bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parallelism in Control
Authors: Warwick Kevin
Published: February 2008

A parallel structure is suggested for feedback control systems. Such a technique can be applied to either single or multi‐sensor environments and is ideally suited for parallel processor implementation. The control input actually applied is based on a weighted summation of the different parallel controller values, the weightings being either fixed values or chosen by an adaptive decision‐making mechanism. The effect of different controller combinations is a field now open to study.
Abstract Inference Structures to Support Variable Rule Structures for Expert Systems
Authors: Mazlack Lawrence J.
Published: February 2008

Knowledge‐based systems have been successfully utilised in the develop‐ment of complex systems. In many cases, these systems have emphasised the need for techniques to integrate knowledge‐based processing with methods for managing both large amounts of data and knowledge. However, many potential applications for expert systems are precluded by limitations in the ability of conventional expert system technology to function in conjunction with data systems without manual intervention. The author focuses on the integration of knowledge‐bases and databases with the capability to: store and context select between parallel, competing expert system rule structures; cascade variable rule structures; allow an expert system to be interrupted and to be subsequently restarted by storing the state of the inference engine; handle simple data storage and retrieval.
Louis de Broglie and Cybernetics
Authors: Vallée Robert
Published: February 2008

The relationship of the works of the Nobel prizewinner Louis de Broglie (1892–1987) to cybernetics and information theory is discussed by the Director‐General of the World Organisation of Systems and Cybernetics.
The Architecture of Hierarchy: A Quantitative Approach
Authors: Czuchra W.
Published: February 2008

The majority of studies in General System Theory do not consider any specific configuration of relations between elements. One such configuration is hierarchy which exists in many aspects of reality. A quantitative approach to the representation of hierarchies, as opposed to a qualitative approach, is described. Some properties of the mathematical model of various hierarchies are examined and real‐life examples are presented.
Communications
Authors: Turchin Valentin , Joslyn Cliff
Published: February 2008

A discussion document on the development of the philosophy of cybernetics, particularly in relation to human values and moral philosophy.
The Defective Coin Problem: An Algorithmic Analysis
Authors: Ankolekar Suresh , Das Gupta Arindam , Srinivasan G.
Published: February 2008

The defective coin problem involves the identification of a defective coin, if any, and ascertaining the nature of the defect (heavier/lighter) from a set of coins containing at the most one defective coin, using an equal‐arm‐pan‐balance. An algorithmic analysis of the problem is considered. The solution strategy to minimise the number of weighings required to detect the defective coin is based on a problem reduction approach involving successive decomposition of the problem into subproblems until it is trivially solved. The algorithm is capable of generating all possible optimal solutions.
Retuning the Global Theatre
Authors: Nevitt Barrington
Published: February 2008

The nature of communication between machines and people is contrasted and the power of words, concepts, and models as metaphors, both to help and to hinder thinking, is discussed. The article observes how every human artefact manifests its own grammar, rhetoric, and logic, and tends to resume the character of spoken natural language through electric speed‐up. It is emphasised that new acoustic‐space process patterns, created by the electric communication environment, are superseding old visual‐space ground rules of the mechanical world. The article then considers how to harmonise these conflicting, but complementary, “natural” orders by learning to anticipate the material, mental, and social effects of our artefacts as human communication media.
Norbert Wiener (1894–1964): A Discussion and Review of a Biography by Pesi R. Masani
Authors: Andrew Alex
Published: February 2008

A discussion and review of the important biography by Pesi R. Mansani of Norbert Wiener, with comment on the pre‐cybernetic era, Wiener's origins, his post‐doctoral studies, together with his achievements in mathematics, his connection with the USSR, his war‐time activities and, finally, his involvement with cybernetics.
AI and the Eye — A Discussion and Review
Authors: George Frank
Published: February 2008

A discussion and review of the contributions presented at the 11th European Conference on Visual Perception by researchers working in the fields of biological vision and machine vision.
ALFS: An Inductive Learning Algorithm
Authors: Cios Krzysztof J. , Moraes Ian
Published: February 2008

ALFS is an inductive learning algorithm that employs feature selection to learn concepts from examples. Features which best represent and differentiate a subset from other subsets in learning data are detected and used to produce rules. These rules form a knowledge base for an expert system. The performance of ALFS is illustrated using data sets from the domains of primary tumour and game playing.
Modelling Continuous and Intermittent Cranking Motions
Authors: Raouf Abdul , Imanishi Hirofumi , Morooka Kozi
Published: February 2008

