bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The lead ban, lead replacement petrol, and the potential for engine damage
Authors: Barlow Peter L.
Published: July 2002

The function of lead additives in petrol is described, together with the effects on various engine components of their removal. The corrosive wear mechanisms are described in detail, and the effect of alternative additives in reducing corrosion and wear are covered. A number of field case histories are described, including experiences in Sweden, where lead replacement petrol was introduced in 1992. The article concludes with a series of recommendations designed to minimise possible damage to engines caused by substitution of leaded petrol by LRP.
Undergraduates and small and medium‐sized enterprises: opportunities for a symbiotic partnership?
Authors: Brindley Clare , Ritchie Bob
Published: July 2002

In the UK, the Department for Education and Employment has sought to improve the responsiveness of higher education to the needs of the labour market and to foster partnerships between higher education institutions and employers. This paper reports the experiences of the UK Government North West Office funded project that fostered such a partnership approach. A substantive theme of the research addressed the issues associated with graduate recruitment within the SME sector. The process model used to engender the partnerships is outlined, along with the research instrument that elicited perceptions of both the SMEs and the undergraduate students about each other prior to and subsequent to the completion of the project. The study found significant changes in perceptions held by the undergraduates and the host companies at the end of the partnership. An evaluation of the operation of the partnership project is undertaken and recommendations for course developments and other learning methods are discussed.
GNVQs: Challenging the “Gold Standard”
Authors: Nicholls Anne
Published: July 2002

Discusses the advantages of GNVQs being offered by City and Guilds, BTEC
and the RSA Examination Board in schools and colleges and how they will
be regarded and compared with “A” levels. Highlights the integrating of
core skills – communication, application of numbers and IT, and
transforming qualifications from paper to learning experience.
Interactive Skills Training in the Classroom
Authors: Midgley Bernard , Le Rougetel Ben
Published: July 2002

Interactive behaviour describes the methods people employ when dealing
with others. Examines the case for teaching school‐leavers the
techniques required for effective interactive behaviour. Would they find
it as useful as those already in the workforce? The two parties involved
in the initiative were Huthwaite, an organization specializing in
delivering training programmes to businesses, and a group of 14 students
from Penistone Grammar School who had recently sat their A‐level exams.
The results were compiled using “behaviour analysis”, a method perfected
by Huthwaite over the last 20 years. The initiative was found to be
extremely worthwhile by both parties in both the short and the long
term, and the sixth formers will evidently find the training useful in
their imminent work or further education. Huthwaite is currently seeking
Department for Education co‐operation in carrying this pilot further.
Implementing a system in the global village
Authors: Jones Ryder
Published: July 2002

When MSAS decided to improve further the processing of freight
forwarding and tracking transactions by the introduction of new
information technology (IT), the need for an effective and efficient
training programme emerged as one of the key determinants of the
project′s success. Describes the implementation of an information
technology solution from the training perspective in Australia,
Singapore and the UK. Also examines the key operator concept used to
support training in each of the regions and the employee reaction to the
training methodology, computer‐based training (CBT).
Interfacing management information systems with practical
restaurants in UK hospitality degree programmes
Authors: Morrison Paul , Laffin Trevor
Published: July 2002

The use of practical teaching restaurants as experiential learning
resources is widely practised in UK institutions offering hospitality
management programmes at undergraduate degree level. Surveys the extent
to which students are permitted to make management decisions in such
teaching restaurants. While some institutions give students considerable
freedom to manage their restaurants, others give little opportunity to
experience a realistic work environment. The use of computerized
management information systems (MIS) to support decision making is
widespread, but there are still many unpursued opportunities open to
institutions. Concludes that unless students are given the opportunity
to manage their teaching restaurants and also are provided with the
information systems to help guide their decisions, teaching restaurants
are not fulfilling their potential as an experiential learning resource.
Selecting for professional education and training in human
services: part 1 – processes and issues
Authors: Hicks Richard E. , Guy Glen
Published: July 2002

How to select suitable entrants for programmes emphasizing
interpersonal and counselling skills is a question faced by many
tertiary training institutions. Discusses special selection procedures
used by the School of Social Science at the Queensland University of
Technology, over a four‐year period, to identify suitable students for
its undergraduate degree programme, the Bachelor of Social Science
(Human Services) degree. The process differs for school‐leavers and
non‐school‐leavers or mature entrants. For school‐leavers, expressed
preference and academic merit are used as the basis for selection. For
non‐school‐leavers, expressed preference, questionnaires, group
processes and interviews are used. Discusses issues concerning the use
of the different school‐leaver versus non‐school‐leaver procedures,
including questions of discrimination, problems in administering the
programmes and perceptions of the successes and failures in the
processes to date.
The reaction of degree students to GNVQ
Authors: Johnson Keith
Published: July 2002

