Successful project delivery in complex brownfield environments

2011 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 694
Author(s):  
J Sofra ◽  
Andrew Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effective ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Construction Engineering ◽  
Simultaneous Operations ◽  
Operations And Maintenance ◽  
Management Project ◽  
Engineering Effort ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact

Delivering services and projects in a brownfield environment has unique challenges. Brownfield, by its very nature, involves highly constrained and dynamic environments. This requires stakeholders to work collaboratively and be creative and nimble. Effective communication between client and service provider is essential. This is because the decision-making horizons are significantly shorter and consequences are more immediate. Brownfield projects are typically organised to minimise inter-discipline interfaces, with seamless delivery from engineering through to construction. Engineering effort needs to be the right sized based on the level of complexity and risk involved to ensure the effort and cost expended is appropriate for the modification or upgrade. When planning and executing brownfield projects, the following areas require special focus: health, safety and the environment—to cope with the inherently higher risks due to live inventory, lack of space, simultaneous operations and increased personnel; interface with operations—to plan, manage and minimise disruption to production; live systems—to assess the impact/disruption to energised systems and coordinate tie-ins; production—to minimise disruption and ensure that the project is executed safely while production continues; hot work—to a minimum and where necessary contain naked flame and spark activity on site; integrity—to ensure the condition of the asset is well understood and any sub-system upgrades to accommodate the modification are identified; limited space—to accommodate temporary project facilities, minimising the impact on operations and maintenance activities; and, access—to ensure that the project is planned to lessen disruption, maximise off-site preparation and to minimise on-site construction. Systematic program management, project engineering, and a tiered engineering approach are essential to cost effective and timely delivery. For each of the eight key areas we detail some of the subtle and enabling strategies/tools that distinguish brownfield project delivery from greenfield.

scholarly journals Improvement of the Impact Properties of Composite Laminates by Means of Nano-Modification of the Matrix—A Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 2406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamed Saghafi ◽  
Mohamad Fotouhi ◽  
Giangiacomo Minak
Keyword(s):  
Composite Laminates ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Impact Performance ◽  
Compression After Impact ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
The Right ◽  
2D And 3D ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Selection Of

This paper reviews recent works on the application of nanofibers and nanoparticle reinforcements to enhance the interlaminar fracture toughness, to reduce the impact induced damage and to improve the compression after impact performance of fiber reinforced composites with brittle thermosetting resins. The nanofibers have been mainly used as mats embedded between plies of laminated composites, whereas the nanoparticles have been used in 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D dimensional patterns to reinforce the matrix and consequently the composite. The reinforcement mechanisms are presented, and a comparison is done between the different papers in the literature. This review shows that in order to have an efficient reinforcement effect, careful consideration is required in the manufacturing, materials selection and reinforcement content and percentage. The selection of the right parameters can provide a tough and impact resistant composite with cost effective reinforcements.

Upstream CSG: transitioning from project delivery to operational excellence for large-scale upstream assets

2016 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 65
Author(s):  
Russ Maney
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Labour Productivity ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Variable Cost ◽  
Planning And Scheduling ◽  
Great Cost ◽  
Efficient Operation ◽  
Production Chain ◽  
Operations And Maintenance ◽  
The Right

Multiple providers have spent $75 billion building upstream CSG to LNG production facilities in Australia during the past decade. Heretofore, their focus has been on completing construction on budget and on time to first gas sailing in tankers. Large project delivery-focused organisations were created at great cost. Meanwhile, during this construction period, oil prices (to which LNG prices are tied) have fallen by ~50%. The challenge now for CSG to LNG providers is to transition from a one-time project delivery focus to an ongoing, efficient operation focus—at lower than expected costs. This case study describes how one CSG to LNG provider is successfully transitioning from project delivery to operations excellence by: Optimising gas flow from wells to ships—transitioning from a vertical focus on one-time construction of a chain of facilities (wells, compression, pipelines, liquefaction) to a horizontal focus on continuous operation of a production chain. Maximising uptime and optimising performance— recognising that a significant percentage of thousands of wells/kilometres of pipelines, dozens of field compression stations, and numerous support (power and water treatment) facilities will have problems at any one time; operations and maintenance crews and equipment must be continuously targeted at highest priorities. Maximising internal and contractor labour productivity—realising that the largest variable cost is operations and maintenance labour, LNG producers must drive productivity by systematically maximising tool time, as well as being continually focused on the right wells/facilities at the right times. Across such vast geographies, optimised planning and scheduling is essential.