Various aspects of operator performance during cranking are affected by the variability in crank size, resistance, location and position. Adequate prediction models incorporating these factors are not available to the designers of man‐machine systems. Consequently a set of experiments was conducted using three levels of crank radius, three levels of torque, three levels of plane angle, three levels of crank height, and two turning directions (namely, clockwise and anti‐clockwise) for continuous as well as intermittent cranking. The effect of radius, torque, plane angle and crank height were found to be significant and a subject's anthropometric dimensions and hand‐arm strength influenced cranking performance significantly. Prediction models for the turning rate for continuous and intermittent cranking were developed.
Statistical Models of Text in Continuous Speech Recognition
Authors: Chen Ye‐Sho
Published: February 2008

A major difficulty in continuous speech recognition research is the lack of effective and objective evaluation of the statistical models of text. Herbert Simon's view for evaluating theories is here applied to the statistical modelling of text. Three significant contributions can be identified. First, a time‐series representation of text is used to identify three well‐known empirical laws of text generation. These laws provide an effective and objective approach for evaluating four leading statistical models of text. Second, it is shown that the Simon‐Yule model of text provides a constructive mechanism for those laws. Third, based on Simon's explanatory processes of imitation and association, an adaptive framework for continuous speech recognition is suggested.
Is Neurocybernetics to be Believed?
Authors: Nicolau Edmond
Published: February 2008

The challenge of explaining all neural and even psychic phenomena with the aid of cybernetics concepts is discussed. The theories concerning the nature of the human brain's activity are considered. The central theme is to propose some paradigms for the neuron and for various neuron nets. Models for the input psychic functions such as creativity, language and social integration are presented.
Continuity and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Andrew Alex M.
Published: February 2008

The traditional approach to AI is limited because it fails to exploit continuity. The reliance on discrete logic has allowed the rapid initial advance of the subject, but constitutes an inherent deficiency. The limitations have become apparent, and are generally acknowledged by a revival of interest in neural‐net, or connectionist, techniques. This approach has become feasible because of technical developments allowing large‐scale parallel operation. Lessons can be learned by considering the evolution of natural intelligence. Recent studies from a biological viewpoint suggest that this has some unexpected features. The idea of concept formation should be extended to include quantifiable concepts, similar to the semantic variables of fuzzy set theory.
Alienation in Community and Society: Effects of Increasing Environmental Complexity
Authors: Geyer Felix
Published: February 2008

Takes a general systems approach to reconceptualize and interconnect existing theories of alienation in community and in society. Alienation is viewed as a generic term for different types of information processing disturbances of human individuals, conceived as autoietic, self‐steering and self‐referential systems. In considering the possible relationships between alienation and the community‐society continuum, regarded as a controversial and complex one, a third element, complexity itself, which exerts its influence, is introduced. The main focus is on the different kinds of alienated response that may be evoked by relatively simple versus relatively complex environments. Discusses the idealized concept of the community and describes the negative effects of idealization. Finally, addresses the question of what type of community is still feasible in the highly complex society.
From Information to Autonomy: Analogies between Biology and the Language Sciences
Authors: Stewart John , Andreewsky Evelyne
Published: February 2008

According to the dominant paradigm in both biology and the language sciences, “information” is an entity which can be “contained” in genes or words; “transferred” to a receptor, this “information” is supposedly the key to phenomena such as the ontogenesis of living organisms or the meaning of language. Argues that this paradigm suffers from unsurmountable weaknesses and, moreover, that possible alternatives exist: maybe the time has come to abandon the information cult.
Observable Structure Functions
Authors: Montero J.
Published: February 2008

Considers the concept of structure function in reliability theory. Complete lattices are considered in order to model the space of performance levels for both system and components, leading to a general concept of structure function. Measurability with respect to the associate order topology is also assumed. On one hand, some basic concepts in classical reliability theory are translated into this context, where a particular measure has been defined over the space of components. On the other hand, the idea of duality is analysed in this context.
Approaches to the Job‐classification Problem in the Use of Beer's Predictive Model
Authors: Adeagbo‐Sheikh A.G.
Published: February 2008

The Use of Beer's Predictive Model in classifying incoming jobs into achievement groups is basically a pattern recognition problem. Pattern recognition, in modern technology, is a quantitative affair. Following Beer's views on the job‐classification issue, consideration is given to some non‐numerical approaches as well as to the quantitative approach to the problem.
Ideal‐Real Links: A Study of the Act‐Fact Interface
Authors: Arnopoulos Paris
Published: February 2008

Presents a systematic approach contributing to a better understanding of global problems and their solutions. The approach is based on a new theory of sociophysics which attempts to unify the social and natural sciences by forming systematic metaphors between them. Accordingly, it is the thesis of this work that empirical phenomena can best be explained by linking natural factors and social actions to human ideals. In order to support the thesis, focuses on the linkages between the real and ideal realms which connect empirical facts to human acts. Proceeds by comparing the domains of natural laws and cultural principles to human intentions; thus relating statistics, dynamics and dialectics to order, chaos and will. Concludes is that social change can best be directed by human intervention which links natural necessities and cultural desirabilities.
New Aspects of Ecotoxicology through a Systemic Approach
Authors: Kochel Bonawentura
Published: February 2008

