bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Logistics System Modelling
Authors: House Robert G. , Karrenbauer Jeffrey J.
Published: February 2008

In a logistics system the number of possible applications of qualitative and quantitative modelling efforts is practically infinite. The situations or problems which can be analysed range from micro operations (e.g., analysing alternative order picking systems) to macro planning issues (e.g., determining the number and location of warehouses to be employed in a future distribution system). This range of potential applications not only reflects the scope of the models (micro to macro) but it also incorporates another relevant dimension: planning. The planning axis is anchored at one end by operations models which are constructed to analyse daily operating practices. The other end of the continuum is represented by long range planning models. These models are used to aid logistics managers in their attempts to design systems to cope with the future. In many situations exact classification of individual models along these two dimensions is difficult. However, this categorisation is a useful framework within which to view the scope of the modelling discussed in this paper. This presentation will focus on the macro planning models that are being employed both in military and industrial logistics to aid the systems planner in his attempts to structure logistics systems for the future.
Inventory Control and Marketing
Authors: Schiff Michael
Published: February 2008

A recent article by Bartels presents a theoretic discussion of the need for avoiding the fragmentation of marketing and distribution. What follows is a rationalisation and description of a practical approach to an associating of inventory carrying costs with the field sales organisation within marketing thus closing the loop between marketing and physical distribution. The integration of inventory control and marketing, a phase of bringing marketing and physical distribution together, can be viewed as a problem of overall management. Top corporate executives have in recent years stressed the importance of cash flow management to all levels of management, not merely financial managers. A frequently mentioned, obvious variable in improving cash flow is improved inventory control interpreted to mean reduced inventory levels to meet given service levels, thus releasing cash for other uses. To achieve this objective of improved inventory control, one needs to involve decision makers affecting the levels of inventory, specifically the field sales organisation.
Materials Management—A Systems Approach
Authors: Nieger L. , Beekman G.K.
Published: February 2008

This monograph gives an insight into the evolution of materials management as a form of organisation. Under the question “What is materials management?”, the contents, tasks and relations are described. The advantages of applying the concept of materials management are handled as answers to the question “Why materials management?”. To conclude the article provides an answer to the question “How does one implement materials management?”. This monograph summarises an expanded version published in February 1978 by Martinus Nijhoff, Holland in their series on Applied Business Logistics.]
The Interfaces of Supplier, Distributor and Consumer—An Appraisal
Authors: Hibbert E.P.
Published: February 2008

Whilst it is a truism that the distributor is the link between the supplier and the consumer, even where a manufacturer, for example, sells direct to the consumer, the distributor often provides information to the manufacturer and services to the consumer which generate more business and heightens consumer satisfaction across a whole range of related products. So the distributor link provides, in general terms, (1) information about consumer preferences, and data to help in the allocation of resources to meet those preferences, and (2) alternative patterns of distribution and promotion to suit manufacturers' policies and requirements. The distributor, therefore, initiates and completes, on his behalf and that of the manufacturer, innumerable small‐scale transactions with consumers which would be hopelessly uneconomical for the manufacturer to undertake. For example, it is reckoned that, just to buy food in the United States, the public completes 230 million transactions weekly.
Economic Concentration and Customer‐Supplier Relations
Authors: Blois K.J.
Published: February 2008

The structure of organisational markets has been altering quite rapidly in recent years. This paper describes some of the changes which have occurred and considers their implications for firms supplying and buying in these markets. Comment is also passed on changes in a number of other factors observable in organisational markets and their influence on marketing strategies is also considered. In British manufacturing industry as a whole the share of the one hundred largest establishments (measured by net output) had risen from 22% in 1949 to 41% by 1970. Examination of individual sectors of manufacturing shows a similar picture in almost every sector and the data for non‐manufacturing industry also shows increased concentration. In the retail grocery trade for example, it is estimated that in 1976 the head offices of 6 multiple chains accounted for 33% of total grocery turnover, while in 1950 all the multiples (10 stores or more) together only accounted for 20%.
Effective Implementation of Purchasing Operations
Authors: Fox Harold W. , Rink David R.
Published: February 2008

“There is clear evidence from recent research studies that even in large multinational companies purchasing tends to be regarded as a function allied to production and responding to the needs of marketing.” The dependence of procurement operations on the trend of sales was recognised in a pioneering article. It organised purchasing strategies around the concept of product life cycle (PLC). In turn, this article served as the basis for field research, which verified much of the model. Meantime, independent of these two investigations, other models of purchasing activities used the same integrating concept. As will be shown, recent experience and research have substantially modified and enriched the earlier PLC models.
Procurement Information Systems:
Authors: Schill Ronald L.
Published: February 2008

