Technology Project Manager Salary in Knoxville, TN

Run/manage project from start to finishOversee Subcontractors and full construction project on a daily basesCoordinate subcontractors, architects, inspectors, and suppliers to resolve any problems with materials or methods.Establish and maintain an effective and professional on site working relationship with Owners, Architects, Consulting Engineers and other parties related to the project.Enforce a safe work environment, practices and culture on the project.MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.1+ year of previous experience working with a General ContractorBachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field a plusExperience handling commercial projects Strong software and technology skills is a plusAble to communicate and be organizedTime Management Skills - making sure everything is on time and completed thoroughlyExperience with a team structure a plus

Assist in Run/manage a project from start to finishOversee Subcontractors and full construction project on a daily basesCoordinate subcontractors, architects, inspectors, and suppliers to resolve any problems with materials or methods.Establish and maintain an effective and professional on site working relationship with Owners, Architects, Consulting Engineers and other parties related to the project.Enforce a safe work environment, practices and culture on the project.MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.2-3 years of previous experience working with a General ContractorBachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field a plusExperience handling commercial projectsStrong software and technology skills is a plusAble to communicate and be organizedTime Management Skills - making sure everything is on time and completed thoroughlyExperience with a team structure a plus

Project Manager - Transportation Career Area: Engineering - Civil What We're Looking For: Barge Design Solutions, Inc. is seeking an experienced and talented Project Manager to join our State & Local Client Center and lead significant growth of our Tennessee practice. In this role, you will provide direction and leadership to our Tennessee-based transportation team in support of Barge's strategic priority to grow its current portfolio of services and clients in Tennessee. This is a career opportunity that encompasses growing, leading, and mentoring our local practice, with additional opportunities to support complementary initiatives across our firm's geography. This position will partner closely with the Director of Projects to achieve the desired performance metrics for quality delivery, profitability, and growth.Responsibilities:Support development and execution of the State & Local Client Center's business plan that aligns with the firm's strategic plan and annual performance objectives.Collaborate with the Director of Projects, Client Service Leaders (CSLs), and Marketing for the development and execution of client marketing plans, pursuit strategies, teaming agreements, proposals, and interviews.Effectively perform project management functions including but not limited to: - Developing proposals and negotiating contracts. - Developing and monitoring project schedules, budgets, billing, and collections. - Providing technical oversight of projects to adhere to Barge's Quality Program. - Facilitating external and internal meetings during all project phases; and - Managing changes in scope and/or level of effort over the life of projectsDevelop conceptual design solutions in response to client goals and objectives.Collaborate with technical discipline leaders to develop reports, designs, plans, and/or specifications for projects.Provide direction and supervision to assigned staff to ensure effective management of workload, performance, and professional development.Work with the Director of Projects to ensure that key skillsets and capabilities are in place to support current operational needs.Acquire and develop key capabilities through a combination of effective recruitment and workforce development.Collaborate with other departments to allocate resources on a firmwide basis and to share talent and work across the firm.Perform other duties as assigned. Education & Experience Qualifications: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from an accredited program.Professional Engineer (PE) registration.10 - 15 years of related experience in roadway design/project management.Experience working with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).Strong design and technical credibility.Excellent oral, written, and graphical communication skills.Ability to effectively manage concurrent projects and deadlines.Strong teambuilding skills.Able to collaborate with other design discipline Why join us? Barge Design Solutions, Inc., is an engineering and architecture firm with diverse in-house multidisciplinary practice areas. The employee-owned company is more than 400-people strong and serves clients nationwide from multiple U.S. locations. Barge is ranked No. 171 on Engineering News-Record (ENR)'s 2021 Top 500 Design Firms list, is No. 177 on Architectural Record's Top 300 Architecture Firms and is a certified Great Place To Work. Our primary purpose for being in business is ultimately to create a better life by unleashing the potential of our people, clients and communities. This purpose is supported by our company's core values because at the end of the day, Barge CARES: Collaborate - Help and expect help. Teamwork is essential in what we do. Authentic - Honesty, integrity and trust are at the heart of everything we do. We are who we say we are. Responsible - We are accountable for our work, our attitude, and our actions. We make Barge better. Excellence - We go all in and expect more of ourselves than others expect of us. Service - We are humble. We use our gifts in service of others. We believe that if we are living out our purpose for being in business and integrating our values into everything we do, we will ultimately achieve our vision to be the firm best known for being selected when it matters most. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or on the basis of disability. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Company DescriptionEurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins laboratories work with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic, and labelling is accurate.Eurofins is dedicated to delivering testing services that contribute to the health and safety of society and the planet, and to its corporate responsibility to protect the environment and ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion across the entire network of Eurofins companies.Job DescriptionThis is an entry level position into the area of project management. The Project Manager I (PM I) is accountable for coordinating and managing clients' projects through all phases of laboratory operations, including project set-up and maintenance, login review, communication of analytical issues, client account maintenance, reporting, invoicing, bottle orders, client pickups, and identification of work share facilities. The PM I role fosters and develops client relationships in support of the laboratory mission.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Project set-upProject review in LIMSSets up projectAdds any project notes (special reporting and invoicing instructions, etc.)Reviews project documentationAdds any project documentation to central repositorySets up client for Total AccessManages purchase orders, task orders, contracts, and change order requestsVerifies that lab compound lists and limits meet project requirements for new projects not quotedAdds any project specific limits / lists to LIMSDeliverable assignment and delivery routeFor new projects not quoted, confirms that EDD format is available (deliverable assignment and delivery route). Submits a helpdesk ticket for any new formats needed.Communicates project details to operationsInitiates project kick off call with client and pertinent staff, if neededEngages work share labs, service centers, and non-Eurofins locations as needed for new projects not quotedWorks with operations to ensure adequate capacity for incoming work (forecasting)Provides updates to operations on upcoming workFamiliarity with state and national program requirements as it pertains to work mixCreate bottle ordersSchedules courier or field sampler, if neededConfirms non-Eurofins subcontract labs are on the approved list and set-up as vendors for new workConfirms non-Eurofins subcontract labs are on the approved list and set-up as vendors for existing workInitiates approval process for any subcontract labs not on the approved listGenerates subcontract paperworkGenerates accounting software requisition when sending subcontract samplesVerifies that lab certification meets project requirementsVerifies that lab compound lists and limits meet project requirements for new quotesFor new quotes confirms that EDD format is available (delivery assignment and delivery route). If a new format is needed, submitsFor new quotes confirms that EDD format is available (delivery assignment and delivery route). If a new format is needed, submits a helpdesk ticketEngages work share labs, service centers, and non-TA locations as needed for new quotesProvides supporting documentation to client as needed (contact list, bottle table with preservation, etc.)Sample ReceiptCommunicates any issues to clients for duration of projectManages incoming work for Rush and short holdsReviews log-inResolves log-in issues with clientInforms client of any log-in discrepanciesSets samples to "available" after reviewSends client sample receipt confirmationReviews draft invoiceConfirms that any client needed information (purchase order, project number, etc.) is recorded in LIMS for invoicingReportingClient specific report requirementsReviews job list daily and manages due datesCommunicates any expected delays to clients before the job due dateConfirms any data anomalies (filtered > dissolved, deviations from historicals, etc.) with operations before submitting to clientReviews reports and EDDS before issuing to the clientConfirms correct report format and EDD format is usedCreates and issues final report by client due dateIssues final data packagesState reporting forms and submissionDMR formsEDD checkersData uploadCompiles case narrativesInvoicingSets up delivery routeReviews final invoice before issuing to clientGenerates credit/debit memos as neededSubmits credit/debit memos for approvalSubmits approved credit/debit memos to client, if neededSubmits revised invoicesInitiates follow up calls to confirm correct invoicingWorks with collections on A/R follow upRegular review of A/R statusClient set-upWork with CSM to communicate lab capabilities to the clientRequests new client reviewConfirms sales assignments with Business Development ManagerTakes new quote requests from clientsReviews client contract requirements / coordinates review.Reviews purchase ordersSubmits purchase orders for approval and returns approved orders to clientFollows up on client terms and credit limitAccount MaintenanceFollow up calls and visits with clientsProvides technical support as neededUses company resources to follow up on client requestsFamiliarity with company capabilities and key contactsForward opportunities and leads to salesForecasts upcoming workAsks for the next opportunityArea of responsibility (air, regulations, etc.)Submits client complaints and participates in correction action / follow up as neededCommunicates client issues/complaints to salesFollows up on client requestsSupports the follow up of quotes/bids for tracking purposesQuotes & ProposalsInitiates project QAPP review with operations, QA, and subcontract labs as neededInitiates