Types of Planning

INTRODUCTION Besides organizing, controlling and leading, planning is one of the management functions. Good planning is crucial to enable an organization to function effectively. Planning is done for two purposes, firstly as a protection to the organization and secondly to increase the affirmative levels of an organization according to C. W. Roney (Certo, 2000). As a protection to the organization, a manager can forecast the effects from each of the suggestions or alternative actions that will be carried out.Then managers will be able to ensure what needs to be done, how to carry out the actions, why it has to be done, when to do it, who should implement it with proper planning. And it is done to increase the affirmative levels of an organization. According to Fayol – The plan of action is, at one and the same time, the result envisaged, the line of action to be followed, the stages to go through, and the methods to use. It is a kind of future picture wherein proximate events are outlined with some distinctness.Planning is deciding in advance what is to be done. It involves the selection of objectives, policies, procedures and programs from among alternatives. A plan is a predetermined course of action to achieve a specified goal. It is a statement of objectives to be achieved by certain means in the future. In short, it is a blueprint for action. Louis A Allen Management planning involves the development of forecasts, objectives, policies, programs procedures, schedules and budgets. Theo Haimann Planning is deciding in advance what is to be done.When a manager plans, he projects a course of action, for the future, attempting to achieve a consistent, co-ordinated structure of operations aimed at the desired results. Koontz O’Donnell Planning is an intellectual process, the conscious determination of courses of action, the basing of decisions on purpose, acts and considered estimates. .TYPES OF PLANNING According to Dessler (2001) there are three m ain types of planning which are planning based on format, organization hierarchy and frequency of use. PLANNING BASED ON FORMATDescriptive planning is a planning written in the form of statements that state what needs to be achieved and how it is achievable for example, planning of an individual’s career. Budgeting is plan that stated quantitatively by using financial terms. Graphics planning is a planning that explains what needs to be achieved and how to achieve it in the form of charts. For example Gantt chart, it illustrates the time period required in order to implement an activity in the form of bar chart. PLANNING BASED ON ORGANIZATIONAL HIERARCHY There are three levels in an organization – top management, middle management, lower management.Top management (strategic plan) Strategic planning focuses on long-term issues for the survival, growth, and overall effectiveness of the organization. Companies need to be visionary, and must develop long-term strategies to meet changing conditions in their industries. Strategic planning involves developing a strategy to meet competition and ensure long-term survival and growth. The marketing function plays an important role in this process in that to provides information and other inputs to help in the preparation of the organization’s strategic plan long term plan. Middle management (tactical plan)Tactical planning focuses their goals on a shorter time frame, usually ranging from one month to one year. Middle managers give authority and responsibility to team leaders or supervisors, after that they provide direction, necessary resources, and feedback on performance as tasks are completed. Usually they need more detailed information than top managers, but less information than team leaders and supervisors. They also use business support systems, knowledge management systems, and user productivity systems to perform their jobs. Lower management (operational plan) Lower management carries out da y-to-day  operational plans.Operational employees primarily receive data that they need to perform their jobs day to day. In many companies, operational employees also need information to handle tasks and make decisions that were assigned to supervisors which is called  empowerment, and gives employees more responsibility and accountability. PLANNING BASED ON FREQUENCY OF USE One time usage planning is a planning that is only used once. Specially prepared to fulfill specific purposes. For example the organization may open more than one branch, but each plan made only applicable to the specific branch only.Because it have different resources like money, manpower, customer’s distribution, size of the branch area etc. Standing plan is a planning that is repeatedly used. Used to manage situations that frequently arise in an organization such as employees disciplinary problems. Standing plans have three types which are policy, procedure and regulations. i. Policy Principles or general guidelines to manage situations. ii. Procedure Actions or process that must be taken if a certain situation arises. iii. Regulations Specific guidelines when taking an action. WORKPLACE HISTORYMalaysia Airline System Berhad is doing business as Malaysia Airlines since its inception as an  independent airline  in 1987. Proudly running as the national-flag carrier of Malaysia from main home base of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) with secondary hubs at Kuching and Kota Kinabalu on the second island of the Malaysian state. With a concentration of network on both regional as well as international sectors, MAS has come to be known as world renowned airlines well as a local favorite along with its subsidiary, MAS Wings, because of staff hospitality and its marketing campaigns.It has been understood that there are various issues and opportunities that are being faced to MAS. Some of these are an overstaffing problem involving more than twenty-thousand employees all o ver the world. Another one, being incurred net losses of RM 479 million by the third quarter of 2011 and at the end of the fourth quarter the airline had incurred a loss of RM 2524 million, indicating a substantial decrease from a profit of RM 234 million in the previous year. Malaysia Airlines Vision is to be the Preferred Premium Carrier by using A380 as the flagship product.To support the vision, Malaysia Airlines mission is to be the best-in-class, top 10 commercially viable airline in the Asia Pacific region that returns sustainable profits to the shareholders. Business plan updated June 2012 RECOVERY PLAN (TOP MANAGEMENT) BUILD A PROFITABLE NETWORK Malaysia Airlines will realign the network based on demand and profitability result in the termination of MAS highly unprofitable routes to South Africa and Argentina and its only destination in Latin America.Other long hauls routes that unprofitable will also be eliminated MAS will deploy aircraft optimally to suit mission and for cost effectiveness. WIN BACK CUSTOMERS Malaysia Airlines will completely revamp the commercial team to improve performance and review sales and distribution channels. MAS plans to win or gain back its premium long hauls passengers through changing its carriers. A phase-out of MAS ageing widebody aircraft will be pursued and simultaneously new passenger facilities will be introduced.By the end of 2013 the carrier will be operating only three types of modern widebody aircraft  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ A330-300s, B777-200ERs and A380s. Then MAS will put in place best-in-class revenue management to fix corporate travel business and revamp our internet booking engine. MAS will enhancing our marketing and branding efforts and grow ancillary revenues. RELENTLESS COST FOCUS Malaysia Airlines will radically improve productivity and efficiency by increased aircraft utilization. Then MAS will streamline assets and resources across group. After that MAS will review and revamp legacy rocesses and work practic es and reduce reliance on 3rdparty and in source jobs where possible. Lastly overhaul the procurement and contracting practices, and review existing contracts for greater cost savings. BRIDGE THE FUNDING GAP The funding gap that must be bridged given the aircraft deliveries of 2012. This bridge has five pillars of support: 1. Positive operating cash flow 2. New debt and leasing arrangements 3. Working capital boost via the return of pre-delivery payment deposits 4. Proceeds from potential spin-offs 5. Unwavering support of our shareholdersGAME CHANGERS (MIDDLE MANAGEMENT) i. Capture regional point-to-point traffic * Deepen and optimize regional & domestic networks * Shift focus to point-to-point traffic markets * Optimize traffic hubs in KLIA, PEN, KCH, BKI ii. Alliance and partnerships * Enter one world for greater market access, connecting traffic flows, and seamless frequent flyer arrangements * Explore collaboration and joint venture opportunities to capture new markets and cons olidate market position while reducing the financial risks of participating individually. iii. Profitable ancillary businesses Build a profitable portfolio of ancillary businesses around the core airline FOUNDATION (OPERATIONAL PLAN) i. Branded customer experience Improve product quality, including business class product offering in to match best in market and radically improve service levels at all customer service touch points also create and build on service delivery differentiation. ii. Continuous operational improvement Continuously improve processes and work practices by simplify work steps. Remove legacy practices by reduce bureaucracy. Inject innovation in solving issues and problems. iii. Winning organizationReview organization design and manpower requirements. Improve talent and succession planning. Revamp work rules to increase productivity. Reinforce performance based compensation and rewards. Rally staff through active engagement & communication. REFERENCE Dessler, (201 1, 12). Malaysia Airline Business Plan. Retrieved 03, 2013, from http://malaysiaairlines. com/content/dam/mas/master/en/pdf/corporate-info/Malaysia%20Airlines%20Business%20Plan. pdf Unknown, (2013, 06). Malaysia Airline Report. Retrieved 03, 2013, from http://www. scribd. com/doc/97200708/Malaysia-Airline-Report

