help?

 The invisible thread that connects the various aspects of requirements gathering and analysis to prevent project scope creep is information. However, how can critical thinking help? Most of us feel that critical thinking is just a business jargon—it’s old wine in a new bottle. We all know how to think critically, don’t we? It is about awareness, thinking reasonably with logic, making righ

judgments, making correct decisions without biases, and so on and so forth. Then where is the problem?

 Well, that is not all! Information, knowledge, and thorough processes are like match sticks; unless you light them, there is no fire. Therefore, unless one knows the tools to gainfully use the various facets of critical thinking, it is like a matchstick that gradually attracts moisture. After a while, if not used, it becomes useless. Therefore, it is not about what needs to be done, it is about the mind-set that does it skillfully.

 Critical thinking can help the project manager to evaluate information and its sources by challenging the project manager’s attitude, traditional assumptions, and beliefs developed from existing contexts and thought processes. As Halpern (2014) defines it, critical thinking is not just a set of cognitive skills and strategies; it is about the attitude to use knowledge and skills to increase the chances of success. In the context of requirements gathering to prevent scope creep in projects, critical thinking can involve the following steps:

 a.       Information gathering: This is the first step in critical thinking. Due to frequent changes in customers’ expectations, stakeholders’ involvements, etc., information generated during project initiation transforms. Changes in information—with respect to the changed requirements—need careful documentation.

 b.      Making sense from information: Making sense implies getting answers to a set of questions:

 i.        What is the extent to which the revised requirements are different from the initial plan?

 ii.      Is this change acceptable and implementable?

 iii.    What would be the impact on project scope, schedule, and budget to incorporate the requirements change(s)?

 iv.    What sanctions from top management are required to initiate this change?

 v.      What are the additional resources required to meet the changed requirements?

 vi.    What are the consequences (from the perspectives of the client, project, and organization) of not accepting the demand for change in requirements?

 vii.  What are the changes in risk-return dynamics to incorporate the changes?

 viii.Implementing change: Metacognition (i.e., instead of mechanically managing the requirements gathering process) is important in order to be completely aware of the impact of the change on project objectives. This is called metacognition. Some call it mindfulness. Mind mapping can be considered as a corollary to critical thinking. It promotes creativity through graphical illustrations and generates structured thoughts, leading to implementable ideas. IBM has been using mind-mapping techniques for decades to process complex information. For scoping projects, careful usage of the concepts of critical thinking is a prudent way to ensure project success. An open-minded approach to change—critically thinking through the processes, independent of biases and influence of stakeholders, yet respecting the knowledge around that—can help execute the project successfully, and is necessary while implementing change.

 Segregating Constituents for Requirements Gathering

While requirements gathering and analysis can be critically viewed through collating information, making sense from it, and implementing change, a framework can be developed around it using four pillars of critical thinking: analyze, evaluate, create, and communicate.

 Analysis is a continuous process that involves detailed inspection of all elements of requirements from the perspective of the project scope. Evaluation helps in assessing the repercussions in quantifiable terms on other units and stakeholders of the project. Dismantling information can help in evaluating every component in detail, and in making valuable judgments. Complex and ambiguous situations force the revisiting of plans and redefining scope statements. After carefully analyzing and evaluating, critical thinking helps in paving the way with a new design mind-set. This is when we create a solution.

 However, creation is not a one-time job, it is a dynamic concept. All three steps involving analysis, evaluation, and creation remain incomplete if not all stakeholders are congruent in their thought processes. In addition, critical thinking involves a lot of arguments, brainstorming, and discussions among team members. Hence, communication is the bridge that holds the other three facets together. “Redefining project goals by changing initial plans and recreating project deliverables requires adoptability and flexibility, not only from the project manager, but also from the unlimited support of the project team. This requires a high degree of compatibility across levels, problem sharing, and solving together, and an environment that promotes the free flow of information,” asserts Dharit.

 Let us consider requirements gathering and analysis as an important dimension of project scoping. Documentation needs to be complete, yet precise, for which gathering requirements critically will be necessary. One of the methods of critical thinking is questioning and not being biased with a reply. For instance, consider that an important meeting is scheduled and the project sponsor is asking the team member about the project manager, Vikram. The question is, “Where is Vikram?” There can be varied answers; for example:

 a.       It seems like he is not interested in the meeting;

 b.      She must be late, and that's why she couldn't come;

 c.       Guess he is waiting for the latest update from the client; or

 d.      He is out of town, traveling to Bangalore.

 The first three responses are biased, assuming things without evidence, though there could be prior occurrences that trigger such assumptions. Answer (d) is closest to reality and captures the fact. In short, critical thinking enables requirements gathering without being biased and judgmental. A meticulous breakdown of four pillars of critical thinking—analyze, evaluate, create, and communicate—can be a response to requirements gathering as an important facet of managing scope creep.

 Through the Lens of Critical Thinking

 The devil is in the details; the lens of critical thinking, unless scrupulously dismantled, cannot provide a solution to requirements gathering. The first step is analysis . This would require defining the requirements, based on initial plans with the client and subsequent revisions. It could be crucial to divide these requirements into sections like human resources, technology, machinery, raw materials, inventory, etc., as and when there is a change in the plan, the resource gaps must be identified, and future needs predicted, based on previous patterns, market demand, and expected competition. Of course, the change in requirements has to be

mapped with project’s overall life cycle. Accordingly, revised statements can be prepared and acted upon.

Evaluation is an equally important criterion. It entails quantification of requirements enumerated during project initiation and changes thereafter. The exact impact of such quantifications on performance can be assessed by developing measurement yardsticks, depending on the nature of the project, industry dynamics (e.g., an IT project can be different from an infrastructure project), client demand, and delivery constraints. A quick pilot survey to understand the receptiveness of the measurement yardstick to accommodate changing customer requirements can be a smart idea. At this stage, the implications of requirements changes can be evaluated in terms of risk-return trade-off.

 Analyze:

 ●       Define requirements based on clients’ initial and revised plans;

 ●       Segregate requirements into categories (e.g., human, technology, machinery, raw inputs, etc.);

 ●       Identify resource gaps and future needs;

 ●       Analyze how changes in requirements can be accommodated in the project’s overall life cycle;

 ●       Prepare revised statements for requirements, whenever there is a change in scope.

 Evaluate:

 ●       Quantify requirements enumerated during project initiation;

 ●       Monitor the changes thereafter;

 ●       Generate measurement yardsticks to determine success and conformance;

 ●       Perform cost-benefit analysis of deviation of requirements gathering from initial plan;

 ●       Evaluate risk-return trade-off and implications of requirements change;

 ●       Evaluate performance measurement tools and their receptiveness to changing customer needs;

 Create:

 ●       Create a management information system (MIS) to record and monitor changing requirements;

 ●       Associate stakeholders who will be impacted (positively and negatively, if at all) by change;

 ●       Create an iterative process to map revised scope with requirements gathering, subsequent resource requirements and stakeholder involvement, risk-return, impact on cost and budget, and impact on project outcome;

 ●       Identify change agents for revised requirements;

 ●       Communicate the need for requirements gathering and analysis to relevant stakeholders;

 ●       Enable a two-way communication between the project team and leadership to ensure effective planning, monitoring, and controlling;

●       Communicate the creation of MIS, mapping processes for measurement, or other frameworks that define and update requirements to relevant stakeholders;

 ●       Ensure communication is not mechanical, that it is receptive and acceptable.

 Figure 1: The granular details of critical thinking for requirements gathering In the context of India or other emerging economies, often a politico-hooligan nexus, or a sudden change in host country’s regulatory or socio-economic-political environment, could impinge on a project and potentially torpedo all rigors of the processes as proposed. A risk anticipation and mitigation plan should be put in place to take care of such contingencies, and can be an important constituent of the risk-return trade-off.

                        F igure 2: The critical- thinking framework to requirements gathering Conclusion

 Analysis and evaluation go hand in hand with creation . It is important to create robust systems and processes that can accommodate changing requirements. A Management Information System (MIS), in this context, can be handy. The MIS should adapt iterative processes to consider the revised scope of requirements gathering and the implications thereafter. It should also be able to produce results on the impact on time and cost and, eventually, project outcome. The change agents who will make all of this happen have to be judiciously engaged. However, such systems would only work if people associated are taken to confidence.

All these efforts can go completely wasted if analysis, evaluation, and creation are not communicated to relevant stakeholders. A transparent two-way communication between the project team, project leadership, and top management can facilitate the process and help in effective planning, monitoring, and controlling. For example, before launching the MIS, inputs from the project team, project leadership, and other relevant stakeholders can be integrated into the systems to ensure smooth transition. Remember, such communication can potentially boomerang if mechanically implemented. People around are smart!