technical support from operations as needed (special requests, method development, technical review, etc.)Quote generation and approvalsReviews client quote requests for capabilities, certifications, scopeConfirms client contracts (if applicable) and pricingDetermines lab placement for the workConfirms that lab certification meets project requirementsConfirms that lab compound lists and limits meet project requirementsCreates quotesSubmits quotes for approvalSends quotes to clientForecasts quotesProvides QAPP / SOW information to the client as neededUpdates status in LIMSQualificationsBasic Minimum Qualifications (BMQ): To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill or ability required.Education/Experience (BMQ):Education: BS/BA in Chemistry/Sciences or related field (four years related experience may substitute for a degreeExperience:6 months of client-relationship/customer service experiencePrefer some bench chemist or field experienceRequires additional lab training in methods and QA across multiple departmentsAbility and/or Skills (BMQ):Eurofins services, products, testing capabilities, technology, production, and support systemsProgram specifications and laboratory proceduresEnvironmental regulationsProcess improvement methodsQuality assurance program planContract complianceLaboratory methods and techniquesBasic knowledge of the LIMSStrong interpersonal, communication and problem solving skillsEffective time managementStrong organizational skillsLeadership skillsComputer skills - using routine software applications such as Outlook, Office, Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint.Multi-taskingAdaptability and flexibilityAbility to ensure requirements for On-Time Delivery are metAttention to Clients: Demonstrates a desire to understand customer needs; listens to what customers are saying and asks questions as appropriate; demonstrates awareness of client goals. Follows up with clients during projects and following project completion; keeps clients up to date about decisions that affect them; seeks the comments, criticisms and involvement of clients; adjusts services based on client feedback.Technical Familiarity: Seeks information from a variety of sources in a variety of ways to respond to client's technical questions about the project and to effectively communicate project status.Customer Service Orientation: Strives to meet customer expectations and takes responsibility to resolve client complaints. Provides prompt, efficient and personalized assistance to meet the requirements, requests, and concerns of customers; provides thorough, accurate information to answer customers' questions and inform them of commitment times or performance guarantees; actively looks for ways to help customers by identifying and proposing appropriate solutions and/or services; establishes boundaries as appropriate for unreasonable customer demands.Is pleasant, courteous and professional when dealing with internal or external customers; displays a good-natured, cooperative attitude; is calm and empathetic when dealing with hostile customers.Additional InformationFull-time position working Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm. Candidates living within a commutable distance of Knoxville, TN are encouraged to apply.Compensation range: $18 - 21/hrEurofins Environment Testing (USA) provides a compensation range for informational purposes, the actual base salary may vary based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience and skill set, base salary of internal peers, business sector, and geographic location.To learn more about Eurofins, please explore our websitewww.eurofinsus.com.We support your development! Do you feel you don't match 100% of the requirements? Don't hesitate to apply anyway! Eurofins companies are committed to supporting your career development.We embrace diversity! Eurofins network of companies believe in strength and innovation through diversity, being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination against employees or applications based on gender identity and/or expression, race, nationality, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and everything else that makes employees of Eurofins companies unique.Sustainability matters to us! We are well on our way to achieving our objective of carbon neutrality by 2025, through a combination of emission reduction and compensation initiatives. We encourage our laboratory leaders to make sustainable changes at their local level, and in addition to their initiatives we also count on our dedicated carbon reduction team to help us to achieve this goal!Find out more in our career page: https://careers.eurofins.com/Company description: Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins laboratories work with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic and labelling is accurate.The Eurofins network of companies is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing and in discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and Eurofins Scientific 2/2 March 2023 agroscience contract research services. It is one of the market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies, as well as having an emerging global presence in Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations. It also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialised and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic products.In over 35 years, Eurofins has grown from one laboratory in Nantes, France to 61,000 staff across a decentralised and entrepreneurial network of ca. 900 laboratories in 61 countries. Eurofins companies offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products.In 2022, Eurofins generated total revenues of EUR 6.7 billion, and has been among the best performing stocks in Europe over the past 20 years.Eurofins is aM/F, Disabled, and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.