Final‐year students, numbering 124, from the BA (Hons) hotel and catering business course participated in a GNVQ core skills scheme over two academic years (1993‐94, 1994‐95). Their reactions towards participation were captured and recorded, primarily by questionnaire. Initial hostility gave way to gradual acceptance. A combination of a growing awareness of the extrinsic value of a GNVQ unit and a greater level of tutor support account for this change. Previous experience of a GNVQ type of approach influences initial reaction but not ultimate success. A traditional A level background enables students to cope with a “vocational A level” approach, provided that the students are convinced of the value of doing so. As expected, as hostility declines, successful completion of GNVQ units increases. More favourable resourcing of the scheme, in its second year of operation, eliminates a previously observed correlation between degree classification and GNVQ success.
The South Tyneside accreditation project: a route to lifelong learning
Authors: Prescott Norman
Published: July 2002

Describes a unique project operating in the north‐east of England. The aim of the project is to bring accredited learning opportunities to the population of this deprived area of the country. Outlines the origins of the project and its identifying characteristics. Also explores the development and the achievements of the project, particularly in terms of the number of people who have benefited from its work. Looks forward to possible developments and considers the personal benefits to participants, especially the project’s contribution to progression and the development of the community.
TOPILOT: an application of new technology for distance learning
Authors: Marks Ken
Published: July 2002

Provides a brief introduction to TOPILOT, a telematics project sponsored by the European Community and developed as a response to the needs of children and young people from the families of “occupational travellers”, the fairground, circus and bargee communities within Europe. Produces multimedia learning materials to be used by young learners as they travel with the business and is also developing an innovative telecommunication system which will use mobile telephone technology to allow tutors to monitor progress, and manage learning at a distance, by interacting directly with the disk‐based multimedia materials. Describes the technological approach and discusses another interesting feature of the project: the direct involvement of practising tutors from four European countries in design and testing activity. Highlights in particular the use of the Internet within the design process and suggests that there are important limitations reflected in the experience of TOPILOT.
Growing an innovative workforce: a new approach to education and training
Authors: Kay Carol , Fonda Nickie , Hayes Chris
Published: July 2002

Describes the work and results of a project to accelerate the pace of change in vocational education and training, involving college staff, employers and students. First reviews the approach and then gives illustrative examples of practice.
Partnerships ‐ a view from The Boots Company plc
Authors: Wallis Sue
Published: July 2002

Attempts to raise some of the sometimes unconsidered factors involved in partnership work that may hamper success. Aims, by examining one company’s approach and proposing a few ideas, to stimulate further thoughts and hopefully initiate discussion about the way forward. Particularly important is the need for co‐ordination at national level. The process of matching national needs to those of individual organizations to enable a more strategic approach is the key issue.
Reconceptualising corporate strategy in business and management education
Authors: Macfarlane Bruce , Perkins Andrew
Published: July 2002

Corporate Strategy (CS) has traditionally played a pivotal role in the undergraduate business curriculum and is normally a required final year course. While the managerial experience of students at postgraduate level provides a clear justification for requiring students to study CS, the decline of work experience and the massification of UK higher education raises question marks regarding the relevance of CS in undergraduate business education. CS may also be criticised as being overly concerned with simplified and abstract theories inappropriate in a rapidly changing post‐Fordist economy. In response to these challenges there needs to be a re‐conceptualisation of CS as a preparation for empowered and informed employees rather than as a preparation for potential senior managers. The teaching of CS also needs to take greater account of changes in the economic environment such as the growth of smaller businesses and the importance of ethics.
Introducing organisational behaviour: issues in course design
Authors: Costea Bogdan , Crump Norman
Published: July 2002

This paper explores some of the theoretical issues involved in the process of designing introductory undergraduate courses in OB (organisational behaviour). The basis of reflection for this study is the authors’ recent experience at Lancaster University. This paper is a commentary on the conceptual bases underpinning our views. We take a hermeneutic and phenomenological perspective which results in a design that works as a heuristic device meant to circumvent the limitations of traditional approaches – especially the tensions between theory and its practical relevance in business education, and the limited range of models presented as possible recipes for contingencies facing managers in modern organisations.
Autonomous work teams: an examination of cultural and structural constraints
Authors: Tata Jasmine
Published: July 2002

