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Postponement is widely recognised as an approach that can lead to superior supply chains, and its application is widely observed as a growing trend in manufacturing. Form postponement (FPp) involves the delay of final manufacturing until a customer order is received and is commonly regarded as an approach to mass customisation. However, while much is written in the literature on the benefits and strategic impact of FPp, little is still known about its application. Thus this research project aims to address how FPp is applied in terms of the operational implications within the manufacturing facility. Here the ‘postponed’ manufacturing processes are performed in the factory where the preceding processes are carried out. An in-depth case study research design was developed and involved case studies at three manufacturing facilities, which provided diverse contexts in which to study FPp applications. Each case study incorporated multiple units of analysis which were based around product groups subject to different inventory management policies – FPp, make to order (MTO) and make to stock (MTS). The same research design was used in each study and involved both qualitative and quantitative evidence. Qualitative evidence was gathered via structured interviews and included the operational changes required to apply FPp in a previously MTO and MTS environment. Eleven quantitative variables, providing a broad based measurement instrument, were compared across the three units of analysis to test the hypotheses. This combination of qualitative and quantitative evidence in the case studies helped to triangulate the research findings. Comparison between the three case studies provided further conclusions regarding operational implications that were context specific and those which were not. The research concludes that the manufacturing planning system presents a major obstacle to the application of FPp in a MTO and MTS environment. In spite of this, and even when the FPp application is flawed, the benefits of FPp still justify its application. The research also contributes two frameworks: one which determines when FPp is a viable alternative to MTO or MTS; and another that illustrates the major operational implications of applying FPp to a product exhibiting component swapping modularity.

Fluidized beds have been applied in many industrial processes (e.g. coal combustion, gasification and granulation) as an effective means for providing excellent gas and solids contact and mixing, as well as good heat transfer. Although research on the fluidized bed has been carried out for more than 70 years, uncertainties and difficulties still remain. These challenges exist primarily due to the complex and dynamic flow structure within fluidized beds and the lack of reliable measurement techniques. The positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) technique, developed at the University of Birmingham, enables individual particles to be tracked non-invasively in opaque three-dimensional (3-D) fluidized beds and offers favourable temporal and spatial resolutions. PEPT is considered to be a powerful tool for fluidized bed studies and was utilized in the current study to investigate the dynamic behaviour of solid and gas in fluidized beds. The experiments in this study were conducted in a 150-mm inner diameter (I.D.) column and operated in the bubbling fluidization regime at ambient conditions. The effects of various factors on the solid flow structure were examined: solid properties, superficial gas velocity, bed height-to-diameter aspect ratio (H/D) and pore size of the air distributor. The solid flow structure was classified into four patterns, namely patterns A, B, C and D, in which pattern C was newly observed in this thesis. The solid motion, bubble behaviour (i.e., bubble spatial distribution, bubble size and bubble rise velocity) and solid mixing were assessed for each flow pattern to understand their unique fluidization behaviours. This assessment was achieved by the development of three methods: a method to reconstruct bubble behaviours based on solid motion, and two methods for estimating the solid mixing profile in this thesis. The results were discussed and compared with the published literature. The bubble rise velocity and bubble size calculated in this research from the PEPT-measured data was in agreement with other research, particularly that of Kunii and Levenspiel, Yasui and Johanson, and Mori and Wen. Finally, a parameter was developed to predict and control flow patterns based on particle kinetic energy and various factors. The outcomes of this study advance the understanding of the complicated dynamics of bubbling fluidized beds and may benefit several industries in the enhancement of fluidized bed design and control to achieve desirable qualities and efficiencies.

