bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
King's Biscuits Berhad: crafting the next move?
Authors: Tan Boon-In , Tan Garry Wei-Han , Ooi Keng-Boon
Published: April 2011

Subject area

Management, marketing and branding and strategy.

Study level/applicability

Undergraduate and postgraduate management courses.

Case overview

This is a real-life case involving a confectionery manufacturer in Malaysia where it has grown over the years. As the market becomes more competitive, more challenges are confronting the company. Although there is still profit to be made, the margin is declining. Hence, the management of King's Biscuits Berhad must embark on the marketing environment scanning to prepare the company for future challenges and to ensure continued existence. As in the case of most strategy cases, little guidance was available for the students to reflect upon.

Expected learning outcomes

With the completion of this case study; student will be able to familiarize with the exercise of marketing environment scanning, determine the branding, product lines and positioning issues, adopt the marketing mix concept into real practice, and have the opportunity to visualize a true business scenario and simulate their minds and thinking towards managing a business.

Supplementary materials

Teaching note.
Piping hot dogs: a case of a Malaysian franchise
Authors: June Sethela , Abdul-Talib Asmat-Nizam
Published: April 2011

Subject area

Internationalization, entrepreneurship, franchising, international marketing.

Study level/applicability

First year undergraduate students of Management courses.

Case overview

This case is about a newly established fast food company that expands very rapidly in Malaysia. Growing from merely a single pushcart, the company has evolved into one of the most successful purely-local food franchise businesses with almost 100 franchises throughout the country and abroad. The company keeps on looking at bigger expansion plans abroad and eyeing the Middle Eastern markets.

Expected learning outcomes

After carrying out this exercise, students are expected to be able: to understand how a new business start up grows; to provide a simple illustration on how internationalization of small firms can took place; to analyze the various factors of considerations prior to internationalization; to identify the basic issues of international franchising and how the system works.

Supplementary materials

Teaching note.
Conglomerate diversification through cross-continent acquisition: Vedanta weds Cairn India
Authors: Nangia V.K. , Agarawal Rajat , Sharma Vinay , Reddy K. Srinivasa
Published: April 2011

Subject area

corporate policy and strategy – mergers and acquisitions.

Study level/applicability

Post graduation (MBA and other management degrees). It includes courses on Strategic Management, Business Environment and International Business.

Case overview

Markets are becoming highly connective, accessible and communicative and reaching maturity at a very high phase. Acquisition is a choice to enhance the emerging and diversified markets. This case paper presents insights on Vedanta – Cairn India cross-border acquisition deal in Indian oil and exploration industry. This case synchronizes the gap between strategic planning and outcome of actions. The study exclusively evidences the reaction of stocks of all attached parties against acquisition announcement and compares with market performance.

Expected learning outcomes

Strategic mapping of business negotiations, while in-organic choices, further the impact of economic, political, legal and regulatory factors on cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A), deliberate deal financing mechanism and leadership diplomacy. It proposes from the viewpoint of corporate in-organic alternatives and to strengthen the upcoming research field of strategy & policy.

Supplementary materials

Global M&A market, shareholding pattern, income statement and balance sheet of Cairn India Ltd, financial figures of Vedanta Resources, tabular data on stock and index performance, deal structure and teaching note.
Newly empowered: experiences of young leaders in Vietnam
Authors: Trang Tran Thuy , Wongsurawat Winai
Published: April 2011

Subject area

Leadership, psychology.

Study level/applicability

Organizational behavior, international business, gender and society at Undergraduate level.

Case overview

This short case describes a qualitative investigation on the dynamics of power between young business leaders and senior supervisees in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Views from both the supervisors and supervisees on current working relationships are presented.

Expected learning outcomes

After reading and discussing the case, participants are expected to be able to identify key concepts from organizational behavior theory, including stereotyping, leadership styles, and influence tactics. Participants should also become sensitized to gender roles and their influence on workplace behavior.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
Gloria Jean's Coffee in Malaysia
Authors: Abdul-Talib Asmat-Nizam , Abdul-Latif Samshul-Amry , Zakaria Norhayati
Published: April 2011

Subject area

Franchise, strategic management, food and beverages, Malaysia.

Student level/applicability

First year undergraduate students of management courses.

Case overview

This case study explores the strategies employed by franchisor Gloria Jean's Coffees (GJC) in reestablishing its market presence in the Malaysian coffee market. GJC recently underwent an exchange of ownership. Under the new leadership, the company decided to appoint a new strategic master franchisee in Malaysia to see a section of its expansion plan in the ASEAN region reestablished. The selection of a suitable and well-connected master franchisee is very important for reestablishing presence and brand name development. The deteriorating position of GJC's brand name in Malaysia prior to the appointment of a new master franchisee created a unique situation requiring an in-depth evaluation and examination of unseen but highly related critical factors. In-depth and “behind-the-scene” examination on efforts made through the implementation of business and marketing strategies to reestablish its brand and presence in Malaysia; given demanding market challenges and intense competitions.

