The Concept of Risk Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Concept of Risk - Essay Example The event of an unfortunate occasion is known as dangers and hazard the executives is a subject vital in venture the board. The dangers which happen in venture the board is typified and frequently happens as financial misfortune and there is consistently a vulnerability related with the event of hazard, be that as it may, the aftereffects of a hazard are consistently unfortunate for the individuals and associations engaged with the task. Undertaking Risk Management has become a significant field of study as of late in light of the fact that the task costs are high these years and considerable capital is engaged with the execution of the activities. In addition, financial misfortune isn't the main issue, the time requirement has gotten substantially more significant in the current monetary and political situation and the vulnerabilities in the execution of the venture can postpone the fruition of the tasks. These deferrals can bring about fines and overwhelming punishments and can lik ewise influence the execution of other related activities, consequently it is basic to dissect and oversee chance appropriately. A few writers likewise remember the danger of life for hazard evaluation related with a task, be that as it may, in this paper, it won't be talked about as a hazard in venture the board since it is increasingly pertinent to wellbeing and security issues. Hence there is a general agreement among the creators with respect to the definition and idea of hazard in venture the executives. A hazard is consistently a vulnerability in the execution of the undertaking with a little likelihood of occurrence.... has become a significant field of study as of late in light of the fact that the task costs are high these years and considerable capital is engaged with the execution of the activities. Besides money related misfortune isn't the main issue, the time limitation has gotten considerably more significant in the current monetary and political situation and the vulnerabilities in the execution of the undertaking can defer the finish of the tasks. These deferrals can bring about fines and overwhelming pnealties and can likewise influence the execution of other related activities, subsequently it is basic to investigate and oversee chance appropriately. A few writers likewise remember the danger of life for hazard appraisal related with a venture, anyway in this paper it won't be examined as hazard in venture the board since it is progressively pertinent to wellbeing and security issues (Jeynes, 2002). Consequently there is a general accord among the creators with respect to the definition and idea of hazard in venture the executives. A hazard is consistently a vulnerability in the execution of the undertaking with a little likelihood of event, be that as it may if happens it generally has unwanted outcome. Hazard Management is constantly completed in five stages: 1. ID 2. Investigation 3. Goals 4. Execution 5. Observing Risk in PRINCE2 is a procedure driven venture the executives technique and therefore the administration of a task according to PRINCE2 is completed in steps. It gives extreme freedom to the task supervisory crew to control and kill dangers in venture the board. As indicated by PRINCE2 chance is a vulnerability in the result of a task, this vulnerability is a two way pehnomenon, it very well may be a positive chance or a negative danger. Therefore all the hazy results of a task are named as hazard in PRINCE2 technique for venture the board (Bentley, 2005).

Who Is To Blame For Our Actions :: essays research papers

Suspicion of Risk: Who is to Blame For Our Actions      The tenet of "assumption of risk" plainly characterizes the obligation of every single willful activity taken on by people, autonomous of the intrinsic hazard or risk associated with such activities. Are we just to accept accountability for the positive results of our activities, without likewise tolerating the negative results too? Most people just case obligation in cases in which they are completely answerable for their activities. Living inside a nation which houses a lot of private venture, we frequently wind up depending on outside assistance. In numerous events we, the individual looking for help, hold the capacity to pick which road of assist will with being taken. In these cases where we have the decision, should we not likewise be considered liable for the results of our choices, particularly in cases in which we have been pre-cautioned about any inalienable dangers or threats? For instance, When we volunteer to drive on a private street, smoke cigarettes, work for a mining organization, or fly on a rebate aircraft at our own volition, do we implicitly agree to take obligation regarding any result these activities may hold? The "assumption of risk" regulation appears to overlook the principal commitment of substances to guarantee their normal objectives. The distinctive factor in choosing duty in impeccable cases which approach the "assumption of risk" tenet is the control held by people after the circumstance has started. In agreement, organizations for example, markdown carriers and cigarette organizations must interpretation of the duty of finishing their obligations, while people who decided to work in a mine or drive on a private street must acknowledge the duty of their activities to do as such.      