Reliable and Resilient Logistic Systems signposts the risks associated with common logistics systems and provides cutting-edge preventive and rapid response strategies to counter them. Today’s dynamically changing market conditions create an unstable and unpredictable environment for enterprises to operate in, which is not catered to by traditional approaches to logistics planning and organization. In response, this ground-breaking book explains how to create resilient logistic networks that can adapt quickly to changes in operational conditions, thus leading to more reliable supply. Adopting a process orientation, the authors consider a range of issues related to continuous improvement and sidestep the organizational boundaries that can stand in the way of process optimization. Their interdisciplinary approach addresses both technical and management aspects of logistics system performance, thus reflecting the complexity of the challenges targeted.
Biometrics - the physiological and/or behavioural characteristics that can be used to verify the identity of an individual - are no longer just being used in high security locations; they are now in use in major, mainstream government and commercial applications. Since September 11, the heightened awareness of security issues is driving forward the adoption of biometrics within numerous application environments. Coupled with a dramatic decrease in the price of such systems and the formulation of comprehensive industry standards, the market looks set for rapid growth over the next 5 years. The second edition of The Biometric Industry Report - Forecasts and Analysis to 2006 examines the current use and future growth of biometrics. It analyses the trends in markets, technologies and industry structure and profiles the major players. The report provides key market statistics and forecasts essential for companies to plot their future growth strategies.For a PDF version of the report please call Sarah Proom on +44 (0) 1865 843181 for price details.
Engineering, at its origins, was a profession of problem solving. The classic text, Dialogues Concerning Two New Sciences by Galileo Galilei is revisited in this ambitious and comprehensive book by Milton Shaw. In-depth discussions of passages from the Galileo text emphasize the ""mind set"" of engineering, specifically the roles played by experimentation and dialog in analysis and creativity. In the epilogue, the author points out that engineering students are usually exposed to two types of faculty. The first type is mathematically oriented and mostly interested in analytical solutions. The second type is interested in devising and experimenting with innovative solutions. However, since many talented graduates move directly into teaching instead of gaining real world experience, an imbalance of analytical teaching has occurred. Shaw points out through an example by Dr. Dave Lineback that learning to solve practical engineering problems is a very important part of an engineer's education, but is often denied due to expense and time and effort required. This book fills in many of the gaps in engineering education by showing students, and professionals, the historical background of problem solving.Among those who will find this book particularly useful are engineers working in cross-disciplinary capacities, such as mechanical engineers working with electrical engineering concepts or polymeric materials, engineers preparing for professional engineering exams, mid-career engineers looking to broaden their problem-solving skills, and students looking for help growing their skills.