Shows how the essential ecotoxicological question of constructing a quantitative model of the interactions between environmental stress factors, and their synergistic effects resulting in a biosystem's perturbation, even in its pathology, has been formulated from a systemic viewpoint. The proposed model has been developed on the basis of the multicorrelational structure of heavy‐metal concentrations in the blood of pregnant women with a high environmental exposure to those metals. The proposed model uses an original notion of the interaction which allows one to find and explain the observed connection between the phenomenon of spontaneous abortion as an environmentally induced foetal pathology and some heavy metals, particularly cadmium and lead.
Signposts to Critical Systems Thinking and Practice
Authors: Jackson M.C.
Published: February 2008

Outlines the emergence of critical systems thinking and practice and the reasons why such a development in the systems approach was necessary. Considers the limitations of traditional systems thinking and the strengths and weaknesses of three alternatives to the traditional systems approach — soft systems thinking, organizational cybernetics and emancipatory systems thinking. Reflection on the relationship between these different strands of the systems approach gave impetus to the birth of critical systems thinking. Details the nature of critical systems thinking, as resting on five commitments, and describes a new methodology (“total systems intervention”) to operationalize this approach.
Stafford Beer — Personal Reminiscences and Reflections
Authors: Andrew Alex M.
Published: February 2008

Presents a personalized biographical note of reminiscences and reflections about Stafford Beer. Contains detailed references to his early days in cybernetics, his work at Sigma, a consultancy firm in science and general management, and the important phase in Beer's life in Chile. Looks at its aftermath and comments on his activities in recent years. Discusses Beer's contributions to science together with ethics and his sense of mission. Includes notes on the subject's approach to mysticism, poetry, and his artistic creativity. Lists some criticisms and a brief concluding summary.
Cognitive Revolution in Management
Authors: Ghosal A.
Published: February 2008

A Cognitive Revolution in Management (CRM) has been brought about through Stafford Beer's work in management cybernetics. Explains the philosophical undertone of CRM as well as cybernetic features associated with it. The work on varietal aspects of management systems by Ansoff has also contributed to CRM, which needs to be backed by a cognitive information system, and a Cybernetic Theory of Management.
On Improving Human Reliability in Computer Programming
Authors: Raouf A. , Duffuaa Salih O.
Published: February 2008

Human reliability in computer programming can be improved by reducing human errors. The traditional approaches for error reduction in industry are not applicable to minimizing errors in computer programming. Proposes a model for error reduction in software prior to its final release. The model consists of two modules, an error detection module, and an error correction module. A computational procedure is outlined for determining the optimal number of detection and correction stages prior to the final release of the software.
Contemporary Systems and Cybernetics
Authors: Rudall B.H.
Published: February 2008

The reports and surveys of selected current research and developments in systems and cybernetics — include: Medical Cybernetics Drug Models, Research Developments and the European Software Institute.
Patient Satisfaction: An Attribute or Indicator of Quality Care?
Authors: Vuori Hannu
Published: February 2008

Systematic measurement of patient satisfaction is rather seldom included in routine quality assurance programmes. The dilemma of the professional (i.e. the doctor) prescribing unilaterally what is good for the patient and the patient having some say in such prescriptions is explored. It is concluded that the patient has such rights and is in a position to express satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the quality of health care provided.
Middle management's new role
Authors: SEDDON JOHN
Published: February 2008

The last five years have seen an enormous growth in service training. Generally, organisations are buying short (one or two day) service ‘orientation’ programmes. We have been asking organisations what these programmes achieve. Typically, we find that 20% of the participants become committed, 60% understand the content but only pay lip service to it, and 20% feel that while the programme was interesting and fun, it was really not relevant.
Building Societies and surveyors: where now?
Authors: Hunter J.M.
Published: February 2008

The words ‘Building Society’ are synonymous with safety, security and freedom from risk, operating with a smooth, simple and almost magical efficiency. The Building Society movement has careered through the 1960s and 1970s and enjoyed remarkable growth, success and a virtual monopoly of the housing finance scene. However, it is clear that the 1980s will provide a fundamental and real test to Building Societies in terms of consumer satisfaction and competition from other sources — with particular emphasis on the lending side of operations.
Energy wastage in non‐residential buildings — basic principles
Authors: Dawson H.L.
Published: February 2008

The realisation that any edifice is both a static and also a continuously dynamic entity, should lead to the acceptance of the need to apply the skills of a number of disciplines, although this basic concept is most certainly not generally realised or implemented.
Basic facts about concrete — design and constituents
Authors: Williams BSc FICE FIStructE G.T.
Published: February 2008