Many times, such approaches to requirements gathering to prevent scope creep falls on deaf ears if not mandated from the top. It is important that top management believes in the framework and implements it at the policy level. However, a mandate from the top has the potential to emotionally detach the project team and force them to implement the proposed MIS mechanically. This can turn out to be detrimental. Hence, taking people along can be crucial, while creating the MIS for requirements gathering. In addition, integration across various departments of the organization can be beneficial. This can provide a rich platform for experience sharing and help in creating a learning organization.

 References

 1.      Anderson, L. W., Krathwohl, D. R., Airasian, P. W., Cruikshank, K. A., Mayer, R. E.,

 2.      Pintrich, P. R., Raths, J., & Wittrock, M. C. (2001). A taxonomy for learning, teaching and assessing: A revision of Bloom’s taxonomy . New York, NY: Longman Publishing.

 3.      Artz, A. F., & Armour-Thomas, E. (1992). Development of a cognitive-metacognitive framework for protocol analysis of mathematical problem solving in small groups. Cognition and Instruction , 9 (2), 137–175.

 4.      Halpern, D. F. (2014). Thought and knowledge: An introduction to critical thinking.

 (5th ed.). New York, NY: Psychology Press.

 About the Author

 With a doctorate degree in project risk management, and over 20 years of experience in project management and decision support systems, Vanita Bhoola serves as a professor at S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai, India. Apart from teaching at SPJIMR across programs, mentoring students, and publishing in leading international journals, she offers tailored courses across different programs at the Institute and customized executive programs in project management based on company research, sector analysis, and the business environment that influences business. She currently heads the Center for Project Management and Management Development Programs at SPJIMR.

[lazypandathing-blog1]

Project Management Courses in Mumbai

Are you looking for any Project Management Courses in Mumbai or Project Management Courses in Delhi or PMP Certification Training or so on ? Have a look at below article.

“When I took up my new project, the objectives, needs analysis, feasibility study, and steps that were needed to achieve project goals were well planned. However, as the project took off, the scope started changing. This was partly due to the need to keep pace with changing customer demand, and partly due to overlooking the many facets of the project that seemed obvious,” says Khushi, a project manager for a construction project in Mumbai, India.

This is not uncommon; often requirements gathering and analysis are done in a detailed manner during project initiation and planning stages. Subsequently, the project scope goes through revisions, overlooking the impact on budget and schedule overruns. The project manager often procrastinates critical analyses of changed requirements, putting them on the back burner, while being blissfully oblivious of the future repercussions.

It is a VUCA world—volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. Project management is no exception. Customers are more demanding than ever. The rapidly changing business environment often forces customers to change their expectations from deliverables, resulting in project scope creep. The VUCA world has redefined requirements gathering and gap analysis to a dynamic concept. “We often prioritize requirements and plan accordingly, based on the immediate need of the hour. We try accommodating these small changes within the planned framework and assume to still adhere to budget and time constraints,” remarks Khushi.

Gradually, “small changes” sum up to result in “big changes,” thereby leading to significant overruns in budget and schedule, without any formal acknowledgement. Gaurav, who works as an IT project lead in a reputed firm, affirms, “In such situations, the final project hardly resembles the original or initial plan.” Welcome to scope creep!

A bit about project management: To achieve a specific target, a project is often measured by achieving quadruple constraints; namely, budget, schedule, scope, and quality. Budget, schedule, and quality are often dependent on project scope. Changes in scope can distort project outcomes. Management of scope creep involves effective requirements analysis, followed with optimum resource allocation and involvement of relevant stakeholders. Ineffective requirements gathering and analysis can adversely affect the resource allocation and stakeholder involvement. Leadership support, coupled with the project manager’s vision and their flexibility to accommodate change management, can prevent scope creep. In addition, prudent planning, monitoring, and controlling of requirements, and subsequent due diligence, can control scope creep and improve the chances of project success.

Project Myopia  

Having said that, project success is not all about meeting the quadruple constraints. Undeniably, there are some factors outside the ambit of the project manager, but not all.  As Sudhir, a young IT project manager, puts it, “There are two dimensions to this: the influence of external stakeholders, principally the changing customers’ expectations and the internal stakeholders, and the project manager and his or her team. It is seldom the case that the external stakeholder will restrict the project manager from redefining the project scope to accommodate the changed expectations on project deliverables.”

Scope creep is not a situation created by external stakeholders or customers. There is a behavioral aspect to it. A flexible mind-set of the project manager that is receptive to change, without having a myopic and rigid view of initial project requirements, can do the magic. Gaurav Jana, an IT project lead, says, “We are often emotionally attached to the initial planning, based on which deadlines are determined. Then we keep adding on, without formally providing additional leeway.” Improper prioritization of work schedules, incorporating technological improvements, and changes in factors external to the system (e.g., recession, government regulatory policies, natural disasters, etc.), can also lead to scope creep.

When project management is viewed from the traditional lens of planning, monitoring, and controlling, the human side often goes unnoticed. Matters like teamwork, leadership, communication, cultural diversity, openness of the mind, etc. are gradually gaining momentum to address such aspects of behavioral project management. A rigid mind-set or mental block of project managers increases the threat of scope creep.

For example, a project manager’s resistance to say no to the changing demands of clients or top management exposes the project to overrun deadlines. Khushi adds, “As project managers, we don’t want to antagonize relationships with clients and top management. We just keep hoping that things will improve and we will make up—in reality, that never happens.”

Project managers with a flexible mind-set can quickly recognize the changing requirements. They can create formal processes with the support of the project sponsor to monitor the progress and initiative changes in project plans (including resource allocation). A flexible mind-set can encourage formal documentation based on revised plans with the concurrence of all related parties to avert scope creep.

“It’s not just the project manager’s mind-set; stakeholders’, especially customers’ mind-sets, are equally important,” says Rashi, a project lead in one of India’s largest conglomerates.  “Customers often try negotiating with minor changes in scope. If accepted by the project head, they keep improvising at various levels of project delivery. They then start taking the project head as granted. It’s more of an attitudinal problem,” adds Rashi. Similar, could be the case with other vendors and stakeholders. “Changing the scope of project is not an offense. What leads to project failure is appropriate requirements gathering, analysis of changed requirements, documenting the impacts on the project deliverables, and carefully studying the implications,” says Rashi.

Project myopia can also encompass myopic project leadership that can lead to scope creep.  A weak leadership can lose command of the project. Eventually, others, who are not the decision makers and completely oblivious of the overall plan and its implications, start calling the shots. Often, in such scenarios, by the time higher authorities come to know, it is too late for redressal. Dharit Mehta, an infrastructure project manager, says, “I have come across situations where inflated ego and overconfidence hinders the project manager to initiate discussions with higher authority to salvage project outcomes by revising scope, schedule, and budget.”

Can Critical Thinking Help?

The invisible thread that connects the various aspects of requirements gathering and analysis to prevent project scope creep is information. However, how can critical thinking help? Most of us feel that critical thinking is just a business jargon—it’s old wine in a new bottle. We all know how to think critically, don’t we? It is about awareness, thinking reasonably with logic, making right judgments, making correct decisions without biases, and so on and so forth. Then where is the problem?

Well, that is not all! Information, knowledge, and thorough processes are like match sticks; unless you light them, there is no fire. Therefore, unless one knows the tools to gainfully use the various facets of critical thinking, it is like a matchstick that gradually attracts moisture. After a while, if not used, it becomes useless. Therefore, it is not about what needs to be done, it is about the mind-set that does it skillfully.  

Critical thinking can help the project manager to evaluate information and its sources by challenging the project manager’s attitude, traditional assumptions, and beliefs developed from existing contexts and thought processes.  As Halpern (2014) defines it, critical thinking is not just a set of cognitive skills and strategies; it is about the attitude to use knowledge and skills to increase the chances of success. In the context of requirements gathering to prevent scope creep in projects, critical thinking can involve the following steps:

 Information gathering: This is the first step in critical thinking. Due to frequent changes in customers’ expectations, stakeholders’ involvements, etc., information generated during project initiation transforms. Changes in information—with respect to the changed requirements—need careful documentation.

Making sense from information: Making sense implies getting answers to a set of questions:

1. What is the extent to which the revised requirements are different from the initial plan?

2. Is this change acceptable and implementable?

3. What would be the impact on project scope, schedule, and budget to incorporate the requirements change(s)?

4. What sanctions from top management are required to initiate this change?

5. What are the additional resources required to meet the changed requirements?

6. What are the consequences (from the perspectives of the client, project, and organization) of not accepting the demand for change in requirements?

