Trends and Challenges in Facility Management

The International Facility Management Association (IFMA), the largest and most widely recognized professional association for facility management, sponsored a forecasting workshop to examine the emerging trends and issues that will influence facility management professionals in the coming years.



In 2007, IFMA invited a panel of industry experts to represent various industry sectors and constituencies of the facility management profession to its two-day conference, held in Houston, TX. The 2007 IFMA forecasting conference and the report that was published after the conference highlighted the many challenges awaiting facility management professionals in the coming years. The top eight issues that emerged from the retreat were as follows (presented in order of importance):



1) Linking facility management to strategy

2) Emergency preparedness

3) Change management

4) Sustainability

5) Emerging technology

6) Globalization

7) Broadening diversity in the workforce

8) Aging buildings



Linking facility management to strategy ranked first among the issues, because experts strongly believed that this issue will be of even greater importance in the coming years. They suggested that a critical facet of successful facility management is the ability to link the role of facilities to an organization's core business strategies. This is also known as branding. Physical facilities have a major role in determining productivity, supporting innovation, efficiency, employee satisfaction and public perception of an organization.



Although ranked fourth in the list, sustainability is a major issue of concern for facility managers, architects, interior designers, and manufacturers alike. Sustainability has ceased to be an option and has become a fundamental requirement and expectation across many industries. The panel of experts urged those involved in facility management to get informed about LEED, ENERGY STAR and other high-performance building ratings systems and initiatives. They were also urged to establish programs to reduce, reuse, recycle, and develop/maintain technical skills expertise.*



As a research driven and manufacturing company, MAiSPACE understands its responsibility for sustainability. According to IFMA, sustainability includes environmental responsibility, energy management, investing in high performance systems, indoor air quality issues. A commitment to sustainability is part of the company's mandate and translates into many different programs; specifically areas such as post consumer content; reusable and minimum packaging; recycling within the product line; and recycling within the organization.



For instance, we are unlike most office furniture systems that are filled with fiberglass (a human carcinogen according to National Cancer Institute). Moreover, fiberglass does not break down in landfills and represents a long term source of airborne glass particles, according to the EPA. Recognizing these serious issues, MAiSPACE has replaced fiberglass in its panels with post consumer PET made from ground up soda bottles. MAiSPACE has also reduced packaging refuse by offering bulk packing and alternatives to the traditional corrugated and Styrofoam materials used in packaging products. Alternate carton-less techniques and the introduction of minimal packaging for truckload orders have reduced harmful products that are not biodegradable to the environment. Reusable packaging is also used by companies who supply parts and products to Maispace. In addition to protecting the environment from unnecessary packing materials, these packaging methods reduce the cost of de-trashing the installation area and facilitate installation through less clutter.



All MAiSPACE products are 100% recyclable including the steel frames. Additionally, we use Guilford of Maine Fabrics, who as part of the Interface Group, has an exceptional sustainability program. And finally, we practice what we preach. MAiSPACE already recycles office paper, computer paper, fabric, foam, plastic bags, cans, bottles, corrugated materials, vinyl, and chemicals including solvents that are reused in production.



In the IFMA 2007 report, emerging technology was listed as the fifth trend, which encompassed topics such as changing building technologies, Building Information Modeling (BIM), Integrated Workplace Management Systems (IWMS), underutilization of current technology, and obsolescence.



IFMA report demands on facility management professionals to keep abreast of changing technology (communications, BIM, IWMS; work closely with tenants/users to anticipate changes; build the technical skills expertise of building operations personnel; and use technology to attract young professionals to the facility management professional role as well as to facilitate data and information sharing.



As a research driven company MAiSPACE is constantly evaluating and updating our product options to enhance its capabilities and keep up with advancing technological, ergonomic and architectural innovations. Yet, while the basic system is inherently designed to accommodate change, new product enhancements allow your system to transform as your company and space does.

MAiSPACE.com will help business owners and operators make smart choices in Systems Furniture and Office Cubicles for their offices and selecting the right Office Furniture. Trends and Challenges in Facility Management .