Since 1973–74, the beginning of the so‐called resources crunch, there has been an increased emphasis upon the role of the procurement function in strategic corporate planning and management. The role of procurement has begun significant change in a number of companies, yet remains in basically an operational mode in others. However, strategic management has often been “borne” out of situational crises imposed by changing environmental factors, rather than as a result of recognition of the strategic potential which management has. In essence, changes often come through reaction to problems, rather than through positive recognition and implementation of strategic management as an initiative itself. This has been particularly true of procurement.
Materials Management and Buying Behaviour
Authors: de Groot Adrie
Published: February 2008

Ever since the industrial revolution, companies have been trying to improve their overall performance. Most of the attention and efforts were directed towards reducing labour cost by improving productivity. This inward‐looking situation was possible as everything produced was usually easily sold (production capacity being smaller than demand for industrial products). Hardly any marketing effort was needed as customers were dependent on the producers in this sellers' market. On the “other side” of the company raw materials (and later energy) were abundantly available and cheap as many were imported from colonies without any political or economic power. Furthermore the raw material needs of the companies were not very complex. Internally, production processes were relatively simple with few intermediate stages so that the material flow through the company was easily managed and if something did go wrong, long delivery times or even failure to deliver did not have a long term impact on the companies' sales level.
Truck Fleet Composition for Concrete Distribution
Authors: Woods David G. , Harris Frank C.
Published: February 2008

The competition in the supply of concrete to the construction industry is very intense indeed, particularly in these present times of economic slump. It is therefore a distinct advantage to a supplier to improve efficiency and thereby competitability. A key factor in successfully achieving this objective is to operate the most suitable combination of trucks in the fleet and thus to minimise operating costs and reduce waste space from part loads. Many suppliers naturally try to do this and many techniques have been developed to try to solve the problem, including: (a) trial and error, where various size trucks are introduced and their performance monitored, the most suitable trucks are then selected over a period of time; (b) the truck size is established by reason of the plant locality, e.g. large trucks in city areas; (c) the forecast of annual demand for concrete is used in assessing truck sizes by considering general market trends.
Management Control over Customer Service
Authors: Schary Philip B.
Published: February 2008

Control over customer service can only be partial at best. If service is an adaptation of one system, the supplier's, to fit another, then the customer's part of the combined system is only subject to indirect influence. There is a further problem, however; the focus of a majority of the discussion of customer service has taken the limited perspective of the immediate interface between systems, usually defined in terms of a limited set of parameters such as product availability, delivery time and its variability. A broad view of customer service however, makes the service process much more difficult to control. In this article, we wish to consider four specific topics. The discussion begins with the problem of control within a strategic context. It then proceeds to the approaches to control which are presently being used, including findings from study of the practices of six manufacturing firms. This discussion will then focus on development of control over customer service as strategy. Finally we will focus on the organisational issues involved.
International Marketing: The Role of Physical Distribution Management
Authors: Slater Alan
Published: February 2008

Philip Kotler identified the term “marketing” with two different but related processes; the first dealing with “the search for and stimulation of buyers” and the second with “the physical distribution of goods”. The reason for superior international marketing performance by certain companies may be the result of a small number of correct strategic decisions, or of being in the right industry at the right time and being able to meet market demands. Continual high international marketing performance, however, is more likely to be the result of exceptional management control to overcome the problems of both the search and stimulation of overseas markets and the growing commitment successfully to feed those markets with the goods through a planned physical distribution pattern. International physical distribution management is not merely a marketing support system, but it is an integral part of the marketing mix which helps create and develop the international marketing process. Even though physical distribution does not portray the glamour associated with international marketing, it should not be forgotten as a part of the marketing mix. However, in the future, international marketing success may depend more and more upon the efficiency and practices employed to ensure economic physical distribution of goods especially as competition intensifies from developed and developing nations.
Growth, Product Lines and Realistic Inventory Turns
Authors: Britney Robert R.
Published: February 2008

In comparing results across organisations, inventory turnovers often provide a simple, useful and pragmatic utilisation measure of this working asset. Managers, however, must take into account differences such as size and product lines to interpret safely comparisons. In this paper a simple model relates turnover to volume and the breadth of product lines. Several case histories are presented to show how managers can develop meaningful turnover targets to adjust for these differences.
Source Decision Making in the Multinational Company Environment
Authors: Farmer David
Published: February 2008

In his textbook entitled A Concept of Corporate Planning, Russell Ackoff states that:
Training Procurement Personnel in Negotiating Skills
Authors: Farmer David
Published: February 2008