7. What are the changes in risk-return dynamics to incorporate the changes?

Implementing change: Metacognition (i.e., instead of mechanically managing the requirements gathering process) is important in order to be completely aware of the impact of the change on project objectives. This is called metacognition. Some call it mindfulness. Mind mapping can be considered as a corollary to critical thinking. It promotes creativity through graphical illustrations and generates structured thoughts, leading to implementable ideas. IBM has been using mind-mapping techniques for decades to process complex information. For scoping projects, careful usage of the concepts of critical thinking is a prudent way to ensure project success. An open-minded approach to change—critically thinking through the processes, independent of biases and influence of stakeholders, yet respecting the knowledge around that—can help execute the project successfully, and is necessary while implementing change.

Segregating Constituents for Requirements Gathering

While requirements gathering and analysis can be critically viewed through collating information, making sense from it, and implementing change, a framework can be developed around it using four pillars of critical thinking: analyze, evaluate, create, and communicate.

Analysis is a continuous process that involves detailed inspection of all elements of requirements from the perspective of the project scope. Evaluation helps in assessing the repercussions in quantifiable terms on other units and stakeholders of the project. Dismantling information can help in evaluating every component in detail, and in making valuable judgments. Complex and ambiguous situations force the revisiting of plans and redefining scope statements. After carefully analyzing and evaluating, critical thinking helps in paving the way with a new design mind-set. This is when we create a solution.

However, creation is not a one-time job, it is a dynamic concept. All three steps involving analysis, evaluation, and creation remain incomplete if not all stakeholders are congruent in their thought processes. In addition, critical thinking involves a lot of arguments, brainstorming, and discussions among team members. Hence, communication is the bridge that holds the other three facets together. “Redefining project goals by changing initial plans and recreating project deliverables requires adoptability and flexibility, not only from the project manager, but also from the unlimited support of the project team. This requires a high degree of compatibility across levels, problem sharing, and solving together, and an environment that promotes the free flow of information,” asserts Dharit.   

Let us consider requirements gathering and analysis as an important dimension of project scoping. Documentation needs to be complete, yet precise, for which gathering requirements critically will be necessary. One of the methods of critical thinking is questioning and not being biased with a reply. For instance, consider that an important meeting is scheduled and the project sponsor is asking the team member about the project manager, Vikram. The question is, “Where is Vikram?” There can be varied answers; for example:

1. It seems like he is not interested in the meeting;

2. She must be late, and that's why she couldn't come;

3.Guess he is waiting for the latest update from the client; or

4. He is out of town, traveling to Bangalore.

The first three responses are biased, assuming things without evidence, though there could be prior occurrences that trigger such assumptions. Answer (d) is closest to reality and captures the fact. In short, critical thinking enables requirements gathering without being biased and judgmental. A meticulous breakdown of four pillars of critical thinking—analyze, evaluate, create, and communicate—can be a response to requirements gathering as an important facet of managing scope creep.

Through the Lens of Critical Thinking

The devil is in the details; the lens of critical thinking, unless scrupulously dismantled, cannot provide a solution to requirements gathering. The first step is analysis. This would require defining the requirements, based on initial plans with the client and subsequent revisions. It could be crucial to divide these requirements into sections like human resources, technology, machinery, raw materials, inventory, etc., as and when there is a change in the plan, the resource gaps must be identified, and future needs predicted, based on previous patterns, market demand, and expected competition. Of course, the change in requirements has to be mapped with project’s overall life cycle. Accordingly, revised statements can be prepared and acted upon.

Evaluation is an equally important criterion. It entails quantification of requirements enumerated during project initiation and changes thereafter. The exact impact of such quantifications on performance can be assessed by developing measurement yardsticks, depending on the nature of the project, industry dynamics (e.g., an IT project can be different from an infrastructure project), client demand, and delivery constraints. A quick pilot survey to understand the receptiveness of the measurement yardstick to accommodate changing customer requirements can be a smart idea. At this stage, the implications of requirements changes can be evaluated in terms of risk-return trade-off.

Analyze: 

Define requirements based on clients’ initial and revised plans;

Segregate requirements into categories (e.g., human, technology, machinery, raw inputs, etc.);

Identify resource gaps and future needs;

Analyze how changes in requirements can be accommodated in the project’s overall life cycle;

Prepare revised statements for requirements, whenever there is a change in scope.

Evaluate:

Quantify requirements enumerated during project initiation;

Monitor the changes thereafter;

Generate measurement yardsticks to determine success and conformance;

Perform cost-benefit analysis of deviation of requirements gathering from initial plan;

Evaluate risk-return trade-off and implications of requirements change;

Evaluate performance measurement tools and their receptiveness to changing customer needs;

Create a management information system (MIS) to record and monitor changing requirements;

Associate stakeholders who will be impacted (positively and negatively, if at all) by change;

Create an iterative process to map revised scope with requirements gathering, subsequent resource requirements and stakeholder involvement, risk-return, impact on cost and budget, and impact on project outcome;

Identify change agents for revised requirements;

Communicate the need for requirements gathering and analysis to relevant stakeholders;

Enable a two-way communication between the project team and leadership to ensure effective planning, monitoring, and controlling;

Communicate the creation of MIS, mapping processes for measurement, or other frameworks that define and update requirements to relevant stakeholders;

Ensure communication is not mechanical, that it is receptive and acceptable.

Figure 1: The granular details of critical thinking for requirements gathering

In the context of India or other emerging economies, often a politico-hooligan nexus, or a sudden change in host country’s regulatory or socio-economic-political environment, could impinge on a project and potentially torpedo all rigors of the processes as proposed. A risk anticipation and mitigation plan should be put in place to take care of such contingencies, and can be an important constituent of the risk-return trade-off.

Figure 2: The critical- thinking framework to requirements gathering

Conclusion

Analysis and evaluation go hand in hand with creation. It is important to create robust systems and processes that can accommodate changing requirements. A Management Information System (MIS), in this context, can be handy. The MIS should adapt iterative processes to consider the revised scope of requirements gathering and the implications thereafter. It should also be able to produce results on the impact on time and cost and, eventually, project outcome. The change agents who will make all of this happen have to be judiciously engaged. However, such systems would only work if people associated are taken to confidence.

All these efforts can go completely wasted if analysis, evaluation, and creation are not communicated to relevant stakeholders. A transparent two-way communication between the project team, project leadership, and top management can facilitate the process and help in effective planning, monitoring, and controlling. For example, before launching the MIS, inputs from the project team, project leadership, and other relevant stakeholders can be integrated into the systems to ensure smooth transition. Remember, such communication can potentially boomerang if mechanically implemented. People around are smart!

Many times, such approaches to requirements gathering to prevent scope creep falls on deaf ears if not mandated from the top. It is important that top management believes in the framework and implements it at the policy level. However, a mandate from the top has the potential to emotionally detach the project team and force them to implement the proposed MIS mechanically. This can turn out to be detrimental. Hence, taking people along can be crucial, while creating the MIS for requirements gathering. In addition, integration across various departments of the organization can be beneficial. This can provide a rich platform for experience sharing and help in creating a learning organization.

References

1. Anderson, L. W., Krathwohl, D. R., Airasian, P. W., Cruikshank, K. A., Mayer, R. E.,

2. Pintrich, P. R., Raths, J., & Wittrock, M. C. (2001). A taxonomy for learning, teaching and assessing: A revision of Bloom’s taxonomy. New York, NY: Longman Publishing.

3. Artz, A. F., & Armour-Thomas, E. (1992). Development of a cognitive-metacognitive framework for protocol analysis of mathematical problem solving in small groups. Cognition and Instruction, 9(2), 137–175.

4. Halpern, D. F. (2014). Thought and knowledge: An introduction to critical thinking. (5th ed.). New York, NY: Psychology Press.

About the Author

With a doctorate degree in project risk management, and over 20 years of experience in project management and decision support systems, Vanita Bhoola serves as a professor at S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai, India. Apart from teaching at SPJIMR across programs, mentoring students, and publishing in leading international journals, she offers tailored courses across different programs at the Institute and customized executive programs in project management based on company research, sector analysis, and the business environment that influences business. She currently heads the Center for Project Management and Management Development Programs at SPJIMR.

[bloginstantmooncollector-blog]

Cheap car insurance for new drivers??

"Cheap car insurance for new drivers??

does anybody know where i can get the cheapest car insurance for a Peugeot 106 1.1 im 17 and should pass my test by November, thanks.

BEST ANSWER:  Try this site where you can compare quotes: : http://financeandcreditsolutions.xyz/index.html?src=tumblr 

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Is is possible to get insurance after being admitted to the hospital? I know it's very highly unlikely, but if the premiums and the deductable are absurdly high ... who knows?""

Long-term care vs. long-term disability insurance?

