Sustainable Development Process For Overpopulation in China

Overpopulation, resource crisis and environmental pollution are the three major
social problems of the contemporary world; they are also three major obstacles
that restrict economic and social development and the improving people's living
standard in the world. China has the largest population in the world and there are
more than 1.3 billion people in China. And now, China is serious shortage of
fresh water, arable land, forest and grassland, energy and other resources
(Rozelle, 1997; Deng, 2008.) Per capita of these resources are less than one-
third of the world's averages. Per capita consumption of mineral resources is not
to half the world average. As China's social and economic development
increasingly, the total population is approaching the maximum carrying capacity
of resources, environment. Irrational exploitation of resources exacerbates the
shortage of resources and waste further, and the trend of ecological deterioration
has not been fundamentally reversed. Population growth on resources and the
environmental impact of socio-economic sustainable development has become
the most important issue. So to deal with the population problems, all the people
and stakeholders are required to cooperate with the Chinese government and
then raise a sustainable development to deal with the problems.
In this paper, it will first have a look at the background of China's population
problems and then talk over which people are affected by the pollution and the
barriers that are stopping the people to get a sustainable development. In the
following part, it will have a brief introduction of the six processes which is
developed by Dr. Mark Diesendorf and used to deal with the population
problems. Next, how the six processes are implemented will be discussed. At the
end of the paper, there is a brief discussion on the relationship of the steps and
their dependence on each other and a conclusion will be presented as well.
The direct problems which result from over population are the environmental
problems and health problems. But the environment is changeable that it can
flow from one place to another, such as air pollution, water pollution. So it implies
that every people in China are affected by the population problems.
With the increasing of population in China in recent years, China has suffered a
lot. More people mean more energy and resources that could be consumed, but
there will be more waste let out. Therefore, it will make the environment pollution
to move forward a single step. So many environmental problems have appeared
one by one. For example, in order to have good harvest of more and more
fertilizers are used to improve the crop productivity (Jiang, 2009). But the low
efficiency of the fertilizer use makes most of the fertilizer leave into the soil or
flow with the water thus it both causes water pollution and soil pollution (Foy,
2001; Green, 1993; Jin, 2001). So in many places, especial in the rural areas,
there is no fresh water to drink but it is also a lack of running water in these
areas, that it is a great threat to people's health. In addition, with the population
growth, more people move into the city, so this leads an increase on the price of
house. But on the contrary, in order to save the cost to the enterprises, many
enterprises invest in the rural area directly; in order improve its profit, a large
mount of the waste materials are let out into the river without any treatment. To
the city people, with a growth of population, they are also the victims. More and
more people live in the city, that much more rubbish is produced. Now many
cities are crowded with rubbish and it is becoming a headache problem to the
government.
Although in order to have sustainable development, there many barriers before
implementing the six steps to deal with the problems. It mainly concludes political
factors, economic factors, legal factors, educational factor and cultural factors.
Political factors: China is on the way of socialism, but now it is primary stage of
socialism. Although the central government has enacted many laws and politics,
but few of the local officers follow the path of central government. In their eyes,
economy development is the most important. If the economy has risen up, it will
reflect their hard work on the position that it will bring greater chances to
promote. But in fact, it is quite harmful to the local people to a long term.
Economy factors: China is a developing country and developing economy is the
biggest theme all the time. Thus it misleads a large number of the officer pay
much more attention to economic development without regarding the population
problems. But the population problems react to the economy development. The
population problems prohibit the economy development in many places.
Moreover, many local governments are very poor in China especially in the west
of China. Although they realize the population problems are quite harmful to local
development, it is hard to de with it. In order to achieve instant success, GDP is
the best choice, thus they have to give up the idea to deal with population
problems.
Legal factors: China is on the way of primary stage of socialism, many laws are
not perfect. Family planning policy is not effective at present, especially in the
west China. In addition, many of the families have realized the population, but
they prefer boys to girls that there are at least two children if eldest son is a
daughter (Luo, 2008). Moreover, some families have three or four children.
Because of the special national conditions, to some degree, the local law may be
not useful to them because of special relationship in China.
Educational and cultural factors: A survey shows that only 21% of all the Chinese
people enter in school that many people get little education. With little education,
the people could not realize the importance of population problems and they
have little knowledge to protect the publicity. In addition, family planning policy
education is very poor in China's education. Another, there are 56 nations in
China that they differ in culture significantly. Difference in culture will lead
different attitude towards population problems and water protection.
More money is input to deal with population problems and more money is
punished for the parents with more than one child. With the development of
economy, more and more money has been input into deal with population
problems. Because the government have realized that development building on
destroying the environment is an unsustainable way of development because of
population growth. So in order to deal with the population problems, money input
will be a basic factor. And in fact it takes effects in many places.
Education. In order to deal with population problems, education is a key
measure. First, more measures to dealt with the population problems will be
developed through education. Second, through education, it will improve people's
awareness of population problems. Now, China government has input more and
more money in education year by year. At present, many universities have the
major named sociology science or sociology, and so on. It implies that the
government has fully realized the seriousness of the population.
The six step process is developed by Dr. Mark Diesendorf, the University of New
South Wales. He gives us an easy but practical six step process to get a
sustainable development process. The six steps are following.
First, present a guiding vision, goals and scenarios. Second, Develop
sustainability policy in all sectors, at all levels, with all types of instruments. Third,
Create supportive environments. Fouth, Strengthen community action. Fifth,
Develop personal and organizational skills. Sixth, reorient the system.
(Diesendorf, 2000)
The model will be used to give out a sustainable development process to dealing
with population problems in China.
China is becoming one of the core countries in the world, especially after the
economy crisis. But now the population is becoming one of the biggest problems
in China. On the one hand, in order to protect astogeny, more new births are
encouraged, but on the other hand, to have a sustainable development process
and maintain full of vigor, new births are limited. So it is difficult to achieve a
medial policy. Therefore, in order to have a health, livable and sustainable
development in China, there is a vision that is designed for China. The vision
