This study focuses on applied research as a service to a client with a problem that research can help solve. Because applied research has a definite purpose, there is usually a time constraint, a deadline by which the work must be completed, as well as a limit on the resources the client has available or is willing to use. Consequently, the researc

This study focuses on applied research as a service to a client with a problem that research can help solve. Because applied research has a definite purpose, there is usually a time constraint, a deadline by which the work must be completed, as well as a limit on the resources the client has available or is willing to use.

Over the past 100 years the European Automotive Industry has been repeatedly challenged by best practice. First by the United States, through the development of 'mass production' pioneered by Henry Ford and more recently by 'lean production techniques' as practised by the leading Japanese producers, particularly Toyota. It has consistently risen to these challenges and has shown it can compete and even outperform its competitors with world-class products. However, the European - dustry is now faced with growing competition and growth from new emerging low-cost countries and needs to re-define its competitive advantage to remain at the forefront of the sector. Automotive growth is driven by two factors, new m- kets and new technologies. Global competition is increasing, with technology and product differentiation becoming the most important sales factors, but with c- tinued cost pressure. Within the market the winners will be more profitable and the losers will disappear. The Automotive Industry makes a significant contribution to the socio-economic fabric of the European Union. Manufacturing output represents EURO700 billion and research and development spending EURO24 billion. European automotive suppliers number 5000 member companies and represent 5 million employees and generate EURO500 billion in revenues. These are significant figures that generate wealth and high value employment within the EU. European firms must consistently improve their competitive position to ensure that the industry does not migrate to growing new markets.

Over the past 100 years the European Automotive Industry has been repeatedly challenged by best practice. First by the United States, through the development of 'mass production' pioneered by Henry Ford and more recently by 'lean production techniques' as practised by the leading Japanese producers, particularly Toyota. It has consistently risen to these challenges and has shown it can compete and even outperform its competitors with world-class products. However, the European - dustry is now faced with growing competition and growth from new emerging low-cost countries and needs to re-define its competitive advantage to remain at the forefront of the sector. Automotive growth is driven by two factors, new m- kets and new technologies. Global competition is increasing, with technology and product differentiation becoming the most important sales factors, but with c- tinued cost pressure. Within the market the winners will be more profitable and the losers will disappear. The Automotive Industry makes a significant contribution to the socio-economic fabric of the European Union. Manufacturing output represents EURO700 billion and research and development spending EURO24 billion. European automotive suppliers number 5000 member companies and represent 5 million employees and generate EURO500 billion in revenues. These are significant figures that generate wealth and high value employment within the EU. European firms must consistently improve their competitive position to ensure that the industry does not migrate to growing new markets.

Sixty years after its release, Singin' in the Rain (1951) remains one of the best loved films ever made. Yet despite dazzling success with the public, it never received its fair share of critical analysis. Gene Kelly's genius as a performer is undeniable. Acknowledged less often is his innovatory contribution as director. Peter Wollen's illuminating study of Singin' in the Rain does justice to this complex film. In a brilliant shot-by-shot analysis of the famous title number, he shows how skilfully Kelly weaves the dance and musical elements into the narrative, successfully combining two distinctive traditions within American Dance: tap and ballet. At the time of the film's production, its scriptwriters Betty Comden and Adolph Green, and indeed Kelly himself, were all under threat from McCarthyism. Wollen describes how the fallout from blacklisting curtailed the careers of many of those who worked on the film and argues convincingly that the film represents the high point in their careers. In his foreword to this special edition, published to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the BFI Film Classics series, Geoff Andrew looks at the film's legacy and celebrates the passion, lucidity and originality of Wollen's analysis. Summing up its enduring appeal, Andrew writes: 'Singin' in the Rain isn't just a musical, it's a movie about the movies.'

There's a lot more to Calgary than its reputation as an oil boom town might suggest. With the Bow River coursing through the city and the 1988 Olympic ski jumps perched on a ridge to the southwest, Calgary is situated in a diverse landscape. A vibrant downtown, a legendary Stampede and more outdoor activities within easy reach than you can shake a hiking stick at all give Canada's Cowtown much more to display than spurs and Smithbilts. Andrew Bradley provides dozens of full-colour photographs to the sites and scenes of the city. This spectacular photographic tour introduces the best Calgary has to offer, while accompanying text provides great information on what makes the city unique. Whether it's the rolling foothills just outside of town, the jagged crags of the Rocky Mountains or the vast and diverse architecture, Portrait of Calgary provides a sample of everything.