Expected learning outcomes

After carrying out this exercise, students are expected to be able to: understand how business start up grows in foreign markets; identify the basic issues of international franchising and how the system works; analyze the various factors of considerations prior to internationalization; and evaluate strategies undertaken by company in establishing its market in foreign countries.

Supplementary materials

Teaching note.
ABIL's dilemma: to brand or not to brand in India
Authors: Sisodia Sonal , Chowdhary Nimit
Published: April 2011

Subject area

Marketing strategy, product positioning, brand building, and economies of scope.

Study level/applicability

MBA groups, marketing consultants and business management students of undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Case overview

Abhishek Industries Limited (ABIL) is an entrepreneurial venture of Mr Abhishek Batra that came into being in 1993. ABIL is the leading supplier of Terry Towels to some of world's leading retailers including Wal-Mart, JC Penney and Sears. In spite of some business fluctuations, ABIL has an impressive performance record that is reflected in its financial data. The concern, however, is that of product commoditisation, since established foreign importers and distributors prefer to sell the products under their own brand name. Consequently, even though the export margins may be lucrative; the lack of a brand presence is what bothers the senior management of the company. Given an optimistic domestic business scenario, the senior management is once again evaluating the odds to enter the domestic market using its own brand name. While some of the younger managers are optimistic and want ABIL to emerge as a brand, some senior colleagues are unsure.

Expected learning outcomes

The student's skills will be sharpened in working through a problem; it will help the students take an active role of a thinker, analyser, evaluator, decider and implementer; it will assist the students in learning to reason with the given quantitative as well as qualitative data; it will help the students think critically and reason effectively; it will make the students realize that the emphasis is not on solution. Rather, the process of arriving at a solution is more important.

Supplementary materials

Teaching note.
Introducing innovation in a housing development firm in Malaysia
Authors: Kamaruddeen Ahmed Mohammed , Yusof Nor'Aini , Said Ilias
Published: April 2011

Subject area

Innovation, privatisation and property development.

Study level/applicability

Undergraduate and MA level property development courses; modules covering privatisation within undergraduate, MBA and MA level management programmes.

Case overview

This paper presents the genesis and motivating factors that stimulate a managing director of a housing development (D&B Private Limited Company) to introduce innovation as a strategic solution to the challenges which hinder his firm's growth. The recently launched Ten Malaysian Plan and the Sustainable Programme for Corporate Malaysia are identified as the two stimulating events that triggered the initiation and subsequent implementation of innovation into Design and Build Sdn Bhd. Innovation has been recognized as an endeavor that impacts positively and significantly the performance of the firm that innovates. There was a major focus on factors that enhance innovation of a firm: structure, culture, resources and how to address or react to external factors such as government regulation on innovation, environmental uncertainty and market competition. The quest to be an innovative firm has led to major changes in the structure, culture and review of the firm intangible resources. Coupled with some corporate responsibilities, Design and Build Sdn Bhd has been recognized for its unique performance resulting from the competitive advantage derived from this very idea of innovations.

Expected learning outcomes

Students are expected to be able: to present a basic understanding of the motivations and driving force behind the housing developer's keen interest to innovate, to present the multiple benefits of adopting innovation in the housing industry, to highlight the internal and external factors which positively influence innovation among housing developers?, to present how housing developers are able to manage challenges facing their companies through innovation.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
Yutong Bus, China: management buy-out
Authors: Zhang Yanling
Published: April 2011

Subject area

Corporate governance, privatisation.

Study level/applicability

Masters level programmes, with particular focus on corporate governance, privatisation, and organizational development.

Case overview

Yutong Bus is a real and highly publicized case in China. It is a listed company carved out from a state-owned enterprise (SOE), Yutong Group. Later the management successfully bought out Yutong Group and thus indirectly controlled the company. The deal transformed Yutong Group from a SOE to a private company. The management was innovative in pushing through the management buy-out (MBO), but politically, it created a public outcry about the loss of state-owned assets. The key issue here is the selection of state owned enterprises suitable for privatization and, more importantly, the determination of selling price. In China “the market for corporate control is still lagging behind” (Shanghai Stock Exchange).

Expected learning outcomes

Students would be expected to gain an understanding of recent economic reform in China, Corporate Governance in the Chinese context and wider issues associated with privatization and MBOs.