Considerable interest has been shown recently in developing the negotiating skills of procurement personnel. This article outlines one approach to such development which has been used in in‐company training programmes. It describes the simulation method which has been used as the core of more than 200 such programmes, presents the results of a research study carried out in 12 of the 70 corporations in Europe which have participated in these training programmes, and sets out some conclusions which have been drawn from the empirical knowledge gained in running the whole series of programmes. It is hoped that this discussion will prove useful to procurement managers, management trainers, business school professors, and others who are concerned with the development of negotiating skills.
Corporate Planning and Procurement in Multinational Firms
Authors: Farmer David
Published: February 2008

In Chapter One it was argued that multinational companies should give adequate emphasis to procurement factors in their corporate planning. While this argument is difficult to refute, many multinational companies do not pay sufficient attention to this aspect of their planning. This article presents some of the conclusions from a study which investigated the extent to which procurement factors were considered in the planning of these firms.
Drawing Lessons from History
Authors: Farmer David
Published: February 2008

In order to know where we are going it's often useful to know where we have been. Accordingly, Dr David Farmer draws on some historical examples to illustrate the growth of procurement as an essential component of industrial development.
One Subject or Two?
Authors: Davies G.J.
Published: February 2008

In my introduction to this volume, devoted to international logistics, I would like to pose three questions:
Decision Making in International Physical Distribution
Authors: Gray R. , Davies G.J.
Published: February 2008

In a previous paper the authors reported the results of a small scale survey of British managers responsible for international physical distribution (the conventionally titled shipping manager). Their paper concentrated on examining the organisational relationships used by the respondents' companies and demonstrated that the shipping manager frequently has a wide span of control and that his function appears to have no dominant association with any one traditional line management function.
The Dilemma of Channel Management
Authors: Johnson Gerry
Published: February 2008

The article analyses some of the reasons for the difficulties in designing and managing channels of distribution. In particular it argues that an important dilemma likely to be faced by channel managers is the potential conflict between maintaining stable channel relationships whilst seeking to take advantage of channel opportunities.
Transportation Network Models: Past Problems and Prospects for the 1980s
Authors: Bushnell Robert C. , Low James T. , Wiley James B.
Published: February 2008

For many years it has been recognised that physical distribution is a promising area for the application of system modelling techniques. Freight transportation systems offer a rare combination of tractability and realistic opportunity for improvement. Large‐scale freight network models, for example, can be useful to state and national transportation system planners. Among other uses, the models permit examination of the impact of proposed changes on modal competition and on the flow of traffic over certain routes. Carriers may also find network models useful for their more limited planning purposes, such as determining the consequences of changes in a physical system. For example, facilities or links can be added, deleted, or modified in order to analyse the effects on tonnage and mode of shipment for the affected commodities. Specific routes can be added or eliminated in order to determine the worth of using those routes. Finally, firms can change the commodity tonnage between specific origins and destinations in order to assess future transportation needs.
Food Brokers in the Distribution Channel
Authors: Teas R. Kenneth , Evans Rodney E. , Horrell James F.
Published: February 2008

The purpose of this study was to examine the distribution channel interface between manufacturers of nationally branded canned food products and food brokers. In addition to the generation of descriptive information about the food broker—food manufacturer channel dyad, hypotheses were tested concerning the degree of consensus between food broker and food manufacturer perceptions of (a) the reasons food manufacturers use food brokers to distribute nationally branded canned food products and (b) their respective roles in the marketing of nationally branded canned food products.
The Modular Data Base System: An Appraisal of its Usefulness in Physical Distribution Costing
Authors: Barrett T.F.
Published: February 2008

The modular data base approach has been developed as an accounting device since 1972, when the American Accounting Association published the findings of the committee which it had set up “to prepare a report setting forth appropriate cost and revenue concepts and reporting techniques for planning, control and decision making in marketing, including physical distribution systems which may encompass the totality of production and marketing”. In that year two of the authors of the report, Mossman and Fischer, presented their initial findings to the James R. Riley Symposium on Business Logistics. Since then Mossman, Crissy and Fischer have further developed the concept, while Constantine and Lusch and Lambert and Armitage have concentrated on the implementation of the system, the latter being currently at the mid point of a five year research project whose objective is the operationalisation of the concept.
Determining the Reorder Point, Protection Level and Lead Time Demand of an Inventory Item
Authors: Lau Hon‐Shiang
Published: February 2008

