A comparison of Russian and American factory quality practices

The shift of the Russian economy toward a market-oriented approach has led to an increasing awareness of Russian product quality problems. To help understand these problems, this article presents the results of a study comparing product quality practices in Russian and American factories. Comparing the results between countries has identified several interesting findings about Russian quality practices. Results from the study indicate that Russian quality problems stem from the way quality is managed at the factories. One reason for this problem is the relative priority that quality receives at Russian factories. Russian factories place more emphasis on schedules and costs and less on quality than U S. factories. Another reason for the Russian quality problem appears to be a function of the types of techniques used to ensure quality. Results from the study show that Russian quality techniques do not provide workers with control over product quality. Adopting quality techniques that enable workers to assess quality performance will improve Russian workers' control and should improve Russian product quality

Space Communications: Theory and Applications. Volume 3: Information Processing and Advanced Techniques. A Bibliography, 1958 - 1963

Annotated bibliography on information processing and advanced communication techniques - theory and applications of space communication

The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI)

A bibliography of reports concerning the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence is presented. Cosmic evolution, space communication, and technological advances are discussed along with search strategies and search systems

Aeronautical engineering: A continuing bibliography with indexes, supplement 100

This bibliography lists 295 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA Scientific and Technical Information System in August 1978

Student engagement in post-soviet higher education: coping with academic quality problems.

This dissertation investigates the experiences of administrators, instructional faculty, and students within a post-Soviet higher education institution in the Kyrgyz Republic using qualitative field research and case study methods. This study identifies the perceived potential of Western benchmarks of effective educational practice to evince positive change in the institution as well as their propriety and relevance in this context. In addition, the propositions underlying the student engagement construct and overarching the benchmarks are evaluated based upon participant responses and classroom observation data. Twenty higher education practitioners and twenty students participated in semi-structured interviews preceding and following seven classroom observations. The recorded interview data was transcribed then analyzed using first cycle and second cycle coding procedures to elicit predominant ethnographic themes within the case, specifically the teaching and learning environment within the university program under analysis. Data condensation via coding, display through narrative, matrix analysis and participant vignettes, and interpretation prior to conclusion drawing and verification leant analytical rigor to findings. The resulting themes centered around three central tenets within the ethnographic case: fear, freedom, and independence. Their interpretation and verification provided additional strength to conclusions indicating a lack of evidence supporting implementation of the benchmarks, logistical challenges to such alterations, and deeper philosophical disconnects which could potentially impact the success or failure of such initiatives. The data was then used to justify implications for policy, practice, and research all emphasizing critical analysis and reflection upon the evidence base that the student engagement construct is dependent upon

Special Libraries, January 1967

Volume 58, Issue 1https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/sla_sl_1967/1000/thumbnail.jp

WTEC panel report on European nuclear instrumentation and controls

Control and instrumentation systems might be called the 'brain' and 'senses' of a nuclear power plant. As such they become the key elements in the integrated operation of these plants. Recent developments in digital equipment have allowed a dramatic change in the design of these instrument and control (I&C) systems. New designs are evolving with cathode ray tube (CRT)-based control rooms, more automation, and better logical information for the human operators. As these new advanced systems are developed, various decisions must be made about the degree of automation and the human-to-machine interface. Different stages of the development of control automation and of advanced digital systems can be found in various countries. The purpose of this technology assessment is to make a comparative evaluation of the control and instrumentation systems that are being used for commercial nuclear power plants in Europe and the United States. This study is limited to pressurized water reactors (PWR's). Part of the evaluation includes comparisons with a previous similar study assessing Japanese technology

Reconstructing Climate Policy: Beyond Kyoto

In their comprehensive analysis of the Kyoto Protocol and climate policy, Richard B. Stewart and Jonathan B. Wiener examine the current impasse in climate policy and the potential steps nations can take to reduce greenhouse gases. They summarize the current state of information regarding the extent of global warming that would be caused by increasing uncontrolled greenhouse gas emissions. They explain why participation by all major greenhouse gas-emitting countries is essential to curb future greenhouse gas emissions and also note the significant obstacles to obtaining such participation. Stewart and Wiener argue it is in the national interest of the United States to participate in such a regime, provided that it is well designed. They discuss the elements of sound climate regulatory design, including maximum use of economic incentives, the comprehensive approach, and other flexibility mechanisms; participation by all major emitting countries, including developing countries; regulatory targets based on longer-term emissions pathways set to maximize net social benefits; and effective arrangements to ensure compliance with regulatory obligations by nations and sources. After evaluating the successes and failures of the Kyoto Protocol in light of those elements, the authors propose a series of U.S. initiatives at the international and domestic levels, with the aim of engaging the United States and major developing country emitters such as China in the global greenhouse gas regulatory effort and correcting the remaining defects in the design of the Kyoto Protocol. Although several alternatives to the current Kyoto Protocol regime have been proposed, Stewart and Wiener argue that the best approach for surmounting the current global climate policy impasse is a new strategy that would lead, sooner or later, to simultaneous accession by the United States and China (and other major developing country emitters) to a modified and improved version of the Kyoto Protocol agreement