Supplementary materials

Teaching note.
Garuda Indonesia
Authors: Munir Ningky Sasanti , Prasetyo Aries , Kurnia Pepey
Published: April 2011

Subject area

Strategic management, system control management (balance score card).

Study level/applicability

Post graduate student, managers.

Case overview

This case examines “Garuda Indonesia” the National Indonesia airline and its exceptional performance in recent years due to successful strategic decision making. This comprehensive case is structured in five parts highlighting: Garuda's recent success based on positive strategic management; Garuda's history and how it shaped its success against strong competition through effective leadership and the challenges it has overcome; an examination of the development within the Indonesian airline industry; a focused examination of strategic development with Garuda, including competition policy; operational planning and delivery; debt restructuring and product/service strategy; and an examination of the ongoing challenges, including governmental pressures and political maneuvering.

Expected learning outcomes

Students will identify opportunities and threats, including strategic issues derived from the external environment facing by Garuda Indonesia. Students will identify strengths and weaknesses from the internal environment faced by Garuda Indonesia. Students will develop strategic alternatives to inform business decisions. Students will give recommendations including priority planning for the next three to five years.

Supplementary materials

Teaching note.
Market entry of a western company in the Middle East
Authors: Brandmeier Rupert A. , Hain Sebastian , Rupp Florian
Published: April 2011

Subject area

Entry of a service sector company based in Europe into the Middle East market with focus on Saudi Arabia.

Study level/applicability

The students should have some familiarity with case studies and should be able to successfully solve easy cases. This case can be used in all courses of general economics and management. It is best suited for courses on market entries, risk management in international business, intercultural management or developing and emerging markets.

Case overview

Two market entry options are discussed: joint venture set-up with partner and independent direct investment without local partner. A tangible real life experience of the Middle East market will enhance the theoretical presentation and help students to gain practical solutions.

Expected learning outcomes

The students should be aware of risks and opportunities in the Middle East and Saudi Arabian markets for western companies from the service sector. He/She should be able to prioritize relevant economic data and simultaneously discuss several different options by dealing with complex situations.

Supplementary materials

Teaching note.
Alcohol consumption ad nauseam – without any consequences?
Authors: Poech Angela , Peisl Tom C. , Lorenz Tina
Published: April 2011

Subject area

Ethical Entrepreneurship; Internationalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Study level/applicability

Bachelor and Master courses in International Management and Entrepreneurship.

Case overview

A German medical scientist developed a product which was able to absorb alcohol in blood and consequently reduced the alcohol-level. He tested it with the participation of 170 volunteers at a private party. The product was consumed after alcohol consumption and the result was an alcohol reduction by 20-70 per cent. In addition, the volunteers had either no or only small symptoms of a hangover. The students shall discuss the different business models the medical scientist could implement by taking into account ethical issues. To give them necessary working data, the case includes European environmental data (including information about the European food industry and the functional drink market), an insight into the European legal issues of starting a business in the food segment (including definitions of “food”, “food supplement” and “health claim regulation” and how these factors impact entrepreneurial decisions), current events in the European food branch and examples of possible competitors. The case is built on a real product development and on current information and facts.

Expected learning outcomes

To become involved with entrepreneurial thinking and entrepreneurial decision-making. To debate ethical issues in the entrepreneurial process. To become aware of the complexity of internationalization in the field of SME as well as to reflect upon and sketch appropriate strategies.

Supplementary materials

Teaching note.
ihere.tv – Thailand's online media entrepreneurs
Authors: Wongsurawat Winai
Published: April 2011

Subject area

Entrepreneurship, strategic analysis.

Study level/applicability

Entrepreneurship, strategic management, business in Asia.

Case overview

This case describes the experience of a start-up online TV company in Thailand. It supplies details about how the business idea was hatched, what challenges the company is currently facing, and how the future prospects for the online media market in Thailand are unfolding.

Expected learning outcomes

Participants are expected to be able to compare the similarities and differences between a textbook model of entrepreneurship and the real experience of the company described in the case. A better appreciation for basic strategic analysis such as examining internal strengths and weaknesses and understanding external opportunities and threats can also be developed.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
Not for profit – for revenues in Eastern Europe: The Birch House Zoo
Authors: Maklari Istvan , Szanto Richard
Published: April 2011

Subject area

Marketing management, pricing strategies, zoo management, non-profit organizations.

Study level/applicability

Difficult. Recommended for courses: marketing, strategy, pricing, customer behaviour, management of non-profit organizations, emerging markets.