could be: in order to create a country with health, harmonious, and livable lives in
China, China should do its best to improve people's life in a sustainable aspect.
Goals and scenarios: To deal with population problems, there is a long way to
go. First, the growth trend of population problems should be under controls.
There are many families which have more than one child. So measures should
be taken out to restrict the families to deal with the population problems. Second,
reduce the birth rate in rural area, especially in China. There is a lack of
realization of reducing reduce the birth rate thus broadcast of the population
problems is essential to local people to help them realize the seriousness of
population problems around them. Third, improve the life standard to deal with
the population problems. At present, population problems are affected by the life
standard because in many poor places in the west China, people think that more
children mean much happier. Early birth means that early happiness will come.
Forth, more laws should enact to ensure these measures to take effect normally.
First, money is essential to deal with the population problems. Finance support is
one of the most important measures to handle with population problems. Without
money, any treatment measures could not take effect.
Second, stricter laws should be carried out to assess the quality of the people's
life. There could be an annual assessment of the population problems. In
addition, the present laws to assess the population problems should be improved
and perfected.
Third, develop new ways of accumulating the achievements in local official
career. In the past, GDP is unique target to accumulate the achievement in local
official career. But now although GDP is important, the green GDP is
encouraged. If the officer pursue the number of GDP, not focus on the quality of
GDP, it is difficult to deal with population problems efficiently.
Forth, recycle economy is encouraged. In order to have a saving and harmonious
society, recycle is an efficient way. With more children birth every day, more
energy and resources will be consumed, so in order to improve the efficiency of
energy and resources, recycle economy is encouraged.
Fifth, improve monitoring of dealing with population problems. While dealing with
energy and resources, monitoring is important to make sure to operate normally.
Because there is an interpersonal relation in China, that many laws may be
ineffective. So improving monitoring of population problems would be effective to
avoid special interpersonal relation in China.
To deal with population problems efficiently, supportive environments are
necessary. It main contains cooperation, transparency and compliance with
relevant stakeholders. To the families with more two children in the rural areas,
the government should warn them to realize the burden of the family and the
whole society. But the birth control measure should be put among them. The
government should help them how to get birth control in daily life. The
government also could organize a group of specialist to give guide the birth
control.
Population problems in national minority are also not ignored. Useful and
practical ways of birth control should be widely broadcast among them. In
addition, more village officials could be introduced to bring new concerns to
national minority area.
Although many laws have been carried out and will take effect, it is difficult for a
single or few people to take them into practice. So it needs community action. As
James Fallows said in an email (main ideas), in the past decades, because of the
Chinese people's support in the population problems, China's have got greatest
achievement in reducing the number of new birth, they also pave the path to
population problems (Fallows, 2007). It implies that community actions play a
great role in reducing birth rate. So the community should be called to deal with
population problems. To deal with population problems, college students are the
most suitable community. In China, there is a social practical activity in both
summer holiday and winter holiday and now it is becoming a required course to
them. They have many advantages among other groups. For example, people in
the rural area would believe college student more than because many of them
desire to go to university, but they have no chance. Second, the college students
have many channels to deal with the practical problems when they meet in social
practical activity. They can get easily in touch with the specialists. In addition,
there are so many college students in China that they can spread the knowledge
in each corner.
In China, it is a pity that not many personal and organizational skills in dealing
with population problems. The main reasons are following: it is a lack of personal
power among the Chinese people because of the economic level to some
degree. There is also a lack of education and public awareness in reducing
population. As Jared Diamond said, in China there is a low awareness in public
protection, because China input low invest in public education---is just half of the
developed countries as a percentage of GDP. China has a population of 20% of
the world population, but China has put only 1% of the world's investment in
education (Diamond, 2005).
But now the situation is becoming much better than before. More and more
people have poured in deal with population problems voluntarily. For example, a
large number of people want to be volunteers in BeiJing Olympic Games 2008
and ShangHai World Expo in 2010. In addition, the government has input more
(including finance and politics measures) in dealing with the population problems.
Reorient the system is the largest challenge when get a sustainable development
process. Because it links barriers---political factors, economic factors, legal
factors, educational factor and cultural factors together. But the governments
play the greatest role in reorienting the system. As referred above, the central
government has made many useful laws, but the local government could not
follow the path, mainly because there is a large of economic interest to the
government. As GDP is the most important target in their eyes. Another, the
economy growth is imbalance in different areas in China and the concept
diversity towards population in national minority; especially there is a big
difference between west and east. So in order to achieve a sustainable
development, China should reform many laws relevant to population problems.
Each of the six steps could not stand separately. First, in order to realize
sustainable development, the most import thing to do is have a goal and vision,
which is step 1. But without step 1, all the following steps are useless. With a
goal and vision, measures should be carried out to realize the goal. But
measures can take effect only under proper policy; that is step 2. With a politic
guarantee, the measures could take into practice and good supports environment
are necessary; that is step 3. In order carry out the measures, community action
are needed as well, and this step 4, because the laws and measure can take out
by the people, not a single person. But now, in order to have good performance
on reducing birth rate, personal and organization skills will help; that is step 5. To
have a large scale to deal with population problems, there would be a big
challenge that it should reorient the system and that is step 6. In all, the six steps
is an organic entirety.
In conclusion, in order to get a sustainable development in China, population
problem is a serious problem. To deal with population problems, there is a
specific analysis of the background and the victim. All the people in China are the
victim of population problems. In the process of deal with population problems,
there are both barriers and useful factors. The main barriers conclude political
factors, economic factors, legal factors, educational factor and cultural factors,
because China is in the primary stage of socialism. But there are many useful
factors as well including money and education. More and more money is input in
dealing with population problems and invested in education. After analyzing the
background, a six-step process is raising out to deal with population problems. It
includes a guiding vision, goals and scenarios, sustainability policy in all sectors,
supportive environments, community action and personal and organizational
skills. The six steps could not exist alone, on the contrary, they an organic part.