The paper presents a model of the relationships between organizational culture, organizational structure, and the level of team autonomy. The model suggests that teams with high levels of autonomy are likely to be most effective in companies with flexibility‐oriented cultures and organic structures. The model is useful to researchers in examining further connections between contextual variables and team autonomy and to practitioners in helping identify the types of teams that would be most effective in their organizations. The paper also presents a four‐step proactive approach to implementing team‐based working.
The cyberknights vs trade unions: determining workplace futures
Authors: Cardinali Richard
Published: July 2002

Organised labour, in the form of trade unions, has been an ever‐present part of the industrialised world. Organised labour has faced a number of structural threats but recent changes in company formation and operation pose perhaps the ultimate threat. The new breed of entrepreneur – the “cyberknight” – adopts new forms of employment and labour practice which change the need for, and the role of, unions to the point where they may be unable to adapt. Describes the history of trade unions and highlights the changes that may break the continuum of this history. Suggests that the cyberknights – often unwittingly – may bring about the end of organised labour.
Reengineering the lending procedure for small businesses: a case study
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Motwani Jaideep
Published: July 2002

Lending to small businesses has not been perceived to be profitable for banks. This paper demonstrates, by means of a case study, how a Midwest bank in the USA took a proactive approach to turn things around. The proposed reengineering process should produce savings of at least 50 percent in direct underwriting cost. The proposed approach can be used by other banks to obtain similar benefits.
Knowledge: the DNA of productivity
Authors: Wrennall William
Published: July 2002

Work study officers have been the accepted practitioners of productivity improvement. Their efforts have been directed at labor cost reduction and methods improvement. With labor costs about 6 percent of product cost, there are more fruitful areas for productivity improvement. This paper, noting the criticisms directed at industrial engineering specialists, draws attention to a range of opportunities suggested by other authorities for us to renew our scope of work. We require to have and develop the knowledge to determine what to do and how to do it.
Know your customer
Authors: Limehouse David
Published: July 2002

Managing customer relationships is a key ingredient of business success ‐ across all industries. Recent technological developments offer the potential to dramatically improve our ability to provide such management ‐ by delivering information about customers, at a detailed and individual level, to those who are handling the interrelationship. The customer gets a better service, and the organisation gets a satisfied and loyal customer. Describes the nature of such technology and the improvements it can provide.
Continuous improvement improved
Authors: Webster Anne
Published: July 2002

There is no one performance improvement methodology or technique which is universally applicable. Analyses the various approaches to performance improvement that have been used over the last decade within manufacturing industry. Uses the lessons to identify the key components of an approach to continuous improvement that can be tailored to a particular organisation.
A reasonable facsimile
Authors: Subba Rao Siriginidi
Published: July 2002

Highlights the role of facsimile in inter‐office communication, the development of fax technology and its current popularity over e‐mail. Presents in detail factors to be considered when choosing a fax. Discusses the existing standards for various groups of machines, the features most in demand from users and outlines the particular market context in India – particularly the entrance of fax into the SOHO market after its complete acceptance in the enterprise office.
TQM practices in Costa Rican companies
Authors: Prasad Sameer , Motwani Jaideep , Tata Jasmine
Published: July 2002

As regional import barriers fall and trading blocks are formed, small nations become viable options for sourcing components as part of multinationals’ value chain activities. Such countries can seek to gain competitive advantage either through complex or simple endowment factors. Analyzes several TQM domains (those used within the criteria for the Malcolm Baldrige Award) to identify whether Costa Rica has the capability to provide a key complex factor: the ability to absorb quality management methodologies. Concludes that Costa Rican organizations do focus more on quality than on low‐cost volume production and have appropriately trained personnel. Points out areas where Costa Rican firms need to improve performance and particularly the need to incorporate quality management at the design phase.
Beyond the Bottom Line: Gainsharing and Organizational Development
Authors: Band D.C. , Scanlan Gerald , Tustin Charles M.
Published: July 2002

Examines the organizational implications of innovative reward
structures, with particular reference to gainsharing. Focuses on
exploring beyond the impact of compensation on productivity and
profitability, which are essential considerations in designing a
compensation scheme. Explores the connection between compensation and
organizational development – the ways in which incentives and rewards
contribute to improved utilization of human resources and capabilities
within organizations. Assesses the relationship between gainsharing and
organizational development, with particular attention to features such
as work design, employment relationships, structure, culture and
workplace attitudes and behaviour. Rounds off the discussion with a
look at several examples of firms which have introduced innovative
compensation schemes, to determine what lessons can be drawn from their
experiences. Concludes with an assessment of the strategic calculations
that should inform decisions about introducing innovative compensation
schemes, especially gainsharing.
Review article
Authors: Berridge John R.
Published: July 2002