Case overview

The case study deals with the pricing dilemma of the Birch House Zoo located in an Eastern European country. The zoo has implemented capital-intensive developments in the recent years its main attraction the Tropic World included. The organization is managed and subsidized by the city where it is situated, yet the City Council lately expressed that they wanted the zoo to be self-financing by the end of 2011 by finding new source of revenue. In 2009, the operational expenses of the zoo exceeded EUR five million; however, the revenues were far bellow this level. The tariff structure did not change in the last 30 years as pricing always had to be adjusted to the local purchasing power; recent developments and new attractions are only partly priced in at the moment. In the light of the special environment in which Birch House Zoo operates, the director has to initiate key actions that could bring the zoo to the level of breakeven in its operations and make it financially independent.

Expected learning outcomes

Ability to create pricing and revenue generating strategies; understanding idiosyncrasies of the management of non-profit organizations regarding this matter; understanding price elasticity issues.

Supplementary materials

Teaching note.
D crop protection Malaysia: competition from generic herbicides
Authors: Foong Soon-Yau , Ho Beng-Seng
Published: April 2011

Subject area

Strategic management (competitive strategy and supply chain management) and management accounting (product pricing and costing techniques).

Study level/applicability

Final year of business undergraduate programme and MBA programme.

Case overview

This case illustrates how emergence of generic products had threatened the survival of DCPM and forced its management to urgently review the company's existing approach to pricing of its main herbicide product. The case presents opportunities for readers to discuss the deficiencies of DCPM's existing product costing approach and recommend modifications to meet the price and gross profit margin targets specified. It also highlights issues relating to supply chain management and human resource practices that might have to be improved to enhance DCPM's long-term competitiveness.

Expected learning outcomes

To understand the effects of globalisation and emergence of generic products on intensity of market competition for branded products. To identify deficiencies of the current product costing system of DCPM for pricing decision. To apply alternative contemporary approach to product costing and pricing of Metrix and the other value-added services. To identify measures to enhance supply chain management and inventory management in DCPM. To assess DCPM's human resources practices. To evaluate the effectiveness of DCPM's existing competitive strategy and formulate new competitive strategy to sustain DCPM's long-term competitiveness.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
Halonix Limited – the product portfolio dilemma
Authors: Goyal Sandeep , Kapoor Amit
Published: April 2011

Subject area

Strategy, strategic management, market and product analysis.

Study level/applicability

The case is intended for a business strategy course in management. The target participants are MBA students specializing in strategy area as well as middle level and senior level managers from the industry, who come for an executive programme in management science.

Case overview

Year 2009, Mr Pawan Kumar (General Manager, Halonix Limited) was facing a decision-making situation in the organization. Being one of the most experienced and oldest employees of Halonix (incorporated as Phoenix Lamps Ltd in 1991), he had witnessed the tremendous growth of the company since its inception in 1991. The company was having a global brand image in automotive halogen lamps and became a dominant player in compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) market in India by 2007. With the increasing competition and change in market dynamics, the company needed to decide upon the future product portfolio mix and strategy to be adopted to gain the maximum benefit and win over the competition in both the product segments. The automotive halogen product segment was generating higher margins but having relatively slow growth. The CFL product segment was a growing market but was generating low margins due to increasing competition from entry of large number of players.

Expected learning outcomes

The theoretical concepts, which will be explored in this case, involve the following: the importance of industry structure analysis in understanding the basis of competition. The importance of value-chain analysis in strategic planning. The importance of Boston Consulting Group growth-share matrix in evaluating the product portfolio mix having different growth drivers and target segments?

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
Removal of Uranium From Aqueous Solution by Chitosan and Ferrous Ions
Authors: Wang Jing-song , Bao Zheng-lei , Chen Si-guang , Yang Jin-hui
Published: April 2011

This study focuses on developing a new method to remove uranium from aqueous solution. Chitosan and ferrous ions were used together to remove uranium ions from aqueous solution. Through two-step pH adjustment, the uptake behavior of chitosan and ferrous ions toward uranium in aqueous solution using batch systems was studied in different experimental conditions. The experimental results indicated that the removal of uranium by the synergetic effect of chitosan and ferrous ions was more effective than the way of adsorbing uranium ions by chitosan alone. Under the given experimental conditions, the concentration of the residual uranium in the effluent after the chitosan and ferrous ion treatment could meet the discharge standard (<0.05 mg l−1) when the initial concentration of uranium ions was 10 mg l−1 or 100 mg l−1. The synergetic effect of chitosan and ferrous ions, including adsorption, coacervation, and coprecipitation, was responsible for the high removal rate of uranium.
CFD Modeling and LDA Measurements for the Air-Flow in an Aero Engine Front Bearing Chamber
Authors: Aidarinis J. , Missirlis D. , Yakinthos K. , Goulas A.
Published: April 2011