Problem Solution
Every now and then, people have been known to say," What can they do to help
someone they know that is being abused?" There are many different solutions
that people can do to help those in need that are involved in a domestic violence
relationship.
According to the Michigan State Police there are various solutions involved in
assisting someone. Knowing what one is talking about by having some
background on domestic violence. Always let them know that your ears are open
at anytime they need to talk. Help them as much as possible by being respectful,
patient and supportive in learning about their safety. Lastly, never let them think it
is their fault, keep addressing that as much as possible.
There is always ways to get help when someone needs it. They can do so by
calling the confidential National Domestic Hotline (DMVH) at 1-800-799-SAFE
(7233), they are available to the United States, 24 hours, 7 days a week, and
open 365 days a year. The DMVH have counselors to support them in getting
them information and referrals for themselves, their children, shelter, and legal
assistance (Michigan State Police).
There are many other things that you could do to help a victim or even a victim
herself can do. It may be just as easy as picking up a phone book to find out
what organizations in your community help out with such as employment or even
child care. There are other different things that can be done such as seeking
counseling or even support groups. While you are seeking counseling, make
sure you identify weather the counselor is for the abused and has had
experience of working with the abused. Most of all stay active as much as
possible to help your self esteem, self confidence, and getting you independence
back (Women Web, Getting Help).
Domestic violence shelter, often called a women's shelter is a building or set of
apartments where victims of abuse can seek shelter. These shelter locations are
kept confidential so these women's abusers are unable to find them. Shelters are
known to provide those abused and their children with shelter, food and
childcare. Since there are very limited times for residing at a shelter, many
shelters assist in placement of permanent homes and jobs (Help guide).
There are different things that can be done after leaving a shelter so their abuser
doesn't find them. The top 3 things that you can do are: 1.) get and unlisted
number, 2) use a P.O. Box, 3.) open new bank accounts and credit cards (Help
guide).
After discovering how serious Domestic violence actually was, the Domestic
Violence Bill, 2006 was passed. The Domestic Violence Bill was intended to
allow more help and relief of the abuse. The purpose of this Bill was to allow
those involved in domestic violence the maximum protection that the laws can
provide. These laws have made it mandatory for all police stations to have
specific departments to deal with and give legal duty on the officers to assist in a
complaint domestic violence.
Under the provision of this bill, police officers are suppose to advise the victim of
their rights under, help in obtaining shelter, offer medical treatment, and to lodge
a criminal complaint. The Domestic Violence Act also gives police officers the
power to arrest the accused perpetrator, without a warrant who is reasonably
suspected to have committed or who is threatening to commit an act of domestic
violence on a victim. If any person is arrested they are to be brought before a
magistrate within forty-eight hours (Government Gazette)
Under the Michigan Constitution, (Art. I, Sec. 24; eff. Dec. 24, 1988) and
the Crime Victim's Rights Act, (1985 PA 87; MCL 780.751) have given crime
victims the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Making sure all is handled
in a timely manner following an arrest. The victim also has the right to receive
emergency and medical services. Receive an explanation of all court
proceedings. This act allows them to be protected of being free of any threats,
acts, and/or discharge from your employer. The name of the Prosecutor's who is
handling the case. Any scheduled court proceedings, including sentencing, the
defendant's release on bond or escape from custody while awaiting trial. The
probation departments address and telephone number. Attend the court trial and
make an oral statement to a pre-sentence investigator, and to write an impact
statement which will be included in the pre-sentence report. Victims are also
allowed to receive information regarding the conviction, sentence, imprisonment,
and release of the accused. (Michigan Prosecuting Attorney Associations).
There are many different effects of the abuse. If someone had physical abuse
they may suffer from long term health complications. Abused women often have
anxiety, tension, low energy, depression, insomnia, loss of appetite, or even
headaches. They may believe that they failed the relationship. They have also
been known to be ashamed and not allowing others to know exactly what had
happened to them. In just about every case of Domestic Violence, women have
stated that they have lost their self esteem and lack of confidence. Women have
also been known to have anger and fear towards themselves and their abuser.
They are also known to isolate themselves from other such as family and friends
(Women's Web, The Effect of Abuse).
According to Direnfeld (2007), the aftermath of emotional and psychological can
last for several years or even lifetime. It not only affects the victim but also other
family members and later relationships. In many cases, children have the trauma
of the violence. These children grow to become bullies in their own right whose
behavior the violated parent cannot control and whose behavior is reinforced by
the perpetrator.
There are many things that a victim needs to remember, it's very hard to do it all
at once. Between the police, and shelters, the victim has other they can talk to;
rather it is a counselor or even someone that has been through it. There main
thing they need to know what are their rights?
INTRODUCTION
Technically speaking internet is a global network of interconnected networks. All
most all of these networks holds files such as web pages, that can be accessed
by all other networked computers. Every computer or any device like cell phone
etc which is connected to internet have the ability to send and receive files in the
form of emails or another file extensions over the internet. And thus the people all
over the world are connected always. If we place internet in the historical context
and then critically examines the effect of internet use on the social relationships
then we could see that the effects of internet use are largely depended on
particular goals such as self-expression or competition. In 1998, Kraut and his
colleagues cited a correlation between the internet use and declines in social
relationships. After years the same group of people did a study on the original
sample group and founded out that the negative effects of using internet had
dissipated and also it suggested that the internet had a very positive effect on
social and psychological wellbeing of the modern people. Here my aim or
objective is to critically analyse the work done by Bo Xie on the topic The
mutual shaping of online and offline social relationships. The author of this topic
is Dr. Bo Xie, (PhD, Rensselaer Polytechnic ) Assistant Professor in college of
information studies under the University of Maryland. She has published a
number of books on information management. Her Research Interests are in
Health informatics; older adults' learning and use of computers and the Internet;
computer literacy; lifelong learning; civic engagement; volunteering; social
relationships; social support; online communities; health and well-being (http:
//terpconnect.umd. Edu/~ boxie/).As a conclusion of my critical analysis I came to
know that internet has both positive and negative effects on the social
relationships in the modern world.Some of the positive effects are like online
chatting, which will create new friendships and relationships which also helps in
behind in touch with old friends .The same chatting could be the demerit when it
creates wasteful relationships between people while chatting in the net for long
hours. The positive effects of the internet on the social relationships may be
crucial but the demerits of using internet might be destructive