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A Consumer's Guide: 6 Ways To Use Solar Energy Around Your Home And Garden

Green your home is much easier than ever. Once thought of as an idea only found in science fiction, solar power is now becoming a very real prospect. There are many ways you can use solar power around your home & garden, here a just a few that are easy to get started which can save money and help the environment.

1. Solar Pool Heating

Why not use Solar Power to heat the water in your pool and then keep that heat in the pool by using a solar pool cover. If you are still heating your pool using power from the mains, you are literally making your money evaporate into the air.

2. Solar Water fountains

Easy to install and they can be a charming addition to any garden pond. Having a fountain can also keep your pond healthy, by stopping the water in the pool from stagnating. The sound off running water is also known way to relieve stress.

3. Solar Battery Chargers

Why charge the batteries for all your gadgets like you mobile phone or Ipod from the mains when you could use a Solar charger wherever you are. Solar Panels now come in many shapes and sizes. Some varieties can be rolled up so are easy to carry; you can even get them built into rucksacks. You can get a charger specifically designed for the Ipod, which uses solar power.

4. Solar Garden Lights

Why go through the expense of digging up your garden and laying cables, when you could use Solar Powered Lights. They are easy to install and an attractive way to use Solar Power. They charge during the day and automatically turn on at dusk. You do have to think about where you place them in the garden, so they can get a full charge during the day.

5. Solar Decorations

If you love decorating for the holidays, you can decorate a little more green now. Solar decorations are an option. Eco-friendly wreathes, icicles, stars, snowmen, santas, globes and even string lights are all available and ready to light up your home and garden. You won't have to mess with wires and in the long run, you will save money on your electric bill.

6. Solar Panels

Create power or heat water for your home to help reduce your heating bills in the long run, the Solar Panels can be fitted to your roof and the suns light is converted into electricity or used to heat the water for your home. This is the most involved way to use Solar Power in your home, if you want to go this route, I would employ professionals who will be able to advise you in what the best plan of action would be, and the possible savings.

Other small stuff like this eco-friendly solar powered car accessory will be a perfect way not only to extend your car tires life span, but as a safety device to see if the tire is at dangerously low level.

Start green your home now!

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How to Protect Hard Disk Data

Hard disk drives is a computer system, it is the most main storage equipment, computer users record the most work study data, such as working material, book, paper and the personal image data, etc. These data to many users, especially for business users, it is very valuable, most of the time, the user data loss without a way to make up for back, will the user work and life have great impact. Therefore, to enhance the protection of data users has very important significance.

Hard drive as the most important of the storage medium in computer, shouldering the important use of data storage, believe that many users are understand somewhat fro the hard disk drive maintenance. In the DOS era, hard drives are for the single user, the mission of the data is only a simple storage just, work pressure and load isn't big. Into the Windows after age has undergone significant changes, in computer more and more incline to family entertainment center video today, the popularization of the Internet and broadband video data file of the storage and playback, lead to the working pressure of the hard drive is more and more big, many users a boot then let hard disk full load and even the seams, see the film, DVDRip hd for uninterrupted BT download, use the Windows system restore function. Hard disk working environment should be away from magnetic fields, especially when use, it is strictly prohibited to shake, don't hot swaps, reading and writing often use the sector should change position, the outside of the fdisk except DM, PQMagic, SFdisk etc many software can make some primary partition of disk of arbitrary position beginning, this can avoid some software system frequent reading and writing the same sector. Mac data recovery software which can help you recover Mac data from lost, deleted, logical corrupted and many other unknown reasons data loss. It would be the best Data Recovery software for Mac users

And you may not know, in the new application mode environment, much software application on hard disk damage. Although hard disk cheaper price, broken in pieces would not be a problem, but hard drive prices matter small, hard disk storage in important data is the most important, believe that many users for improper operation and lead to hard disk in data loss or damage is hard disk of important data directly lead to painful lesson from As an important part of the storage equipment, hard disk played a very important role, because most of our data to store through the hard disk, these figures are precious then hard disk itself. But first of all, you must know tomes tips on how to prevent your hard drive and data.

