bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the early stages of project formulation
Authors: Woodhead R.M.
Published: July 2002

Investigates how large, experienced clients of the UK construction industry arrive at their decision to build. Explores the pre‐project stage, which begins within the organisation’s strategic planning process and concludes once a proposal has either been abandoned or has become a fully‐funded project. This complex process is shown with the aid of three decision models, shown as figures, that add layers of detail and shows other options such as rent, buy, lease and no‐go decisions in the context of the decision to build. Provides an overview of the decision‐making process and its structure, before explaining what typically happens within the various stages. Explains how clients arrive at their decision to build before the construction industry becomes involved and how client organisations divide the decision‐making process among managerial roles; decision‐approvers, decision‐takers, decision‐shapers. Also explores how paradigms and perspectives set the priorities by which those responsible for developing and approving proposals are influenced.
Using portable data files in facilities management
Authors: Marsh Laurence , Finch Edward
Published: July 2002

This paper presents the findings of a one‐year study concerned with the development and testing of an information storage tool designed to empower maintenance operatives on location by means of low cost 2D barcodes. A recurring problem for maintenance engineers is the inability to access reliable and in‐depth information about products or assemblies when on location. The scope of information which might be required is often difficult to foresee. Information about plant, distribution and cabling systems can be complex and involve sizeable amounts of data provided by the manufacturer. Added to this is the maintenance history which accrues to each and every item within a facility. The study sought to establish whether there was a low‐cost method for making both product information and maintenance history accessible on the job. Findings from the study suggest that 2D barcoding is one of several possible solutions which can provide practical benefits for a maintenance management programme bringing direct and indirect cost savings.
Consequences of modern banking on facilities and corporate real estate management
Authors: Krumm Peter J.M.M.
Published: July 2002

The banking industry is facing tremendous changes. Even the few stable securities that were left are susceptible to erosion. Aggressive growth strategies against increasing competition; the diminishing use of cash; the worldwide trend towards global banks through mergers and acquisitions; and the growing importance of information technology, confront the banking industry with huge changes both in real estate and facilities management. While the design of bank facilities has for centuries focused on expressing wealth and magnitude, today even the banking industry, often regarded as one of the most conservative of industries, is transforming its buildings into lean, customer‐oriented facilities. This article provides a descriptive overview of the impacts of the above changes based on literature and case studies in three major Dutch banks.
Facilities management: the wider implications of managing change
Authors: Grimshaw Bob
Published: July 2002

This paper looks at facilities management (FM) in the wider context of the social, economic and political changes that are taking place at the end of the twentieth century. It argues that the core of FM relates to managing the changes that are taking place in the relationship between organisations, their employees and their facilities, all of which are being fundamentally altered by external forces. It pleads for a greater understanding of the issues raised by the debate around postmodernism and the impact they have had on the development of FM to date and will have on its future.
Flexible working: organisational liberation or individual strait‐jacket?
Authors: Cairns George , Beech Nic
Published: July 2002

This paper addresses the practice‐derived concept of “flexible working” in order to challenge the lack of critical thinking in such facilities management (FM) research and writing. Through comparison of the field of FM with literature from other management fields, it proposes that much FM “research” is concerned with the validation of practice‐based concepts, which have been derived and implemented in small sections of specific organisations with self‐interest in their success and promotion. In so doing, it supports previous critical reflection on the lack of theoretical research in the FM field.
The Internet and post‐experience courses
Authors: Finch Edward
Published: July 2002

Discusses some of the strategic issues addressed in the design of an Internet system for two post‐experience courses related to facilities management. Covers the epidemiological assumptions relating to the Internet ‐ and how these fit with the requirements of the facilities management discipline. Invariably, Internet development in the UK university sector is perceived as “technical” and “non‐strategic” in so far as it relates to the broader learning objectives. Highlights the pragmatic and strategic issues that have been addressed in developing the Internet blueprint for the two courses and emphasises that an understanding of the learning objectives and associated learning strategy must precede any formulation of Internet solution. By doing so, the author hopes to provide an appreciation of the non‐technical “soft” issues that will ultimately determine the success or failure of an Internet solution.
NHS facilities management: a prescription for change
Authors: Payne Trevor , Rees David
Published: July 2002

The role of facilities management in the delivery of effective healthcare is linked to the recent growth of facilities management in the NHS in the UK. Research has shown the benefits which can be achieved by the introduction of integrated facilities management. The cultural changes, that are coming as a result of the 24‐hour society in which we now live, bring new challenges and opportunities. The need to integrate in‐house and outsourced deliveries into a seamless service is discussed as are some of the changes that the profession is introducing. Finally, the authors stress the need for facilities managers to plan positively to meet the new millennium.
Developing a framework of competencies for facilities management
Authors: Clark Eddie , Hinxman Lynda
Published: July 2002