Background: In today’s more challenging business environment companies operating in a global market are faced by uncountable numbers of risks. The foundation of this report is based on the scenario of risks within one of the most important industries for the Swedish economy, namely the Forest, Paper and Packaging (FPP)industry. Sweden is one of the most forested countries in Europe and despite being a small country Sweden alone stands for 7 percent of the world’s total FPP production. However, it has been argued that the FPP industry might be in the midst of change where several articles and reports have commented on the upcoming challenges within the industry. Problem discussion & Purpose: Globalization, shifting economical paradigm, a rising interest for sustainability, increased raw material prices and tougher market conditions have in combination lead to a change in today’s view of how to handle risks. FPP companies have to deal with countless number of issues facing business today and the question of how to manage risks across organizations are becoming increasingly important. The purpose of this thesis is to identify risks faced by the Swedish FPP industry and thereafter assess the most crucial risks impact and likelihood of occurrence and how they are linked to the dilemma of holding forestland or not. Method: This study has its origin in interprevitism along with the ontological assumptions of constuctionism. An abductive research approach has been applied that has features from both deduction and induction. The study has applied the three research strategies; descriptive, explanatory and exploratory study in order to produce a true representation, describe relationships and in the same time seek new insight into the researched phenomena. A qualitative research strategy was applied where several semi-structured interviews were carried out, with respondents selected through a purposive sample of the Swedish FPP industry. Thereafter complementary material was sent out in form of a self-administrative questionnaire regarding the identified risks and their significance. Theoretical framework: Consist of general theories concerning macro environment and risk analysis theories for understanding industries along with previous reports concerning the FPP industry. In order to determent the nature and scale of the risk the Risk radar model will be applied along with an assessment of impact and likelihood of occurrence. Conclusion: The Swedish FPP industry today faces the following risks; Globalization & Shift of Capital to the Emerging Markets, Overcapacity, Foreign Exchange Impact & Currency Risks, Export & Import Taxes, Raw Material, Energy & Transportation Costs, Sustainability & Increased Environmental Awareness and Climate Change & Unforeseen Events. Out of these risks the most crucial where proven to be Raw Material and Energy & Transportation Costs hence there high impact and likelihood of occurrence. Given the pros and cons of holding forestland in relation to the most crucial risks identified the ownership of forestland can be seen as a strategic way of educing the threat from these risks, turning them into opportunities.

<p>Background: In today’s more challenging business environment companies operating in a global market are faced by uncountable numbers of risks. The foundation of this report is based on the scenario of risks within one of the most important industries for the Swedish economy, namely the Forest, Paper and Packaging (FPP)industry. Sweden is one of the most forested countries in Europe and despite being a small country Sweden alone stands for 7 percent of the world’s total FPP production. However, it has been argued that the FPP industry might be in the midst of change where several articles and reports have commented on the upcoming challenges within the industry.</p><p>Problem discussion & Purpose: Globalization, shifting economical paradigm, a rising interest for sustainability, increased raw material prices and tougher market conditions have in combination lead to a change in today’s view of how to handle risks. FPP companies have to deal with countless number of issues facing business today and the question of how to manage risks across organizations are becoming increasingly important. The purpose of this thesis is to identify risks faced by the Swedish FPP industry and thereafter assess the most crucial risks impact and likelihood of occurrence and how they are linked to the dilemma of holding forestland or not.</p><p>Method: This study has its origin in interprevitism along with the ontological assumptions of constuctionism. An abductive research approach has been applied that has features from both deduction and induction. The study has applied the three research strategies; descriptive, explanatory and exploratory study in order to produce a true representation, describe relationships and in the same time seek new insight into the researched phenomena. A qualitative research strategy was applied where several semi-structured interviews were carried out, with respondents selected through a purposive sample of the Swedish FPP industry. Thereafter complementary material was sent out in form of a self-administrative questionnaire regarding the identified risks and their significance.