Testing and Development of Transfer Functions for Weighing Precipitation Gauges in WMO-SPICE

Adjustments for the undercatch of solid precipitation caused by wind were developed for different weighing gauge/wind shield combinations tested in WMO-SPICE. These include several different manufacturer-provided unshielded and single-Alter shielded weighing gauges, a MRW500 precipitation gauge within a small, manufacturer-provided shield, and host-provided precipitation gauges within double-Alter, Belfort double-Alter, and small Double-Fence Intercomparison Reference (SDFIR) shields. Previously-derived adjustments were also tested on measurements from each weighing gauge/wind shield combination. The transfer functions developed specifically for each of the different types of unshielded and single-Alter shielded weighing gauges did not perform significantly better than the more generic and universal transfer functions developed previously using measurements from eight different WMO-SPICE sites. This indicates that wind shield type (or lack thereof) is more important in determining the magnitude of wind-induced undercatch than the type of weighing precipitation gauge. It also demonstrates the potential for widespread use of the previously-developed, multi-site single-Alter shielded and unshielded transfer functions. In addition, corrections for the lower-porosity Belfort double-Alter shield and a standard double-Alter shield were developed and tested using measurements from two separate sites for the first time. Among all of the manufacturer-provided shields tested, with an average undercatch of about 5 %, the Belfort double Alter shield required the least amount of correction, and caught ~ 80 % of the reference amount of precipitation even in snowy conditions with wind speeds greater than 5 m s−1. The SDFIR-shielded gauge accumulated 98 % of the Double-Fence Automated Reference (DFAR) precipitation amount on average, accumulated 90 % of the DFAR accumulation in high winds, and was almost indistinguishable from the full-sized DFAR used as a reference. In general, the more effective wind shields, that were associated with smaller unadjusted errors, also produced more accurate measurements after adjustment.

Star River Electronics Ltd.

In July 2001, a new CEO joins this small manufacturer of CD-ROMs and DVDs to discover that the firm is in the midst of a financial crisis, induced by rapid growth. The CEO asks an analyst for help with five tasks: (1) review historical performance of the firm; (2) forecast financing requirements for the next two years; (3) exercise the forecasting model to identify “key driver” assumptions; (4) estimate Star River's weighted average cost of capital; and (5) analyze a proposed investment in a packaging machine. The analyst must offer insights and recommendations based on the work. The aim of the case is to exercise students’ abilities in financial forecasting and analysis and in the analysis of capital projects. Generally, the case offers a good omnibus review of foundational tools and concepts.

Small Manufacturers vs. Large Retailers on RFID Adoption in the Apparel Supply Chain

The apparel industry is one of the most rapidly growing sectors of the radio frequency identification (RFID) market, and within it, large retailers have been driving RFID adoption. However, the continuation of this industry’s fast-paced growth is questionable due to the uncertainty associated with how manufacturers, especially small ones, would react to the retailer-led RFID initiative. The literature suggests that the relationship between small manufacturers and large retailers could promote or inhibit RFID adoption among the manufacturers. In order to study the impact of the relationship between small manufacturers and large retailers on the small manufacturers’ RFID adoption decisions, this research develops a 2×2 (two-by-two) game model and conducts outcome stability analysis. The results show that, in the 2×2 game framework, (i) the retailer’s opportunistic behavior is unlikely to occur due to the strong stability associated with the manufacturer’s do-nothing option; (ii) the do-nothing option, however, may lead to missed opportunities for both parties; (iii) the retailer’s pressure tactic is not effective in persuading the small manufacturer to adopt RFID; and (iv) the retailer’s collaborative strategy also does not guarantee the manufacturer’s RFID adoption. The discussion of these results concludes with specific suggestions for how to encourage RFID adoption among the small apparel manufacturers.

INTEGRATION OF CAD AND CAE IN SME’S FOR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Small manufacturing enterprises face a number of challenges when integrating computer aided design (CAD) tools and computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools into their design processes. One of the most significant challenges is interoperability across the wide range of commercial CAD and CAE tools. Although many of these tools support industry data standards and claim to be interoperable, the connection between them is not seamless. This paper summarizes studies of tool integration activities at one small manufacturer. The paper shows the enhancement of the product development process resulting from replacement of a two dimensional CAD system with a three-dimensional CAD system and creation of an inhouse capability to perform finite element analysis (FEA), replacing analysis that had previously been outsourced. As a result of these experiences, the manufacturer learned that improved productivity and superior designs could be obtained by integrating analysis into the design process at the earlier stages of conceptual and preliminary design.

Small Manufacturers vs. Large Retailers on RFID Adoption in the Apparel Supply Chain

The apparel industry is one of the most rapidly growing sectors of the radio frequency identification (RFID) market, and within it, large retailers have been driving RFID adoption. However, the continuation of this industry’s fast-paced growth is questionable due to the uncertainty associated with how manufacturers, especially small ones, would react to the retailer-led RFID initiative. The literature suggests that the relationship between small manufacturers and large retailers could promote or inhibit RFID adoption among the manufacturers. In order to study the impact of the relationship between small manufacturers and large retailers on the small manufacturers’ RFID adoption decisions, this research develops a 2×2 (two-by-two) game model and conducts outcome stability analysis. The results show that, in the 2×2 game framework, (i) the retailer’s opportunistic behavior is unlikely to occur due to the strong stability associated with the manufacturer’s do-nothing option; (ii) the do-nothing option, however, may lead to missed opportunities for both parties; (iii) the retailer’s pressure tactic is not effective in persuading the small manufacturer to adopt RFID; and (iv) the retailer’s collaborative strategy also does not guarantee the manufacturer’s RFID adoption. The discussion of these results concludes with specific suggestions for how to encourage RFID adoption among the small apparel manufacturers.

Successes and Failures in E-Partnering

The previous chapters have included a comprehensive discussion of general issues concerning e-partnership management from both technology and people perspectives, and, continuing this theme, this chapter presents extended and systematic multiple case studies which allow a more profound exploration of the way in which companies have partnered in e-business. It also contains an in-depth examination of specific issues and problems raised in e-partnerships. The cases selected for the case studies represent a broad range of interests, from big brand dotcoms like Yahoo! and Google to a small manufacturer that has embraced e-business and e-partnership technologies and practices. The case studies are followed by a cross-case analysis of the key issues in relation to the development of e-partnerships. Key successful factors are identified from the successful cases, along with the hard lessons learned from failure.