The facilities management profession has emerged in the latter half of this century in parallel with the technological revolution. A need to establish career and development frameworks that will support this growth has also emerged. This article reflects on the progress in meeting such support frameworks by examining other similar management disciplines and looks specifically at the use of competencies as a development tool. The results of research are published as a guide to aid the development of programmes in this area.
Evaluation of the engineer’s personnel’s role in enhancing the project constructability
Authors: Nima Mekdam A. , Razali Abdul‐Kadir M. , Saleh Jaafar Mohd.
Published: July 2002

The engineer’s personnel play a prominent role in enhancing the constructability of facilities design, construction and assessment. This paper is based on the constructability concepts identified by the Construction Industry Institute (CII) at Austin, Texas and represents and describes the constructability concepts in relation to the engineer’s personnel. It discusses the role of each of them in enhancing constructability of facilities projects. A set of obligations has been concluded as an answer to the question of "How can the engineer’s personnel enhance the project constructability?".
Wireless communications: applications and managerial issues
Authors: Yen David C. , Chou David C.
Published: July 2002

The emerging wireless technology is now widely applied in the business world. This article addresses the services and technologies of wireless communications used in the business world. Its business applications, managerial issues, and future development are also addressed.
Valuing the refurbishment cycle
Authors: Wong K.C.
Published: July 2002

This paper presents a simple method to assess the value of a commercial property, considering the cost and timing of refurbishment. It is constructed on the understanding that net rental income tends to decrease as the property ages, while maintenance cost increases with time. As a result, there is a desirable duration of successive leases, at the end of which refurbishment can take place. A suitable choice of this duration could give a higher value to the property. By assessing the value of a property over one refurbishment cycle, values for similar successive cycles can be capitalised. This approach is equivalent to finding the annual equivalent of the discounted cash flow over one cycle, and then capitalising it as if it is a constant income to perpetuity.
Housing adequacy in Yemen: an investigation into physical quality
Authors: Djebarni Ramdane , Al‐Abed Abdullah
Published: July 2002

Evaluating housing projects is an essential task to determine the effectiveness of these projects and to provide a useful feedback to the projects’ initiators ‐ be it the public or the private sector. The evaluation could be on a number of different bases. Reports the results of research work aiming to compare the quality and effectiveness of three housing projects initiated by the Yemeni government in the capital ‐ Sana’a. The basis chosen for evaluating the public low‐income housing schemes is the housing quality measurement technique. This technique is used for measuring quality under widely different housing standards. It is a way of assessing the environmental quality and hence evaluating the success or failure of a particular housing project. Satisfaction of residents has also been evaluated and reported in an earlier paper (Al‐Abed and Mustapha, 1996).
Investment property portfolio management and financial derivatives: Paper 1
Authors: McAllister Patrick , Mansfield John R.
Published: July 2002

Derivatives have been an expanding and controversial feature of the financial markets since the late 1980s. They are used by a wide range of manufacturers and investors to manage risk. This paper analyses the role and potential of financial derivatives investment property portfolio management. The limitations and problems of direct investment in commercial property are briefly discussed and the main principles and types of derivatives are analysed and explained. The potential of financial derivatives to mitigate many of the problems associated with direct property investment is examined.
Why is interlending and document supply still the ugly sister?
Authors: Line Maurice B.
Published: July 2002

We have moved on from the days when interlending was rare and inefficient, and considered as a privilege bestowed by libraries on users. Document supply, as it has increasingly become, is now very common, and in some developed countries excellent and speedy. Elsewhere there are national or institutional barriers, but even allowing for these many libraries make far less effort to supply material wanted by remote users than to their own, thus compounding delays suffered by the users. Electronic access is changing the situation for shorter items, but book lending is still poor. Libraries need to learn that users are users wherever they are, and users need to insist on a decent service.
Ownership versus access: the CISTI source/SUMO experience at McGill University
Authors: Houle Louis
Published: July 2002

Since November 1996, the Physical Sciences & Engineering Library at McGill University has established a new Subsidised UnMediated Ordering (SUMO) service for its users: the CISTI Source/SUMO service, a one‐stop shopping service where the patrons (faculty, staff and graduate students) can browse the CISTI Source Table of Contents database over the Web, order their articles and have them sent directly to their desktop by CISTI (Canada Institute for Scientific and Technical Information) without having to search McGill’s OPAC. A blocking mechanism is set in place so that currently owned journal subscription articles cannot be ordered. This service has proved to be a better alternative to the traditional acquisition of journals (both paper and online) and the interlibrary loan service. The CISTI Source/SUMO service has provided more pertinent journals, more quickly and more readily than before and in a much cheaper way than with any journal subscriptions. It is one of the best ways to cope with the rapid increase in journal prices.
Brief communication: Document delivery in the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Siddiqui Moid A.
Published: July 2002

