bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From mechatronics to supermechatronics and global co‐operation
Authors: Rooks Brian
Published: July 2002

Report of a lecture by Mr Koh Kikuchi, Chairman of Yaskawa Electric Corporation of Japan, which reviews the development of mechatronics by Yaskawa. It traces the history of the company in its involvement with robotics from the first simple single‐function hand in the 1960s to the latest supermechatronic robots used in semiconductor manufacture. Details are given of two new robots designed for operation in clean rooms down to Class 1. An account is also given of the activities of Yaskawa’s UK company which, in common with the majority of Yaskawa’s overseas operations, started as a joint venture partnership. The lecture concluded with a plea to encourage international co‐operation to solve the current global problems, particularly the effect of manufacturing on the environment.
ZF deburrs transmission housings with robots
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: July 2002

Reviews the use of robotics for deburring transmission housings at ZF in Saarbrucken, Germany. Outlines a fully automated cell which has been installed for deburring and washing housings in preparation for assembly. Describes how compliant tools are used to maintain the quality of the deburred surface.
Unmanned vehicles go to war
Authors: Hollingum Jack
Published: July 2002

A two‐day conference in May 1998 on unmanned vehicles gave a remarkable picture of the range of uses ‐ and particularly for military purposes ‐ to which robot vehicles are being put. Reconnaissance aircraft were by far the most strongly represented, although there was a US Navy paper looking at the future of “uninhabited combat air vehicles” (keeping a man in the control loop). There were also presentations on underwater vehicles, target vehicles and sensors. This report summarizes two aerial and two underwater applications.
Industry characteristics and productivity measurement systems ‐ An empirical investigation in New Zealand‐based manufacturing organisations
Authors: Hoque Zahirul , Falk Haim
Published: July 2002

This paper reports the results of an empirical study that explores how industry characteristics are associated with the design of productivity measurement systems. The responses of 114 chief executives, drawn from a wide range of New Zealand‐based manufacturing companies, to a mailed survey have been analysed using Friedman two‐way ANOVA tests. The results suggest significant variations in industry characteristics, measured by environmental uncertainty among industries. These industrial variations are associated with management’s preference for the type of productivity measurement systems.
Modular fieldbus designs and applications
Authors: Ranky Paul G.
Published: July 2002

One of the main benefits of the fieldbus technology is its significant reduction in wiring. This is because each process requires only one wire to be run to the main cable. Installation costs are further reduced because the fieldbus is a multi‐drop rather than a point‐to‐point system. (The multi‐drop network can offer a 5:1 reduction in field wiring expense.) A number of pneumatics manufacturers have already developed devices for various programmable logic controller (PLC) fieldbus protocols, in the form of control blocks mounted directly on to standard pneumatic valve manifolds. The next generation of modular valve manifolds has emerged too. These do not need wiring, because they are based on a virtually “plug‐and‐play” design and installation method. This means that with this modular design one simply selects the valve configuration needed for the process, plugs the modules together, and the manifold is ready to connect into a fieldbus network.
Standardised flexible automatic assembly – evaluating the Mark IV approach
Authors: Gröndahl Peter , Onori Mauro
Published: July 2002

The Assembly Systems Unit at the Royal Institute of Technology and IVF Stockholm has developed several Flexible Automatic Assembly (FAA) cell solutions over the years (Mark I, Mark II, Mark IIF and Mark III). The industrial reality, however, clearly points out that the basic notions of flexibility must be extended and be enhanced without increasing the complexity. This has led our research team to revise the ideas and solutions available for manual and automatic assembly, resulting in the Hyper Flexible Automatic Assembly (HFAA) project. The paper describes the driving factors behind the needs and objectives for the HFAA project, as well as how it will present a standardised set of assembly process‐oriented system components. The paper also describes the new Mark IV application. This industrial HFAA system is being developed in order to test the concept’s industrial viability. The HFAA concept will allow the user to start from a manual assembly station and gradually add assembly equipment. The basic concepts of stepwise automation, standard assembly machine and sub‐batch principle emanate from our previous research.
Tecnomatix weaves its e‐Manufacturing web
Authors: Rooks Brian
Published: July 2002

Describes new software tools introduced by Tecnomatix Technologies that herald a new concept in e‐Manufacturing. To its existing products, Tecnomatix has added new communication software tools that allow OEMs and suppliers throughout the supply chain to collaborate over the Internet. At the same time the “old” products have been further developed, and re‐launched under the eMPower brand, in order to link into the Web‐based concept. Application suites for planning, engineering, operations and collaboration are introduced and industry‐specific packaged solutions described. The vision of BMW in applying Tecnomatix’s tools to further its concept of “brandless” plants and reduce model development times is also summarised.
Product design enhancement by integration of virtual design and assembly analysis tools
Authors: Choi Albert C.K. , Guda Prasanthi
Published: July 2002

