This book is for beginners who are struggling to understand and optimize non-linear problems. The content will help readers gain an understanding and learn how to formulate real-world problems and will also give insight to many researchers for their future prospects. It proposes a mind map for conceptual understanding and includes sufficient solved examples for reader comprehension. The theory is explained in a lucid way. The variety of examples are framed to raise the thinking level of the reader and the formulation of real-world problems are included in the last chapter along with applications. The book is self-explanatory, well synchronized and written for undergraduate, post graduate and research scholars.

Profitable production planning is and will remain an eternal challenge to ensuring the prosperity and dignity of companies in a global market. Even though there are different approaches to achieving the target profitability through productivity in the production planning stage, these approaches do not guarantee consistent planning, creation, and sustenance of synchronous profitable operations for multiannual and annual target profit. In feedback to this predicament, Alin Posteuca develops a new system called speed-based target profit (SBTP). SBTP is the profitable production management and manufacturing improvement system that approaches production planning to achieve unit speed of target profit for target products through manufacturing cost improvement and bottleneck profitability control for maximum takt time. Managers and practitioners within manufacturing companies will discover a practical approach for cost down and cash up by applying a powerful operational profitable production planning formula to meet profitability expectations through productivity based on strong leadership with the help of a specific system for feedforward, concurrent, and feedback control. Therefore, the SBTP system in this book presents a holistic approach to profitability for target products and the development of its own mechanism since the acceptance of each order from customers to achieve continuous synchronization of all manufacturing processes to market requirements, profitability management, and profitable production planning. The uniqueness of the book is reinforced by a detailed presentation of the successful application of the SBTP system in two case studies, as a way of life and a unit speed of target profit improvement ethos at all hierarchical levels, in two multinational manufacturing companies operating in highly competitive markets in order to address the synchronous profitable operations for both the sales increase scenario and the sales decrease scenario. By adopting the SBTP system, your company will be able to consistently achieve unit speed of target profit in the bottleneck process for fulfilling annual and multiannual target profit as a unique and effective way through a new profitable production planning paradigm that operates according to its own production system.

Protecting our environment has never been more important than it is today in the wake of climate change and the ever-increasing demand on natural resources due to the expanding world population. Environmental protection has been increasingly discussed by concerned citizen groups and politicians in the wake of unexpected environmental disasters that have occurred in recent years. The need to protect drinking water resources, control greenhouse gas emissions, and implement successful waste reduction practices will continue to gain visibility with growing social awareness. Environmental managers and leaders can all benefit from this comprehensive and strategic book which guides them through environmental regulatory requirements and methods that can be used to interpret the regulations, develop programs, and processes to ensure compliance. The book includes a Tool Kit containing resources that can assist a company in assessing and evaluating the strength of their environmental program, systems, and processes so that changes can be made before damages to the environment becomes a reality, and penalties are enforced.

This book examines real estate markets and urban development in Central America, Mexico and The Caribbean (CAMEC). It considers both residential and commercial real estate with a focus on industrial and hospitality sectors, infrastructure and logistics. The CAMEC region is besieged by complexity. Prone to natural disasters, and with the Mexico/US border constituting the largest human migration corridor on Earth, the region is also a vital trading hub for goods, linking commerce between the world's two largest oceans and the Americas. The real estate markets in this area are dynamic, rapidly developing and under researched. This book analyses the particularities of these markets and the context in which investors and developers operate. The authors present case studies and contributions from key players in major cities in the region. The book exposes the regional risks and opportunities connected to urban development including market transparency, urban equity and development regulation. The research presented in this volume gives the reader a comprehensive picture of each country under study, detailing their individual commercial, residential, industrial, leisure and infrastructure sectors. This is essential reading for international investors, real estate students, researchers, and professionals with an interest in the region.

Engineering Statics presents the cutting-edge topics in engineering statics, focusing on practical applications knowledge, with numerous real-world examples, practice problems, and case studies throughout. It covers theory concisely and uses plain language and coverage that can be completed in a one-semester course. It also covers the related concepts required to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Features: Written in plain language, with numerous realistic step-by-step examples. Covers topics required to understand and prepare for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Includes practical case studies, concise theory and numerous solved practice problems. Engineering Statics is suitable for undergraduate students in civil and mechanical engineering courses, as well as those in Engineering Technology and Applied courses. This book includes material suitable for first and second-year undergraduate courses, as well as more senior students. The authors believe that this text will be very helpful for students to succeed in their degree programs and professional careers.