METHOD OF EVALUATION
In the method of evaluation of the research author had interviewed thirty three
participants from OldKids organisation whom falls under old age group and
different educational backgrounds. Here the author tries to point out two culture
specific groups. First -informed by anthropologists on the observation that the
ageing experience difference over cultures and these participants were not
selected by age but by self identification. It contained Chinese citizens. Second-
retired Chinese participants. In the research the author speaks about the social
relationships in the internet age and the social relationships in the later life. She
says that the use of internet in this age reduces social relationship and increases
the social isolation. The studies reveal that this concept was accepted before
years but now the online relationships are more reliable ,realistic, low cost and
easy reachable than in older days. She describes that the digital world or the
internet age is completely independent on on the offline or the physical world.
This is a true fact and the two worlds are entirely different from each other with
their own advantages and disadvantages.The virtual world helps each person to
overcome from the embodied constraints such as sex, age , race and nationality
and gives a quite environment from the outreach of the physical world. But there
is also a chance of getting attracted more towards sexy relationships as the
online users could pass their message shamelessly as they are not seeing each
other face to face. The use of online relations also creates stage frightness in
children. The virtual world creates the same situations prevailing in the physical
world. This hypothesis is right from my point of view as well.Now we could do any
thing in the virtual world that is happening in the physical world expect from the
point of physical contacts. More recently the computer people had created even
virtual bingos were a user could make a profile with a a character and that
character could interact with the other characters whom are created by other
users. From the evidences and the references the author argues that the social
relationships created or formed and maintained through email are perceived by
individuals are less valuable than the relationship created by the one to one face
to face and telephonic relationships. This hypothesis is not completely
acceptable as there are many evidence of people getting more and more
engaged in relationships which is created through internet.But the hypothesis is
acceptable from the point of view that people even can't remember even the
names of their online friends. The supporting nature of the friendship is very less
or rarely visible in online relationship.Evidences shows that friendship is more
attached in the later life of older adults. The virtual online friends tries to meet
and mingle in the physical world of relations. Thus online friends tends to meet
their friends physically face to face