Resource sharing through document delivery in the Arabian Gulf has yet to be achieved in spite of unifying factors, such as language, faith, economic base, and social and cultural conditions. Additionally, little has been achieved in implementing the ABEGS Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Code. However, the KFUPM Library is supporting resource sharing by providing ten articles per library per month free. The article presents the results of a study to measure success (fill) rates, turnaround times, and transmission methods. The results indicate 75.2 percent and 65.9 percent fill rates of the articles requested from the KFUPM Library and received by the KFUPM Library, respectively. The average turnaround time was found to be 13.2 days.
Publishers and copyright licensing
Authors: Davies John
Published: July 2002

Copyright licensing has developed throughout the world as the main solution to problems caused by photocopying and electronic copying. This article traces the history of negotiations between rights owners and users of materials and the establishment of working relationships between authors and users within licensing agencies. It highlights the special importance of copyright management and protection systems to academic and professional publishers. The systems used in the UK, other countries of Europe and the USA are compared and contrasted. The article underlines the enduring value of print publications, while looking forward to the introduction of licences for electronic copying.
The visualization of electric force lines in two‐dimensional electric field computation
Authors: Cui Xiang
Published: July 2002

An algorithm for the visualization of the electric force lines is discussed. Based on the nodal potentials calculated by the conventional finite element method, the boundary conditions of the electric flux are determined by the integral of the electric displacement along all conductors. The finite element equations of the electric flux for two‐dimensional fields are derived. Especially for the axial symmetrical field, a new interpolation function is defined in order to avoid the infinity of the vector electric potential at the symmetrical axis. The nodal electric fluxes are calculated and the smooth electric force lines are visualized. Some examples show that this algorithm is very effective.
Digital bispectral analysis applied to stationary response of flexible lines
Authors: Dias C.A.N. , Petreche J.R.D.
Published: July 2002

In marine structures, the long‐term non‐stationary response of flexible lines, due to random environmental loads, may be regarded as successive short‐term stationary processes in which current, wind and ocean wave conditions remain constant. The power spectrum of each stationary process can be characterized by its linear and non‐linear energy components: the linear energy defines a Gaussian process, and the additional nonlinear energy characterizes a non‐Gaussian process. Within this scope, digital bispectral analysis has enabled one to describe non‐linear stationary response of flexible lines in the frequency domain, so that the complex coefficients of a quadratic model, in the frequency domain, can be estimated. The real and symmetrical matrix constructed from these coefficients has eigenvalues and eigenvectors useful to describe the characteristic function of the response from where the probability density function can be obtained by using a fast Fourier transform algorithm. The bases of the method presented here have already been treated, in a similar but pure algebraic method, to obtain the asymptotic probability function applicable to the response of non‐linear systems in closed form.
Tests in von Mises and isotropic Hoffman elastoplasticity
Authors: Pankaj  , Moin Khalid
Published: July 2002

Plane strain constitutive behaviour of von Mises and isotropic Hoffman materials is examined using single element tests. Two kinds of tests are conducted – (a) prescribed displacement tests; and (b) tests with a mixture of displacements and boundary tractions prescribed. While (a) are used to understand the manner of stress traversal on the yield surface in principal stress space, (b) are employed to study the load displacement response and the possibility of ensuing localization. Associated plasticity is assumed throughout. The tests are conducted using perfect and strain softening plasticity. It is found that for the von Mises criterion limited exact solutions can be evolved even under softening (or hardening) conditions. For isotropic Hoffman materials the nature of the stress traversal, load deflection response and the satisfaction of the localization conditions are strongly influenced by the ratio and difference of uniaxial yield strengths, in tension and compression, as well as by the softening parameters.
An empirical comparison of three novel genetic algorithms
Authors: Fan Hui‐Yuan , Wei‐Zhen Lu Jane , Xu Zong‐Ben
Published: July 2002

Genetic algorithms have been extensively used in different domains as a type of robust optimization method. They have a much better chance of achieving global optima than conventional gradient‐based methods which usually converge to local sub‐optima. However, convergence speeds of genetic algorithms are often not good enough at their current stage. For this reason, improving the existing algorithms becomes a very important aspect of accelerating the development of the algorithms. Three improved strategies for genetic algorithms are proposed based on Holland’s simple genetic algorithm (SGA). The three resultant improved models are studied empirically and compared, in feasibility and performance evaluation, with a set of artificial test functions which are usually used as performance benchmarks for genetic algorithms. The simulation results demonstrate that the three proposed strategies can significantly improve the SGA.
Vibration analysis of curved panels with variable thickness
Authors: Ohga Mitao , Takao Hideki , Shigematsu Tsunemi
Published: July 2002