Assembly is a necessary and important part of any manufacturing process. Computer aided production engineering allows production engineers to create an on‐screen virtual manufacturing environment which graphically displays and simulates actual manufacturing processes. This is an attempt to analyse the assembly process for a computer mouse, using both the Boothroyd and Dewhurst design for assembly (DFA) and Tecnomatix’s Dynamo software package. A mouse designed in Unigraphics has been the product considered and the assembly process has been analysed. Some of the steps involved in the analysis are explained in detail and the observations and results are discussed along with redesign suggestions. These software systems can help identify some of the technical problems that can possibly be encountered in real life production and can effectively be used to guide the design process. Product assembly, analysis and visualization, which are the prime features of the software in use, enable us to improve the design and enhance the features of products at the conception and design stage itself. This can be a critical factor for maintaining a competitive edge in the fast growing industry today.
Financial incentives for industrial automation
Authors: Reid Tony
Published: July 2002

Looks at the various types of financial incentives available to firms
engaged in assembly technology. Outlines capital project funding schemes at
European, national and local levels explaining that most of the schemes are
based on regional requirements with emphasis given to companies in
“assisted areas” and particularly in designated coal and steel
closure areas. Also covers funding for research and development and training
looking at DTI projects and EC partnerships schemes. Concludes with general
advice to applicants when seeking funding for projects.
MRPII, real‐time scheduling and SBM
Authors: Barker J R
Published: July 2002

Discusses a new manufacturing philosophy, Schedule‐based
Manufacturing and compares it to the widely used Manufacturing Resource
Planning [MRPII]. Looks at the history of the various manufacturing
philosophies and how they have developed. Describes how SBM grew from
interactive real‐time shop floor scheduling and outlines its
benefits.
Quality assurance in adhesive joining technology
Authors: Karlsson Heléne
Published: July 2002

Looks at the adhesive‐bonding process, arguing that quality control is generally lacking. Presents a “bonding chain” and goes on to apply quality assurance tools to the adhesive‐bonding process using three case studies to illustrate.
Research articles A comparison between zero and first order approximation algorithms for layered manufacturing
Authors: de Jager P.J. , Broek J.J. , Vergeest J.S.M.
Published: July 2002

The third part of a comprehensive six‐part series on a promising and growing approach to mechanical attachment amenable to automation. Integral snap‐fit attachment design has traditionally focused almost exclusively on the individual features that actually accomplish locking between parts of an assembly (e.g. cantilever hooks, bayonet‐fingers, compressive hooks, traps, and others). The placement and orientation of features that facilitate or enhance engagement or eliminate unwanted translation, rotation or vibration, i.e. locating features and enhancements, are rarely considered. Here, describes integral features classified as locks, locators or enhancements. More importantly, presents a systematic six‐step approach or methodology to guide designers at the higher, attachment or conceptual design level (as opposed to lower, feature or detail design level).
Modular assembly: not just for phones but also for taps
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: July 2002

Reviews the Prodel modular assembly system which can easily accommodate changes in product design and market demand. Describes the autonomy of the standard assembly module which can be quickly slipped into, and out of, an assembly line. Outlines applications of the modular system to mobile phone assembly and to bathroom and kitchen tap assembly.
Integral attachment using snap‐fit features: a key to assembly automation. Part 4 ‐ selection of locking features
Authors: Messler Robert W. , Genc Suat , Gabriele Gary A.
Published: July 2002

Suggests that, without question, while every step in a systematic approach to the design of parts for assembly using integral snap‐fit features is important, none is more important than selecting locking features. After all, it is these features that hold the assembly together. While quite different in appearance and details of their operation, all integral locking features comprise a latch and a catch component to create a locking pair. Proper, no less optimum, function requires that such locking pairs be selected using a systematic approach. Presents that approach as a six‐step methodology, but first, defines and describes latch and catch components, bringing order to their apparent boundless variety. Demonstrates the utility of the methodology with a real‐life case study.
Using total cycle time for quick response manufacturing
Authors: Grubb Lee
Published: July 2002

Thomas Group Inc., with offices in Irving, Texas, Detroit, Michigan, Singapore and Frankfurt, Germany, has more than 20 years’ experience of vastly improving client business efficiency through cycle time reduction. This article explains the advantages of moving from a “blame culture” to an interconnected seamless, holistic business approach to widespread and continuous improvement. The concepts of baseline and entitlement performances are explained as well as tools such as time‐based management and treating companion processes. Specific examples are cited for concepts and actual results from Detroit Diesel Corporation are revealed. Finally the actions‐in‐process management system illustrates paths toward reduced cycle time.
IMS update ‐ progress to date and future projects
Authors: Kusuda Yoshihiro
Published: July 2002