TECHNIQUES USED FOR GATHERING DATA AND ANALYSIS

The techniques used for the collection of datas to support my observations were
absolutely secondary that is by reading the books, journels and and also surfing
in the internet as the nature of the assignment is to critically analyse. As we
analyse the datas available we could say that the research done by Dr.Bo Xie
had some few limitations. The first one is that it has concidered only the people
from china as the samples. The use of internet for making relationships in china
may be different from other parts of the world. As China is technologically
forward than many other countries the online relations could be more in China
than in other countries.Second one is that the research selected only thirty three
participants which is not sufficient for a good research to be conducted. But the
technique used was random sampling which could provide with better results.
The data collection would be better if it could do an online sampling which
includes the people from other parts of the world were there use of internet is not
so common. Third one is that the samples contained only old people and it
completely avoided the new generation which definitely would create a break
through in the research. The data analysis for this study was controlled by
grounded theory where the data collection and analysis occurs simultaneously to
ensure the coevolution of the data and the theory.After interview with each
person the author writes a short description about the feed back including the
time and location of the interview.Its a long process of making a research which
takes much time but helps to include each and every minute details of the
observation. Then the analysis showed that the need to meet offline is in relation
with the need to know more about computers and also to mingle with the friends
in the same age group in the physical world. It also resulted in formations of
some clubs as well. Internet helped the people to connect with the peers who
were physically far away who were not in reach to the old people. This is also an
acceptable fact but we should concider one point that internet is not available in
rural parts of most of the world.