Concrete is the most basic of building materials and yet, in the hands of the expert, is capable of providing strength, durability and even elegance far in excess of many of its manufactured competitors. The technology is by now well established but the production of concrete of a consistently good quality is by no means simple.
Septic tanks
Authors: McDowell CWM
Published: February 2008

Septic tanks are used for small populations where there is no available normal sewerage system. Few are constructed nowadays and the majority of those in existence may well have been in existence for a considerable period of time.
Surveys of converted Victorian town houses
Authors: Hollis Malcolm
Published: February 2008

The Victorian Town House, built in the second half of the 19th century to house the upper and middle classes with their retinue of servants, has since World War II been increasingly converted into self‐contained flats.
Timber‐framed construction
Authors: Keyworth Brian
Published: February 2008

There has been in the last two or three years a considerable growth of interest in the use of timber framed buildings, primarily for housing, and it might be inferred that this form of construction is a new technique. In fact, the method has been in existence in the United Kingdom for approximately 20 years. It was introduced to this country from Canada and Scandinavia, where it is the traditional method of constructing dwellings.
Household pests
Authors: Bateman Peter L.G.
Published: February 2008

A recent television programme in ‘The World About Us’ series showed the various six‐legged or four‐footed sitting tenants and unwelcome visitors that find an old cottage a desirable residence at the various seasons of the year. Through the stages of its conversion and re‐occupation by people, some insects, fungi, rodents, mites and moulds disappeared, only to be replaced by other species more adapted to the new environment. ‘Vacant Possession’ is a relative term.
The surveyor in conversation
Authors: Catt FRICS Richard
Published: February 2008

Buildings have always been the result of labour and materials applied with enterprise and this has changed little since the Middle Ages: the principal source of building materials remains the ground and plants growing from it. While labour has always been mobile, the materials in any building inevitably reflect the local geology and natural environment as it has always been uneconomic to import foreign ingredients to site. This second article in the series attempts to identify modern sources of some of the most sought‐after basic materials required in conservation works.
The powers of a party wall surveyor
Authors: Anstey John
Published: February 2008

It is well known that the power of a party wall surveyor appointed under the London Building Acts (Amendment) Act 1939, is great indeed. He can, by his award, bind his appointing owner to times and methods of working — indeed to works themselves — and that award cannot be questioned once 14 days have elapsed after delivery to the building and the adjoining owners by their respective surveyors. He cannot — contrary to an opinion I have just received in a letter from an irate owner, who completely misunderstands the operation of the Act — be discharged once he has been duly appointed. He is answerable to no man: only to the Act and to his professional judgment and conscience.
The survey of post‐war semi‐detached houses
Authors: Hollis Malcolm
Published: February 2008

This type of house was usually erected by developers or builders for sale when completed. They often infilled areas of bomb damage in suburban locations, or were situated on the new estates that sprang up after the last war (one hopes it was the last war). They are very rarely models of immaculate design, but usually provide a functional arrangement of 2½ bedrooms, bathroom, 2 reception rooms and a kitchen with a garage or garage space and some form of drive. The layout of the pre‐war 1930s type property is very similar but the methods of construction and the failures that one will find vary considerably.
The Smith Limpit Ladder safety system
Authors: Poole Anthony L.
Published: February 2008

The Smith Ladder Limpit Safety System has transformed the ladder from a precarious and rather limited instrument of instability to a solid, stable and safe working station. Its combination of effectiveness and simplicity is comparable with that of the paper clip and, like most clever designs, seems so obvious that it is surprising no one thought of it earlier — ironically, in this instance, they did. John Smith, an owner of a contractor cleaning company, concerned with improving the safety and effectiveness of the ladder, had designed his prototype many years before it was recognised, but until the establishment of the Health & Safety Executive and the British Safety Council, no one was interested in investing in safety. Both of these bodies recognised the potential of the Smith Ladder Limpit System immediately and were of great assistance during the early stages of launching the product. The Health & Safety Executive is currently monitoring the progress of the system and to date, has found nothing to question its integrity.
Risks from artificial stone cladding on existing houses
Authors: Griffiths John
Published: February 2008

This note comes from the Building Conservation Trust and is based on a statement issued by the Trust's Technical Committee. The Trust operates the permanent exhibition which is open daily at Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9BS.
Air conditioning – Its architectural, structural and client relationship
Authors: Pyle W.C.
Published: February 2008

The first question is why provide comfort air‐conditioning (AC) at all? In considerations of whether or not to adopt AC, a point to remember constantly is that only AC can provide effective cooling in the summer period in the UK, whereas, by contrast, the provision of ventilation, either by natural or mechanical means, and other palliative measures, such as the introduction of solar control glazing, blinds, etc, can do no more than relieve the degree of over‐heating, at best and if at all.
The role of the independent testing laboratory
Authors: Caldwell J.A.D.
Published: February 2008

