UK Plc Research Articles

State-of-the-art in lean design engineering: A literature review on white collar lean

Lean is usually associated with the ‘operations’ of a manufacturing enterprise; however, there is a growing awareness that these principles may be transferred readily to other functions and sectors. The application to knowledge-based activities such as engineering design is of particular relevance to UK plc. Hence, the purpose of this study has been to establish the state-of-the-art, in terms of the adoption of Lean in new product development, by carrying out a systematic review of the literature. The authors' findings confirm the view that Lean can be applied beneficially away from the factory; that an understanding and definition of value is key to success; that a set-based (or Toyota methodology) approach to design is favoured together with the strong leadership of a chief engineer; and that the successful implementation requires organization-wide changes to systems, practices, and behaviour. On this basis it is felt that this review paper provides a useful platform for further research in this topic.

Complicity theory: an explanation for the `coxib problem'?

Complicity theory: an explanation for the `coxib problem'?

Spin-out fever: Spinning out a University of Oxford company and comments on the process in other universities

University spin-out companies are increasing seen as a favoured route for commercialisation of university intellectual property. There has been criticism in the Lambert Review of Business–University Collaboration in 2003, commissioned by the UK Government in 2003, that there have been too many spin-outs of low quality and that a measure of quality is the amount of external equity they attract. This has been refuted by Dr Williams of the University of Warwick technology transfer office. Oxford University has created 42 companies with no failures. The rigorous process involved in the creation of an Oxford spin-out is given in some detail. The author then goes on to discuss his experiences of other university spin-out models. Finally, some of the tax problems that caused universities across the UK to stop spinning-out companies recently are discussed. In conclusion despite the criticisms, the author believes the process of creating companies to commercialise university R & D is critical to the overall success of UK plc in the long term.

Spin-out fever: Spinning out a University of Oxford company and comments on the process in other universities

University spin-out companies are increasing seen as a favoured route for commercialisation of university intellectual property. There has been criticism in the Lambert Review of Business–University Collaboration in 2003, commissioned by the UK Government in 2003, that there have been too many spin-outs of low quality and that a measure of quality is the amount of external equity they attract. This has been refuted by Dr Williams of the University of Warwick technology transfer office. Oxford University has created 42 companies with no failures. The rigorous process involved in the creation of an Oxford spin-out is given in some detail. The author then goes on to discuss his experiences of other university spin-out models. Finally, some of the tax problems that caused universities across the UK to stop spinning-out companies recently are discussed. In conclusion despite the criticisms, the author believes the process of creating companies to commercialise university R & D is critical to the overall success of UK plc in the long term.

WOODHOUSE UK PLC v ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING SYSTEMS

Journal Article WOODHOUSE UK PLC v ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING SYSTEMS Get access Reports of Patent, Design and Trade Mark Cases, Volume 123, Issue 1, 2006, Pages 1–23, https://doi.org/10.1093/rpc/2006rpc1 Published: 01 January 2006

Communication system keeps Hewlett Packard employees in the loop

Millions of pounds a year are saved by “UK plc” through increased efficiency in using technology to address customer queries, but it is probably losing an even larger sum by failing to monitor and measure the performance of the people using that technology, says Russell Bradshaw, research consultant with Lorien Customer Focus (LCF), a market‐research and training consultancy specializing in helping clients to maximize the value of the customer‐supplier relationship, and achieve customer loyalty.

Identity fraud: the stealth threat to UK plc

Identity (ID) fraud is one of the fastest growing criminal trends in the UK and costs the British economy around £1.3 billion per year according to the Home Office. It is not just financial loss that victims suffer: it can take up to 300 hours of effort to regain their credibility with banks and credit reference agencies.

Discourses of Employability and Empowerment: Foundation Degrees and ‘Third Way’ discursive repertoires

This paper contextualises the UK Foundation Degree within competing economic and democratic agendas. In tracing the development within these ideological and discursive priorities it analyses how they are textually represented in policy speeches, and in particular in ‘New Labour’ consultation documents. The purpose of this is to critically evaluate New Labour's attempt to offer, through the Foundation Degree, a ‘Third Way’ synthesis of these traditionally competing agendas, facilitating a neat discursive synchronisation of utilitarian and progressive objectives—democratising access to higher education and empowering the individual, while tooling up ‘UK PLC’ (public limited company) to compete in a global economy. The paper, however, sees significant potential, provided by the discourses of the Foundation Degree experience, for further democratisation of higher education. It is argued that this provides opportunities to facilitate diversity and differentiation by involving the further education sector through partnerships with higher education, and providing opportunities to stem and reverse academic drift.