LITERATURE REVIEW
"Greater use of the Internet was also associated with small, but statistically
significant declines in social involvement as measured by communication with
the family and the size of people's local social networks, and with increases in
loneliness, a psychological state associated with social involvement". ( Kraut et
al,1998) "A second study was then done on new purchasers of computer and
televisions, and it also showed that the internet had a positive effect on social
and psychological well-being. Unsurprisingly, this was more pronounced for
extroverts and more socially connected people". (Kraut et al) "Results of a new
three year study are the first to reveal the social consequences of living in a
highly-wired, broadband neighborhood. This research addresses recent interest
in the effects of Internet use on relationships with friends, relatives and
neighbors. The key finding is that living in a wired neighborhood with access to a
high-speed local network encourages greater community involvement, expands
and strengthens local relationships with neighbors and family, and helps maintain
ties with friends and relatives living farther away". (Prof. Keith Hampton and Prof.
Barry Wellman )

MAIN ARGUMENTS
Main argument gives the strength and weakness of the research.
Strengths
The research has well explained how the online relations helped older people in
finding their old peers and making new friends who are physically too far away
from them. The theory used for the research that is the ground theory has
strongly supported the findings and observations of the author. The interviews
were conducted in depth and it has taken down all the points without any miss at
the time of the interview.The analysis is so clear that every one could understand
it without much difficulty.The research clearly mentions how the internet helped
the old people in making a new online world of their own.The resarch gives
references to many great books and authors to make it more reliable.It discusses
the topic with a story which the make the readers more entertained.

Weakness
The research discusses only the positive aspects of old people using
internet.The survey done was not a random survey which decreases the
accuracy of the research. The number of persons selected for the research were
very less like thirty three and also the members were selected from China
only.The research did not give any individual details of the interviewees and it
just give only an outline of a broader topic.The internet is mostly used by
students teenagers etc who were not involved in this research.So there is a
chance of getting inaccurate or even wrong dimensions to the research.It also
not mentions about what happens in the other parts of the world where there is
only a limited access to internet.

DISCUSSION AND EVALUATION

This research topic is more relevent to the modern world while evaluating deeply
and is a must discussed topic.Firstly the use of internet to make peers for the old
people is a topic which accurate to the modern world of stress and tension. Due
to the increase in number of internet users the world becomes familiar to each
individual.The topic is important because in near future nobody might be there
who doesn't know how to work with internet. The evidences put forward by the
researcher are all valid and the theory and the situation used are very
supportive.The conclusion or the outcome of the research is sufficient in giving
the idea of the topic. The research is transparent that the techniques used are
quite appropriate and is been justified. Though the analysis was good the data
collection was not upto the mark but also resulted in better outcome. The
methodology is widely accepted type and sounds proper to the prevailing
situation.Critically examining is the best way to interpret a research and also it
helps in producing better outcomes and a modified future to the stakeholders
CONCLUSION
This critical review comes into the conclusion that the research has a positive
attitude towards the online relationship at the same time it accepts the physical
relationship as well. The aim of the research was to differentiate between online
and offline relationship and it has done its job with perfection. The research is
reliable, acceptable and adds value to the future world. The findings are based
and built on theories so they are accurate .the theory shows that the number of
people attracted towards online relationship is increased due to its positive
aspects. Though online relation creates a virtual distance between the people it
creates an awareness that we are one. The most polished quality of the topic
falls in the relevant nature of the hosen topic. The results obtained can be used
in most of the countries though it cannot be used in some of the rural parts of the
world. The limitations of the research are overcome by the relevance and
importance of the topic. The research gives great contribution to the modern
world of computer. So the validity of the topic is very high.