All aircrafts hold the obligation of moving their clients from a state of beginning to a formerly assigned goal. The individual who consents to purchase a rebate carrier ticket, which cautions to "fly at your own risk," is qualified for get the base help of transportation gave by the carrier. The individual explorer ought to accept no different advantages other than transportation. The aircraft organization asserts this demonstration of transportation to be its objective of administrations rendered. Autonomous of troubles which may emerge in finishing this objective, the carrier may not adjust the fundamental obligation which it is authoritatively committed to perform. The aircraft implicitly assented to perform this essential obligation the second they started moving people for an acknowledged installment. When an individual has loaded up the plane they render all control over their security to the tolerant carrier which holds the base duty of restoring the person back to a condition of wellbeing once their

Hetaira, the Greek Courtesans

Hetaira, the Greek Courtesans Hetaira-orâ hetaera-is the antiquated Greek word for a sort of profoundly talented whore or mistress. The little girls and spouses of Athenian residents were protected from men and most genuine instruction at any rate somewhat so as to guarantee their reasonableness as resident wives. Grown-up female friendship at drinking parties (the renowned discussion) could be provided by an extravagant whore or hetaira. Such ladies may be practiced artists, rich, accomplished, and pleasing allies. Aspasia of Miletus Pericles-one of the most significant pioneers of his time-had a special lady named Aspasia of Miletus. Because of her status as aâ foreigner, she may have been bound to turn into a hetaira. At that point, the individuals who were not local residents of Athens couldn't wed Athenian residents. Her life was likely the more extravagant for it, notwithstanding. Suggestive Entertainers Other (hetairai is a plural type of hetaira) gave assets to metro upgrades. As per an article from the Perseus Digital Library titled, The Representation Of Prostitutes Versus Respectable Women On Ancient Greek Vases: These ladies were basically sexual performers and frequently had creative abilities. Hetairai had physical excellence yet in addition had scholarly preparing and had imaginative gifts; traits that made them all the more engaging allies to Athenian men at parties than their genuine spouses.- Perseus Digital Library Little girls of DemeteronHetaira As indicated by Daughters of Demeter, ladies in Athens, however not prepared in games, appear to be by and by to have had open doors for game and exercise. They go on to sayâ that the rich figured out how to peruse and accumulated in private homes to share music and verse.

An application of McLuhan's theories to television Essay

An utilization of McLuhan's hypotheses to TV - Essay Example In Understanding Media McLuhan pronounced that the media are augmentations of our faculties or resources. He investigates how every one of the media are fit for adjusting our public activities even to the degree of depersonalization and total distance. The Mechanical Bride stated that the genuine noteworthiness of the media lay in their capacity to alter human connections and discernment. Albeit Understanding Media was distributed as right on time as in 1964, McLuhan had anticipated alongside his well known hypothesis of media as augmentations that one day there could be the collectivization and corporatisation of all data. It has been appropriately brought up that the Internet is only an augmentation of one's forces of discernment. We open the 'landing page' of an individual the second we decide to consider him. At that point we continue to tap on joins if need be. The recovery of data in great time from the immense storage facility of the human cerebrum is the pioneer google! Of the numerous hypotheses that McLuhan has propounded, that of hot and cool media has accumulated a great deal of consideration, particularly in the light of the approach of PCs which oppose McLuhan's order as in it tends to be both hot and cold or neither hot nor cold. Before one talks about the complexities engaged with the issue, a short gander at what McLuhan really said in Understanding Media (1964) would be helpful: A hot m... Phone is a cool medium, or one of low definition, in light of the fact that the ear is given a pitiful measure of data. Also, discourse is a cool vehicle of low definition, in light of the fact that so little is given thus much must be filled by the audience. Then again, hot media don't leave such a great amount to be filled in or finished by the crowd. Hot media are, in this way, low in cooperation, and cool media are high in investment or fruition by the crowd (23). Correspondence is a consistently developing marvel and is similar with the ways by which social orders advance. Albeit one can say that the moon and the tide convey it has more to do with characteristic wonder than correspondence; the subterranean insect that