Restructuring degree roadmaps to improve timely graduation in higher education

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 432-449
Author(s):  
Xuemei Su ◽  
Ming Chen ◽  
Jasmine Yur-Austin ◽  
Ying Liu
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Capacity Planning ◽  
Time Window ◽  
Focal Point ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Student Loan ◽  
University Administrators ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Faced with declining government funding support and rising student loan debt, recently timely graduation in higher education has become a focal point of discussion at many institutions, particularly public universities. Timely graduation requires a student to successfully enroll in and complete a set of required and elective courses, the relationship of which is bound by the courses’ prerequisite requirements. However, due to the fact that class capacity is oftentimes limited and wrongly timed, many students find it challenging to stay on track. A well-structured degree roadmap that takes all factors into consideration and specifies the right courses to take by semester will better guide students’ course selection and thus increase their chance of earning their degrees within the four-year time window. Additionally, it will also allow administrators to do better capacity planning, and hence increase course accessibility to students. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach In this research, some operational techniques such as line balancing and simulation are applied to restructure and improve degree roadmaps, and assess the resulting outcomes. Some innovative methods are proposed to improve the processes on which students proceed to degree. Findings The results based on historical data that contains millions of student records spanning over eight-year time window demonstrate that the improved degree roadmaps can substantially increase students’ chance of completing the degree in a four-year time window. The research findings provide university administrators with cost-effective solutions. Originality/value This research breaks a new ground in literature due to its unique approach and focus. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is one of the first attempts to systematically study the impact of degree roadmap on timely graduation. This research focuses on finding solutions that are within the institution’s control, hence the proposed solutions are implementable and will provide university administrators with new tools and perspectives to enhance student success.

scholarly journals The impact of psychosocial factors on claims outcomes in the group income protection market: findings from a prospective pilot study

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carly Van Den Akker
Keyword(s):  
Return To Work ◽  
Psychosocial Factors ◽  
Normal Population ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Income Insurance ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Disability Income ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact

Research suggests that psychosocial factors predict recovery better than biomedical factors alone in the normal population. However, no studies have been carried out in the disability income insurance setting, where the availability of financial cover is usually perceived as the main detractor of recovery and return to work.Swiss Re's clinical claims team in collaboration with the Research & Development team, conducted a 3 year prospective study to evaluate the role of psychosocial factors in recovery within a group income protection sample. Predictors of return to work were: beliefs about recovery and work, work ethic, coping, and self-efficacy. Interestingly, medical diagnosis alone and treatment did not predict recovery and return to work in this sample.Our objective was to conduct research to gain an understanding of psychosocial predictors in the insurance setting, and additionally to develop specific claims management strategies for our claims assessors to manage their claims more effectively through exploring the psychosocial barriers influencing on a claimant's absence, and providing adequate support at the right time, in a cost-effective manner.

scholarly journals Energy Intensity: A Decomposition Exercise for Pakistan

2014 ◽  
Vol 53 (4II) ◽  
pp. 531-549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akbar Ullah . ◽  
Karim Khan ◽  
Munazza Akhtar
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Intensity ◽  
Specific Energy Consumption ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Energy Prices ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
The Impact

Since the recent energy crises, the research in this strand has increased considerably. A variety of its dimensions have been examined in the literature. For instance, higher energy prices; instability in the supplies of its various components; its rapid depletion and global warming are some of its dimensions, which have been the focus of discourse among both researchers and policy-makers. Equally, energy intensity measuring the energy consumption to GDP ratio has been an important component of energy policies [Ang (2004); Liu and Ang (2007); Jimenez and Mercado (2013)]. In particular, there is a special focus on sorting out the contribution of energy efficiency— ratio of sectoral specific energy consumption to sectoral GDP—to alienate the impact of efficiency on energy intensity from other relevant factors. This is because energy efficiency is recognised as one of the most cost-effective strategies to address crosscutting issues of energy security, climate change and competitiveness [IDB (2012)]. Consequently, the information regarding energy intensity, its efficiency or activity aspects are useful tools for policy decisions and evaluation and are regularly in practice in most of the advanced countries

scholarly journals Effect of a high value care curriculum on standardized patient exam in the Core Clerkship in Internal Medicine

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amit K. Pahwa ◽  
Kevin Eaton ◽  
Ariella Apfel ◽  
Amanda Bertram ◽  
Rebecca Ridell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internal Medicine ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
The Core ◽  
The Right ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Core Clerkship

Abstract Background With almost 20% unnecessary spending on healthcare, there has been increasing interest in high value care defined as the best care for the patient, with the optimal result for the circumstances, delivered at the right price. The American Association of Medical Colleges recommend that medical students are proficient in concepts of cost-effective clinical practice by graduation, thus leading to curricula on high value care. However little is published on the effectiveness of these curricula on medical students’ ability to practice high value care. Methods In addition to the standard curriculum, the intervention group received two classroom sessions and three virtual patients focused on the concepts of high value care. The primary outcome was number of tests and charges for tests on standardized patients. Results 136 students enrolled in the Core Clerkship in Internal Medicine and 70 completed the high value care curriculum. There were no significant differences in ordering of appropriate tests (3.1 vs. 3.2 tests/students, p = 0.55) and inappropriate tests (1.8 vs. 2.2, p = 0.13) between the intervention and control. Students in the intervention group had significantly lower median Medicare charges ($287.59 vs. $500.86, p = 0.04) and felt their education in high value care was appropriate (81% vs. 56%, p = 0.02). Conclusions This is the first study to describe the impact of a high value care curriculum on medical students’ ordering practices. While number of inappropriate tests was not significantly different, students in the intervention group refrained from ordering expensive tests.