Executive Summary
The purpose of this report is to assess the effectiveness of the existing Materials
Management System (MMS) in “ABC Construction”, identify the gaps in business
processes and define user needs and stakeholders expectations concerning the
implementation of new Information System (IS) proposed by the Modernization
Committee of the Company.
Field study and research through questionnaires showed that there were major
failures in the existing MMS in the field of planning, tracking and inventory of
materials and equipment. There was no integrated automated control over the
materials planning process. Vendors and Suppliers databases were poor.
Tracking of materials was processed through MS Excel spreadsheet making the
expediting of Suppliers submissions inefficient as sometimes the data was simply
lost which led to mismatch between the Company and Suppliers data in the
context of delivery status.
The control and monitoring of the materials in stock was characterized by
inefficient inventory paperwork. The overall MMS documentation was not
comprehensive enough provoking heavy workload, manual verification of the
data and unsatisfactory reporting which consequently caused failures to meet
construction completion deadlines.
The proposed IS SAP MM was critically evaluated as a potential solution for the
automation of MMS in “ABC Construction”. Taking into consideration principle
business objectives the success of IS was diagnosed by means of IS Success
Framework developed by DeLone and McLean (see Appendix 1).
The outcome of the analysis showed that IS proved to be applicable and could
meet the expectations of either Senior Management or Materials personnel, and
to align with the Company's strategy and business objectives. The main
processes of Materials Management and the relations between “ABC
Construction” and Vendors/Suppliers can be efficiently managed and coordinated
if proposed IS is implemented.
The recommendation to utilize the proposed SAP MM for efficient Material
Management was supported. Professional MM IS and speed of execution can
provide the Company faster time to market, potential growth as a long-term
objective and thus, sustainable future of the business. Further comprehensive
financial analysis for IS implementation project will be conducted by the Financial
Department and presented to stakeholders in order to make final investment
decision.

Introduction
“ABC Construction” is a medium Russian Construction Company founded in
1995 specializing in general construction, construction management, and design
services. It is a material-intensive business in which control over materials
required for construction has a major impact on the revenue of the company.
In order to access the current performance of Material Management System,
identify its inefficiency and define user needs and expectations of the
stakeholders with regards to implementation of new proposed Information
System (IS) a field study and research through questionnaires were conducted.
Based on the results of the interviews and data from the questionnaires of 1
Project Director, 4 Project Managers, 4 Contracts Managers, 5 Chief Engineers,
3 Material Managers and 10 Materials Coordinators the major drawbacks of the
existing MMS were identified in the field of planning, tracking and inventory of
materials and equipment.
The following implications are summarized to describe the outcome of the
research with regards to MMS utilized in the Company:

 There is no efficient automated control over the materials planning

process. Vendors and Suppliers database is poor, not up-to-date, not all
the required information included. Vendor Data requirements are not
defined in terms of requisitions, package and purchase orders (PO), no
materials specifications available and deliveries timelines indicated. No
comprehensive pricing information available in the system.
 Tracking process of status of materials and equipment deliveries is done
through MS Excel spreadsheets making the expediting of Vendor
submissions inefficient. A number of Materials Specialists and
 Coordinators are working on one spreadsheet at the same time and due to
human element while transferring data information may be lost. This
causes the mismatch between the Company and the Contractors data in
terms of materials status.
 Inefficient control over the materials in stock. Inventory reports are not
detailed; shortages of materials are not specified and can be depicted by
means of PIVOT tables only. Materials Coordinators working in various
projects of the Company sometimes do not have enough time for
monitoring the stock which can cause such major problems as failures to
meet construction completion deadlines and initial budget deficit due to
incidental expenditures caused by damaged/lost or undelivered materials
which were not properly indicated in craftwork database.
 The overall MMS documentation is not comprehensive: process sheets,
inventory records, material requisitions, material call-off schedules,
shortage notes, lot tickets, delivery notes and quality test sheets provide
incomplete information and you have to take time and refer to another
documents and spreadsheets to find the required information. There are
no procedures on document standards between the Company and its
vendors/suppliers. Contract Managers are not satisfied with the reporting
system which is not transparent enough and is to be developed to better
standards.

Due to the Company's Modernization Strategy and taking into account the gaps
in the existing MMS a standard integrated IS - SAP MM (Materials Management)
was proposed for implementation within the Company.
The main objectives of IS Implementation set by the Senior Management are as
follows:

 To ensure that “ABC Construction” has the right material, in the right place,
at the right quantity and price.
 To develop and unify materials related procedures and make materials
purchase, transfer and receipt clear for all involved parties.
 To stay competitive in construction market and build a sustainable future.