The study of pharmaceutical dosage forms has many connections to biological and medical sciences including physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacotherapy, therapeutics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacognosy. Dictionary of Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms is a collection of terms and definitions prepared to assist healthcare practitioners and students as a companion or reference resource when reading notes and completing routine care. It can also provide reference material for hospital and medical staff, consultants, nursing instructors, and pharmaceutical science students. This first edition classifies and organizes the forms in an easily readable format, so readers will find it a quick and simple reference. Features Collects terms and definitions to assist healthcare practitioners and students as a companion or reference resource when reading notes and completing routine care Focuses on product dosage forms and includes supplementary information, providing readers, particularly pharmacy and medical students and professionals, insights into choices of dosage forms made during drug product development Offers information on the indications, contraindications, side effects, and more, for a given drug Classifies and organizes the forms in a readable format, providing a quick and simple reference

Engineering Science is a comprehensive textbook suitable for all vocational and pre-degree courses in engineering, being fully in line with the latest vocational courses at Level 2 and leading into Level 3. Taking a subject-led approach, engineering students will find the essential scientific principles necessary for their studies, developed topic by topic. Unlike most textbooks available for this field, it goes beyond the core science to include applications in the real world and the mechanical and electrical principles required for the majority of courses. It is supported by numerous worked examples and problems, with a complete set of answers. This new edition gives a detailed consideration of the basic arithmetic, algebraic and graphical methods needed in engineering courses so that it conforms completely with sections A and B of the BTEC Level 2 unit, and it provides the basic tools for the science that follows. A new chapter introduces the basic principles of calculus and more material is given on applications. This includes typical properties of materials and a discussion on the way properties of materials over the ages have changed the basic structures of bridges, weightlessness, snooker, thermal insulation and LEDs, as well as buildings, with a particular look at the engineering behind the collapse of the World Trade Centre.

This book examines real estate markets and urban development in Central America, Mexico and The Caribbean (CAMEC). It considers both residential and commercial real estate with a focus on industrial and hospitality sectors, infrastructure and logistics. The CAMEC region is besieged by complexity. Prone to natural disasters, and with the Mexico/US border constituting the largest human migration corridor on Earth, the region is also a vital trading hub for goods, linking commerce between the world's two largest oceans and the Americas. The real estate markets in this area are dynamic, rapidly developing and under researched. This book analyses the particularities of these markets and the context in which investors and developers operate. The authors present case studies and contributions from key players in major cities in the region. The book exposes the regional risks and opportunities connected to urban development including market transparency, urban equity and development regulation. The research presented in this volume gives the reader a comprehensive picture of each country under study, detailing their individual commercial, residential, industrial, leisure and infrastructure sectors. This is essential reading for international investors, real estate students, researchers, and professionals with an interest in the region.

This comprehensive reference work gives an overview of the industrial development and current state of industrialization and deindustrialization in Asia, specifically Southeast Asia and China. It introduces typologies of industrial policies and discusses the manufacturing sector and its evolving role in the region. Designing Integrated Industrial Policies examines the integration of SMEs in global value chains and provides macro-econometric and firm-based micro-econometric analyses of (de)industrialization. This book will be a very useful reference particularly as a how-to guide on industrial promotion and designing integrated industrial policies not only for economic growth and job creation but also for "inclusive" development. It presents country cases and illustrates useful tools for industrial policy simulation and for evidence-based policy making through these concrete examples.

Biomechanics of the Female Reproductive System: Breast and Pelvic Organs: From Models to Patients synthesizes complementary advances in women’s reproductive biomechanics, medical imaging analysis, patient-specific characterization, and computational finite element models. The book discusses the biomechanical aspects related to the breast and female pelvic floor system at each step of development. The table of contents also covers certain events and diseases, including cancers, delivery, aging, breast, hysterectomy or prolapse surgery. It presents the main biomechanical experimental results obtained and models developed this last decade to highlight the importance of accounting for patient-specific history and aging characteristics to consider damage growth effect and impact. As part of Elsevier’s Biomechanics of Living Organs series, this book provides an opportunity for students, researchers, clinicians and engineers to study the main topics related to the biomechanics of the women’s reproductive system in a single book written by a global base of experts.