Presents the natural frequencies and vibration mode shapes of curved panels with variable thickness by using the transfer matrix method. The transfer matrix is derived from the non‐linear differential equations for the curved panels with variable thickness, by using the Fourier series expansions in the longitudinal direction and then applying a numerical integration in the circumferential direction. Investigates the accuracy and convergence characteristics of this method and examines the influences of cross‐section thickness variation on the natural frequencies and mode shapes of curved panels with variable thickness.
A B‐spline finite element for the dynamic analysis of sandwich shells of revolution
Authors: Benjeddou Ayech , Hamdi Mohamed Ali
Published: July 2002

Presents a new B‐spline finite element for the dynamic analysis of unsymmetrical sandwich shells of revolution. The formulation takes account of the membrane and bending effects in isotropic or orthotropic elastic facings, and membrane, bending and transverse shearing effects in an isotropic or othotropic elastic core. Both geometry and local displacements are interpolated by a set of B‐spline functions. The main aspects added by the sandwich structure of the element are the transverse shearing and membrane‐bending coupling effects in the core. These are well represented by a set of new variables which are the mean end relative in‐plane displacements of the facing middle surfaces. Together with the transverse displacement, these variables constitute the degrees of freedom (dofs) of this new B‐spline sandwich element. The finite elements are grouped into super‐elements with C1 continuity to obtain the whole finite element model. For each super‐element a total of five dofs per node is then obtained except for its end nodes where the derivatives of these dofs with respect to the meridional co‐ordinate are added. This choice reduces to a minimum the total number of dofs in comparison to existing sandwich elements. Evaluates the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed element through several benchmark examples. Compares the results with the analytical and numerical solutions found in the literature. A very satisfactory behaviour of the element was observed in all test cases.
A CDM‐based computational model for the Timoshenko beam
Authors: Shazali A.M. , Rahman K. , El‐Boghdadi M.H. , Taher S.F. , Baluch M.H.
Published: July 2002

Focuses on a finite element computational model for the Timoshenko beam which is idealized as an elasto‐plastic‐damage medium governed by Lemaitre’s continuum damage mechanics (CDM) model for ductile fracture. Response under monotonically increasing loading does not show any deviation from elasto‐plastic simulation. However, a marked difference in the residual stress field is noted by virtue of the unloading phase, in which the CDM model allows for stiffness degradation in contrast to classical elasto‐plasticity which requires unloading at the (frozen) initial stiffness of the material.
Improvement of C0 vibration problems using Helmholtz equation to recover nodal gradients
Authors: Lin Chin‐Hsu
Published: July 2002

The paper presents a method for the more accurate solution of C0 acoustic vibration problems in finite element (FE) analysis by postprocessing. For each frequency, the method uses the computed eigenvector and the Helmholtz equation to calculate gradients of dependent variables at element centers. Gradients at element centers are then used as sampling points in a patch recovery technique to obtain gradients at nodes. The nodal primary field and its gradients are used to interpolate the dependent variables over each element. This interpolation yields the potential and kinetic energies of each element, and hence a Rayleigh quotient that provides an accurate eigenvalue. One‐, two‐ and three‐dimensional vibration problems are used as numerical examples.
A refined numerical approach for the ultimate‐load analysis of 3‐D steel rod structures
Authors: Gebbeken Norbert
Published: July 2002

As far as steel‐rod structures are concerned the yield‐hinge theory is a very efficient approach of the ultimate‐load theory. Unfortunately, most of the published strategies suffer from considerable deficiencies which depend on two main reasons: first, the yield condition is not approximated very well, and, second, a flow rule is not incorporated at all. This may significantly affect the calculated load‐carrying behaviour and as a consequence the elasto‐plastic failure prediction. In the present paper a consistent formulation of a refined numerical method based on the yield‐hinge theory is consistently developed from the theory of plasticity. The derivation is carried out in the framework of a geometrically nonlinear Timoshenko beam theory discretized for the displacement based finite element method. The plastic deformations can be interpreted as three‐dimensional eccentric yield‐hinges (generalized yield‐hinges). The presented numerical xamples show the efficiency of the proposed method.
Application of MATHEMATICA to the optimal design of composite shells for improved buckling strength
Authors: Walker M. , Reiss T. , Adali S. , Weaver P.M.
Published: July 2002

