Reflexive Governance for Research and Innovative Knowledge

The book not only gives a clear picture of the policy and strategic framework of PFI/PPP projects, the governance and knowledge management issues through different phases from planning, design development to operation and service delivery and the processes associated with each phase, but practical tools, methodologies and capabilities needed to deliver PFI/PPP projects in a range of sectors are also explained. It clearly demonstrates the key imperatives that are the hallmark of successful programmes and projects no matter what there method of funding or delivery. I have no doubt that, in undertaking the programmes and projects that I am responsible for delivering and in undertaking OGC Gateway Reviews, to support clients delivering their own programmes and projects, I will draw on the material contained in this book. —From the Foreword by Rob Smith, Director of Gateway Reviews and Estates & Facilities, Department of Health There is a growing demand worldwide for transport, healthcare, education, energy and water infrastructure. However, government resources are often insufficient to meet the needs of new projects and to upgrade existing infrastructure. Private participation in public infrastructure is therefore increasing but the respective roles of the public and private sectors are the subject of intense debate. This has led to renewed interest in public-private partnerships in developed and developing countries. Governance and Knowledge Management for Public-Private Partnerships shows how effective governance and knowledge management can improve the performance of PFI/PPP projects. It provides an in-depth understanding of different dimensions of governance and how they affect project management structure, processes, and decision-making ability of actors and teams involved in PFI/PPP projects. The role of knowledge management strategy, the need for benchmarking knowledge management efforts, specific tools and methodologies for capturing, sharing and applying knowledge to accelerate learning and capacity building are also examined. The book is essential reading for all those involved in PFI/PPP projects, including policy makers, industry practitioners, academics and students. The practical tools for governance and knowledge management it offers make this book particularly useful for consultants, contractors and client organisations.

Communication services are evolving at an unprecedented rate. No longer limited to interpersonal vocal communication, they now integrate functions such as address books, content sharing and messaging. The emergence of social networks – which may also include these features – is an important element of this transformation. Content services are becoming flagship services themselves, and are sometimes paired up with conversation services. The boundaries between different services are becoming less and less distinct. This book meets the need for a better understanding of communication services, and for a general framework of their description. A detailed overview on service architecture in the Telco, Web and IT worlds is presented, offering a roadmap with explanations on how to improve the architecture and governance of communication service architectures by exploiting the syntax and semantics that are common to different services is clearly outlined. This book also responds to recurring questions about service design, such as the functional scope of enablers or SOA (Service Oriented Architecture) services, the relevance of service composition to the user and collaboration between different services in a converged environment. Many concrete examples from telecoms service providers’ operations illustrate these concepts. Contents 1. Describing Service Architectures. 2. Convergence of Service. 3. Building an Architectural Framework for Telecom Services. 4. Modeling and Case Study. 5. Organizational and Software Applications. About the Authors Emmanuel Bertin is senior service architect at Orange Labs in France. He is the author of more than 40 research papers, and holds more than 10 patents in the area of communication services. No?l Crespi worked at Bouygues Telecom, France Telecom R&D, and then at Nortel Networks where he led the Telephony Programme. He is currently Professor and Head of the Service Architecture Laboratory at Institut Mines-Telecom, Telecom SudParis in France and is the author/co-author of more than 160 research papers and 140 contributions in standardization.

A comprehensive guide to current issues and practices in governance for Takaful and re-Takaful operations As the global demand for Islamic insurance products increases, a thorough understanding of Takaful principles is vital for accountants, auditors, and leaders of companies offering these products. This book covers the basic accounting principles and practices of Takaful operations, including the segregation of assets, liabilities, income, and expenditures between the Takaful operator and participants; the setting aside of cash reserves for meeting outstanding claims and future claims; and the management of revenue and expenditure. Featuring extensive case studies from real-world situations, this book is the perfect primer for accounting students and practitioners unfamiliar with Islamic finance and Takaful operations. Written by experts from the International Islamic University Malaysia, the leading organisation in research in Islamic finance Covers all the major accounting principles and practices Based on real-world experience and packed with illustrative case studies For practicing accountants and business leaders, this book offers a thorough education in Takaful operations while also serving as an excellent guide for undergraduate students and researchers.