Analysis and Implications

In order to assess the integral ERP solution SAP MM (module that is used for
Procurement Handling and Inventory Management) was reviewed to evaluate the
applicability of IS to meet the requirements of the stipulated business objectives.
IS was inspected through the application of the success metrics specified in
Updated IS Success Model developed by DeLone and McLean.
SAP MM success evaluation based upon success metrics aligned with
stakeholders expectations is indicated in the table below.
IS Success
# Valued Qualities Preliminary Assessment of SAP MM
Dimensions
Information is comprehensive and
Usability complete.
Consistent track of historical data.
Data can be accessed from multiple
Information
1 Availability / Reliability geographical locations, IS stable and
Quality
reliable.
Adaptability IS flexible architecture with high scalability.
Real-time application, response time is
Response time
short.
Content Personalized Clear definition of user access rights.
IS covers all stages from Planning to
Procurement and Warehousing (see
Completeness Appendix 2).

System High integration with other ERP systems.

2
Quality Relevant Single data storage with the relevant data.
R/3, 3-tier architecture: database,
application server and client, all data stores
Secure on server side.
Encrypted client-server data transfer.
IS if fully integrated and do not require
Assurance
additional adaptation.
Service
3
Quality 24/7 helpdesk.
Developer Support
Easy remote administration options.
Basic training usually takes 5-10 days.
4Usage Simplicity of operation User-friendly interface.
Quick Access to the most updated data.

User Business SAP MM is able to provide the required

5 graphs and analytics for planning, tracking
satisfaction purposesorientation
and inventory; reporting structures are
 clear and easy to reconfigure.
IS lowers total cost of ownership with a
scalable and flexible solution that enables
to implement enterprise-wide changes and
Improved Cost Control deploy them globally.
IS improves efficiency with a solution that
has the functionality to support the
business processes.
IS optimizes vendor base, improves
inventory turnover and cycle times, and
reduces operational costs.
IS covers all tasks within the supply chain,
6Net benefits
including consumption-based planning,
Improved Strategic
planning, vendor evaluation and invoice
and Operational
verification. It also includes inventory and
Procurement
warehouse management to manage stock
until usage dictates the cycle should begin
again.
Electronic Kanban/Just-in-Time delivery is
supported.
IS enables management oversight; support
Information overall decision-making processes.
transparency
IS facilitates time saving.
One of the main objectives of the capabilities of described IS is to improve
streamline collaboration between the Materials Department and its suppliers
while drastically decreasing procurement and inventory costs and maximizing the
value of relationships on both sides. Thus, the supplier participation and
automation of cross-company processes are increasing which leads to
enhancing the supply chain visibility, to increasing the overall speed accuracy,
and adaptability of Vendors which is vital for construction field.
Proposed IS can improve and simplify the inventory procedures and control over
stock in the Company. IS Supplier portal component is available. That eliminates
manual data entry, improves internal and external communications and reduces
errors and process costs. IS provides the required transparency of the Material
Management processes and Supplier/Vendor base visibility enabling companies
to monitor and evaluate suppliers with real-time performance feedback.
The following expectations of the Company can be met if proposed IS is
implemented:
  Automation, simplification and acceleration of Material Management
processes.
 Less mismatching between Supplier/Vendor and the Company's status
documentation
 Accurate and detailed information on Supplier/Vendor abilities and rates.
 Improved reporting system and configuration of the reports per
requirements of Senior Management, Materials Staff and Financial Dept.
 Lowered procurement and inventory costs; improved asset utilization.
 Reduced risk of supply and delays through the efficient IS electronic
tracking.
 Reduced downtime & overtime; paperwork, adjustment and compilation of
the forms.

Recommendations
Based on the results of SAP MM critical evaluation the IS proves to be applicable
in order to develop or replace the existing MMS in “ABC Construction” and to
meet the expectations of either Senior Management or Materials personnel, and
to align with the Company's strategy and business objectives. The principal
processes of Materials Management can be fully monitored and controlled if
proposed IS is implemented.
Therefore, the recommendation to utilize the proposed SAP MM for efficient
Material Management is supported. To build a sustainable future and to remain
competitive in construction market the materials and equipment as well as
relations of “ABC Construction” with Vendors/Suppliers can be efficiently
managed and coordinated through proposed SAP MM. Professional MM IS and
speed of execution can provide the Company with faster time to market and
potential growth of business as a long-term objective.
Further comprehensive financial assessment in terms of costs and commercial
value, benefits and risks of the IS implementation project is to be conducted by
the Financial Department and presented to stakeholders in order to make final
investment decision. Microsoft Rapid Economic Justification (REJ) Framework
can be recommended for further reference see Figure below.

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