The optimal design of a laminated cylindrical shell is obtained with the objectives defined as the maximisation of the axial and torsional buckling loads. The ply angle is taken as the design variable. The symbolic computational software package MATHEMATICA is used in the implementation and solution of the problem. This approach simplifies the computational procedure as well as the implementation of the analysis/optimisation routine. Results are given illustrating the dependence of the optimal fiber angle on the cylinder length and radius. It is shown that a general purpose computer algebra system like MATHEMATICA is well suited to solve small boundary value problems such as structural design optimisation involving composite materials.
Computations of viscous flows using a multigrid finite volume lambda formulation
Authors: Casalini Francesco , Dadone Andrea
Published: July 2002

The viscous finite volume lambda formulation is presented. The suggested technique is apt to compute viscous flows with heat fluxes. The inviscid terms are evaluated by means of the non‐conservative, very accurate upwind methodology, known as the finite volume lambda formulation. The diffusive terms, on the contrary, are approximated by a central scheme. Both methods are characterized by a nominal second order accuracy in space. Efficiency is enhanced by means of a multigrid technique which directly combines each grid level with each stage of an explicit multistage time integration technique. A laminar viscous flow about a NACA 0012 airfoil and a turbulent one about a RAE 2822 airfoil have been computed as well as the two‐ and three‐dimensional turbulent flows inside the Stanitz elbow. The computed numerical results are in very good agreement with well assessed published numerical or experimental results. The suggested multigrid technique allows significant work reductions for laminar as well as for turbulent flow computations.
Elastoplastic analysis using quasi‐higher order symmetric Galerkin boundary element method
Authors: Lie S.T. , Xu K. , Liu Q.
Published: July 2002

In this paper, an interpolation method called the quasi‐higher order element method (QHOEM) is proposed for solving elastoplastic problems using symmetric Galerkin boundary element method (SGBEM). At the initial stage, it uses higher order elements to interpolate the coordinates and the field variables. Then, for the numerical integration involved, it further uses interpolation to decompose the higher order elements into lower order elements so that the existing analytical integration formulas can be applied. By adopting this procedure, the proposed method yields good adaptability and reduces the computational cost. Its accuracy and efficiency are demonstrated by analyzing three practical examples.
Integrated workforce planning
Authors: Edmonstone John
Published: July 2002

The education commissioning system established in the NHS in England in the mid‐1990s is facing a series of reviews. A major challenge which it faces is how integrated workforce planning is addressed. Newly‐emerging approaches to planning are reviewed and the nature of “integration” examined. Sensitive management of the change process will be needed to “learn our way into the future”.
Investigation, analysis and determination of inclusions in high‐tolerance board design
Authors: Scott A.V. , Buchanan W.J.
Published: July 2002

This paper outlines the inclusions in laminates that can cause the false rejection in printed circuit board (PCB) manufacture. Laminate inclusions are now becoming prevalent because of the higher resolution required for the inspection of reduced track and gap widths. Visual methods have been used to identify four main types of inclusions; these are: tadpoles, resin burnt, metal, and others. Tadpoles have been identified for the first time, and are small black‐tailed formations. Metal inclusions contain three main metallic components: chromium, iron and titanium. The paper also outlines the possible sources of these inclusions. For tadpole inclusions, the paper discusses the use of Scanning Electron‐Microscope Energy Disperse X‐Ray analysis to identify their constituent elements. Other methods of analysis are also discussed, such as Fourier Transform Infra‐Red analysis.
Allowable copper thickness for fine pitch patterns formed by a subtractive method
Authors: Yamamoto Takuya , Kataoka Takashi , Andresakis John
Published: July 2002

The subtractive method is widely used to produce high‐density PWBs. It is generally accepted that a pattern pitch of 100 microns or less cannot be achieved by the subtractive method because of the thickness of the copper layer to be etched. We report here on experiments to investigate the relationship between the pattern pitch of a circuit formed by the subtractive method and the required thickness of the copper layer. We have also determined the allowable thickness of the copper layer, plating layer, and copper foil layer for achieving a pattern pitch of 100 microns (L/S = 50/50 microns) or less.
Environmental Management in
Electronics Manufacturing*
Authors: Richards B.
Published: July 2002

Concern over global environmental pollution has resulted in a raft of new legislation, a major impact of which
has been fundamental re‐evaluation of processing technologies used within the
electronics manufacturing industry. Although compliance remains a key driver for change, other
factors (e.g., market, social, new business opportunities) are also providing significant
pressures. Assessments of how to control pollution have led to a much deeper appreciation of
how to manage this dramatic impact on the industry. In the short‐term, the key is
dealing with emissions from current premises and processes. But in the longer‐term,
improvements are only possible by designing products to minimise the whole‐life
environmental impact (e.g., avoiding hazardous materials, minimising waste, designing for
re‐use and recycling). Crucial to the success of both short‐term and
long‐term activities are the motivation and co‐operation of the workforce,
together with the commitment and support of management. This paper examines some of the
pressures on the industry, highlights several of the resultant technical and management
challenges, and briefly outlines how one company is successfully addressing these challenges.
The myth of material knowledge: reading the image of library buildings
Authors: Hart Chris , Bains Manmohan , Jones Kathryn
Published: July 2002

