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Steady state creep analysis in a rotating disc with linearly varying thickness has been carried out. The disc under investigation is made of functionally graded composite containing non-linear distribution of silicon carbide particles in a matrix of pure aluminium along the radius of the disc. The creep behaviour of the disc has been described by a threshold stress-based law with a stress exponent as 5. The stresses and strain rates are estimated in the FGM disc and compared with a similar disc but having uniform distribution of reinforcement. The study reveals that the creep response of an FGM disc, in terms of strain rates, is significantly superior to a uniform composite disc. Further, by employing FGM disc with higher reinforcement, the magnitude of strain rates and extent of distortion in the disc could be reduced significantly.

The study is aimed at identifying knowledge management factors and developing a flexible strategic framework for knowledge management applicable to SCM. This framework is based on the Measurement Matrix framework of KM suggested by Smith and McKeen (2005). Study of existing KM frameworks was carried out and KM areas identified on the continuum of continuity and change. The data on KM areas on which this study is based was generated through secondary research using published sources and primary research through focused discussion with industry experts and personal interviews with experts from companies selected. A case study of MNCs in electrical and lighting industry is given in this paper validating the KM framework suggested. The research identifies and validates KM areas in terms of continuity and change factors applicable to management of supply chain. The framework suggested can be adapted by the scholars and practicing managers for application in the global context.

Low alloy steels of case carburising grade are generally employed in the manufacture of various automotive components. These components have to work under fatigue loading during their service life, which occasionally results in fatigue failures. The present work is aimed at investigating the fatigue crack propagation behaviour of some commonly used low alloy steels in case carburised condition. The crack propagation mechanisms were investigated through fractographic observations on the fractured surfaces of standard fatigue test specimens failed under four-point rotating bending fatigue tests. Despite the presence of residual compressive stresses induced during case carburisation, majority of the fatigue cracks were found to initiate at the surface. Crack initiation was followed by transgranular mode of stable crack propagation for all the steels, while subsequent crack propagation behaviour was found to be dependent on the contents of alloying elements in a given steel. Steels containing higher amounts of chromium were found to exhibit greater tendency towards intergranular decohesion cracking.

Creep behaviour of a functionally graded rotating disc has been investigated by using finite element-based Abaqus software. The disc is made of composite containing linear distribution of silicon carbide particles in a matrix of pure aluminium. The creep behaviour of the composite is described by Norton’s power law. The creep response of the FGM disc has been estimated by using Abaqus software and compared with a similar disc but having uniform distribution of silicon carbide reinforcement. It is observed that the radial stress in the FGM disc is higher than the uniform composite disc throughout. However, the tangential and effective stresses in the FGM disc show significant increase near the inner radius but exhibit decrease near the outer radius when compared to a uniform composite disc. The strain rates in the FGM disc are significantly lower than those observed in a similar disc having uniform distribution of reinforcement.

With fast changing global economic and socio-political environment and ever increasing customers’ expectation companies are in dilemma as to focus on business continuity or change. The study focuses on identifying the underlying factors affecting the continuity and change forces and suggests on how the organisations in fast food sector can manage supply chain for sustainable business. A study of existing frameworks was carried out and data on underlying factors on which this study is based was generated through secondary research using published sources and primary research through focused discussion and interviews with industry experts using a structured questionnaire. A case study of multinational companies in fast food industry is given in this paper validating the framework suggested. The implications of the proposed framework for both the scholars and practicing managers are highlighted in the concluding part of the paper and can be adapted for applications in the global context.

A mathematical model has been developed to investigate steady state creep in a rotating disc having linearly varying thickness. The disc is assumed to be composed of functionally graded (FG) composite containing linearly varying content of silicon carbide particles (SiCp) reinforced in a matrix of pure aluminium (Al). The disc material undergoes steady state creep as described by a creep law based on threshold stress with a stress exponent of 5. The mathematical model developed has been employed to investigate the effect of imposing various linear gradients of SiCp on the creep performance of the FG disc. The study indicates that with the increase in SiCp gradient, the radial stress increases throughout the disc. However, the increase in SiCp gradient results in increase of tangential and effective stresses near the inner radius of the disc but a decrease near the outer radius. The tangential as well as radial strain rates in the FG disc reduce to a significant extent with the increase in SiCp gradient.

Continuity and change are the main parameters of any strategy paradigm. Traditionally these have been treated in an ‘either-or’ basis. A lot of work has been done on managing continuity with incremental improvements. In the recent past, significant changes have taken place in the automotive sector in the world and India is no exception. Most of the literature has focused on strategic change and gradual transformation. However, dealing with flexibility, continuity and change has been an area of growing interest as a large number of organisations in the auto sector are faced with turbulence. This research work focuses on study of ‘inward supply chain management’ of a leading auto company in India in order to understand how they are coping up with the forces of continuity and change. Based on this research, the aim is to develop a flexible framework for effectively managing continuity and change in managing automotive supply chains leading to business excellence.

Continuity and change are key paradigms of strategic thinking. Most of the literature has focused on strategic change and gradual transformation. Dealing with flexibility, continuity and change has been an area of growing interest to researchers and business organisations to cope with the uncertainty. Outbound automotive supply chain, involving large dealer network, third party logistics and multimode transportation, has become very complex. Vehicle recall, hence, reverse supply chain, has now become common and needs to be included in any strategy for outbound supply chain. This research work focuses on study of outbound supply chain of the largest automotive company in India and understanding how they are coping up with the forces of continuity and change. Based on this research, the aim is to develop a flexible strategic framework for effectively managing forces of continuity and change in outbound supply chains, which can be applied to other similar organisations.