A Text on the Foundation Processes, Analytical Principles, and Implementation Practices of Engineering Risk Management Drawing from the author's many years of hands-on experience in the field, Analytical Methods for Risk Management: A Systems Engineering Perspectivepresents the foundation processes and analytical practices for identifying, analyzing, measuring, and managing risk in traditional systems, systems-of-systems, and enterprise systems. Balances Risk and Decision Theory with Case Studies and Exercises After an introduction to engineering risk management, the book covers the fundamental axioms and properties of probability as well as key aspects of decision analysis, such as preference theory and risk/utility functions. It concludes with a series of essays on major analytical topics, including how to identify, write, and represent risks; prioritize risks in terms of their potential impacts on a systems project; and monitor progress when mitigating a risk's potential adverse effects. The author also examines technical performance measures and how they can combine into an index to track an engineering system's overall performance risk. In addition, he discusses risk management in the context of engineering complex, large-scale enterprise systems. Applies Various Methods to Risk Engineering and Analysis Problems This practical guide enables an understanding of which processes and analytical techniques are valid and how they are best applied to specific systems engineering environments. After reading this book, you will be on your way to managing risk on both traditional and advanced engineering systems.

Rebuilding the Houses of Parliament explores the history of the UK Houses of Parliament in Westminster from an environmental design perspective, and the role David Boswell Reid played in the development of the original ventilation and climate control system in parliament. This book retraces and critically examines the evolution of the environmental principles underlying the design of the Houses of Parliament, engaging with fundamental questions about air quality, energy efficiency and thermal comfort. This yields insights into the historic methods of environmental design that were characterised by physical experimentation and post-occupancy evaluation. Rebuilding the Houses of Parliament examines the history of the buildings' operation, studying the practical reality of its performance in use and offers the opportunity to reflect on current challenges faced by architects and engineers adapting to the realities of climate change. This book is an ideal read for academics, politicians and practitioners with an interest in architectural history and heritage, theory, engineering and conservation.

Knowledge management is far-reaching. It can dramatically reduce costs such as costs of office work repetition, human resource retirement, information reuse, etc. Rather than "reinventing the wheel" and having it be a costly and inefficient activity, systematic reuse of knowledge can show substantial cost benefits immediately. This book shows how to develop process-oriented methodologies, covers both interorganizational and enterprises models, discusses how knowledge management can dramatically reduce costs and increase speed of response, presents a wide range of quantitative methods applied to various knowledge engineering problems, and offers several graphical presentations of models and processes. Academicians and practitioners in the area of knowledge management and engineering, especially managers in industries will fine this book useful. The material might also be useful in knowledge management graduate studies.

Transforming Management Using Artificial Intelligence Techniques redefines management practices using artificial intelligence (AI) by providing a new approach. It offers a detailed, well-illustrated treatment of each topic with examples and case studies, and brings the exciting field to life by presenting a substantial and robust introduction to AI in a clear and concise manner. It provides a deeper understanding of how the relevant aspects of AI impact each other's efficacy for better output. It's a reliable and accessible one-step resource that introduces AI; presents a full examination of applications; provides an understanding of the foundations; examines education powered by AI, entertainment, home and service robots, healthcare re-imagined, predictive policing, space exploration; and so much more, all within the realm of AI. This book will feature: Uncovering new and innovative features of AI and how it can help in raising economic efficiency at both micro- and macro levels Both the literature and practical aspects of AI and its uses This book summarizing key concepts at the end of each chapter to assist reader comprehension Case studies of tried and tested approaches to resolutions of typical problems Ideal for both teaching and general-knowledge purposes. This book will also simply provide the topic of AI for the readers, aspiring researchers and practitioners involved in management and computer science, so they can obtain a high-level of understanding of AI and managerial applications.

Surface Structure Modification and Hardening of Al-SI Alloys explores the hardening of material surfaces using concentrated energy flows resulting in the nanostructuring of surface layers. The authors demonstrate how these methods achieve a reduction in plastic deformation of the surface and a more uniform distribution of elastic stresses near the surface during operational use, significantly reducing part failure. It presents results from research and scientific and technological enterprises involved with the modification of light alloy surfaces for use in the automobile and aerospace industries. Additional key features include: Addresses theoretical and experimental research computer simulations of structural phase transformations at the nanolevel to create new materials Details and compares electroexplosion alloying, electron beam processing and electron-plasma alloying of an Al-Si Alloy Explains multiphase plasma jet treatment to obtain high-quality coatings with good and high functional properties This reference is a valuable resource for specialists in the field of physical material science, condensed state physics, metal science and thermal treatment and will be of interest to undergraduate and post-graduate students in these fields.