Reviews the differences between employee assistance programmes (EAPs) in the USA and the UK, but also identifies convergent trends in the employment environment in both countries. Discusses recent developments for professional EAPs in the USA to be driven by occupational social work models, and for the interests of the employer to be taken more fully into account. Evaluates the extent to which these models represent a source of complexity and friction with the personnel management and trade union interests: in this respect, considers especially issues of confidentiality in the counselling relationship and potential conflict with the management advisory and consultancy role being advocated for EAPs. Concludes by suggesting that EAPs in the UK should reaffirm their basic values of individual confidential counselling, even if this stance does not always assure for them a high status or harmonious role.
When technology transforms research methodology: the role of librarians in reforming the curriculum
Authors: Shen Zhijia , Gresham Keith
Published: July 2002

An ever‐growing body of electronic information resources is gradually making traditional research methodologies obsolete and transforming the ways in which students learn how research is carried out in their chosen fields of study. A clear example can be found in the case of Asian studies. Many areas of Asian studies traditionally have depended upon complex, printed bibliographic tools that could only be used by researchers who possessed both a mastery of Asian languages and an in‐depth understanding of the historical timelines and literary traditions of Asia. Students have acquired these research skills and methodologies through semester‐long courses and, in some cases, advanced specialized degrees. Until recently, responsibility for the teaching of such techniques and methodologies to students belonged almost exclusively to the teaching faculty of the discipline. Over the past few years, however, the increased availability of electronic research resources in Asian studies is transforming what students need to know about conducting research. This situation provides an unprecedented opportunity for campus librarians to participate in reforming the curricula for a new generation of Asian studies scholars.
Management development: new agendas for information professionals
Authors: Rowley Jennifer
Published: July 2002

Reviews some of the key issues and strategies associated with
current thinking on management development, starting from the
perspective that appropriate management development is a prerequisite to
economic success in the 1990s. Since information professionals may be
located in a variety of different organizations and in the duration of a
career may make several career moves between different organizations and
types of employment status, it is important that they share
responsibility for their own personal development strategy with that of
their employing or contracting organization. Where appropriate, this
personal development plan must include management development.
Organizations, on the other hand, need to establish appropriate
management development programmes to support the development of
management skills in all of their managers. Both parties need then, to
be committed to management development and need to meet to agree shared
objectives for specific time periods. This meeting is often part of an
appraisal system. Management development programmes need to take account
of national initiatives such as IIP and MCI and may make use of a range
of different approaches including mentoring, self‐development, action
learning and outdoor development. Concludes with action plans for both
individuals and organizations which demonstrate the shared focus but
differing perspectives.
Performance indicators in Bromley – purpose and practice
Authors: Alston Ruth
Published: July 2002

Describes the establishment of a practical set of performance
indicators for Bromley libraries. Analyses what the set was intended to
achieve, how the indicators were chosen and what the selection criteria
were. Covers the production criteria of how and when the indicators were
to be made available and describes the set of indicators that was
chosen. Finally, considers what was learned from the project and how the
indicators are used in practice. Concludes that the main values of the
indicators are as a practical management tool, as a means of pre‐empting
problems, and as a platform for further informed questions; the main
test of a good set of indicators is their fitness for purpose in
pointing to whether the service is making a good job of delivering its
own chosen objectives.
The impact of information technology on management and
organization: the case of Hong Kong Polytechnic University Library
Authors: Storey Colin
Published: July 2002

Briefly describes the recent history and development of information
technology in Hong Kong Polytechnic University Library in all areas of
operation. The Library installed the Data Research integrated online
library system in 1989, and in early 1991 reorganized its management
structure in order to respond more quickly and efficiently to the
demands of the information revolution. Taking the revolution in
information technologies as an exemplar, analyses the effects such
fundamental changes have had on the management and organization of the
Polytechnic University Library, and the positive responses made by
professional librarians to the challenges facing the library service. In
particular, focuses on the management of human resources to meet the
burgeoning growth and development of electronic systems. How can senior
library staff be organized most effectively to exploit the new
technology to the benefit of their users? What practical steps can be
taken to train academic staff and students in the availability and use
of systems?
Sick building syndrome: survey findings of libraries in Great
Britain
Authors: Morris Anne , Dennison Peter
Published: July 2002

