This book presents the results of several years' research work on how to characterize complexity in engineering design with a specific regard to dependency modeling. The 52 complexity metrics that are presented show different facets of how complexity takes shape in design processes. The metrics are supported by a modeling method and a measurement framework to employ the metrics in a goal-oriented manner. The detailed description of all involved metrics and models makes it possible to apply the analysis approach to common process modeling methodologies. Three case studies from automotive process management illustrate the application to facilitate the transfer to other cases in an industrial context. The comprehensive appendix supplies additional details and checklists for structural analysis to generate a complete overview of current means of structural analysis.

A detailed examination of China's increasingly important chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Numerous case studies describe how western companies, such as BASF, Bayer, Bicoll, Ciba, Degussa, DSM and Novartis are managing their market entry in China.

This book presents the results of several years' research work on how to characterize complexity in engineering design with a specific regard to dependency modeling. The 52 complexity metrics that are presented show different facets of how complexity takes shape in design processes. The metrics are supported by a modeling method and a measurement framework to employ the metrics in a goal-oriented manner. The detailed description of all involved metrics and models makes it possible to apply the analysis approach to common process modeling methodologies. Three case studies from automotive process management illustrate the application to facilitate the transfer to other cases in an industrial context. The comprehensive appendix supplies additional details and checklists for structural analysis to generate a complete overview of current means of structural analysis.

A detailed examination of China 's increasingly important chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Numerous case studies describe how western companies, such as BASF, Bayer, Bicoll, Ciba, Degussa, DSM and Novartis are managing their market entry in China.

Social Competence of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children addresses the development, assessment, and promotion of social competence in children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH). Most children readily develop social competence through the mutually dependent development of social skills and social relationships. Why then write a book on the social competence of DHH children? Hearing loss, with its resulting communication challenges, has the potential to impede the development of social skills and restrict social relationships. In this volume, Shirin D. Antia and Kathryn H. Kreimeyer highlight multiple strategies that teachers, families, and community members can utilize to promote the social competence of DHH children. The authors approach this topic by first describing the development and expression of social competence in infants, as well as in preschool- and school-age hearing and DHH children. Socially competent children display a flexible repertoire of social behaviors that are appropriately utilized in varying social situations and which further children's social goals. Since social competence develops initially through interactions between infants and their caretakers, a primary consideration for children with hearing loss is that the infant and caretaker share a common communication approach to facilitate early interaction. As infants become preschool age, opportunities for interactions with other children increase and social interactions revolve around play. The development of interactive and of pretend play requires children to communicate with one another to assume roles, share fantasies, and solve social conflicts. DHH children must develop communication skills to participate in interactive play, and hearing children may need guidance to successfully engage with DHH peers. For school-age children, the importance of peer acceptance increases; DHH children need supportive situations both within and outside of school to interact with peers, develop friendships, and refine the social behaviors that promote peer acceptance. The authors present a variety of practical ways to assess the social competence of DHH children. They emphasize the role of assessment in identifying social strengths and needs to establish a basis for any necessary intervention. They then present ways to promote social competence, with a separate focus on strategies appropriate for young DHH children and for school-age DHH children. For both age groups, the authors address the role of families, professionals, schools, and communities in helping children develop the skills needed to become socially competent individuals. This book will be a valuable resource for the parents and families of DHH children, for the general and special educators who teach these children, and for the researchers who describe development and evaluate the effectiveness of strategies to promote the social competence of DHH children.

"The Adventures of Henri, the Super Dog is a book encouraging the best from anyone. Henri demonstrates how even the ordinary can become extraordinary when he focuses on helping others."

Thomas Whitehall, the son of a Mississippi power couple, is injured during a SWAT competition, which is similar to what actually happened to a young policeman. With debilitating injuries, Tom is left in a coma and his wealthy parents want revenge against whoever is responsible. His wife Savannah is left to fend for herself against one disaster after another. In one moment of time, the promising young couple's life changes in the face of an unrelenting and unjust world that shatters their dreams. Clandestine forces are at work from many angles bearing down on the public relations professional at a major hospital. Who is at the center of it all? Is there no justice for her?

Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Johnson is plunged into the web of hatred among the Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian warring factions when she is sent to Zagreb. Although a Peace Treaty has been signed, animosities manifest themselves in the downing of the Implementation Forces commander's aircraft, carrying "Fortune 500" CEOs as well as the admiral. Leslie must juggle intense media interest and monitor the aircraft incident investigation process, while averting attempts on her own life. In the midst of these chaotic days, Leslie encounters a stabilizing factor in Colonel Roger Wilson and shares a few stolen moments with him. Survival and understanding the repercussions of the Balkan Wars and Croatia's rise to independence becomes the focus of the two Air Force officers in this volatile environment.