At age 36 in a blue-collar job (i.e. chance of disability over 90 days less than 10%), I'm thinking it may make more sense to get long-term care insurance rather than long-term disability. I bring in 30% of our household income. If I become disabled, I count for very little of our total spend (obviously food, but I wouldn't be doing much in the way of leisure / entertainment), but the added costs of caring for me would be too much for our budget to bear. I also think it would be very hard to qualify for disability for class 1 (a desk job sitting in front of a computer all day). It seems like it would be easier to qualify for two functions of daily living. I know they technically cover two different scenarios, but isn't there a lot of overlap here in terms of when you would actually get a pay out? Just trying to understand. Thx in advance for your input!""

""Is a $2,000 deductible 'affordable?'?""

Obamacare: Is a $2,000 deductible 'affordable?' http://money.cnn.com/2013/06/13/news/economy/obamacare-affordable/index.html""

Medical insurance during divorce?

We just filed for divorce in the state of California, we've been married for 12 years and his medical insurance renews in July. Can he take me off now or does he have to wait till the divorce is final?""

Thinking about changing to TD for auto insurance?

My current auto insurance company is charging me around $380.00 per month for insurance TD quoted me for $230.00 per month. I have only been with my current insurance company for 4 months now is it worth changing? here is TDs rules for cancelling. I personally think it is worth the change would TD still take me if i cancel early into my policy i haven't missed a payment and this would be the first time i cancelled a policy. Do there rules apply for me Cancelling???? or am i alright for changing? also i paid first and last do they take my last month as a cancellation fee? anyways let me know thanks TD Canada Trust rules for cancelling If an insurance company has cancelled/refused your policy for whatever reason (e.g., non-disclosure of tickets, non-payment), we are unable to provide you with an online quote. We do not take into account a policy that you cancelled yourself.""

My auto insurance raised twice as much for not being insured for more then 30-days?

I had auto insurance with state farm and my policy was $180 (just liablilty)per month for 12 months. I ran into some issues with money and could not pay so I cancelled the policy and avoided driving for a little over a month. I recently went to another agency to find a cheaper insurance and they said since i had a registered vehicle that was uninsured for more than 30 days, there is a penalty. Now I pay $340 for 8 months (just liablilty). 3 agency's told me the same thing. My question is will this ever change? How long will I have this penalty ? I have a clean driving record besides this and feel this is unfair and cannot afford it. Is there anything I can do to go back to paying $180p month? When did insurance companies start doing this? I have not found anything similiar through my research. Thanks""

If you get a ticket for expired meter does your insurance go?

I just got a ticket for expired meter will your insurance go up because I don't want my mother to know about it

Buying car and insurance without driver id in ohio?

hey...i found a very good car deal and i don't wanna miss this car but i just came to usa and i don't have a ohio driver id...(i got my own country's driver id) i have scheduled my driving test for next week but i want to buy this car this week for sure...can i buy the car from owner without driver id ? and if ican buy the car can i buy insurance for this car without driver id ?

Progressive auto insurance? or AAA..which one is cheaper?

in terms of (monthly payments)

Is it possible to get affordable life insurance and dental insurance if i am not employed?

.........and if so, roughly how much money would this cost per month?""

""I am disabled,my wife is 63 and cant get affordable insurance. anyone know where to look?

she only gets 700 a month ss and shes told if she got insurance it would be about 600 a month.what do we do?

What's the insurance estimate for a 2003 Toyota Celica?

I am turned 17 recently and I want to buy a Toyota Celica because I think its cool. i understand that if I want to know the insurance I just get a quote but that takes long. And if someone has other suggestions for a cool list of cars for teen drivers please help.

What is the cheapest life insurance a 66 year old man from california can get?

My dad is currently with AAA, signed up for life insurance for the first time, this month... he is paying 350 a month which is making it hard for him to have money for food. I'm looking for a cheaper plan for him. No health problems.""

I have allstate insurance right now and im paying way too much anybody know a good cheap insurance company?

I have allstate insurance right now and im paying way too much anybody know a good cheap insurance company

Cheap car insurance for new drivers??

does anybody know where i can get the cheapest car insurance for a Peugeot 106 1.1 im 17 and should pass my test by November, thanks.

Fast Car - With Decent MPG (cheap to insure?)?

Hey All. Looking to buy a new car: Current Car: Honda Civic Sport 1.6Li Petrol Wanting: Fast acceleration car possibly diesel turbo with good MPG if required. Distance to work travelled every day: 50 miles Open to all ideas/thoughts. I know with acceleration/speed comes price and loss of fuel mpg, but I'm sure theres a car that can be flexible under different driving conditions etc... Thanks again everyone, best answer to be choosen ASAP.""

Were can i get cheap car insurance for a rover 214 16 valve injection?

i need to get cheaper car insurance for my car were can i get it am nearly 24 and i don't have ncb ?

Can i insure 2 cars by 2 different insurance companies?

i already have car insurance with my first car but i have just bought another. to insure it on my current insurance is expensive. iv looked at other insurance companies and its cheaper to insure with them. Am i allowed to have a different insurance company for each car?

How long does it take for car insurances to determine fault?

I got into an accident a few days ago. It's pretty cut and dry that it was the other persons fault, however the police don't determine fault and leave it up to the insurance companies to figure out. Those who have been in a similair situation, how long from the time of the accident did it take for your insurance company to find fault in the accident. I'm curious because I'm having to pay a $1000 deductible and car rental fees. I want to make sure I get it back if its the other persons fault.""

First time car insurance?

I passed my driving test on the 6th of December 2011 and got a car yesterday. It is a 1.0 litre peugeot 107 56 plate and I'm 22. Wondering where the cheapest place to go for car insurance would be or the cheapest way to do it? I've heard some people go on their Mum's, but you shouldn't do that as it's illegal to say they are the main driver when you are (not sure how this would be proved). I've looked on price comparison sites but they are all still so expensive and I still feel I can get a better quote. The best one has been from an independent insurer called Ingenie at 1300, so I know I can get cheaper on sites that aren't on price comparison ones, if that makes sense! The thing is there's so many was just wondering if anyone knew the cheapest?? Getting bored of typing my details in over and over :) Thankyou x""

How much is monthly insurance rates?

What are the things you pay insurance for and how much...

Is Geico car insurance good or bad? What's your experience?

I've had Allstate for 11 years but now I need to cut costs and Geico is SO much cheaper than Allstate. The thing is, there's no local agent or office. Maybe that's why they're so cheap. Anyhow, I'd like to hear your experience with Geico, good or bad?""

Car Insurance for Teen Drivers?

How much is the discount for having good grades? i think you need at least a 3.0 GPA to qualify for something i think that's called the Good Student Discount . does anyone know any other information about this?

How can I get cheaper car insurance?

Im 17 and just got my full uk driving licence and got a car it's a Subaru 2.0r sport but insurance is 7-8k for my own policy but 3500 if I am a second driver but is that Ilegal

Is van insurance cheaper than car insurance in uk for first time drivers?

basically im a new driver and am lookin for the vehicle tht offers the cheapest insurance, im male by the way""

How do i get health insurance...??

I want health insurance ASAP but i dont know who to contact or what would be the best company or plan....can anyone give me some advice???

Insurance companies for high risk driver?

hi, i am 16 and i burrowed my dad's car for a day and got into a left turn accident, the claim was for $5000. the problem was i was not insured and my dad himself had his G2(canadian) licence for less than a year, so now the insurance company we had said that they would not renew the policy. so does that mean that my dad's insurance got cancelled and could anyone reccomend a good insurance company for me to go with.. i live in Scarborough Canada. thanks in advance for help.""

""On average, what does it cost to add a teen to your auto insurance?""

On average, what does it cost to add a teen to your auto insurance?""

Cheapest car insurance I can get? (10 points)?

OK I know car insurance can depend on a bunch of diff factors. If I leave something out that may mean major money let me know and I'll do a quick edit. *I'm 17 *Senior in hs *A-B+ average *Had my DL for 3 months *Never been in a wreck *Never received a ticket *Took drivers ed *I have a part time job Again if there's something else I should mention just let me know. My insurance right now is $1000 every six months. It ends this month though, and I'm looking for a new insurance.""

Auto Insurance rates?

Is there a web site where I can see how a particular type of car rates for insurance vs another car?

""Does term life insurance fall under Obamacare and if not, what IS available to provide for my family?""

I have a potentially fatal disease and want to buy term insurance to leave something for my family. I'm hoping this pre-existing condition will not cause me to be denied, but if it would, is there another type I can buy under Obamacare? Thank you.""

Car insurance in my name?

