Just because you received a structured settlement for your lawsuit, it doesn't mean you have to wait for years to get the money. There are many settlement purchasing companies that will give you instant cash for your structured settlement. These companies can pay cash for the entire structured settlement or purchase your remaining periodic settlement payments. You can spend this lump-sum payment on anything-a house, college tuition, business investments or debts.
What Is a Structured Settlement?
A structured settlement, which typically results from a personal injury lawsuit, is an agreement where you consent to accept payments over time in exchange for the release of liability for your claim. A structured settlement can provide payments in almost any manner you choose. For example, the settlement may be paid in annual installments over a number of years or in periodic payouts every few years.
These payments are generally awarded through the purchase of one or more annuities from a life insurance company. Structured settlements can also be used with lottery winnings, contest prize money and other situations with substantial cash awards.
Structured Settlements Not Always the Best Fit
In theory, structured settlements are designed to provide long-term financial security to injury victims through tax-free payments. And for most people, the agreed-upon structured payment plan initially makes sense. However, a financial emergency, a business opportunity, an unforeseen medical expense, or a house purchase can put a strain on the injured party's finances.
And the structured nature of the settlement may become too restrictive to cover major financial purchases. Also, a structured settlement may not be the best option for investing. There are many other investment vehicles that can generate greater long-term return than the annuities used in structured settlements. Therefore, some people may be better off getting cash for their structured settlement and then building their own investment portfolio.
How Getting Cash for a Structured Settlement Works
If you receive an award from your injury case, an attorney or financial advisor will likely recommend setting up periodic installment payments instead of giving you a lump sum of cash up front for your structured settlement. Then, an independent third party will purchase an annuity that will provide you with tax-free periodic payments.
Companies that offer cash for structured settlements have a variety of programs that can allow you to access any portion of your annuity. For example, you may want to sell as little as four year's worth of payments or receive a lump-sum payment while still enjoying some portion of your monthly payment. Or you can sell your settlement for a large payment that is five or six years in the future. You can also customize an arrangement to get cash for a structured settlement based on your unique needs.
Here's an example of how obtaining cash for a structured settlement works: Let's say you were in an accident five years ago. The accident caused you to be hospitalized for several months and undergo nearly a year's worth of physical therapy. So you hired an attorney and sued the responsible individual-or, rather, the person's insurance company. Ultimately, your attorney advises you that you'll be awarded a substantial sum of money.
After several months or years of negotiation, you receive a sizable settlement. However, the cash you get upfront is only enough to cover the medical expenses. The rest of your compensation is scheduled to be paid out in regular installments through an annuity over the next 15 to 30 years. Rather than being restricted to monthly or annual payments, you contact a settlement purchaser to secure immediate cash for your structured settlement. You're then able to use the cash to enhance your current cash flow-rather than waiting on periodic future payments.
Legal Issues of Receiving Cash for a Structured Settlement
If you're contemplating getting cash for your structured settlement, it's important to contact a financial advisor. Most states have regulations that limit the sale of structured settlements, so you'll need court approval to receive cash for your structured settlement. Federal restrictions also may affect the sale of structured settlements to a third-party individual. And some insurance companies won't transfer annuities to third parties.
Also, before you attempt to obtain cash for a structured settlement, be sure to do your homework. Check out multiple companies to see which one can offer you the most cash for your structured settlement. You also want to examine their integrity, reputation and track record. This will help ensure you have the most positive experience obtaining cash for your structured settlement.
Friday, 13 August 2010
How to Design Fabric Structures
A fabric structures is membrane/ or fabric under prestress ( tension ) stage. A structural elements and supporting system required to maintain the tension form. Two shapes are evident in tension fabric structures.
A. Anticlastic structures with two double in opposite curvature. These type of structuresShape carried many free tension fabric forms. Example of pure tensile fabric structures.
B. Synclastic structures with two double curvatures in the same direction. Example of Air supported structures.
Anticlastic curves take a wide variety of free forms but are commonly made up from some basic shapes. The fabric structures form are cone, arched vault and the hypar.
The Cone
- Single cone, multiples cones, fixed edge at the parameter of cone, catenary edges/ or cables edge at the parameter of the cone, variations in overall peak heights, or inverted cone (cone upside down).
The Arched Vault
- Parallel arches or crossed arches.
The Hyper -
- Two opposing high points and two opposing low points.
Fabric structures give natural diffuse light but with reduced heat load. The high reflectivity of the white membrane fabric is very efficient. An very good alternative to polycarbonate or glass as a roof glazingsystem.
Light penetrates into tensile fabric membrane with natural light and at night the artificial light provide an ambience of great appeal to many people.
In day time the light transmission is typically 5% - 20%, it is just sufficient to eliminate or greatly reduce the need for artificial lighting in day time. With little or no artificial lighting a heat load is reduced. Absorption of solar energy in the fabric structures is typically 4% to 17%.
With colored fabrics, in particularly dark colored fabric membranes, the absorption of heat is very high and the re?radiated effect can be strong and therefore unpleasant. For this reason white should be chosen for enclosed or shade structures in tensile fabric structures application.
Fabric structures offer both the roof and the cladding in one element, the tensile membrane structures provides all of this in one structural element. Therefore the structural element is important for structural appearance: -
(a) Seam and Curve in the tensile fabric structures reflect tension forces hence create eye catching character.
(b) Structure, lighting, fire sprinkle and other expose elements in the space compliment each other.
Some of the practical advantages of Tension Fabric Structures are:
(c) low maintenance compare to glass;
(d) factory manufacture of the membrane minimizing site interruptions;
(e) Membrane factory welded into single weatherproof skin eliminating expansion joints;
(f) large span with more coverage;
(g) Designed for rapid construction.
REINFORCED FABRIC MEMBRANE TYPES
Two fabric membrane types are commonly used in tension fabric structures:
I PVDF/PVC Coated Polyester
(Polyvinyl DeneFlouride)
II PTFE Coated Fiberglass
(PolyTetraFluoroEthylene)
I TENSILE FABRIC STRUCTURES - PVC COATED POLYESTER
This material has been widely used for fabric structures for over twenty years. The material is easily handled and welded using fabric structures high frequency welders. International convention has defined four grades of fabric based on mechanical properties, weights and strengths increase up to grade IV. The project engineers usually make fabric selection after shape analysis. The grading and types depend on fabric manufacturers.