It is obvious that an inventory item's lead time demand is affected by the length of the lead time as well as the actual demand on each day during the lead time. In a situation where the lead time and the daily demand are both stochastic, the probability distribution of an item's lead time demand is then determined by the probability distributions of the item's daily demand and lead time. This article presents a computationally simple method for determining the lead time demand's probability distribution from estimations of the item's daily demand and lead time probability distributions; no restriction is placed on the distribution forms of the daily demand, the lead time and the lead time demand. After obtaining the lead time demand distribution, this article illustrates the computation of “reorder points” and “protection levels” for an inventory item.
Purchasing Strategies in Europe: An Interaction Perspective of Industrial Buyer Behaviour
Authors: Cunningham M.T.
Published: February 2008

Purchasing operates at the interface between a company and its supply market environment. Its activities are essentially concerned with securing the resource inputs of materials, components and equipment into the business, and in the selection and handling of suppliers of those inputs. Many earlier studies have described and analysed buying decision‐making from a marketing perspective, in order to predict and influence the eventual sourcing decisions in a manner favourable to the supply company. For example, studies have identified the stages in buying, the roles and influence of individuals on buying decisions and the criteria used by buyers in choosing between alternative sources of supply. This has led to purchasing being viewed as a process in which the focus is primarily upon specific buying episodes or discrete purchasing decisions, such as the choice of new suppliers or the exercise of source loyalty to existing ones. An overall strategic view of the range of purchasing activities from the buyer's perspective has been neglected. Obviously, purchasing is not confined to isolated decisions and short‐term operational episodes. Indeed, recent work in the subject has emphasised that specific buying decisions are better viewed within the context of the overall relationships between buying and selling companies. Each supplier and customer is interested in the other's resources and capabilities. Consequently, the exchange of goods is but one part of a broader exchange of services, information and value systems between the two parties to a transaction. Clearly, buyers and sellers are active participants in the transaction process and are influenced by the actions of the other. Complex relationships develop between individual buyers and marketers in any dyadic interaction but they occur also between the members of the customer's decision‐making unit and a supplier's team of marketing; technical, manufacturing and managerial personnel. This “interaction approach” to industrial purchasing and marketing proposed by the IMP group of researchers, focuses attention upon the influence of four groups of variables on buyer‐seller relationships. First, the parties involved (individuals and organisations); second, the atmosphere surrounding the relationship (co‐operation, trust, exercise of power, dependence); third, the environmental context (market structure, competition), and fourth, the exchange process (the exchange of technological expertise, products, services, information etc).
Computer Based Road Maps
Authors: Beasley J.E.
Published: February 2008

In the early 1960s a number of people began to investigate the use of computers and quantitative techniques in routing local delivery vehicles. Such vehicles typically leave a central depot early in the day, deliver to a number of customers during the course of the day, and then return to the depot at the end of the day. The well known “savings” technique was developed at this time.
Distribution of Bank Services and Branch Location
Authors: Meidan Arthur
Published: February 2008

Because of the intangible and inseparable characteristics of the bank services, every bank needs to locate these services and branches at locations which provide accessibility to the greatest numbers of both major categories of potential customers—private individuals and firms (i.e. corporate customers). This article presents the major channels of distribution for banking services and the four main types of quantitative techniques available for bank branch location decisions—economic, spatial, bivariate and multiple regression methods. The article indicates the leading bank distribution strategies—defensive, offensive and rationalisation strategies—and attempts to assess the impact of new technology developments—particularly of Electronic Fund Transfer Systems (EFTS) and Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs)—on the future of distribution of bank services and branch location.
Research on Consumer Goods Distribution in Sweden
Authors: Falk Thomas , Julander Claes‐Robert
Published: February 2008

During the 1940s and 50s, distribution research in Sweden focused mainly on distribution costs and prevailing market relationships (e.g., market structure and competition, price/performance and resale price maintenance). Later on, distribution research shifted emphasis and now focuses on the provision of consumer goods and services, as well as other consumer issues.
Current Trends in UK Distribution Research
Authors: Davies Ross L. , Kirby David A.
Published: February 2008

Despite, or perhaps even because of, the economic uncertainties of the period, the 1970s witnessed a radical transformation of the British distributive system. Most of the changes which occurred were similar to those experienced elsewhere in the Western world, and in a review of developments in EEC countries, Dawson has suggested that the impact of these changes on society could be similar to that produced by the Industrial Revolution. In Britain at least, the changes in distribution were, and remain, a result of very marked changes in society: most notably the change in consumption patterns brought about by endemic inflation, increasing unemployment and periodic world energy crises. The result has been increased competition, a search for greater efficiency and diversification of traditional product lines. Thus the British distribution system throughout the 1970s was dominated by the trend to mass merchandising, by the emergence of large firms and a consequent increase of corporate power and by the appearance of new distribution forms. While many of the conditions and developments experienced in the 1970s are expected to continue into the 1980s, it has been predicted (Distributive Industry Training Board 1980) that by the 1990s further revolutionary changes are likely to have occurred, particularly as a result of widespread automation involving new technology. The industry is, therefore, in the middle of a period of very rapid change.
Distribution Research in Denmark
Authors: Kiel Jorn , Nilsson Jerker
Published: February 2008