Preliminary Study of an Automotive Assembly Plant

Politecnico Di Torino 1 Facolta' di Ingegneria Automotive Engineering FINAL ASSEMBLY Preliminary study of an automotive assembly plant for high volume production(1300cars/day with 2 type of cars, 4 doors and 2 doors respectivly, and flexible in volume, 3 shifts of workers) Ma Wei supervisor: Prof. COZZARI GIULIANO Index 1. General infomation from the internship 2. 1 high production volume of the assembly plant 2. 2 pace calculation 2. 3 area calculation and process layout 2. 4 flexibility and automization of the system 2. â€Å"make or buy† decision 2. Review of tutorials and further applications of the tutorial 3. 6 General knowledges aquired from the assembly lecture 3. 7 Extension of the tutorial 3. 8. 1 product breakdown structure(PBS) ; bill of material(BOM) 3. 8. 2 work breakdown structure(WBS) 3. Time analysis and relative calculations 3. 1 working time analysis(WCT, takt time) 3. 2 system length and area calculation 3. 3 facility layout 4. Tool and equipment selection 1. General infomation from the internship 1. high production volume of the assembly plant As is define in the internship reoprt, the production volume of the plant that we study is 1300cars/day, with 3 shifts of workers making the planned working time up to 21 hour a day. We developed a rough plan for the entire assembly production process, and then divided our thesis into four parts according to the function of each part. Following the sequence of each part, they are respectively: Stamping process, body in white process, painting process and fianl assembly process.Normally each department is separated with one another, located in different locations inside an assembly plant, and each department has its own building structure, thus we call them stamping shop, body in white shop, painting shop and final assembly shop. Moreover all of these building structures are placed considering the convenience of the entire manufacturing process, to facilitate the flow of materials and parts, to simplify stocks management. For example, stamping shop normally locates near the gate with a stock area to facilitate the incoming of sheet metal.Body in white shop and painting shop lies in between final assembly shop and stamping shop, in order to shorten transfer process. Finally, final assembly shop often locates beside the supplier park, where massive subgroup parts of a car are stocked. 1. 2 pace calculation Since our focus is on the word â€Å"high volume†, we must estimate the overall pace of the plant. The required standard time can be calculated considering: 1. 1300 cars/day. 2. 3 shifts of workers with 7 availiable working hours per shift. 3.Overall equipment efficiency=90% 4. Standard time STn is the time needed to assemble a car, starting from pressing shop up to final test at final assembly shop. AWT(available working time)=3*7*60=1260 min STn=AWT/1300=0. 97min=58sec. It means that each 58 seconds there will be a car coming out from the plant. 1. 3 area calcula tion The area calculation is decided in the internship report, through the benchmarking result of many plants and we chose the average area of the plants that is most close to our requirements.And here is the decision: Stamping| BIW| Painting| Final Assembly| 40800? | 60900? | 48000? | 71400? | Usually the process layout is like this(I will only focus on the final assembly process): But for the final assembly, I find it more advanced for logistic and warehouse management is I choose the final assembly line like this: In my later discussion, we can see more advantages of this kind of solution according to the three main sub-processes of final assembly. 1. 3 flexibility;automization of the systemEquipments are most devoted resource since nowadays factories are normally capital intensive. So we have to determine the automization level at the first approach of an assembly plant. The four processes, stamping, body in white, painting and final assembly, have their own process capability a nd different automization level. Here is the automization level selection criteria and methods to be flexible of the system. And we will make our choice accordingly. Stamping STAMPING| COST AND THE CHOICE| 1. ransfer muiti-station mechanical presses with a very high cadence(over than 15 cycles/min) fitting with very high production rate(over than 600 series/day)| Very high, not fitable for our plant because according our make or buy decision, we only make necessary body parts in order to save capital and better focus on â€Å"core business†. | 2. traditional mechanical or new generations hydraulic presses with a medium cadence(between 10 and 15 cycles/min), interconnected by automatic systems, fitting for medium production rate(60-600 series/day)| This fits our production system adequately.Since our assumed working cycle time is 6sec(=10 cycles/min) and it meets the requirement of 1300cars/day. On the other side, this is capital intensive but not as expensive as the first one . | 3. traditional hydraulic or water forming presses, with manual loading/unloading, with low cadence, fitting for low production rate(less than 60 series/day)| This criterion is not fit for mass production. Nowadays labor intensive production is used for the elite market. | Major factors influcing cost: press and dies depreciation, maintenance costs and material handling.And thus it is very important to maintain a good level of overall equipment efficiency and a good utilization level. Furthermore, in order to keep the production cost low, sheet metal usage degree must be optimized, through detailed study of cutting schemes and stamping methods and technology(sheet metal stamping dimensioning). | Flexibility: the process flexibility is reached to the required level(2 different types of cars with 9 different parts to stamp) through changing of dies according to detailed production plan. We should avoid to change dies too frequently, for the sake of saving more productive up time.Th e production plan should follow the material requirement plan of later processes, and the logistic department should set adequate arrangements for the finished parts. | Body in white For high or medium volumes body in white welding and assembling, hard automation(robot intensive) and flexible production systems are used. Assembling tools are specific for the parts of each type of car. System flexibility/convertibility is achieved through specific tools rapid change, so that it is possible to set easily the mix model level on the same equipment or line.Major factors influencing cost: specific equipment and tools depreciations, maintenance and materials handling cost. Overall equipment efficiency and utilization level. Painting Painting process is a continuous flow process and each process are sequenced. We can divide it into two categories: 1) pre-painting treatments. 2) painting. 1). In reference of automazation and flexibility, the pre-painting process is not strictly relevant b ecause, for example, processes such as washing, degreasing or phosphating are not robot intensive, they actually are continous flow process with only a few operations.And each type of BIW(in our plants, refer them as type A and type B) can be processed in the same way with the same time, temperature and many other conditions. 2). The painting process is robot intensive because it is applied by automatic robots with electrostatic spray, along with automatic controlled air, temperature and humidity inside the painting booth. This process is relatively complex and harmful to human body. So in case of mass production, no labor force is enrolled in this process.Flexibility: Since equipments and tools are not specifically developed for each type of car, flexibility can be easily obtained by changing the process automatization software. And customized order-to-make product is mainly reflected in this process. Controlling program should be adjustable in order to change the color of the car easily. Major factors influcing cost: specific direct material(dye) and energy consumption, manpower necessary to manage the process and equipment maintenance costs. Final Assembly In terms of final assembly, manpower accompanied by flexible conveyor system is needed.This process is mainly labor intensive because many complex operations, such as cockpit module, steering leverages, seats and mobile parts are performed by technicians, but not machines. Certain level of automatization is required for simple operations such as joining, mechanical groups screwing and fixed glasses application. Moreover, ergonomic is important for labor intensive operations, so that assembling stations and conveyor systems have to be comfortable for the operators. For example the tow conveyors is an ergonomic solution for screw drivers.It can lift up the heavy body from BIW, to make the operator reach the lower part of the body. Recently new type of tow conveyors became more convenience since they allow t echnicians to stand on them and move along the operation line. Flexibility: product models mix along the final assembly line, thus flexibility can be obtained by high level of logistics and organizational complexity, which must use modern product and process information technologies, called â€Å"digital factory†. Moreover, â€Å"just in time† principle must be applied in supplying subassembly modules to the final assembly line.Major factors influcing cost: direct manpower, material handling, specific logistic information technology systems. 1. 4 â€Å"make or buy† decision In evaluation of make or buy decision, several factors should be considered: ITEMS FOR â€Å"MAKE† DECISION| ITEMS FOR â€Å"BUY† DECISION| 1. Availability of development capacities inside the company, at least equivalent to the one offered by External suppliers. | 1. Not availability of specific â€Å"know how† to develop in a competitive way the specific component or se rvice. | 2. Better protection of company’s know how in relation to products/processes considering core business| 2.Availability of reliable suppliers for the components or services required, in relation to the company’s targets. | 3. Needs of internal processes integration by logistic flows and final product quality level improving. | 3. Availability of alternative supplying sources in the geographical areas of strategic interest for the company. | 4. Not valid alternatives to component or services purchasing. | 4. Opportunity to simplify internal production processes and focus production resouces (man power and capital) on â€Å"core business†| 5. Necessity to utilize existing productive capacities inside the company. 5. Opportunity to reduce company owned investment by using or incrementing supplier’s productive capacities avaliable, assuming them the risk of volumes depending on the trend of market. | ITEMS FOR â€Å"CO-MAKERSHIP† DECISION| 1. N ew necissities of production capacities developing but not enough economy scale to proceed in an autonomous way. | 2. Partners have common or complementary interest in developing in a synergic and competitive way the new solutions required to guarantee the industrial mission. | 3. Partners have at disposal complementary or synergic technological capacities so that roduct/process innovation could be speed up without incrementing too much economical investments. | In genaral, an assembly plant doesn’t manufacture the sub group components of the car, for the sake of lean production, technology concentration and cost minimization. So no matter whether they are outsourced or manufactured by the same industrial group of other plants, we can consider them â€Å"buy† parts. It is easy to explore these elements from the vehicle systems point of view: All above mentioned elements and systems are out-sourced and they are assembled into higher level subassemblies aside the princip le assembly line.These elements and systems are based on evolutive technical solutions, which â€Å"know how† belongs generally to specialized companies components producers; A strong cooperation between those companies and car makers is necessary in case of technical projects development and experimentation and homologation on vehicle phases. 2. Review of tutorials and further applications of the tutorial 2. 