There are several types of PVC fabrics classified according to surface coatings see below.
The PVC coated polyester fabrics offer significant cost advantages over PTFE coated Fiberglass fabrics.
The life span of a PVC coated polyester architectural fabric should exceed fifteen years.
(a) Acrylic Typically used where the fabric is colored. This type of fabric does not have as good properties for self cleaning or for life expectancy as compared with PVDF or PTFE fabrics. Acrylic coated can be welded conventionally without any surface treatment. Warranty 3-5 years and for smaller structure.
(b) PVDF (Polyvinyl DeneFlouride) coating This coating has excellent theoretical properties for long term clean ability and protects the PVC and polyester. All architectural fabric should be specified with antiwick base fabrics. Wicking is the problem where water creeps internally along the thread lines of the fabric leading to unsightly staining of the fabric and possible de lamination. Warranty for 7-12 years depend type and made of fabric.
II TENSILE FABRIC STRUCTURES - PTFE (PolyTetraFluoroEthylene ) COATED FIBREGLASS
PTFE is chemically inert and offers excellent self cleaning properties, fire resistance and life span life spans typically exceed twenty five years.
PTFE coated Fiberglass is very expensive but is competitive with glass. The main problem with PTFE is that it requires very careful handling during the construction phase. The installation of PTFE coated Fiberglass fabric requires much more care and more complex detailing than the PVC coated polyester fabrics.
The fabric for tension fabric structures is not weldable with conventional high frequency equipment but uses a special iron. Particular properties of PTFE allow it to be welded and unwelded using the same machinery. This allows damaged panels to be repaired on site.
A. Anticlastic structures with two double in opposite curvature. These type of structuresShape carried many free tension fabric forms. Example of pure tensile fabric structures.
B. Synclastic structures with two double curvatures in the same direction. Example of Air supported structures.
Anticlastic curves take a wide variety of free forms but are commonly made up from some basic shapes. The fabric structures form are cone, arched vault and the hypar.
The Cone
- Single cone, multiples cones, fixed edge at the parameter of cone, catenary edges/ or cables edge at the parameter of the cone, variations in overall peak heights, or inverted cone (cone upside down).
The Arched Vault
- Parallel arches or crossed arches.
The Hyper -
- Two opposing high points and two opposing low points.
Fabric structures give natural diffuse light but with reduced heat load. The high reflectivity of the white membrane fabric is very efficient. An very good alternative to polycarbonate or glass as a roof glazingsystem.
Light penetrates into tensile fabric membrane with natural light and at night the artificial light provide an ambience of great appeal to many people.
In day time the light transmission is typically 5% - 20%, it is just sufficient to eliminate or greatly reduce the need for artificial lighting in day time. With little or no artificial lighting a heat load is reduced. Absorption of solar energy in the fabric structures is typically 4% to 17%.
With colored fabrics, in particularly dark colored fabric membranes, the absorption of heat is very high and the re?radiated effect can be strong and therefore unpleasant. For this reason white should be chosen for enclosed or shade structures in tensile fabric structures application.
Fabric structures offer both the roof and the cladding in one element, the tensile membrane structures provides all of this in one structural element. Therefore the structural element is important for structural appearance: -
(a) Seam and Curve in the tensile fabric structures reflect tension forces hence create eye catching character.
(b) Structure, lighting, fire sprinkle and other expose elements in the space compliment each other.
Some of the practical advantages of Tension Fabric Structures are:
(c) low maintenance compare to glass;
(d) factory manufacture of the membrane minimizing site interruptions;
(e) Membrane factory welded into single weatherproof skin eliminating expansion joints;
(f) large span with more coverage;
(g) Designed for rapid construction.
REINFORCED FABRIC MEMBRANE TYPES
Two fabric membrane types are commonly used in tension fabric structures:
I PVDF/PVC Coated Polyester
(Polyvinyl DeneFlouride)
II PTFE Coated Fiberglass
(PolyTetraFluoroEthylene)
I TENSILE FABRIC STRUCTURES - PVC COATED POLYESTER
This material has been widely used for fabric structures for over twenty years. The material is easily handled and welded using fabric structures high frequency welders. International convention has defined four grades of fabric based on mechanical properties, weights and strengths increase up to grade IV. The project engineers usually make fabric selection after shape analysis. The grading and types depend on fabric manufacturers.
There are several types of PVC fabrics classified according to surface coatings see below.
The PVC coated polyester fabrics offer significant cost advantages over PTFE coated Fiberglass fabrics.
The life span of a PVC coated polyester architectural fabric should exceed fifteen years.
(a) Acrylic Typically used where the fabric is colored. This type of fabric does not have as good properties for self cleaning or for life expectancy as compared with PVDF or PTFE fabrics. Acrylic coated can be welded conventionally without any surface treatment. Warranty 3-5 years and for smaller structure.
(b) PVDF (Polyvinyl DeneFlouride) coating This coating has excellent theoretical properties for long term clean ability and protects the PVC and polyester. All architectural fabric should be specified with antiwick base fabrics. Wicking is the problem where water creeps internally along the thread lines of the fabric leading to unsightly staining of the fabric and possible de lamination. Warranty for 7-12 years depend type and made of fabric.
II TENSILE FABRIC STRUCTURES - PTFE (PolyTetraFluoroEthylene ) COATED FIBREGLASS
PTFE is chemically inert and offers excellent self cleaning properties, fire resistance and life span life spans typically exceed twenty five years.
PTFE coated Fiberglass is very expensive but is competitive with glass. The main problem with PTFE is that it requires very careful handling during the construction phase. The installation of PTFE coated Fiberglass fabric requires much more care and more complex detailing than the PVC coated polyester fabrics.
The fabric for tension fabric structures is not weldable with conventional high frequency equipment but uses a special iron. Particular properties of PTFE allow it to be welded and unwelded using the same machinery. This allows damaged panels to be repaired on site.
Financial Security through Structured Settlements
Structured settlements have become a natural part of personal injury and worker's compensation claims in the United States, according to the National Structured Settlements Trade Association (NSSTA). In 2001, life insurance members of NSSTA wrote more than $6.05 billion of issued annuities as settlement for physical injury claims. This represents a 19 percent increase over 2000.
