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This article investigates the impact of various agglomeration forces on employment and innovation for a sample of aeronautical cluster firms in Northern Germany and a control group of geographically dispersed aeronautical firms in other German regions. The findings suggest that employment growth is positively affected by labor market pooling but this effect is not cluster-specific. The firms' probability of innovating is positively influenced by knowledge flows from proximate scientific institutions and public information sources as well as demanding local customers. However, only the effect of demanding customers is cluster-specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the validity of real-time probes as measures of situation awareness (SA). Real-time probes are verbal queries (derived from an SA requirements analysis) posed to the operator concurrent with operations. Mixed results were ob- tained. A weak but significant correlation was found between real-time probes (both accuracy and latency measures) and Situation Awareness Global Assessment Technique queries, indicating that real-time probes were measuring some facet of SA. However, correlations with workload were also found, and this correlation needs to be investigated further. Although real-time probes show promise, more research is needed to assess the utility of real-time probes as a metric of SA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to significant changes within the aerospace industry during recent years, a new approach is proposed for developing complex products in a globally distributed environment. Current approaches favour collocating project teams, but collocation is often not practical, nor economically justifiable. The Macro Concept is a process whereby products can be developed by globally distributed task teams, managed by a Core team. In the development of this concept, particular attention is paid to the human factors, the product decomposition and the infrastructure that supports the product introduction process in a globalized industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explores some of the key issues associated with the restructuring of the defense industry. Defense research and development and equipment spending in selected North Atlantic Treaty Organization states in 2000; United States (U.S.) defense industry consolidation; Examples of alliance strategies in the European defense industrial base; European defense and aerospace industry structure; Approaches to becoming global.

A model is described for transferring learning about quality from a UK company to a Russian company. A case study from the aerospace materials industry is used to test the model, which incorporates a learning strategy based on a learning needs assessment. The model was successfully used to train senior managers. They accepted and adopted the framework of the model, and the strategy bore fruit when their firm became a supplier to the western partner. Despite subsequent problems, it is proposed that the learning strategy adopted, a step-by-step approach, striving to harmonize the cultural traditions, gave the best chance of a successful outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation of communication practices among U.S. (n = 90) and Indian (n = 71) engineers and scientists employed in the aerospace industry revealed statistically significant differences between the two cultures. The differences may be attributed to Hofstede's (1980) cultural dimensions of individualism, uncertainty avoidance, and power distance; Hofstede and Bond's (1988) Confucian dynamism; and Hall's (1976) cultural context. Implications for practice address strategies to accommodate foreign cultures and to develop complementary approaches using the strengths of both cultures. Areas for future research are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Argues that relational competence is critical for innovation management and technology transfer and that personal communication, formal and informal, is the core component in such competence. Discussion on relationships, communication and technology management; Relationship management in Australian aerospace industry innovation.

Aerospace is archetypal 'government-oriented' industry with a symbiotic relationship between the state and national companies in terms of research and development funding, procurement and support for civil products. It also entails state involvement in the organization and operation of firms, whether publicly or privately owned. From the 1960s, commercial, industrial and political pressures forced European aerospace firms to collaborate in the development and production of most aerospace products. This 'internationalized' the aerospace policy community, but it did not directly involve the institutions of the European Union (EU). Over the last decade, however, the European Commission began to intervene in more aspects of aerospace mainly in trade and competition issues. More recently, it has expanded its R&D sponsorship functions to aerospace. These developments led European firms to increase their lobbying activity at the European level, and to a broader corporate and political interest in creating more efficient structures for European industrial and technological support. However, this has led to tensions between the national and European dimension of policy-making which may only be resolved by the evolution of genuine transnational firms in the aerospace sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzes a buck zero voltage switching quasi-resonant converter for aerospace applications operating at a constant switching frequency. Regulation of the output voltage; Principle of operation; Steady state characteristics; Design procedure and simulation of the converter.

The article discusses the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) which was implemented in the European Union (EU) on June 1, 2007 and will take effect until 2018. It notes that the regulation brought impact on all chemicals used by the Aviation Industry and some hazardous chemicals. It mentions the workshop conducted by the Midlands Aerospace Alliance and manufacturers of aerospace products in March 3, 2009. An outline of the program is also included.

Focuses on the relationship of Great Britain's Ministry of Defence with the smaller supplier companies of the Aerospace industry. Understanding on the supplier's perspective on the relationship; Programmes and procurement decisions that will be of concern to some suppliers; Role of the make-up of the individual companies in the debate on supplier involvement in trans-Atlantic and European programmes.

Polyamides were one of the earliest powder coatings invented for metal protection and soon established recognition for their physical toughness, visual attractiveness and compatibility with potable water and foodstuffs. The available polyamides today can be derivatives from both crude oil and castor oil refining processes. A short review of established applications and recent developments in both coatings and non-coatings uses is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]