Equipment Hire Research Articles

Subseasonal-to-Seasonal Forecasting for Wind Turbine Maintenance Scheduling

Certain wind turbine maintenance tasks require specialist equipment, such as a large crane for heavy lift operations. Equipment hire often has a lead time of several weeks but equipment use is restricted by future weather conditions through wind speed safety limits, necessitating an assessment of future weather conditions. This paper sets out a methodology for producing subseasonal-to-seasonal (up to 6 weeks ahead) forecasts that are site- and task-specific. Forecasts are shown to improve on climatology at all sites, with fair skill out to six weeks for both variability and weather window forecasts. For the case of crane hire, a cost-loss model identifies the range of electricity prices where the hiring decision is sensitive to the forecasts. While there is little difference in the hiring decision made by the proposed forecasts and the climatology benchmark at most electricity prices, the repair cost per turbine is reduced at lower electricity prices.

Key stakeholder perspectives on the development and real-world implementation of a home-based physical activity program for mothers at risk of postnatal depression: a qualitative study

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is a modifiable risk factor for postnatal depression (PND) and programs are needed to enhance PA amongst women at risk of PND. Key stakeholder involvement in informing development and implementation of such programs is vital. However, little research demonstrates key stakeholder insights to inform the design and delivery of PA programs for improving PND. The aim of this study was to explore key stakeholder perspectives on the design and delivery of a home-based PA program for mothers with PND symptoms to inform future real-world implementation and scale-up.MethodsA descriptive qualitative study was undertaken whereby semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives from various key stakeholder organisations involved in postnatal PA and/or mental health, public health and policy in Australia (n = 11). Interviews were conducted between September to November 2019 and explored stakeholder perceptions on the design and delivery of a home-based PA program for mothers with PND symptoms. The interview schedule was informed by both the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and the PRACTical planning for Implementation and Scale-up (PRACTIS) guide. Data were analysed thematically using both deductive and inductive coding.ResultsThe relative priority of PND and PA was high for most organisations involved, although none implemented PA programs supporting women at risk of PND. Most stakeholders perceived the program as appealing due to addressing barriers to postnatal PA, although identified some feasibility issues regarding funding and delivery mechanisms. Suggestions for program adaptations included an equity focus (e.g. providing socioeconomically disadvantaged women with a greater program dose; translating web-app based content into various languages). Planned components of the program were suggested to align (i.e. relative advantage) with existing initiatives (e.g. equipment hire for nurseries scheme) and screening systems for PND (timing of referral). Perceived barriers to scale-up included logistics/cost of equipment, organisational capacity demands and safety risks/liability. Perceived enablers to scale-up included linking the program with ‘adjunct’ programs and services.ConclusionsWhile the program was appealing and most organisations could see a role in endorsing and/or referring to the program, funding and delivery mechanisms still need to be identified.

Automated seed sowing machine: A review

In the farming process, often used conventional seeding operation takes more time and more labor. The seed feed rate is more but the time required for the total operation is more and the total cost is increased due to labor, hiring of equipment. The conventional seed sowing machine is less efficient, time consuming. Today's era is marching towards the rapid growth of all sectors including the agricultural sector. To meet the future food demands, the farmers have to implement the new techniques which will not affect the soil texture but will increase the overall crop production. In the farming process, often used conventional seeding operation takes more time and more labor. The seed feed rate is more but the time required for the total operation is also more and the total cost is increased due to labor, hiring of equipment. This machine reduces the efforts and total cost of sowing the seeds and fertilizer placement. Sowing machine should be suitable to all farms, all types of corps, robust construction, also it should be reliable, this is basic requirement of sowing machine. Thus we made sowing machine which is operated manually but reduces the efforts of farmers thus increasing the efficiency of planting also reduces the problem encountered in manual planting. For this machine we can plant different types and different sizes of seeds also we can vary the space between two seeds while planting. This also increased the planting efficiency and accuracy. We made it from raw materials thus it was so cheap and very usable for small scale farmers. For effective handling of the machine by any farmer or by any untrained worker we simplified its design. Also its adjusting and maintenance method also simplified.

Agriculture Machine of Seed Sower, Weeder and Water Sprayer

In the farming process, often used conventional seeding operation takes more time and more labor. The seed feed rate is more but the time required for the total operation is more and the total cost is increased due to labor, hiring of equipment. The conventional seed sowing machine is less efficient, time consuming. Today’s era is marching towards the rapid growth of all sectors including the agricultural sector. To meet the future food demands, the farmers have to implement the new techniques which will not affect the soil texture but will increase the overall crop production. Agriculture in India has a significant history. Today, India ranks second worldwide in farm output. Still, agriculture is demographically the broadest economic sector and plays a significant role in the overall socio-economic fabric of India.