A structured settlement is the dispersement of money for a legal claim where all or part of the arrangement calls for future periodic payments. The money is paid in regular installments--annually, semi-annually or quarterly--either for a fixed period or for the lifetime of the claimant. Depending on the needs of the individual involved, the structure may also include some immediate payment to cover special damages. The payment is usually made through the purchase of an annuity from a Life Insurance Company.
A structured settlement structure can provide long-term financial security to injury victims and their families through a stream of tax-free payments tailored to their needs. Historically, they were first utilized in Canada and the United States during the 1970s as an alternative to lump-sum payments for injured parties. A structured settlement can also be used in situations involving lottery winnings and other substantial funds.
How a Structured Settlement Works
When a plaintiff settles a case for a large sum of money, the defendant, the plaintiff's attorney, or a financial planner may propose paying the settlement in installments over time rather than in a single lump sum.
A structured settlement is actually a tradeoff. The individuals who were injured and/or their parents or guardians work with their lawyer and an outside broker to determine future medical and living needs. This includes all upcoming operations, therapy, medical devices and other health care needs. Then, an annuity is purchased and held by an independent third party that makes payments to the person who has been injured. Unlike stock dividends or bank interest, these structured settlement payments are completely tax-free. What's more, the individual's annuity grows tax-free.
Pros and Cons
As with anything, there's a positive and negative side to structure settlements. One significant advantage is tax avoidance. When appropriately set up, a structured settlement may significantly reduce the plaintiff's tax obligations (as a result of the settlement). Another benefit is that a structured settlement can help ensure a plaintiff has the funds to pay for future care or needs. In other words, a structured settlement can help protect a plaintiff from himself.
Let's face it: Some people have a hard time managing money, or saying no to friends and family wanting to "share the wealth." Receiving money in installment can make it last longer.
A downside to structure settlements is the built-in structure (no pun intended). Some people may feel restricted by periodic payments. For example, they may want to buy a new home or other expensive item, yet lack the funds to do so. They can't borrow against future payments under their settlement, so they're stuck until their next installment payment arrives.
And from an investment perspective, a structured settlement may not make the most sense for everyone. Many standard investments can provide a greater long-term return than the annuities used in structured settlements. So some people may be better off accepting a lump sum settlement and then investing it for themselves.
Here are some other important points to keep in mind about structured settlements: An injured person with long-term special needs may benefit from having periodic lump sums to purchase medical equipment. Minors may benefit from a structured settlement that provides for certain costs when they're young--such as educational expenses--instead of during adulthood.
Special Considerations
- Injured parties should be wary of potential exploitation or hazards related to structured settlements. They should carefully consider:
- High Commissions - Annuities can be highly profitable for insurance companies, and they often carry very large commissions. It is important to ensure that the commissions charged in setting up a structured settlement don't eat up too much of its principal.
- Inflated Value - Sometimes, the defense will overstate the value of a negotiated structured settlement. As a result, the plaintiff winds up with much less than was agreed upon. Plaintiffs should compare the fees and commissions charged for similar settlement packages by a variety of insurance companies to make sure that they're getting full value.
- Conflict of Interest - There have been situations where the plaintiff's attorney has referred the client to a particular financial planner to set up a structured settlement, without disclosing he would receive a referral fee. In other cases, the plaintiff's lawyer has set up a structured settlement on behalf of a client without revealing the annuities are being purchased from his own insurance business. Plaintiffs should know what financial interest their lawyer may have in relation to any financial services being provided or recommended.
- Using Multiple Insurance Companies - It's advisable to purchase annuities for a structured settlement from several different companies. This offers protection in the event a company that issued annuities for a settlement package goes into bankruptcy and defaults.
Benefits of Selling A Settlement
A structured settlement is specifically designed to meet the needs of the plaintiff at the time it's created. But what happens if the installment arrangement no longer works for the individual? If you need cash for a large purchase or other expenses, consider selling your structured settlement. Many companies can purchase all or part of your remaining periodic settlement payments for one lump sum. This can boost your cash flow by providing funds you can use immediately to buy a home, pay college tuition, invest in a business or pay off debt.
If you're considering cashing out your structured settlement, contact your attorney first. Depending on the state you live in, you may have to go to court to get approval for the buyout. About two thirds of states have laws that limit the sale of structured settlements, according to the NSSTA. Tax-free structured settlements are also subject to federal restrictions on their sale to a third party, and some insurance companies won't assign or transfer annuities to third parties.
When selling your structure settlement, check with multiple companies to make sure that you get the highest payoff. Also, be sure the company buying your settlement is reputable and well-established. And keep in mind that if the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
A structured settlement is the dispersement of money for a legal claim where all or part of the arrangement calls for future periodic payments. The money is paid in regular installments--annually, semi-annually or quarterly--either for a fixed period or for the lifetime of the claimant. Depending on the needs of the individual involved, the structure may also include some immediate payment to cover special damages. The payment is usually made through the purchase of an annuity from a Life Insurance Company.
A structured settlement structure can provide long-term financial security to injury victims and their families through a stream of tax-free payments tailored to their needs. Historically, they were first utilized in Canada and the United States during the 1970s as an alternative to lump-sum payments for injured parties. A structured settlement can also be used in situations involving lottery winnings and other substantial funds.
How a Structured Settlement Works
When a plaintiff settles a case for a large sum of money, the defendant, the plaintiff's attorney, or a financial planner may propose paying the settlement in installments over time rather than in a single lump sum.
A structured settlement is actually a tradeoff. The individuals who were injured and/or their parents or guardians work with their lawyer and an outside broker to determine future medical and living needs. This includes all upcoming operations, therapy, medical devices and other health care needs. Then, an annuity is purchased and held by an independent third party that makes payments to the person who has been injured. Unlike stock dividends or bank interest, these structured settlement payments are completely tax-free. What's more, the individual's annuity grows tax-free.
Pros and Cons
As with anything, there's a positive and negative side to structure settlements. One significant advantage is tax avoidance. When appropriately set up, a structured settlement may significantly reduce the plaintiff's tax obligations (as a result of the settlement). Another benefit is that a structured settlement can help ensure a plaintiff has the funds to pay for future care or needs. In other words, a structured settlement can help protect a plaintiff from himself.