1 General knowledges aquired from the assembly lecture During the assembly technology course, we gained the concept of automotive final assembly and aquired some basic knowleged about this process.First of all, the difinition of automotive final assembly can be concluded from the lecture: the final manufacturing process joining all of the finished subgroup components and modules to finish the car and make it functionlized, through different stages of assembly process with the right consequence. The final assembly process should consider from both management point of view and technological point of view: management concerns main subassembly groups and modules Here we consider the assembly of only these components in order to simplify the process.Also, some subgroups assembly are introduced in the lecture, which are normally performed inside the final assembly shop but not on the principle line. These sub-assembly parts should be considered since they are not out-sourced but manufactured inside the plant—stamping shop. So we won’t get the finished, assembled parts until we assemble them by ourselves, inside the final assembly shop. Along with subgroups assembly, ergonomics concern is introduced, which is a non negligibly problem in setting up the plant. Ergonomic: a). A study of the relation between people and their work environment. b).Is used to prevent injuries and illnesses associated with the design of physical work. c). Is used to increase employee safety and comfort and to optimize work performance and quality. Due to the complex ity of the system and inconvenience caused by the huge weight of the body in white and finished parts, ergonomic problem is closely related with the working stations and carrier systems that we use. Thus each process of the system uses specific equipment to orientate the car body in the right direction to technicians, and specific tools to hold finished parts to let technicians move them easily. ow conveyors let the installation of suspension more easily Moreover, the right sequence of final assembly is introduced. I will strictly follow this sequence to develop my assembly shop, because any mistake in sequence makes it impossible to build up later steps and lead the entire process to failure. Then I will build up working time analysis. 2. 2Extension of the tutorial 2. 2. 1 product breakdown structure(PBS) ; bill of material(BOM) Product breakdown structure is hierarchical and can be represented by the following scheme(tree diagram) F A B1 B2 C21 C13 C12 C11 E D F A B1 B2 C21 C13C12 C11 E D In which: A=final module (a car) B=1st level subassembly (powertrain, suspension system†¦) C=2nd and 3rd level subassembly (complete engine, transmission†¦) D=completed elements (cylinders, engine shafts†¦) E=partially completed elements (pistons, valves†¦) F=raw materials Using PBS, it is possible to: a). Manage the designs and standard carry-over solutions with other product lines. b). Underline links between elements, subassemblies and final product. c). Precise â€Å"make or buy† decision for each element. d). Activate manufacturing engineering plan for â€Å"make† parts. ). Activate purchasing orders for â€Å"buy† parts. f). Confirm cost for module components, considering the targets defined in the setting phase, according to the purchasing management system. Now let me define the PBS of the final assembly. I won’t list the lower levels of subassembly parts because the final assembly area is responsible for assembling mo re than 3000 in/on the painted vehicle shell, and if I focus too much on the minor parts, it would draw the attention away from the study of the system. Also, I extend the content of PBS, to get a bill of material table, more detailed. . 2. 2 work breakdown structure The work breakdown structure is a tree structure, which shows a subdivision of effort required to achieve an objective. In order to reach the WBS, I need to analysis each working processes first. The following figure is what I have obtained from the internship report. All of the data in this figure is roughly estimated, but the sequence and layout of final assembly is expressed. Final assembly process can be functionally divided into: trim line assembly, chassis line assembly, final assembly and final testing. ). Trim line assembly This station is focused on installing the following main components: the electric wiring and harnesses, the shell insulation and radiator insulation, the air duct system, the headliner, the c ondenser sub-assembly, the pedal sub-assembly, and the fire wall insulation. Other parts are also installed in this station such as the wiper links and the washer tank and its hoses and connections. To install the above described parts, a different conveyor system is adopted from the ones used in the paint area.So the shell is transferred from the paint-line conveyor system into typically a double rail chain or self-moving conveyor (floor-mounted), the elevation and speed of the body-shell are adjusted so it suits the production workers and allow them spatial access and enough time to complete the job. Some manufacturers have adopted a moving belt system for the line workers so that they can keep up with higher production rates. The first step in the trim assembly area is to remove the shell doors to facilitate the installation process, so large fixtures can be used inside the shell to aid the workers.The removed doors are hung on an overhead conveyor system that keeps running the d oors through the plant without any value being added to them. A typical layout for the trim assembly area can be shown as following: b). Chassis assembly The chassis assembly area is also called the marriage area, where the power-train of the vehicle is coupled with the vehicle body-shell. To achieve this, the vehicle shells are transferred to an overhead conveyor system to permit the chassis installation from the bottom. The assembled ower-train components are supplied from a sub-assembly area typically called the engine-line assembly area. The engine-line area features all the steps needed to install the different hoses, controllers and cables to the main engine body, in addition to coupling the engine to the transmission and the torque converters. The engine sub-assembly utilizes different types of conveyance depending on the accessibility needed, the station’s configuration (left- and right-side workers), and the weight of the assembled power-train; typically a combinatio n of an overhead system and an AGV(automatic guided vehicle) is used.The final assembled power-train is then mounted onto an AGV or a trolley equipped with a hydraulic lift, and then shipped to the marriage area. overhead conveyor and trolley with lifter In the marriage area, the vehicle shell will be synchronized with the AGV so both meet at a specific location that features the power torque machine that will use bolts and fasteners to join the power-train and shell together. Additionally, the elevation of the suspended shell is programmed according to specific settings to facilitate the mounting process. The powertrain is lifted via the hydraulic lift to meet the stationary shell.This process sequence is shown in the above figure. Several features within the vehicle shell are typically used to guide the power-train assembly to ensure its location and orientation within the vehicle; some laser projection-based sensors might also be used to ensure accurate placement. In addition, po wer-tools with built-in torque sensors are used to ensure fault-proof operation. Applying the right torque is essential in delivering mechanically sound joints that will not fail or fatigue due to under-torque or over-torque conditions. A typical layout for the chassis line assembly area can be shown as following: | ). Final assembly and testing area The final assembly area features the vehicle shell on tires for the first time. It is connected to the previous chassis assembly process, and each chassis assembly line can feed two final assembly lines. Thus for the sake of maximum utilization of the entire system, we set two final assembly lines. Each final assembly line is divided into three sequential parts: 1st. In the first part, preassembled bodies are put on a stop and go conveyor system, to facilitate the transferring from one station to the next.And the bodies are arranged across the axle of the line, to facilitate front-end module assembling and to keep operations such as ele ctric battery connections, air filter connections ergonomically. In this part fixed glasses are also assembled by automatic systems. 2nd. In the second part, car bodies are put on continuous double slat conveyor. Here, parts such as seats, garnishes, door modules, lighting systems and the rest parts of the vehicle are assembled. 3rd. In the third part, underbody operations such as adjusting the vehicle suspension and adjusting steering wheels are performed.After the assembly is complete, the completed vehicle starts the testing phase, where the following tests are conducted: alignment tests for wheels and turning radius, headlight test, side-slip test, engine drum test, and the brake test. The alignment test focuses on adjusting the wheels through the manual adjustment of the top of the front and rear wheels and the camber of the front and rear wheels. Further alignments ensure that the steering wheel is positioned accurately. The alignment test is typically done in a chassis dynamo meter chamber, shown in the figure. a chasis dynamometerAdditionally the turning radius can be tested and adjusted by measuring the right and left turning angles of the front wheels. The headlight test evaluates the photometric axis of the headlamps by projecting them on a screen and then measuring any deviations. The drum test is conducted by driving the vehicle into the chassis dynamometer to check the vehicle driving conditions. Also, the brake test evaluates the brakes’ performance by applying and measuring the braking force of each wheel (drag, service brake, parking brake). Finally, I can obtain the WPS from the integration of each above process. 3.Time analysis and relative calculations 3. 1 working time analysis(takt time, number of workers) In order to analysis the working time, I shall introduce the concept of takt time first. The takt time is the time that must pass between two succeeding unit completions in order to meet the demand, if the products are produced on e unit at a time, at a constant rate during the net available work time. The value of the takt time drives the key design choices for the assembly system. The takt time is defined in equation (1). (1) When the takt time is known one could decide how many assemblers and stations that are needed.It is quite hard to determine the number of assemblers needed in order to complete a product but here one basic method is presented. After the number of assemblers has been decided the number and layout of processes can be decided. The minimum number of assemblers can be calculated with equation 2. (2) If for example a product takes 100 minutes to assemble and the takt time is 1 minute, the process needs 100 assembler minutes every minute, consequently 100 assemblers. The formula does not take into consideration other activities that the operators perform apart from assembling such as picking and handling.A production system is also dependent on support labor which will of course increase the number of assemblers needed. When one has determined that the process is in need of 100 assemblers, the next step is to decide in which way the work should be allocated between the assemblers and thereby which method of assembly that should be used. On the one hand, one operator could work with one product from start to finish for 100 minutes. On the other hand, the total work content could be divided into 100 operations each taking 1 minute to perform.Now that the takt time concept is clear, I will start to analysis this according to my specific system. Actually, the first step in designing an assembly system is to calculate the takt time. I will calculate the takt time following these conditions: 1). The demand for daily production volume is 1300 units. 2). The system is operated by 3 shifts of operators. 3). The working hours per day for an operator are assumed to be eight hours. 4). Total downtime including scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, set-up times, breaks, lunch time is one hour per day.Takt time = Net avaliliable working time per dayaverage damand per day = 3*8-1*601300 = 0. 