Introduction to Plant Automation and Controls addresses all aspects of modern central plant control systems, including instrumentation, control theory, plant systems, VFDs, PLCs, and supervisory systems. Design concepts and operational behavior of various plants are linked to their control philosophies in a manner that helps new or experienced engineers understand the process behind controls, installation, programming, and troubleshooting of automated systems. This groundbreaking book ties modern electronic-based automation and control systems to the special needs of plants and equipment. It applies practical plant operating experience, electronic-equipment design, and plant engineering to bring a unique approach to aspects of plant controls including security, programming languages, and digital theory. The multidimensional content, supported with 500 illustrations, ties together all aspects of plant controls into a single-source reference of otherwise difficult-to-find information. The increasing complexity of plant control systems requires engineers who can relate plant operations and behaviors to their control requirements. This book is ideal for readers with limited electrical and electronic experience, particularly those looking for a multidisciplinary approach for obtaining a practical understanding of control systems related to the best operating practices of large or small plants. It is an invaluable resource for becoming an expert in this field or as a single-source reference for plant control systems. Author Raymond F. Gardner is a professor of engineering at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, and has been a practicing engineer for more than 40 years.

For over forty years, Materials for Engineers and Technicians has given thousands of students an easily accessible introduction to materials engineering and manufacturing processes. This renowned text is a comprehensive overview of the wide-ranging subject area, written in a straightforward, readable style. It is devoid of excessive jargon and mathematical complexity, and retains a practical down-to-earth approach. This expanded edition references specifications for materials and materials testing that have been updated to include European-wide standards of the EU. More applications of materials and case studies have been included. New content discusses the choice of materials and processes in relation to 3D printing and the importance of materials recycling and sustainability. The increased emphasis on the selection of materials reflects this aspect of materials engineering now seen within current vocational and university courses. In addition to meeting the requirements of vocational and undergraduate engineering syllabuses, this text also serves as a valuable desktop reference for professional engineers working in product design who require a quick source of information on materials and manufacturing processes.

Sustainability enables the development of products with minimal environment impact coupled with economical and societal benefits. This book provides an understanding of theoretical and practical perspectives pertaining to Sustainable manufacturing. This book focuses on fundamentals, providing insights, concepts, tools, methods, case studies, and practical perspectives taken from research. The book will be of interest to students, researchers and industry practitioners.

This book disseminates recent research, theories, and practices relevant to the areas of surface engineering and the processing of materials for functional applications in the aerospace, automobile, and biomedical industries. The book focuses on the hidden technologies and advanced manufacturing methods that may not be standardized by research institutions but are greatly beneficial to material and manufacturing industrial engineers in many ways. It details projects, research activities, and innovations in a global platform to strengthen the knowledge of the concerned community. The book covers surface engineering including coating, deposition, cladding, nanotechnology, surface finishing, precision machining, processing, and emerging advanced manufacturing technologies to enhance the performance of materials in terms of corrosion, wear, and fatigue. The book captures the emerging areas of materials science and advanced manufacturing engineering and presents recent trends in research for researchers, field engineers, and academic professionals.

Businesses today are faced with a highly competitive market and fast-changing technologies. In order to meet demanding customers' needs, they rely on high quality software. A new field of study, soft computing techniques, is needed to estimate the efforts invested in component-based software. Component-Based Systems: Estimating Efforts Using Soft Computing Techniques is an important resource that uses computer-based models for estimating efforts of software. It provides an overview of component-based software engineering, while addressing uncertainty involved in effort estimation and expert opinions. This book will also instruct the reader how to develop mathematical models. This book is an excellent source of information for students and researchers to learn soft computing models, their applications in software management, and will help software developers, managers, and those in the industry to apply soft computing techniques to estimate efforts.

Businesses today are faced with a highly competitive market and fast-changing technologies. In order to meet demanding customers' needs, they rely on high quality software. A new field of study, soft computing techniques, is needed to estimate the efforts invested in component-based software. Component-Based Systems: Estimating Efforts Using Soft Computing Techniques is an important resource that uses computer-based models for estimating efforts of software. It provides an overview of component-based software engineering, while addressing uncertainty involved in effort estimation and expert opinions. This book will also instruct the reader how to develop mathematical models. This book is an excellent source of information for students and researchers to learn soft computing models, their applications in software management, and will help software developers, managers, and those in the industry to apply soft computing techniques to estimate efforts.

