Implementing A Integrated Customer Relationship Management

[7] Implementing a fully integrated Customer Relationship Management offers significant benefits for enterprises, †¢ Streamlining the business process – this improves effectiveness in an efficient manner †¢ Increased customer satisfaction as the CRM primary focus is for building the relationship of an enterprise with its customer base †¢ Focus of the organization implementing a CRM system would be consistent †¢ Maximizing the opportunities through various modes of communication and marketing with customers and a growth in customer base †¢ Help find key points by analyzing customer information, ticketing/problem statements †¢ Reduce costs, wastage and complaints Organizations accept CRM as a strategic focus medium for integrating fully with customers and help in the management and decision making process appropriately. 3.3 CRM Planning process For any organization to implement a successful CRM is by having a collective and unified vision from board executives, stake holders to operational personnel. The organization and the customers have conditions when building relationships, Organizations need to increase profits and hold its customer base whereas Customers need a quality product with good service and an acceptable price. Objectives for organizations to build customer relationships [8]: †¢ determine mutually satisfying goals between organization and customers †¢ establish and maintain customer rapport †¢ produce positive feelings in the organization and the customers TheShow MoreRelatedBandon Group, Integrated case study Essay1225 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿ Integrated Case Study: Bandon Group, Inc. (Determining Feasibility of an ERP System and Supplier Recommendation and Evaluation) Submitted to: Professor Stephen Huber Enterprise Resource Planning (CIS511) Strayer University, Takoma Park Campus August, 2014 This paper is the continuation of Bandon Group Inc. integrated case study. This part of the case study mines feasibility of an ERP system at Bandon Group and evaluate alternative ERP and CRM packages for BandonRead MoreHardware and Project Considerations When Implementing a New CRM System1638 Words   |  7 PagesHardware and Project Considerations When Implementing A New CRM System The most effective Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems are deliberately designed to align and enhance the strategic initiatives and programs of a given business or enterprise. They must take into account customer preferences, needs and wants as well, and strive to create a foundation of shared information and insight over time There are a myriad of studies that show how effective CRM systems are in transforming businessesRead MoreAssignment 2: Chain Management at Durham International Manufacturing Company (Dimco)1373 Words   |  6 PagesAssignment 2: Chain Management at Durham International Manufacturing Company (DIMCO) Case Study Determine whether integration efforts should start with suppliers, distribution, or both. Explain the rationale for your decision. What are the basic components of a supply chain? Most companies are utilizing a five supply chain components, in order to bring products to the marketplace. The five supply chain components are Suppliers, Manufacturers, Distributors, Retailers, and Consumers/Customers. Effective integrationRead MoreProposal to Implement Erp1605 Words   |  7 PagesProject Proposal Sheet 1.0 Idea HANA KIMI CO. would like to adopt an online Supply Chain Management System (SCM) whereby the customers may buy company s products online via company s website and able to track the status of the order including the availability of the stocks by integrating the Online Sales System with the company s Inventory, Manufacturing and Production System. 2.0 Type of Project #8730; Revenue Generating #8730; Cost Savings 3.0 Type of System Horizontal: Read MoreDurham International Manufacturing Company1445 Words   |  6 PagesSupply Chain Management Running head: SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT AT DIMCO Supply Chain Management at Durham International Manufacturing Company (DIMCO) Revenia J. Smith Strayer University SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT AT DIMCO Abstract (not required) SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT AT DIMCO 1. Discuss the Current Supply Chain System at DIMCO In order to manufacture its product line, DIMCO uses approximately 1,350 raw materials and/or components purchased from approximately 375 differentRead MoreEssay on Describe at least two benefits if using enterprise systems.916 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿Describe at least two benefits if using enterprise systems. Enterprise system is an integrated enterprise-wide information system that coordinates key internal processes of the firm. Set of integrated modules for applications such as sales and distribution, financial accounting, investment management, materials management, production planning, plant maintenance, and human resources that allow data to be used by multiple functions and business processes. Enterprise systemsRead MoreImplementing An Enterprise Resource Planning System1474 Words   |  6 PagesToday’s owners and management teams are faced with making tough decisions about how to manage operations in their organization. They need to be innovative to help reduce internal costs, improve processes, and increase efficiency across the organization (SelectHub, 2015). Thus, implementing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system can provide many benefits to an organization. The benefits of using an enterprise system offer particular benefits, such as the support of teamwork, an improved responseRead MoreGlobal Issue : New Information Technology Initiatives1625 Words   |  7 Pagesterm and presents the key concepts for each initiative. It discusses the advantages of implementing these initiatives, identifies the challenges, and suggests vendors who could help implement these initiatives in the company. The 3 initiatives are customer relationship managemen t (CRM), business intelligence (BI) analytics, and agile development methodology. CRM helps in understanding everything about the customers, including their business challenges, current use of products (both ours and competitors)Read MoreRubber Company1252 Words   |  6 Pagesstatus. So during this declining phase, the company needs some major transformational changes so that Atlas can regain its position and pride back. 2) Why did Harrison focus on an integrated supply chain as a significant element of Atlas’ new strategic plan? As Harrison and his team found that Atlas lacked integrated supply chain capabilities due to which disjointed distribution network was there and various third – partly logistic companies were used which lead to many problems and challengesRead MoreThe Relationship Between Strategic Planning And The Marketing Management Process759 Words   |  4 Pages– Marketing Analysis Final Exam Question #1 (6 points) Describe the relationship of strategic planning and the marketing management process. The strategic planning is a long look at the future or path of growth that the company wishes to go in. To achieve that growth or travel that path several objectives are needed to keep that company on the correct one, marketing management is a part of that process. If the market management is not adhering to the overall strategic plan of the company, it could

Examples Of Alienation In Catcher In The Rye - 825 Words

J. D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye explores Holden Caulfield’s alienation and its ability to influence his thoughts and actions. Holden’s distorted perception of reality manifests itself following the death of his younger brother Allie, whom he loved and idolized dearly. Allie’s death wreaks havoc on Holden’s mental state, causing him to develop a cynical worldview. His delusional behaviors are compounded by his expulsion from multiple schools and his decision to independently roam the streets of New York. Throughout the novel, Holden encounters old acquaintances such as Carl Luce, who quickly judge Holden’s peculiarities; however, the only person who truly makes an effort to help him emotionally is his sister Phoebe. Recognizing the†¦show more content†¦Unfortunately, Holden quickly realizes his values discord with those of society’s, causing him to falsely believe the adult world is â€Å"full of phonies† (185). Unwi lling to associate himself with this phoniness, Holden isolates himself from the adult world; he continues to cling onto his waning childhood. Allies death instills in Holden a pessimistic attitude toward life, and he uses his contempt for society a means to justify his alienation. Although Holden’s madness may be dismissed as the irrational actions of a misguided teenager, his alienation reveals the harshness of reality and the consequences of emotional trauma. As a result of Allie’s death, Holden loses his childlike naivety and is exposed to life’s adversities. He becomes â€Å"confused and frightened and even sickened by human behavior† (208) to the point where he purposefully irritates others in an attempt to avoid social interaction. When Holden is at a bar with his former schoolmate Carl Luce, Luce immediately mentions how Holden’s â€Å"mind is immature† (163) and suggests that Holden needs a psychoanalyst. However, Luce makes no attempt to sympathize with him, let alone help him cope with his madness. Luce’s insincerity mirrors that of the society; the adult world does not even remotely care about Holden’s emotional turmoil. Even though society’s indifference leads to his longing for humanSh ow MoreRelatedAlienation and Isolation in The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger700 Words   |  3 PagesTouch with Society In The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger discusses the ideas of alienation and isolation. He notes that if one is unable to keep up with society they lose touch. Salinger portrays alienation and isolation through literary devices such as symbolism. Some of the symbolic features use in the novel is Holden’s red hunting hat which shows Holden’s uncommon desire compared to society’s desires. Another significant symbolic feature is the catcher in the rye; this represents Holden’s ideaRead MoreAnalysis Of Salinger s The Catcher Rye 1074 Words   |  5 PagesJournal Responses Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye has been pronounced a literary classic for its atypical portrayal of adolescence, to effectively convey the protagonist’s alienation and confusion. The introduction of The Catcher in the Rye is underpinned by disorder and confusion through a stream-of-consciousness narration, which digresses from one subject to another. Consequently, Holden’s multitudinous thoughts and feelings appear to lack a cohesive pattern. Additionally, Holden’s prevalentRead MoreHow Salinger’s Holden Caulfield Relates to Teenagers Throughout Time1412 Words   |  6 PagesHow Salinger’s Holden Caulfield Relates to Teenagers Throughout Time In 1951, J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye was #1 on the New York Time’s bestseller list. Since then, the American Literary Association claims The Catcher in the Rye is a â€Å"favorite of censors.† The use of harsh language and profanity has been a long time debate of educators causing the novel to be pulled off bookshelves and propelling J.D. Salinger and his protagonist, Holden Caulfield, into reluctant fame. TheRead MoreTheme Analysis of Alienation in Books the Catcher in the Rye and 19841390 Words   |  6 PagesAlienation sometimes called estrangement is a psychological, sociological or Philosophical-anthropological category, largely derived from the writings of Hegel, Feuerbach and Marx. When one is not accepted by society, he becomes an Outsider to everyone around him. Alienation refers to an individuals estrangement from traditional community or others in general (social isolation), the dominant values of society, or even themselves (self-estrangement), but in General the term impliesRead MoreF. Salinger s The Catcher Of The Rye1121 Words   |  5 PagesOne of the best known novels in English-speaking countries, J.D Salinger’s Catcher In The Rye deals with Holden Caulfield’s past trauma which is the triggering factor in his depression, anxiety and alienation. Holden tells an unnamed person what has happened in the three days prior to his mental breakdown. Through Holden’s relatable characteristics and Salinger’s narrative treatment, the book continues to engage audiences across generations. The way that Salinger writes gives the audience a veryRead MoreEssay Comparison of the Social Network and the Catcher in the Rye1111 Words   |  5 Pagesexplore the personal dilemmas of their protagonists, Holden Caulfield and Mark Zuckerberg, in The Catcher in the Rye and The Social Network? In David Fincher’s The Social Network and J. D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, a story of two young men, Holden Caulfield and Mark Zuckerberg face many difficulties and ultimately are very vulnerable souls. The dilemmas that Holden and Mark face are alienation, betrayal and identity. Fincher and Salinger both use many techniques in order to highlight theseRead MoreThe Themes of The Catcher in the Rye840 Words   |  3 PagesConsidered one of the best novels of the 20th century, The Catcher in the Rye has affected readers around the globe since its publication in 1951. Its contemporary critics, however, gave the novel mixed reviews. Compared to the ideals of 1950s America, Holden Caulfield, the emotionally immature, extremely judgmental, teen-aged main character of â€Å"Catcher,† embodies the antithesis. Holden was an affront to the new social order, which demanded conformity and propagated the â€Å"father knows best† mentalityRead MoreCatcher in the Rye776 Words   |  4 PagesResearch pap. Catcher in the Rye is a book of many themes of many different types of different things. The main character of the book is Holden Caulfield, this guy has major problems. He’s alone and he knows it, he hates everyone and judges them too. Some themes of this story are the sadness, the lies and deceit, and Holden’s youth. Every one of these themes describe Holden in different ways, mostly it describes what he’s like. SADNESS Sadness permeates The Catcher in the Rye. Main characterRead MoreReview Of The Perks Of Being A Wallflower 1569 Words   |  7 Pagesthe transition from childhood to adulthood. Stephen Chobsky’s novel, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and J.D. Salinger’s novel, The Catcher in the Rye, are critically acclaimed coming of age stories that document the turbulence of adolescence. The protagonists of these novels, Charlie and Holden Caulfield, both encounter common themes in adolescence such as alienation, confusion of sexuality, and loss of innocence. However, although Charlie and Holden share similar experiences in their adolescenceRead MoreThe Catcher in the Rye900 Words   |  4 PagesIn the novel The Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger, the characters help portray many themes. J.D Saligner creatively infused his work with varying themes. Holden unknowingly magnifies the importance of the themes, of which he is often times oblivious. This novel is sophisticatedly writt en in a manner that allows us to see all the themes clearly. The themes portrayed in the novel The Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger include phoniness, psychological alienation, and futile protection of innocence

The Importance Of Objective Observation And Socialization

The most common method used for getting information about the various things around us, is to observe those things and also the various processes related to those things. â€Å" We are all too inclined â€Å" he said, â€Å" to walk through life with our eyes shut. There are things all around us and right at our very feet that we have never seen, because we have never really looked â€Å"(pg.15), Amy Herman argues that living in autopilot causes people to miss out due to our lack of visual perception. A sharper perception in any situation or environment is beneficial. Herman states that objective observation and empathy might be valuable cognitive tools in socialization and those tools can be used at Westfield State. Although, the conflict or tension between†¦show more content†¦Empathy is not merely caring about the person or listening to their sorrows but to be able to put yourself in their shoes and have their true perspective. This is how you empathize. This ability to feel for another human being sets us apart from other animals. Empathy is different from helping behavior or the altruistic behavior. Altruistic is when we act to promote someone else’s welfare, even at a risk or cost to ourselves. If you’re able to empathize with others on WSU campus, you’ll be able to understand buried emotions and effectively communicate better. How is empathy related to communication? If you’re not able to feel the inside feelings of another then your choice of words can ruin your socialition. â€Å" Sometimes our words are misunderstood or accidentally repeated incorrectly; other times they come out wrong with, buried in emotion or simply tossed out without proper thought or precision.†(Pg.178) There’s certain socializing situations where subjectivity is needed on campus. A friend of mine on campus is recently going through her first family loss. The first thing I’ve felt that I should do is emphasize about h er situation. When holding a subjective stance, you’re maintaining a distance between the other person. How can a person who holds an objectively stance help in a situation that needs emotion? I put myself in her shoes and understood the stress of emotions stirred in her and was able to connect. From this experience,Show MoreRelatedThe Volunteer Stages And Transition Models : Organizational Socialization Of Volunteers1355 Words   |  6 PagesMethod Article Critique CITATION Haski-Leventhal, D., Bargal, D. (2008). The volunteer stages and transitions model: Organizational socialization of volunteers. Human Relations, 61(1), 67-102. STUDY PURPOSE The article, â€Å"The Volunteer stages and transition models: Organizational socialization of volunteers†, by Haski-Leventhal and Bargal explores volunteers’ experiences in an organization and proposes learning and interaction models within the context of volunteering. The abstract of the articleRead MoreThe Association Between Worker Prosperity And Authoritative Viability Essay1718 Words   |  7 Pagesrepresentative wellbeing the association can t accomplish their objectives viably and effectively. There are number of factors which are impacting on employee well-being. The main factors are motivation, communication, stress, socialisation, employee’s benefits, management standards, and Employer’s commitment. Inspiration/Motivation: Motivation is the first and essential component. Inspiration intends to persuade the individual towards their objectives. Internal and external factors that stimulate desireRead MoreSocial Constructionism And Biological Determinism1552 Words   |  7 Pagesthat begin at birth, through the reasoning of either biological determination or cultural socialization. The notion of gender is accomplished through a process of socialization that acts as guidelines on how each individual are expected to act within particular social contexts. Although societies worldwide all share a variety of cultures and culture norms, they all have in common the practices of the socialization of gender. In each society, children are reared with an enculturation that helps shapeRead MoreReflections Of Learning And Non Learning Moments1346 Words   |  6 PagesReflections of Learning and Non-Learning Moments Looking back to the observations I made in Language Arts and Islamic studies of a faith-based school in Ohio, I remember a learning and a not - so learning moments that took place in those two classrooms. My intention, as I told the teachers, was to understand how strategies or teaching interventions help students understand and learn from texts better. The classroom observation happened in four months, which was started in January 2017 and endedRead MoreTraining1351 Words   |  6 Pagesemployees to contribute when their : jobs change or interests change skills become obsolete Training is a planned effort by a company to facilitate the learning of employees. High-leverage training is: linked to strategic business goals and objectives, supported by top management, relies on an instructional design model, and Benchmarked to programs in other organizations. Continuous learning requires employees to understand the entire work process, expects them to acquire and apply newRead MoreMy First Observation Of The Middle Childhood1182 Words   |  5 Pagesobserved Isabella in her house, she live there with her mom, dad, a fish and a dog. The observation was realized when I was visiting my friend’s house; I observed the girl in her environment for approximately two and half hours. My first observation was she spend time making craft from her own inspiration and enjoy to gifting them to her parents. She was very talkative, independent and active girl. Observation. Physical Development: Observing Isabella physically she looks like a normal girl for herRead MoreEssay on The Schermerhorn Control Process1454 Words   |  6 Pagespowerful control framework guarantees that exercises are finished in ways that prompt the accomplishment of the associations objectives. The paradigm that decides the adequacy of a control framework, then, is the means by which well it helps workers and chiefs accomplish their objectives. An organizational structure might be made to encourage the effective accomplishment of objectives and workers could be roused through viable authority. Still there is no affirmation that exercises are going as arrangedRead MoreA Research Study On Learning Theory Essay979 Words   |  4 PagesHowever, the economical, logical, ethical, and religious experiences concerning the student and his community develop profound conclusions about the experiments (Lay, 1903, p. 2). Also, the observations, statistics and the experiment are substantial in the conclusions. Dewey (1897) was perplexed about how socialization played such a rewarding part in the educational process of children (Dewey, 1897, p. 24). Thorndike (1903) wrote several textbooks about the psychology of educating, teaching, childrenRead MoreThe Social Nature Of Humanity1248 Words   |  5 Pagessocialize, with the aim of achieving a desired goal or purpose objective. Accordingly, the socialization of human beings is within not only their family settings but also publicly regarding organizational contexts, market areas, and economic output. Towards further enhancing the general nature of human interaction, a variety of institutions are critical towards understanding why, and how human beings can effectively engage in continuous socialization. The paper will discuss the ways, and the circumstancesRead MoreThe Center For Disease Control ( Cdc ) And The World Health Organization1287 Words   |  6 Pagesinitiative is that children who begin school healthy are better prepared to lear n. Similarly, the National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC) stressed the importance of physical activity in cognitive development, refining motor skills and socialization among young children. While, research highlighted the importance of physical activity and education it has been inconsistent in establishing a direct link between physical activity and academic performance. This analysis will investigate

Pipeline Inspection at Petronet, South Africa Free Essays

Introduction Petronet, a local company that transports natural gas through underground pipelines across South Africa, had approached MA2K Testing Labs to conduct an investigation on a leakage on the pipeline, which was found during a random leak inspection. The Pipeline operates from Johannesburg to Potchefstroom. Upon inspection a joint was singled out as being a major source of leakage. We will write a custom essay sample on Pipeline Inspection at Petronet, South Africa or any similar topic only for you Order Now The affected area was joined using a butt weld and reinforced with a clamp. This section was dissected and inspection revealed that the leakage was due to incomplete fusion in the weld which initiated the formation of hook cracks and cavities in the parent material directly adjacent to the weld. External stresses from the environment may have accelerated the growth of the cavities and cracks yet the clamp increased the strength of the joint aiding in the prevention of any accelerated growths of the defects. As a short term solution it is advised to replace the damaged section with a new pipe. It must be correctly welded of the same material and as an added precaution to weld an additional sleeve over the newly joined and welded section. As a long term solution it is advised to replace the entire pipeline with a new combination of materials. 1. Background Petronet, a leading company in South Africa which transports natural gas through underground pipelines conducted a random leak inspection survey on one of their pipelines operating from Johannesburg to Potchefstroom, and it was discovered that there was a gas leak at the specific joint. The pipe carries natural gas and it is imperative that the leak should be fixed, due to the volatile nature of gas as well as the loss of resource, in turn profits. The systems comprised of numerous seamless pipes and connected using a butt weld; these joints were reinforced by clamps bolted on. MA2K Testing Labs had been approached by Petronet, to inspect the leakage and was employed to identify the true cause of failure and as well as make many suitable recommendations for the repair and prevention of malfunction of the joint. The pipeline was effective since the 20th February 1995; this put the pipeline age in the region of 15 years. Figure 2.1 (Below) was taken on site 2. Description The defective section of the pipe, including the clamp was then marked, cut out and removed from the site for further inspection and analysis. The inspection and analysis was carried out in MA2K Testing Labs in Durban. Two grade A 106 GR.B SCH40 seamless pipes with outside diameters of 168.3mm and wall thickness of 9mm were butt welded end to end. A butt weld consists of the two pipes heated to a proper fusion temperature then joined by means of force. The joint was further secured by a clamp. The operating internal gas pressure was 2620 kPa (380 psi). Chemical composition of the pipe: Element C Si Mn P S Cr Mo Cu Ni V % ? 0.30 ? 0.10 0.291.06 ?0.035 ?0.035 ?0.40 ?0.15 ?0.40 ?0.40 ?0.08 3. Possibilities Of Failure 3.1. Weld Defects Penetration is poor at the start of welding Ensure the grades of pipes are constant to optimize bonding strength Poor quality welds caused by Inaccurate timing Incorrect temperature Incorrect pressure applied Failure due to fatigue (welding lowers fatigue strength) Fusion did not occur between weld metal and fusion faces. Incomplete penetration Weld metal does not extend through the joint thickness Exposed to water and contaminants in the gas, such as O2, H2S, CO2, or chlorides. A particular gas composition may cause corrosion under some operating conditions Oxygen content (oxidizing salts) Passing through soils of different mineral content Contact of different metals, particularly at valves (galvanic corrosion) Normally consists of gouges and dents. Generally created by excavation or handling equipment during construction. Results from cyclic stresses that are below the ultimate tensile stress, or even the yield stress of the material. 3.2. Incomplete Fusion 3.3. Internal Corrosion 3.4. External Corrosion 3.5. Mechanical Damage 3.6. Fatigue Crack 3.7. Material Defects Material defects are unwanted contaminants at the melting of steel, the steel forming or the heat treating. Furthermore faults can occur by improper storage or processing. Material defects can appear in different forms. Example of various defects mentioned below : Non-metallic inclusions bad microstructure surface corrosion mechanical damage surface defect 3.8. Weld Cracks Refers to fracture of weld caused as a result of poor parts fit-up, rapid cooling, and localized stresses exceed the ultimate strength of the metal etc. Examples of weld cracks : Arc Cracks Longitudinal Crack Transverse Crack Crater Crack Throat Crack Toe Crack Root Crack Hot Crack Cold Crack Hook Crack 3.9. Hydrogen Blistering A type of hydrogen-induced failure produced when hydrogen atoms enter low-strength steels that have macroscopic defects, such as laminations 4. Inspection The clamp was removed for further inspection of the weld join. The removal of the clamp was done under supervision by National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). The pipe surface was required to be cleaned. An acetone solution was used. Liquid Penetrant examination was performed on the weld area of the pipe. Surface discontinuities were visible on the bottom of the pipe. All examinations and analysis was carried out by MA2K Testing Labs. Through inspection it was deduced that a Butt weld was used to join the pipe line and macrostructure images revealed that there were defects on the welded area. Namely weld cracks, improper penetration and incomplete fusion. Cavities were discovered near/adjacent to the welded section of the pipe material. Surface discontinuities were made visible by the Liquid Penetrant examination. These results further justify the suspicion that there was an improper weld process conducted on the joins of the pipeline and thus the cause of the gas leak. Cavities are visible in the pipe walls. This may be caused by vacancies in the material join in the weld. The extracted sample was investigated by method of etching. A Nital solution was used to etch the pipe material. Nital is a solution of alcohol and nitric acid commonly used for routine etching of metals. It is especially suitable for revealing the microstructure of carbon steels. The alcohol can be methanol, ethanol or methylated spirits. By viewing the etched sample under a Scanning Electron Microscope it was revealed that there was an overlap of material and as a result, it was discovered that there is an irregularity or there is a non-uniform overlap or join of material. This could cause a weakness in the join due to variants in material or state of the material. The non-uniform joint of material gives weak point on the structure of the pipeline and thus resulted in a leak. Arrows on figure 5.3 clearly indicate all the weld areas, the heat affected zones and the pipe parent material. 5. Results Before the pipe was sectioned for detailed examination, a radiographic examination was performed on the premises of MA2K Testing Labs. The following image was revealed on the radiographic film. The radiograph picture shows the microstructure of the material and identifies the weld overlap with the parent material. There are clear indications of variant material or states which cause weakness in the join when added stress is applied. There are cut out root cavities visible in the radiograph which could be the cause of leakage in the pipeline. Figure 6.2: Radiograph Of Material In figure 6.3 below: The longitudinal cross section of the pipe showed the weld structure inside the pipeline. This revealed defects in the weld structure and cavities in the wall of the pipeline and a clear indication of the crack and fracture lines that could cause a leak in the pipeline. These defects occurred in the joining of the pipe and together with possible external stresses that act on it due to the environment, no corrosion had occurred and pipe was designed to withstand pressure of the gas within the pipe. Longitudinal samples were taken from the extracted piece. Cuts were made across the weld line, to define the differences in the material used in the weld and the parent material. The two cross sections through the wall thickness of the pipe was polished and etched with Nital. The one macroscopic image (Figure 6.4) revealed a clear leakage path through the wall thickness of the pipe. This shows that there was a weakness in the join between the weld material and the parent material. Further fracture and strain caused the weld to split at the join between the weld material and the parent material. Figure 6.5 shows that there was a lack of side wall fusion in the pipe and that there was another weld bead on the left, this had been made to try to fill the vacancies produced from the lack of fusion. 6. Conclusions After thorough investigation of the defective area of the pipe it was found that the leakage was due to improper weld process and lack of fusion, lack of fusion causes cavities. Cavities form cracks over a period of time. Due to this hook cracks were formed and leakage had occurred. Therefore, the components used contain no post installation defects as there was no internal or external corrosion to the material. The design of the material is suited to the environment as it was able to withstand cyclic loading, fatigue stresses and no signs of hydrogen blistering was present on the material. Mechanical damage may have aided or accelerated the growth of the crack size. The clamp made detecting the source of the leak more difficult and may have helped in the prevention or retarded the rate in which the cracks had grown. The condition of the pipe or clamp base steel compositions or microstructures was as expected for the working life of the system. No softening was found associated with the weld and pipe Heat Affected Zone. 7. Recommendation 7.1. Short Term Solution As a short term solution it is advised to replace the damaged section with a new pipe. It must be correctly welded of the same material and as an added precaution to weld an additional sleeve over the newly joined and welded section. This may suffice for the next 10 years 7.2. Long Term Solution As a long term solution it is advised to replace the entire pipeline with a new combination of materials as per Petroleum Bulk Storage Regulations, the requirement is that all new underground pipelines be as follows: vPipes must be either constructed of a non-corrodible material such as fiberglass reinforced plastic, nylon or engineered thermo-plastic, or metal such as steel with a cathodic protection system designed to protect it for 30 years. vPipes may be in single or double-walled construction vAccess ports must be installed to permit tightness testing; vInstallation must be in accordance with recognized engineering practices vPipes and joints must be tightness tested before being covered and placed in. To reduce downtime and loss of profits, the new pipeline may be installed next to the existing pipeline and until completion will be ineffective. Thereafter the new pipeline will replace the old with minimal downtime. This is another advantage of laying down a new pipeline. 7.3. Prevention of Lack of Fusion vSurface should be machined/ground smooth to avoid minute discontinuities. vEnsure welding current is sufficient. vWeld arcs should not be longer than the pipe diameter vThe â€Å"V† angle should not exceed 7 degrees vThe strip width should be appropriate and consistent for the diameter of the pipe References Alibaba.com, 1999. Sourcing Products And Suppliers (Carbon Steel Piping: ASTM A106 GR.B). (Updated 01 April 2011) Available at: http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/258930670/ASTM_A106_GR_B.html. [Accessed 24 April 2011] Jernberg, John (1919), Forging, American Technical Society (Updated 29 April 2007) Available at: http://books.google.com/books?id=-ksxAAAAMAAJpg=PA26 [Accessed 24 April 2011] How to cite Pipeline Inspection at Petronet, South Africa, Essay examples

Institutional Racism and Its Effects on Latino Students free essay sample

The purpose of this paper is to examine the detrimental effects institutional racism in education has on Latino academic achievement. Consideration is given to the role of educators in perpetuating racist attitudes; the ineffective acculturation measures and the adverse effects resulting from the diminished academic expectations. Latino children exit K-12 systems deficient of the necessary skills to thrive in higher education or in the workplace; facts which foster complacency. Qualitative and quantitative data are used to support arguments and observations. Additionally, this paper is intended to promote dialog about a problem that will have long lasting implications on society at large and the growing role Latinos will play in affecting the trends in educational paradigm shifts. Institutional Racism and Its Effects on Latino Students The idea of institutional racism in education conjures up visions of the Plessy vs. Ferguson era of segregation, when common practice was â€Å"separate but equal† institutions. It was 1954, with the groundbreaking Supreme Court decision of Brown vs. Board of Education, that the practice of legal racial segregation was deemed unconstitutional. Its passing represented an end to de jure segregation for Blacks, but had little impact on the segregation of Latinos, who were considered demographically White. It was not until 1970 when the Supreme Court in Cisneros vs. Corpus Christi Independent School District ruled that Latinos comprised a separate ethnic group, that the full effects of Brown vs. Board of Education also encompassed Latinos. Although de jure segregation was outlawed, white flight has, by default, led to de facto segregation, which has resulted in a new breed of institutional racism. A more subtle racism but equally insidious that indelibly changes the lives of Latino youth by allowing the perpetuation of inferior instruction, by stripping students of their ethnic pride, and ultimately culminating in fostering an attitude of mediocrity. It is irrefutable that most educators have students’ best interests at heart when imparting instruction; however, this does not diminish the fact that racial bias affects the manner in which it is done.  Garcia (2001) explains the Pobrecito Syndrome as the inclination of many educators to lower the academic expectations of Latino students because of perceived disadvantages, such as language and poverty. While not intentional, the prejudice becomes so ingrained in the perception, that it becomes increasingly difficult to extrapolate it. The lowering of expectations begins early in the academic tenure of Latino children and creates progressive achievement disparities between them and White peers (Garcia Jensen, 2009). Indeed, the intention is to protect and unburden those whom educators perceive as underprivileged, however it is this over- coddling that sets Latino children up for failure by undermining their ability to compete academically, and later professionally. In a 2009 focus group conducted by the National Council of La Raza, 60 Latino youth ages 15 to 17 from Maryland, Tennessee, Rhode Island, and California â€Å"†¦reported significant ethnic stereotyping by teachers, administrators, and peers. Such stereotyping, they feel, often leads Hispanic students to be overlooked, excluded, or negatively tracked and results in unequal educational opportunities† (p. 15); a fact which clearly demonstrates the pervasive and detrimental effects of institutional racism; intentional or not. A combination of factors has been effectively employed to systematically strip Latino youth of their ethnic identity, in particular the process of Americanization and the notion of color-blindness. For purposes of clarity, ethnic identity will be referent to the self-concept one develops as a result of belonging to a particular group in which similar customs, values, beliefs and language is shared. Garcia (2001) describes the â€Å"Americanization† theory as one that espouses the notion of the dominant Anglo culture as ideal and one to which Latinos should conform by learning English and adopting American values (p. 50). The ultimate goal of those who promote the Americanization theory is to convince Latino youth that internalizing and adopting American culture will be  beneficent to their success in mainstream America. The most recent approach utilized in American schools to divorce Latino students of their ethnic identity is â€Å"colorblindness†. Ullucci describes colorblind ideology as the misunderstanding that racism exists, the denial of racial and cultural backgrounds, and the devaluation of culturally relevant pedagogies (2010). Its basic premise is that Latino and other non-dominant cultures are inherently flawed and their cultural existence should be dismissed by turning a blind eye. Both methods convey the negative message to impressionable Latino youth that there is no place in education for their old world culture (Garcia, 2001) and both neglect the fact that today’s ever growing ethnic populations warrant race conscious dialogue. Disproportionately, U. S schools are failing Latino youth and relegating them to repeat cycles of poverty and of unfulfilled dreams. The U. S Department of Education (2010) indicates that Latino youth continue to have the highest drop-out rates of any other group, at about 15 percent, which for Latinos translates to about 134,000 youth (Fry Taylor, 2013). These young high school drop-outs are more apt to engage in low-paying work, to struggle with unemployment, or to depend on government aid as a result of insufficient basic skills knowledge (Foxen, 2010). While the dropout rate is disturbing, more unsettling is the exponential number of students who graduate ill-prepared for the rigors of collegiate education and for a job market requiring a more highly skilled workforce (Foxen, 2010). By the droves, these students, as a result of teacher expectations, are disengaging from their own education to carry out the self-fulfilling prophecy of mediocrity. The fact that 83% of educators are White, middle class women creates another layer of disconnect for Latino students who are unable to positively identify with successful role models who share their background (Gandara, 2000). Unable to see themselves reflected in the degree-earning demographics and having few encounters with educators who are adequately trained to understand their plight, Latino youth are simply rendered impotent to affect change, thus completing their assent into hopelessness. Conversely, some believe that Latino apathy toward education, rather than institutional racism, is what impedes academic success. It is their work ethic and lack of familial support that disengages students from the learning process. If Latino students would stop being lazy and commit to their studies and if parents would get involved and show some interest in their children’s education, instead of blaming poor performance on teacher bias, then success would be inevitable. While these arguments may seem legitimate, they are based on erroneous perceptions. Madrid (2010) contends that many educators perceive minority status as one of disadvantage, which sets the groundwork for lowered expectations. He further argues that Latino disengagement occurs for multiple reasons, teacher bias being of critical importance. Latino students enter school as equally engaged as White students, but soon discover that their aspirations are incongruent with their academic abilities (Goldsmith, 2004). Latino parents are completely supportive of their children’s academic success, but because of their own low educational attainment, they lack the cognizance of maneuvering the educational system. They believe it is their moral obligation to raise children who are respectful and who behave ethically, but recognize their own deficiencies in academia and consequently defer to the expertise of teachers regarding academic skills (Madrid, 2010). Latino parents wholeheartedly support the role educators play in the lives of their children and expect the same respect for their role. Educators must understand that a lack of formal education does not equate to a lack of knowledge. It is those educators who take the time to understand student and parental shortcomings, regardless of race, who affect the most positive change in student outcomes. Additionally, some argue, predominantly Latino or minority schools have been allocated additional funding to improve disparities, without success. Federal, state and local governments cannot continue to simply dump money into these schools when it has consistently been proven to be ineffectual. There are predominantly White schools receiving less funding yet yielding much higher learning gains. Agreed, simply dumping money into underperforming schools is fiscally irresponsible. However, by investing money in correcting the disparate conditions and by requiring strict accountability, schools can become havens for equal educational opportunities for all children. As a result of de facto segregation, a disproportionate number of Latinos and Blacks attend schools where poverty and overcrowding are the common denominators (Kozol, 2005). When compared to per pupil spending in predominantly minority schools and predominantly White schools, the discrepancy becomes glaringly obvious (Kozol, 2005). In schools populated by mostly Latino and Black students, instruction is conducted in dilapidated buildings lacking basic amenities such as operational plumbing and learning-conducive classrooms (Kozol, 2005). In terms of resources, many of these schools do not offer access to science labs, media centers and libraries, which by default renders students unable to compete with their more affluent White peers (Madrid, 2010). Most disturbing is the number of underprepared and yet- to –be credentialed teachers employed in high Latino population schools (Madrid, 2010). The more highly trained and seasoned educators opt to teach in schools offering better pay, which happens to be in predominantly White, affluent schools (Gandara, 2000). No, simply throwing money at underperforming schools is not the answer, but with appropriate regulations, it is a start. It is the belief of many that racism in schools is a thing of the past. Many argue that Latinos use the â€Å"race card† as a way of deflecting culpability in their own sub-standard academic performance. Historically, it is argued, racism was legally sanctioned through segregationist practices, now however racism is illegal, thus allowing every student equal opportunity and equal access to all facets of education. Although it is true that the inherent racism embedded in segregation was outlawed in the 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court decision, institutional racism continues (Garcia, 2001). The old brand of institutional racism came in the form of physical violence, abusive language and of legally sanctioned separation, but it has morphed into a less threatening figure. Now it comes in the form of lowered expectations, of less funding, of watered-down curriculum and of outdated materials (Madrid, 2010). If it were simply a matter of using the â€Å"race card†, many Latinos would be utilizing it to change the abhorrent conditions in their schools, to ensure qualified instructors, and to demand equally rigorous instruction. In a 2002 interview featured in the North American Journal of Psychology, speaking on multicultural education, Sonia Nieto states, â€Å"It also means that teachers need to be aware of the ways in which our schools, rather than focusing on the potential that all children have for learning, have consistently failed some students because of their social identities.† (Gaedke Shaugnessy, p. 479). It is time for true equality to permeate our schools and for opportunities to be disseminated uniformly. Although there are many instances of institutional racism currently festering in U. S schools, the time is ripe for squelching it. It behooves us as a nation to ensure that all children receive quality education imparted by exceptionally qualified instructors and in conditions that are conducive to equitable learning. Institutional racism breeds long-term effects that our children carry with them into the broader society. The Latino population is growing exponentially in this country, which means that exponentially Latino children will be enrolling in public schools. This growth will require a systemic change in the way education is imparted to meet the needs of the changing demographics. Schools must discontinue viewing Latinos as inherently flawed but rather as fully capable and integral members of a broader society who will positively affect the success of this nation.

What We Talk When We Talk About Prejudgement free essay sample

Heading up the workshops on tolerance within the community, especially in the wake of increasing crime in the city, I had begun to see some improvement between the African-Americans, Hispanics, and Caucasians that made up the local population—the school year began badly when one (African-American) boy apparently stole his (Mexican) friend’s girl (Caucasian) and began fighting one another, yelling racial slurs at each other, and threatening each other until it escalated to a level involving the other students, administration, and local community members.This balance was delicate and, as I would soon find out, that change was not to last. Since I was up and wouldn’t be able to go back to sleep, I opened my e-mail only to find an urgent message from the local police department—where I’d been volunteering as a Crisis Support Team member for about four years. They needed me to assist in the relocation of a family after they suffered a home invasionâ€⠀two surviving children needed to be placed in foster care after their whole family was butchered following a robbery in the middle of the day. We will write a custom essay sample on What We Talk When We Talk About Prejudgement or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Both boys had been hiding in the attic after they heard someone break down the door; the boys were found in a catatonic state. Of all ten members—grandparents, parents, and six siblings—only the two boys were left alive. No small consolation that they survived only because the intruders didn’t realize the boys were even missing. In the years I’d been volunteering as a CST, I’d never seen a situation as gruesome as what happened to those two boys. It was for people like Damien and Troy—the two boys who survived the home invasion—that I decided to teach for a living.I wanted to be able to work with children and reach them before they were lost to the world, even in the wake of recent racial violence—I was a teacher at the school where the whole problem began. I needed to fall into my routine so that I could freshen up and be ready for work—middle school students were always packed with energy and no self-control. I would need all my reserves just to make it through the day, especially since social studies didn’t seem to hold their attention for very long.But today was Teacher Appreciation Day and students and administrators had planned activities —including staff lunch and prizes. I drove to school thinking about how to manage work while still worried about how I was going to arrange foster care for the two children who’d recently lost their entire family. After morning announcements, students read a poem they’d collaborated on—Glee Club and Journalism Club joined efforts in writing a poem that the Glee Club set to music and sang. It was a refreshing beginning for me.After announcements, I shuffled to class along with the students in the hallways. â€Å"Hey, Mr. Agamemnon! I need more time! † carped one of my students as he begged for an extension on his research paper. I always found this nickname quite humorous—I know I looked nothing like a ruler. My physical appearance was meager in many ways—I stood only 5’4† inches tall and weighed no more than 140 pounds—and was more diminutive than most of my middle school students. â€Å"You can have one more day to finish your paper, but no more I’d already given you too many chances†.Class resumed with no further delay and before long it was lunchtime. I joined my co-workers in the staff lounge, free of lunch duty and grading, so that I could enjoy Teacher Appreciation lunch. â€Å"I can’t believe that idiot killed his kids! What kind of man does that? † Phoebe Black, white from head to toe and naive about most things in life, commented on the recent domestic violence incident she’d heard on the morning news. â€Å"How is it that a father can kill his own children? Only cold-blooded criminals could commit such an atrocity! Where did this man grow up? Her face red with anger and her blue eyes full of hate, Phoebe made care less comments on the effects of growing up ethnic—such as living in certain ‘areas’ of town that were riddled with high crime and violence and how people were ignorant and caused more problems for society. â€Å"How can those people be so low? † asked Phoebe. To this, Mike Perry—a former NFL linebacker towering 6. 6 feet tall and over 300 intimidating pounds—turned towards her and asked, â€Å"What do you mean by ‘those’ people? † Shrugging her shoulders, Phoebe quickly responded, â€Å"You know†¦the people in that neighborhood.They are so low-class. † â€Å"How can you link a person’s actions to their ethnicities? † Mike asked indignantly. â€Å"Well, it’s so obvious because it always happens to those people. The crime rate is always high in those neighborhoods and all they do is drink and listen to music full-blast. † All of Phoebe’s exposed skin glistened with beads of sweat as she explained what angered her so much. â€Å"I mean, they are all on assistance and all they do is have kids and then leave them on the streets so they can then end up causing more problems. † Nobody noticed when I entered the lounge.I was a fly on the wall about a topic I dealt with on a daily basis. I happened to live in the very neighborhood that made the morning news so I let them continue the discussion without calling attention towards me—I figured this information could shed some light on understanding what others felt about the crime those people committed on an apparent continuous basis. I silently shoveled food onto my plate hoping the conversation would not end badly. I couldn’t bear to be a volunteer CST person at work, too. â€Å"You cannot generalize people. † Mike said almost on the brink of being upset at her comments. You can’t just put everybody in the same boat. † â€Å"It’s just my observation. † Phoebe hurled that response at Mike as though vomiting something her stomach could not digest. Zaynab, an Egyptian national and a World History teacher, had been enjoying her food. The perks of ‘special days’ included cuisine we would otherwise not enjoy. Our PTO sponsored our lunch and the most renowned Mediterranean restaurant catered our Teachers’ Appreciation event. Zaynab, looking as though she’d not eaten in a month, sat at the table focused on nothing but the food before her.The minute she caught on to the discussion between Mike and Phoebe, she began choking. At first, I thought she ate something too spicy for her, but I realized it was shock that caused her to start coughing violently. â€Å"Dear heart, you have to be careful when you make judgments. People as a whole cannot be judged by actions of individuals. That’s called stereotyping and, if you’re not careful, THAT can label you AS prejudiced. † Zaynab hoped the message would strike a chord with Phoebe, especially since she was the only white person in a room filled with minorities. Well maybe I’m not a native Texan, but having been born in Georgia and brought up in California, I did learn a thing or two about the patterns people live by, which are very similar no matter where I have traveled. It’s always those people—living in poorer areas—who make others’ lives miserable. † Phoebe was not giving an inch. Mike got up from his chair and went to get a cup of coffee in what seemed to me an effort to contain his nerves. All 300 pounds of him looked as though he were a volcano ready to erupt—his muscles tightened, his breath quickened, his face muscles twitched, and his overall semblance of peace left him.I myself was surprised at her ridiculous comments. How could this minute Georgia implant begin to understand what it was like to be of those people? Who was she to pass judgment on a group she not only didn’t belong to, but had no connection with? â€Å"Look Phoebe, I have to wonder what kind of life you†™ve led if all you can judge is the actions of a few stereotypes. † Mike looked as though he was trying to calm himself as he spoke to a frustrated Phoebe. â€Å"I am a black man who grew up in a white world.I’ve had to