title: Clusters and regional development: Some cautionary observations from the semiconductor industry

authors: McCann, Philip

subjects: clustering

abstract: In this paper, we investigate the transactions-costs assumptions which are embedded in different understandings of industrial clustering. By carefully examining these assumptions we then proceed to investigate the extent to which industrial structure is related to questions of innovation. In order to do this we examine the case of the global semiconductor industry. After describing in detail the structure of the industry, we then employ a Geographical Information System in order to map the locations of the various plants and establishments which are part of three major multinational semiconductor producers. These unique mappings allow us to challenge some widely held views concerning the nature of the relationship between industrial structures, firm types and regional development.

text: Clusters and regional development: Some cautionary observations from the semiconductor industry In this paper, we investigate the transactions-costs assumptions which are embedded in different understandings of industrial clustering. By carefully examining these assumptions we then proceed to investigate the extent to which industrial structure is related to questions of innovation. In order to do this we examine the case of the global semiconductor industry. After describing in detail the structure of the industry, we then employ a Geographical Information System in order to map the locations of the various plants and establishments which are part of three major multinational semiconductor producers. These unique mappings allow us to challenge some widely held views concerning the nature of the relationship between industrial structures, firm types and regional development.

year: 2006

title: Calibration and control of a robot arm using a range imaging camera

authors: Kelly, Cameron Brian Desmond

subjects: time of flight

abstract: Time of flight range imaging is an emerging technology that has numerous applications in machine vision. In this paper we cover the use of a commercial time of flight range imaging camera for calibrating a robotic arm. We do this by identifying retro-reflective targets attached to the arm, and centroiding on calibrated spatial data, which allows precise measurement of three dimensional target locations. The robotic arm is an inexpensive model that does not have positional feedback, so a series of movements are performed to calibrate the servos signals to the physical position of the arm. The calibration showed a good linear response between the control signal and servo angles. The calibration procedure also provided a transformation between the camera and arm coordinate systems. Inverse kinematic control was then used to position the arm. The range camera could also be used to identify objects in the scene. With the object location now known in the arm's coordinate system (transformed from the camera's coordinate system) the arm was able to move allowing it to grasp the object.

text: Calibration and control of a robot arm using a range imaging camera Time of flight range imaging is an emerging technology that has numerous applications in machine vision. In this paper we cover the use of a commercial time of flight range imaging camera for calibrating a robotic arm. We do this by identifying retro-reflective targets attached to the arm, and centroiding on calibrated spatial data, which allows precise measurement of three dimensional target locations. The robotic arm is an inexpensive model that does not have positional feedback, so a series of movements are performed to calibrate the servos signals to the physical position of the arm. The calibration showed a good linear response between the control signal and servo angles. The calibration procedure also provided a transformation between the camera and arm coordinate systems. Inverse kinematic control was then used to position the arm. The range camera could also be used to identify objects in the scene. With the object location now known in the arm's coordinate system (transformed from the camera's coordinate system) the arm was able to move allowing it to grasp the object.

year: 2010

title: An evaluation of Te Rau Puawai workforce 100: Perspectives of Te Rau Puawai bursars

authors: Nikora, Linda Waimarie

subjects: Maori students

abstract: The Te Rau Puawai programme is an attempt to change the nature of the Maori
mental health workforce. To do this, Maori with aspirations to work, or to continue to
work in the mental health workforce, are supported, financially and academically, to
complete a tertiary qualification relevant to the field.
To evaluate the Te Rau Puawai programme, the Ministry of Health commissioned the
Maori and Psychology Research Unit of the University of Waikato in July 2001. The
overall aim of the evaluation was to provide the Ministry with a clearer understanding
of the programme including: the perceived critical success factors, the barriers if any
regarding Te Rau Puawai, the impact of the programme, the extent to which the
programme may be transferable, gaps in the programme, and suggested
improvements.
The evaluation team set out to gather the experiences and perspectives of recipients of
Te Rau Puawai services by asking all bursars to complete a questionnaire and
volunteer for follow up interviews or focus groups. Sixty two bursars responded to
our questionnaire, and we complete focus group or individual follow up interviews
with 19 bursars.

text: An evaluation of Te Rau Puawai workforce 100: Perspectives of Te Rau Puawai bursars The Te Rau Puawai programme is an attempt to change the nature of the Maori
mental health workforce. To do this, Maori with aspirations to work, or to continue to
work in the mental health workforce, are supported, financially and academically, to
complete a tertiary qualification relevant to the field.
To evaluate the Te Rau Puawai programme, the Ministry of Health commissioned the
Maori and Psychology Research Unit of the University of Waikato in July 2001. The
overall aim of the evaluation was to provide the Ministry with a clearer understanding
of the programme including: the perceived critical success factors, the barriers if any
regarding Te Rau Puawai, the impact of the programme, the extent to which the
programme may be transferable, gaps in the programme, and suggested
improvements.
The evaluation team set out to gather the experiences and perspectives of recipients of
Te Rau Puawai services by asking all bursars to complete a questionnaire and
volunteer for follow up interviews or focus groups. Sixty two bursars responded to
our questionnaire, and we complete focus group or individual follow up interviews
with 19 bursars.

year: 2002-05-01