The continuous development of aero engines toward lighter but yet more compact designs, without decreasing their efficiency, has led to gradually increasing demands on the lubrication system, such as the bearing chambers of an aero engine. For this reason, it is of particular importance to increase the level of understanding of the flow field inside the bearing chamber in order to optimize its design and improve its performance. The flow field inside a bearing chamber is complicated since there is a strong interaction between the sealing air-flow and the flow of lubrication oil, and both of them are affected by and interacting with the geometry of the chamber and the rotating shaft. In order to understand the flow field development and, as a next step, to optimize the aero engine bearing chamber performance, in relation to the lubrication and heat transfer capabilities, the behavior of this interaction must be investigated. In this work, an investigation of the air-flow field development inside the front bearing chamber of an aero engine is attempted. The front bearing chamber is divided into two separate sections. The flow from the first section passes through the bearing and the bearing holding structure to the second one where the vent and the scavenging system are located. The investigation was performed with the combined use of experimental measurements and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling. The experimental measurements were carried out using a laser Doppler anemometry system in an experimental rig, which consists of a 1:1 model of the front bearing chamber of an aero engine. Tests were carried out at real operating conditions both for the air-flow and for the lubricant oil-flow and for a range of shaft rotating speeds. The CFD modeling was performed using a commercial CFD package. Particularly, the air-flow through the bearing itself was modeled, adopting a porous medium technique, the parameters of which were developed in conjunction with the experiments. A satisfactory quantitative agreement between the experimental measurements and the CFD computations was achieved. At the same time, the effect of the important parameters such as the air and oil mass flow, together with the shaft rotational speed, and the effect of the chamber geometry were identified. The conclusions can be exploited in future attempts in combination with the CFD model developed in order to optimize the efficiency of the lubrication and cooling system. The latter forms the main target of this work, which is the development of a useful engineering tool capable of predicting the flow field inside the aero engine bearing, which can be used subsequently for optimization purposes.
Delay-Dependent L1 Filtering for LPV Systems With Parameter-Varying Delays
Authors: Li Yanhui , Liang Yan , Luo Xionglin
Published: April 2011

The paper investigates the problems of delay-dependent L1 filtering for linear parameter-varying (LPV) systems with parameter-varying delays, in which the state-space data and the time delays are dependent on parameters that are measurable in real-time and vary in a compact set with bounded variation rate. The attention is focused on the design of L1 filter that guarantees the filtering error system to be asymptotically stable and satisfies the worst-case peak-to-peak gain of the filtering error system. In particular, we concentrate on the delay-dependent case, using parameter-dependent Lyapunov function, the decoupled peak-to-peak performance criterion is first established for a class of LPV systems. Under this condition, the admissible filter can be found in terms of linear matrix inequality (LMI) technology. According to approximate basis function and the gridding technique, the filter design problem is transformed into feasible solution problem of the finite parameter LMIs. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the feasibility of the developed approach.
Damping Reduction in Structures Using Piezoelectric Circuitry With Negative Resistance
Authors: Zhao J. , Wang X. , Tang J.
Published: April 2011

As damping reduction can potentially lead to performance enhancement in certain applications, a scheme based on the concept of piezoelectric circuitry that yields reduced damping effect in a structural system is developed. The piezoelectric circuitry consists of an inductor and a negative resistance circuit serially connected to the piezoelectric transducer that is bonded/embedded to the structure. By using the negative resistance element to reduce the overall resistance of the circuitry to be negative, the resonant vibratory response of the structural system becomes higher while the system remains stable. The stability boundary of the negative resistance is derived for both the ideal piezoelectric transducer model and the transducer model with energy loss. The results are validated via experimental investigations.
Suitability of Redesigned Digital Control Systems Having an Interval Plant via an Evolutionary Approach
Authors: Hsu Chen-Chien , Lu Tsung-Chi
Published: April 2011

In this paper, a quantitative index is proposed to address the performance evaluation and design issues in the digital redesign of continuous-time interval systems. From the perspective of signal energy, a worst-case energy resemblance index (WERI), defined as the ratio of the worst-case continuous signal energy (WCSE) of the continuous-time interval system over the worst-case discrete sequence energy (WDSE) of the redesigned digital system, is established for evaluating the closeness of the system performance between the redesigned digital control system and its continuous-time counterpart. Based on the WERI, performance of the redesigned digital systems can be evaluated for different discretization methods at different sampling times. It is found that no discretization method outperforms the others for all sampling times. Because of serious nonlinearities and nonconvexity involved, the determination of WCSE and WDSE is first formulated as an optimization problem and subsequently solved via an evolutionary algorithm. To guarantee stability of the redesigned digital system, the largest sampling time allowed is also evolutionarily determined to establish a sampling-time constraint under which robust Schur stability of the redesigned digital system can be ensured. For design purposes, sampling time required can be determined according to the user-specified WERI, which serves as a performance specification for fine tuning the performance of the redesigned digital control system.
Analysis of Piezoelectric Energy Harvesters of a Moderate Aspect Ratio With a Distributed Tip Mass
Authors: Kim Jae Eun , Kim Yoon Young
Published: April 2011