Introduction In recent years there have been significant additions to the technologies associated with building structures.
Empty houses – 2
Authors: Catt Richard
Published: February 2008

The first paper in this series, published in the last issue of Structural Survey, examined the numerous laws that protect buildings and their occupants. It concluded that few measures apply to empty buildings, leaving many to fall into decay. Where local authorities have powers of protection, they rarely exercise them. Now the need to protect empty buildings is further considered against the direct and indirect costs of leaving buildings unoccupied. Recent initiatives to remedy the problem are then explored.
Diagnosis and treatment of defective cavity wall ties
Authors: Hollis Malcolm R.A.
Published: February 2008

The failure of a wall in a Welsh farmhouse in the middle 1960s was regarded as an isolated problem when it was discovered that the cause of the failure was corrosion on the cavity wall ties. This was the first failure of a wall tie that was reported to the Building Research Establishment. Within a few years of the Welsh report, other instances of this type of failure were being reported to the BRE. The subsequent investigation of the durability of wall ties revealed a failure in the galvanised surface to the metal of the ties. Similar ties were subjected to close examination by the BRE.
The scope of personal liability
Authors: Ross M.G.
Published: February 2008

Many instances of surveyors' liability in negligence concern the errors of an individual made with regard to one property on one occasion. However, the increasing role of surveyors as part of a design or management team makes it necessary to consider the respective liabilities of the team members. Moreover, the continuing debate about relaxing the rules for turning surveyors' practices into companies will turn attention to the dividing line between individual and corporate responsibility.
Modernising Britain's infrastructure
Authors: Cox P.A.
Published: February 2008

Introduction By its nature infrastructure is always in decay and in need of renewal. However, within the last decade there has been an increasing perception that as a country Britain is failing to carry out the necessary renewal and that the level of decay is increasing. That more investment in the infrastructure has to be made is undoubtedly true, but before considering what is being done to deal with the problem and what more needs to be done, a brief review of some of the more important historic circumstances that have contributed to the present situation is necessary.
Refurbishment work in Paris
Authors: Lloyd J.
Published: February 2008

Introduction During the 'seventies, considerable investment was made in the erection of new office buildings in and around Paris. The modern styles were note‐worthy for extensive use of glazing and of simple geometric forms which, in the opinion of many, was not in harmony with neighbouring buildings of an earlier epoch, the greater part of Paris having been built before, or at the turn of, the 20th century.
NHBC's licensing scheme for PRC repairs
Authors: Kettlewell Derek
Published: February 2008

In 1980 the Building Research Establishment (BRE) was alerted to a potential problem with pre‐cast reinforced concrete (PRC) houses. A fire in an Airey‐type house had exposed the pre‐cast concrete columns and there was evidence that severe corrosion had taken place. A survey was carried out from which the conclusion was drawn that some PRC houses were at risk from carbonation and chloride problems.
Principles and practice of dilapidations – 2
Authors: Melville Ian
Published: February 2008

Leaving aside implied obligations of landlords to repair, imposed by statute, the precise words employed in express covenants to repair are of considerable importance. This aspect of dilapidations is often not given enough weight and no apology is made for repeating certain basic comments on leading cases.
Council liability: the retreat from Anns
Authors: Ross M.G.
Published: February 2008

In the three years since the position of local authorities in negligence was last considered in this journal (SS 2/4), there has been a considerable turnaround in judicial attitudes. Far from being every Plaintiff's favourite Defendant in defective building cases, the current state of the law reflects a more limited liability. It is the purpose of this paper to examine the way in which this has occurred and the problems that still dog the area.
Housing in Canada
Authors: Catt Richard
Published: February 2008

Last summer a small group of estate agents, valuers and surveyors were invited to Canada by the Government to study timber frame housing there. I was nominated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors to join the party which visited Government officials, appraisers (valuers), estate agents, house builders and material suppliers in Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver.
Building control by local Acts in England and Wales
Authors: Pitt P.H.
Published: February 2008

Now that we have uniform Building Regulations throughout England and Wales and different but converging uniform Building Regulations throughout Scotland, increasing attention is being paid to the local variations of building control due to local Acts.
Conservation of US houses
Authors: Catt Richard
Published: February 2008

After ten weeks at sea the early settlers arrived in New England from Plymouth in the early 1630s. They found vast expanses of uncharted land, an awesome abundance of wildlife, including huge flocks of birds and shoals of fish, and above all forests with trees taller and of greater girth than any seen in Europe.
Funding construction research
Authors: Irwin E.
Published: February 2008