Sick building syndrome is recognized by the World Health
Organization. It is characterized by employees suffering from a range of
symptoms which are associated with being in a particular building and
are relieved by leaving it or staying away. Discusses the results of a
survey which examined the extent and possible causes of sick building
syndrome in libraries. Questionnaires were sent to all academic
libraries in Great Britain together with a sample of public libraries.
The evidence suggests that sick building syndrome exists in libraries
and that air‐conditioned libraries are more likely to be affected than
those which are naturally ventilated.
The Leadership Programme for Serving Headteachers: probably the world’s largest leadership development initiative
Authors: Watkin Chris
Published: July 2002

Education, education, education!That was New Labour’s priority when it came to government in the UK. How has it fared since? This article provides some information on how such statements were translated into action. It is written from both practitioner and academic perspectives, highlighting the impact psychology‐based research findings have had on educational attainment.
Awake at the wheel: a study on executive team development
Authors: Goldberg Robert A.
Published: July 2002

Senior executive teams are often a microcosm of the culture in which they exist, while also responsible for creating that very culture. Thus, developing the senior executive team as an effective coalition is crucial to creating sustainable organization change. However, the unique composition and dynamics of senior teams (i.e. members who lead their own divisions, high stakes around succession, etc.) contribute to the difficulty of their development. This article describes the development of a senior executive team of a multi‐billion dollar bank. A newly complex and fast paced environment was rendering the firm’s prevailing leadership culture obsolete. They could no longer rely on their history of success as a road map for further growth. Rather, they had to learn to break their pattern of interaction and establish a more collaborative mind‐set, processes and structures. As the article describes, this is no easy task, especially for those responsible for leading large institutions in what were once considered traditional industries.
The development of six ethical business dilemmas
Authors: Sims Randi L.
Published: July 2002

As interest in the field of business ethics grows, so does the need for measures which can be utilized by a wide range of researchers. The purpose of this study is to research ethical business scenarios which are useful in studying ethical decision making, six such dilemmas are presented. The preliminary analysis, utilizing 248 respondents employed in full‐time positions, indicates that overall the dilemmas do not simply measure demographic characteristics of the individual or organization, but instead measure actual differences in ethical decision making.
Business and Leadership Ethics Conference – three current themes
Authors: Takala Tuomo
Published: July 2002

Collects thoughts that emerged during the recent virtual conference, Business and Leadership Ethics. For the consumer, legislation often seems insufficient to control the activities of business and business suffers as a result. A company’s ethical stance is frequently as important as more traditional considerations like product, service and even pricing. Considers three themes as a basis for the ethical orientation of organizations. Postmodernism is important – after all, this new collective consciousness is largely responsible for the changing view of business that necessitates this study. Despite links with older business styles, competition can be used to shift the ethical base, provided that the ethics of competition (as in sport) are also considered. Total quality management can easily be adapted – the TQM fundamental of “excellence” can become “ethical excellence”. Concludes that as business and society become partners a true moral leadership will be needed to make the relationship work.
An experimental set‐up for cooperative manipulation based on industrial manipulators
Authors: Caccavale Fabrizio , Chiacchio Pasquale
Published: July 2002

Describes the experience of setting up a cooperative arm system based on individual open‐architecture controllers. Two six‐degree‐of‐freedom industrial manipulators, one of which is mounted on a moving track, are installed to realize a cooperative experimental set‐up. The main issues related to the cooperative manipulation are overviewed and its potential applications in industry are discussed. A brief description of the system’s components is given. The most relevant problems encountered in setting up the cooperative system based on individual control architectures are detailed. The result of the experience is that by using available industrial manipulators, rather than prototypes, and without re‐designing the controller hardware, it is possible to realize a cooperative manipulator system.
Robot sees the way to cut costs at Kent Meters
Authors: Rooks Brian W.
Published: July 2002

Kent Meters is the leader in the manufacture of residential and bulk flow water meters, with 20 production operations in five continents producing some seven million meters annually, taking a 25 per cent share of the world market. Describes how one of the latest projects in the company’s automation programme has been a vision guided robot cell which has dramatically cut both scrap rates and work in progress in the moulding shop at the company’s Luton plant in the UK. Explains how the company is now investigating the potential for a second robot as a means to increase capacity even further and meet growing demand from its customers.
RobotScript™: the introduction of a universal robot programming language
Authors: Lapham John
Published: July 2002

The flexibility of a robot system comes from its ability to be programmed. How the robot is programmed is a main concern of all robot users. A good mechanical arm can be underutilized if it is too difficult to program. The introduction of the Universal Robot Controller™ (URC) has made the possibility of a standard, easy to use, robot programming language a reality. The URC is an open‐architecture, PC‐based robot controller. It will work with virtually any robot and gives the user increased flexibility and capabilities over the standard OEM controllers. The URC uses Windows NT as its operating system. The URC is the ideal platform for a universal robot programming language, RobotScript. It allows one robot language to run all robots in a factory.
RTS makes its mark in European robot automation
Authors: Rooks Brian
Published: July 2002