. My sister got a new car and wants to get her insurance in my name. Will I be responsible for anything if she has a wreck? Because she has had numerous of wrecks (all being her fault)

Do I really need Car Insurance?

I live in Kentucky. My car is not drivable at the moment and has not been for months. Since I can't even drive the piece of ****, do I even need Insurance? I'm paying to much for it anyway and I don't think I should be paying for something I'm not driving!""

What car would be more expensive on insurance a impala or a charger?

What car would be more expensive on insurance a impala or a charger?

Cheapest Motorcycle insurance in Michigan?

Cheapest Motorcycle insurance in Michigan?

What would be the insurance of a teen driving a 2004 Toyota Camry?

My 16 year old daughter just got her lisence and i want to put her on insurance right away. I just need the range of about how much this would cost me.

Insurance wants to total my car?

We got rear ended couple of days ago, some bumper damage and chipped paint. According to the repair shop there is no internal or inside damage to it. Nether the less it would cost about $1000-1500 to fix it (bumper would be replaced). I have 1995 Toyota Corolla DX, and it drives great. I really love it, and didn't plan on getting rid of it. The garage is saying that once we submit the claim, chances are Very high that the insurance company would just total it, because the car is old and has 277.xxx miles on it. We wouldn't get a lot for it, not enough to buy another car for sure. And to drive it with the cracked/dented bumper I don't want either. What to do so insurance will not to total it? We just have done some work to it, and all that money would be wasted too! I'm so lost!!!""

How much roughly would it cost me to put my spanish friend on my insurance for 3 days?

How much roughly would it cost me to put my spanish friend on my insurance for 3 days?

Nissan 370z Affordable For A New a Driver?

Is a Nissan 370z or even 350z good and affordable for a new driver? Im only 2 years away from getting my G2 and even though it's really early I would like to start thinking about a good affordable car, yeah yeah why am I getting a 350z/370z when Im looking for cheap and affordable? It's because I would like to try and take it to track days at some local tracks and race when I get my G license. Please don't tell me to stop worry about it you're too young blah blah blah stupidity, in some cases it may be true I just don't care, sorry for my rudeness I get the talk way to much and it's really starting to get annoying. If you have a better choice than the 350z or 370z, I'm looking for any RWD car that is easy to pitch into a drift and race it, also available at a dealer or online at a trusted auto sales site, thanks in advance!""

How much would insurance cost on a 1996 wrx?

im buying a 1996 wrx as a first car ( red P's), it cost $16,000. how much would the insurance be?""

Cheap car insurance for new drivers??

does anybody know where i can get the cheapest car insurance for a Peugeot 106 1.1 im 17 and should pass my test by November, thanks.

How can I get auto insurance in my name when the car is registered in someone else's name?

My mom currently has a loan on my car in her name in California. My car is registered in California, but because my husband is active duty military, we relocated to South Carolina. Is there a way I can obtain insurance in my name without being a registered owner?""

HElp With A PROJECT on CAR INSURANCE!?

ok so i have a project and all the car insurance places are closed and i can't finish it! so umm can anyone help?? this is all the information i have, i just need an estimate for a monthly payment 1996 eagle talon married couple 25 years old driver low milage on car car is paid for, goood driving history car is used for job too for dilivering pizza live in florida umm if you need any more information let me kno please helpp worth 20% of final grade in class!!!!""

Will getting a speeding ticket raise my insurance?

Will getting a speeding ticket raise my insurance? I was helping my friend move her car today and got pulled over for going 10 mph + the speed limit (in a different state). I showed the cop her insurance and my license. He said he is going to mail me the ticket. Now, I am wondering after I pay this ticket, will my insurance increase even though this was not my vehicle, vehicle insurance, and it was in a different state (California). Please help with any advice, I cannot have my insurance go up. Cop still gave me ticket even after ten hours of driving and crying afterwards..""

Can anyone sugest a inexpensive private health insurance plan with low deductible and co pay.?

The insurance I have now is with golden rule through united healthcare my copay is 35$ and deductible is 5,000.""

Will it make my car insurance go up?

My brother is not on my car insurance policy. He was pulled over and arrested for DUI and Failure to Maintain Lane. I want to know what kind of affect that will have on my insurance.

How much does high risk auto insurance cost?

How much does high risk auto insurance cost?

Can i drive with just insurance?

is it ok for me to drive with just insurance on my car for a certain amount of time?

Should I get student health insurance or health insurance through my job?

I'm a fulltime student and I also have a fulltime job. Which would benefit me the most? Health insurance for students or health insurance that my job offers? Also, If I take 1 semester off from school would I still be eligible for student health insurance?""

Is unemployment insurance really an insurance?

1. What other insurance allows people who are guaranteed to be unemployed to be on it (such as actors, waiters, other short term employed workers)? 2. What other insurance is mandatory? Or, specifically, unlike car insurance, who is actually affected by being uninsured if one is unemployed?""

Is there a non-owners motorcycle insurance policy available from any insurance company anywhere?

Is there a non-owners motorcycle insurance policy available from any insurance company anywhere?

Need help insurance gurus?

What is the best route to getting insurance for weight loss procedures? I haven't had insurance in 3 years

What happens to my insurance premium if I stop owning a car for a period of time?

Does it affect my no claims bonus if I already have 6+ years no claims?

Will not going to driving school raise insurance?

I'm almost 18 and have not yet attended driving school. I was thinking that I'd just go to the BMV and get my license once I m 18 and not worry about paying so much money for driving school. But I have heard from a few people that insurance later on once I receive a car will be higher since I did not take any driving courses. Is this true? I want to know if it's better to pay a little extra now to go to driving school for lower insurance later? Or if it'd end up being about the same price, anyway, without driving school? (I know all insurance companies are different, but I mean overall/in general?) Please and thank you!""

Car insurance?

i am looking for a decent quote for car insurance, my daughter passed her test in march and we would love to have her on our insurance but theyare asking for so much , i cannot afford it, i have a peugeot 307 o3 , my quote is 1214.85. she is going to UNI in October and really wont be using tthe car any way. any sugggestions would be really appreciated, now and again she would be using the car and she is so good , cannot afford to buy her a car of her own and the insurance would be too much anyway??""

Do you think its best for me to pay the car insurance all in one go?

am thinking of saving up about 2000 because that's how much my car insurance a year will be and pay it all in one go or just pay monthly? which is better? if pay it all off then i have to save up for a good 4 or 3 months. answer please no stupidity :P

Ticket for no license and no insurance?

I'm 17 and I got a ticket for not having a license or permit, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle and no insurance in California. How deep will this ticket dig into my pockets? Over $500? Big thanks if you can help me out.""

""Young driver getting a new car, insurance?""

Me and my fiance are buying a new car, im 20 and hes 22. Its a 2010 Mazda 3. We already went to the dealership and got a good price on it and even 0% financing. Signed all the papers and now we are looking at getting insurance but its putting us back a little bit. The car is all ready to go but not until we have insurance. Any ideas on good cheap insurance or are we basically screwed?""

Best health insurance?

Im looking for a great health insurance. One that is reasonable with cost. My location is kansas if it matters.

If a have a named Driver on my car insurance will it make a any Difference in price?

If a have a named Driver on my car insurance will it make a any Difference in price?

Why do people keep comparing health insurance mandates to car insurance mandates?

Car insurance mandates are done at the STATE level, in accordance with the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. constitution. Yet people (the president included) continue to claim that a FEDERAL mandate to buy insurance is no different than being required to cover your car. (Completely ignoring that you have to BUY a car before you must get insurance...the govt's basically saying they own your body...insure it or be taxed) So isn't a FEDERAL mandate unconstitutional unless you plan on writing an amendment to the Constitution so that such a mandate is in accordance with the Tenth Amendment?? http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0909/27384.html The questions from ABCs George Stephanopoulos highlighted a politically dangerous new aspect of the health reform debate for Obama  as critics from Republican leaders to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce say his reform proposals amount to a middle-class tax increase. Obama promised during the campaign that Americans earning less than $250,000 a year would not see any tax increases from an Obama administration. Obama strongly denied that the mandate amounts to a tax increase  saying it was no different than requiring people to have auto insurance and charging a penalty if they dont. He also said it was important for everyone to have insurance so that people who do carry insurance dont have to shoulder the load for people who dont. The excise tax is designed as an enforcement mechanism to ensure people will carry insurance.""

What is the average cost of health insurance for an infant/family plan?

What is the average cost of health insurance for an infant/family plan?

Help with approximation on how much an 18yo would pay per month (or year) for motorcycle insurance?