At the centre of most cities and towns in the UK, public library buildings form a significant part of the civic landscape. No other country has such an extensive collection of buildings principally designed for the collection, categorization, storage and provision of knowledge, learning and information, dedicated for public use. Argues that the role and function of the library have never been actualized. That the concern of cultural studies with social constructionism has ignored the obvious ‐ that the socio‐historic construction of an image of knowledge is represented by the placing and design of library buildings; and pre‐library notions of a global knowledge have become a reality through the development of information technology (the information superhighway) and this is displacing and superseding the constructionist displays of knowledge embodied in the library building.
Design of the new library and learning resources centre for the University of Paisley
Authors: James Stuart
Published: July 2002

Discusses how the University of Paisley is building a new library, information and learning resources facility for occupation in 1998. Outlines the institutional and educational background requirements to the development. Discusses the general design philosophy resulting from these, and explains the layout plans and requirements behind them. Discusses the general concept of self‐service and user‐friendliness in relation to the new building.
Editors’ and authors’ role in virtual universities
Authors: Sandelands Eric
Published: July 2002

Argues that electronic publishing is opening up opportunities for editors and authors in reaching the lifelong learners being supported by the emerging virtual universities. Discusses the benefits of the virtual university model, before describing the model being used by University of Surrey/IMC and Business School Nederland in delivering management programmes. Concludes that a new mass market is evolving in supporting learning opportunities, and that access to published knowledge is a vital component of this process.
Managing the Training Process: Putting the Basics into Practice
Authors: Wills Mike
Published: July 2002

Companies that are successful take the training of their people very
seriously. Though training makes an essential contribution to the
business, it does not provide the complete solution for the development
of a company′s employees. But, unless people have the skills, knowledge
and theoretical framework, they cannot make the right decisions or take
the right actions. Assesses the importance of training and its
effectiveness in organizations today. Giving the author′s organization
as an example, discusses the difficulties and processes involved in
implementing a training process. Part 1 provides an overview of the
training process including defining direction, setting up training,
establishing checkpoints and improvement of training. Goes on in Part 2
to define validation and discuss its use and value, detailing various
methods and guidelines.
Tandem training – the Volkswagen‐Skoda approach to know‐how
transfer
Authors: Gutmann Barbara
Published: July 2002

Know‐how transfer at Skoda‐Volkswagen, a Central European joint
venture established in 1991, aims at the development of a company
previously characterized by socialist structures into a competitive,
learning organization. It requires a high speed of change, and is
initiated by project work, coaching and Czech‐German tandem management
– a method so far not used sytematically in the Volkswagen Group.
Organizational and personal preconditions are required to secure its
successful implementation. Tandem partners can be aware of the necessary
framework, and still not able to avoid typical mistakes. Communication
problems might lead to separation into “the Czechs and the
Germans”. Tandem management allows the necessary range of skills
to develop faster than “classic” training, and is an
efficient means of know‐how transfer, provided everyone concerned is
involved steadily. The speedy transformation and integration process,
which thus began in 1991, will be continued, and further contribute to
Skoda′s role as a model for economic development in the Czech Republic.
Eliminating inequality: women‐only training, part 1
Authors: Brew Kevin , Garavan Thomas N.
Published: July 2002

Explores the role of women‐only training (WOT) in eliminating
gender inequality of opportunity in the organization. Reviews the
literature on the subject. Asks the questions: What are the symptoms of
inequality? What are its causes? What are the various strategies
available for equality? Where does women‐only training fit in as part of
these strategies? And how successful is women‐only training as a means
of eliminating inequality?
Job performance aids
Authors: Campbell Clifton P.
Published: July 2002

Research and experience have shown that job performance aids (JPAs) are a cost‐effective alternative or supplement to training. Based on job and task analysis information, they store essential details on performance in a variety of functional and durable forms for use just before or during task performance. Although most JPAs are in printed (hard copy) form, a series of illustrations or directions on an audio or video tape as well as information on a computer screen are also JPAs when they reduce the amount of information to be remembered, specify what actions to take, and indicate when to take each action. The five basic types of JPAs are procedural guide, worksheet, checklist, decision table and flowchart. Describes each type and provides preparation guidelines, along with examples. Also presents important information on layout and format, including the use of illustrations and how to provide emphasis, as well as on effective writing. A comprehensive four‐step quality control procedure describes how the effectiveness and value of JPAs can be confirmed.
Supervisory training that has turned a profit
Authors: Bunning Richard
Published: July 2002