RTS is a Finnish robot technology company that acquired the automation division of British company Thurnall in 1998 to form RTS Thurnall plc. The article discusses the background to this merger and describes the activities of the two operations and how they complement each other. RTS has developed a range of advanced robot systems for machining complex parts in small batches with integrated vision where necessary. RTS Thurnall is active in industrial robotics with a range of grippers and gantry robots and also provides a service in customised robot tooling. In addition it is a world leader in laboratory automation for pharmaceutical companies including high throughput screening (HTS) of chemical entities that test for activity against specific decease targets. A multi‐million pound HTS project for a multinational drug manufacturer is briefly described.
Flexible automation and robotics – a technology for all our tomorrows?
Authors: Hollingum Jack
Published: July 2002

Mr Eric Drewery, Chief Executive Officer of Asea Brown Boveri UK, was asked to speak at the annual press conference announcing the publication of Robot Facts, the annual survey by the British Automation and Robot Association of the UK’s progress in utilizing flexible automation in comparison with its major competitors. The result was this hard‐hitting criticism of UK users and suppliers.
The application of high‐density codes in engineering
Authors: Telford Douglas
Published: July 2002

Growing needs for identification of small items for tracking and traceability purposes have led to the development of encoding structures known as matrix codes, capable of containing machine‐readable data. Describes practical applications for two particular types of high‐density code, the Data Matrix code and the DMT code. The applications relate to needs within the electronics industry, the automotive industry, and the aerospace industry. Through these examples an approach is presented for selecting appropriate codes and marking methods for given applications. The two codes considered, although both high‐density structures, exhibit different features. These are examined as a basis for considering their suitability for the various applications. Later in the paper the codes are discussed, along with the methods of printing and/or realising them in direct‐marking form.
A good week for manufacturing
Authors: Rooks Brian
Published: July 2002

Reports on the 1999 Manufacturing Week exhibition and in particular on the Automation, Production and Maintenance Equipment (APME) section. It highlights a number of assembly equipment vendors who increasingly are supplying flexible systems to meet the demand of smaller batch manufacture. A number of application examples are described, including assembly and test of weigh scales, a kettle base and a current sensor for white goods. Another prime technology identified is vision, which is becoming much more transparent in part‐feeding systems. Some vendors promoted the application of vision to robot guidance and an application is given of loading machining centres with several automotive castings delivered randomly on a fixtureless conveyor belt. Finally, a number of new transport systems introduced at the show are identified.
Internet strategies for manufacturing
Authors: Hollingum Jack
Published: July 2002

A conference with the above title was held in London last November on the day after the government published a book Manufacturing in the Knowledge Driven Economy, covering similar ground. Speakers from manufacturing and consultancy organizations told of their experience in adopting knowledge based strategies in their business, as distinct from their commercial, operations. Some aspects dealt with relationships with suppliers and customers in design, purchasing, sales and scheduling of products and components. There was also seen to be tremendous scope for intranet activities, both within individual plants and between a company’s different manufacturing plants.
Winning ways for manufacturing
Authors: Rooks Brian
Published: July 2002

The “Winning Ways ’99” conference, organised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, was aimed at “exploring the issues that surround manufacturing industry as it prepares to enter the new millennium”. In the plenary sessions, a number of case studies were presented from companies that had made major changes to improve performance. The article describes one of these, from TRW Aeronautics (formerly Lucas Varity Aerospace). The method of “one piece at a time material flow” is outlined and the benefits and results achieved by TRW are listed. In the following conference workshops a variety of techniques for advancement were discussed. Two of these are selected for attention, “Lean and agile manufacturing” and “Totally integrated automation – from shopfloor to boardroom”.
Plastic hot air stake assembly
Authors: Eagles Denis W.
Published: July 2002

Describes the benefits and application of hot air staking for assisting the assembly of plastic parts and including the fixturing of pcbs, springs, bearings and a wide variety of other components. Describes the various forms and patterns of stakes that can be used and the methods of hot air heating and forming.
Counting and collating products accurately at high speed
Authors: Webb Mike
Published: July 2002

Presents a solution for counting and collating light food products at high speed. Describes a project to design and build a replacement machine within the same space which would dramatically reduce lost product and product undercount and increase each line throughout by 50 per cent. Demonstrates how mechanical and electronic skills can be combined to produce a simple and elegant solution.
Features Schenck celebrates 25 years in the UK
Authors: Rooks Brian
Published: July 2002