97 minute = 58 second The planned cycle time will be lower based on that there are inefficiencies regarding manpower issues and overall equipment effectiveness: Planned cycle time = 58*0. 85*0. 9 = 50 second Then the minimum number of workers can be obtained, under the assumption that the total assembly time (adding the time deeded of each operation in each station, i. e. : the labor time required in order to finish the assembly of a single vehicle) is 21 hours (empirical).We can assume that each operation is processed by an assembler because the final assembly is a labor driven process. No. of workers = total assembly timetakt time = 21*60*6058 = 1304 Thus, we have 1304 workers and if two workers are assigned to each work station, then we have 652 stations. Due to impossibilities for further analysis of working time, I can not get exactly the cycle time of each operation, but the time analysis methodologies should be stressed: a). Stopwatch study analysis For time measuring it is necessary to proceed as follows: 1).Workers are preventively trained to apply working standards and are informed about stopwatch study analysis and ways to proceed. 2). By statistical criteria, the number of operative cycle to observe is determined, considering also dispersion phenomena of analyzed process. 3). For each one of the macro-phase of operative cycle, time employed is recorded. 4). Working speed is punctually compared to the normal one, introducing eventual adjustment. 5). Time adjustments(increasing) for each working phase are applied following specific tables, to consider tiredness and physical efforts taken on during working shift.Applying the methodology is possible if the analyst is concerned about technologies of analyzed phases, in order to ensure in advance that working conditions follows manufacturing engineering plan, and proposing eventually necessary i mprovements. He must also observes movements considering ergonomics, defining normal and sustainable working speed. This evaluation implies also the application of specific rules related to physical efforts, tiredness, working positions and movements repetition.As a consequence, for each working phase analyzed, it is applied a time increasing coefficient, according to a standard table, elaborated on statistical and scientific considerations, by International Rules Institutions, with ergonomic, physiology, and working means experts associated. In case of uncertainty of working speed estimation, the analyst could perform observations on different subject, up to reach a calibrated evaluation. Furthermore, he can also use some available database, according to previous consolidated experiences.For each group of operations, it is important that the experts separate active times from inactive times necessary for machine/equipment waiting or movements between different working stations. Act ions to be adopted are related to inactive phases, that are not adding value phases. b). Time studying with modern techniques Same criteria of the first one, with the only difference that time observations are performed through video recording cameras, appropriately positioned and remote controlled, that allows measuring contemporary more operations, relating each other. c).Analysis with pre-determined standard times MTM technique (Methods Time Measurement) consists of previously analysis that allows quantifying time necessary for each working micro-phase included in the operative cycle. Measurements are performed in office and are very precise and objective. Application requires a big effort in terms of analyst technician, with high cost and long elaboration times. For this reasons MTM technique fits with widespread repetitive operations. d). Instantaneous Observations Analysis It fits for auxiliary operations only, including office operations.It is necessary that the analyst have good knowledge about function and roles of observed employees. He performs periodical inspections In the interested area and with established route by statistic method, so to cover all workplaces. He must evaluate: if workers are on their own workplace/if they are active/type of operation performed/type of tools used. 3. 2 system length and area calculation I will roughly calculate the length of the final assembly line. I say â€Å"roughly† because I will assume the distance between each product is 5m, and this distance is constant for all the three major processes belonging to final assembly.Although this assumption couldn’t be precise, this approach can represent the right process to calculate the system length. Firstly I will calculate the speed of the line: Speed = distancetakt time = 5m/58s = 0. 087 m/s Then I will apply this speed to the total assembly time: Length=speed*total assembly time=0. 087m/s*21*3600=6577m Finally, I should apply an modify coefficient, be cause large portion of the system paths are built for transferring, not value adding. 6577*150%=9865m Once the length is calculated, I can apply it to the width of the line, which is hypothesized to be 10m. 865*10=98650m2 And finally the subassembly line area should be calculated according to the same method, and added to the main line area. 3. 3 facility layout In arranging the plant layout, There are a lot of benefits: 1. Minimize the production time. 2. Minimize the production cost. 3. Minimize the material handling, in terms of time, cost and equipment type. 4. Minimize the investment in the equipment. 5. Utilize existing space more effectively. 6. Maintain flexibility of arrangement and operations. There are three basic types: process layout, product layout, and fixed-position layout.According to the selection criteria, I will choose the product layout. A product layout (also called a flow-shop layout) is one in which equipment or work processes are arranged according to the pr ogressive steps by which the product is made. The main issue over the final assembly line is the assembly line balancing. As we use the conveyor systems to carry the product, the time interval the product will stay in each workstation is identical, thus the cycle time of each workstation is identical as well (= 58s in our system).At each workstation, work is performed on a product either by adding parts or by completing assembly operations. The work performed at each station is made up by many bits of work, termed tasks, elements, and work units. The total work to be performed at a workstation is equal to the sum of the tasks assigned to that workstation. The assembly-line balancing problem is one of assigning all tasks to a series of workstations so that each workstation has no more than can be done in the work- station cycle time, and so that the unassigned (that is, idle) time across all workstations is minimized.The problem is complicated by the relationships among tasks imposed by prod- uct design and process technologies. This is called the precedence relationship, which specifies the order in which tasks must be performed in the assembly process. The steps in balancing an assembly line are straightforward: 1 Specify the sequential relationships among tasks using a precedence diagram. The diagram consists of circles and arrows. Circles represent individual tasks; arrows indicate the order of task performance. 2 Determine the required workstation cycle time, the same as takt time Determine the theoretical minimum number of workstations required to satisfy the workstation cycle time constraint using the formula, the same as the number of workers calculation. 3 Select a primary rule by which tasks are to be assigned to workstations, and a secondary rule to break ties. 4 Assign tasks, one at a time, to the first workstation until the sum of the task times is equal to the workstation cycle time, or no other tasks are feasible because of time or sequence restr ictions. Repeat the process for Workstation 2, Workstation 3, and so on until all tasks are assigned. Evaluate the efficiency of the balance derived using the formula Efficiency=sum of task timesactual number of workstations*workstation cycle time 6 If efficiency is unsatisfactory, rebalance using a different decision rule. Example: This table shows typical chassis assembly sequence of a car, and I will draw a precedence graph according to this table: Then, we can calculate the minimum number of workstations required: no. of workstations=45+50+11+15+9+12+12+12+12+8+958 = 4 So we can arrange the precedence graph accordingly: And the final Efficiency=1954*58=84%It can be seen that in station 4, only 9 seconds are employed among 58 seconds available time. To reduce this inefficiency, some independent operations can be added to this station. In this final assembly shop, we should analyze the work of all workstations, one by one, and reach a balanced assembly line finally. 4. Tool and eq uipment selection The final assembly area is considered a labor-driven process due to the high labor value-added work compared with other stations in the assembly plant. In this case, the right solution for labor and machine corporations is the key successful factor.Trim line: For the trim line assembly, the conveyor system should be changed from the one used in the paint line. We use the floor-mounted conveyor for the trim line and specially, I want to stress that since the plant should has a high production capacity, I choose to add an additional moving belt system to facilitate the workers for the high production rate. Moreover, for operations that will move heavy parts(doors, cockpits, windshield†¦), automation robots are selected instead of human labor. Robots are faster and more precise in installing heavy and big parts than human labor.For wirings, insulating applications, fuel tanks, steering leverage and etc. , I will choose to use human labors because these operations are too complicated for robots, and some area are deep inside the body shell and intangible for robots. On the other hand human labors have the advantage of agility, allowing them to go inside the body shell. In addition, batter-driven screwdrivers(low and medium torque models) should be equipped by the assemblers, to allow them fast and accurate fastening. Here are some pictures of the above mentioned tools and equipments: loor-mounted conveyor with moving belt Chassis line: For the chassis line assembly, the overhead conveyor system is needed to lift the vehicle shell and thus allow the installation of the powertrain system. In order to guide the pre-assembled powertrain system, the AGV(automatic guided vehicle) is used. At the same time battery driver screwdrivers and electric torque wrenches with torque limiters are used by workers to assemble the body and the powertrain system. Also, in order to ensure accurate placement, some laser projection based sensors are needed.Then the installation of wheels and exhaust system happens simultaneously. On the one hand line workers install exhaust system with the help of carrying robots. On the other hand multiple torque wrenches tightens the wheel. Of course tires must be handled with the help of the handling equipment in order to save time for the line workers. This process can spares much time for the powertrain assembly. The overhead conveyor system and the AGV. A multiple torque wrench is fast and precise A electric torque wrench with limiter A tire handler   Final assembly line:The vehicle is coupled with tires now, so a double slat conveyor system is selected to carry the body. In addition, a variety of arm and drop lifters are needed for the ergonomics consideration. Also, fluid filling machines is crucial in this stage: fuel tank, engine, transmissions†¦ For the testing phase, we need testing machines. For example the chassis dynamometer is necessary for the alignment test, the turning radius test an d the break test. The headlight test evaluates the photometric axis of the headlamps by projecting them on a screen and then measuring any deviations.A double slat conveyor A chassis dynamometer A seat handling partner References: 1. COZZARI GIULIANO, Assembly technologies,2010. 2. MARCO GOBETTO, Production Management,2010. 3. Mohammed A. Omar, â€Å"THE AUTOMOTIVE BODY MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES†, 2011 4. FILIP HELLMAN, BJORN LINDAHL, JONAS MALMBERG, thesis of â€Å"Mixed-model assembly line at Volvo Construction Equipment† 5. Marshall L. Fisher and Christopher D. Ittner, â€Å"THE IMPACT OF PRODUCT VARIETY ON AUTOMOBILE ASSEMBLY OPERA TIONS: ANAL YSIS AND EVIDENCE† 6. technical note five: FACILITY LAYOUT