Let's face it: Some people have a hard time managing money, or saying no to friends and family wanting to "share the wealth." Receiving money in installment can make it last longer.
A downside to structure settlements is the built-in structure (no pun intended). Some people may feel restricted by periodic payments. For example, they may want to buy a new home or other expensive item, yet lack the funds to do so. They can't borrow against future payments under their settlement, so they're stuck until their next installment payment arrives.
And from an investment perspective, a structured settlement may not make the most sense for everyone. Many standard investments can provide a greater long-term return than the annuities used in structured settlements. So some people may be better off accepting a lump sum settlement and then investing it for themselves.
Here are some other important points to keep in mind about structured settlements: An injured person with long-term special needs may benefit from having periodic lump sums to purchase medical equipment. Minors may benefit from a structured settlement that provides for certain costs when they're young--such as educational expenses--instead of during adulthood.
Special Considerations
- Injured parties should be wary of potential exploitation or hazards related to structured settlements. They should carefully consider:
- High Commissions - Annuities can be highly profitable for insurance companies, and they often carry very large commissions. It is important to ensure that the commissions charged in setting up a structured settlement don't eat up too much of its principal.
- Inflated Value - Sometimes, the defense will overstate the value of a negotiated structured settlement. As a result, the plaintiff winds up with much less than was agreed upon. Plaintiffs should compare the fees and commissions charged for similar settlement packages by a variety of insurance companies to make sure that they're getting full value.
- Conflict of Interest - There have been situations where the plaintiff's attorney has referred the client to a particular financial planner to set up a structured settlement, without disclosing he would receive a referral fee. In other cases, the plaintiff's lawyer has set up a structured settlement on behalf of a client without revealing the annuities are being purchased from his own insurance business. Plaintiffs should know what financial interest their lawyer may have in relation to any financial services being provided or recommended.
- Using Multiple Insurance Companies - It's advisable to purchase annuities for a structured settlement from several different companies. This offers protection in the event a company that issued annuities for a settlement package goes into bankruptcy and defaults.
Benefits of Selling A Settlement
A structured settlement is specifically designed to meet the needs of the plaintiff at the time it's created. But what happens if the installment arrangement no longer works for the individual? If you need cash for a large purchase or other expenses, consider selling your structured settlement. Many companies can purchase all or part of your remaining periodic settlement payments for one lump sum. This can boost your cash flow by providing funds you can use immediately to buy a home, pay college tuition, invest in a business or pay off debt.
If you're considering cashing out your structured settlement, contact your attorney first. Depending on the state you live in, you may have to go to court to get approval for the buyout. About two thirds of states have laws that limit the sale of structured settlements, according to the NSSTA. Tax-free structured settlements are also subject to federal restrictions on their sale to a third party, and some insurance companies won't assign or transfer annuities to third parties.
When selling your structure settlement, check with multiple companies to make sure that you get the highest payoff. Also, be sure the company buying your settlement is reputable and well-established. And keep in mind that if the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Effective Organization Structure Acts As Life Blood of Business
An organization structure is the way inwhich the tasks and subtasks required to implement a strategy are arranged. The diagrammatical representation of structure could be an organization chart but a chart shows only the 'skeleton'. The 'flesh and blood' that brings to life an organization is the several mechanisms that support the structure. All these cannot be depicted on a chart. But a strategist has to grapple with the complexities of creating the structure, making it work, redesigning when required, and implementing changes that will keep the structure relevant to the needs of the strategies that have to be implemented. Successful strategy formulation does not guarantee successful strategy implementation. Varies among different types & sizes of organizations Organization Structure Organizational structure & the controls that are a part of it affect firm's performance. When the firm's strategy is not matched with the most appropriate structure & controls, performance declines. Specifies the firm's formal reporting relationships, procedures, controls & authority, and decision-making process. Influences how managers work & the decisions resulting from that work. Specifies the work to be done & how to do it given the firm's strategy or strategies. Provides the stability a firm needs to successfully implement its strategies & maintain it's competitive advantages.
Structural Stability: Provides the capacity the firm requires to consistently and Predictably manage its daily work routines. Structural Flexibility: Provides the opportunity to explore competitive possibilities & allocate resources to activities that will shape the competitive advantages of the firm that it will need to be successful in the future.
Structure & Strategy
o Structure dictates how objectives & policies will be established.
o Structure dictates how resources will be allocated.
Matching Structure w/ Strategy Changes in strategy = Changes in structure Basic Forms of Structure
Mainly categorized in five types:
1. Entrepreneurial Structure
2. Functional Structure
3. Divisional Structure
4. Strategic Business Unit Structure (SBU)
5. Matrix Structure
1. Entrepreneurial Structure
The most elementary form of structure and is appropriate for an organization that is owned and managed by one person. A small-scale industrial unit, a small proprietary concern, or a mini-service outlet may exhibit the characteristics of organizations, which are based on an entrepreneurial structure.
Advantages of Entrepreneurial Structure
o Quick decision-making, as power is centralized.
o Timely response to environmental changes
Disadvantages of Entrepreneurial Structure
o Excessive reliance on the owner-manager and so proves to be demanding for the owner-manager
o May divert the attention of owner-manager to day-to-day operational matters and ignore strategic decision
o Increasingly inadequate for future requirements if volume of business expands
2. Functional Structure
As the volume of business expands, the entrepreneurial structure outlives its usefulness. The need arises for specialized skills and delegation of authority to managers who can look after different functional areas. The functional structure seeks to distribute decision-making and operational authority along functional lines. Most widely used as simple and least expensive.