Lean is about building and improving stable and predictable systems and processes to deliver to customers high-quality products/services on time by engaging everyone in the organization. Combined with this, organizations need to create an environment of respect for people and continuous learning. It's all about people. People create the product or service, drive innovation, and create systems and processes, and with leadership buy-in and accountability to ensure sustainment with this philosophy, employees will be committed to the organization as they learn and grow personally and professionally. Lean is a term that describes a way of thinking about and managing companies as an enterprise. Becoming Lean requires the following: the continual pursuit to identify and eliminate waste; the establishment of efficient flow of both information and process; and an unwavering top-level commitment. The concept of continuous improvement applies to any process in any industry. Based on the contents of The Lean Practitioners Field Book, the purpose of this series is to show, in detail, how any process can be improved utilizing a combination of tasks and people tools and introduces the BASICS Lean (R) concept. The books are designed for all levels of Lean practitioners and introduces proven tools for analysis and implementation that go beyond the traditional point kaizen event. Each book can be used as a stand-alone volume or used in combination with other titles based on specific needs. Each book is chock-full of case studies and stories from the authors' own experiences in training organizations that have started or are continuing their Lean journey of continuous improvement. Contents include valuable lessons learned and each chapter concludes with questions pertaining to the focus of the chapter. Numerous photographs enrich and illustrate specific tools used in Lean methodology. Suggesting Solutions: Brainstorming Creative Ideas to Maximize Productivity explores the process block diagram tool, how to do a Lean layout and Lean master layout and how to create standard work and visual management systems. The goal of this book is to introduce the balance of the tools and how to proceed once the analysis is completed. There are many pieces to a Lean implementation and all of them are interconnected. This book walks through the relationships and how the data presented can be leveraged to prepare for the implementation. It also provides suggest solutions for improvements and making recommendations to management to secure their buy-in and approval.

Provides a through and systematic discussion on the functionally graded adhesive and its joints Discusses analytical modelling and numerical analyses of the joints Details 3D stress and failure delamination analysis for composite analyses of functionally graded out-of-plane joints under various combinations of loading Illustrates FE Modeling and simulation of interfacial failure and damage propagation in out-of-plane joints Includes effect of various gradation function profiles on damage growth driving forces (SERR)

Focuses on the latest research in Graph Theory Provides recent research findings that are occurring in this field Discusses the advanced developments and gives insights on an international and transnational level Identifies the gaps in the results Presents forthcoming international studies and researches, long with applications in Networking, Computer Science, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, etc.

With business and organisations moving at an ever-faster pace and facing evermore demanding challenges, the need for efficient, succinct and productive interaction between individuals of those businesses and organisations is more important than ever. With the bounds of communication restrictions abandoned through technological advances (we can now see and hear anyone across any manner of virtual platforms anywhere around the globe) and with a greater understanding of the underlying dynamics of human interaction, unprecedented pressure has been thrust upon the individual or individuals who, often, enable these dynamic interactions: the facilitator. Many of us have, at one time or other, been responsible for a meeting - whether between a small number of individuals or an entire organisation of hundreds, or possibly thousands, of businessmen and women. Or, perhaps, we've had to be the mediator in a family dispute closer to home or managed a discussion between two feuding friends or colleagues. One way or another, chances are, all of us have been a facilitator at some point in our lives. With the ever-growing demands placed on facilitators, this book delivers a methodical and structured approach to facilitation. This book is the definitive guide to instruct and assist facilitators - both new and experienced - with a set of guidelines and underlying theory that will benefit any facilitator, whether as a mediator between two individuals, single-handedly facilitating a group of 100 or working as part of a facilitation team in a multinational corporation. The first part of the book develops the core basic skills of those new to the art of facilitating. There are many examples and exercises to show the reader how to apply them in different situations. The second part of the book is for more experienced facilitators as it focuses on more advanced skills and tackling difficult situations. Specific tools and techniques are illustrated for the reader. Essentially, this book is aimed at developing and mastering the art of facilitation. Facilitation is the art of getting the best out of groups of people to brainstorm, solve problems and gain consensus. Based on 30 years' experience of the author and running multiple facilitation training courses across the globe, this book is aimed at upskilling people, managers and leaders to drive change and consensus with groups through running workshops and meetings.