Ogden Nash Poem “Kindly Unhitch That Star, Buddy” Essay

All people in the world live their entire lives to become something greater than they actually are. The quest for success in life is never-ending and people are never satisfied with what they have. In the poem â€Å"Kindly Unhitch that Star, Buddy† Nash warns not to dream for a goal that cannot be attained, in other words people’s long and arduous journey through life is pointless and success is unattainable. Nash uses diction effectively in kindly unhitch that star to show how peoples quests for success differs in many ways. He uses the phrase â€Å"†¦ others seem to think they’ll get just as far by devoting their evenings to the stuffy of the difference between brunettance and blondance† (Nash 21) to show the superficial paths people take to become successful. The key words in this phrase are â€Å"brunnetance and blondance† (21), which are words made up by Nash to show that a person believes that by changing their hair colour to stand out more will help them achieve success. Nash uses well-organized diction when he writes: Which perhaps is just as well because if everybody was a success nobody could be contemptuous of anybody else and everybody would start in all over again trying to be a bigger success than everybody else so they would have somebody to be contemptuous of and so on forevermore (28-31) The word contemptuous is used twice in this phrase and it adds to the effect of the entire stanza. Contemptuous is a strong and effective word used to describe the feeling of successful people towards the average Joe, inferior or worthless. He uses this word to emphasize that if everyone was equal they would trying to become more successful which proves the idea that the journey through life will never be complete enough even if you end up being successful. In addition to the authors efficient use of diction he uses parallel structure to show the same ideas of methods on how to attain success in life. In line nine and ten are constructed parallel to lines twenty-two to line twenty-three the first idea, â€Å"Indeed, everybody wants to be a wow, /but not everybody knows exactly how.†(9-10) is parallel to the idea â€Å"In short,  the world is filled with people trying to achieve success, /and half of them think they’ll get it by saying No and half of them by/saying yes.†(22-23) these ideas both express the idea that all people want to be successful and nobody wants to be a failure but people have different views on how to go about achieving success. Another example of parallel structure within â€Å"Kindly Unhitch that Star, Buddy† is when Nash states â€Å"†¦ other people think they will be able to put in more time at Palm/ Beach and the Ritz.†(13-14) is related to â€Å"†¦ others seem to think they’ll get just as far by devoting their evenings to the stuffy of the difference between brunettance and blondance† (19-21). These two lines both compel the ideas of the shallow methods people will try to become successful in the world. In lines thirteen and fourteen the superficial idea of hanging around already famous people at the Ritz and Palm Beach will make you successful as well, similarly the idea in the other quote shows the idea that someone believes they will become more prosperous in life by simply changing their hair colour. The third literary device that is very evident in Ogden Nash’s â€Å"Kindly Unhitch that Star, Buddy† is irony. The entire poem is written in a very ironic fashion but this irony is most apparent very early in the poem when Nash writes â€Å"And in celestial circles all the run-of-the-mill angels would rather be/ archangels or at least cherubim and seraphim,† (5-6) This is ironic because angels are supposed to be higher beings without any superficial desires or wishes of successfulness. Nash uses this to show that angels should be satisfied with what they are and this can be compared to the lives of many people in the real world trying futilely to become successful. Another example of irony is used when Ogden Nash coins the phrase â€Å"Some people think they will eventually bear diamonds instead of rhinestones, / Only by everlasting keeping their noses to their ghrinestones,† (11-12). Nash modifies this phrase slightly by changing grindstones to ghrinestones to show that people want to bear diamonds in life but in the end all they will achieve is rhinestones, or failure. Nash uses irony effectively and efficiently throughout the entire poem but it is distinctively evident in lines thirteen to twenty one when Nash writes about the different methods of success people try: And other people think they will be able to put in more time at Beach and the Ritz By not paying to much attendance at the office but rather in being brilliant by starts and fits. Some people after a full days work sit up all night getting a college education by correspondence, While others seem to think they’ll get just as far by devoting their evenings to the study of the difference in temperament between brunetteance and blondance (13-21) In these nine lines Ogden Nash describes four different schemes that particular people have to become successful in life. He covers a lot of methods of achieving success such as hard work, eccentricity, and popularity to show that none of these pursuits will make you a successful person because in the end all your efforts to strive for success are in vain. Through diction, parallel structure and irony Nash demonstrates how an average Joe’s journey through life and his striving to become successful will most likely end in failure. The theme of the quest for success is futile in â€Å"Kindly Unhitch that Star, Buddy† is a good example of people’s obsession with success and the value of their life based on that success, people should be satisfied with their life and not trying to live up to something that is unachievable.

An Investigation on the Impact of Personalisation on Both Social Work Essay

An Investigation on the Impact of Personalisation on Both Social Work Practice and Service Users - Essay Example To achieve this, three social workers and two service users who are in receipt of Direct Payments will be interviewed in the process of this study. The interviews are primarily considered for an understanding of the impacts that the philosophy of personalization has on such social workers. Carr, S (2009), stated that â€Å"Personalisation is about meeting the needs of individuals in ways that work best for them. It includes prevention, early intervention, and self-directed support where service users are in control of arranging and managing their own support services. In the context of mental health services, personalization accommodates mental health promotion and maintenance: having choice and control over one’s life contributes to wellbeing.† Thus the concept or the philosophy of personalization stresses on the needs of individuals and tries to deal with those needs such that the individuals can be benefitted for their social causes and services through the needful support. The concept of personalization was formally designed by individuals from the field of information technology. According to Ferguson, I (2007) Charles Leadbeater, a former journalist and founder of personalization, worked for the Financial Times and Channel Four Televisions. Leadbeater has no social work background but works for think tank Demos, and his writings on personalization have become extensively influential. According to his ‘Social Work Review in Scotland on Personalization and Participation’ (2005) he emphasized that â€Å"Personalisation reconnects social workers with the goals and values underpinning the profession....putting users at the heart of services, enabling them to become participants in the design and delivery.....†. To brief the above statement it can be said that Leadbeater mentioned Personalisation being originated from social work values and good person-centered practice where an individual’s

Bargaining Power And Strategic Management In Business Case Study

Bargaining Power And Strategic Management In Business - Case Study Example Suppliers would have low bargaining power as they risk losing the account of one of their largest customers if the client is not satisfied by the terms offered. With many suppliers being present in the industry, it would be very easy for asos.com to switch suppliers thus weakening the position of suppliers in the market. Bargaining Power of Customers Asos.com is heavily reliant on the internet as its main channel of distribution. It does not have a presence as a traditional brick-and-mortar store and thus needs to target a young, fashion-conscious market segment and provide them with an interactive, pleasurable online shopping experience in order to drive sales. Secondly, the number of internet buyers in the UK has increased tremendously and with internet access spreading and the number of retailers offering online services also increasing at a fast pace, customers have more options to seek out the bet prices and switch firms, thus providing them with significant buying power over fi rms and minimizing the risk of exploitation. Fashion retailing being very concentrated in nature and the fact that asos.com does not have any differential advantage over its rivals suggests that the industry is highly competitive and customers exert a lot of influence over firms in the industry and dictate buying patterns. The threat of New Entrants A quick look at the group profits tells us that the industry is a highly attractive one and opportunity seekers will find it quite a lucrative industry to enter into. Thus profitability might eventually decrease if the number of players operating in the market increases further. However, it must be noted that customer loyalty, access to distribution, achieving economies of scale and capital requirements might present significant barriers to entry.

Topics Discussed in Class - My Participation in Class Assignment - 2

Topics Discussed in Class - My Participation in Class - Assignment Example I had no idea that understanding the change in trends, economic environment, political and legal environment is significantly important for marketing. In economies where the culture varies, the marketers have to come up with new and innovative strategies to increase demand. The marketing strategies are built on the basis of understanding the economic environment of a society which comprise of factors like demographics, culture, political & legal environment and the technological advancements to which the people have adapted to. Globalization has increased competition and the barriers have been removed. This in turn has brought changes in the institutional environment and has brought a significant effect on the marketers and their strategies (Griffith, 2010). In this globalizing world the marketer must make an attempt to understand the laws and regulation of the economies they are engaging in business with. They must respect the culture of the people so that effective marketing can be done. Understanding the people must be the primary objective of the marketer. The political condition and stability of an economy may be subject to change. This may change a few laws and regulations of the economy. The stability of the company may be tested under these varying conditions. I studied that the management and the marketers design their strategies in accordance to the political stability/instability in an economy. Sovereignty, political risk, taxes etc. are major concerns for the investors and hence are also of significant importance to the marketers while forming strategies (Shenkar, 2004). The political risk in the economy, the hikes in taxes expected if any and the jurisdiction are part of the economic environments. A socio economic society is dominated by the social norms and cultures which have been developed by the residents of the society (Shenkar, 2004). This gave me knowledge of interrelation of the entire factor and their growing significant importance as the world is becoming a global village. Hofstede proposed various theories to signify the importance of culture. He also identified certain traits of the individuals of the society. He argued that it is very important that the varying culture of the economies must be studied. Hofstede’s dimension of cultural relationship is based on five factors which are power distance, individualist, masculine & feminine cultures, uncertainty avoidance and long term orientation. The study of this model gives a clear understanding and classification of culture. The understanding that was developed by the marketers was that culture is the biggest factor which determines the success or failure of the product. This model is related to nature and time and the significant impact of globalizing has increased its use (De Mooij & Hofstede, 2002). While studying this concept I developed an understanding that Market segmentation is the process of grouping various customers into segments which have similar needs. The responses of the individuals are also similar in this segment. The responses of the segments vary with the changing situation. The segmentation can be carried out on the basis of Demographics, Psychographics, Geographical location etc. similarly targeting is dividing the market into various groups and classes. Positioning is the process of developing an image of the product for the customer (Viswanathan & Dickson,