Advantages of functional structure
o Efficient distribution of work through specialization.
o Delegation of day-to-day operational functions
o Providing time for the top management to focus on strategic decisions
Disadvantages of functional structure
o Creates difficulty in coordination among different functional areas
o Creates specialists, which results in narrow specialization, often at the cost of the overall benefit of the organization
o Leads to functional, and line and staff conflicts
o Minimizes career development opportunities
o Poor delegation of authority, inadequate planning for products and markets
3. Divisional Structure
The structural needs of expansion and growth are satisfied by the functional structure but only up to a limit. There comes a time in the life of organizations when growth and increasing complexity in term of geographic expansion, market segmentation and diversification make the functional structure in adequate. Second most common type of structure can be organized by:
- Geographic area
- Product or service
- Customer
- Process
o Advantages
- Clear accountability
- Higher employee morale
- Creates career development opportunities for managers
- Allows local control of situations
- Leads to a competitive climate within an organization
- Allows new businesses and products to be added easily
o Disadvantages
- Can be costly to set up
- Each division requires functional specialists
- Duplication of staff services, facilities, and personnel
- Managers must be well qualified
- Requires an elaborate, headquarters-driven control system
- Competition between divisions may become so intense that it is dysfunctional
4. The Strategic Business Unit (SBU)
Any part of a business organization, which is treated separately for strategic management purposes. When organizations face difficulty in managing divisional operations due to an increasing diversity, size, and number of divisions, it becomes difficult for the top management to exercise strategic control. Here, the concept of an SBU is helpful in creating an SBU-organizational structure. In multidivisional organizations, an SBU structure can greatly facilitate strategy-implementation efforts.
Advantages of Strategic Business Unit (SBU)
º Establishes coordination between divisions having common strategic interests.
º Facilitates strategic management and control of large, diverse organizations.
º Fixes accountability at the level of distinct business units.
Disadvantages of Strategic Business Unit (SBU)
º There are too many different SBUs to handle effectively in a large, diverse organisation.
º Difficulty in assigning responsibility and defining autonomy for SBU heads.
º Addition of another layer of management between corporate and divisional management.
5. The Matrix Structure
Most complex of all designs - requires both vertical and horizontal flows of authority and communication. In large organization, there is often a need to work on major products or project each of which is strategically significant.
Advantages of The Matrix Structure
- Project objectives are clear
- Many channels of communication
- Workers can see visible results of their work
- Shutting down a project can be accomplished relatively easily
- Facilitates the use of specialized personnel, equipment, and facilities
Disadvantages of The Matrix Structure
- Can result in higher overhead
- Dual lines of budget authority
- Dual sources of reward and punishment
- Shared authority
- Dual reporting channels
- Need for an extensive and effective communication system
º All the structure has their own advantages and disadvantages.
º It is task of strategists to choose the type of structure that would suite their strategies best.
º We usually conceive of organization structure as a chart consisting of boxes in which the names of position or designations of personnel (and sometimes the name of the person occupying the position) are written in a hierarchical order along with the depiction of the relationship that exists between various positions. To a strategist, an organization structure is not only a chart but much more.
Structural Stability: Provides the capacity the firm requires to consistently and Predictably manage its daily work routines. Structural Flexibility: Provides the opportunity to explore competitive possibilities & allocate resources to activities that will shape the competitive advantages of the firm that it will need to be successful in the future.
Structure & Strategy
o Structure dictates how objectives & policies will be established.
o Structure dictates how resources will be allocated.
Matching Structure w/ Strategy Changes in strategy = Changes in structure Basic Forms of Structure
Mainly categorized in five types:
1. Entrepreneurial Structure
2. Functional Structure
3. Divisional Structure
4. Strategic Business Unit Structure (SBU)
5. Matrix Structure
1. Entrepreneurial Structure
The most elementary form of structure and is appropriate for an organization that is owned and managed by one person. A small-scale industrial unit, a small proprietary concern, or a mini-service outlet may exhibit the characteristics of organizations, which are based on an entrepreneurial structure.
Advantages of Entrepreneurial Structure
o Quick decision-making, as power is centralized.
o Timely response to environmental changes
Disadvantages of Entrepreneurial Structure
o Excessive reliance on the owner-manager and so proves to be demanding for the owner-manager
o May divert the attention of owner-manager to day-to-day operational matters and ignore strategic decision
o Increasingly inadequate for future requirements if volume of business expands
2. Functional Structure
As the volume of business expands, the entrepreneurial structure outlives its usefulness. The need arises for specialized skills and delegation of authority to managers who can look after different functional areas. The functional structure seeks to distribute decision-making and operational authority along functional lines. Most widely used as simple and least expensive.
Advantages of functional structure
o Efficient distribution of work through specialization.
o Delegation of day-to-day operational functions
o Providing time for the top management to focus on strategic decisions
Disadvantages of functional structure
o Creates difficulty in coordination among different functional areas
o Creates specialists, which results in narrow specialization, often at the cost of the overall benefit of the organization
o Leads to functional, and line and staff conflicts
o Minimizes career development opportunities
o Poor delegation of authority, inadequate planning for products and markets
3. Divisional Structure
The structural needs of expansion and growth are satisfied by the functional structure but only up to a limit. There comes a time in the life of organizations when growth and increasing complexity in term of geographic expansion, market segmentation and diversification make the functional structure in adequate. Second most common type of structure can be organized by:
- Geographic area
- Product or service
- Customer
- Process
o Advantages
- Clear accountability
- Higher employee morale
- Creates career development opportunities for managers
- Allows local control of situations
- Leads to a competitive climate within an organization
- Allows new businesses and products to be added easily
o Disadvantages
- Can be costly to set up
- Each division requires functional specialists
- Duplication of staff services, facilities, and personnel
- Managers must be well qualified
- Requires an elaborate, headquarters-driven control system
- Competition between divisions may become so intense that it is dysfunctional
4. The Strategic Business Unit (SBU)
Any part of a business organization, which is treated separately for strategic management purposes. When organizations face difficulty in managing divisional operations due to an increasing diversity, size, and number of divisions, it becomes difficult for the top management to exercise strategic control. Here, the concept of an SBU is helpful in creating an SBU-organizational structure. In multidivisional organizations, an SBU structure can greatly facilitate strategy-implementation efforts.
Advantages of Strategic Business Unit (SBU)
º Establishes coordination between divisions having common strategic interests.
º Facilitates strategic management and control of large, diverse organizations.
º Fixes accountability at the level of distinct business units.
Disadvantages of Strategic Business Unit (SBU)
º There are too many different SBUs to handle effectively in a large, diverse organisation.
º Difficulty in assigning responsibility and defining autonomy for SBU heads.
º Addition of another layer of management between corporate and divisional management.
5. The Matrix Structure
Most complex of all designs - requires both vertical and horizontal flows of authority and communication. In large organization, there is often a need to work on major products or project each of which is strategically significant.
Advantages of The Matrix Structure
- Project objectives are clear
- Many channels of communication
- Workers can see visible results of their work
- Shutting down a project can be accomplished relatively easily
- Facilitates the use of specialized personnel, equipment, and facilities
Disadvantages of The Matrix Structure
- Can result in higher overhead
- Dual lines of budget authority
- Dual sources of reward and punishment
- Shared authority
- Dual reporting channels
- Need for an extensive and effective communication system
º All the structure has their own advantages and disadvantages.
º It is task of strategists to choose the type of structure that would suite their strategies best.
º We usually conceive of organization structure as a chart consisting of boxes in which the names of position or designations of personnel (and sometimes the name of the person occupying the position) are written in a hierarchical order along with the depiction of the relationship that exists between various positions. To a strategist, an organization structure is not only a chart but much more.
J. Chem. Phys.
First principles nuclear magnetic resonance signatures of graphene oxide
, , , andNuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has been widely used in graphene oxide (GO) structure studies. However, the detailed relationship between its spectroscopic features and the GO structural configuration remains elusive. Based on first principles 13C chemical shift calculations using the gauge including projector augmented waves method, we provide a reliable spectrum-structure connection. The 13C chemical shift in GO is found to be very sensitive to the atomic environment, even for the same type of oxidation groups. Factors determining the chemical shifts of epoxy and hydroxy groups have been discussed. GO structures previously reported in the literature have been checked from the NMR point of view. The energetically favorable hydroxy chain structure is not expected to be widely existed in real GO samples according to our NMR simulations. The epoxy pair species we proposed previously is also supported by chemical shift calculations.
Determination of the antisymmetric part of the chemical shift anisotropy tensor via spin relaxation in nuclear magnetic resonance
Raphael Paquin, Philippe Pelupessy, Luminita Duma, Christel Gervais, and Geoffrey BodenhausenRelaxation processes induced by the antisymmetric part of the chemical shift anisotropy tensor (henceforth called anti-CSA) are usually neglected in NMR relaxation studies. It is shown here that anti-CSA components contribute to longitudinal relaxation rates of the indole 15N nucleus in tryptophan in solution at different magnetic fields and temperatures. To determine the parameters of several models for rotational diffusion and internal dynamics, we measured the longitudinal relaxation rates R1 = 1/T1 of 15N, the 15N–1H dipole-dipole (DD) cross-relaxation rates (Overhauser effects), and the cross-correlated CSA/DD relaxation rates involving the second-rank symmetric part of the CSA tensor of 15N at four magnetic fields B0 = 9.4, 14.1, 18.8, and 22.3 T (400, 600, 800, and 950 MHz for protons) over a temperature range of 270<T<310>. A good agreement between experimental and theoretical rates can only be obtained if the CSA tensor is assumed to comprise first-rank antisymmetric (anti-CSA) components. The magnitude of the hitherto neglected antisymmetric components is of the order of 10% of the CSA.
Noninvasive bipolar double-pulsed-field-gradient NMR reveals signatures for pore size and shape in polydisperse, randomly oriented, inhomogeneous porous media
Noam Shemesh, Evren Ozarslan, Tal Adiri, Peter J. Basser, and Yoram CohenNoninvasive characterization of pore size and shape in opaque porous media is a formidable challenge. NMR diffusion-diffraction patterns were found to be exceptionally useful for obtaining such morphological features, but only when pores are monodisperse and coherently placed. When locally anisotropic pores are randomly oriented, conventional diffusion NMR methods fail. Here, we present a simple, direct, and general approach to obtain both compartment size and shape even in such settings and even when pores are characterized by internal field gradients. Using controlled porous media, we show that the bipolar-double-pulsed-field-gradient (bp-d-PFG) methodology yields diffusion-diffraction patterns from which pore size can be directly obtained. Moreover, we show that pore shape, which cannot be obtained by conventional methods, can be directly inferred from the modulation of the signal in angular bp-d-PFG experiments. This new methodology significantly broadens the types of porous media that can be studied using noninvasive diffusion-diffraction NMR.
Analyzing molecular static linear response properties with perturbed localized orbitals
Jochen Autschbach and Harry F. KingPerturbed localized molecular orbitals (LMOs), correct to first order in an applied static perturbation and consistent with a chosen localization functional, are calculated using analytic derivative techniques. The formalism is outlined for a general static perturbation and variational localization functionals. Iterative and (formally) single-step approaches are compared. The implementation employs an iterative sequence of 2×2 orbital rotations. The procedure is verified by calculations of molecular electric-field perturbations. Boys LMO contributions to the electronic static polarizability and the electric-field perturbation of the 〈r2〉 expectation value are calculated and analyzed for ethene, ethyne, and fluoroethene (H2CCHF). For ethene, a comparison is made with results from a Pipek–Mezey localization. The calculations show that a chemically intuitive decomposition of the calculated properties is possible with the help of the LMO contributions and that the polarizability contributions in similar molecules are approximately transferable.
Trading sensitivity for information: CarrPurcellMeiboomGill acquisition in solid-state NMR
Krishna K. Dey, Jason T. Ash, Nicole M. Trease, and Philip J. GrandinettiThe Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill (CPMG) experiment has gained popularity in solid-state NMR as a method for enhancing sensitivity for anisotropically broadened spectra of both spin 1/2 and half integer quadrupolar nuclei. Most commonly, the train of CPMG echoes is Fourier transformed directly, which causes the NMR powder pattern to break up into a series of sidebands, sometimes called “spikelets.” Larger sensitivity enhancements are observed as the delay between the π pulses is shortened. As the duration between the π pulses is shortened, however, the echoes become truncated and information about the nuclear spin interactions is lost. We explored the relationship between enhanced sensitivity and loss of information as a function of the product Ω 2τ, where Ω is the span of the anisotropic lineshape and 2τ is the π pulse spacing. For a lineshape dominated by the nuclear shielding anisotropy, we found that the minimum uncertainty in the tensor values is obtained using Ω 2τ values in the range Ω 2τ ≈ 12−1+6 and Ω 2τ ≈ 9−3+3 for ηs = 0 and ηs = 1, respectively. For an anisotropic second-order quadrupolar central transition lineshape under magic-angle spinning (MAS), the optimum range of Ω 2τ ≈ 9−2+3 was found. Additionally, we show how the Two-dimensional One Pulse (TOP) like processing approach can be used to eliminate the cumbersome sideband pattern lineshape and recover a more familiar lineshape that is easily analyzed with conventional lineshape simulation algorithms
Optimized basis sets for the calculation of indirect nuclear spin-spin coupling constants involving the atoms B, Al, Si, P, and Cl
Patricio F. Provasi and Stephan P. A. SauerThe aug-cc-pVTZ-J series of basis sets for indirect nuclear spin-spin coupling constants has been extended to the atoms B, Al, Si, P, and Cl. The basis sets were obtained according to the scheme previously described by Provasi et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 115, 1324 (2001)] . First, the completely uncontracted correlation consistent aug-cc-pVTZ basis sets were extended with four tight s and three tight d functions. Second, the s and p basis functions were contracted with the molecular orbital coefficients of self-consistent-field calculations performed with the uncontracted basis sets on the simplest hydrides of each atom. As a first illustration, we have calculated the one-bond indirect spin-spin coupling constants in BH4−, BF, AlH, AlF, SiH4, SiF4, PH3, PF3, H2S, SF6, HCl, and ClF at the level of density functional theory using the Becke three parameter Lee–Yang–Parr and the second order polarization propagator approximation with coupled cluster singles and doubles amplitudes.