Hard disk in the work can't suddenly turned off

When the hard drive began to work, generally rotating in high speed, if we stopped off suddenly shut off the power and could lead to the head and blanks fierce friction and damage the hard disk. So had better not suddenly shut down, shut down to pay attention on the panel whether the indicator light is still in the hard disk flashing, only when the hard drive to stop flashing lights, hard drive over the reading and writing off the computer power switch. Routine maintenance



Regular arrangement information on the hard drive

In the hard disk, frequent to establish, deleting files can produce many fragments, if pieces have gained a lot of words, so our future in a file access, hard disk may need to spend a long time reading the files, not only visit efficiency decreases, and possible damage to the track. Therefore, we should often use Windows9x system of a defragment program under the hard disk drive out, after finishing the best to use hard disk repair program to fix those problems of track.

Hard disk drive regularly for antivirus

Now the virus attack range is more and more widely, and hard disk as a computer information storage base, are usually the first target of computer virus attack. Every year on April 26 to every computer users are jittery, the author of a few hard disk units had cruelly CIH attack. So, in order to ensure the safety of the hard drive, we should pay attention to using the latest anti-virus software on the virus for killing, and at the same time to pay attention to the important data protection and regular backups. The hard disk read/write head in the blanks above the surface to access mobile different parts of the hard drive. Due to the hard drive any place of the data can be accessed directly to, so each of the documents doesn’t have to be a piece of data stored, they can save to any place, there are many data recovery software and mac data recovery tool which can help user to recover the deleted files.



Data did not disappear

If you usually use Windows operation to remove a file, in fact this information not be deleted. First of all, if you through the Windows resource manager delete the file, the file will be transferred to "recycle bin". Even if you empty "recycle bin", this file is only just ignored it. The filename first letter will be to special character, the file had been occupied by the cluster will be marked cluster can be used, but the original data and wasn't immediately be deleted. Until the next time you save a document, if these clusters were used, will use the new data cover the old data. Before that, the data has been will remain intact. If using a tool to bypass the operating system to hard disk directly to retrieve the data read. Data is stored in the blanks on the concentric circles, these concentric circles are called "track".

On the market at present the extensive system safety need to have backup mechanism. In view of the popular now use the operating system, such as WINDOWS operating system for document management of stability, request the system to provide safety backup and quick, convenient and safe recovery function. The vigorous development of network technology, increasingly profoundly changed people's life, work, entertainment and communication way, but also to the security and reliability of the network system proposed a serious challenge, especially for the use of PC Internet users, very prone to viruses, hackers attacks such as heavy loss. So the hard disk drive backup demand is imperative.

For the users, this is a detailed tutorial on how to recover deleted photos from memory card with easy.

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All about buying the right Gi

The most famous art of Japan is 'Martial arts.' There is not much difference between Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Japanese martial art. In spite of similarities between them, BJJ stands out as a seperate and unique form of self-defense. One can learn BJJ as a sideline or even pursue a career out of it. This combat sport is becoming more popular day-by-day. Even a weaker person can protect himself against a strong person if he masters the techniques of BJJ. The focus of the BJJ is on the ground fighting and grappling. The ultimate aim is to make the opponent tap-out. In BJJ, fighter has to be alert and react quickly.

Anyone can avail benefits from this sport, particularly, military professionals, security guards etc. Rules and etiquette of BJJ are required to be followed by participants. This sport should be played only with those who have knowledge of these moves and techniques.

Every sport including BJJ has some rules and etiquettes. Each and every participant must follow them. He must make sure that the safety of the opponent is not endangered. Vulgar and abusive language must be strictly avoided, as they affect the quality of the sport. He should not resort to unfair means such as scratching, biting etc. While playing this sport, one need not have to be excessively aggressive. Anger management is must for every opponent. A true sportsman always takes his defeat positively and learns from it. He should never disrespect his instructor and follow instructions given by his instructor. A fighter should not perform any deadly moves. He should not disturb others by making noise. Participants must make sure that they are not indulging themselves into any kind of unethical behaviour.