The purpose of this paper is to present Danish distribution research, with an emphasis on research conducted during the last decade. In order to give the reader an understanding of the background of current research, a number of older projects are also mentioned. We refrain, on the other hand, from suggesting any trends for the future development of Danish distribution research — trends concerning topics, paradigms and methodology. As will be seen, the volume of research is quite small and the number of researchers is very limited. Hence, the future of distribution research is very dependent on the development of a few individuals and on their subjective choices. Having said this, it should also be made clear that what is presented below deals only with academic research.
Current Trends in Distribution Research in Finland
Authors: Lindqvist Lars J.
Published: February 2008

The purpose of this paper is to give a perspective on the state of the art in current distribution research in Finland. One could argue that the thesis by Kaskimies on the channels of distribution was the first in this field in Finland. In this work, Kaskimies focused on factors affecting the length of the distribution channel. Kaskimies was followed by Särkisilta and Leivo. The former studies the variables accounting for the dimensions of retail trade in commune level centres, while Leivo investigated the influence of the location and size of the automobile dealership on its profitability. The distribution channels in the area of foreign trade were studied by Salonen.
Retailing Developments in the Netherlands
Authors: van Raaij Fred , Floor Ko
Published: February 2008

In this paper, we want to describe the current trends in distribution and distribution research in the Netherlands. Because this is an extensive area, we restrain ourselves and focus on general economic developments that apply to shopping behaviour; on the regional distribution of stores and concentration trends; on shopping centre developments, on functional versus fun shopping for convenience goods and shopping/speciality goods, respectively; on price vs. service distribution and on store image research. In the discussion section, we conclude that psychological variables are necessary complements to economic variables in distribution research, and that only a few studies investigate actual shopping behaviour instead of perceptions and evaluations only.
Management and Resource Administration
Authors: Ericsson Dag
Published: February 2008

Over the years billions of dollars have been invested in new and more advanced production and handling equipment and in computer systems for the efficient control and utilisation of the resources.
Cost and Delivery Time Implications of Freight Consolidation and Warehousing Strategies
Authors: Cooper Martha
Published: February 2008

Freight consolidation across time and customers, use of warehouses, and direct LTL distribution systems are compared on distribution costs and delivery times for selected product characteristics and demand patterns. The results can assist managers in determining whether using freight consolidation is a viable alternative to direct shipments from plants or warehouses.
Analytic Tools for Strategic Planning
Authors: Copacino William , Rosenfield Donald B.
Published: February 2008

In this article the focus is upon analytic tools for strategic logistics planning. We discuss a broad set of tools roughly divided into two areas. One area is that of traditional tools such as functional cost analysis and the various modelling approaches and these are briefly reviewed. Principally, however, the discussion centres on newer tools which have not been as widely used and which can be highly effective for strategic planning and especially for strategic logistics planning. In addition, we will present a framework which outlines the various aspects or approaches for strategic logistics planning and identifies the analytic tools that are available and appropriate for each particular aspect of planning.
Some Thoughts on Logistics Policy and Strategies: Management Challenges for the 1980s
Authors: LaLonde Bernard J. , Mason Baymond E.
Published: February 2008

During the past decade, a number of important forces have converged on US management thinking and practice. These forces have led to an evolution in management direction that is quietly changing the face of a significant range of purchasing, manufacturing, and distribution systems. For the past 30 years the strategy of choice has been to use inventory to solve all of the problems facing the business firm. Inventory was used as a substitute for forecasting, as a balm for uncertainty in the marketplace, as a competitive tactic — in short, as a panacea for whatever ailed the business firm. Several generations of managers have grown up learning this philosophy and the magic that could be wrought with enough inventory.
A Methodology for Assessing Logistics Operating Systems
Authors: Sterling Jay U. , Lambert Douglas M.
Published: February 2008

Academicians and practitioners alike recognise that logistics services and operating systems are an integral part of the overall marketing strategy of firms. Consequently, there is a need for an ongoing, interactive review of actual logistics system performance, so that firms can achieve operating systems improvements as well as select and implement the most profitable corporate strategies.
The Utilisation of Computer‐Based Decision Support Systems in Transportation
Authors: Calantone Roger J. , Morris Michael H.
Published: February 2008

