Contractors for flows

We answer a question raised by Lov\'asz and B. Szegedy [Contractors and connectors in graph algebras, J. Graph Theory 60:1 (2009)] asking for a contractor for the graph parameter counting the number of B-flows of a graph, where B is a subset of a finite Abelian group closed under inverses. We prove our main result using the duality between flows and tensions and finite Fourier analysis. We exhibit several examples of contractors for B-flows, which are of interest in relation to the family of B-flow conjectures formulated by Tutte, Fulkerson, Jaeger, and others.Comment: 22 pages, 1 figur

Balancing operating revenues and occupied refurbishment costs 2: a Space Syntax approach to locating hoardings

By placing hoardings in publicly accessible areas while carrying out phased occupied refurbishments, a contractor is temporarily redesigning that area. This reconfiguration affects the normal pedestrian flows through such areas. A technique for the analysis of such flows has been developed under a general area of research called Space Syntax. This demonstrates the extent to which visual barriers both constrain and promote pedestrian movement. The main analytical techniques used are Axial analysis and Visibility Graph Analysis which are based upon lines or areas of visibility. Empirical evidence is presented in observations carried out at London Victoria Station before and during a small refurbishment project involving the temporary closure of a single entrance. This evidence is in line with previous Space Syntax studies. The relationship between changes in the station configuration and visitor numbers to retail outlets suggests the need to place hoardings in such a way that both movement and browsing areas remain spatially separated but visually connected. This is also suggested by previous Space Syntax studies and is incorporated into a brief set of general guidelines for clients and contractors to assist the minimisation of disruption to pedestrian movement in publicly accessible areas

MANAGING THE FINANCIAL FLOWS: GLOBALIZATION ASPECT

The basic trends in financial flows movement on the regional level have being examined in context of integration and globalization processes. The influence of financial flows on the financial potential of the region and its ability to develop own financial infrastructure have being analyzed. The directions for overcoming the negative influence of the institutional factors on the financial flows movement have being defined.The basic trends in financial flows movement on the regional level have being examined in context of integration and globalization processes. The influence of financial flows on the financial potential of the region and its ability to develop own financial infrastructure have being analyzed. The directions for overcoming the negative influence of the institutional factors on the financial flows movement have being defined

MANAGING THE FINANCIAL FLOWS: GLOBALIZATION ASPECT

The basic trends in financial flows movement on the regional level have being examined in context of integration and globalization processes. The influence of financial flows on the financial potential of the region and its ability to develop own financial infrastructure have being analyzed. The directions for overcoming the negative influence of the institutional factors on the financial flows movement have being defined.The basic trends in financial flows movement on the regional level have being examined in context of integration and globalization processes. The influence of financial flows on the financial potential of the region and its ability to develop own financial infrastructure have being analyzed. The directions for overcoming the negative influence of the institutional factors on the financial flows movement have being defined

Construction subcontracts: for what we are about to receive

This paper is from a study on specialist and trade contracting in the construction industry. The research was commissioned by CIRIA and undertaken by the University of Reading in conjunction with Sir Alexander Gibb & Partners Ltd. The purpose of the work was to provide guidance for effective and equitable practice in the management of projects where much of the work is executed, and possibly designed, by specialist and trade contractors (STCs). As part of this study, a preliminary investigation into the nature and origins of specialist contracting was undertaken, in conjunction with a survey of the problems confronting STCs. This paper presents that phase of the project

Analysis of Competition in the Defense Industrial Base: An F/A-22 Case Study

Consolidation of the defense industrial base has led to concerns about whether enough competition exists between remaining firms to maintain needed cost reduction and innovation. We examine competition in the U.S. defense industrial base by performing an in-depth case study of Lockheed Martin and the F-22 program that considers multiple tiers of the industrial base. We find that defense firm specialization has led to outsourcing practices and arguably a more robust U.S. defense industrial base. Implications for government policy are identified

Resolving retention polarity: the perceptions of structural steel fabricators

This study aims to understand the perceived polarity between main contractors and subcontractors with a view to resolving problems connected with retentions in an environment where a sliding-retention regime is utilised with a retention rate of 10% for work below NZ $ 200,000. Eight structural steel subcontractors operating in Auckland were interviewed. Contrary to popular belief, subcontractors are not averse to retentions with most taking a middle ground. Nevertheless, the apparently fair practice of using back-to-back contract terms is not seen as fair and reasonable. Most solutions acceptable to subcontractors impact negatively on contractors’ cash flow highlighting the need for some form of reciprocity from subcontractors (price discounts, improved performance, etc.) to induce contractors to offer favourable retention regimes. This highlights the need for a theory on ‘retention reciprocity’ to supplement the five theories on retentions. However, given that not all contractors can be expected to display reciprocity fairness, an interventionist approach may be necessary in order to neutralise any imbalances in power between the contracting parties possibly through amendments to the Construction Contracts Act, and when doing so, there is a need to exercise much caution as the outcome of chaotic systems could be quite unpredictable