All students are mandatority required to wear the Jiu Jitsu Gi uniform while training. In simple words, it is must for every ambitious fighter. Care should be taken while selecting Gi. Proper Gi is the one in which you feel comfortable. If one does not feel comfortable inside Jiu Jitsu Gi gear, he would not be able to fight very well and with confidence. There are two types of gears-1.Lightweight, 2.Heavyweight. As compared to the heavyweight gear, lightweight gear is more comfortable to wear in a competition. While making both heavyweight and lightweight types of BJJ kimono, same quality of fabric is used.While choosing the Jiu Jitsu Gi, one has to see the weight of the gear. It is simple to find out whether a Gi is heavyweight in character or not. Double weave Gis are heavyweight in nature and single weave Gis are not. There is only one factor that distinguishes single weave Gi from the double weave Gi and that is the quantity of fabric used in the making. Quantity of fabric used in the making of double weave Gis is more than the one used in the single weave Gis. It is advisable to choose single weave Gi, when you want to participate in a competition.

You should select the brand that offers reasonable price. Before you select the right brand, just take some time to see other brands available in the market. Many people prefer blue or white. One has to keep in mind that the Jiu Jitsu Gi chosen should be durable so that it can not be ripped off easily.

There is lots of information available about any aspect relating to this sport. Believe me, it is a stress reliever. It is a sport, you can enjoy. It's worth trying!

In order to learn this form of martial arts, one needs to be a true warrior. BJJ can not be learned without dedication. Eventually what matters is the pleasure one derives from the sport. You will realise that BJJ has improved you subconsciously.

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Top 10 Caravan Safety Tips

While owning a caravan can provide you and your family the opportunity to tour the countryside at a moment's notice, it's not without potential hazards. There are several steps you should take to ensure the safety of your family and the caravan itself. Here are our top 10 caravan safety tips...

#1 - Put Heavy Objects On The Axle

Don't make the mistake of putting the large, heavy things toward the back of the caravan. Your van could easily begin to pitch back and forth. Instead, place them directly over the axle.

#2 - Put Heavy Objects On The Floor

This goes along with the first tip, but let's clarify: don't put the heavy things in the cupboards. Put them on the floor to maintain control of your caravan.

#3 - Wedge Items

Minimize the amount of room available for items within your caravan to move around while you're driving. If they move around, they could cause damage. Even worse, they could cause your caravan to sway out of control. Wedge them tightly.

#4 - Check The Tyres

Most caravan owners neglect this step. You should do a routine check on the tyres before each trip. Look for bare tyres or signs of excessive wear.

#5 - Install A Smoke Detector

Take a precautionary step and install a smoke detector. When you leave your caravan at a site to explore the surrounding area, the alarm will alert your neighbours if a fire erupts within your van.

#6 - Place A Fire Extinguisher

It's one of those items that are easily forgotten. Take the extra time to buy and install a fire extinguisher near the door. You may never need it. But, if you do, it will be invaluable.

#7 - Shut Down Appliances

When you leave your caravan unattended or go to bed, make sure all of the appliances have been turned off.

#8 - Maintain The Brakes

Have a trained mechanic inspect your caravan's brakes periodically. It may be inconvenient to do so, but it helps to make sure your trip is a safe one.

#9 - Follow The Payload Guidelines

When you purchased your caravan, it came with a handbook. That handbook provides the maximum permissible weight that you can safely pack in your caravan. It's tempting to ignore the limit. But, it's there for your safety.

#10 - Adjust For Speed

When you carry a heavy load in your caravan, the time it takes to accelerate and stop can be difficult to get used to. Watch your speed carefully and leave ample room between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.

Being Safe With Your Caravan

If you follow the caravan safety tips above, you can all but guarantee that your trip will be fun and worry-free. The key is to pay attention to details, use common sense and plan ahead. Your caravan is meant to be fun and exciting for you and family. Take a few steps to ensure their safety.


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This article was written on behalf of the Camping and Caravanning club who offer customers a camping in Europe so that everyone can enjoy a great camping holiday

Double Whammy: Prevent Cancer and Lose Weight in One Fell Swoop!