Describes the history, current activities and ongoing projects of the IMS. Intelligent Manufacturing Systems is an international collaboration programme for research and development of new manufacturing models for the next generation.
Automotive design and assembly system modelling research toolset at Rolls‐Royce Motor Cars Limited
Authors: Ashton Philip T. , Ranky Paul G.
Published: July 2002

The purpose of the research and development, validation and application of an advanced concurrent engineering research toolset, developed by the authors, at Rolls‐Royce Motor Cars Limited is to: reflect the customers’ requirements in a very competitive world market by focusing on product that is very high quality and reliable; shorten lead time; increase productivity; and improve integration between design, manufacturing and assembly, as well as the logistic system so that alternative supply chains could be evaluated before the product design is complete. This paper discusses some of the strategic issues, as well as gives examples of the modelling methods of the research toolset and some of its applications at Rolls‐Royce Motor Cars Limited.
Smart cam application to robot control
Authors: Makino Hiroshi
Published: July 2002

Smart cam or electronic cam is a combination of a computer program for motion definition and a high‐performance servo mechanism. By using this, one can obtain a high‐speed, reliable and application‐oriented motion, just as obtained from a mechanical cam system. Hard cams are dedicated and difficult to change, but smart cams are flexible in stroke, in timing, etc. With the progress of computer and servo technology, smart cams are becoming widely used. In this report the methods used to create smart cams are discussed and some examples are shown. The experimental results of these examples show excellent performance which is as good as hard cams.
Jaguar uses knowledge‐based tools to reduce model development times
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: July 2002

Reviews the emergence of knowledge‐based engineering tools and assesses the benefits of KBE. Describes how Jaguar Cars uses KBE to reduce vehicle development times. Discusses low‐cost KBE and its application to the small and medium‐sized company.
Mechatronics‐based in‐process verification for flexible manufacturing systems
Authors: Mayor Rhett , Bright Glen
Published: July 2002

Automated visual inspection is vital in the production of manufactured products acceptable to world market standards. The volatile nature of the consumer markets is placing increased emphasis on manufacturers to produce cheaper products of higher quality. With increasingly more manufacturers implementing advanced manufacturing principles to perform agile manufacturing, the need for cost‐effective, automated quality control has been highlighted. This paper proposes a cost‐effective, automated, visual inspection system capable of performing in‐process verification in the flexible manufacturing environment.
Cleaning and surface preparation: which lasers for which applications?
Authors: Rigolet Franck
Published: July 2002

Conventional processes for cleaning, stripping and surface preparation mainly use solvents or abrasives which can be harmful for the environment, and can also damage the surface of the material. Moreover, the use of these products generates a large quantity of waste that needs to be reprocessed or discarded. In many cases, laser is the solution to these problems. Its possibilities are still under‐exploited but they are growing with the improvement of the performances of the CO2, YAG and Excimer lasers. This paper describes the laser cleaning process and the benefits which can be obtained.
Rover’s E‐Build process assembles cars in the virtual world
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: July 2002

Reviews the use of process simulation tools by Rover. Outlines the E‐Build process used in the development of the Rover 75. Describes how the building of digital prototypes saves both time and money by highlighting problems in the virtual world. Explains how process simulation also improves product quality.
The reality of virtual reality
Authors: Rooks Brian
Published: July 2002

The application of virtual reality (VR) in industry was the subject of a seminar at Cadcentre in Cambridge. The event, organised for UK VR Forum, the UK DTI’s VR awareness programme, prompted discussion on what is VR, highlighting the differences between immersive and non‐immersive techniques and where these are being applied. Three VR application case studies published by the Forum are described: design of a railcar by The Engineering Link, designing for assembly and maintenance by human operators in aircraft by Short Brothers and the installation design of an offshore oil platform by Brown and Root for Conoco. These examples illustrate the potential that VR has to achieve very large reductions in the timescales and costs of large projects.
Design, manufacturing and assembly automation trends and strategies in China
Authors: Ranky Paul G.
Published: July 2002

Owing to the currently deepening economic crisis of the entire region, in the area of automation and industrial development, China is focusing on several strategic areas. These include developing its infrastructure, improving and repairing existing machinery and plants, focusing on research, development and education, to prepare itself for the challenges of the twenty‐first century. This article provides a strategic overview of recent and current development trends, as well as pointing out some of the major differences between the Chinese and the Western approaches to design, manufacturing, assembly, automation and related support systems.
Smart guns
Authors: Pellerin Cheryl
Published: July 2002