The Dunbar, Ellon and Grant Fields (Alwyn South Area), Blocks 3/8a, 3/9b, 3/13a, 3/14, 3/15, UK North Sea

Abstract The Dunbar, Ellon and Grant oil and gas fields (also known as the Alwyn South area) are located in the southeastern part of the East Shetland Basin, approximately 140 km E of the Shetland Islands. Most of the accumulations lie in Blocks 3/9, 3/14 and 3/15, which are parts of Licence P090 operated by Total Oil Marine pic (33.33%) with Elf Exploration UK PLC as sole partner (66.67%). Ellon was discovered in 1972, Dunbar in 1973 and Grant in 1977. Dunbar consists of a number of generally N-S trending, westerly dipping Mesozoic fault blocks with variable amounts of crestal erosion. Reservoir is provided by fluvial, deltaic and shallow marine sandstones of the Middle Jurassic Brent Group, Lower Jurassic Statfjord Formation and Upper Triassic Upper Lunde Formation. The Brent oil composition of Dunbar varies with depth and evolves from volatile oil at the base of the column to gas condensate at the top without a discontinuity of composition. In addition there is a small gas accumulation within a Paleocene submarine fan reservoir in a compactional structure. Ellon consists of two westerly dipping fault blocks with gas condensate contained within the Brent Group. Grant is one westerly dipping fault block with gas condensate in the Brent Group. In both the Ellon panels and also in Grant, thin waxy oil 'rims' are found below the gas. The depth of the shallowest structural crest within the Alwyn South complex is 3100 m TVDSS, with the deepest proven hydrocarbon at around 3800 m TVDSS. Sealing for the Alwyn South accumulations is provided by various combinations of Cretaceous, Upper Jurassic (Heather and Kimmeridge Clay Formations) and Lower Jurassic (Dunlin Group) mudstones. The source rock for the hydrocarbons is the Upper Jurassic Kimmeridge Clay Formation, which is mature and adjacent to the fields. These accumulations are being developed from a tender-assisted minimally manned fixed platform with a total of 28 well slots located over the Dunbar Field, in a water depth of 145 m. The Ellon and Grant Fields are produced as sub-sea satellites to Dunbar from a well-head cluster located between Ellon and Grant, in a water depth of 135 m. First oil and gas production from Dunbar and Ellon was in December 1994 and gas production commenced from Grant in July 1998. The time lag between discovery and development reflects the complex geology (structure, compartmentalization, reservoir thickness variations, dia-genesis and differing hydrocarbon compositions) with a total of 28 exploration and appraisal wells being drilled in the Alwyn South area between 1971 and 1998. Total oil and gas initially in place is in the order of 850 MMBBL and 2.62 TCF respectively, with the current estimate for ultimate recoverable reserves being 200 MMBBL liquids and 1.28 TCF gas.

Is e‐learning delivering ROI?

Looks at the findings of a major e‐learning benchmark study conducted in July/August 2001 amongst senior level executives within UK plc across industry/manufacturing/retail, financial services, government, education and IT/telecoms sectors. Compares the findings with a similar piece of research carried out in 2000 to establish how e‐learning has developed. Seeks to establish any changes occurring in training and development and to determine the dynamics influencing the strategies and policies of those responsible for employee development. Examines current training and HR issues, training priorities, areas in which training is provided, the most popular types of training delivery, the status of e‐learning, awareness and understanding of e‐learning, current usage, reasons for implementing e‐learning (or for choosing otherwise), benefits anticipated and already experienced by early e‐learning adopters, return on investment and expectations for the future.

Management of the UK plutonium stockpile: the economic case for burning as MOX in new PWRs

Over the next decade the UK stockpile of plutonium will grow to over a hundred tonnes. The policy to date has been to regard this as a valuable energy resource and to store it for use as the fuel for fast breeder reactors at some future date. However fast reactors are unlikely to be built for several decades and the growing stock of plutonium is causing concern on both safety and proliferation grounds. Continued storage for future use is therefore becoming less tenable and the two alternative options, namely immobilisation of the plutonium as a waste for ultimate disposal or recycling it as MOX (mixed oxide fuel ) in nuclear reactors, now need to be considered. Since both options are technically feasible and there would be a demand for the power from the reactor option, the choice should depend on the relative economics of the two. The bulk of the plutonium is owned by the government and the problem is to find the most cost effective way of dealing with it from the 'UK plc' point of view. Under the current conditions in the electricity market there is no commercial case for building new PWRs (pressurised water reactors) only to burn the stockpile as MOX, and a government subsidy would be needed to allow this. The immobilisation option would also need government funding. Both options are considered here, and it is concluded that the burning of the UK stockpile of plutonium in new dedicated PWRs would result in a substantial cost saving to the UK, of between seven and twelve hundred million pounds sterling discounted. Additional factors in favour of the reactor option are that it would generate some three hundred terawatt hours of electricity, about the annual consumption in the UK, and that it could be based on proven technology which could be implemented now.