Today, I've learned some great news and I’m shouting it from the rooftops! Hear Ye! Hear Ye! According to new research, you can prevent cancer and lose weight: both at the same time! What’s more? It’s easy! Easy, that is, if you are willing to make just a few lifestyle adjustments (You are willing, aren't you?).

Here’s the skinny: In her new book titled: “The Body Restoration Plan,” Dr. Paula Baillie-Hamilton tells us, ingesting chemicals - the bad ones that cause cancer and illness – will also prevent weight loss. Yes, you've heard me correctly. And here’s just one reason the accusation makes perfect sense: If farmers are using hormones to plump up cattle for farming, this plumping up can wind up you-know-where!

What I’ll attempt to do in this article, then, is weave together both this newfound weight-loss information with the ongoing cancer prevention study of Dr. Samuel Epstein, Chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition (Check out his cancer report through the link in Step One, below). What follows are the preventative measures I've created with this insight. See if you can use this simple action plan in effort to adjust your lifestyle, keep you body free of toxins and induce or maintain weight loss.

Step One: Get Informed

The first step in your action plan: Inform yourself. Get the big picture. To stay on top of the latest research and prevention recommendations, visit the Cancer Prevention Coalition’s website. Check them out at: http://www.preventcancer.com

Here, you will also find the Dr. Samuel S. Epstein, M.D. “The How To Stop Cancer Before It Starts Campaign,” 66-page report. Dr. Epstein is the chairman for the Cancer Prevention Coalition and is dedicated to keeping the public informed on the latest issues.

Step Two: Police Your Job

It may take a little effort to keep your workplace honest and hazard free. Here are a couple ideas: If you are working in manufacturing, check with the National Institute for Occupational safety and Health (NIOSH). Be sure your company complies with all anti-hazard requirements. Here’s their site: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html Also, check out the Occupational safety and Health Administration (OSHA): http://www.osha.gov publications to be sure your company is in compliance.

All offices and workplaces (especially ones dealing with hazardous substances and volatile chemicals) should aim to create a safety group assembled of employees. If your company doesn’t have one, talk to your supervisor about forming a safety group. Demand excellence and safety in your workplace. Again, review the OSHA standards and aim to comply.

Also, if you are looking for a job, check out the company track record. Be sure to check up on any health issues or cancer incidences before you accept the position.

Step Three: Police Your Lifestyle

There are several, obvious ways to clean up your own atmosphere and make it safe from cancer causing agents. Here are just a couple lifestyle changes to pay closer attention to:

If you smoke: Quit, period! If you are finding it difficult to quit, however, employ some extra help. In many states non-smoking laws are helping but, if you’re still having a difficult kicking the habit, check out your local Smoke Enders. Log on to the Smoke Enders website to find a group nearest you: http://www.smokenders.com

If you are a drinker, use alcohol in moderation. Although there is no substantial proof that alcohol causes cancer, heavy drinking can increase your risk.

Step Four: Police Your Diet:

In the same way that moderate drinking is safer than indulging, be aware of your overuse of high fat and high calorie food sources.

Most sources suggest a diet low in fat and high in fiber to protect your body against disease. Make small changes: aim to replace high sugar foods with increased portions of beans, grains, fruits and vegetables (Remember: rinse all fruits and vegetables before consumption).

Also, decrease large portions of dairy, red meat and animal fat. Replace them with protein sources from fish and poultry. For and excellent, preventative diet program check out “Eat To Beat Cancer,” by J. Robert Hatherill, Ph.D.

Finally, be aware of the water you are drinking. There are some great carbon filtration systems that can be attached to your water source or externally to filter your water. According to Elson M. Haas, M.D. in his book “Staying Healthy With Nutrition,” solid carbon block systems are superior.

Step Five: Police What You are Buying

When purchasing products for personal use, here are a few guidelines to consider: Drugs —- Read package inserts and check for any references to cancer. If you find something questionable, weigh your options; search for alternative methods.