Outlines a research project on smart guns: weapons that can only be
fired by someone recognized as an authorized user. Technologies under
research include electronic tags and implicit enabling, magnetics,
radio‐frequency and command disablement and biometrics, using
fingerprints, voice recognition and hand geometry. Concludes that
smart‐gun technology can help prevent the unauthorized use of
law‐enforcement guns. Purely mechanical options could work: the
simplest is building a keyed lock into the gun. Other ideas to be studied
include barcodes, implants, acoustics and combinations of devices.
Sensor controlled pyrolysis in consumer ovens
Authors: Has Uwe
Published: July 2002

Pyrolysis means to heat a material up to high temperatures at which its molecular structure is thermally cracked. The residues of the heated material are gases and ashes. In modern consumer ovens this method is used to clean the walls of the oven cavity. The cavity is heated up to about 480°C. At this temperature the dirt sticking on the walls is thermally cracked into gases and ashes. The approach of the system described in this paper is to estimate the quantity of dirt to be pyrolysed in the cavity. This is done by using a gas sensor. The sensor measures the concentration of the gaseous residues in the exhaust air of the oven. Evaluation of the sensor signal makes it possible to minimise the energy consumption during the process. Furthermore, the sensor can be used as a safety device.
They’ve got the measure of you
Authors: Hollingum Jack
Published: July 2002

Biometrics, the use of various means to identify, or verify the identity of, individuals can be a valuable aid wherever there is a need to control access, whether to a secure site or to an ATM or a piece of sensitive plant or machinery. The Association for Biometrics and the Department of Trade and Industry held a conference last October reviewing Government applications for this family of technologies, including identification of petty criminals in a crowd, speeding the admission of prison visitors and cutting out the queues at airport immigration desks. In support of these and other applications a wide array of techniques is being developed.
Factors influencing adult learning in technology based firms
Authors: MacDonald Colla J. , Gabriel Martha A. , Bradley Cousins J.
Published: July 2002

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of applying adult education principles to training in advanced‐technology companies. First, we wanted to identify strengths and weaknesses of the training program’s content and delivery using a framework of adult education principles, in an effort to improve program design, curriculum development, and teaching strategies. Second, this research utilized the framework of the principles of adult learning to identify, describe, and understand various aspects of the program in order to maximize the impact of training on technology‐based firms. Finally, we wanted to identify some of the conditions and factors influencing adult learning in a training program developed specifically for managers in technology‐based firms, in so far as they might inform and provide useful insights for program planners, implementers, and evaluators of management training in technology‐based companies.
Vietnam: the environment for management development in the twenty‐first century
Authors: McDaniel Drew O. , Schermerhorn John R. , The Cuoc Huynh
Published: July 2002

With its expanding economy, ambitious population, and location at the center of the Asia‐Pacific Rim, Vietnam has discovered an increasingly important need to develop its managerial talents. In both government, state‐owned enterprises, and the rapidly growing private sector, organizations face the need to raise management skills to levels found elsewhere in the world.This paper examines the emerging environment for management development in Vietnam, giving special attention to the implications of the country’s recent history, infrastructure for education and training, and a changing socio‐economic scene. The authors’ experiences, including training initiatives in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, are suggestive of the opportunities and constraints that may be faced by those who visit Vietnam to aid in management development.
Eight parameters of managerial effectiveness
Authors: Analoui Farhad
Published: July 2002

Despite the considerable attention given to managers and their effectiveness in the last few decades, a great deal of confusion and concern still surrounds the subject. Recently, attention has been drawn to the importance of the role of the public sector to the realisation of the growth and development of the developing world. This paper is based on the findings of a research project which was funded by ESCOR, The Department of International Development, and was carried out in the Ministry of Environment and Science and Technology in Ghana. The study aimed to identify the causal and behavioural influences which determine the managerial effectiveness of senior managers in the public sector. The results point to the presence of factors which constitute “parameters” of effectiveness at work. It concludes that a better understanding of the subject requires attention to the senior managers’ “choice” and “meaningful actions”, within an open system context.
A review of builder registration in the state of Victoria, Australia
Authors: Georgiou J. , Love P.E.D. , Smith Jim
Published: July 2002