Various mathematical beam models have been proposed for the efficient analysis of a piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) and carrying out parameter study but there appears no beam model suitable for a PEH of a moderate width-to-length aspect ratio with a distributed tip mass, and so, moderate width-to-length aspect ratios and distribution effects of a tip mass over a finite length will be mainly focused on in the present beam analysis. To deal with a wide range of aspect ratios, the material coefficients appearing in the constitutive equations of a PEH beam will be interpolated by those of the limiting plane-strain and plane-stress conditions. The key idea in the interpolation is to derive the interpolation parameter analytically by using the fundamental frequency of a cantilevered beam of moderate aspect ratios. To deal with the distribution effects of a tip mass over a finite length, the use of a set of polynomial deflection shape functions is proposed in the assumed mode approach. The equations to predict the electrical outputs based on the proposed enhanced beam model are explicitly expressed in template forms, so one can calculate the outputs easily from the forms. The validity and accuracy were checked for unimorph and bimorph PEHs by comparing the results from the developed beam model, the conventional beam model, and a three-dimensional finite element model. The comparisons showed substantial improvements by the developed model in predicting the electrical outputs.
Solar Gasification of Biomass: Kinetics of Pyrolysis and Steam Gasification in Molten Salt
Authors: Hathaway Brandon J. , Davidson Jane H. , Kittelson David B.
Published: April 2011

The use of concentrated solar energy as a heat source for pyrolysis and gasification of biomass is an efficient means for production of hydrogen rich synthesis gas. Utilizing molten alkali carbonate salts as a reaction and heat transfer media promises enhanced stability to solar transients and faster reaction rates. The present study establishes and compares the reaction kinetics of pyrolysis and gasification of cellulose from 1124 K to 1235 K in an electric furnace. Data are presented in an inert environment and in a bath of a ternary eutectic blend of lithium, potassium, and sodium carbonate salts. Arrhenius rate expressions are derived from the data supported by a numerical model of heat and mass transfer. The molten salt increases the rate of pyrolysis by 74% and increases gasification rates by more than an order of magnitude while promoting a product gas composition nearer to thermodynamic equilibrium predictions. These results justify using molten carbonate salts as a combined catalyst and heat transfer media for solar gasification.
Westinghouse PWR and BWR Reactor Vessel Segmentation Experience in Using Mechanical Cutting Process
Authors: Segerud Per , Boucau Joseph , Fallstro¨m Stefan , Kreitman Paul J.
Published: April 2011

Some commercial nuclear power plants have been permanently shut down to date and decommissioned using dismantling methods. Other operating plants have decided to undergo an upgrade process that includes replacement of reactor internals. In both cases, there is a need to perform a segmentation of the reactor vessel internals with proven methods for long term waste disposal. Westinghouse has developed several concepts to dismantle reactor internals based on safe and reliable techniques, including plasma arc cutting (PAC), abrasive waterjet cutting (AWJC), metal disintegration machining (MDM), or mechanical cutting. Mechanical cutting has been used by Westinghouse since 1999 for both Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR’s) and Boiling Water Reactors (BWR’s) and its process has been continuously improved over the years. The complexity of the work requires well designed and reliable tools. Different band saws, disc saws, tube cutters and shearing tools have been developed to cut the reactor internals. All of those equipments are hydraulically driven which is very suitable for submerged applications. Westinghouse experience in mechanical cutting has demonstrated that it is an excellent technique for segmentation of internals. In summary, the purpose of this paper will be to provide an overview of the Westinghouse mechanical segmentation process, based on actual experience from the work that has been completed to date.
Current R & D Activities in the Study on Geosphere Stability
Authors: Hanamuro Takahiro , Yasue Ken-Ichi , Saito-Kokubu Yoko , Asamori Koichi , Ishimaru Tsuneari , Umeda Koji
Published: April 2011

