Responsiveness of the order fulfilment process

This paper discusses evidence from field studies undertaken to investigate the responsiveness of the order fulfilment process in a number of companies. The evidence is analysed in the context of the literature on responsiveness and related areas such as time-based competition. Similarities and differences are analysed across a number of industrial sectors with respect to order fulfilment processes and the interpretation and significance of responsiveness. Generic factors that influence different types of companies are identified. Four components of responsiveness - stimuli, awareness, capabilities and goals - emerge from an analysis of the literature. The field and case study evidence allows the development of more precise definitions and descriptions of each of these components. The study also allows a generic responsiveness framework to be developed that incorporates both strategic and operational viewpoints. The need for more field studies on responsiveness is noted. More work is advocated on the assessment and measurement of responsiveness and on developing appropriate responsiveness interventions, particularly with respect to the order fulfilment process

E. coli contamination of mountain springs used for drinking water and drilled well alternatives

Millions of people in developing communities drink water from springs on bedrock mountain slopes. Previous studies show E. coli causing many sampled springs on populated mountain slopes in southwest China to provide unsafe drinking water (Chitwood 2007a). Such studies are rare, but recently a reconnaissance study was initiated in a watershed in the Dominican Republic where more than 25,000 people, spread out across small communities and one town, rely on mountain springs. E. coli testing shows many of these springs to be unsafe. Water users live downslope and distant from the springs and receive spring water via pipelines. Likely, the E. coli originates from sparse livestock grazing up-slope from springs. Small wells drilled using portable rock coring machines and completed using novel continuous seals attached above the water intake zone are proposed to access safe drinking water drawn from permeable fractures tens of meters below ground, avoiding contamination near surface

A kinematic and dynamic analysis of latch needle cam systems

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:D73195/87 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo