Comparative thermo-economic analysis of multi-fuel fired gas turbine power plant

This study compares the performance of a thermal power plant fired by natural gas to that fired by biodiesel blend, from exergetic and economic perspectives. A thermodynamic model has been developed to predict the performance of a running plant and was used to conduct the comparative study. Plant life of 25 years has been used to assess the viability of the gas turbine power plant by analyzing the net present cost and the break-even point for both fuels. The plant specific fuel consumption for natural gas fired and biodiesel blend fired are 0.3151 [kg/kWh] and 0.3884 [kg/kWh] respectively. The system fired by natural gas only, has a payback period of 1.9 years, internal rate of return of 52% and exhaust temperature of 915.74 [K], while that fired by the biodiesel blend has a payback period of 2.4 years, internal rate of return of 60% and exhaust temperature of 858.50 [K]. Nevertheless, biodiesel blend is preferable because it is biodegradable, produces less emissions, and as a consequence, environmentally benign. Biodiesel blend would be more suitable for firing gas turbine engines, if the combustor is redesigned to improve its efficiency. Thermo-economic analysis of gas turbine power plants is essential to improve its thermodynamic and economic performance

Perseverance: an Indispensable Value for Man’s Success in the Light of Lk. 9:62

As a clergy in the missionary field, who has been interacting with people,coupled with the experiences gathered in the institutions of higher learning, it has been observed that many people who are facing many difficult challenges in life, most often despair and surrender. Many people do not know that if they fail in one area, they can still succeed in another. What it means therefore is that one is expected to know one’s target, and do everything within one’s power to hit that target. It is to this effect that Jesus, referring to the kingdom of God as a necessary target, emphatically affirmed that, who ever puts his hands on the plough and looks back, is not fit for the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62). The purpose of this write up therefore is to awaken people’s consciousness on the importance of perseverance in man’s quest for success in life and to urge people to persevere in their struggle for survival. To verify the possibility of hitting ones target through perseverance, the researcher, examined the difficulties experienced by Abraham Lincoln during his journey to the presidential seat of America and Helen killer’s achievements in life in spite of her deformities. It was observed that duo were able to succeed because of their perseverance and tenacity towards the achievement of their set target. The conclusion therefore is that those who have persevered in the pursuit of their set target most often succeeded. It is therefore recommended that everyone should be able to identify ones set target and go for it. Furthermore, people should stop losing hope in the face of difficulties rather, one should get convinced that perseverance and tenacity can give victory to all

Engineering Class Assistant Using Moddle Open Source

Over the years, faculty members seek for more efficient and productive approach in developing and promoting engineering profession. This research aims at utilizing existing tools or technologies in the development of a dynamic course management system that will not only improve faculty/students interactive sessions, but also will initiate a self-paced learning environment that is accessible and available to students

Tiedän, etten ole valkoinen, joten voinko olla queer? : Laadullinen tutkimus BIPOC ja queer-ihmisten hybridin identiteetinrakennuksen haasteista ja mahdollisuuksista Suomen kontekstissa

This research aims to examine the identity construction processes of sexual and gender minorities who are also a part of visible ethnic minorities. There is very little research conducted on the topic by social psychology scholars in the Finnish context. The present research is interwoven with critical social psychology drawing its’ framework from intersectional theory, queer theory, and notions of hybrid identity, theorized by Ang (2001), Bhabha (2012) & Hall (1999). The main framework of the study is constructionism which treats the established understandings of the social world and identities as phenomena that are constructed in social practices, rather than as natural truths (see e.g. Gergen, 1985). This research examines how and in relation to which social environments BIPOC and queer identities are constructed, whilst considering how local and global interlocking systems of oppression and privilege challenge and enable such identity negotiations which are done from a state of “in-betweenness” of cultural identities as visible ethnic minorities often describe, and hybridity theories suggest. Using the framework of intersectionality and hybridity capacitates the examination of both, challenges, as well as possibilities of identity construction from the intersections of BIPOC and queer identities in the Finnish context. The research questions are: 1. What kind of challenges and possibilities of cultural identity construction do BIPOC and queer people face in the Finnish context? a. How were the intersections of their identities negotiated? b. How did hybridity figure in their identity negotiations? The data consists of three focus group interviews conducted in the context of insider research. The analysis method used was Reflexive Thematic Analysis. As a result, three themes were generated from the data: (1) Hybrid identity as a necessity, (2) Queerness is white, and (3) Hybrid identity is inherently queer. The analysis suggests that queerness and BIPOC:ness create an intersection of identities, which demand and enable hybrid construction of identities, not only in terms of cultural or BIPOC identity but also in terms of queerness. However, identity construction is done in relation to the available communities which either support and enable exploring and constructing such identities or challenge and limit these processes

EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF OPERATION AND PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT FAILURE ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AND ORGANIZATIONAL GROWTH: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Effective production management and operation are essential for organizational success in the fast-paced corporate environment of today. On the other hand, shortcomings in these crucial domains may have extensive ramifications, impacting the development of the company and the contentment of its clientele. In order to offer important insights for companies and to throw light on the underlying dynamics, this qualitative study intends to investigate the effects of production and operation management failure on these two crucial areas. The experiences and viewpoints of industry experts, senior executives, and customers who have encountered operation and production management failures are explored in this study using semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The gathered data can be thematically analyzed to provide a thorough grasp of the complex ramifications of these mistakes. The results demonstrate how major obstacles to organizational growth are inadequacies in operation and production management. Market share might be lost, opportunities can be lost, and productivity can be decreased due to production delays, supply chain interruptions, and wasteful resource allocation. The inability of the organization to scale operations and take advantage of new opportunities is hampered by these kinds of failures. As such, firms encounter escalated expenses, reduced earnings, and weakened market competitiveness. Furthermore, the investigation reveals how these mistakes directly affect client happiness. Customers lose faith in businesses due to poor product quality, erratic service, and delayed deliveries. Unhappy customers are more inclined to express their displeasure and share bad experiences, which can damage the company's brand and impede efforts to attract and retain new customers. In the end, this results in lower brand loyalty, lower customer happiness, and possibly even lower revenue loss. With this in mind, this study proposes a number of mitigation and improvement strategies, including proactive measures like effective supply chain management, robust quality control systems, and streamlined production processes. By putting these strategies into practice, organizations can reduce the likelihood of failures, maximize operational performance, and promote sustainable growth. Organizations that aim to address and prevent production management and operation failures must also be aware of the consequences of those failures.JEL: L23, L25, L26, M11, M21, M31, D22, D2

Impact of Monetary Policy Instruments on Profitability of Commercial Banks in Nigeria: Zenith Bank Experience

This paper examined the impact of monetary policy instruments on profitability of commercial banks in Nigeria using the Zenith Bank Plc experience.  The paper used descriptive research design.  It utilized time series data collected from published financial statements of Zenith Bank Plc as well as Central Bank of Nigeria Bulletin from 2005 to 2012. Four research questions and four hypotheses were raised for the study.  Pearson Product moment correlation technique was used to analyze the data collected while t-test statistic was employed in testing the hypotheses.  The study discovered that cash reserve ratio, liquidity ratio and interest rate did not have significant impact on the profit before tax of Zenith Bank Plc.  However, minimum rediscount rate was found to have significant effect on the profit before tax of the bank.  The paper concluded that a good number of monetary policy instruments do not impact significantly on profitability of commercial banks in Nigeria.  The paper recommended that management of commercial banks in Nigeria should look beyond monetary policy instruments to enhance their profits

Auditor Changes in the SOX Era

Auditor changes are ongoing; however, significant client realignments occurred in the immediate aftermath of SOX. Using data from 2003 to 2012, this paper explores auditor changes from a longitudinal perspective, and observes, though to a lesser degree, a continuation of the immediate SOX effects. Also observed are the effects of major historic events. The observations suggest SOX established a new normal with respect to auditor change, but historic events alter this SOX trend

Political Architecture, Electoral Dynamics and Public Delivery of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic: An Assessment

Political development of Nigeria, electoral experience and public delivery has been influenced and impacted by ethnic chauvinism, flawed elections and skewed education. Historical and analytical methods were adopted in conducting this research. It was found out in the research that Nigeria is a forced merger of Great Britain.  Her electoral landscape is punctuated by ballot snatching, vote-for-cash and result manipulation perpetuated by desperate politicians. Nonetheless, legal framework, e-registration and e-accreditation as well as the resolve of Nigerians is changing the tide. Education sector has made steady progress. Based on the findings, it was recommended that credible election begins with credible party primaries. Politicians must embrace change and tolerate risk through competitive primaries. The people must stand up to be counted by insisting that vote count and are counted. Ultimately, Nigerians must cultivate a tolerant spirit. That spirit must first dwell in the political leadership. Keywords: Politics, Nigeria, Education, Election, Credible, Governmen