The Japanese islands are located in a tectonically active zone. The scientific base is required for assessing the geosphere stability for long-term isolation of radioactive waste in Japan. JAEA is promoting the establishment of investigation method for geotectonic events affecting geosphere stability and prediction model for the future changes of geological environments, that is necessary for site selection and safety assessment of the HLW geological disposal. For seismicity and faulting, detection techniques for active faults without topographic surface expression, such as using helium isotope ratios in hot spring gases or detection of hydrogen gas, and studies on the assessment of fault evolution have been developed. For volcanism and geothermal activity, heat sources for anomalous geothermal activity in non-volcanic regions are considered. Detection techniques for high-temperature fluids and magma deep underground, using geophysical and geochemical approaches, were constructed. For uplift, denudation and climatic/sea-level changes, a methodology to predict the future topographic change was developed. Also, for dating techniques as an essential part to proceed on these studies, C-14 and Be-10 dating using AMS and (U-Th)/He dating using QMS and ICP-MS have been developed. We are planning the establishment of assessment methods for geosphere stability including assessment of the activity of faults encountered in underground excavations, development of long-term prediction model of volcanism and hydrothermal activities, and hydrogeological analyses considering topographic change.
Natural Analogue Studies of Bentonite Reaction Under Hyperalkaline Conditions: Overview of Ongoing Work at the Zambales Ophiolite, Philippines
Authors: Fujii N. , Arcilla C. A. , Yamakawa M. , Pascua C. , Namiki K. , Sato T. , Shikazono N. , Alexander W. R.
Published: April 2011

Bentonite is one of the safety-critical components of the engineered barrier system for the disposal concepts developed for many types of radioactive waste. However, bentonite — especially the swelling clay component that contributes to its essential barrier functions — is unstable at high pH. To date, results from laboratory tests on bentonite degradation have been ambiguous as the reaction rates are so slow as to be difficult to observe. As such, a key goal in this project is to examine the reaction of natural bentonites in contact with natural hyperalkaline groundwaters to determine if any long-term alteration of the bentonite occurs. Ophiolites have been identified as sources of hyperalkaline groundwaters that can be considered natural analogues of the leachates produced by some cementitious materials in repositories for radioactive waste. At the Zambales ophiolite in the Philippines, widespread active serpentinisation results in hyperalkaline groundwaters with measured pH values of up to 11.7, falling into the range typical of low-alkali cement porewaters. These cements are presently being developed worldwide to minimise the geochemical perturbations which are expected to result from the use of OPC-based concretes (see Kamei et al., this conference, for details). In particular, it is hoped that the lower pH of the low-alkali cement leachates will reduce, or even avoid entirely, the potential degradation of the bentonite buffer which is expected at the higher pH levels (12.5 and above) common to OPC-based concretes. During recent field campaigns at two sites in the Zambales ophiolite (Mangatarem and Bigbiga), samples of bentonite and the associated hyperalkaline groundwaters have been collected by drilling and trenching. At Mangatarem, qualitative data from a ‘fossil’ (i.e. no groundwater is currently present) reaction zone indicates some alteration of the bentonite to zeolite, serpentine and CSH phases. Preliminary reaction path modelling suggests that the zeolites could have been produced as a product of smectite reaction in the hyperalkaline groundwaters. Although not included in this calculation to date, the CSH phases identified are completely consistent with reaction of clays with hyperalkaline groundwaters, as seen at other sites worldwide. At the Bigbiga site, an active hyperalkaline groundwater/bentonite reaction zone (at the base of the bentonite deposit) has recently been identified and a drilling campaign is planned for late autumn 2010.
Solidification of Simulated Liquid Waste of Primary Loop Resin Elution Process of PWR
Authors: Obata Masamichi , Kaneko Masaaki , Saso Michitaka , Ogaki Nobuhito , Horimoto Taichi , Waki Toshikazu
Published: April 2011

Primary loop resin waste is eluted by sulfuric acid in The Kansai Electic Company Mihama, Takahama and Ohi nuclear power station. Waste solution from this elution process is planned to be solidified by cement. This study bring out a range of chemical composition and crud concentration of waste solution from this elution process, and examine the properties of alumina cement solidification process and solidified material. Test for sulfate ion, borate, lithium, ammonium ion was carried out. Volume reduction ratio of over 0.5 was achieved for 5 to 25wt% of sulfate ion and <5,000ppm of borate. Lithium ion restrained the solidification delay by borate. Also, ammonium ion shows no significant effect. Based on this study, we concluded that the aluminum cement is applicable to all range of composition of waste solution from the resin elution process. This study is a part of committed work of The Kansai electric company.
Norwegian Support in Development of Regulations of Radioactive Waste Management in Central Asia-Threat Assessment
Authors: Zhunussova Tamara , Sneve Malgorzata , Liland Astrid , Kim Alexander , Mirsaidov Ulmas , Tolongutov Baigabyl , Strand Per
Published: April 2011