Analyses the market for rapid prototyping equipment and reports on the rapid growth that this market has experienced over the last ten years. Highlights the companies that are winning business and the technologies that are influencing growth. Outlines how low‐cost 3D printing machines for concept modelling will play an increasing role in the marketplace.
Modular assembly: a process not an engineering technique
Authors: Jordan Steve
Published: July 2002

Suggests that when building assembly machines a systematic approach is required for optimum accuracy, repeatability and performance. Accepts that all assembly machines will differ depending on the operations but believes that a more modular approach should be followed. Cites Modular Automation Ltd as an example of a bespoke machine manufacturer which uses a modular approach and also records improvements and changes in designs so they can be accessed by anyone in the organization and built into other machines. Gives examples of the company’s modular philosophy.
Safety products must be safe
Authors: Hollingum Jack , Stone Cheryl
Published: July 2002

Automobile airbags are designed to provide protection for the driver, and frequently for passengers also. It is therefore crucial that their components are built to top safety critical standards. That is why the automatic assembly line for airbag control modules supplied to Ford Electronics (now officially known as Visteon) by Prodomax Industrial Automation of Canada incorporates numerous tests to ensure absolute zero defect output.
Cam technology for assembly automation
Authors: Farkas Joseph R.
Published: July 2002

Outlines the history of the development of mechanical cam controlled machinery and provides numerous examples of applications to which mechanical cams are ideally suited. Highlights the cost benefits and reusable nature of cam controlled assembly systems.
The digital factory arrives at CIM ’98
Authors: Rooks Brian
Published: July 2002

This report on the 1998 Computers in Manufacturing exhibition examines the 3D simulation software products on display. While hardly competing in volume with the popular ERP and MRP manufacturing control packages, the impact of simulation products is beginning to have a major impact not just on the planning but also on the control of whole factories. New products that were announced by four leading simulation product vendors are reviewed and this shows that the trend towards the digital factory is accelerating. As well as describing the specification of the new suites of software, examples are given of the benefits being achieved with existing simulation products in a UK car company and German shipyard.
A new approach to 3‐dimensional cutting and trimming of metal panels
Authors: Montague‐Brown Clive
Published: July 2002

Laser cutting of sheet metal in both the flat and pressed form is a well‐established technique which has been used for many years. The limitations of this process are a relatively slow speed of operation and the high capital and running costs of operating lasers. The quality of edge finish and dangers of working with lasers are additional disadvantages of the technology. Contour Cutting Technology Limited have now developed a multi‐axis plasma cutting system which produces a high‐quality finish at speeds three or four times the speed of lasers, and at around 40 per cent of the capital cost of a comparable laser system. Material from 0.8mm up to about 6mm can be successfully cut with a good quality edge finish.
The industrial application of personal computers
Authors: McFarlane Andy
Published: July 2002

Discusses options and issues associated with using personal computers (PCs) in industrial applications. Highlights some of the pitfalls and advantages of using a PC in this environment. The various PC form factors available are presented. These include the familiar ruggedised industrial PC, PC/104 and Compact PCI. An application example from the author’s own experience is presented. Some of the software and operating system issues are touched upon. Possible future developments are discussed.
Locally distributed automation – but with which fieldbus system?
Authors: Neumann Peter
Published: July 2002

Discusses the distribution of application functions to process‐oriented field devices and process‐remote components in distributed automation systems. Describes the use of fieldbus systems, function block technology based on standardised function blocks and a suitable infrastructure to enable these function blocks to cooperate during run time.
Conoscopic 3D measurement system
Authors: Weber Tobias
Published: July 2002

Describes the conoscopic laser sensor, three axis scanning system and software required to reverse engineer a complex 3D surface and produce code for a CNC milling machine.
Fibre‐optic gyroscopes: a new sensor for robotics and autonomous vehicles
Authors: Reunert Michael , Yoshida Bob
Published: July 2002

Gyroscopes are simply devices which measure rotation. For robotic applications the gyro output can be used to determine rotation rate, altitude or heading and can be combined with other sensor inputs to determine position. A wide range of robots and autonomous vehicles are currently used in fibre gyros, and many more are likely to be used in the future.
Fieldbus review
Authors: McFarlane Andy
Published: July 2002

Discusses the main concepts of fieldbuses, describes various standards that have been adopted and analyses their various merits. Provides contact details for the different standards.
Making sense of the environment
Authors: Turner Anthony P.F.
Published: July 2002