Builders have a long history of a public perception of poor image and low quality products. Political and administrative demands for builder registration and tighter control of entry into the industry have been seen to be the solution to these problems. However, progress towards registration and control has proved elusive. Recently, the state of Victoria in Australia introduced mandatory builder registration under its Building Control Act 1993. Further reform for the housing industry was introduced in 1996 through the Domestic Building Contracts and Tribunal Act 1995. As the first legislation of its kind in Australia, the Victorian experience provides a case study for similar developments elsewhere. This paper reviews the history of builder registration in Victoria and identifies the major provisions of the 1995 Act, including the organisations established to regulate and supervise the implementation of the legislation. The perceived drawbacks and benefits of the new system are also analysed following the limited experience since the introduction of the legislation.
Playing back the past. Part 2: joining up the dots: surveying old buildings and the work of the RCHME
Authors: Mack Simon
Published: July 2002

Describes how RCHME carries out surveys of old buildings in order to explain not only their present state, but the past stages of their development, and how this helps in understanding the past. Outlines how the archetypal stages of any survey (client’s requirements; inspection; documentary research; survey report) apply to surveys of this type. Describes how documentary research, vital in this type of survey, is used and explains the extent to which modern technology contributes; includes case examples. Concludes with some brief relevant anecdotes.
The grumble point: is it still worth the candle?
Authors: Pitts Michael
Published: July 2002

The purpose of this paper is to encourage discussion on whether the acceptable standards of natural illumination have increased since Colls was decided in 1904. It invites discussion as to whether new parameters should be set or whether the 50/50 rule should be changed. Reference is made to the circumstances in which the grumble point of 0.2 per cent was calculated and to the method of measuring this accurately with the aid of a Waldram diagram. Comments are invited from readers to continue the debate.
Theatres are different
Authors: Earl John
Published: July 2002

The writer draws on personal experience to suggest that theatres, as a building type, are particularly vulnerable to ill‐advised alteration. He describes the peculiarities of design and construction which distinguish theatres from other types of public buildings and sets out a number of ways in which theatre operation can be damaged or even destroyed by seemingly unimportant interventions. The role of the Theatres Trust in protecting theatres not currently in use as such is detailed and justified, pointing out that many theatres have, in recent years, been returned to their designed use after decades in other employment. The importance, in this context (and having regard to modern theatre economics), of low‐cost reversibility is emphasised. Finally, comments drily on the psychology of theatre operators and theatre purchasers.
The development of ground floor constructions: part 5 (damp proofing existing ground floors)
Authors: Douglas James
Published: July 2002

Continues to examine the provision of damp proofing in ground‐supported floors. Considers the problems associated with dampness in and damp proofing of floors in old buildings. Examines the options for replacing the original defective floor with a ground‐bearing floor. Indicates that when a new DPM is installed, moisture can be diverted from the underside of existing ground floors to the external walls. Shows that in some instances the provision of a DPM may not be essential in replacement ground floor slabs provided that certain precautions are taken.
Subsidence case studies: using soil suction techniques
Authors: Plante Stephen
Published: July 2002

The investigation of root‐induced clay shrinkage cases can be difficult. The soil suction technique is an invaluable aid to correct diagnosis, quickly and cheaply. Incorrect diagnosis can be costly. This paper explains how new methods of soil testing can help.
Small urban spaces: part 9 ‐ case study: St Paul’s Square, York
Authors: Catt Richard
Published: July 2002

This is the ninth and final article in the Small Urban Spaces series and describes by way of a case study the sort of approach and attention that some more modest, but nevertheless important, squares and gardens ought to be rewarded. The green places, as well as the “hard” spaces and little corners that surround our buildings may deserve, perhaps, as much consideration as the properties nearby. This case study may assist readers in developing their own techniques in appraising these valuable small open spaces.
Issues arising from computer‐based recording of heritage sites
Authors: Worthing Derek , Counsell John
Published: July 2002

This paper considers the value of using computer models to store, manage and illustrate records of historic buildings. The paper is based upon the research and development work carried out by a team at the University of the West of England (UWE) in building such a model. It considers some of the problems that were encountered and reflects upon the skills and resources necessary for its construction. Multiple media are now available for data acquisition and entry. More overt and explicit classification and codification of facts is necessary using computers. The chosen media and descriptors will enhance or limit the later use of such data. Few heritage organisations have achieved maturity in their use of computer‐based information systems. Such use necessarily starts with acquisition of an archive of data but ought to proceed to being able to answer locational questions such as “where” and “when” and ultimately to the support of strategic analysis and “what‐if” speculation. It is argued that both media and descriptors have to be chosen appropriately to support these longer term applications. This paper explores some options, discusses criteria for selection, and considers how organisations will need to collect, assemble and use data in order to construct such models.
Avoiding the usual suspects
Authors: Loch Bill
Published: July 2002

