Over the years I have worked with or consulted for many managers throughout the world at all levels of industry and government. I have seen who succeeded, achieved goals, and made progress, and who failed or crashed. I have studied their methods of operation and their decision-making approach, as well as the range of people involved in the decision-making. I similarly personally managed large industrial and service organizations and their operations, and found that to succeed and have a content team of collaborators, decision-making had to be joint and delegated to the lowest competent and informed level. Using this approach not only improved the performance of the organization or firm, but also resulted in a more content, professional, cooperative, happy, and competent workforce. In general, people like to assume responsibility, particularly of functions with which they are intimately familiar. They enjoy the role of de- sion-maker and the use of their knowledge and experience in guiding their and related work. Delegation of decision-making not only infuses pride and conte- ment but also assures more informed, timely, and effective implementation of de- sions. It also adds to worker training and education as workers inquire, develop information and use of their own experience in improving their decision-making. Worker pride and feeling of control and involvement lead to contentment and s- isfaction which, in return, pays dividends in worker productivity, morale, retention, and resulting low turnover.

Although computational intelligence and soft computing are both well-known fields, using computational intelligence and soft computing in conjunction is an emerging concept. This combination can effectively be used in practical areas of various fields of research. Applied Computational Intelligence and Soft Computing in Engineering is an essential reference work featuring the latest scholarly research on the concepts, paradigms, and algorithms of computational intelligence and its constituent methodologies such as evolutionary computation, neural networks, and fuzzy logic. Including coverage on a broad range of topics and perspectives such as cloud computing, sampling in optimization, and swarm intelligence, this publication is ideally designed for engineers, academicians, technology developers, researchers, and students seeking current research on the benefits of applying computation intelligence techniques to engineering and technology.

Dielectric Polymer Nanocomposites provides the first in-depth discussion of nano-dielectrics, an emerging and fast moving topic in electrical insulation. The text begins with an overview of the background, principles and promise of nanodielectrics, followed by a discussion of the processing of nanocomposites and then proceeds with special considerations of clay based processes, mechanical, thermal and electric properties and surface properties as well as erosion resistance. Carbon nanotubes are discussed as a means of creation of non linear conductivity, the text concludes with a industrial applications perspective.

This book offers a platform for engineering educators who are interested in implementing a "creative ways of knowing" approach to presenting engineering concepts. The case studies in this book reveal how students learn through creative engagement that includes not only design and build activities, but also creative presentations of learning, such as composing songs, writing poems and short stories, painting and drawing, as well as designing animations and comics. Any engineering educator will find common ground with the authors, who are all experienced engineering and liberal arts professors, who have taken the step to include creative activities and outlets for students learning engineering.

Contents - 1. SOLIDS-STORAGE AND HANDLING - General - Conveyors - Drying - 2. LIQUIDS-STORAGE AND HANDLING - Tanks - Pumps - Mechanical Seals - 3. GASES-STORAGE AND HANDLING - General - Handling Air - Types of Apparatus - 4. PIPE, FITTINGS, VALVES - Pipe Types- Valve Types - 5. MIXING OF MATERIALS - Blending of Solids - Mixing of Fluids - Operating Notes - 6. HEATING AND COOLING - General - Heat Exchangers - Suggestions for Operation - 7. SEPARATION OF MATERIALS - Solids from Solids - Solids from Liquids - Liquids from Liquids - Gases from Gases - 8. UTILITIES - Heating Systems - Cooling Systems - Refrigeration - Process Water - Electrical Systems - Air Systems - 9. INSTRUMENTS FOR PRESSURE - General - Indicators - Transmitters - Regulators - 10. INSTRUMENTS FOR TEMPERATURE - Primary Elements - Transmitters - Regulators - 11. INSTRUMENTS FOR FLOW AND LIQUID LEVEL - Indicators - Flow Transmitters - Liquid Level Indicators and Transmitters - 12. INSTRUMENTS FOR CONTROL - Recorders and Integrators - Controllers - Operating Pointers - Control Valves - Miscellaneous -

This volume identifies, discusses and addresses the wide array of ethical issues that have emerged for engineers due to the rise of a global economy. To date, there has been no systematic treatment of the particular challenges globalization poses for engineering ethics standards and education. This volume concentrates on precisely this challenge. Scholars and practitioners from diverse national and professional backgrounds discuss the ethical issues emerging from the inherent symbiotic relationship between the engineering profession and globalization. Through their discussions a deeper and more complete understanding of the precise ways in which globalization impacts the formulation and justification of ethical standards in engineering as well as the curriculum and pedagogy of engineering ethics education emerges. The world today is witnessing an unprecedented demand for engineers and other science and technology professionals with advanced degrees due to both the off-shoring of western jobs and the rapid development of non-Western countries. The current flow of technology and professionals is from the West to the rest of the world. Professional practices followed by Western (or Western-trained) engineers are often based on presuppositions which can be in fundamental disagreement with the viewpoints of non-Westerners. A successful engineering solution cannot be simply technically sound, but also must account for cultural, social and religious constraints. For these reasons, existing Western standards cannot simply be exported to other countries. Divided into two parts, Part I of the volume provides an overview of particular dimensions of globalization and the criteria that an adequate engineering ethics framework must satisfy in a globalized world. Part II of the volume considers pedagogical challenges and aims in engineering ethics education that is global in character.