finds a drop of nectar locks recieving wires with another that comes its direction, however this clear demonstration of empathic correspondence is, as indicated by Edward O. Wilson, in view of on hereditary programming1 and not on will (the subterranean insect can't decide not to impart); no one but man can decide not to convey, to impart but not convey, to lie, to envision. The range of probability is too various to even think about enumerating. In this way, as long as it is a person who is the Receiver of the Sender's (mass medium) message, imagine a scenario where the previous treats the hot as cool and the other way around. Imagine a scenario in which the quiet from the opposite finish of the phone is translated as an acknow ledgment of one's encouragement to sentiment What if the very warmth of the medium in depicting everything makes the watcher turn off his sense/reasonableness saying the medium isn't cool enough McLuhan's hypothesis sounds unique however not far reaching. It appears to come up short on a regard for end products. McLuhan's different perceptions that supplement the essential reason of hot and cool media are additionally lighting up. He says that a

Relationship Between Construction Industry And Global Warming Environmental Sciences Essay

Connection Between Construction Industry And Global Warming Environmental Sciences Essay An unnatural weather change alludes to a normal increment in the Earths temperature, which cause change in atmosphere. This marvel is primarily brought about by human exercises which discharge ozone depleting substances (GHGs, for example, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). It is accepted that the utilization of non-sustainable power source has expanded the carbon fixation in the climate and has additionally expanded the Earths temperature. Among all the human exercises that transmit GHGs, development industry should held duties as well. In an ongoing distribution by Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change, it was demonstrated that the biggest development in the carbon outflows has originated from power age, transport, industry or more all, from building activity (Radhi, 2009). Hence, is the activity and development of building produces CO2, not simply the structure. Vitality re quired for a structure to work is chiefly on warming and cooling purposes. In United States (US), a full 30% of CO2 outflow is brought about by assembled condition. While in United Kingdom (UK), vitality utilize identified with development industry adds up to around 55% of national vitality utilization, which implies the business is additionally the wellspring of 55% of CO2 outflow (Parsa and Farshchi, 1996). So as to lessen carbon outflow, developing a structure with vitality effectiveness or low carbon discharge is a pattern in these days development industry. To accomplish a structure with low or even zero carbon emanation, the plan and gear utilized by the structure is vital and must be vitality productive. For instance, rather than utilizing fake lighting, characteristic lighting is being use for a similar reason while mechanical ventilation is supplanted by regular ventilation. In addition, the issue of an unnatural weather change has had governments concern. Loads of guidelines and limitations have been alters to decrease carbon or GHGs outflow. Among every one of those guidelines, Kyoto Protocal is the one most notable. The motivation behind Kyoto Protocal is to lessen the outflow of GHGs from industrialized nations by 5.2% of the 1990 levels by a dedication period between 2008 2012 (Hill, 2001). Then again, the UK Climate Change Bill will submit the UK law to an objective of in a ny event a 60% decrease in CO2 emanation by 2050. 1.3 Aim To break down how development industry could add to an unnatural weather change and what endeavors have been made so as to lessen a worldwide temperature alteration. 1.4 Objectives To contemplate the elements wherein development industry had caused a worldwide temperature alteration. To decide the job of governments in setting rules and guidelines to lessen a dangerous atmospheric devation. To distinguish endeavors that has been finished by nearby development industry to follow the green strides. 1.5 Background An Earth-wide temperature boost has been a developing worldwide worry as of late. An unnatural weather change could prompts nursery impacts, environmental change, ascend in mean ocean level, corrosive downpour and exhaustion in ozone layer (Parsa and Farshchi, 1996). An unnatural weather change is brought about by emanation of anthropogenic ozone depleting substances. Among container of GHGs, CO2 assumes the most essential job. Because of the creating of every nation, it tends to be seen that the carbon outflow has gotten progressively genuine. During the 150 years of the mechanical age, the air convergence of CO2 has expanded by 31 percent (West, 2009) Carbon emanation originates from residential industry, consuming of non-renewable energy sources, transport and numerous different components. Among every one of those sources, consuming of petroleum products or non-sustainable power source for power age emanates the most carbon dioxide. Plus, CO2 could prompt nursery impacts as warmth from sun and