Recoupling of native homonuclear dipolar couplings in magic-angle-spinning solid-state NMR by the double-oscillating field technique
Lasse Arnt Straaso and Niels Chr. NielsenA new solid-state NMR method, the double-oscillating field technique (DUO), that under magic-angle-spinning conditions produces an effective Hamiltonian proportional to the native high-field homonuclear dipole-dipole coupling operator is presented. The method exploits one part of the radio frequency (rf) field to recouple the dipolar coupling interaction with a relatively high scaling factor and to eliminate offset effects over a reasonable bandwidth while in the recoupling frame, the other part gives rise to a sufficiently large longitudinal component of the residual rf field that averages nonsecular terms and in addition ensures stability toward rf inhomogeneity and rf miscalibration. The capability of the DUO experiment to mediate transfer of polarization is described theoretically and compared numerically and experimentally with finite pulse rf driven recoupling and experimentally with dipolar-assisted rotational resonance. Two-dimensional recoupling experiments were performed on antiparallel amyloid fibrils of the decapeptide SNNFGAILSS with the FGAIL fragment uniformly labeled with 13C and 15N.
Wednesday, 11 August 2010
J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2010, 132 (28), pp 9561–9563
Rapid Acquisition of Multidimensional Solid-State NMR Spectra of Proteins Facilitated by Covalently Bound Paramagnetic Tags
Philippe S. Nadaud, Jonathan J. Helmus, Ishita Sengupta and Christopher P. Jaroniec
We describe a condensed data collection approach that facilitates rapid acquisition of multidimensional magic-angle spinning solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) spectra of proteins by combining rapid sample spinning, optimized low-power radio frequency pulse schemes and covalently attached paramagnetic tags to enhance protein 1H spin−lattice relaxation. Using EDTA-Cu2+-modified K28C and N8C mutants of the B1 immunoglobulin binding domain of protein G as models, we demonstrate that high resolution and sensitivity 2D and 3D SSNMR chemical shift correlation spectra can be recorded in as little as several minutes and several hours, respectively, for samples containing 0.1−0.2 μmol of 13C,15N- or 2H,13C,15N-labeled protein. This mode of data acquisition is naturally suited toward the structural SSNMR studies of paramagnetic proteins, for which the typical 1H longitudinal relaxation time constants are inherently a factor of at least 3−4 lower relative to their diamagnetic counterparts. To illustrate this, we demonstrate the rapid site-specific determination of backbone amide 15N longitudinal paramagnetic relaxation enhancements using a pseudo-3D SSNMR experiment based on 15N−13C correlation spectroscopy, and we show that such measurements yield valuable long-range 15N−Cu2+ distance restraints which report on the three-dimensional protein fold.
J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2010, 132 (29), pp 9952–9953
Validation of a Lanthanide Tag for the Analysis of Protein Dynamics by Paramagnetic NMR Spectroscopy
Mathias A. S. Hass, Peter H. J. Keizers, Anneloes Blok, Yoshitaka Hiruma and Marcellus Ubbink
Paramagnetic lanthanide tags potentially can enhance the effects of microsecond to millisecond dynamics in proteins on NMR signals and provide structural information on lowly populated states encoded in the pseudocontact shifts. We have investigated the microsecond to millisecond mobility of a two-point attached lanthanide tag, CLaNP-5, using paramagnetic 1H CPMG relaxation dispersion methods. CLaNP-5 loaded with Lu3+, Yb3+, or Tm3+ was attached to three sites on the surface of two proteins, pseudoazurin and cytochrome c. The paramagnetic center causes large relaxation dispersion effects for two attachment sites, suggesting that local dynamics of the protein at the attachment site causes mobility of the paramagnetic center. At one site the relaxation dispersions are small and limited to the immediate environment of the tag. It is concluded that paramagnetic relaxation dispersion could represent a sensitive method to probe protein dynamics. However, the selection of a rigid attachment site is of critical importance.
J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2010, 132 (29), pp 9956–9957
Solid-State 13C NMR Assignment of Carbon Resonances on Metallic and Semiconducting Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Chaiwat Engtrakul*†, Mark F. Davis†, Kevin Mistry†, Brian A. Larsen†, Anne C. Dillon†, Michael J. Heben‡ and Jeffrey L. Blackburn*†
Solid-state 13C NMR spectroscopy was used to investigate the chemical shift of nanotube carbons on m- and s-SWNTs (metallic and semiconducting single-walled nanotubes) for samples with widely varying s-SWNT content, including samples highly enriched with nearly 100% m- and s-SWNTs. High-resolution 13C NMR was found to be a sensitive probe for m- and s-SWNTs in mixed SWNT samples with diameters of 1.3 nm. The two highly enriched m- and s-SWNT samples clearly exhibited features for m- and s-SNWT 13C nuclei (123 and 122 ppm, respectively) and were successfully fit with a single Gaussian, while five mixed samples required two Gaussians for a satisfactory fit.