Ok so I really want to get a motorcycle (I dont even have my drivers license yet just my permit and will get my license within a month or so). I may be getting a full time job and want to make sure I can afford the motorcycle. I have factored in everything except insurance. I plan to get a Standard (since sports would probably cost me more on insurance) bike with about 1000cc. Also I will be taking a safety course (AT LEAST beginners but ill probably take more than that). I live in California. The bike will be used. So about how much will insurance cost meA?

How expensive would a liability insurance policy be for a Companion business?

I'm thinking of starting up a Companion business in Connecticut. It will be just me and I will not be doing anything medical. The State of Connecticut doesn't require me to become licensed if it's just me but I would like to have a general liability policy anyway. I would love it if I could some helpful information. Thanks, Cathy""

How much would insurance cost? (motorcycle)?

Hey guys, I was just wondering how much approximately insurance would be for a starter that just got his license, with the training course. This would probably be with a CBR125 (lol, just want to get used to it first) in Toronto Canada.""

""How many billions will obamcare cost to insure the poor ,the crack heads the people who can't afford it?

how much is the fine if you can't afford to buy obamacare

Cheap car insurance for new drivers??

does anybody know where i can get the cheapest car insurance for a Peugeot 106 1.1 im 17 and should pass my test by November, thanks.

How much is Motorcycle Insurance for M1 in Ontario?

Im thinking of getting an 2012 WR250 for next summer for school, work and just the usual everyday running around, its a really nice looking bike and good on gas! I have had a dirt bike before so this will be no problem driving it around. I just wanted to know how much it would be for Insurance If I only have a M1.""

Had a accident no insurance Also no my car?

Ok well as my question states. I was in a car accident and i have no way to pay for insurance. the other driver is fine we are just waiting for the report. The police did not ask me anything about my insurance. The other part of this is that this car s my ex car he was letting me use. So im wondering is he going to get in to trouble and what am i looking at? Hopefully someone expirenced can help thanks.

Car insurance problem?

yesterday crashed my car into the back of a young man in an old Y reg ford escort no damage to his car just a loose exhaust which i am giving him money to get fixed. But my car Y reg Peugeot 206 1.4 quicksilver, the bonnet has gone so will have to buy a new one. if i go through insurance to get my bonnet done will it affect my annual insurance cost? at the moment it is 800 how much do you think it will go up by. by the way i am only 18 this is my first year of driving under my mothers policy.""

How much auto insurance do I need?

How much auto insurance should I get for a 1999 Ford Escort that is already paid for. I have insurance now but it is 660 dollars a year and that sounds like way too much for an 11-year-old car.

The anybody have auto insurance with the general auto insurance?

I'm looking for a cheaper car insurance, I have progressive it suppost to be cheap and now it can higher. I heard about the general but I want to know if it really cheap. Anybody""

Someone is try to commit car insurance fraud on my mom?

well my mom got in at fault accident she was the only one who was injured the guy who she knocked into was ok no sign of no injury, the guy is suing my moms insurance company (Geico) for possibly more then 10,000 in bodily injury which my mom only has 10,000/ 20,000 in bodily injury, let me say this again the guy is not injured AT ALL!!! The police that wrote up the report at scene will be super great witnesses to the scene the guy was ok, while my poor old mother had get stretched into a ambulance lucky her pip coverage covered her medical bills. Do you guys think he will win his claim with the type witness we have? Also there was a camera that caught the whole scene on video ( so another vital evidence) Is there anyway we can sue this guys for car insurance fraud or can geico do on out behalf?""

Will getting a speeding ticket affect my insurance rate?

I was going 71 in a 55 zone which is 16 over. I am 18 and still on my parents insurance and want to know if and how much my insurance rate will go up and if there is anything I can do. I got the ticket yesterday and haven't told them yet. I really want to just pay it and get over with it but if my insurance goes up I am looking at a whole other problem! Thanks for all your help in advance.

Should I get insurance on a car loan?

It's been many years since I got a car loan, but we're in need of a replacement car. I started to get pre-approved, but during the process they asked about insurance on the loan. Things like death, DISM and UEMP . I've no idea what the last 2 are; or if I should or shouldn't get it. This may be what I've heard called GAP Insurance , although doing a web search on that term resulted in hits related to car leases, and I'm not looking to lease a car, but to buy one, so I don't know if that applies or not. Bottom line: do I need this or not? I'm sure the answer, in part, will be it depends ; well, until I know what it depends upon, I can't make any intelligent decision about this.""

Cheap full coverage auto insurance?

Would it be cheaper to put I rent my home or just other on my insurance for my vehicle.

Does a paid speeding ticket affect auto insurance rates or anything?

Does a paid speeding ticket affect auto insurance rates or anything?

""Can you help me-insurance, cars, and money?""

Okay, I'm planning on buying a car soon. My family is in a very deep hole financially, so I'm going to ask my grandparents to help me, because they are doing fine. I need a car to get to school, get to my current job on time, and have another job (along with 2 AP classes and babysitting!) I never ask them for anything, not that I've ever wanted to, so I'm really scared to ask them for this huge favor. I'm planning on paying them back for every single penny I borrow plus interest. So I want to know an idea of how much money I'm going to need to borrow. Okay, for insurance...I'm planning on buying a toyota yaris, matrix, or camry. Or a honda civic (perferrably hatchback). Or a volkswagon beetle. But right now, anything will do as long as its reliable. For a 16 year old, A average grades, living in KY, about how much would monthly insurance be? For payments, I know about 2000 for down would be good. But how much (about) would interest be on monthly payments? I'm planning on finding a car that is about 7000-8000 dollars. And lastly, how should I ask!? They know I'm mature and responsible, but I don't think they are willing to help me out. I absolutely hate asking for things from people, but I really need help so that I can help my family. So how should I do it? Thank you so much! :) I'll choose best answer!!!""

Isn't $300/mo TOO much for car insurance?

So my BF is planning on purchasing his first car, a 2012 Honda Civic EX Coupe, and he's trying to get a plan with USAA, but the quote says he'll be paying 300 monthly for insurance which is basically another car payment. What's the deal?""

Can I drive my car with full insurance on a provisional licence?

I have bought full uk licence insurance on my car. I pay fully comp price's (500 a month), But, Im still on provisional licence.. Can I keep my full insurance and drive with my L plates on with a driver with a full UK licence who's held it over 3 years in with me still? They are also named drivers. Thanks!""

What is an SR22 insurance?

Why do i need an SR22 ? Can someone Explain what it does? How about the cost?

Do adding aftermarket parts to car increase the price of insurance (uk)?

if i add new alloys and add window tints and change the exhaust would it increase the price of insurance and how much and do check the car if it has these parts

Car insurance for 18 y.o. good driver Honda Civic or Honda Fit?

Car insurance for 18 y.o. good driver Honda Civic or Honda Fit? Which car will be cheaper to insure for an 18 year old male? 2009 Civic LX Sedan 2009 Fit Base Hatchback He is a very good driver and has no infractions, we live in a low crime area. Thank you! Would just like to know which would be cheaper to insure.""

Cheap car ins for 21 yrs male with ncb help?

my partner is looking for a cheap quote for car insurance he is 21 with 1 claim and no years no claims bonus we r being quoted over 1000 please help i tried loads of web sites but if any one knows a really good one or phone number that will be great thanx

Does anyone have any idea how much it will cost to insure a learner in the UK?

I am just wondering if anyone vaguely knows how much it would be for me to be insured on my dad's insurance so I can learn with him as well as an instructor? Thanks x

Car insurance Policys?

Hi there people i need help with this badly i had car insurance on my car for the last 6 months but sadly i had a crash in my car and is no longer drivable, i rang up my insurance company 2 change the policy and there tellin me that if i want 2 insure with them i need 2 get my self a 4 grand car does that seem right??""

How much would i pay for car Insurance?

How much would i pay for car Insurance for cheap car that cost me honda accord 2000,I am 28 Years old, never been in any accident,I got my license 8 years ago""

What are the requirements for car in surance in the usa states?

I would like to know what kind of car insurance do you need to have in every state.

Cheap home owners insurance?

they keep raising rates with no justification. Which company do you use? Are they expensive? Are they cheaper? I Cr 13;8a

A good hatchback car for 1000 with a cheap insurance for young people?

I've been looking at so many cars and I really don't think I've found one really worht the money I'm looking for a car that's not old All I have seen is a Rover Metro and Peugeot 205/306 and some others but some of these car are still too old I just really want some good advice, thanks :)""

Good Driver Insurance Discount?

Okay, so this is the deal. I have a 3.3 G.P.A. Not bad, right? Well, for one of my classes I actually have an F in for ONE of my Spring 2011 classes. Although I can get the discount, my parents keep hounding me for my transcript and I don't want them to see that F or I'm screwed. Can I still get the discount if I send the car insurance company my trancript from the previous semesters and not my most recent one?""