Just £1m expended on research into large bored under‐reamed piles, has made possible the construction of tall buildings on London clay to a value of £1.25bn. Pulverised fuel ash (PFA) which used to be a waste product is now used to replace about 350,000 tons of cement per annum at a saving of over nearly £9m per year as a result of £2.25m spent on research. These are just two of the examples of enormous returns on research investment in the construction industry in a report ‘Research Funding in the Construction Industry’, published by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).
The surface restoration of buildings – An investment in the present as well as in the future
Authors: Preston John
Published: February 2008

Summary (1) All building materials require correct treatment and regular maintenance. The expression ‘maintenance‐free’ is inaccurate. Where assumed, it leads to errors of design and poor building performance.
Swimming pools: Technical problems
Authors: Perkins Philip H.
Published: February 2008

The experience of the writer is that defects in swimming pools, particularly the small private pool, often originate from the way in which the contract was entered into; that is, by a wrong approach to the problem of ‘getting the pool built’. Therefore some comments on pre‐contract procedure are given before a detailed discussion of the more common defects which are likely to be found in the types of pool covered by this paper. These are:
Cellular radio communications
Authors: Collins Hugh
Published: February 2008

Cellular radio is being described by its advocates as a revolution in telecommunications. During a period in which we are assailed by such claims from communications and information technology companies almost daily, it is increasingly hard to separate the hype from the product. But the cellular concept does have a great deal to recommend it — which puts cellular radio ahead in its claim to be revolutionary. In this Analysis we examine the technical constraints and opportunities which led to the cellular idea, and then describe the concept in some detail. The uses of cellular radio are then discussed from a practical standpoint, and the services now becoming available from British Telecom and from Racal Vodafone are compared, including their costs in use.
Canary Wharf — the City responds
Authors: Harris Robert
Published: February 2008

The City of London Corporation published its Draft Local Plan in November 1984, to vitriolic reviews (Facilities 3/2, February 1985). Poorly conceived and thought out, it showed no real understanding of the City's unique economy or of the fundamental changes taking place. Furthermore, the plan imposed strict conservation policies and put a severe constraint on further development. A major debate ensued over the ability of the City's building fabric to cope with this autumn's ‘big bang’ in financial services, and the resultant demand for a new type of space. Then Mr G. Ware Travelstead announced plans to increase City office space by 15 per cent — Canary Wharf in Docklands. Could London's financial centre of gravity shift (as preluded by Broadgate)? The City Corporation certainly seemed to think so. It soon began to transform its attitude toward office development. Latest estimates from the planning committee suggest that the City can provide at least 17 million ft2 of space if necessary. This uncertainty surrounding the future availability of space, its location and, ultimately, its cost, hinders long‐term premises management decisions.
Premises audit: security
Authors: Williams Bernard
Published: February 2008

On the face of it the content of the security cost looks simply to be the cost of in‐house or contract personnel providing varying degrees of attendance and inspection.
Facilities management software
Authors: Leaman Adrian , Harrison Andrew
Published: February 2008

Last month we described how applications programs for computer systems could both help and hinder the facilities manager. We said that computerisation can bring worthwhile benefits, but careful thought needs to be put into the system which is best suited to your organisation's requirements. Improving the quality of information finding and decision‐making is more important than making cost savings. We concluded with a series of warnings about the pitfalls that open up before the novice user.
Electronic mail
Authors: Collins Hugh
Published: February 2008

Electronic mail has meant many different things to many different people in the last decade. Its capabilities have been oversold by salespeople anxious to prove that their flavour is the perfect solution for everyone while alternative solutions are little more than obsolete junk. As a result the concept has come to be misunderstood and mistrusted by those who most need convincing: you.
Intensive traffic passenger lifts
Authors: Godwin Michael
Published: February 2008

The subject of lifts covers a wide spectrum from the highly technical to the subjective and emotional response of individuals. This article focuses on a design brief for groups of passenger lifts suitable for low‐rise buildings where intensive traffic is encountered. What does the building planner in collaboration with his architect need to know?
Charging out the space
Authors: Williams Bernard
Published: February 2008

The cost of space is becoming an increasingly significant component of the total expenditure of most organisations. Gradually, cost‐conscious firms are re‐assessing their policy as to where the liability for the premises costs lands up in the books. Whether the space is a formal inter‐company charge or a notional charge to departmental budgets the principle is much the same — do you want to charge separate users for the space they occupy and, if so, how do you go about assessing the amount?
Integrating telecommunications into corporate strategy
Authors: Harrison Andrew
Published: February 2008

Changing work patterns, technologies and communications requirements are making it increasingly difficult for the facilities manager to develop a satisfactory communications policy or to understand how the organisation's building policy is impacted by the new technologies being installed by other departments. It is impossible to allow for every possible change in communications technology when planning a new building or renovating an existing one so an understanding of future trends in telecommunications is crucial.
The ORBIT 2.1 rating process
Authors: Becker Franklin
Published: February 2008