Cosmetics —- Make every effort not to buy products with “Warning” messages. If the label says the safety of the product has not been determined, look for products which use natural ingredients and are free from synthetics.

Consumer Products -- Aim to avoid purchasing aerosol sprays; they will often cause you to inhale a higher than normal concentration of chemicals.

Pesticides -- If you use them, be aware that many pesticides are carcinogenic. Ask the retail store or company about biological friendly alternatives.

Cleaning agents -- Always check product labels. If there are “Warnings” listed, opt for something safer. Always check your shopping list against the current edition of the “Safe Shopper’s Bible,” written by David Steinman and Samuel S. Epstein, M.D., before making your purchases.

Step Six: Police Your Family History & Other Sources of Exposure

Does you family have a history of cancer? Early detection methods will often prevent you from big trouble. For women: a yearly pap smear and pelvic exam will often detect early signs of uterine or cervical cancers. Also, aim for a monthly breast self-exam.

Men and women: Ask your doctor for recommendations on colon exams, and Men: ask your doctor for recommendations on PSA testing. Also, keep your eyes peeled for new preventative strategies and get as much information as you can about them.

Always check your skin for any odd looking lesions; make it a habit to take a quick overall scan of your body, frequently. Also, aim to avoid UV lamps and over exposure to the sun. As often as possible wear a sunscreen, Dr. Epstein suggests one containing para-aminobenzoic acid. And, if you work outside, be sure to wear zinc oxide on your lips and nose.

With just a few hours of time, and these few simple steps, you could be extending your life and maintaining your waistline, to boot. It’s well worth the effort! After all, in the words of Hippocrates himself, “Prayer indeed is good, but while calling on the gods a man should himself lend a hand.”

'''
References:
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The Center for Disease Control and Prevention,
online: http://www.cdc.gov.

Epstein, M.D., Samuel S. “The Politics Of Cancer Revisited,” 1998.

Haas, M.D., Elson M. “Staying Healthy With Nutrition,” 1992.

Hatherill, Ph.D., Robert J. “Eat To Beat Cancer,” 1998.

Safety Motorcycle Helmets

Motorcycle helmet is used as a protective gear for the head to avoid severe injuries brought about by accidents. In some countries, wearing helmet is comparable to wearing seatbelts, regulated as part of the street ordinances as general safety measure. But of course, any promulgation imposed is debatable and others would drop the matter in every philosophical manner they can give reason against its use.

Looking at the physical make-up of motorcycles will not guarantee pure salvation in every imaginable trauma. When used, it can only lessen the severity. To have an understanding on its function it is important to know how fatal head injuries can disable a person in one incident. When it comes to serious matters like heavy impact, a helmet is nothing. The most important thing about skull fractures is to avoid the fragments from embedding the sensitive tissues of the brain, until then, most head injuries are not as fatal as expected. Basically, a full-blown impact on head can lead to permanent malfunctioning of the body system.

Another kind of fatal head injury caused by motorcycle accident is when the brain is stirred while there is no open wound in the head. In this case the brain bumps the side of the skull leading to small yet deadly movements and rotation enough to cause internal bleeding inside. The use of properly designed motorcycle helmet can help absorb the shock in the head after it sinks to its protective cushions. It must not be too soft to let the head crush through its hard interior walls at once. After that, the hard plastic will yield without control. Helmet design considerations are all about the tolerable impact the head can handle, which the soft linings provide as protection, and the exterior protection from punctures.

Types of motorcycle helmets for effective use come in different appearance:

FULL FACE - Covers the full area of the back of the head, chin but has a shield made of plastic in the eye area for visibility. It is usually ventilated though some still consider it warmer and lacking flow of air inside. It tends to isolate a rider and restrain hearing because of full head coverage.

OPEN FACE - Almost the same as the full face design except it has no chin cover, which means it has low protection for the face. It has a plastic shield open to particles during a ride. It can cause injuries out of trapped small debris caught on speed. Thus, it is advisable to wear riding goggles as additional protection for the eyes.

Motorcycle helmet may not give ultimate protection but it saved a lot of lives during minor injuries.