lighting is being caught in earths air and causing the ascent of temperature in earths surface (Mahwah, 2000). Then again, environmental change implies a change in long haul climate design. While ascend in mean ocean level is a direct result of softening of south and north post ice because of rising temperature. Other than carbon dioxide, arrival of methane is another variables causes a worldwide temperature alteration. More than 150 years of modern age, there has been 151% ascent in climatic methane level for the most part from rural exercises (West, 2009). Discharge of nitrious oxide which is another sort of ozone harming substances additionally produced chiefly because of different farming and mechanical procedure. Plus, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) are likewise classified in the container of ozone harming substances. 1.6 Scope of Study This examination will incorporate the definition and reason for an unnatural weather change, endeavors made and job of government in lessening an Earth-wide temperature boost. This investigation would uncover the familiarity with development industry in worldwide warmings issue and what have been done to diminish it. It is done through seeing whether there are expanding quantities of reasonable or green structures. Furthermore, since this issue has raised worldwide concern, this examination likewise would show what safe house been finished by government respect this issue. So as to discover reasons for an Earth-wide temperature boost, data would be search on the web or in library. A contextual analysis will be direct so as to have a further comprehension of endeavors made to diminish an unnatural weather change. Zero vitality office which is situated at Bandar Baru Bangi would be visited and met the significant faculty. This structure is simply the primary totally practical structure in Southeast Asia. The structure, gear and other supportable things in that building would be contemplated. Meeting with the related individual ought to complete if conceivable to have a more profound comprehension on the structures head. 1.7 Methodology Stage 1: Literature survey This is where a great deal of far reaching survey is required to have a more extensive information about an Earth-wide temperature boost. I will be searching for auxiliary information source at this phase which is through understanding articles or diaries from online assets or library. The assets that I am looking forward are chiefly on reasons for an unnatural weather change which identified with development industry and rules and guidelines set out by government to manage a worldwide temperature alteration. Stage 2: Case study So as to have a more top to bottom examination of an Earth-wide temperature boost mindfulness in development industry, I will direct a contextual analysis in Malaysia via scanning for vitality effective or low carbon outflow building. The structure that I discovered which fit to the prerequisite is Pusat Tenaga Malaysia situated at Bandar Baru Bangi, Kuala Lumpur. I will visit to the structure and lead a meeting with the individual responsible for the structure so as to have a more profound comprehension of how it functions and its guideline. This contextual analysis would be utilized to set up the endeavors that have been made to diminish an Earth-wide temperature boost. Stage 3: Evaluation of contextual investigation In the wake of leading a contextual investigation, I will audit and dissect the data and photographs gathered in the structure that I have contemplated. It is to distinguish whether the structure is actually ecologically well disposed and is it fit for diminishing the effect on condition to least. Stage 4: Writing up In the wake of doing all the exploration, understanding and getting enough data, it empowers me to reviewing the substance following the paper that I proposed in this stage. Section 2: Literature Review 2.1 Introduction In this section, issues identified with reasons for a dangerous atmospheric devation and natural guidelines which are identified with development industry will be discussed. At the point when somebody notice about an unnatural weather change, many are directing fingers toward development industry and late investigations have demonstrated that development industry do held duties. In development industry, the vitality use to work building, typified vitality and development exercises are those which held obligations in carbon emanations. Be that as it may, because of worldwide mindfulness, numerous nations have come out with answers for tackle this issue and governments assume a significant job in this issue. So as to decrease carbon emanations, numerous guidelines and guidelines have been set to guarantee that they are gone along by fashioners and temporary workers. Such principles and guidelines are Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change Act 2008, Carbon Reduction Commitment, Display Energy C ertificates and others significant guidelines. Guidelines set are obligatory for development gatherings to follow and trust that it will lessen carbon outflows and spare our earth. 