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This investigation is in two parts, theory and experimental verification. (1) Theoretical Study In this study it is, for obvious reasons, necessary to analyse the concept of formability first. For the purpose of the present investigation it is sufficient to define the four aspects of formability as follows: (a) the formability of the material at a critical section, (b) the formability of the material in general, (c) process efficiency, (d) proportional increase in surface area. A method of quantitative assessment is proposed for each of the four aspects of formability. The theoretical study also includes the distinction between coaxial and non-coaxial strains which occur, respectively, in axisymmetrical and unsymmetrical forming processes and the inadequacy of the circular grid system for the assessment of formability is explained in the light of this distinction. (2) Experimental Study As one of the bases of the experimental work, the determination of the end point of a forming process, which sets the limit to the formability of the work material, is discussed. The effects of three process parameters on draw-in are shown graphically. Then the delay of fracture in sheet metal forming resulting from draw-in is analysed in kinematical terms, namely, through the radial displacements, the radial and the circumferential strains, and the projected thickness of the workpiece. Through the equilibrium equation of the membrane stresses, the effect on the shape of the unsupported region of the workpiece, and hence the position of the critical section is explained. Then, the effect of draw-in on the four aspects of formability is discussed throughout this investigation. The triangular coordinate system is used to present and analyse the triaxial strains involved. This coordinate system has the advantage of showing all the three principal strains in a material simultaneously, as well as representing clearly the many types of strains involved in sheet metal work.

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Industrial development has had a major role in creating the situation where bio-diverse materials and services essential for sustaining business are under threat. A key contributory factor to biodiversity decline comes from the cumulative impacts of extended supply chain business operations. In order to contribute to stopping this decline, the industrial world needs to form a better understanding of the way it utilizes the business and biodiversity agenda in its wider operations. This thesis investigates the perceptions and attitudes to biodiversity from government, society and a wide cross-section of industry. The research includes the extent of corporate attention to and use of environmental business tools and guidelines in reporting on biodiversity issues. A case study of three companies from different industrial sectors is undertaken to observe procurement and related environmental management of their supply chains. The use of accredited and non-accredited environmental management systems (EMS) are analysed as frameworks for introducing biodiversity aspects into supply chain management. The outcome is a methodology, which can be used either as a bespoke in-house biodiversity management system or within an accredited ISO 14001 EMS, for incorporating the assessment and management of the potential risks and opportunities involving environmental impacts on biodiversity of supply chain companies.

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This thesis is concerned with the design of press tool run-ofts. Run-off is the area on the punch surrounding the panel and its shape is of great importance to the control of metal flow during the draw. The design, although influenced by engineering considerations, is principally a geometric problem, which traditionally has been time-consuming. The overall objective is to reduce the run-oft definition time and hence improve the lead time. Current Austin Rover design procedures are described in Chapter 2 and form the basis of the C.A.D. program outlined in Chapter 3. This specification distils the need for a number of geometric algorithms. In general, obtaining the required continuity between the panel and run-off surface will require some degree of boundary curve approximation. Chapter 4 details four alternative approximation techniques which are compared in Chapter 5; and constitute the main results of the thesis. The salient issues of run-off surface interpolation are considered in Chapter 6.

The decision to enter a foreign market has long-term implications for the investing firm, as has its choice of entry mode. The hierarchical model of market entry modes proposes that entry modes can be categorised as equity-based or non-equity based, and further categorised by type as joint ventures and wholly owned subsidiaries, exports and contractual agreements. The hierarchical model of market entry modes proposes that there are factors that influence the entry mode at the level of equity versus non-equity but not within the type of equity or non-equity.