</p><p>Theoretical framework: Consist of general theories concerning macro environment and risk analysis theories for understanding industries along with previous reports concerning the FPP industry. In order to determent the nature and scale of the risk the Risk radar model will be applied along with an assessment of impact and likelihood of occurrence.</p><p>Conclusion: The Swedish FPP industry today faces the following risks; Globalization & Shift of Capital to the Emerging Markets, Overcapacity, Foreign Exchange Impact & Currency Risks, Export & Import Taxes, Raw Material, Energy & Transportation Costs, Sustainability & Increased Environmental Awareness and Climate Change & Unforeseen Events. Out of these risks the most crucial where proven to be Raw Material and Energy & Transportation Costs hence there high impact and likelihood of occurrence. Given the pros and cons of holding forestland in relation to the most crucial risks identified the ownership of forestland can be seen as a strategic way of educing the threat from these risks, turning them into opportunities.</p>

Postponement is widely recognised as an approach that can lead to superior supply chains, and its application is widely observed as a growing trend in manufacturing. Form postponement (FPp) involves the delay of final manufacturing until a customer order is received and is commonly regarded as an approach to mass customisation. However, while much is written in the literature on the benefits and strategic impact of FPp, little is still known about its application. Thus this research project aims to address how FPp is applied in terms of the operational implications within the manufacturing facility. Here the ‘postponed’ manufacturing processes are performed in the factory where the preceding processes are carried out. An in-depth case study research design was developed and involved case studies at three manufacturing facilities, which provided diverse contexts in which to study FPp applications. Each case study incorporated multiple units of analysis which were based around product groups subject to different inventory management policies – FPp, make to order (MTO) and make to stock (MTS). The same research design was used in each study and involved both qualitative and quantitative evidence. Qualitative evidence was gathered via structured interviews and included the operational changes required to apply FPp in a previously MTO and MTS environment. Eleven quantitative variables, providing a broad based measurement instrument, were compared across the three units of analysis to test the hypotheses. This combination of qualitative and quantitative evidence in the case studies helped to triangulate the research findings. Comparison between the three case studies provided further conclusions regarding operational implications that were context specific and those which were not. The research concludes that the manufacturing planning system presents a major obstacle to the application of FPp in a MTO and MTS environment. In spite of this, and even when the FPp application is flawed, the benefits of FPp still justify its application. The research also contributes two frameworks: one which determines when FPp is a viable alternative to MTO or MTS; and another that illustrates the major operational implications of applying FPp to a product exhibiting component swapping modularity.

Thesis (MCur)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The Joint Commission International Accreditation (JCIA) has included a patient safety goal as part of the standards for the accreditation of hospitals. Goal number six states the need to “reduce the risk of patient harm resulting from falls”. An acute care hospital setting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates had implemented a multifaceted, multidisciplinary fall prevention programme (FPP) in preparation for accreditation by the JCIA. The achievement of the above goal is dependent on compliance with JCIA standard requirements and the hospital’s FPP. This study was undertaken to identify the factors preventing the successful implementation of the existing FPP in an acute care setting. The FPP is recognised to be in its development stages and therefore has opportunities for improvement for better patient safety outcomes, more so by reducing the incidence of falls and the severity of injuries from falls. Literature studies by Gowdy and Godfrey (2003:365) and Hathaway, Walsh, Lacey and Saenger (2001:172) suggests that the most successful approach to reducing falls and the severity of injuries from falls among patients in an acute care setting is that of a multifaceted, multidisciplinary approach. The nurses, who were primarily responsible for completing the initial fall risk assessment, expressed feelings of being overwhelmed by more safety standards being required for the JCIA. Patients with a high risk for falls were not referred to the physicians and physical therapists, nor were they referred to the clinical pharmacists for the review of high-risk medications. In addition, fall risk assessments were sometimes not done in the afternoon and during the night shift. The existing programme also did not consider bedbound, long-term patients, who require less frequent assessment. There furthermore was observer evidence to suggest that the existing FPP was not being implemented correctly. The aim of this study was to describe factors preventing the successful implementation of the existing FPP. The objectives were to identify areas being implemented successfully, to identify any barriers to successful implementation and to identify aspects of the existing FPP that may need revision. A quantitative descriptive approach was applied. The population was healthcare providers (HCPs), including both registered and practical nurses, physicians, physical therapists and pharmacists, working in an acute care setting in the United Arab Emirates. The respondents were 118 (86%) from a stratified sample of n = 137 (20%) from 684 HCPs. A specifically developed structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Reliability and validity were assured through the use of experts in questionnaire design and statistical consulting, in addition to pre-testing of the questionnaire. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Stellenbosch Committee for Human Research and the Ethics Committee of the hospital where the study was undertaken. The respondents’ completion of the questionnaire served as voluntary consent to participate. The data were analysed and are presented in frequency tables. The mean and standard deviation were used for the statistical analysis. Correlational analyses were not done because of the descriptive approach to the study. It was considered most practical to focus on the professional groups and not on the variables, as the initial analysis indicated weak correlations. The results show those aspects of the FPP that were successfully implemented and those areas that need improvement if the JCIA requirements are to be met. Policy revision to include a clearly defined referral process for the high-risk patients, in addition to consistency of the environmental safety rounds and greater involvement and support of the unit managers/supervisors, will contribute to the greater success of the FPP. The hallmark of a successful FPP is staff education, which should be the key step in addressing the identified barriers. The human need for safety and the patient’s right to safe care and a safe environment must be integrated into staff orientation, and education and safety training programmes for all HCPs. Increased compliance may occur when HCPs are more aware of the hospital’s commitment to the patient’s right to safety. Compliance with JCIA standards and the FPP will contribute in the achievement of the accreditation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Joint Commission International Accreditation (JCIA) het ’n pasiëntveiligheidsdoelwit as deel van die standaarde vir die akkreditasie van hospitale ingesluit. Doelwit nommer ses lui: “verminder die risiko vir leed aan die pasiënt as gevolg van val”. ’n Akute sorg hospitaal in die Verenigde Arabiese Emirate het ’n veelvuldig gefasetteerde, multidissiplinêre program vir die voorkoming van val (fall prevention programme (FPP)) geïmplementeer ter voorbereiding vir akkreditasie deur die JCIA. Die bereiking van bogenoemde doelwit is afhanklik van nakoming van die standaardvereistes van die JCIA en die hospitaal se FPP. Hierdie studie is onderneem om die faktore wat die suksesvolle implementering van die bestaande FPP in die akute sorg omgewing verhinder, te identifiseer. Daar word erken dat die FPP nog in die ontwikkelingstadium is en dat daar dus geleenthede vir beter pasiëntveiligheidsuitkomstes is, veral deur die aantal valvoorvalle en die erns van beserings as gevolg van val te verminder. Literatuurstudies deur Gowdy en Godfrey (2003:365) en Hathaway, Walsh, Lacey en Saenger (2001:172) stel voor dat die suksesvolste benadering tot die vermindering van val en die erns van die gevolglike beserings onder pasiënte in ’n akute sorg omgewing ’n veelvuldig gefasetteerde, multidissiplinêre benadering behels. Verpleërs, wat die primêre verantwoordelikheid vir die voltooiing van die aanvanklike assessering van die risiko vir val het, het daarop gewys dat hulle oorweldig voel deur bykomende veiligheidstandaarde wat vir die JCIA vereis word. Pasiënte met ’n hoë risiko vir val is nie na die geneeshere en fisiese terapeute verwys nie, en ook nie na die kliniese aptekers vir die beoordeling van hoë-risiko medikasie nie. Assessering van die risiko vir val is soms ook nie in die middag en tydens die nagskof gedoen nie. Die bestaande program het ook nie bedlêende, langtermyn pasiënte wat minder gereelde assessering benodig, oorweeg nie. Daar is verder ook waargeneem dat die bestaande FPP nie korrek geïmplementeer word nie. Die doel van hierdie studie was om die faktore te beskryf wat die suksesvolle implementering van die bestaande FPP verhoed. Die doelwitte was om areas wat suksesvol geïmplementeer word, te identifiseer, sowel as hindernisse tot suksesvolle implementering en aspekte van die bestaande FPP wat hersiening benodig. ’n Kwantitatiewe beskrywende benadering is gebruik. Die populasie was gesondheidsorgverskaffers, insluitend beide geregistreerde en praktiese verpleërs, geneeshere, fisiese terapeute en aptekers wat in ’n akute sorg omgewing in die Verenigde Arabiese Emirate werk. Daar war 118 (86%) respondente uit ’n gestratifiseerde steekproef van n = 137 (20%) uit 684 gesondheidsorgverskaffers. ’n Spesiaal ontwikkelde, gestruktureerde vraelys is vir dataversameling gebruik. Betroubaarheid en geldigheid is verseker deur die gebruik van kundiges in vraelysontwerp en statistiese raadgewing, sowel as die vooraftoetsing van die vraelys. Etiese goedkeuring is van die Universiteit Stellenbosch se Komitee vir Menslike Navorsing, en die Etiekkomitee van die hospitaal waar die studie onderneem is, verkry. Die voltooiing van die vraelys deur die