Interpreting Data, Coursework Example

Part I

The first graph is a bar graph. Data is displayed in discrete columns that are labeled. Numbers along the sides of the bar graph make up the axis. Bar graphs are utilized in numerical comparisons. In the graph, the x- axis represents turbo one to nine, while the y- axis represents the output of each turbo. The graph is not drawn to scale.

Graph two is a scatter plot graph where two factors affecting an experiment are shown. A trend line is then used to determine negative, positive or no correlation. It has the advantage of showing a trend in data and retains the same data values and sample sizes. In this graph, operating time and the machine are the two factors that affect output.

Graph three is a pie chart where data is represented as a percentage of a whole. Each section of the chart has a label and a percentage. In this chart colors and percentages are used. Pie charts are attractive and show a percent of the total for each category. This pie chart is composed of six sections with different colors.

The fourth paragraph is an inverted bar graph. In this graph the axes are inverted, the x-axis becomes the y-axis and vice versa. The car numbers are represented on the x-axis, while the speed in meters/second is given in the y-axis.

Graph five is a line graph. Data that is related but varies in relation to each other is represented in a line graph. A line graph is important if comparisons are required. In this graph, the x-axis represent the months of January to July while the y-axis represent the average temperatures.

Part II

The Schlumberger HSE management system outlines the principles that guide the conduct of operations in its major areas of concern worldwide touching on health safety and environment (HSE). The top management relays this philosophy to its employees, clients, contractors, and third party individuals and organizations associated with their business. Every Schlumberger organization is required to show proof of conformance to the system.

The company uses QUEST, an online system that ensures consolidation of HSE data. This system is accessible to all employees and it examines reporting of HSE incidents, and risk identification reports (RIRs), enables record audits, highlights improvement suggestions, monitors HSE training, manages remedial work plans (RWPs) and assists in data analysis.

HSE management system comprises eight closely linked components: policies and objectives, business processes, risk management, commitment and accountability and leadership, audits and reviews, contractor and supplier management, performance monitoring and improvement, and organization and resources.

These components undergo continuous conformance checks to ensure improvement through controls, correction and improvement. Corrections are done on the management system to ensure that errors and inefficiencies are eliminated. Controls are carried out on day to day standards and procedures, while improvements are undertaken through changes to the management system.

Other performance measurements used by Schlumberger are: reduction of environmental pollution through recycling of waste and reduction of natural resource use, ensuring continuous customer satisfaction, plan responses to emergencies, crises and business disruptions, eliminating quality non-conformances and HSE incidents, and improving performances on issues impacting their share holders and those of global concern. The company reviews these policies to determine their appropriateness, and it focuses on complying with the laws and regulations of the territories they operate in.

Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO) is an international finance corporation formed by five Nordic countries to fund investment projects in countries like Russia, Latvia, Belarus, Ukraine, Estonia and Lithuania that will lead to improvement of environmental issues that impact the Nordic region. NEFCOs performance is measured by the realization of its objectives of reducing emission of green house gases, managing the release of toxic pollutants, and improving the ecological standards of the Baltic Sea.

To achieve its objectives, NEFCO focuses on five key areas. Waste management is one area in which waste is recycled to produce energy. The corporation funds projects that aim at using waste to generate methane, and recycle paper and management of wastes that contain hazardous compounds like fluorinated greenhouse gasses. The corporation also finances the buying of carbon emissions to mitigate its impact on the environment.

NEFCO also measures its performance in the agricultural sector in reduction of methane emissions from farms and its conversion into biogas, which can be used in heating and lighting. Modernization of farms has other beneficial side effects like the removal of carcinogenic asbestos used for insulation. Other agricultural projects in the agricultural sector aim at lowering the levels of phosphorous and nitrogen by significant amounts.

NEFCO uses financing as a tool of measuring its performance because organizations applying for financing must show relevant environmental impacts to warrant financing. Such impacts include reduction of toxic waste discharge into waterways and limiting of cross-border emissions. Since NEFCO is not directly involved in environmental protection, but only through funding, its performance is measured by the long term collaboration of the organization applying for funds because it uses it as condition for funding.