FM needs to rediscover its strategic purpose. Non‐core has come to mean non‐strategic, non‐relevant and non‐important. FM is in danger of becoming a commodity function or service. But FM has the capability to deliver strategic benefits to the business – as FM professionals we need to focus on this and start to deliver strategies that create real value for the business. These strategies are most likely to be found in our ability to help the business change and retain flexibility, to improve space utilisation, and to provide space and services which enhance the productivity and creativity of people throughout the business.
A conceptual model for the interrelationship between information technology and facilities management process capability
Authors: Hinks John
Published: July 2002

The scope for using dedicated facilities management information technology to stimulate advancements in facilities management (FM) is discussed. The concept is put forward that a synergistic interaction occurs between the process of FM and the specialist information technology (IT) used for FM. This co‐operation can produce co‐maturation or co‐stagnation of their capability. The mechanism of this interaction between specialist FM IT and the FM process appears to be dependent on the relative capabilities of the process and the IT. This paper presents a conceptual framework for describing the relationship between the FM process and FM IT, and a model for the dynamic mechanisms of their co‐operation. The paper commences by reviewing work done on modelling process capability for software procurement and the design and construction process, using the established capability maturity modelling (CMM) technique. The generalised principles of an existing model for the dynamic interaction between the design and construction process for buildings and specialist construction IT are discussed. The paper then considers their application and extension into the context of FM. The specific example of growth in specialist FM IT and FM process is examined for the case of space management. Finally, the implications of co‐maturation for FM IT and the FM process are explored.
Fire safety legislation in Hong Kong
Authors: Walters Megan , Hastings E.M.
Published: July 2002

One of the key issues to emerge from disaster literature is that, regardless of the nature of the disaster, there exist both internal and external pre‐conditions that cause an incident to become a disaster. While it may be difficult for governments to exert control over internal preconditions, it is possible to provide a regulatory environment which exerts control over external preconditions. Increasingly governments are moving towards the adoption of performance ‐ rather than prescriptive‐based codes in the provision of legislation. By examining a number of disastrous fires which have taken place in Hong Kong, the paper traces the prescriptive approach adopted by the Government towards forming fire safety legislation and considers whether performance codes would provide a more appropriate regulatory environment.
Open‐plan measures determine facilities space management
Authors: Ilozor B.D. , Oluwoye J.O.
Published: July 2002

The aim of this paper is to examine the relationships between open‐plan measures and the effectiveness of facilities space management. A review of the literature reveals that the relationships have remained largely unsubstantiated empirically. Hence, where emphasis should be in practice, is virtually unknown. A sample of 25 randomly selected open‐plan workplaces was studied and the results were analysed using Spearman’s Rho correlation. Three measures were found to have significant influence in facilities space management: designed capacity by number of staff, flexibility in terms of workstations mobility and density by number of staff per workstation. There was found to be no significant correlation between open‐plan measures and space effectiveness. However, a better appreciation of open‐plan measures in facilities space management, will indirectly influence space effectiveness. The implications of the results are that facilities space managers should systematically evaluate alternative measures and give greater attention to particular aspects of open‐plan.
Relocation information: the property agent’s view
Authors: Buda Gerard A.
Published: July 2002

Summarises the results of a survey of major property agents in Scotland, regarding the professionals’ views of the methods adopted and the quality of information supplied by small and medium‐sized organisations to procure space. This survey confirms the view that property is not clearly understood by the business community and that there is a tendency for such businesses to be defensive when questioned on their specific property needs. It further confirms that spatial quantification is neither well‐considered nor understood and that the property agent has little confidence in the stated requirements. The agent also seems reluctant to introduce tools to the business to better understand and communicate these requirements. The agent considers that the property information supplied by business is of poor quality and that the person responsible for such procurement within business is, predominantly, not at a high level of seniority.
Management‐by‐variance as a facilities management performance assessment technique (summary only)
Authors: Hinks John , McNay Peter
Published: July 2002

The need to establish key performance indicators for facilities management (FM) is well recognised. However, difficulties in establishing universally‐accepted definitions of the FM function and its management process continue to confound the identification and application of a generic set of performance parameters. This paper describes the process of developing a management‐by‐variance tool for monitoring the performance of the FM function of a major financial services company. The dual problems of the absence of a standardised set of key performance indicators (KPIs) and the lack of existing data for performance evaluation were addressed using a Delphi group. The principle of management‐by‐variance is based on the monitoring and analysis of performance trends, which is done by monitoring changes in performance using a bespoke (rather than generalised) set of performance indicators. This paper describes the process of creating the pilot version of a management‐by‐variance tool in sufficient detail to allow the process to be replicated to create other sets of bespoke KPIs. The process and outcomes of the exercise to short‐list, rank, and weight a finalised list of 23 KPIs are discussed. The KPIs are analysed in the context of the method of their selection, prioritisation and weighting for their intended custom application.
Creating a fire safety management system for offshore facilities
Authors: Beard Alan N. , Santos‐Reyes Jaime
Published: July 2002