J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2010, 132 (29), pp 9979–9981
Probing Slow Protein Dynamics by Adiabatic R1ρ and R2ρ NMR Experiments
Silvia Mangia, Nathaniel J. Traaseth, Gianluigi Veglia, Michael Garwood‡ and Shalom Michaeli
Slow μs/ms dynamics involved in protein folding, binding, catalysis, and allostery are currently detected using NMR dispersion experiments such as CPMG (Carr−Purcell−Meiboom−Gill) or spin-lock R1ρ. In these methods, protein dynamics are obtained by analyzing relaxation dispersion curves obtained from either changing the time spacing between 180° pulses or by changing the effective spin-locking field strength. In this Communication, we introduce a new method to induce a dispersion of relaxation rates. Our approach relies on altering the shape of the adiabatic full passage pulse and is conceptually different from existing approaches. By changing the nature of the adiabatic radiofrequency irradiation, we are able to obtain rotating frame R1ρ and R2ρ dispersion curves that are sensitive to slow μs/ms protein dynamics (demonstrated with ubiquitin). The strengths of this method are to (a) extend the dynamic range of the relaxation dispersion analysis, (b) avoid the need for multiple magnetic field strengths to extract dynamic parameters, (c) measure accurate relaxation rates that are independent of frequency offset, and (d) reduce the stress to NMR hardware (e.g., cryoprobes).
Rapid Acquisition of Multidimensional Solid-State NMR Spectra of Proteins Facilitated by Covalently Bound Paramagnetic Tags
Philippe S. Nadaud, Jonathan J. Helmus, Ishita Sengupta and Christopher P. Jaroniec
We describe a condensed data collection approach that facilitates rapid acquisition of multidimensional magic-angle spinning solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) spectra of proteins by combining rapid sample spinning, optimized low-power radio frequency pulse schemes and covalently attached paramagnetic tags to enhance protein 1H spin−lattice relaxation. Using EDTA-Cu2+-modified K28C and N8C mutants of the B1 immunoglobulin binding domain of protein G as models, we demonstrate that high resolution and sensitivity 2D and 3D SSNMR chemical shift correlation spectra can be recorded in as little as several minutes and several hours, respectively, for samples containing 0.1−0.2 μmol of 13C,15N- or 2H,13C,15N-labeled protein. This mode of data acquisition is naturally suited toward the structural SSNMR studies of paramagnetic proteins, for which the typical 1H longitudinal relaxation time constants are inherently a factor of at least 3−4 lower relative to their diamagnetic counterparts. To illustrate this, we demonstrate the rapid site-specific determination of backbone amide 15N longitudinal paramagnetic relaxation enhancements using a pseudo-3D SSNMR experiment based on 15N−13C correlation spectroscopy, and we show that such measurements yield valuable long-range 15N−Cu2+ distance restraints which report on the three-dimensional protein fold.
J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2010, 132 (29), pp 9952–9953
Validation of a Lanthanide Tag for the Analysis of Protein Dynamics by Paramagnetic NMR Spectroscopy
Mathias A. S. Hass, Peter H. J. Keizers, Anneloes Blok, Yoshitaka Hiruma and Marcellus Ubbink
Paramagnetic lanthanide tags potentially can enhance the effects of microsecond to millisecond dynamics in proteins on NMR signals and provide structural information on lowly populated states encoded in the pseudocontact shifts. We have investigated the microsecond to millisecond mobility of a two-point attached lanthanide tag, CLaNP-5, using paramagnetic 1H CPMG relaxation dispersion methods. CLaNP-5 loaded with Lu3+, Yb3+, or Tm3+ was attached to three sites on the surface of two proteins, pseudoazurin and cytochrome c. The paramagnetic center causes large relaxation dispersion effects for two attachment sites, suggesting that local dynamics of the protein at the attachment site causes mobility of the paramagnetic center. At one site the relaxation dispersions are small and limited to the immediate environment of the tag. It is concluded that paramagnetic relaxation dispersion could represent a sensitive method to probe protein dynamics. However, the selection of a rigid attachment site is of critical importance.
J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2010, 132 (29), pp 9956–9957
Solid-State 13C NMR Assignment of Carbon Resonances on Metallic and Semiconducting Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Chaiwat Engtrakul*†, Mark F. Davis†, Kevin Mistry†, Brian A. Larsen†, Anne C. Dillon†, Michael J. Heben‡ and Jeffrey L. Blackburn*†
Solid-state 13C NMR spectroscopy was used to investigate the chemical shift of nanotube carbons on m- and s-SWNTs (metallic and semiconducting single-walled nanotubes) for samples with widely varying s-SWNT content, including samples highly enriched with nearly 100% m- and s-SWNTs. High-resolution 13C NMR was found to be a sensitive probe for m- and s-SWNTs in mixed SWNT samples with diameters of 1.3 nm. The two highly enriched m- and s-SWNT samples clearly exhibited features for m- and s-SNWT 13C nuclei (123 and 122 ppm, respectively) and were successfully fit with a single Gaussian, while five mixed samples required two Gaussians for a satisfactory fit.
J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2010, 132 (29), pp 9979–9981
Probing Slow Protein Dynamics by Adiabatic R1ρ and R2ρ NMR Experiments
Silvia Mangia, Nathaniel J. Traaseth, Gianluigi Veglia, Michael Garwood‡ and Shalom Michaeli
Slow μs/ms dynamics involved in protein folding, binding, catalysis, and allostery are currently detected using NMR dispersion experiments such as CPMG (Carr−Purcell−Meiboom−Gill) or spin-lock R1ρ. In these methods, protein dynamics are obtained by analyzing relaxation dispersion curves obtained from either changing the time spacing between 180° pulses or by changing the effective spin-locking field strength. In this Communication, we introduce a new method to induce a dispersion of relaxation rates. Our approach relies on altering the shape of the adiabatic full passage pulse and is conceptually different from existing approaches. By changing the nature of the adiabatic radiofrequency irradiation, we are able to obtain rotating frame R1ρ and R2ρ dispersion curves that are sensitive to slow μs/ms protein dynamics (demonstrated with ubiquitin). The strengths of this method are to (a) extend the dynamic range of the relaxation dispersion analysis, (b) avoid the need for multiple magnetic field strengths to extract dynamic parameters, (c) measure accurate relaxation rates that are independent of frequency offset, and (d) reduce the stress to NMR hardware (e.g., cryoprobes).
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