"Logistics" is the ideal book for Bachelor students of logistics, providing a solid foundation as well as a practical guide. In modular and clear form, it explains key concepts, principles, and practices of logistics. Learning objectives as well as several case studies are integrated into each chapter.

It features chapters on Principles of Logistics; Logistics Systems; Transport Systems and Logistics Services; Warehousing, Handling and Picking Systems; Inventory, Stock and Provisioning Management; Logistics Network Planning; IT in Logistics; and Logistics Controlling. In addition, the second fully updated German edition has been extended by the chapters Logistics Infrastructure and Investment and Financing in Logistics.

"This book offers, in a very clear and concise manner, access to fundamental management topics of modern logistics. Well-chosen case studies serve to illustrate best practice solutions."

"Professor Peter Klaus, member of Logistics Hall of Fame "

"This new textbook facilitates a comprehensive and easy-to-grasp insight into the complex subject area of logistics. The authors have succeeded in presenting a good mix of theoretical foundation and practical application. Due to its clear structure and extensive range of topics, this book is highly suitable not only for students, but also for practitioners."

"Bernhard Simon, Managing Director, DACHSER GmbH & Co. KG""

Human and organizational factors have a substantial impact on the performance of planning and scheduling processes. Despite widespread and advanced decision support systems, human decision makers are still crucial to improve the operational performance in manufacturing industries. In this text, the state of the art in this area is discussed by experts from a wide variety of engineering and social science disciplines. Moreover, recent results from collaborative studies and a number of field cases are presented. The text is targeted at researchers and graduate students, but is also particularly useful for managers, consultants, and system developers to better understand how human performance can be advanced.

Rapid evolution of trade, cultural and human relations provides the qualitative and quantitative enhancement of international collaborations, linking the countries with different economical and technological level. Delocalization of High-Tech industry inevitably leads to development of the material science and engineering researches in emergent countries, requiring transfer of know-how, restructuration of basic research and educational networks. This book presents the contributions of participants of the Advanced Research Workshop "Smart Materials for Energy, Communications and Security" (ARW SMECS; www.smecs.ferroix.net), organized in December 2007 in Marrakech in frame of the "NATO - Science for Peace" program. The objective of this event was the attempt to overview several hot topics of material physics related with problems of modern society: transformation and storage of energy, treatment and transmission of information, environmental security issues etc., with the focus of their implementation in Mediterranean Dialogue (MD) countries: Algeria, Egypt, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia. The workshop is an important stage in developing of the research network "Mediterranean Electronic Materials" - MEM (www.reseau-MEM.org), that has an objective to encourage the inter-Maghreb and Europe-Maghreb collaborative studies in the area of electroactive materials. Participants of the Advanced Research Workshop "Smart Materials for Energy, Communications and Security" , Marrakech, Morocco, December 2007 v vi PREFACE

The term "soft computing" applies to variants of and combinations under the four broad categories of evolutionary computing, neural networks, fuzzy logic, and Bayesian statistics. Although each one has its separate strengths, the complem- tary nature of these techniques when used in combination (hybrid) makes them a powerful alternative for solving complex problems where conventional mat- matical methods fail. The use of intelligent and soft computing techniques in the field of geo- chanical and pavement engineering has steadily increased over the past decade owing to their ability to admit approximate reasoning, imprecision, uncertainty and partial truth. Since real-life infrastructure engineering decisions are made in ambiguous environments that require human expertise, the application of soft computing techniques has been an attractive option in pavement and geomecha- cal modeling. The objective of this carefully edited book is to highlight key recent advances made in the application of soft computing techniques in pavement and geo- chanical systems. Soft computing techniques discussed in this book include, but are not limited to: neural networks, evolutionary computing, swarm intelligence, probabilistic modeling, kernel machines, knowledge discovery and data mining, neuro-fuzzy systems and hybrid approaches. Highlighted application areas include infrastructure materials modeling, pavement analysis and design, rapid interpre- tion of nondestructive testing results, porous asphalt concrete distress modeling, model parameter identification, pavement engineering inversion problems, s- grade soils characterization, and backcalculation of pavement layer thickness and moduli.

This volume features papers from the 18th International Congress on Project Management and Engineering, held by the University of Zaragoza in collaboration with the Spanish Association of Project Management and Engineering (AEIPRO). It illustrates the state of the art in this emerging area. Readers will discover ways to increase the effectiveness of project engineering as well as the efficiency of project management. The papers, written by international researchers and professionals, cover civil engineering and urban planning, product and process engineering, environmental engineering, energy efficiency and renewable energies, rural development, safety, labor risks and ergonomics, and training in project engineering. Overall, this book contributes to the improvement of project engineering research and enhances the transfer of results to the job of project engineers and project managers around the world. It will appeal to all professionals in the field as well as researchers and teachers involved in the training of future professionals.