As a manufacturer of float glass in an international market, Pilkington Glass Limited begins a multi‐faceted approach to improving its quality and reducing its costs to cope with increasing competition. Explains how, with cost cutting, there inevitably came downsizing and a need for increased skill training of its workforce. A supervisory training programme was designed and implemented to increase supervisors’ skills in specific manufacturing‐related areas that support the main goals of increasing quality and cutting costs. Through a small‐group action‐learning design, supervisors completed projects which produced bottom‐line contributions to the organization which more than paid for the programme itself. Maintains that other evaluative indicators were equally positive, such as trainee responses to the training, the achievement of NVQs leading to pay‐grade increases and the acceptance of the approach by top management.
Viewpoint: Linking training policy and practice to organizational goals
Authors: O’Donnell David , Garavan Thomas N.
Published: July 2002

Argues that a human resource development (HRD) strategy, in alliance with a global‐arching human resource management (HRM) strategy, is the most effective way to link training policy and practice to organizational goals. Both manufacturing and service organizations require a critical mass of positive factors related to the effective management of human resources to successfully accomplish organizational goals. This involves the analysis of a myriad internal and external environmental factors contingent to the organization, followed by a strategic approach to influencing key stakeholders, and the formulation of strategic HRD policies and plans in parallel with and sometimes influencing business strategy. This links to a broad range of systems covering all areas of the human resource cycle ‐ selection, appraisal, rewards and development ‐ related to individual/team and organizational performance. Concludes that the HRD function must become more strategic in focus.
Do high‐flyer programmes facilitate organizational learning? From individual skills building to development of organizational competence
Authors: Holt Larsen Henrik
Published: July 2002

Provides an overview and a critical analysis of the concept of high‐flyer programmes in management development. Based on a discussion of the need for management development in modern knowledge‐ and service‐based organizations, discusses strengths and weaknesses of traditional management development programmes. In particular, presentsthe so‐called “fast‐track” programmes for high‐potential employees. Shows that although management development is supposed to be a vital contributor to organizational competence, learning, and change, high‐flyer programmes are (still) mainly an instrument for individual and personal career development. Presents an alternative interpretation of management development which emphasizes the match between personal growth and organizational learning, and which links career, organization development and competitive advantage of the organization. In conclusion, discusses implications for practice and research.
Proposed enhancement of the contribution of the teaching note to the case writing process
Authors: Ó Cinnéide Barra
Published: July 2002

The paper contends that in contrast to its well‐recognized role in assisting case users in the teaching/learning process, the teaching note’s importance in case writing has been inadequately appreciated. While accepting that its role to date, i.e. in supporting class‐room discussion on the case study, is extremely valid, it is suggested that if developed and formulated to its near final stage, the teaching note can provide an ideal template within which the planned case can be written. The proposition that the process of writing the teaching note in advance of the case is defended on two grounds: marketing theory and, perhaps the best of all reasons, “that it works”!
Strategic planning for the development of a training innovation
Authors: Roffe Ian
Published: July 2002

Examines the strategic planning issues involved in starting and developing a training innovation. Highlights the growing European momentum behind innovation and the practical necessities for the systematic search for opportunity as well as the assessment of uncertainty in the timing of an investment decision. Analyses the strategic choices for a training innovation in a competitive market with a proprietary or a shared option. Finally, explores the implications for an organization in pursuing an innovation in the training process and proposes that the boundaries on an innovation are set by its scale, the application area and the requisite speed of response.
Responding flexibly to flexible trainers: the need to redefine assumptions
Authors: Gilleard Jenni
Published: July 2002

Argues that although flexible working is becoming increasingly common, training departments are not creatively adapting their strategies. Provides a framework within which to redefine the role of flexible trainers in more opportunistic, value‐added directions. Suggests the need to recognise non‐permanent professional trainers as a distinct group from permanent staff. Analyses attitudes of six English as a second language (ESL) peripheral practitioners, who typify one coherent group of the free agent training sector. Indicates concept of flexibility was viewed positively but lacked adequate support from employing organizations. Proposes various approaches for redefining flexibility to enhance organizational competitiveness and effectiveness, and individual performance and commitment.
Relationship influencers: determination of affect in the provision of advisory services to SME sector firms
Authors: Chaston Ian , Baker Sue
Published: July 2002