Regardless of the size of the firm, the sector of the transportation industry or the style of management, distribution runs on information. The sheer size and volume of today's distribution activities require a high degree of commitment to computer‐based technologies to support managerial decisions on a continuous basis.
Physical Distribution and Product Characteristics
Authors: Ploos van Amstel M.J.
Published: February 2008

The well‐known maxim “different products, different requirements” is, of course, derived from practical experience. This article seeks to establish whether this maxim also has significance when viewed from the perspective of physical distribution. In particular, it will consider what this significance is with reference to physical distribution strategy, production allocation and stock allocation policy. At the same time it will seek to establish which product characteristics can significantly shape this policy.
Strategic Issues in Logistics
Authors: Gattorna John , Day Abby
Published: February 2008

Little more than a decade ago businesses enjoyed the relative luxury of continuing expansion, soft markets, comfortable margins, reasonable overheads and good returns. In those days management was akin to driving an automatic car — it wasn't really a matter of concentrating on the vehicle as much as it was simply steering gently along an unobstructed course.
Strategies for the Implementation of JIT Purchasing
Authors: Ansari A.
Published: February 2008

In the early 1980s, when the concept of Japanese “just‐in‐time” (JIT) purchasing was introduced in the US, many companies wondered whether or not this new manufacturing philosophy could be successfully implemented here. Top management had a tendency to believe that, although JIT purchasing makes good sense for Japanese companies, it might not be appropriate for US companies, because of sharp contrasts in management style, culture features, social, manufacturing philosophy, and, in some cases, size.
The Effect of New Technology on People in Physical Distribution
Authors: Watson‐Gandy C.D.T.
Published: February 2008

The distribution of goods has a very long history. It is distribution that enabled man to specialise in different functions or activities and, indeed, provided the means for trade. Distribution has had its share of new technology. Indeed, distribution probably took the first major step forward with one of man's earliest and most important discoveries, namely the invention of the wheel. It is still being used.
Distribution Planning Practices in Greek Industry
Authors: Papavassiliou Nikolaos
Published: February 2008

The planning of distribution as both system ana process is examined in theory and in relation to corporate practice in Greece.
A Decision Support System for Dynamic Truck Despatching
Authors: Goetschalckx Marc
Published: February 2008

Synergy between computer and manager may be the basis on which effective decision support systems can be constructed.
Integrated Materials Management
Authors: Busch Hans F.
Published: February 2008

Materials management has asserted itself. Purchasing and logistics managers are no longer under‐rated.
Notes and News
Authors: McColvin E.R.
Published: February 2008

Educationalists can take a legitimate pride in our public library system. The aim of the first pioneers of the movement was to provide suitable material to assist in education, and throughout the years since the first Public Library Act of 1850, the libraries have always stressed the serious side of reading. That their use has increased so greatly since the end of the first world war is due in no small measure to our system of education, which has produced so many potential library users.
A MECHANICAL ANALOGUE COMPUTER
Authors: Adams L.J.
Published: February 2008

The Bush Differential Analyser. This machine was the forerunner of the electronic analogue computer. The first engineering model was constructed in 1931 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr Hartree first tried out at Manchester a small scale model, largely made of Meccano parts, and was surprised at the accuracy obtained. Dr Bush's machine was eventually fitted with a number of electronic controls, and so foreshadowed present day electronic analogue computers.
A SCHEME FOR TEACHING CITY AND GUILDS WORKSHOP STUDENTS
Authors: Hansbury J.
Published: February 2008

A framework of teaching method adopted in teaching City and Guilds workshop students is offered for readers' consideration. The author has been prompted to write by the first‐class articles by Mr W. M. Macqueen, in particular the second one (March issue) in which he discusses the importance of developing and maintaining a force of highly‐skilled competent craftsmen, and by that of Mr F. Metcalfe (February issue).
TEACHING BASIC CHEMISTRY WITH MAGNETIC SYMBOLS
Authors: King D.I.
Published: February 2008

ONE OF THE problems confronting training officers at iron and steel works is that of presenting elementary chemical reactions in a manner that can be grasped readily by junior operatives. Often, the boys have little previous knowledge of the subject and find difficulty in assimilating the basic concepts from the conventional textbook presentation.
Progress Report Number 2
Authors: Wellens John
Published: February 2008

THE FACT that the bulge problem is seen by most people as one concerned almost exclusively with craft apprenticeship is hindering progress towards constructive solutions. One interesting development to follow will be the way in which this attitude is modified.
Teaching Engineering Drawing and Geometry
Authors: Harris T.R.
Published: February 2008