Does the Law of Torts consist of a fundamental general principle that Assignment

Does the Law of Torts consist of a fundamental general principle that it is wrongful to cause harm to other persons in the abse - Assignment Example Developments in common law support the latter perspective. Earlier cases on negligence supported the first view but latter trends in jurisprudence reinforced the second perspective. A core principle in tort law is the non-materiality of intent or motive. The rationale for this principle is the prevention of the danger posed in leaving the jury with the responsibility of determining the liability of the defendant based on their views towards the propriety or wrongfulness of the defendant’s motives, especially since it is difficult to determine the motives of the defendant. (Cohen and Cohen 211) This principle developed from several cases. In The Mayor of Bradford v. Pickles, the court held that an improper or even malicious motive that causes damage but is not against the law is not actionable. The court rejected the claim of the plaintiffs because diverting underground water, regardless of intent, is within the property rights of the defendant and therefore legal. The same pri nciple has been reiterated in Allen v. Flood and Abbott v. Sullivan. Non-materiality of intent coincides with the second perspective. The first perspective expresses the general rule on tort liability subject only to negation by a justification or excuse. ... The claimant has to focus on showing that the action of the defendant falls under the actionable acts. The act itself is material and the intent is not, so that the second perspective aligns with the principle of non-materiality of intent. The law of torts comprise of a set of rules that establish particular types of harm or injury. As such, liability for tort only ensues when the action of the defendant is proven to fall within this set of rules. (Cohen and Cohen 211) Chapter 32 of the Torts Act 1977 defines the actions considered as wrongful interference with goods, which are â€Å"(1) conversion of goods, (2) trespass to foods, (3) negligence that results in damage to goods or to an interest in goods, and (4) subject to section 2, any other torts so far as it results in damages or to an interest†. The Occupier’s Liability Acts of 1956 and 1984 describes the minimum duty of care towards people’s safety of an occupier (e.g. shop owner, land tenant), who invites other people into the premises or has trespassers. Tort law provisions set the coverage of actionable wrongs to the exemption of all uncovered actions. Liability does not accrue for actions not falling under the forms of wrongful interference with goods and duty of care towards people’s safety is not enforceable in other circumstances apart from what was described by law. As such, tort law expresses the second perspective since it involves a set of specific rules citing harmful activity to the exclusion of other acts. The specific rules in tort law require that the primary question asked is whether the injury claimed by the plaintiff falls within the specific forms of harmful activity (Cohen and Cohen 211). Again, this expresses the second perspective. If tort

Memo and letter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Memo and letter - Essay Example Since you did not listen to our expert advice, there is nothing that we can do for you on this matter. If it is your wish to still plant trees in this particular wet area, it would be better if you planted balsam firs there. Admittedly balsam needles are significantly darker than the Douglas Firs’, but the shape of both trees would still fit in with your tree line. If you have any more concerns or queries at all, then please get in touch with our customer service department and we will be more than willing to help you. Once again, we understand what you are going through but we just can’t be of assistance at this particular time. I am writing this memo to you to analyze Raymond Manning’s application for a crushing and grinding manager’s position at Durango Chemical Corporation. It my opinion, the application letter is convincing and provides many reasons why he should get the job, although it could be structured better to improve his chances of getting the job. Raymond has set up the heading of the letter in the right format because the letter is addressed to the corporation and includes location details. This is fairly standard procedure. However, Raymond also uses a regular and much used greeting, â€Å"To Whom It May Concern.† While this is an appropriate many to address a letter to someone in a formal business setting, the letter could be much more personable if it was actually addressed to the person who is going to read the letter. It would not be too difficult to find out who is in charge of appointing someone for the role. In fact, the person’s name and position is probably stated in the job advertisement that Raymond read in the newspaper. If it was not, then he could have done some research and found the appropriate name. Employers generally prefer to be addressed directly rather than just having a generic greeting. The first line of the letter is good because it gets straight to the point. Employers often do not have much time to read

Accounting for Strategy and Management Control Assignment

Accounting for Strategy and Management Control - Assignment Example various analysts and researchers with an aim to prove the difference and analyse the affect of such differences of functional management on the organisation at large. Based on the similar context a research paper was conducted by two authors, Teerooven Soobaroyen and Bhagtaraj Poorundersing with the article titled as â€Å"The effectiveness of management accounting systems: Evidence from functional managers in a developing country†. The research paper was concentric on the key issue of examining the accessibility of different management accounting systems and the value which these systems pertain for functional managers. To relate the issue with the impact of economical factors, the authors had a chosen environment of a developing economy, i.e. Mauritius located in Africa. The design methodology used by the authors to conduct this paper was concentrated on the survey method of interviewing the production and marketing managers of manufacturing companies. Further the data was analysed through the implementation of regression-path. On the contrary, any kind of research paper conducted posses certain limitations and certain advantages as well. For instance, the paper by Teerooven Soobaroyen and Bhagtaraj Poorundersing, concentrates on examining the managers’ point of view related to the implications of different management accounting systems. This certain attribute simultaneously have certain advantages and a few disadvantages. On one hand, it has an advantage to identify the problems of the realistic practices faced by the managers, while on the other hand it ignores the perception of workers in terms of task uncertainty. These kinds of limitations generally occur due to the personal perceptions of the author(s), the research methodology of the paper, and the time allocated for the research. This study therefore, is emphasised on the critical analysis of the advantages of the research paper and its limitations to successfully attain the determined objective.

Supervision requires the active communication of leadership skills Essay

Supervision requires the active communication of leadership skills that results in a climate where self-motivation takes place - Essay Example Supervision requires the active communication of leadership skills that results in a climate where self-motivation takes place. It is rather important to encourage self-motivation in a workplace since this is the surest way of ensuring that employees perform their task as recommended. Different persons are motivated by different factors and as such achieving self-motivation towards work in a given work environment is in most cases not easy. For instance, a larger proportion of workers in various workplaces are usually motivated by money. Such people will, therefore, in most cases are likely to perform tasks so long as they are assured of payment. Another category of people may be motivated by money but do not like doing work. They will, therefore, try to avoid work by all means. Strict supervision is, therefore, necessary in order for this group to perform tasks properly. The last category involves people who have the passion for work and would thus not only be motivated by money, but rather through doing what they enjoy. Minimum or even no supervision at all is all it takes for work to be done efficiently by this category.

Humanities Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Humanities - Assignment Example Furthermore, the artists refocused their energies at impressionism and abstract art. In addition, other art movements such as Futurism and Objectivity took centre stage. Moreover, other artists like C.R.W Nevinson adapted by joining the War and taking their art into the battlefield. â€Å"The period between 1914 and 1945 represents the ‘End of Certainty’ in the West.† Evaluate this statement, using five examples, in light of the period’s developments in the arts, humanities and science. In relation to the arts, the period was characterized by redefined trends in architecture and painting. Evidently, new style of art such as decorative art, photo-realism, pattern and high tech art. Moreover, nonrepresentational art forms such as abstract expressionalism were replaced by new genres such as pop art. Science and technology equally witnessed rapid advances which witnessed the growth of mass popular culture, as well as empirical science. To this end, new inventions such as telephones, electric lighting appliances, motion pictures, record players. The literary world in postmodernism was signified by transformation in traditional culture. This included adapting, experimenting, and changing literary forms and styles. Furthermore, areas such as drama witnessed significant changes. For example, the American drama matured to through playwrights in Broadway as well mixing American theatrical