2.2 Definition 2.2.1 Global Warming The significance of an unnatural weather change as per Dr. Spencer (2007) shows that a worldwide temperature alteration: is the normal moderate, progressive warming of the lower layers of the Earths lower air by the gradually expanding convergences of man-made ozone harming substances, basically carbon dioxide, and to lesser degree methane. These gases trap infrared radiation, which is heat radiation that cools the Earth. 2.2.2 Construction Industry Development industry can be partitioned in to three gatherings which is substantial and structural designing development, general development and exceptionally exchanges (Economy Watch, 2010). Additionally, in light of Economy Watch (2010), development industry brings the importance of: This industry is basically a urban based one which is worried about readiness just as development of land properties. The fixing of any current structure or making certain changes in the equivalent additionally goes under development industry. 2.3 Causes of Global Warming by Construction Industry 2.3.1 Facts that Construction Industry Caused Global Warming It is irrefutable that development industry should bear duties regarding causing of an unnatural weather change. Exercises identified with building are liable for 35% to 45% of CO2 discharges into the environment. In Australia, 40% of its nation vitality is utilized for warming, cooling, building and annihilating of building (Dixon, 2008). Vitality that created to satisfy all the requirements discharges CO2. Plus, comparative conditions happen in UK wher

Impress Your Reader With Your Message, Not Your Vocabulary

Impress Your Reader With Your Message, Not Your Vocabulary In classic literature, it seemed that critics thought the bigger the words, the better the writer. While the classics certainly have their place in literary history, chances are that your essays, resumes, cover letters, theses, marketing communications, novels or short stories are more likely to be read and judged by a much more targeted, and thus much smaller, audience.Beware the 10-lb. word in a 5-lb. sackWords are wonderful, magical tools for any writer, and there is great temptation to branch out from our vocabulary comfort-zone, to experiment with what we consider to be intellectual or smart-sounding phrases. Your message to your reader will be interrupted by the shock of an ill-fitting word or phrase that is obviously not part of your regular speech but instead, a substitute plucked from Rogets Thesaurus. The teacher, professor, customer or employer reading your document is interested in your message; you will lose their interest quickly if the flow of your writing (and their r eading) is sprinkled with unnecessary multi-syllable or archaic words.Objective editing produces better writingLets assume you have a writing project â€" an essay. You have selected a topic, researched your background material, formulated your opinions on the subject and produced the first draft. Your next three steps are crucial to creating the best essay you can write: 1) Edit the text; 2) Edit the text again; 3) Read the text as if you were a child, and edit the text again. If you find words or phrases that seem out of place or could be simplified for clearer understanding, get your red pencil moving! What seems out of place to you could come across to your reader as pompous and, worse yet, could cause your reader to discount any genuine ideas you may be trying to explain.Write as you speakNaturally, formal writing will be more structured than conversation; nevertheless, everything you write should impart your personality, your intelligence and your sense of humor where appropria te. This is more difficult for English-as-second-language writers, who have a tendency to select grander-sounding words in English than in their own language. As these writers become more familiar with casual English and interact more with English-speaking associates, it is an editors delight to see their written communication become much more natural and less dependent upon big words.Put this tip to work for youBelow is an example from a resume of an introductory paragraph that cries out for simplification. As a practice exercise, identify the roadblocks to understanding and re-phrase as needed without losing the intent of the message. While this is an obviously absurd example, you should approach all of your writing with the same critical eye and the pledge to make your end-product the best it can be.Career Objective: To capitalize on my abundant scholastic and professional sagacity in marketing communications, all the while achieving equanimity between Advertising and Public Rela tions, ensuring my effectiveness and contributory value to my prospective employer.Small words to write byIf you remember nothing else from my writing tips, burn these three words on your brain: Keep it simple. While you should always strive to improve your vocabulary, you do not want your reader fumbling through the dictionary instead of absorbing your message. The best advice for would-be writers is evidenced by successful modern authors â€" their use of words, flow of content, clarity of subject and variety of expressions â€" hence, the more you read, the more you learn about writing, and the most valuable lesson is: Build your vocabulary and improve your writing, but leave the ten-dollar words to Shakespeare!