scholarly journals Effect of a High Value Care Curriculum on Standardized Patient Exam in the Core Clerkship in Internal Medicine

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amit K Pahwa ◽  
Kevin Eaton ◽  
Ariella Apfel ◽  
Amanda Bertram ◽  
Rebecca Ridell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internal Medicine ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
The Core ◽  
The Right ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Core Clerkship

Abstract Background: With almost 20% unnecessary spending on healthcare, there has been increasing interest in high value care defined as the best care for the patient, with the optimal result for the circumstances, delivered at the right price. The American Association of Medical Colleges recommend that medical students are proficient in concepts of cost-effective clinical practice by graduation, thus leading to curricula on high value care. However little is published on the effectiveness of these curricula on medical students’ ability to practice high value care.Methods: In addition to the standard curriculum, the intervention group received two classroom sessions and three virtual patients focused on the concepts of high value care. The primary outcome was number of tests and charges for tests on standardized patients.Results: 136 students enrolled in the Core Clerkship in Internal Medicine and 70 completed the high value care curriculum. There were no significant differences in ordering of appropriate tests (3.1 vs. 3.2 tests/students, p = 0.55) and inappropriate tests (1.8 vs. 2.2, p = 0.13) between the intervention and control. Students in the intervention group had significantly lower median Medicare charges ($287.59 vs. $500.86, p = 0.04) and felt their education in high value care was appropriate (81% vs. 56%, p = 0.02).Conclusions: This is the first study to describe the impact of a high value care curriculum on medical students’ ordering practices. While number of inappropriate tests was not significantly different, students in the intervention group refrained from ordering expensive tests.

Emotional Reactivity to Visual Content as Revealed by ERP Component Clustering

2015 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 135-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miroslaw Wyczesany ◽  
Szczepan J. Grzybowski ◽  
Jan Kaiser
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Reactivity ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Affective State ◽  
Occipital Lobe ◽  
Stimulus Onset ◽  
Emotional States ◽  
Neural Basis ◽  
Temporoparietal Junction ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. In the study, the neural basis of emotional reactivity was investigated. Reactivity was operationalized as the impact of emotional pictures on the self-reported ongoing affective state. It was used to divide the subjects into high- and low-responders groups. Independent sources of brain activity were identified, localized with the DIPFIT method, and clustered across subjects to analyse the visual evoked potentials to affective pictures. Four of the identified clusters revealed effects of reactivity. The earliest two started about 120 ms from the stimulus onset and were located in the occipital lobe and the right temporoparietal junction. Another two with a latency of 200 ms were found in the orbitofrontal and the right dorsolateral cortices. Additionally, differences in pre-stimulus alpha level over the visual cortex were observed between the groups. The attentional modulation of perceptual processes is proposed as an early source of emotional reactivity, which forms an automatic mechanism of affective control. The role of top-down processes in affective appraisal and, finally, the experience of ongoing emotional states is also discussed.

Regulatory and sustainability initiatives lead to improved polyaminopolyamide epichlorohydrin (PAE) wet-strength resins and paper products

TAPPI Journal ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (09) ◽  
pp. 519-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Crisp ◽  
Richard Riehle
Keyword(s):  
Health And Safety ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Worker Safety ◽  
Regulatory Requirements ◽  
Wet Strength ◽  
The Past ◽  
Consumer Safety ◽  
Federal Institute ◽  
Sustainability Initiatives ◽  
The Impact

Polyaminopolyamide-epichlorohydrin (PAE) resins are the predominant commercial products used to manufacture wet-strengthened paper products for grades requiring wet-strength permanence. Since their development in the late 1950s, the first generation (G1) resins have proven to be one of the most cost-effective technologies available to provide wet strength to paper. Throughout the past three decades, regulatory directives and sustainability initiatives from various organizations have driven the development of cleaner and safer PAE resins and paper products. Early efforts in this area focused on improving worker safety and reducing the impact of PAE resins on the environment. These efforts led to the development of resins containing significantly reduced levels of 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol (1,3-DCP) and 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD), potentially carcinogenic byproducts formed during the manufacturing process of PAE resins. As the levels of these byproducts decreased, the environmental, health, and safety (EH&S) profile of PAE resins and paper products improved. Recent initiatives from major retailers are focusing on product ingredient transparency and quality, thus encouraging the development of safer product formulations while maintaining performance. PAE resin research over the past 20 years has been directed toward regulatory requirements to improve consumer safety and minimize exposure to potentially carcinogenic materials found in various paper products. One of the best known regulatory requirements is the recommendations of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), which defines the levels of 1,3-DCP and 3-MCPD that can be extracted by water from various food contact grades of paper. These criteria led to the development of third generation (G3) products that contain very low levels of 1,3-DCP (typically <10 parts per million in the as-received/delivered resin). This paper outlines the PAE resin chemical contributors to adsorbable organic halogens and 3-MCPD in paper and provides recommendations for the use of each PAE resin product generation (G1, G1.5, G2, G2.5, and G3).

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