Fire safety management on offshore platforms has been a matter of major concern since the publication of the Cullen report into the Piper Alpha fire. In order to be able to achieve and maintain an acceptable level of fire risk it is desirable to consider the system as a “dynamic whole”. The intention in this research has been to construct a fire safety management system which is both efficacious and resilient. To this end a systemic approach to fire safety for an offshore platform has been pursued, employing the Viable System Model and the Failure Paradigm Method.
Facilities management and fire safety during alterations, changes‐in‐use, and the maintenance of building facilities – a management model for debate
Authors: Hinks John , Puybaraud Marie‐Cécile
Published: July 2002

This paper reports some interim findings from organisational research into site fire safety which looks at the relevance of Contractor and Facilities Manager attitudes to safety as a component of the overall safety process. Presents a discussion on some of the practical problems associated with Facilities Managers managing the maintenance of fire safety during alterations works. Commences with an illustration of the Facilities Management context of site fire safety that draws upon a number of relevant fire events. It is intended to provoke a wider debate on the relevance of the Facilities Management role in protecting the business. A Project Safety Plan checklist is suggested for Facilities Managers, based on the authors’ review of existing construction site fire safety guidance and codes of practice. Explores a broadening of the Facilities Management role, as interface manager, which in most cases of refurbishment and alterations will constitute the common managerial link to the core business.
The year 2000 date issue: an organizational problem beyond IS with strategic implications
Authors: Kohun Frederick G. , Sipple William L.
Published: July 2002

The year 2000 computer date problem, although identified since the 1960s, has been sensationalized, commercialized, but not yet universally resolved. Although estimates for correcting the problem hover around $600 billion in direct conversion costs, there is also an additional $1 trillion in expected litigation costs. While the technical problem of correcting the two‐digit year field sequence in computer programs to a four‐digit year representation is regarded as trivial and tedious, the more important challenges for today’s managers focus on making the date conversion while maintaining a solid bottom line and dealing with the associated communication and legal issues. This problem has finally been recognized as one with organizational strategic concerns and implications far beyond the domain of the IS department.
Performance improvement. Part 1. Forget the acronyms
Authors: Millar Ian
Published: July 2002

This two‐part article focuses on the need to ignore the many acronym‐based initiatives and programmes that tend to drive business performance. The author recommends that people must play a critical role in any performance improvement initiative. People should work in an effective team environment and with senior management visible involvement. A tool, cost of quality, is described in some detail. Utilizing people and cost of quality can reduce cost and change an organisations’ culture. Part 1 highlights the need to focus on behaviour for new initiatives and projects to be successfully installed in a company. Cost of quality as a performance improvement process can be a major driver of change producing substantial cost reduction and performance improvement within any business.
Is direct investment in international property markets justifiable?
Authors: McAllister Patrick
Published: July 2002

This paper critically assesses the relative merits of indirect and direct methods of international property investment. Despite similarities in the underlying asset base, each offers different qualities in terms of information costs, diversification, management and transaction costs, liquidity, volatility and quality of performance measurement. It is argued that direct investment will only be justifiable where investors are confident that they have the ability to identify underpriced assets, can manage these assets as effectively as local companies and can handle the investment risks associated with such lumpy, illiquid assets. It is concluded that for many investment funds, indirect investment in specialist property investment companies would seem to offer a more suitable method of gaining exposure to international property markets. In general indirect markets are more transparent, information costs are lower, liquidity is higher (with consequent implications for portfolio asset allocation decisions) and performance measurement is less problematic.
Measuring the effectiveness of quality assurance systems in the construction industry
Authors: Al‐Nakeeb Ahmed A.R. , Williams Trefor , Hibberd Peter , Gronow Stuart
Published: July 2002

Many large construction companies in the UK are now operating a quality assurance (QA) system to ISO 9000, yet there seems to be no available evidence that they have developed any way of measuring the “effectiveness” of their systems in meeting prescribed quality objectives. This paper discusses the difficulties faced in attempting to develop a model in the form of a matrix to measure the effectiveness of QA systems.
Implementing quality in property management – The case of Singapore
Authors: Chin Lawrence , Khee Poh Lam
Published: July 2002