INFLUENCE OF RISK MANAGEMENT ON SUPPLY CHAIN PROJECTS IN KENYA - A CASE OF DELOITTE KENYA

Purpose:This study examined the Influence of Risk Management on Supply Chain Projects in Kenya. Risk Management is a critical issue in the industry. The study sought to assess Influence of Risk Management on Supply Chain Projects in Kenya.Methodology:The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population of the study was all the completed (566) Supply Chain Projects in Deloitte within the 2013 to 2017 strategic year period. The study used self-structured questionnaires to collect primary data from respondents and the data collected was cleaned, pretested, validated, coded, summarized and analysed using statistical package of SPSS V23. The study findings were presented using bar charts and pie charts. . Results:The study found that the project managers had conceptual skills, technical skills, cost management skills, which positively influence Risk Management of supply chain projects. In addition, the study established that technological literacy and awareness, projects tools and equipment, skilled manpower, manpower training capacity, technological innovation, analytical and computational capacity and project team’s knowledge on ICT influence Risk Management in supply chain projects. Further, the study found that schedule development, schedule crashing, schedule compression, sequence of activities and schedule fast tracking influence Risk Management in supply chain projects. Also, the study found that factors such as the GDP cost of relocation of public utilities, inflation rates, variation of cost of labor, equipment hire rates, government debt service ratio, competing demands for government funds and unemployment rates influence Risk Management in supply chain projects.Contribution to policy and practice:Based on the study findings, the study concludes that risk planning influences Supply Chain Projects.The study also recommends that the government of Kenya should revise the current monitory policy governing inflation rates and foreign exchange rates so as to ensure the stability of foreign exchange rates and reduction in inflation rate.

INFLUENCE OF RISK MANAGEMENT ON SUPPLY CHAIN PROJECTS IN KENYA - A CASE OF DELOITTE KENYA

Purpose:This study examined the Influence of Risk Management on Supply Chain Projects in Kenya. Risk Management is a critical issue in the industry. The study sought to assess Influence of Risk Management on Supply Chain Projects in Kenya.Methodology:The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population of the study was all the completed (566) Supply Chain Projects in Deloitte within the 2013 to 2017 strategic year period. The study used self-structured questionnaires to collect primary data from respondents and the data collected was cleaned, pretested, validated, coded, summarized and analysed using statistical package of SPSS V23. The study findings were presented using bar charts and pie charts. . Results:The study found that the project managers had conceptual skills, technical skills, cost management skills, which positively influence Risk Management of supply chain projects. In addition, the study established that technological literacy and awareness, projects tools and equipment, skilled manpower, manpower training capacity, technological innovation, analytical and computational capacity and project team’s knowledge on ICT influence Risk Management in supply chain projects. Further, the study found that schedule development, schedule crashing, schedule compression, sequence of activities and schedule fast tracking influence Risk Management in supply chain projects. Also, the study found that factors such as the GDP cost of relocation of public utilities, inflation rates, variation of cost of labor, equipment hire rates, government debt service ratio, competing demands for government funds and unemployment rates influence Risk Management in supply chain projects.Contribution to policy and practice:Based on the study findings, the study concludes that risk planning influences Supply Chain Projects.The study also recommends that the government of Kenya should revise the current monitory policy governing inflation rates and foreign exchange rates so as to ensure the stability of foreign exchange rates and reduction in inflation rate.

Feasibility and acceptability of a home-based physical activity program for postnatal women with depressive symptoms: A pilot study

BackgroundMost postnatal women are inactive. Since new mothers, particularly those with heightened depressive symptoms experience several challenges to being active such as lack of time and childcare, home-based programs using hired exercise equipment may help overcome these barriers. This study tested the feasibility and acceptability of a home based treadmill intervention among postpartum women with heightened depressive symptoms. MethodsParticipants were 11 new mothers (3–9 months postpartum) who at baseline were insufficiently active and experiencing heightened depressive symptoms (based on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale). Following participation in a 12-week physical activity support program (which included free treadmill hire and access to a purposely designed smartphone web-app), semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants. Depressive symptoms were assessed at weeks 4 and 8 and change in depressive symptoms was analysed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Thematic analyses were used to identify key themes in qualitative data. ResultsQuantitative data showed that there was a significant change over time with depressive symptoms decreasing from weeks 0–4 (mean difference = −5.9, 95% CI = −8.7, −5.5) and overall from weeks 0–8 (mean difference = −7.6, 95% CI = −9.8, −3.1). Postpartum women perceived the program to be convenient, flexible and acceptable. Women suggested that the program was useful in overcoming key barriers to physical activity and perceived that the program increased their physical activity and improved psychological health. ConclusionA home-based physical activity program involving cost-free exercise equipment hire was feasible and well accepted by postpartum women. The effectiveness of this program for increasing physical activity and improving mental health in this population should be further tested.