Sensors, and in particular biosensors, appear ideally suited to environmental monitoring, but commercial success to date has been limited. Momentum is gathering, however, and new products will emerge, although on a longer time scale than first predicted.
Australian management education for international business activity
Authors: Gniewosz Gerhard
Published: July 2002

This paper examines the changes that have taken place in the extent and nature of management education programmes for international business activity offered by Australian universities, i.e. the extent to which Australian universities have provided educational support in the recent major expansion of international business activity by Australia’s corporate sector. With the increase in overseas activity by the Australian corporate sector there has been a statistically significant increase in the offering of international business degrees at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level. Furthermore, consistent with the literature on managerial knowledge requirements for global operation, there has also been a shift towards more appropriately balanced degree structures consisting of business or technical knowledge courses and cultural knowledge courses.
Taiwanese universities and educating future manufacturing managers
Authors: Woodcock D.J. , Chen C.Y.
Published: July 2002

Examines how potential manufacturing managers are educated in 19 Taiwanese universities. It looks at undergraduate, postgraduate and post‐experience programmes in these institutions. The authors established that there was a limited availability of suitable modern manufacturing management textbooks in Chinese. It was found that only one in ten universities expected to increase its provision of courses in this area, which is one central to the Taiwanese economy. Equally, one in ten expected to reduce its efforts. It was found that less than 40 percent of universities had any programmes at any level in the subject area. We also established that the level of industrial involvement in either helping design courses, instructing on them or providing hands‐on projects was low. In terms of future careers we found that very few of those taking the few places available had ambitions to become manufacturing managers.
Air wars in Asia: competitive and collaborative strategies and tactics in action
Authors: Chan Daniel
Published: July 2002

It has been forecast that before the turn of the millennium air travel in Asia will account for 40 percent of global travel rising to 50 percent by 2010. The International Air Transport Association also forecast world international scheduled passenger numbers to grow by an average of 7.1 percent annually to 2000, to reach 522 million. Air wars over Asia are hotting up, with some of the world’s biggest airlines engaged in intense competition over Asian skies – potentially the richest and most lucrative air travel market on Planet Earth, notwithstanding the 1997 currency turmoil. This article looks at how competition in the Asia Pacific air travel industry was played out in the 1990s. A glimpse of what is to come can be drawn from the several tough skirmishes seen thus far in the 1990s.
A surveyor’s millennium review of building and design
Authors: Staveley H.S.
Published: July 2002

Presents the writer’s personal review of construction and design of mainly domestic buildings of the Second Millennium. After a brief historical commentary a summary of the main defects the surveyor is likely to encounter in buildings of each period of the millennium is given. The importance of local knowledge is emphasised and as an example the main problems encountered in buildings of the West of England are presented.
Unnecessary inconvenience and compensation within the party wall legislation
Authors: Chynoweth Paul
Published: July 2002

Examines the obligations to avoid unnecessary inconvenience and to pay compensation for loss or damage within the Party Wall, etc. Act 1996. Considers the argument that the two obligations are directly related. Demonstrates that the obligation to pay compensation only relates to work lawfully undertaken under the Act and that the obligation to avoid unnecessary inconvenience exists to define the limits of such work. Concludes that the two obligations are separate but complementary aspects of the statutory code and that no direct relationship exists between the two.
More pitfalls for the surveyor
Authors: Oxley Richard
Published: July 2002

Highlights a recent decision in a County Court case (The Alexander Collections Ltd v. Martin and Lacey) which illustrates the legal implications of surveying historic buildings. The article also identifies the basic skills required to carry out this type of work.
The development of ground floor constructions: part III (damp proofing materials)
Authors: Douglas James
Published: July 2002

Continues to explore the development of ground floors in residential buildings and extends the study to other property types. Shows that the provision of damp proofing for ground floors is a relatively modern practice. Examines the introduction of the main materials used as damp proof membranes. Considers the newer types of damp proof membrane materials on the market. Confirms that polythene is now the most common type of damp proof membrane in domestic construction.
Repair methods for tile‐clad buildings in Hong Kong
Authors: Davies Hilary
Published: July 2002

A popular façade treatment for buildings in Hong Kong is tile cladding. It is used for the majority of low and high‐rise residential buildings and the less expensive office developments in lower grade business districts. Mosaic and ceramic tiles are generally durable, versatile, waterproof and need little maintenance. However, tile defects such as dislodgement and water penetration can affect buildings that are only a few years old. The paper examines the typical causes of tiling defects and the range of repair methods that are being adopted in Hong Kong.