This paper examines the property management industry’s attitude in Singapore towards quality. The survey findings show that more firms are becoming aware of the benefits of seeking ISO certification and seeing the need for adopting quality practices in order to have a competitive edge. A case study of an actual property management firm documents the process and procedure in implementing a quality system and in seeking ISO 9000 certification.
Web OPAC interfaces: an overview
Authors: Ramesh Babu B. , O’Brien Ann
Published: July 2002

Web‐based online public access catalogues (OPACs) began to appear in the late 1990s and many libraries are currently considering implementation. As catalogues, they demonstrate advances on traditional OPACs, especially in terms of remote access by users and their potential to integrate many document types and sources via a single interface. This paper considers some of the features and functions of Web OPAC interfaces. As yet, very little evaluation of systems and users has taken place and until more such literature appears, a general approach to products available is considered to be of value. Six popular Web OPAC interfaces in use in UK academic libraries (Talis, INNOPAC, WebCat, Voyager, GeoWeb and ALEPH) have been examined with an overview of the functions offered via those interfaces. A checklist has been developed as an indicator of the important features and functions offered.
The development of digital libraries in Taiwan
Authors: Ke Hao‐Ren , Hwang Ming‐Jiu
Published: July 2002

At the opening of the twenty‐first century, developments of digital libraries have been attracting the attention of many countries and Taiwan is no exception. The purpose of this article lies in delineating recent developments of digital libraries in Taiwan. This article first quotes a definition of a digital library, and based on this definition, an overview of some of the digital library programs in Taiwan is presented. These programs are divided into four categories: preservation of Chinese and Taiwanese culture; establishment of domestic research digital libraries; provision of foreign research digital libraries and integration of conventional and digital libraries.
The games console as a component of the electronic library?
Authors: Kirriemuir John
Published: July 2002

The games console, within the wider sector of electronic games and entertainment, is defined. A historical outline of the games console is given, indicating how the development of the console, and that of the PC, have intertwined over several decades. The emerging generation of games consoles possesses facilities that offer the possibility of access to networked resources, such as electronic library services, at a fraction of the cost of PC hardware. The Electronic Library and the increase in home‐based network access are discussed. Observations are then drawn from the use of a games console to interact with specific network‐based components of the “electronic library”. Alternative emerging modes of Internet and Network‐based access are touched upon. Aspects of game console usage within the library sector are considered and future developments of gaming and console technology, especially as applied to Network‐based service and resource access, are speculated upon.
The economics of access versus ownership: The Library for Natural Sciences, Russian Academy of Sciences
Authors: Kingma Bruce R. , Mouravieva Natalia
Published: July 2002

This article applies the economic model of interlibrary loan and library journal subscriptions developed by Kingma in 1996 to data from the Library for Natural Sciences, Russian Academy of Sciences. The model shows whether a library journal subscription or providing access to journal articles by interlibrary loan is more cost‐effective. The cost of international interlibrary loan including document delivery and the journal subscription policies to foreign periodicals existing in a large academic library in Russia are examined. Results are similar to the results found in the Kingma study of the Library Centres for the State University of New York. The most cost‐effective way to provide access to scientific journal articles within Russia is to provide additional funding for international interlibrary loan rather than increasing the number of journal subscriptions.
Improved access for end‐users through the use of standards
Authors: Braid Andrew
Published: July 2002

Two recent international standards, the Search and Retrieve Protocol (ISO 29350) and the Interlibrary Loan Protocol (ISO 10160/1), and a recommendation for standardisation of electronic document delivery will have a great impact in the area of inter‐library loan and document delivery. In combination, the three standards will allow end‐users to search for items, find a location for the item, order it, and receive the item electronically, without the intervention of an intermediary. This paper gives a brief overview of the history and development of the three standards. The two protocols and the important role played by two implementation groups, the ZIG and the IPIG, are discussed. The electronic delivery recommendation was developed by an international group in the early 1990s and has recently been submitted as an international standard. The paper concludes with a description of one major project (UNIverse) that is looking at the integration of all aspects of searching and delivery using these standards.
Document delivery services in China’s agricultural sector: a survey
Authors: Zhang Qiaoqiao
Published: July 2002

It is believed that provision of document delivery services should be an integral part of the supply of bibliographic databases. After the implementation of a national agricultural information project funded by the Asian Development Bank, which provided Chinese agricultural research and training institutions with CD‐ROM workstations and databases, CAB International and its Chinese counterpart began to look into the feasibility of establishing a document delivery service in China. The paper presents the results of a survey conducted as a part of the feasibility study and gives a critical overview of China’s document delivery services provided in the agricultural sector.