Graphic Novels in education Essay Example for Free

Graphic Novels in education Essay Graphic novels and comic books have been some of the most debated topics recently in many different areas. Many people think that they could be helpful in education, while some others completely disagree. Some people think they are childish, and some think they require just as much comprehension as long, fictional novels. However, despite all the criticism graphic novels often get, the genre is growing recently. Many things have led to this rise in interest, from easier access on the Internet to the many superhero movies sparking interest in a younger audience. Due to this recent rise in popularity for graphic novels, several people believe that this genre can be helpful in all levels of education. There are positives and negatives to this possibility, like everything else, but the positives seem to outweigh the negatives. One thing that weighs in favor of adding more graphic novels into education is that they are easier to read and can be more encouraging for students who may not like to read. There are several things that one must be able to do to read and understand graphic novels, including comprehending visual imagery and making inferences. The biggest factors that are helping push graphic novels into education are what was just mentioned; the way students now learn, the need to make inferences, and the need for students to learn visually. Every teacher can admit to having a few students in class that were not particularly good readers or that did not enjoy reading. If graphic novels were read more widely in classrooms, that would help with these certain students learning. The vocabulary and diction used in this genre is much simpler than in most word-based novels that would be read in class. Often, students who are given a very long book, they simply do not even read for their assignments. However, if one of these same students was given a longer graphic novel, like Watchmen for example, it is very likely that they would be more willing to read. Another method that makes these works easier for some students is that the words are more spread out, which makes the student only comprehend small parts at a time. This makes students who are less confident with their reading skills able to better manage comprehending the purpose in a novel. Although the speech in graphic novels is simpler, students are still â€Å"challenged by the need to infer and decipher a variety of literary devices† (Constantino). Another positive factor in graphic novels is how visual it is. Children today are becoming much more visual learners. This is probably due to the prevalence of television and computers in today’s society. While, television and computers have often been looked at as negative impacts in children’s learning, many students have figured out that there are good things on television and the internet. Also, these students have found out that there are books that are not particularly good, despite what they have been taught. While there is still going to be those people out there who will have their doubts about allowing this genre in education, students would benefit from having more visual learning and less long narratives in class, which is just what graphic novels would bring. One of the most important abilities for a student when reading is learning how to make inferences. Many times in comics and graphic novels, the author will give a â€Å"bare outline† of what is going on, and leave the reader to â€Å"fill in the blanks† with the scenery or facial expressions of the characters (Walter). This ability is key to not only reading, but also in daily life. Inferences often need to be made in conversation to know exactly what situation that person is going through. If graphic novels were added to more school’s curriculum, then not only would students’ reading abilities improve, but their conversational skills would also improve. The reader of comics must also be able to decode the messages that the writer displays in his work. No matter how discrete of a message the author may insert into a work, the reader must be able to put together the pieces of the puzzle to create a continuous story. The reader must perform closure in between the â€Å"encapsulated moments in order to create a completed whole out of fragments† (Duncan and Smith 12). This closure that the reader must make is very similar to making inferences. To do both, one must apply background knowledge and relate events that may be described indirectly to blend these sequences into a constant story. Because of the important skill of making inferences that is necessary to read and understand graphic novels, they can be used as a gateway to reading more challenging works by developing this skill in children. As was mentioned previously, children are relying more and more on learning through visual techniques. Because of that, comics can be much more helpful than long narratives in teaching students to understand imagery, tone, symbolism, and many others. One example of how visual aids can help students learn is by using facial expression or body language of the drawn characters in graphic novels. Students will be able to gain many details of the story by simply looking at these two things. By looking at a character’s facial expression, one can learn the current mood of the story, along with what tone the character may be using. Teaching students to look at these things will not just help them when reading a graphic novel, it can also help them figure out certain situations that may occur during their lives. While some people argue that graphic novels are much simpler or not as mentally stimulating, they do share some characteristics with text-based narratives. One characteristic in particular is that they both use onomatopoeia. While these text-based narratives will insert these words into a sentence, graphic novels will make an entire panel out of one of these words. Although both of these genres do use onomatopoeia equally as much, the usage in graphic novels is more imaginative. In graphic novels, the word is usually brought to the center of the page, and made colorful and exciting. Because of the way that graphic novels display this literary technique, students can easier realize when that literary device is being used. Students can get a better understanding of when this literary device is applicable, and that will make them more confident as they continue reading. Despite the fact that graphic novels can often maintain a simpler vocabulary, they can still teach students simple literary devices like onomatopoeia. While the vocabulary is usually simpler, the material is more complex. As Linda Starr states in her article, an advantage of using graphic novels in the classroom is that these books â€Å"present complex material in readable text†. This gives graphic novels an advantage over other, harder to read, novels because more often than not, these students have a greater understanding of issues that are dealt with in books, but not all the time can they decipher what the issues are because of the more difficult vocabulary. One way to simplify things for these students, while still challenging them mentally is to provide more graphic novels in the curriculum. There is always going to be crowds of people who will deny graphic novels ever being relevant in education, but the different ways students are learning, the way students must make inferences, and the visual techniques that are displayed in graphic novels all provide reasons why these texts should be included in the classroom today. Graphic novels can serve as a spring into a lifelong love of reading or it can simply keep the student interested enough to get through an assignment. Whatever a student’s level of reading skill, there is no doubt that they will be able to read a graphic novel, while still maintaining a certain complexity in the ideas presented. Graphic novels can also teach students how to make inferences, as well as recognize and understand common literary techniques. Above all, students’ imaginations, and possibly interests will rise because of this genre being implemented into a curriculum. As Jesse Karp notes about graphic novels, â€Å"the form reaches young people in a way no other can†, and that is what is most important to future students’ learning. Works Cited Constantino, Correne. â€Å"Teaching English and Reading with Graphic Novels†. Education. cu-portland. edu. Concordia University, n. d. Web. 3 May 2013. Randy Duncan and Matthew J. Smith. The Power of Comics: History, Form and Culture. New York: The Continuum International Publishing Group, 2009. Print. Karp, Jesse. â€Å"The Case for Graphic Novels in Education†. Americanlibrariesmagazine. org. Chicago: American Library Associarion, 1 Aug. 2011. Web. 3 May 2013. Starr, Linda. â€Å"Eek! Comics in the Classroom! †. Educationworld. com. Education World, 11 Jan. 2008. Web. 3 May 2013. Walter, Carlene. â€Å"Graphic Novels†. Eclection. wikispaces. com. Tangient LLC, n. d. Web. 3 May 2013.

Techniques to Generate Sustainable Fuels and Biofuels

Techniques to Generate Sustainable Fuels and Biofuels SUSTAINABLE FUELS LIKE BIOFUELS Vishal Kaatal[1] University of Toronto Institute of Aerospace Studies, Toronto, Ontario I have studied different ways to generate Sustainable fuels like Biofuels. My focus is whether Biofuels can help the future of Aviation industry as a fuel source of energy, is it easy to produce in environmental without damaging it. What are the ways of generating Biofuels. Whether any country is focusing to produce Biofuels in abundant quantity and difficulties faced by them. Following selected papers have been selected to start my work but will not be limited to find various answers throughout the project and can be added when required. [1]In recent years, it has been seen drastic change in Climate, Natural resources got reduced, and fossil fuels are in the situation of extinction in near future which triggered scientist and researchers to find an alternative source of energy. They came up with an idea of Biofuel which is generated from the waste of trees, sewage, grass, etc. popularly known by Biomass. Biomass is available in abundant quantity in the world as well as cheaper in cost. In this paper, it shows how to produce Biofuel from Biomass for safer world. [2]This paper talks about the development of aviation biofuels. Aviation biofuel has been tested in various test flights which shows positive result but will take time for commercialized. The constrains which were discussed in interviews with leading global aviation biofuel stakeholders between October and December 2011 are costly production, feedstocks limitation and lack of policy for aviation biofuel throughout the world having rules and regulation at different countries. Paper discussed how to apply these problems for future development of global market for aviation biofuel. [3]This paper talks about Biofuels as a transport alternative fuel in Australia because it the 2nd largest about 24% of total energy consumption.ÂÂ   This large amount of energy demand can be meet with biofuels. It shows different biofuels sources available in Australia which can be produced and used by thinking of future projects.ÂÂ   In future, how to develop biofuel supply chain from different generations of biofuel. [4]This paper deals with the implementation of Biofuels in India as a substitute of fossil fuels and target to use biodiesel and bioethanol for the substitution of 20% fossil fuels by 2017. Also, it shows implications for land use, food production in India. [5]It talks about the use of many algae species to produce biofuels. It also talks about the issue of sustainability of commercial-scale microalgae to produce biofuels with the requirement of environmental conditions. [6]This paper talks about the advantage of algae over first and second generation biomass feedstocks to produce biofuels. It shows the scope and possibilities of Algal biorefineries and how the future of biofuels will be developed using algae. [7]In various ways algae is used to produce Biofuels but did anyone wonder whether the production is possible to meet our requirement. In this paper, the author talks about the limitations to commercialization of algae fuels should be learned and addressed for future commercialization. [8]It is notable that when another source of energy like solar, wind and biofuels usage increases concerns over environmental issues mostly in land use which effects on wildlife. In this paper, it talks about the several uncertainties and limitations to establishing energy production at airports, how to overcome these challenges. [9]In current situation, microalgae used for energy production seem not to be economically feasible. When microalgae cultivated under stress condition produces high-value compounds along with lipids or carbohydrates has been discussed here. [10]The extraction of oil consists of various steps which require energy, the cost of biodiesel from microalgae cost more compared to plant oil. Here sustainable approach for utilization as well as emerging cost effective methods has been discussed. References [1] S. Chakraborty, V. Aggarwal, D. Mukherjee and K. Andras, Biomass to biofuel: a review on production technology, ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. S254-S262, 2012. [2] P. K. Gegg, L. C. Budd and S. G. Ison, The market development of avaition biofuel: drivers and constraints, Journal of Air Transport Management, vol. 39, pp. 34-40, 2014. [3] A. K. Azad, M. Rasul, M. Khan, S. C. Sharma and M. Hazrat, Prospect of biofuel as an alternative transport fuel in Australia, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 43, pp. 331-351, March 2015. [4] N. Ravindranath, C. S. Lakshmi, R. Manuvie and P. Balachandra, Biofuel production and implications for land use, food production and environmnet in India, Energy Policy, vol. 39, no. 10, pp. 5737-5745, October 2011. [5] M. A. Borowitzka and N. R. Moheimani, Sustainable biofuels from algae, Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 13-25, January 2013. [6] J. Singh and S. Gu, Commercialization potential of microalgae for biofuels production, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 14, no. 9, pp. 2596-2610, 2010. [7] Y. Chisti, Constraints to commercialization of algal fuels, Journal of Biotechnology, vol. 167, no. 3, pp. 201-214, September 2013. [8] T. L. DeVault, J. L. Belant, B. F. Blackwell, J. A. Martin, J. A. Schmidt, L. W. Burger Jr and J. W. Patterson Jr, Airports offer Unrealized Potential for Alternative Energy Production, Environmental Management, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 517-522, March 2012. [9] G. Markou and E. Nerantzis, Microalgae for high-value compounds and biofuels production: A review with focus on cultivation under stress conditions, Biotechnology Advances, vol. 31, no. 8, pp. 1532-1542, December 2013. [10] B. Singh, A. Guldhe, I. Rawat and F. Bux, Towards a sustainable approach for development of biodiesel from plant and microalgae, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 29, pp. 216-245, January 2014.