How much money does your insurance go up after a car accident that was your fault?

I am doing an essay on distracted drivers and I just wanted to know the statistics.

Cheap car insurance for new drivers??

does anybody know where i can get the cheapest car insurance for a Peugeot 106 1.1 im 17 and should pass my test by November, thanks.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-do-i-find-my-previous-car-insurance-providers-harry-diaz/"

[hildredbelt80-blog]

Are House Inspections Mandatory?

The major purpose from an Individual Retirement Account individual retirement account is actually not to merely put loan away as plenty of folks strongly believe. As a self-reliant social insurance coverage option (that is actually financed certainly not through income tax bucks however through insurance policy premiums), this offers a different to and competes with private health insurance companies, on a level playing field. Suggesting we will definitely start the method from proof of employment, reviewing the credit report( s) and more. If you are actually considering generating some new instruction that is actually mosting likely to be actually either obligatory or essential-in-role, there is a process which you must observe. In the initial year that you are actually called for to have necessary distributions, you may find yourself having pair of years' worth from distributions considering that you can put off the 1st circulation until April 1 of the following year. Mandatory consequence testing is controlled for the initial outburst along with a 25 game revocation for the second offense. While both California as well as Connecticut state that the mandated instruction needs to be interactive, California's training rule heads to great sizes to define exactly what makes up an involved technique. Furthermore, the tax preparers have to pass the proficiency test and need to satisfy the continuing expert education criteria. Yet future insolvency troubles along with Social Safety and security has actually made it compulsory to slowly improve the retirement age to get your full Social Protection advantages (i.e. revenue). A common expectation is actually that compulsory reporting requirements, the legal grounds for intervention, and study categories from uncaring and also offensive behaviour coincide. A lot of film writers have developed occupations, some rather successful, without any official screenwriting training at all. If you maintain operating past grow older 70 1/2 and do certainly not own over 5% from the provider you help, you may be enabled to postpone having mandatory distributions off the retirement account linked with that work up until April 1 from the year after you relinquish that task. One fitness coach aimed to offer me his instruction solutions as if I was a newbie to physical fitness exercises. If you adored this article so you would like to get more info with regards to yellow pages online indonesia (nositisespromjenamatijela.info) kindly visit the web-page. In order for the freezing order to be provided there must be actually a considerable cause of activity justifiable in England and Wales. The compulsory distribution needs to begin on April 1 of the year after turning 70 1/2. This does not prevent an individual off making a report to the legal youngster defense service if they possess worries for the security as well as health and wellbeing of a youngster that carry out certainly not drop within required reporting requirements. Your claim will go by means of the Compulsory Settlement procedure if your legal representative (or even you) have actually filed a private injury suit in the First Municipal District in Chef Region Illinois. Every man and woman at the health and fitness center lookinged at me. And also individuals were seeing me like hawks for months after this happened ... Everytime I did the woodchopper health and fitness toughness instruction workout session. Permit me first reference that many tax-advantaged financial savings plannings entail tax obligation insurance deductible additions you make from your working revenue. In recent opportunities, companies are discovering it necessary to place their workers as well as possible employees under an alcohol and drug screening procedure. The teachers are dependable and also they have obtained enough expertise as well as expertise demanded for training little ones. The Federation from Small Business, which has certainly not been definitely lobbying Federal government on necessary mentioning yet, said that could possibly work for small to medium-sized ventures (SMEs), yet warned a one size matches all" body would be actually fully improper" for little companies. . Both the claimant and also the offender can apply for an acting order. Students residing in Solin Hall or even ADDITIONAL are actually not on the Obligatory Food Program and also they possess access to kitchen facilities in their residences. For every organisation that deals with the sale of products or even any kind of things or sale from food products, this is required to gotten BARREL enrollment authorized due to the condition authorities which vary around the states. You could obtain CNA training to be a nursing assistant before bachelor degree in nursing. To motivate making use of options to take-out containers, as well as in order to help minimize making use of newspaper cups, Meals as well as Eating Services supply every trainee enrolled in the Obligatory Dish Plan an Eco-Kit comprised of a recyclable bag, a recyclable SHHS Coffee/Tea Coffee cup and also multiple-use container phoned the Preserve 2 Go that may be reused in Ozzi machines or swapped at the cash for a token. Our team would certainly just like to listen to from you if you can deliver helpful Obligatory Training and also you are appearing for a brand new challenge! This can be downloaded coming from:/ social-security-child-support-tribunal/ appeal-tribunal Your beauty must feature a duplicate of the compulsory revision notice (see 2 over). There specify exemptions to mandatory reporting for all experts in Australia that connect to the instances through which the 'reasonable opinion' is formed, for instance in the medico-legal circumstance. They are regularly advising their staff that only losers quit, and also avoid any individual that concerns their instruction approaches, or lack their of. There service to every challenge is actually job harder or speak with even more people, however they possess no proven systems to assist you get inside front from additional folks. Obligatory reporting criteria reinforce the ethical accountability from neighborhood participants to disclose reckoned instances of kid manhandling and also overlook. Nonetheless, concerning the tax program sector, there was no brand-new suggestion for guidelines. Mandatory instruction makes certain that nurses fall to speed up along with the absolute most current procedures, specifically in places like folks dealing with brand-new modern technology implies that brand new tools is being actually created constantly. Training must be actually transmitted regularly to upgrade the staff members on the most up to date developments in the field. Inning accordance with the 2013 spending plan, that has actually been mandated by the law, that all sky toned up dining establishments are to pay for service income tax if their annual sales go beyond INR 10 utt with an indicated price from 4.94% per annum. You find only authorizing an application, getting your month-to-month automobile ship and participating in all instruction operates WILL NOT DEVELOP EXCELLENCE as numerous upline gurus wish for you to think. When he or even she feels abuse or disregard, a specialist necessary media reporter has to phone the Department of Kid and also Familie's Abuse Hotline. Having said that, sometimes instances just can easily= t be cleared up and also are needed to trial, which undergoes Motions for Revision and also Appeals. You can benefit from an expansion to existing target dates for spending income tax and submitting returns where you each wages as well as report making use of ROS. This is why The Health and Safety Team has actually created Necessary Instruction affordable and also easily accessible. Prohibitory ruling calls for the various other side to refrain from doing something e.g. ordering the other side certainly not to release a write-up etc Accounting is one of one of the most effective devices when this pertains to taking full advantage of income tax cost savings. Not simply carries out the strategy adjustments to the instruction but some degree technique as well as approach changes also.

[legalwizin]

Dealing with TM Objection raised in an examination report

A detailed procedure has been prescribed to be followed in order to Register Trademark in India, is discussed in our previous blog Trademark Registration Procedure & Process in India. Here, we are discussing about the Verification of Online Trademark Registration Application by the concerned Registry of Trademark.

Know the Procedure:

Once the application for online Trademark Registration in India has been filed, the Trademark Registry reviews the application filed to ensure that it is complete in all respects.

The application is reviewed by the competent authority being the Examiner keeping in mind the provisions prescribed under Trademarks Act, 1999 and Draft Trademark Manual issued by the Trademark Registry.

After their thorough review, the examiner may issue a positive report and pass the application for advertisement in the Trademark Journal, which is considered as “Accepted & Advertised”. However, during the registration process, a trade mark is rarely accepted without objections from Registry.

During the verification by Registry, Examiner also looks into the data base of Trademark Applications received to Registry and Examiner observes any identical or similar Trademark already applied or registered, the same is communicated to Applicant through publishing Examination Report.

Observations and findings of the examiner are recorded in the Report called the Examination Report, which is issued to the applicant seeking the clarification, explanations or grounds of the application by way of written submission or hearing.

Once the examination report will be issued by the Registry, an applicant can view and download the Report which should be replied at given time by the applicant himself or through his/her attorney.

Tracking the Status: What to do?

After issuance of the Report, the status of the application on the portal shows as “Objected” showing alert as “Awaiting Reply to Examination Report.”

The reply to the examination report issues is to be made within 30 days of receipt of the Examination Report, failing to which Registry may abandon the application made i.e. the applicant has to give up the claim over the Trademark. Hence, the status of the Application shall be checked regularly in order to avoid any difficulty or hassle in claiming the rights over the Trademark.