2013 Plan Performance Rankings Q4

Each quarter Savingforcollege.com analyzes the investment performance figures for thousands of 529 portfolios and ranks the 529 savings plans from best to worst for one-year investment performance, three-year investment performance, five-year investment performance and ten-year investment performance. The top-performing 529 plans In producing our rankings, we compared the reported investment performance of a subset of portfolios from each 529 savings plan. The lower the "percentile," the better the ranking. For more details, please view our methodology. Here are our 529 performance rankings as of December 31, 2013. We ranked plans that consumers can enroll in directly (see below), as well as those sold through brokers and fee-based financial planners). One-year performance ranking Rank State Plan Percentile 1 District of Columbia DC 529 College Savings Program (Direct-sold) 20.39 2 New Jersey NJBEST 529 College Savings Plan 23.92 3 Utah Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP) Trust 31.34 4 Maryland College Savings Plans of Maryland -- College Investment Plan 33.90 5 West Virginia SMART529 WV Direct 34.11 6 Alaska University of Alaska College Savings Plan 34.32 7 Maine NextGen College Investing Plan -- Client Direct Series 34.39 8 West Virginia SMART529 Select 34.67 9 New York New York's 529 College Savings Program -- Direct Plan 36.06 10 California The ScholarShare College Savings Plan 36.19 See the full list of one-year direct-sold rankings. Click "Next Page" below to see 3 year rankings. Each quarter Savingforcollege.com analyzes the investment performance figures for thousands of 529 portfolios and ranks the 529 savings plans from best to worst for one-year investment performance, three-year investment performance, five-year investment performance and ten-year investment performance. The top-performing 529 plans In producing our rankings, we compared the reported investment performance of a subset of portfolios from each 529 savings plan. The lower the "percentile," the better the ranking. For more details on our methodology. Here are our 529 performance rankings as of December 31, 2013. We ranked plans that consumers can enroll in directly (see below), as well as those sold through brokers and fee-based financial planners). Three-year performance ranking Rank State Plan Percentile 1 District of Columbia DC 529 College Savings Program (Direct-sold) 22.65 2 Alaska University of Alaska College Savings Plan 25.44 3 New York New York's 529 College Savings Program -- Direct Plan 28.57 4 Alaska T. Rowe Price College Savings Plan 29.03 5 Utah Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP) Trust 30.37 6 Maine NextGen College Investing Plan -- Client Direct Series 30.61 7 Florida Florida 529 Savings Plan 35.10 8 New Mexico The Education Plan's College Savings Program (Direct-sold) 35.18 9 Illinois Bright Start College Savings Program -- Direct-sold Plan 36.85 10 Oklahoma Oklahoma College Savings Plan 37.63 See the full list of three-year direct-sold rankings. Click "Next Page" below to see 5 year rankings. Each quarter Savingforcollege.com analyzes the investment performance figures for thousands of 529 portfolios and ranks the 529 savings plans from best to worst for one-year investment performance, three-year investment performance, five-year investment performance and ten-year investment performance. The top-performing 529 plans In producing our rankings, we compared the reported investment performance of a subset of portfolios from each 529 savings plan. The lower the "percentile," the better the ranking. For more details on our methodology. Here are our 529 performance rankings as of December 31, 2013. We ranked plans that consumers can enroll in directly (see below), as well as those sold through brokers and fee-based financial planners). Five-year performance ranking Rank State Plan Percentile 1 Nevada USAA 529 College Savings Plan 17.51 2 Alaska University of Alaska College Savings Plan 22.06 3 Alaska T. Rowe Price College Savings Plan 22.07 4 Maine NextGen College Investing Plan -- Client Direct Series 25.57 5 Maryland College Savings Plans of Maryland -- College Investment Plan 27.41 6 District of Columbia DC 529 College Savings Program (Direct-sold) 33.37 7 New York New York's 529 College Savings Program -- Direct Plan 35.79 8 West Virginia SMART529 WV Direct 36.02 9 South Carolina Future Scholar 529 College Savings Plan (Direct-sold) 40.72 10 Utah Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP) Trust 40.75 See the full list of five-year direct-sold rankings. Click "Next Page" below to see 10 year rankings. Each quarter Savingforcollege.com analyzes the investment performance figures for thousands of 529 portfolios and ranks the 529 savings plans from best to worst for one-year investment performance, three-year investment performance, five-year investment performance and ten-year investment performance. The top-performing 529 plans In producing our rankings, we compared the reported investment performance of a subset of portfolios from each 529 savings plan. The lower the "percentile," the better the ranking. For more details on our methodology. Here are our 529 performance rankings as of December 31, 2013. We ranked plans that consumers can enroll in directly (see below), as well as those sold through brokers and fee-based financial planners). Ten-year