Run/manage project from start to finishOversee Subcontractors and full construction project on a daily basesCoordinate subcontractors, architects, inspectors, and suppliers to resolve any problems with materials or methods.Establish and maintain an effective and professional on site working relationship with Owners, Architects, Consulting Engineers and other parties related to the project.Enforce a safe work environment, practices and culture on the project.MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.1+ year of previous experience working with a General ContractorBachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field a plusExperience handling commercial projects Strong software and technology skills is a plusAble to communicate and be organizedTime Management Skills - making sure everything is on time and completed thoroughlyExperience with a team structure a plus

Direct day-to-day on-site supervision of field labor force including assistants, foremen, subcontractors and other construction related personnel.Assist Project Manager in the supervision and responsibility of the total construction effort in accordance with design, budget, quality, and schedule.Assist with providing technical assistance (interpretation of drawings, recommendation of construction methods and equipment, etc.) as required, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection.Inspection of Contractor or (Sub)Contract operations to ensure compliance with Contract.Review and approve Trade Contractor Payment Applications with Project Manager.Maintain good relationships with internal and external clients, including representatives of Owner, Architect/Engineer and Partners.Develop and maintain site logistics plan, in coordination with Project Manager.Development of Quality Assurance& Controls; Conduct quality inspectionsCoordinate site testing and inspection efforts.Monitor costs, including labor time and material.Communicate and enforce Safety and Health Management Program.Demonstrate commitment to an Injury-Free Environment through own actions and mentoring others.Manage schedules, including preparation of detailed short-term schedules and ensuring all activities take place on or ahead of scheduled dates.Prepare and submit Superintendent's Daily Reports to document weather and field conditions, trade and subcontractor manpower, progress and conditions impacting the project, as well as Accident Reports, Quality Reports, etc.Conduct subcontractor meetings.Attend and participate in project meetings.Providing training and education to support field superintendents and engineers.MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.6+ years of Industrial Construction experienceStrong knowledge of MEP & FP, and mission critical systemsCompleted Commercial projects greater than $5M (please include a list of projects completed with resume)Efficient in MS Project, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Outlook

Direct day-to-day on-site supervision of field labor force including assistants, foremen, subcontractors and other construction related personnel.Assist Project Manager in the supervision and responsibility of the total construction effort in accordance with design, budget, quality, and schedule.Assist with providing technical assistance (interpretation of drawings, recommendation of construction methods and equipment, etc.) as required, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection.Inspection of Contractor or (Sub)Contract operations to ensure compliance with Contract.Review and approve Trade Contractor Payment Applications with Project Manager.Maintain good relationships with internal and external clients, including representatives of Owner, Architect/Engineer and Partners.Develop and maintain site logistics plan, in coordination with Project Manager.Development of Quality Assurance& Controls; Conduct quality inspectionsCoordinate site testing and inspection efforts.Monitor costs, including labor time and material.Communicate and enforce Safety and Health Management Program.Demonstrate commitment to an Injury-Free Environment through own actions and mentoring others.Manage schedules, including preparation of detailed short-term schedules and ensuring all activities take place on or ahead of scheduled dates.Prepare and submit Superintendent's Daily Reports to document weather and field conditions, trade and subcontractor manpower, progress and conditions impacting the project, as well as Accident Reports, Quality Reports, etc.Conduct subcontractor meetings.Attend and participate in project meetings.Providing training and education to support field superintendents and engineers.MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.6+ years of Industrial Construction experienceStrong knowledge of MEP & FP, and mission critical systemsCompleted Commercial projects greater than $5M (please include a list of projects completed with resume)Efficient in MS Project, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Outlook