Applications And Types Of Smart Materials Engineering Essay

Applications And Types Of Smart Materials Engineering Essay Smart material are those that change in response to changing conditions in their surrounding or in the application of other directed influences such as passing an electric charge through them. Modern products increasingly use them, shirts that change color with changes in temperature. Smart materials are the materials that have one or more properties that can be significantly changed in a controlled style such as stress, temperature, moisture, pH, electric or magnetic fields. There are many types of smart material some of which are already common. Some examples are as following: Types of smart material Some types of smart materials include: Piezoelectric On applying a mechanical stress to these materials it generates an electric current. Piezoelectric microphones transform changes in pressure caused by sound waves into an electrical signal. Shape memory After deformation of these materials they remember their original shape and return back to its original shape when heated .Applications include shape memory stents tubes threaded into arteries that expand on heating to body temperature to allow increased blood flow. Thermo chromic These are the materials which change their color in response to changes in temperature. They have been used in bathplugs that change color when the water is too hot. Photo chromic These materials change color in response to changes in light conditions. Uses include security ink sand dolls that tan in the sun. Magneto rheological: it is a fluid that fluids become solid when placed in a magnetic field. They can be used to construct dampers that suppress vibrations. These can be used for buildings and bridges to suppress the damaging effects of, For example, high winds or earthquakes. 1.1 pH-sensitive polymers These are materials which swell/collapse when the pH of the surrounding media changes. PH sensitive or pH responsive polymers are materials which will respond to the changes in the pH of the surrounding medium by varying their dimensions. Such materials swell or collapse depending on the pH of their environment. This behavior is exhibited due to the presence of certain functional groups in the polymer chain. 1.2 Magnetostrictive materials exhibit change in shape under the influence of magnetic field and also exhibit change in their magnetization under the influence of mechanical stress Fig 1.1 Magnetostrictive material (inside) then magnetizing coil over it and magnetic enclosure completing the magnetic circuit (outside) It can convert magnetic energy into kinetic energy that is used to build sensors. 1.3 Temperature-responsive polymers These are materials which changes upon temperature. A temperature-responsive polymer is a polymer which undergoes a physical change when external thermal is applied. The ability to undergo such changes makes this class of polymers the category of smart materials. 1.4 Self-healing materials These materials have the intrinsic ability to repair damage due to normal usage, thus expanding the materials lifetime .These are the class of smart materials that have the structurally incorporated ability to repair damage caused by mechanical usage over time. The inspiration comes from biological systems, which have the ability to heal after being wounded. Initiation of cracks and other types of damage on a microscopic level has been shown to change thermal, electrical, and acoustical properties, and eventually lead to whole scale failure of the material. Usually, cracks are mended by hand, which is difficult because cracks are often hard to detect. A material (polymers, ceramics, etc) that can intrinsically correct damage caused by normal usage could lower production costs of a number of different industrial processes through longer part lifetime, reduction of inefficiency over time caused by degradation, as well as prevent costs incurred by material failure Chapter 2 Applications of Smart Materials There are many possibilities for such materials and structures in the manmade world. Engineering structures could operate at the very limit of their performance envelopes and to their structural limits without fear of exceeding either. These structures could also give maintenance engineers a full report on performance history, as well as the location of defects, whilst having the ability to counteract unwanted or potentially dangerous conditions such as excessive vibration, and affect self repair. The Office of Science and Technology Foresight Programme has stated that `Smart materials will have an increasing range of applications (and) the underlying sciences in this area must be maintained at a standard which helps achieve technological objectives, which means that smart materials and structures must solve engineering problems with hitherto unachievable efficiency, and provide an opportunity for new wealth creating products. 2.1 Smart Materials in Aerospace Some materials and structures can be termed sensual devices. These are structures that can sense their environment and generate data for use in health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS). To date the most well established application of HUMS are in the field of aerospace, in areas such as aircraft checking. An airline such as British Airways requires over 1000 employees to service their 747s with extensive routine, ramp, intermediate and major checks to monitor the health and usage of the fleet. Routine checks involve literally dozens of tasks carried out under approximately 12 pages of densely typed check headings. Ramp checks increase in thoroughness every 10 days to 1 month, hanger checks occur every 3 months, interchecks every 15 months, and major checks every 24000 flying hours. In addition to the manpower resources, hanger checks require the aircraft to be out of service for 24 hours, interchecks require 10 days and major checks 5 weeks. The overheads of such safety monitoring are enormous. An aircraft constructed from a sensual structure could self-monitor its performance to a level beyond that of current data recording, and provide ground crews with enhanced health and usage monitoring. This would minimize the overheads associated with HUMS and allow such aircraft to fly for more hours before human intervention is required. 2.2 Smart Materials in Civil Engineering Applications However, sensual structures need not be restricted to hi-tech applications such as aircraft. They could be used in the monitoring of civil engineering structures to assess durability. Monitoring of the current and long term behavior of a bridge would lead to enhanced safety during its life since it would provide early warning of structural problems at a stage where minor repairs would enhance durability, and when used in conjunction with structural rehabilitation could be used to safety monitor the structure beyond its original design life. This would influence the life costs of such structures by reducing upfront construction costs (since smart structures would allow reduced safety factors in initial design), and by extending the safe life of the structure. Sensual materials and structures also have a wide range of potential domestic applications, as in food 2.3 Its properties which enable them for civil engineering application are    Repeated absorption of large amounts of strain energy under loading without permanent deformation. Possibility to obtain a wide range of cyclic behavior -from supplemental and fully reentering to highly dissipating-by simply varying the number and/or the characteristics of SMA components. Usable strain range of 70% Extraordinary fatigue resistance under large strain cycles Their great durability and reliability in the long run. 2.4 STRUCTURAL APPLICATION OF SMART MATERIALS The development of durable and cost effective high performance construction materials and systems is important for the economic well being of a country mainly because the cost of civil infrastructure constitutes a major portion of the national wealth. To address the problems of deteriorating civil infrastructure, research is very essential on smart materials. This paper highlights the use of smart materials for the optimal performance and safe design of buildings and other infrastructures particularly those under the threat of earthquake and other natural hazards. The peculiar properties of the shape memory alloys for smart structures render a promising area of research in this field. Fig 2.1 to achieve speed improvements on existing bridges and to maintain the track in a straight and non-deformed configuration as the train passes With the help of optimal control methodology the train will pass the bridge with reduced track deflections and vibrations and thus velocity could be safely increased. Fig2.1 shows various positions of the train with and without active railway track support. Chapter3 3.1 Reducing waste Producers are forced to consider the entire life of a product at the design stage and customers are increasingly demanding more environmentally sensitive products. Innovative use of smart materials has the potential to reduce waste and to simplify recycling. Electronic waste Electronic waste is the fastest growing component of domestic waste in the UK. Electrical equipment requires that it should be processed before disposal to remove hazardous and recyclable materials. Disassembly of product is expensive and time consuming but the use of smart materials could help to automate the process. Research in this active disassembly has been carried out by UK companies. Active Disassembly Research Ltd. One example uses fasteners constructed from shape memory materials that can self release on heating. Once the fasteners have been released, components can be separated simply by shaking the product. By using fasteners that react to different temperatures, products could be disassembled. 3.2 Research in the UK Smart materials and systems are interdisciplinary subject areas so funding does not come from a single research council. However, the majority of research council funding is allocated by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Materials research is one of its six core programmers and it currently has a commitment of  £21m to smart materials research in 28 UK universities. This includes the EPSRCs contribution to smart materials projects run in collaboration with 35different organizations including the Ministry of Defense British Aerospace In addition to research councils, the government also allocates funding through the Technology Strategy Board. This is an executive non-departmental public body established by the Government to stimulate innovation in those areas which offer the greatest scope for boosting UK growth and productivity. Advanced materials are one of the Technology Strategy Boards key technology areas, which provide the framework for deciding w here it should invest funding and support activities. In 2007, as part of its support for collaborative research and development, the Technology Strategy Board allocated funding of  £7m to a competition for research proposals in Smart Bioactive and Nano structured Materials for Health The Ministry of Defense identifies smart materials and active structures as a priority technology. However, its investment in these areas has decreased markedly in recent years as developments are increasingly driven by global civil markets and commodity products that are often adequate for itsneeds.2 It currently emphasizes monitoring external research rather than producing it in-house. 3.3 Research worldwide The US is the world leader in smart materials research mainly because of the large defence research and development budget. The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has had an in-house programme of smart materials and structures research since the early 1990s, in contrast to the UK. However the UK is strong in many areas and is at the forefront of research into structures that can repair themselves. Other observations so that materials can be sorted automatically. The companies have collaborated with Nokia and believe that this technology could be in use in the next two years. 3.4 Reducing food waste Food makes up approximately one fifth of the UKs waste. One third of food grown for consumption in the UK is thrown away, much of which is food that has reached its best before date without being eaten .These dates are conservative estimates and actual product life may be longer. Manufacturers are now looking for ways to extend product life with packaging, often using smart materials. CHAPTER 4 FUTURE 4.1 In Nanotechnology to Revolutionize Smart Materials Technology The nanotechnology is set to accelerate development of improved and complicated smart material technologies. Researchers are now considering the possibilities of designing, altering, and controlling material structure at nanoscale levels in order to enhance material performance and process efficiency. The advancements in nanomaterials are expected to increase product quality and performance, and they are finding acceptance in diverse applications such as sensors and electronic devices. Nanosensor particles assist in creating tools for analyzing living cells and serve as reporters in industrial process monitoring. In the future, smart materials are likely to derive their success from nanotechnology that is likely to be instrumental in creating more varied, complex, and intelligent systems. 4.2 Smart Materials Expected to Cater to Diverse Applications The advances and improvements in smart materials allow them to cater to a diverse set of applications, especially in the defense, aerospace, healthcare, electronics, and semiconductor industries. Although very few of these applications are at present commercially viable, their potential for future acceptance is irrefutable. Smart materials are particularly useful for cellular production, observes the analyst. With the addition of cellular fluid and by regulating the cells shape and mechanical conditions, smart materials especially polymers can mimic these cells interactions and exhibit effective results. The computer industry is also adopting smart materials for read/write head micropositioners and next-generation data storage devices. Researchers are developing piezo-accelerometers that anticipate and correct head-motion-related read/write errors. In the healthcare markets, smart material technologies are making their way into several analytical devices for detecting and diagnosing complex medical conditions. With future advances, smart materials are also likely to be useful for fabricating insulin pumps and drug delivery devices.