Strategic Thinking: Intelligent Opportunism and Emergent Strategy — The Case of Strategic Engineering Services

This case study focuses on strategic thinking and opportunistic approaches to business growth and diversification. It begins by examining the recent purchase of ‘Quickcover’, a remote-controlled sports pitch covering system, by engineering company Strategic Engineering Services and the company's current dilemma – whether to continue to develop this type of product, or sell it and concentrate on its existing engineering services business. In recent years, Strategic Engineering Services has moved away from traditional heavy engineering and diversified into related areas such as engineering services, oil and gas industry recruitment, plant and equipment hire, instrument calibration and project management. The case considers the relationship between strategic thinking and entrepreneurial approaches to opportunity recognition, exploring the concept of intelligent opportunism as an approach that enables entrepreneurs to develop emergent strategies and take advantage of new opportunities. It explores these concepts in the context of the current dilemma of Strategic Engineering Services.

Exploring the impact of innovative developments to the installation process for an offshore wind farm

For offshore wind to be competitive with mature energy industries, cost efficiencies must be improved throughout the lifetime of an offshore wind farm (OWF). With expensive equipment hire spanning several years, installation is an area where large savings can potentially be made. Installation operations are subject to uncertain weather conditions, with more extreme conditions as OWF developments tend towards larger sites, further offshore in deeper waters. One approach to reduce the cost of the installation process is to evaluate advanced technologies or operational practices. However, in order to demonstrate cost savings, the impact of these advances on the installation process must be quantified in the presence of uncertain environmental conditions. To addresses this challenge a simulation tool is developed to model the logistics of the installation process and to identify the vessels and operations most sensitive to weather delays. These operations are explored to identify the impact of technological or operational advances with respect to weather delays and the resulting installation duration under different levels of weather severity. The tool identifies that loading operations contribute significantly to the overall delay of the installation process, and that a non-linear relationship exists between vessel operational limits and the duration of installation.

ABSTRACT 965

Background and aims: Birmingham Children’s Hospital has provided cardiac Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS) since 2008, and is a designated surge respiratory centre. Staff were initially trained at an experienced high volume centre. Aims: This was expensive, had limited places and quickly became unsustainable for our growing service. Methods: A comparative analysis of cost, including course fees, travel, backfill, teacher costs, room hire, equipment hire was conducted. Our education and ECLS teams collaborated to develop a tailor made, quality controlled education programme with a pilot course in January 2012 for 12 staff. Results: The cost analysis revealed the actual cost of external education was £4000 compared with £1500 per person for an in house provision. Our pilot course received excellent evaluations. 100% of candidates felt they gained clear understanding of ECLS and managing emergencies. Knowledge was tested with a written and practical exam, with 100% pass rate. The course is now established with 4 intakes per year, with 102 participants so far, including 33 external candidates. For in-house staff, there are 40 hours of bedside preceptorship, with ongoing education including annual updates, wet labs and bedside teaching. Conclusions: This programme is essential in supporting team and service growth. It is quality controlled and has 100% positive evaluation. There has been a cost saving of £2500 per person trained and income generated enables a cost neutral programme. We recommend developing in-house bespoke education for ECLS in low volume centres such as ours, to create sustainability and cost saving.

Adoption, implementation and prioritization of specialist outreach policy in Australia: a national perspective.

The World Health Organization has endorsed the use of outreach to promote: efficient redeployment of the health-care workforce; continuity of care at the local level; and professional support for local, rural, health-care workers. Australia is the only country that has had, since 2000, a sustained national policy on outreach for subsidizing medical specialist outreach to rural areas. This paper describes the adoption, implementation and prioritization of a national specialist outreach policy in Australia. Adoption of the national policy followed a long history of successful outreach, largely driven by the professional interest and personal commitment of the workforce. Initially the policy supported only new outreach services but concerns about the sustainability of existing services resulted in eligibility for funding being extended to all specialist services. The costs of travel, travel time, accommodation, professional support, staff relief at specialists' primary practices and equipment hire were subsidized. Over time, a national political commitment to the equitable treatment of indigenous people resulted in more targeted support for outreach in remote areas. Current priorities are: (i) establishing team-based outreach services; (ii) improving local staff's skills; (iii) achieving local coordination; and (iv) conducting a nationally consistent needs assessment. The absence of subsidies for specialists' clinical work can discourage private specialists from providing services in remote areas where clinical throughput is low. To be successful, outreach policy must harmonize with the interests of the workforce and support professional autonomy. Internationally, the development of outreach policy must take account of the local pay and practice conditions of health workers.

Expect the unexpected

Seasonal flooding and unexpected downpours can cause chaos across the UK. Although one answer is to have permanent installations made available, many companies are seeing the temporary hiring of equipment as the best solution. Either way, years of experience has taught the team at Sykes Pumps that the best response is to always be prepared.

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Case Notes – Company Law, Employment, Equipment Hire, Financial Services, Landlord and Tenant, Shipping, Taxation

Case Notes – Company Law, Employment, Equipment Hire, Financial Services, Landlord and Tenant, Shipping, Taxation