Those who teach engineering drawing and geometry are not agreed on the importance of the latter to the student. Some believe that the time spent by ONC students on geometry exercises could be better spent in perfecting the technique of orthographic projection and the correct dimensioning of engineering drawings. Others maintain that, since many craft students are not good at calculations, but are keen on drawing, a geometrical solution to a problem is best, when it is possible.
County College — 1960
Authors: Wellens John
Published: February 2008

THE HISTORY of the County College is largely the history of the stillborn: sixteen years after the Butler Act, the Order in Council, which would make the County College part of the statutory system, is still awaited. If the Crowther Report is any guide a further sixteen years might elapse before the County College becomes law. This being so, it comes as a surprise to many to learn that experimental County College work has been in successful operation in Liverpool for the past fourteen years and that the city's first County College is six years old.
Systematic Training in a Craft Skill — the designing and introduction of a new training scheme, and an evaluation of its results
Authors: Spencer B.J. , Humble J.W.
Published: February 2008

WORSTED CLOTH has been produced for generations in the West Riding of Yorkshire, and over a period of years the production processes have become more mechanised and more automatic. There is, however, one particular process involved in the manufacture of worsted suitings which does not appear to lend itself to mechanisation of any kind and that process is called ‘mending’. This process is carried out entirely by female labour.
Progress Report Number 9
Authors: Wellens John
Published: February 2008

An analysis of recent trends in juvenile employment and their significance to the bulge
Notes and News
Authors: Crowther Geoffrey
Published: February 2008

On relinquishing the chairmanship of the Central Advisory Council Sir Geoffrey Crowther received the following letter from the Minister of Education:
DISCUSSION
Authors: Pallett G.
Published: February 2008

This ‘g’ trouble is a widespread symptom of some basic misunderstandings in mechanics. Evidently it troubles the students at the Imperial College, as Mr Francis's article in the February issue indicates, as well as those hoping to gain certificates and diplomas in the technical colleges. In certain branches of study, structures and strengths of materials and other subjects largely based on statics, it can almost be forgotten. However as soon as dynamics arises, say in mechanics of machines, we are right in the ‘g’ muddle. Even here some students, by feats of memory, get by without resolving the confusions in their concepts of force and mass. In fluid mechanics there is no such way out. Viscosity units are arbitrarily expressed in either mass or force units (M L—1 T—1 or F T L—2) and still further these may occur in f.p.s., f.s.s. or c.g.s. and, if heat transfer problems enter, then time may be in hours.
More Self‐Measurement
Authors: Crompton V.T.
Published: February 2008

Mr V. T. Crompton's article in the February issue included a self‐measurement questionnaire designed to help pupils understand their needs and potentialities. The present questionnaires carry the narrowing‐down process several stages further
Developing Retail Education in a Dormitory Town
Authors: Braddick W.A. , Price June
Published: February 2008

SOLIHULL is a large dormitory borough (population 98,000) six miles to the south of Birmingham. There are a number of local industries, the largest of which, a car manufacturer, employs 7,000 people. The population is largely middle class with an admixture of working class people living in certain well‐defined areas. Transport facilities, by rail and road, to the city centre are good and most families have cars.
Some Thoughts on the School Teaching of Mathematics
Authors: Davies A.S.R.
Published: February 2008

The author, who teaches mathematics in a private school in Yorkshire, gives his view of the importance of school maths, the stages in learning it, and the main factors which lead to effectiveness in teaching it. The conclusions he reaches have relevance fur beyond the field of elementary maths teaching
LETTERS AND DISCUSSION
Authors: Hansbury J.
Published: February 2008

IN John Wellens' review of the new White Paper (Technical Education, February 1961) under the sub‐heading ‘Selection and the Liaison Officer’ there is much to be commended. 1; was a second reading that prompted the present writer to describe below the type of liaison which has developed between his college and some of the local firms in respect of selection and enrolment, The procedures adopted in these matters have been practicable owing to the smallness of the numbers of students and firms involved, but there is no reason why the same pattern could not be adopted for use on a larger scale.
A SANDWICH COURSE IN PRINTING TECHNOLOGY & ADMINISTRATION
Authors: Wellens John
Published: February 2008

A NEW THREE‐YEAR sandwich course in printing, due to start at Twickenham Technical College in October 1961, represents a radical departure from tradition: it is one necessary step towards establishing the student apprentice status, or the technician grade, in an industry which at present has no recognised training between craft level and management.
A Change in the CATs
Authors: Wellens John
Published: February 2008

IT WAS at the end of last year that the Robbins Committee was charged with the task of reviewing the pattern of full‐time higher education and advising whether there should be any changes in that pattern. Examples have been given of possible changes that may be considered by the Committee: the creation of new types of institution and modification of the present arrangements for planning and co‐ordinating developments.
Employment, Training, and the Common Market
Authors: Wellens John
Published: February 2008