Andrew Pettigrew on Executives and Strategy:: An Interview by Kenneth Starkey

Andrew Pettigrew on Executives and Strategy:: An Interview by Kenneth Starkey

Management of the UK plutonium stockpile: the economic case for burning as MOX in new PWRs

Over the next decade the UK stockpile of plutonium will grow to over a hundred tonnes. The policy to date has been to regard this as a valuable energy resource and to store it for use as the fuel for fast breeder reactors at some future date. However fast reactors are unlikely to be built for several decades and the growing stock of plutonium is causing concern on both safety and proliferation grounds. Continued storage for future use is therefore becoming less tenable and the two alternative options, namely immobilisation of the plutonium as a waste for ultimate disposal or recycling it as MOX (mixed oxide fuel ) in nuclear reactors, now need to be considered. Since both options are technically feasible and there would be a demand for the power from the reactor option, the choice should depend on the relative economics of the two. The bulk of the plutonium is owned by the government and the problem is to find the most cost effective way of dealing with it from the 'UK plc' point of view. Under the current conditions in the electricity market there is no commercial case for building new PWRs (pressurised water reactors) only to burn the stockpile as MOX, and a government subsidy would be needed to allow this. The immobilisation option would also need government funding. Both options are considered here, and it is concluded that the burning of the UK stockpile of plutonium in new dedicated PWRs would result in a substantial cost saving to the UK, of between seven and twelve hundred million pounds sterling discounted. Additional factors in favour of the reactor option are that it would generate some three hundred terawatt hours of electricity, about the annual consumption in the UK, and that it could be based on proven technology which could be implemented now.

HEI and SME linkages: Recommendations for the Future

Dr. David Johnoson is dreector of the barclays center for enterpreneruship at the Durham University Businessschool and Dr. Fiona Tilley is a research asssociate in the foresigght reserach Center at Durham University business School, England. ovedr the coming years ther is almst certain to be an increase in the level of interaction between higher education institutons (HEIs) and industry. the evidence for this is clear, what is les clear is what makes for effective intereactions between an institute of higher education and the industrial community. Morever, how wil this process affect the overall level of HEI provison. This paper presents a model derived from a research project whch explored current linkages between institutions of higher education and in a particular the small busines sector. out of the research three specific outcomes emerged: A model conceptualising the relationship between small firms and universities within the Uk context A strategic and operational framework to underpin the successful iimplementation and continutation of the univeristy/SME linkages. A series of recommendations to the policymaker who seeks to guide developoment specifically in the fields of small busines development and higher educations. this final area is of paramount concerns as certainly the first five yars of thwenty-first centrury will see support being proffered to a whole raangeo f hel-sme initiatives. In a view of the substantial financial nvestment involved there needs to be a significant benefit for the competitiveness of UK plc resulting from the quality of provison, coming out of the universities, directed at the ndustrial community. that theresearch model presented focuses on conceptual, strageic and policy levle, ensures that the obervation made within this paper will at least in par be gnerlised to other countries.

THE GEOLOGY AND HYDROCARBON POTENTIAL OF THE PEEL AND SOLWAY BASINS, EAST IRISH SEA

Data from recent exploration campaigns by Elf Exploration UK plc and partners in the Peel and Solway Basins (East Irish Sea) have provided significant new information on the geology and hydrocarbon potential of these previously unexplored areas. In this paper, I present a regional geological framework for the basins based on outcrop studies, potential field data and regional seismic lines. The dominant NE‐SW and NW‐SE structural trends are probably inherited from the Caledonian Orogeny and show evidence of repeated reactivation. Seismic interpretation indicates that the NE‐SW trending faults were important in controlling Early Carboniferous basin development, and that transpressional movement along these faults in response to N‐S compression led to basin inversion during the Variscan Orogeny. New well data indicate that both the Peel and Solway Basins were subjected to major erosion at this time, causing the entire Upper Carboniferous stratigraphy to be removed. Preserved Dinantian facies comprise shallow‐marine sandstones, shales and carbonates in the NE, passing into shallow‐water, high energy carbonates in the SW. A change to E‐W extension during the Permo‐Triassic led to renewed extensional motion on the underlying Caledonian faults, and to the creation of a new system of faults oriented N‐S. The Permian and Triassic sections present in the wells in the Peel and Solway Basins are very similar to those in the numerous exploration wells in the East Irish Sea Basin to the SE. Liassic rocks are partly preserved in both the Peel and Solway Basins. The intra‐basinal highs which separate the basins in this region are thought to have been initiated during Late Cimmerian uplift, and to have been enhanced by Laramide and Alpine phases of uplift. Laramide uplift was also accompanied by the emplacement of WNW‐ESE trending dykes.Regional stratigraphic information has been combined with apatite fission‐track data and vitrinite reflectance data to constrain these phases of uplift. These data suggest that at the present day, the Peel and Solway Basins are isolated remnants of a previously more extensive cover of Mesozoic rocks. The three exploration wells drilled in the Peel and Solway Basins by Elf Exploration UK plc tested valid Triassic fault‐block traps, but failed to encounter any significant hydrocarbon shows. Variable, but generally good quality reservoirs exist at the top of the Sherwood Sandstone Group. The main control on reservoir quality is the primary sedimentological character of the sandstones, with cementation and compaction locally reducing quality. Over most of the area, evaporites and shales in the Mercia Mudstone Group form a viable top and lateral seal. The main factor preventing development of a viable petroleum system appears to be the absence of significant Carboniferous source rocks.