Why Examination Report is issued: Know the Grounds

The grounds of objection can mainly be classified in the following manner:

Absolute Grounds of Refusal (Section 9):

The trademark which consist any of the following characteristics is objected by the Trademark Registry in order to prevent the monopoly of the Owner:

Where the mark is not capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one person from those of another person;

Where the mark is indicating the kind, quality, quantity, intended purpose, values, geographical origin or the time of production of the goods or rendering of the service or other characteristics of the goods or services (e.g. Delicious Snacks);

Where it consists exclusively of marks or indications which have become customary in the current language or in the bona fide and established practice of the trade;

Where the mark is of such nature as to deceive the public or cause confusion;

Where it contains or comprises of any matter likely to hurt the religious susceptibilities of any class or section of the citizens of India;

Where it comprises or contains scandalous or obscene matter;

Where its use is prohibited under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950

Relative Grounds of Refusal (Section 11):

This section restricts the registration of Trademark, where possibility of confusion exists on the part of the public due to the identity with an earlier trade mark or similarity of goods or services.

Trademark Objection may come on the ground if the Trademark (Word mark) is phonetically similar to the existing Trademark applied to the Registry.

There are few more grounds where Registry may consider issuing Examination report such as, visual similarity in the design, pattern, fonts, and colour combination in logo as well as in Word mark applied for with the existing applications received by the Registry.

Other Common Grounds:

Use of incorrect form for filing Online Trademark Registration in India;

Vague specification of Goods and Services;

Specification not as per the Nice Class heading given by the Registry;

Descriptive Nature of the trademark applied for;

Incorrect details entered in the Application;

Wrong classification of Trademark Class, etc.

Response to Examination Report:

The applicant or the attorney has to file a response to the examination report to the objections raised in the examination report within the stipulated time after the comprehensive analysis of the grounds of objection raised by the Examiner.

The reply shall be drafted in a manner which can construct supportive grounds and able to give proper reasoning why the mark applied for is unique in nature and does not fail to comply with the provisions of the said law.

Where there is no format prescribed in respect of the reply to examination report, being an applicant to the Registry one enjoys all the rights to deliver the clarification asked for with proper reasoning.

However, in addition to above one shall not oversight certain factors which are generally accepted in the practise.

Further, it is highly recommended to consult professional for drafting and filing the Reply as they are experienced with recent case laws and trademark provisions which are to be taken care for filing the reply to satisfy the queries raised by the Registry in the best professional manner.

Post Filing the Reply:

Once the Reply to Examination Report is filed on the portal, the status is turned to “Objected” replacing the alert of “Awaiting to Reply.” Now, the applicant has to rest and wait for the further response from the Registry.

The examiner may either accept the response or schedule a hearing according to the satisfaction to the reply filed.

Where the reply filed or the hearing is to the satisfaction of the examiner, the examiner orders publication of the Trademark in Trademark Journal.

In case, the response fails to the satisfaction to the examiner, the applicant can avail an opportunity of hearing before the Trademark Registrar, where he/she can present submissions orally.

[hudsonespie]

What is Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion (BLEVE) on Gas Carrier Ships?

Just like Air Locks on Gas Carrier, a safety protection system between the deck (the hazardous zone) and the cargo compressor motor (gas free zone), the cargo tanks of gas carriers are also provided with various safety measures to prevent contact of cargo with the atmosphere and also to avoid cargo tanks from getting over pressurised.

Gas carrier’s cargo tanks are specially made of high strength and low thermal coefficient materials with insulation and safety systems. One of the essential safety measures in such cargo tanks is the pressure relief valve, which helps in avoiding over pressurisation of tanks and preventing rupture and damage of the same.

Figure 10: An LNG Carrier with Moss type tanks. (Source: Wikipedia)

In gas ships, it is not the liquid which generally catches fire but it’s the vapour of the liquid which is more dangerous when evaporates at very low temperature. This results in Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion (BLEVE).

What is Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion (BLEVE)?

BLEVE is a vapour explosion which may result from a catastrophic failure of a tank structure, which was containing cargo liquid above the boiling point at nominal atmospheric pressure.

The cargo in the tanks of gas carrier is partially liquid and partially vapour in normal condition. However, when the tank structure collapses, the vapour tries to escape or leak through the opening, resulting in a decrease in the pressure inside the tank. These drastic lowering of pressure inside the cargo tank results in rapid boiling of liquid and increase in vapour formation.

The pressure of the escaping vapour becomes very high and leads to a shock wave or explosion in the presence of a fire source, completely destroying the tanks structure and surrounding areas.

The area that a BLEV explosion will cover entirely depends on the size, volume and weight of the container or hold in which the cargo is loaded. The quantity of liquid cargo that remains inside the tank at the instance of the BLEVE will also contribute to the magnitude of the explosion.

Do note that the BLEVE can occur even without a flammable substance. For e.g. liquid cargo stored in extreme colds such as liquid helium or other refrigerants or cryogens can also undergo similar conditions occurs under BLEVE; however, they are not usually considered a type of chemical explosion. If the material or cargo involved in BLEVE is toxic, a large area will be contaminated due to that.

Only if the substance involved is flammable, it is likely to form a cloud of fireball during BLEVE similar to a fuel-air explosion, also known as a vapour cloud explosion (VCE).

Prevailing Conditions for BLEVE

BLEVE will not occur in an instant. It will happen when certain conditions are fulfilled, i.e. in other words, warning signs are neglected. Following are the conditions which need to be present for  a Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion:

Liquid Cargo: Vapour alone cannot lead to BLEVE. A liquid cargo must be present inside the tank to make it happen. Even water can lead to BLEVE. However, there will be no fire as it is not flammable.

Pressurized container: The liquid cargo must be inside a tightly closed container or hold. A ventilated container may lead to BLEVE only if the vent mechanism becomes faulty, leading to pressure development inside the tank or hold.

Above Boiling Temperature: The temperature of the enclosed liquid cargo must be above its boiling point at atmospheric pressure to contribute to Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion. When a pressurized cargo hold or tank is heated, the vapour pressure will increases. An elevated boiling point accompanies the increased vapour pressure.

Structure Failure: The liquid needs a path to escape from the pressurized tank and convert into vapour, which can only happen when there is a structural failure of the tank or hold.

Common Causes of BLEVE

The most common reason which leads to BLEVE is a fire near tanks containing gas cargo such as propane.  Because of the high temperature of the surrounding, the tank temperature starts to increase and the inside of the tanks gets over pressurised. The high pressure inside the tank will be generally released by the relief valve.

However, if the pressure builds up rapidly because of high temperature and high rate of heating in the surrounding, the tank will collapse at the weaker point, exposing pressurised and flammable vapour to the naked flame and leading to Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion.

Reason for Failure of Tank Structure

Improper maintenance of tanks

Corrosion of the tank structure

The relief valve of the tank is a malfunction or stuck

Mechanical damage to the tank

Material failure

Tank structure severely exposed to flame or fire

Different Phases of BLEVE

As stated earlier, BLEVE will not happen suddenly or if any one of the element explained earlier is missing. Following are the steps which can lead to BLEVE

Failure of the tank/hold: Tank failure may be due  to different reasons which may lead to an increase in the internal pressure and failure of the weakest part of the tank

Phase transition: As the tank structure fails, a sudden depressurization of the liquified gas will occur. The liquid vapour mixture, which was in a thermodynamic saturated state with a higher temperature than its boiling point, will become superheated as the original tank/hold pressure decreases to atmospheric pressure in few milliseconds.

Splashing of liquid vapour mixture:  As the temperature is above superheated limit temperature (SLT), fast bubble nucleation will initiate inside the tank leading to a violent splashing of liquid/vapour mixture out of the vessel into the atmosphere.

Explosion: As the depressurization occurs, along with an intense phase transition in the superheated state, the boiling of the liquid followed by bubble nucleation will together lead to an explosion.

BLEVE Warning Signs:

Ringing sound from the metal shell

discolouration of the tank structure

Flaking of small metal pieces

Bubble or bulge on the tank surface

A sudden increase in the tank pressure

Precautions to avoid BLEVE

Maintenance of the cargo tank  at regular interval

Relief valve to be functional at all time

The size of the relief valve to be fitted should be as per the International Gas code

Emergency preparedness of all ship staff

During the gas cargo transfer, avoid general cargo, stores, compressed gas operation within the vicinity of the gas cargo operation

No oil or fuel bunkering operation should be carried out during or before the cargo operation

Keep checking the mooring lines to ensure the ship is well fastened to the pier/ dock

An LP-Gas detector shall be readily available for use at the berth

any cargo transfer during the night or dark hours should be done in the presence of ample lights, both in port and on the ship

The Connection area, stop valves etc. should be clearly marked and visible without any hindrance on their way while the cargo transfer is going on

Fire fighting equipment should always be present and accessible during the operation

Enough warning signs should be placed to ensure all the personnel (shore and ship staff) know about the cargo transfer operation and precautions to be taken

Always think of safety first

 Watch the Video on BLEVE for better understanding:

Disclaimer: The authors’ views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine Insight. Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendation on any course of action to be followed by the reader.

The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the permission of the author and Marine Insight.

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