Run/manage project from start to finishOversee Subcontractors and full construction project on a daily basesCoordinate subcontractors, architects, inspectors, and suppliers to resolve any problems with materials or methods.Establish and maintain an effective and professional on site working relationship with Owners, Architects, Consulting Engineers and other parties related to the project.Enforce a safe work environment, practices and culture on the project.MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.6+ year of previous experience working with a General ContractorBachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field a plusExperience handling commercial projectsStrong software and technology skills is a plusAble to communicate and be organizedTime Management Skills - making sure everything is on time and completed thoroughlyExperience with a team structure a plus

Assist in Run/manage a project from start to finishOversee Subcontractors and full construction project on a daily basesCoordinate subcontractors, architects, inspectors, and suppliers to resolve any problems with materials or methods.Establish and maintain an effective and professional on site working relationship with Owners, Architects, Consulting Engineers and other parties related to the project.Enforce a safe work environment, practices and culture on the project.MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.2-3 years of previous experience working with a General ContractorBachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field a plusExperience handling commercial projectsStrong software and technology skills is a plusAble to communicate and be organizedTime Management Skills - making sure everything is on time and completed thoroughlyExperience with a team structure a plus

POSITION SUMMARYA Senior Project Manager will own leading task forces on projects, from inception through completion. This role will be responsible for determining the purpose of a project, communicating with clients about their needs, securing funding, budgeting for each department, and planning the projects final release. They will use delegation to accomplish large scale tasks and will step in to troubleshoot issues or connecting people with the appropriate resources to do their job.RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIESEnsures that projects remain in-scope and meet budgetary, scheduling, and quality requirements.Creates, manages, and distributes project communications artifacts like charters, schedules, and budget.Provides project status updates at predetermined time intervals to all stakeholders.Ensures adherence to legally binding requirements. Plan, schedule, monitor activities related to subcontractors.Establish key project criteria metrics.Develop project control and reporting procedures to manage changes in operational plan.Responsible for managing and motivating the team, as well as resolving team conflicts.Work to resolve technical and operational issues as required.Ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.Solid technical understanding and ability to define and refine requirements through a project lifecycle.Strong analytical and problem-solving skill to manage shifting priorities, demands, and timelines.Ability to learn quickly, understand and apply new technologies.Positive, can-do attitude with the ability to succeed in a fast-paced work environment.All other duties assigned.RESPONSIBILITIES - SafetyTo help ensure that all our employees go home safely at the end of their working day.RESPONSIBILITIES - QualityTo ensure Kelvion's Standard of Excellence, which includes quality, is incorporated into every product we produce. Will adhere to all quality requirements that are inside of the Quality Management system.RESPONSIBILITIES - Corporate / SiteFollow all company policies and procedures, including but not limited to Global Code of Business Principles, Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, Operational FrameworkTo be part of & to promote Knoxville Standard of Excellence which incorporates high standard of ethical behavior, to promote a culture of honesty and integrity, and one team culture.All employees are expected to follow government and corporate laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.REQUIREMENTS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES)Have strong written and oral communication skills.Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams.Demonstrated ability to implement processes.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to manage shifting priorities, demands and timelines.Ability to interact with all levels of the organization, from production associates to senior leaders.Ability to function as a collaborator and be comfortable leading without authority.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (required levels)A bachelor's degree in management, quality engineering, science, or logistics. Or have equivalent experience.Project Management Certification7+ years of experience as a Project Manager or similar position responsible for defining and managing project scope, timelines, profitability, and effective delivery of products or services. In lieu of experience a PMP or related certification or 5 years of demonstrated experience leading a PMO.Proven experience in project management, quality, manufacturing and in securing vendor contracts.3+ years utilizing strong analytic skills to understand business need.In-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of manufacturing and engineering.Experience with manufacturing and production processes and engineering principles.Ability to provide guidance to improve process efficiency.Excellent communication and liaison skills.Must be proficient with the use of the Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands, arms, and shoulders. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk and hear. The employee must regularly hand lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.