It is ironic, but even today we often have more information available about the relative merits of different cars or copiers costing a few thousand pounds than we have about buildings costing ten or a hundred times as much. Yet buildings are really only ‘products’ writ large, purchased or leased by firms for specific purposes. They are tools of the trade, meant to help get a job done.
Local authority property management: a review of the new Audit Commission report
Authors: Sprunt Robert
Published: February 2008

Most organisations take their property for granted. Local authorities are no exception. Yet in England and Wales, local authorities hold over £100 billion worth of non‐housing property. The extraordinary fact is that there is no precise information on its extent or value. At the same time, property also accounts for considerable recurring costs. One way or another, the cost of holding and managing this property represents about a quarter of local authorities' total annual rate and grant expenditure. The Audit Commission's handbook on property management is, therefore, timely. Perhaps the only surprise is that the subject has resisted in‐depth analysis for so long, since the 1972 Bains report identified it as one of the three key resources to be managed in local government, along with finance and personnel.
Premises and the corporate plan: evaluating the strategic options
Authors: Williams Bernard , Harris Rob
Published: February 2008

Developing on the theme of this series — that the premises policy should evolve to meet the need to accommodate the requirements of the corporate plan — we must now look at the options available to the organisation with a premises problem. We will also consider how strategies can be compared by costs, by performance and combinations of both.
PLANNING AN IN‐HOUSE CATERING FACILITY
Authors: Ballenden Christopher
Published: February 2008

This article is not so much about the technical aspects of catering as about making your catering facilities work to their best advantage. With increasing competition for accommodation — particularly in central London — the correct use of catering facilities is vital. They are expensive in terms of the space they require, but if manned and utilised correctly can become a valuable employee asset and an enormously effective corporate marketing tool.
ERGONOMICS TRAINING AT MARKS & SPENCER
Authors: Stewart Tom
Published: February 2008

Marks and Spencer, one of the UK's leading retailers, is often cited as an example of British enterprise at its best. Despite increasing competition in the high street, it is profitable, and it has an enviable reputation for the quality of its merchandise. It is also well known as a first class employer which demands high standards from its employees and in return offers unrivalled staff welfare facilities.
NEW RESEARCH FINDINGS ON FM JOBS AND SALARIES
Authors: Bell Jane
Published: February 2008

A joint project by Facilities and the Association of Facilities Managers (AFM) has begun to identify the major trends in facilities management job types in the UK — and the typical salaries and benefits attached to them.
RECEPTION AREAS
Authors: Cooper Rodney
Published: February 2008

The reception immediately gives the game away — as the interface between an organisation and the outside world the design of reception areas should be a major part of any corporate identity programme, as important as the design of the company's logotype or letterhead.
PRACTICAL WIRING ISSUES ‐ TOWARDS THE FOURTH BUILDING UTILITY
Authors: Harrison Andrew
Published: February 2008

This was the third in a series of annual seminars organised by IBC and intended for those responsible for the supply, planning, installation or maintenance of cabling and network systems within buildings.
INFORMATION AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT:
Authors: Hall Maggie
Published: February 2008

The concept of the paperless office — like that of the cableless office — has met with a good deal of scepticism. But whereas there are reported sightings of companies considering the use of fibre optic cable right up to the workstation, few rumours exist of companies outlawing paper as a means of communication and transfer of information.
NETWORKING:
Authors: Coulson‐Thomas Colin
Published: February 2008

Telecommuting raises a number of issues of concern to those responsible for facilities management. Some were outlined in a review of the recent CBI/British Telecom conference on homeworking (see Facilities Vol 6/No 9/September 1988). This article reviews the Rank Xerox networking programme and attempts to present the advantages and drawbacks of home or remote working. Its conclusion is that the benefits of networking can be considerable, but that achieving them requires a realistic commitment from both networkers and the ‘parent’ organisation.
INSTALLATION OF LIGHTING CONTROLS
Authors: Aston John
Published: February 2008

Electronic lighting controls are now being specified for two principal reasons — to control energy consumption and provide flexibility. The first of these objectives is easily defined and demonstrated; the second is decidely harder to quantify. If properly specified and applied, lighting controls can undoubtedly reduce energy wastage, as indicated by the results achieved by the PSA, British Gas and the ETSU demonstration at Bradford Metropolitan Borough Council (see Figures 1,2 and 3). Each of these projects provides an example of cost effective controls using a very high level of localised manual switches combined with automatic timed off commands. At all times the staff can choose their own local lighting conditions — the timed commands only occur at natural breaks such as lunch or the end of the working day. Of course, staged switching and selected non‐controlled lights ensure that the automatic off signals never plunge whole areas suddenly into darkness.
MEETING ROOMS
Authors: Wilson Sheena
Published: February 2008