performance ranking Rank State Plan Percentile 1 Utah Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP) Trust 23.21 2 Alaska T. Rowe Price College Savings Plan 23.64 3 Alaska University of Alaska College Savings Plan 25.61 4 Kansas Schwab 529 College Savings Plan 33.38 5 New York New York's 529 College Savings Program -- Direct Plan 38.49 6 Louisiana START Saving Program 39.69 7 Maryland College Savings Plans of Maryland -- College Investment Plan 39.86 8 Nevada USAA 529 College Savings Plan 40.24 9 Virginia Virginia529 inVEST 43.12 10 Nevada The Vanguard 529 Savings Plan 43.51 See the full list of ten-year direct-sold rankings. For broker-sold plan rankings and fee-based financial planners. How to rank 529 plan performance Ranking over 3,000 investment options is no easy task, considering the wide variety of options found in 529 savings plans, and it requires a special methodology. Step one: We select specific portfolios from each 529 plan that can be compared on an apples-to-apples basis to portfolios in other 529 plans, based on their allocation among stocks, bonds and short-term instruments (money market and guaranteed investments). We've set up seven different asset-allocation categories ranging from 100 percent equity to 100 percent short-term. Step two: Within each of the seven categories, we compare historical performance of the selected portfolios and assign each plan a percentile ranking between one (best) and 100 (worst). Separate rankings are developed for one-year, three-year, five-year and ten-year performances. Step three: We take the average of each 529 plan's percentile rankings in the seven asset-allocation categories to produce a combined or "composite" percentile ranking. We then produce reports showing how the 529 plans rank against each other in their composite percentile rankings. Note: We currently produce these composite rankings for one-year, three-year, five-year and ten-year performances. For a more in-depth explanation of our methodology, please read our white paper. See the one-year direct-sold, three-year direct-sold, five-year direct-sold and ten-year direct-sold rankings. More information Links to our full report on the composite rankings for this quarter are provided below for the direct-sold 529 plans. Only our Premium subscribers have access to composite rankings for advisor-sold 529 plans, to the underlying data supporting the rankings and to separate one-year, three-year, five-year and ten-year rankings for each of the seven different asset-allocation categories. In addition, subscribers can easily look up the historical performance for every 529 portfolio in every available share class by using our Fee and Performance Lookup Tool. Each quarter Savingforcollege.com analyzes the investment performance figures for thousands of 529 portfolios and ranks the 529 savings plans from best to worst for one-year investment performance, three-year investment performance, five-year investment performance and ten-year investment performance. The top-performing 529 plans In producing our rankings, we compared the reported investment performance of a subset of portfolios from each 529 savings plan. The lower the "percentile," the better the ranking. For more details, please view our methodology. Here are our 529 performance rankings as of December 31, 2013. We ranked plans that consumers can enroll in directly (see below), as well as those sold through brokers and fee-based financial planners). One-year performance ranking Rank State Plan Percentile 1 District of Columbia DC 529 College Savings Program (Direct-sold) 20.39 2 New Jersey NJBEST 529 College Savings Plan 23.92 3 Utah Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP) Trust 31.34 4 Maryland College Savings Plans of Maryland -- College Investment Plan 33.90 5 West Virginia SMART529 WV Direct 34.11 6 Alaska University of Alaska College Savings Plan 34.32 7 Maine NextGen College Investing Plan -- Client Direct Series 34.39 8 West Virginia SMART529 Select 34.67 9 New York New York's 529 College Savings Program -- Direct Plan 36.06 10 California The ScholarShare College Savings Plan 36.19 See the full list of one-year direct-sold rankings. Click "Next Page" below to see 3 year rankings. Each quarter Savingforcollege.com analyzes the investment performance figures for thousands of 529 portfolios and ranks the 529 savings plans from best to worst for one-year investment performance, three-year investment performance, five-year investment performance and ten-year investment performance. The top-performing 529 plans In producing our rankings, we compared the reported investment performance of a subset of portfolios from each 529 savings plan. The lower the "percentile," the better the ranking. For more details on our methodology. Here are our 529 performance rankings as of December 31, 2013. We ranked plans that consumers can enroll in directly (see below), as well as those sold through brokers and fee-based financial planners). Three-year performance ranking Rank State Plan Percentile 1 District of Columbia DC 529 College Savings Program (Direct-sold) 22.65 2 Alaska University of Alaska College Savings Plan 25.44 3 New York New York's 529 College Savings Program -- Direct Plan 28.57 4 Alaska T. Rowe Price College Savings Plan 29.03 5 Utah Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP) Trust 30.37 6 Maine NextGen College