Renewable energies from the seas: the future for UK plc?

Renewable energies from the seas: the future for UK plc?

The Industry and Parliament Trust: Contributing to better government and greater prosperity of UK plc

The Industry and Parliament Trust (IPT) was established in 1917 at a time when polarisation of the main British political parties and of their attitudes towards industry risked leading the country to economic ruin. Its raison d'≖tre was that, regardless of party or ideology, governments and business enterprises need each other. Two decades on, the IPT has established a model for enabling Parliament and industry in their widest sense to gain mutual benefit from understanding each other better through exchanges in a safe, neutral and non‐partisan environment. The model has been adopted internationally and is expected be incorporated into the workings of the new devolved Parliament of Scotland and Assemblies of Wales and Northern Ireland.

Strategists on the Board

The paper examines the contribution to strategy by chairmen and non-executive directors in large UK companies. The collective label of `part-time board member' is used to refer to individuals performing these roles. The paper asks `how, if at all, do part-time board members influence strategy in UK plc's'?. Using data gathered from interviews with 108 company directors, the paper suggests that part-time board members do not simply ratify decisions made by all-powerful executives. A conceptual model is developed to show that part-time board members are able to influence processes of strategic choice, change and control by shaping both the ideas that form the content of company strategy and the methodologies and processes by which those ideas evolve. Their involvement in strategy is conditioned by factors such as: changing norms about corporate governance; the history and performance of the company; the process and conduct of board meetings and informal dialogue amongst company directors between board meetings.

The Contribution, Power and Influence of Part‐time Board Members

The paper compares the contribution, power and influence of non‐executive directors and part‐time chairpersons within large UK PLC's, using interview data collected for a pilot study. Two questions are addressed:What contribution, if any, is made by non‐executive directors and part‐time chairmen?How, if at all, do part‐time chairpersons exercise power and influence?The paper reveals that part‐time chairmen and non‐executive directors claim to contribute to a broad range of issues, ranging from the strategy of the firm, to the appointment, selection and dismissal of board members. Contribution is made by part‐time chairmen and non‐executive directors converting power sources into influence. A variety of influence methods are used by part‐time chairmen and non‐executive directors to contribute as board members. Part‐time chairmen influence most by assertiveness, using the authority that comes with leading the board. Non‐executive directors influence most through persuasion and coalition formation. Non‐executive directors less on their positional authority to exert influence, and more on their personal knowledge, experience and expertise, as well as their ability to form relationships with individuals both inside and outside of the boardroom.

Control of Dutch elm disease by induced host resistance

SummaryA range of fungi was screened for the ability to suppress symptoms of Dutch elm disease in European and hybrid elms under UK and Italian field conditions. The efficacy of the preventative inoculations varied Considerably between elm clones of differing resistance to the causal fungus Ophiostoma novoulmi. On susceptible English elm, Ulmus procera, preventative inoculations with conidia of Verticillium dahlias, Opbiostoma ulmi or Ophiostoma piceae (OPH form) caused no reduction in final disease levels. On U. x bollandica cv.‘Commelin’, pretreatment with V. dabliae or O. ulmi reduces final disease levels, but not significantly, On the elm clone Ca06 of U. carpinifolia, and on the hybrid clones FL025 and 196–6, significant (p0.05) symptom suppression occurred in trees pretreated with O. ulmi or V. dahliae. On the more resistant elm clones 3–14 and Lobel, only V. dahliae was an effective pretreatment (p0.05). Certain pretreatment fungi alone caused symptoms in some of the elm clones. Major difficulties in using this approach to control Dutch elm disease are discussed.The technical assistance by F. C. Baldwin, R. Brooker, S. A. Kirk and J. Rose at the Forest Research Station, Alice Holt, and by A. Fagnani and F. Ferrini at CNR, Florence, as well as statistical advice from A. J. Peace at Alice Holt, is gratefully acknowledged.The authors would like to thank the Pilkington Charitable Trust for funding the research in the UK and lsotron plc, Swindon, Berkshire, for gamma irradiating the conidial suspensions. The Italian contribution was supported by the National Research Council of Italy, special project RAISA, subproject no. 2, paper no. 2133. The authors also thank John GIBBS for helpful comments on the manuscript.