Meeting rooms, training areas and conference rooms are the places where people come face‐to‐face with clients or colleagues and where the ideas and decisions which power an organisation are meant to be made. Two good reasons, you might think, for making sure that the lighting in such places enhances their appearance and atmosphere. Yet they are often relegated to the basements and cores of office buildings, with no windows and a lighting scheme more suited to open plan areas with at least some access to natural light. How often have we all sat around tables looking at the shadows under the eyes of the people opposite, trying to avoid the glare of the light fitting just above them or fighting off sleep for sheer lack of visual stimulation.
MILAN/COLOGNE '88
Authors: Cooper Rodney
Published: February 2008

The autumn round of exhibitions produced a great deal to interest facilities managers. There was no office furniture in Milan, but Orgatechnik in Cologne saw the launch of what may well prove to be important additions to the office furniture systems market.
CONTRACTING‐OUT: THE WAY FORWARD?
Authors: Owen Natasha
Published: February 2008

At a conference in London almost two years ago, David Cotts, President of the North American International Facility Management Association (IFMA) gave a personal view of the changes he felt would affect the facilities management profession over the next decade.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A COMMERCIAL LEASE
Authors: Slater Lucy
Published: February 2008

Taking a lease of commercial premises is a commitment not to be underestimated. Its terms can hinder the full and proper use and enjoyment and, indeed, disposal of the premises by a tenant who is unaware of potential pitfalls at the negotiating stage. It is unwise for a tenant to commit itself to entering into a lease without first seeking legal advice.
CHILDCARE FACILITIES PART 2
Authors: Hay Susan
Published: February 2008

Employers seeking to establish nursery facilities will need to pay detailed attention to planning issues; to the demand for the facility within their organisation or partnership organisations; and to the quality of the space they require. Preliminary considerations for setting up a nursery were outlined in the first article in this series (Facilities, Vol 7/No 6, June 1989).
IMPLIED PLANNING PERMISSION
Authors: Turton Jonathan , Hatfield Boodle
Published: February 2008

Before 1948, a landowner could, in broad terms, do as he pleased with his land and buildings. Obviously where land was leased, the lessee could only act within the covenants contained in his lease or, where there were no covenants, within the bounds of the law of waste. Admittedly, even before 1948 there were such matters as building control and building regulations, but compared to the town and country planning regime, the limitations imposed by these were comparatively minor.
CHILDCARE FACILITIES PART 3
Authors: Hay Susan
Published: February 2008

Provision for the under‐fives in this country constitutes a hodgepodge of facilities that have grown up in the absence of any standard design guidance and are, in the majority, not purpose‐built.
FRESH AIR AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY: PIECES IN THE SICK BUILDING PUZZLE?
Authors: Appleby Paul
Published: February 2008

Most people spend a great deal of their lives in an artificial environment, seeking refuge from a sometimes harsh and destructive outdoor climate. Clever architecture and engineering can make use of natural energy and forces to create a comfortable indoor climate using minimum non‐renewable resources.
Building Management and Complexity
Authors: Leaman Adrian
Published: February 2008

The curve on the graph shows an ideal relationship between building complexity (horizontal axis) and the management input required to run a building successfully (vertical axis). It suggests that at low levels of building complexity (of space, use and services) the management input required is also low. As building complexity increases, management input increases more rapidly, tailing off again at higher levels of complexity.
Property Management — A systems approach
Authors: Kock Egmont
Published: February 2008

Property companies, estate agents, and firms of chartered surveyors have generally been slow to recognise the opportunities offered by the computer industry. With the exception of the estate agents' market the reverse is also true. Although computer suppliers have flooded the estate agent market with systems, there has been little development on behalf of property companies. What progress there has been has tended to be piecemeal development of rent billing systems. This is now changing and we are beginning to see the emergence of software packages designed to meet the full spectrum of property company requirements, and in particular property management. The few packages that are available vary greatly in quality and sophistication as do the requirements of individual companies. If you are considering computerising your property management systems a cautious approach is desirable.
Institutionally acceptable leases
Authors: Greenwood Jeffrey
Published: February 2008

The past 15 years have seen a substantial increase in the number of institutions established for the purpose of long‐term investment, and in the size of the aggregate funds available for that purpose. The new investing institutions are mainly pension funds and life offices, and their rise has been due to the introduction and growth of new occupational pension schemes. The same period has seen a marked change in investment policy on the part of almost all investing institutions, so as to give increasing prominence to investment in real property alongside the traditional areas of investment in government securities and in the equity markets. This policy change has been influenced by the concomitant growth of inflation, and the belief that real property offers the best protection against its damaging effects.