deal with my own sets of issues simply because I seemed to have been born with skin color that comes fixed with certain ‘expectations’ I refused to mold myself to. † Phoebe looked on as she tried not to seem peeved by his response. â€Å"It wasn’t too long ago that I came to be a teacher because I was not fit to be in the corporate world, but not for the reasons people tend to assume. † Mike let out a sigh that showed pain. â€Å"I worked at my parents’ corporation after I received my MBA and found that I had a knack for business. I worked there for two years and became an executive within no time at all.It was not my parents’ wishes, for they wanted me to work higher up, but they let me make my way. It wasn’t long before people started talking about me and my parents. They said I didn’t really earn my way up, but rather rode my parents’ coattails to the level I’d achieved. Several made ‘observations’ that my being black was a guaranteed scholarship through any sport—which I received as a football player—and that my intelligence was irrelevant. As long as I could throw, block, and make plays, I was sure to ‘finish’ school with flying colors, just like all other jocks did. † Mike became more impassive as he told more of his story. Zaynab tried to steer the conversation to the food on the table and asked Phoebe to get her food—she tried to distract Phoebe from the topic. â€Å"No, I’m already over on my calories for today, so I won’t be eating any of this rich food. † Phoebe explained. â€Å"I’ve struggled all my life with my weight. No matter how little I eat and how much I exercise, I am always remained fat and unhealthy. † Part of me felt sorry for her because not only did she not have a good perspective on multicultural issues, but she was also struggling with her weight. It’s no wonder I would always see her eating very little. Phoebe it is okay to cheat on your diet ever so often. † Deflated, Zaynab tried to salvage the conversation. â€Å"No, I’m full. †Phoebe didn’t like the idea, and she returned to the topic by illustrating it with the incident she heard about in the news. â€Å"I cannot forget about those poor children! Killed by their own father! † Phoebe said with anger and building frustration because it seemed that nobody was on her side. â€Å"If somebody had just done something in time, those kids would not be alone and in this situation. † Phoebe looked as though she was about to cry. â€Å"Crime could happen to anyone without discrimination.Killing is a crime that does not discriminate against ethnic, racial, or class boundaries—it can be lethal to all. † Mike tried to explain to her. †It wasn’t just those people that suffered crime. † Zaynab added. â€Å"Wait a minute, Phoebe, let me give you the right picture of those people you speak of. What do you think about me? † I addressed Phoebe directly hoping she would calm down. â€Å"What do you mean, Anastasio? You are a well-mannered, professional, and caring individual. † Phoebe answered, confused at the question. â€Å"Why do you ask, Anastasio? † â€Å"I appreciate your honesty, but there’s something you don’t know about me. I broke my silence and decided that I would try to intervene, even though I didn’t want to. â€Å"Let me introduce you to a part of me you have never met and never will. † I started to tell Phoebe what it was like to grow up an orphan on the streets of New York. Alone, without a family to look after me, I often went hungry and turned to stealing just to keep my belly from aching. Winters were hard to survive. â€Å"Without a family, without love and affection, and without someone to look after me, growing up in those parts of town was far from easy on any person, particularly a child.

Gender of Nouns in Spanish

Gender of Nouns in Spanish Just as maleness or femaleness is an inherent characteristic of most animals, so is gender an inherent characteristic of nouns in Spanish. With only a few exceptions, mostly those of occupations such as dentista, the gender of nouns doesnt change with the context, and a nouns gender determines the form of many adjectives that describe it. Key Takeaways: Spanish Noun Gender Nouns in Spanish can be classified as masculine or feminine. Adjectives and articles referring to a particular noun must have the same gender as the noun.Most nouns keep their gender regardless of the context in which they are used, so there are some masculine nouns that are used for things we may think of as feminine and vice versa.Although there are exceptions, nearly all nouns ending in -o are masculine and most nouns ending in -a are feminine. Grammatical Gender Not Tied to Biological Gender Although Spanish nouns are classified as either feminine or masculine, remember that there can be feminine nouns that describe things we think of as masculine, and vice versa. For example, una jirafa, which is feminine in form, refers to a giraffe whether its male or female, and persona (a feminine noun meaning person) can refer to men as well as women. For some, it might be easier to think of masculine and feminine as simply two classifications rather than giving them a sexual identity. Unlike German and some other Indo-European languages, Spanish has no neuter nouns, although there are uses for the gender as explained below The basic rule is that masculine nouns go with masculine adjectives and articles, and feminine nouns go with feminine adjectives and articles. (In English, the articles are a, an and the. Also note that in Spanish many adjectives dont have separate masculine and feminine forms.) And if you use a pronoun to refer to a masculine noun, you use a masculine pronoun; feminine pronouns refer to feminine nouns. Nouns and adjectives that end in -o (or -os for plurals) generally are masculine, and nouns and adjectives that end in -a (or -as for plurals) generally are feminine, although there are exceptions. For example, cada dà ­a means each day. Dà ­a (day) is a masculine noun; cada (each) can be either feminine or masculine. Since you cant always tell by looking at a noun or knowing its meaning whether its masculine or feminine, most dictionaries use notations (f or m) to indicate the gender. And its common in vocabulary lists to precede words with an el for masculine words and a la for feminine words. (El and la both mean the.) Here are examples that show some of the ways a nouns gender affects the usage of other words. the man: el hombre (masculine article, masculine noun)the woman: la mujer (feminine article, feminine noun)a man: un hombre (masculine article, masculine noun)a woman: una mujer (feminine article, feminine noun)the men: los hombres (masculine article, masculine noun)the women: las mujeres (feminine article, feminine noun)the fat man: el hombre gordo (masculine adjective, masculine noun)the fat woman: la mujer gorda (feminine adjective, feminine noun)some men: unos hombres (masculine determiner, masculine noun)some women: unas mujeres (feminine determiner, feminine noun)He is fat: Él es gordo. (masculine pronoun, masculine adjective)She is fat: Ella es gorda. (feminine pronoun, feminine adjective) If you have two or more nouns that are being described by a single adjective, and they are of mixed genders, the masculine adjective is used. El carro es caro, the car is expensive (masculine noun and adjective).La bicicleta es cara, the bicycle is expensive (feminine noun and adjective).El carro y la bicicleta son caros, the car and the bicycle are expensive (masculine and feminine nouns described by a masculine adjective). Using the Neuter Gender Although Spanish has a neuter gender, it isnt used for words listed in the dictionary as nouns.The neuter is used in two circumstances: A handful of neuter pronouns such as ello are used under limited circumstances as the equivalent of it, this, or that. Such pronouns dont refer to things whose names have gender, however, but rather to concepts or ideas.The neuter definite article lo can be placed before an adjective to create a phrase that functions as a neuter abstract noun. For example, lo difà ­cil can mean the difficult thing or that which is difficult.