respondente het gedien as vrywillige toestemming om deel te neem. Die data is geanaliseer en in frekwensietabelle voorgesit. Die gemiddelde en standaardafwyking is vir die statistiese analises gebruik. Korrelasie-analises is as gevolg van die beskrywende benadering nie onderneem nie. Daar is besluit dat die mees praktiese benadering sou wees om op die professionele groeperinge te fokus en nie op die veranderlikes nie, aangesien die aanvanklike analise swak korrelasies aangedui het. Die resultate identifiseer daardie aspekte van die FPP wat die suksesvolste geïmplementeer is, sowel as dié gebiede wat verbetering benodig om aan die JCIA-vereistes te voldoen. Faktore wat sal bydra tot die groter sukses van die FPP is beleidshersiening wat ’n duidelik bepaalde verwysingsproses vir hoë-risiko pasiënte insluit, sowel as konsekwentheid in die omgewingsveiligheidsrondtes, en meer betrokkenheid en ondersteuning deur die eenheidsbestuurders/toesighouers Die waarmerk van ’n suksesvolle FPP is personeelopvoeding, wat die belangrikste stap in die aanspreek van die geïdentifiseerde hindernisse moet wees. Die menslike behoefte aan veiligheid en die pasiënt se reg op veilige sorg en ’n veilige omgewing moet in personeeloriëntering, personeelopvoeding- en veiligheidsopleidingsprogramme vir alle gesondheidsorgverskaffers ingesluit word. Verhoogde nakoming sou moontlik plaasvind indien gesondheidsorgverskaffers meer bewus was van die hospitaal se verbintenis tot die pasiënt se reg op veiligheid. Nakoming van JCIA-standaarde en die FPP sal bydra tot die verkryging van die akkreditasie.

International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / October 17-20, 1994 / Town & Country Hotel and Conference Center, San Diego, California / This paper describes a system in which multiple embedded processors are used for real-time processing of telemetry streams from satellites and radars. Embedded EPC-5 modules are plugged into VME slots in a Loral System 550. Telemetry streams are acquired and decommutated by the System 550, and selected parameters are packetized and appended to a mailbox which resides in VME memory. A Windows-based program continuously fetches packets from the mailbox, processes the data, writes to log files, displays processing results on screen, and sends messages via a modem connected to a serial port.

Forests represent both, one of the strongest drivers of, and solutions to, the rapid shift in the earth’s climate. Integrating the use of forests as a cost effective solution into emerging global carbon markets however has proven extremely difficult. The incentive for companies to utilize carbon credits as a means to offset emissions is heavily dependent upon the credibility of the project that created it. The difficulty proving the credibility of forest projects is largely due to the inherent variation associated with forest environments. British Columbia’s pine beetle epidemic provides an extreme example of just how quickly vast carbon sinks can suddenly become sources. As such, the creation of standards to ensure the security of carbon sequestered by forest projects has proven to be instrumental in encouraging their acceptance into the market. British Columbia has recognized that its forests play an integral role in its contribution to the global carbon cycle. As a result, heavy consideration is being made as to how this resource may be integrated as a source of carbon offsets for its own Cap-and-Trade market. This will mean establishing specific standards for forest projects in a BC context. This report reviews two regional standards from the states of Georgia and California, which could be applied as templates for a set of BC specific protocols for forest carbon sequestration projects. It is intended that through a comparison and analysis of these standards that potential problems faced in applying similar standards here will be identified.

Based on previous research on spatial attributes in foley and the concept that auditory immersion in first-person perspective computer games is enhanced by believable sound effects, this study explores if there is a connection between stereo foley and the believability of the first-person perspective, and regardless, if there is a preference to either mono or stereo foley. An interactive listening test was created in unreal engine 4, where 20 subjects, all considered gamers, played three levels that differed visually and in auditory content. In these levels, subjects auditioned two versions of avatar-related foley sounds. One version was mono, the other stereo. The test prompted the subjects to complete two tasks for each level, whereupon the foley version changed upon completion of the first task. The subjects then answered questions in between each level, regarding the foley version. They were asked to rate believability and choose a preference, as well as provide motivations for their choices. The quantitative data showed next no evidence that either mono or stereo was generally perceived as more believable or preferred. However, the qualitative data indicates that the majority of players tend to prefer and rate stereo foley as more believable in certain game environments. Furthermore, the data indicates that some subjects prefer a sensory replication of reality in foley. It is also shown that preference for stereo width vary between subjects and therefore argued that there cannot be a perfect standardized setting for stereo foley.