Over the last few years, research on customer behaviour in both industrial markets and service environments has caused some academics to posit that in many situations, the application of traditional transactional marketing concepts is ineffective. Most of the research on identification of factors influencing the supplier‐customer relationship has been concerned with the commercial sector. The aims of this study, therefore, are to determine the influence of relationship factors in the not‐for‐profit sector by examining the situation of advisory assistance offered to small businesses by government‐funded support agencies. Interviews with advisors and owner/managers have been used to construct a qualitative model of factors influencing the client/advisor relationship. The implications of the study are discussed in relation to the future operation of not‐for‐profit support agencies.
Changing culture through empowerment
Authors: Hyland Paul , Sloan Terry , Barnett David
Published: July 2002

Much has been made of the need to empower employees at all levels of an organisation. There must be a genuine willingness on the part of management and workers to work together to ensure that empowerment will be accepted and succeed. Among those organisations which are prepared to bear the cost of training and multiskilling their employees, training is often ineffective and firms do not realise benefits from their investment. How can training be delivered to maximise the probability that the workers will learn and be able to implement new skills? Reports on a success story in a multi‐site manufacturing organisation which was able to train operations workers on the job, and by using active learning techniques demonstrate to the organisation the benefits of training. The reasons behind these changes, the effectiveness of the training programme, and the views of workers on the factory floor are examined. Interviews indicate that the success of the training programme, combined with other tactics, has seen real cultural change taking pace in the organisation, and workers believe they have been empowered.
Boundary‐integral approach to determine the magnetic field created by a permanent magnet put in free space
Authors: Pawluk Krystyn , Życki Zdzislaw
Published: July 2002

Magnetic field analysis of a permanent magnet put in free space can be effectively performed by a boundary‐integral technique completed with an iterative procedure following a non‐linear magnetic curve of magnetic material. The general idea of the boundary‐integral model of the permanent magnet is presented, the iterative algorithm and test software are described and the results of test computations are shown.
3D compatible magnetostatic potential formulations coupled with electrical circuits
Authors: Le Menach Yvonnick , Clénet Stéphane , Piriou Francis
Published: July 2002

This paper presents a method of coupling magnetostatic potential formulations with electrical circuits for the 3D FEM. Allowing for the current density distribution in stranded conductors, two vectors N and K are introduced. A systematic method of decomposing both vectors in Whitney’s element spaces is suggested. This method can be used for coils with a complex shape. As an example of application a three‐phase transformer is studied.
Numerical modelling of an unbalanced short shunt induction generator using finite element method
Authors: Brulé S. , Tounzi A. , Piriou F.
Published: July 2002

This paper presents a model based on the 2D finite element method (FEM) which can be used to study a self‐excited induction generator in unbalanced modes. In the proposed model, we take into account the magnetic non linearity of the iron by introducing a B(H) curve which is identified experimentally from magnetic materials. On the other hand, effects such as end windings and the short circuit ring are also taken into account using analytical expressions. The coupling between electrical circuit and FE equations is introduced. After validating the model in steady and transient modes, we will discuss the choice of the different capacitances and give simulated results of a specific unbalanced case.
2D non‐linear dynamics of magnetic domain wall motion in ferromagnetic material such as crystalline Fe‐Si
Authors: Rouff Marc , Alaoui Mohammed
Published: July 2002

This article presents the 2D computation of the non‐linear dynamics of magnetic domain walls motion in ferromagnetic material such as crystalline, like Fe‐Si, in formulation H, with interactions between walls, and bulk magnetic induction. These terms have important contributions to ferromagnetic losses in high exciting magnetic fields, and are usually neglected. The dynamic trajectories of magnetic domain walls are given as non‐linear coupled ordinary differential time equations. Our simulations use the Ck spline approach, which allows many algebraic facilities in algorithms and in boundary conditions.
On the optimisation of discretising steps in the space and time domains along with over‐relaxation parameter in the finite difference solution of the transient heat‐flow equation
Authors: Akhtar J.
Published: July 2002

Optimisation of the discretising steps in the space and time domains has been studied for the evaluation of corresponding optimum value of over‐relaxation parameter in the numerical solution of transient heat flow equation using successive‐over‐relaxation method in the finite difference code. No closed form solutions are available for the optimisation of a complete set of involved parameters in such problems. The present work deals quantitatively with the need for a more generalised closed form relation involving discretising steps in the space and the time domains for an optimal over‐relaxation parameter. The maximum finite difference error and the number of iterations required to achieve a reasonable error tolerance in the functional value are the two criteria used to obtain an optimised set of parameters. The effect of deviation from the optimised values of any of the involved parameters has been shown over a model problem of one‐dimensional diamond‐IIa medium of 100 micrometer length and for a time duration of 1.24 micro‐seconds.