This textbook is aimed at engineering students who are likely to come across magnetics applications in their professional practice. Whether designing lithography equipment containing ferromagnetic brushes, or detecting defects in aeronautics, some basic knowledge of 21st century magnetism is needed. From the magnetic tape on the pocket credit card to the read head in a personal computer, people run into magnetism in many products. Furthermore, in a variety of disciplines tools of the trade exploit magnetic principles, and many interdisciplinary laboratory research areas cross paths with magnetic phenomena that may seem mysterious to the untrained mind. Therefore, this course offers a broad coverage of magnetism topics encountered more often in this millenium, revealing key concepts on which many practical applications rest. Some traditional subjects in magnetism are discussed in the first half of the book, followed by areas likely to spark the curiosity of those more interested in today's technological achievements. Although sometimes some aspects may seem difficult to comprehend at first, bibliography directs the reader to appropriate further study. Throughout the chapters, the student is encouraged to discover the not-so-obvious associations between different magnetics topics, a task that will prove to be at the very least rewarding.

The field of industrial engineering continues to advance at a rapid rate due to innovative technologies such as robotics and automation that improve performance and efficiencies. Emerging research on these latest trends, strategies, and techniques is needed to ensure that industry professionals remain up to date on the best practices for success. Optimizing Current Strategies and Applications in Industrial Engineering is a pivotal reference source that provides vital research on the development, improvement, implementation, and evaluation of integrated systems in engineering. While highlighting topics such as engineering economy, material handling, and operations management, this book is ideally designed for engineers, policymakers, educators, researchers, and practitioners.

The transport of neutrons in a multiplying system is an area of branching processes with a clear formalism. This book presents an account of the mathematical tools used in describing branching processes, which are then used to derive a large number of properties of the neutron distribution in multiplying systems with or without an external source.
In the second part of the book, the theory is applied to the description of the neutron fluctuations in nuclear reactor cores as well as in small samples of fissile material. The question of how to extract information about the system under study is discussed. In particular the measurement of the reactivity of subcritical cores, driven with various Poisson and non-Poisson (pulsed) sources, and the identification of fissile material samples, is illustrated.
The book gives pragmatic information for those planning and executing and evaluating experiments on such systems.
- Gives a complete treatise of the mathematics of branching particle processes, and in particular neutron fluctuations, in a self-contained manner;
- The first monograph containing the theory and application of neutron fluctuations in low power ADS (spallation and pulsed sources);
- Suitable as a tutorial and handbook/reference book for scientists and graduate students;
- One of the authors is the founder of the mathematical theory of neutron fluctuations in zero power systems.

Product design is characterized by a steady increase in complexity. The main focus of this book is a structural approach on complexity management. This means, system structures are considered in order to address the challenge of complexity in all aspects of product design. Structures arise from the complex dependencies of system elements. Thus, the identification of system structures provides access to the understanding of system behavior in practical applications.

The book presents a methodology that enables the analysis, control and optimization of complex structures, and the applicability of domain-spanning problems. The methodology allows significant improvements on handling system complexity by creating improved system understanding on the one hand and optimizing product design that is robust for system adaptations on the other hand. Developers can thereby enhance project coordination and improve communication between team members and as a result shorten development time. The practical application of the methodology is described by means of two detailed examples.

This book is a collection of chapters on the state of art in the area of intelligent machines. This research provides a sound basis to make autonomous systems human-like. The contributions include an introduction to intelligent machines; supervisory control of multiple UAVs; and intelligent autonomous UAV task allocation. Also included is material on UAV path planning; dynamic path planning; state estimation of micro air vehicles and architecture for soccer playing robots, as well as robot perception.

This book is written for beginners and students who wish to learn MATLAB. One of the objectives of writing this book is to introduce MATLAB to students in high schools. The material presented is very easy and simple to understand - written in a gentle manner. The topics covered in the book include arithmetic operations, variables, mathematical functions, complex numbers, vectors, matrices, programming, graphs, solving equations, and an introduction to calculus. In addition, the MATLAB Symbolic Math Toolbox is emphasized in this book. There are also over 230 exercises at the ends of chapters for students to practice. Detailed solutions to all the exercises are provided in the second half of the book. The author has been using MATLAB for the past fifteen years and is the author of the best selling book "MATLAB Guide to Finite Elements." For the paperback edition, visit Amazon.com. This description applies to the Revised Edition.

This book discusses the revolution of cycles and rhythms that is expected to take place in different branches of science and engineering in the 21st century, with a focus on communication and information processing. It presents high-quality papers in vibration sciences, rhythms and oscillations, neurosciences, mathematical sciences, and communication. It includes major topics in engineering and structural mechanics, computer sciences, biophysics and biomathematics, as well as other related fields. Offering valuable insights, it also inspires researchers to work in these fields. The papers included in this book were presented at the 1st International Conference on Engineering Vibration, Communication and Information Processing (ICoEVCI-2018), India.