The financial and political implications of joining the Common Market have received the lion's share of public discussion. The changes it would mean for employment and training are just as important, as this article by John Wellens makes clear
OCCUPATIONAL VERSATILITY AND PLANNED PROCRASTINATION
Authors: Rodger Alec
Published: February 2008

The Inaugural Lecture by Alec Rodger, Professor of Occupational Psychology in the University of London, at Birkbeck College, contained much of interest to those concerned with vocational guidance
THE WORLD OF LEONARDO DA VINCI
Authors: HART IVOR B.
Published: February 2008

LEONARDO IS one of the enigmas of history. Known in his lifetime, and later almost solely as a painter, this was far from being the whole man. He did not think of himself as a painter only. While still a young man with his way to make in the world he wrote himself as follows:
THE COMMON MARKET … 1
Authors: Wellens John
Published: February 2008

How does it affect training, employment and vocational guidance in member countries? Incredibly little is known in this country — the document analysed here on General Principles for Putting into Effect a Common Policy of Vocational Training has not been published in English. Why should it have been? But our entry would clearly be a decisive step
SOME AIMS OF LABORATORY WORK
Authors: Comley D.
Published: February 2008

KNOWLEDGE GAINED from textbooks or teachers is always, at best, second‐hand. It is only the laboratory or workshop which can provide the first‐hand experience so vital to the training of an engineer. Because of this fact all engineering courses in this country provide, to a greater or lesser extent, this opportunity for experience. The aims of laboratory work are common to all forms of electrical engineering but the methods by which they are achieved and the emphasis given to each individual aim varies from course to course. Some of these aims are discussed below.
Some Shortcomings of Supervisory Training
Authors: Pym Denis , Auld Hugh
Published: February 2008

How effective is supervisor training? The studies quoted here suggest that the circumstances in which it is given have a crucial influence on its effectiveness: training given too late in life can be a complete waste of time, and indifference or hostility in an immediate superior can produce the same result. The authors recommend a closer matching of training with job demands and that selection and training should be combined into a single programme. This article makes particularly interesting reading after the recent publication of the ‘Report of the Committee on the Selection and Training of Supervisors’, which was reviewed last month.
Centenaries, '62
Authors: Cummings A.D.
Published: February 2008

THE MAKING of London's underground railway system took many years. Putting railways under the ground in built‐up areas was thought of as soon as there were several railway termini to connect. Parliamentary permission for the first, now called the Inner Circle, was obtained in 1854; work began in 1860 and in June 1862 Paddington and King's Cross had been connected and the line continued to Farringdon Street. Here the excavations met the Old Fleet Ditch, the bricked‐in River Fleet which had for centuries served (and still does serve) as a sewer.
DO SLIDES MAKE OR MAR A CONFERENCE?
Authors: Spencer E.
Published: February 2008

Although slide projection that degenerates into a farce can enliven a meeting no end, it will do little to encourage the audience's interest in the real purpose of the meeting — nor will slides so detailed that they cannot be taken in. Steps we can take to avoid these mistakes are described in this article on slide preparation and presentation
RECRUITMENT: A COSTLY BUSINESS
Authors: Rossiter Jean F.
Published: February 2008

Last month Miss Rossiter pointed out that the typical Education and Training Officer spends little if any of his time on educating or training. Liaison with other departments and with outside organisations takes up much of his time. An important task, manpower budgeting, was also discussed last issue, and this month the ETO gets nearer his raw material. The subject is recruitment: whether he does it himself or leaves it to ‘Personnel’, the ETO needs to know a lot about how people are brought into the firm
BBC Technical College Programmes
Authors: Hall Geoffrey
Published: February 2008

DURING THE past few months some hundreds of lecturers in Technical Colleges and Colleges of Further Education throughout the country have been invited to give their views on two experimental television programmes produced by the BBC and dealing with aspects of Engineering Science. A smaller number of principals and lecturers have been involved in exploratory discussions concerning the part that television and sound broadcasting might play in the Technical College curriculum. Some lecturers have even allowed ‘a man from the BBC’ to sit through lectures, to wander about the laboratory during practical sessions and to talk to their students. All this activity has been in connection with the preparation of new television and sound series designed to supplement the teaching of Engineering Science and English for the General Course in Engineering.
TRAINING: A BUSINESS ACTIVITY
Authors: Rossiter Jean F.
Published: February 2008

In July the author discussed the essential background information the ETO needs: company policy, manpower budgeting, relations with colleges and schools, unions, professional bodies, and so on — but also relations within the Company. In August, the main topic was methods of recruitment, last month it was training new staff. This month's article completes the series.