In Central Asia (CA) the radioactive waste comes mainly from uranium mining and milling, nuclear weapon testing and nuclear power development and other ionizing sources. This waste was produced, to a greater extent, by the military-industrial complex and the uranium and non-uranium industry, and, to a lesser extent, by the nuclear industry and in the process of use of isotope products. Exploitation and mining of uranium and thorium deposits produce a large amount of solid and liquid radioactive waste, as well volatile contaminants which need a proper management. In Central Asia the wastes are mainly stored at the surface in large piles and represent a long-term potential health and environmental hazard. The process of remediating legacy sites of the past and reducing the threats is now getting under way, with the design and implementation of remediation activities, partly with international support. However, there is a significant lack in the regulatory basis for carrying out such remediation work, including a lack of relevant radiation and environmental safety norms and standards, licensing procedures and requirements for monitoring etc., as well as expertise to transform such a basis into practice. Accordingly, the objective of the proposed project is to assist the relevant regulatory authorities in Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan and Tajikistan to develop national robust and adequate regulations and procedures, taking into account the international guidance and Norwegian experience with regulatory support projects in Russia. Specific expected results in the project period include: a threat assessment report identifying priority areas for regulatory development, based on the status of current regulatory documents and the hazard presented by the different sites and facilities; development of national radioactive waste management strategies in each country; development of an enhanced regulatory framework for supervision of nuclear matters, and an enhanced safety culture.
Experience in Dismantling and Packaging of Pressure Vessel and Core Internals
Authors: Pillokat Peter , Bruhn Jan Hendrik
Published: April 2011

Nuclear Company AREVA is proud to look back on versatile experience in successfully dismantling nuclear components. After performing several minor dismantling projects and studies for nuclear power plants, AREVA completed the order for dismantling of all remaining Reactor Pressure Vessel internals at German Boiling Water Reactor Wuergassen NPP in October ’08. During the onsite activities about 121 tons of steel were successfully cut and packed under water into 200l- drums, as the dismantling was performed partly in situ and partly in an underwater working tank. AREVA deployed a variety of different cutting techniques such as band sawing, milling, nibbling, compass sawing and water jet cutting throughout this project. After successfully finishing this task, AREVA dismantled the cylindrical part of the Wuergassen Pressure Vessel. During this project approximately 320 tons of steel were cut and packaged for final disposal, as dismantling was mainly performed by on air use of water jet cutting with vacuum suction of abrasive and kerfs material. The main clue during this assignment was the logistic challenge to handle and convey cut pieces from the pressure vessel to the packing area. For this, an elevator was installed to transport cut segments into the turbine hall, where a special housing was built for final storage conditioning. At the beginning of 2007, another complex dismantling project of great importance was acquired by AREVA. The contract included dismantling and conditioning for final storage of the complete RPV Internals of the German Pressurized Water Reactor Stade NPP. Very similar cutting techniques turned out to be the proper policy to cope this task. On-site activities took place in up to 5 separate working areas including areas for post segmentation and packaging to perform optimized parallel activities. All together about 85 tons of Core Internals were successfully dismantled at Stade NPP until September ’09. To accomplish the best possible on-site performance and to achieve a minimization of the applied collective dose rates, each on-site activity was previously planned in detail and personnel exercised each task at original size mock ups under most realistic onsite conditions. Planning was especially focused on an optimized size minimization and packaging concept to reduce the number of filled waste packages. The segmentation of components strictly followed a sophisticated cutting and packaging concept developed under consideration of possible cutting techniques, the resulting geometry and logistical conditions. Therefore, segments were post processed by hydraulic press and band saw in order to minimize their volume, where applicable.
The Long-Term Stability of Geological Environments in the Various Rock Types in Japan From the Perspective of Uranium Mineralization
Authors: Sasao Eiji
Published: April 2011

Long-term stability of the geological environment is one of the important keys for deep geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste in the Japanese Islands due to their location in a tectonically active island-arc. Uranium occurrences in Japan have been subjected to many geological processes inherent to the island-arc setting. Geological environments associated with uranium mineralization are considered favorable for HLW disposal, because uranium mineralization is considered a natural analogue of the radionuclides in HLW. Studies on the long-term stability of the uranium mineralization in Japan can be instructive as these could provide useful information on the long-term stability of the geological environment. Information on host rock and mode of occurrence of uranium mineralization was compiled from published data. The mineralization occurs in these types of deposits, i.e., sedimentary formations, association with metallic ore mineralization of magmatic origin and stratiform manganese mineralization, pegmatite, and alluvial placer deposit. The mineralization occurs in various geological settings in Japan. This fact suggests that geological environments suitable for geological isolation are widely distributed in the Japanese Islands, despite their location in a geologically active area. This study will support building confidence in HLW disposal in the Japanese Islands.