Investing Plan -- Client Direct Series 30.61 7 Florida Florida 529 Savings Plan 35.10 8 New Mexico The Education Plan's College Savings Program (Direct-sold) 35.18 9 Illinois Bright Start College Savings Program -- Direct-sold Plan 36.85 10 Oklahoma Oklahoma College Savings Plan 37.63 See the full list of three-year direct-sold rankings. Click "Next Page" below to see 5 year rankings. Each quarter Savingforcollege.com analyzes the investment performance figures for thousands of 529 portfolios and ranks the 529 savings plans from best to worst for one-year investment performance, three-year investment performance, five-year investment performance and ten-year investment performance. The top-performing 529 plans In producing our rankings, we compared the reported investment performance of a subset of portfolios from each 529 savings plan. The lower the "percentile," the better the ranking. For more details on our methodology. Here are our 529 performance rankings as of December 31, 2013. We ranked plans that consumers can enroll in directly (see below), as well as those sold through brokers and fee-based financial planners). Five-year performance ranking Rank State Plan Percentile 1 Nevada USAA 529 College Savings Plan 17.51 2 Alaska University of Alaska College Savings Plan 22.06 3 Alaska T. Rowe Price College Savings Plan 22.07 4 Maine NextGen College Investing Plan -- Client Direct Series 25.57 5 Maryland College Savings Plans of Maryland -- College Investment Plan 27.41 6 District of Columbia DC 529 College Savings Program (Direct-sold) 33.37 7 New York New York's 529 College Savings Program -- Direct Plan 35.79 8 West Virginia SMART529 WV Direct 36.02 9 South Carolina Future Scholar 529 College Savings Plan (Direct-sold) 40.72 10 Utah Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP) Trust 40.75 See the full list of five-year direct-sold rankings. Click "Next Page" below to see 10 year rankings. Each quarter Savingforcollege.com analyzes the investment performance figures for thousands of 529 portfolios and ranks the 529 savings plans from best to worst for one-year investment performance, three-year investment performance, five-year investment performance and ten-year investment performance. The top-performing 529 plans In producing our rankings, we compared the reported investment performance of a subset of portfolios from each 529 savings plan. The lower the "percentile," the better the ranking. For more details on our methodology. Here are our 529 performance rankings as of December 31, 2013. We ranked plans that consumers can enroll in directly (see below), as well as those sold through brokers and fee-based financial planners). Ten-year performance ranking Rank State Plan Percentile 1 Utah Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP) Trust 23.21 2 Alaska T. Rowe Price College Savings Plan 23.64 3 Alaska University of Alaska College Savings Plan 25.61 4 Kansas Schwab 529 College Savings Plan 33.38 5 New York New York's 529 College Savings Program -- Direct Plan 38.49 6 Louisiana START Saving Program 39.69 7 Maryland College Savings Plans of Maryland -- College Investment Plan 39.86 8 Nevada USAA 529 College Savings Plan 40.24 9 Virginia Virginia529 inVEST 43.12 10 Nevada The Vanguard 529 Savings Plan 43.51 See the full list of ten-year direct-sold rankings. For broker-sold plan rankings and fee-based financial planners. How to rank 529 plan performance Ranking over 3,000 investment options is no easy task, considering the wide variety of options found in 529 savings plans, and it requires a special methodology. Step one: We select specific portfolios from each 529 plan that can be compared on an apples-to-apples basis to portfolios in other 529 plans, based on their allocation among stocks, bonds and short-term instruments (money market and guaranteed investments). We've set up seven different asset-allocation categories ranging from 100 percent equity to 100 percent short-term. Step two: Within each of the seven categories, we compare historical performance of the selected portfolios and assign each plan a percentile ranking between one (best) and 100 (worst). Separate rankings are developed for one-year, three-year, five-year and ten-year performances. Step three: We take the average of each 529 plan's percentile rankings in the seven asset-allocation categories to produce a combined or "composite" percentile ranking. We then produce reports showing how the 529 plans rank against each other in their composite percentile rankings. Note: We currently produce these composite rankings for one-year, three-year, five-year and ten-year performances. For a more in-depth explanation of our methodology, please read our white paper. See the one-year direct-sold, three-year direct-sold, five-year direct-sold and ten-year direct-sold rankings. More information Links to our full report on the composite rankings for this quarter are provided below for the direct-sold 529 plans. Only our Premium subscribers have access to composite rankings for advisor-sold 529 plans, to the underlying data supporting the rankings and to separate one-year, three-year, five-year and ten-year rankings for each of the seven different asset-allocation categories. In addition, subscribers can easily look up the historical performance for every 529 portfolio in every available share class by using our Fee and Performance Lookup Tool.