The status of knowledge management (KM) as a mature science has long been recognized in the academic world. However, in the economic arena, its connection with companies and organizations has been more gradual. Jean-Louis Ermine established a theoretical and practical framework for KM in Knowledge Management: The Creative Loop, which was also published by Wiley. In this second volume, practical examples are illustrated with real case studies. Modeled on the four-step operational approach inspired by the creative loop, this book includes four sets of real case studies – each one following the basic presentation of the fundamental material. Knowledge Management in Innovative Companies 2 is especially useful for practitioners, as there are numerous illustrations based on best practices for each specific KM step and for global project implementation. Indeed, the last chapter is dedicated to the implementation of a global KM corporate project.

The status of knowledge management (KM) as a mature science has long been recognized in the academic world. However, in the economic arena, its connection with companies and organizations has been more gradual. Jean-Louis Ermine established a theoretical and practical framework for KM in his book, Knowledge Management: The Creative Loop – issued by the same publishers as this book. In this latest tome, practical examples are illustrated with real case studies. Modeled on the four-step operational approach inspired by the creative loop, this book includes four sets of real case studies – each one following the basic presentation of the fundamental material per step. Knowledge Management in Innovative Companies 1 is especially useful for practitioners, as there are numerous illustrations based on best practices for each specific KM step and for global project implementation. Indeed, the last chapter is dedicated to the implementation of a global KM corporate project.

Provides a clear, useful framework and methods for R&D, including robust technology development, product planning, and product design and development management Quality Strategy for Research and Development integrates the Japanese and Western perspectives on Quality Function Deployment (QFD), updates the strategy of Robust Engineering (RE), and relates their unique frameworks to current, widely adopted philosophies of quality assurance. Featuring real-world case studies, more than thirty tables, and over seventy figures, this essential guide identifies key issues and proposes improvements in the current R&D paradigm. It offers in-depth coverage of technology development, product planning, and product design and development management. Quality Strategy for Research and Development: Updates the conventional approaches to QFD and RE, and provides the implementation model of combining them into a corporate operating system Identifies key issues in the current practice of R&D, and provides solutions for improving design quality and R&D productivity Includes the case studies of designing a functional circuit, magnetic component, measurement system, and machining equipment Offers the integration models of QFD and other breakthrough strategies including DFX (Design For eXcellence), DFSS (Design For Six Sigma), and Blue Ocean Strategy Written for R&D executives, managers, engineers, and quality practitioners, Quality Strategy for Research and Development is also an ideal text for professors and students of industrial and systems engineering, technology management, and business administration.

Food nanotechnology is an expanding field. This expansion is based on the advent of new technologies for nanostructure characterization, visualization, and construction. Nanotechnology Research Methods for Food and Bioproducts introduces the reader to a selection of the most widely used techniques in food and bioproducts nanotechnology. This book focuses on state-of-the-art equipment and contains a description of the essential tool kit of a nanotechnologist. Targeted at researchers and product development teams, this book serves as a quick reference and a guide in the selection of nanotechnology experimental research tools.

As individuals and companies realise the importance of their inventions, issues surrounding patent laws and practices are taking centre stage around the world. Patent Strategy introduces researchers to patent applications and patent portfolios. With minimum use of ‘legal jargon’ it provides the technical professional with the assistance and advice they require to understand the legal complexities that they may encounter before and during a patent application. It also discusses the responsibilities of the researcher after patent applications have been filed and the role the researcher can play in the maintenance of a global patent estate. This updated edition of the best selling book has been expanded to keep pace with modern day movements and addresses the global issue surrounding intellectual property. Including new information on areas such as software and biotechnology it shows the techniques that can be used by individuals and academic inventors to protect their work and is the ideal reference source. Bridges the gap between the legal system and scientific research and avoids legal jargon Details the reasons behind patents, their importance and relevance to all researchers and the strategy needed for filing for a patent Focuses on the strategy and reasons rather than just being a textbook of patent law Presents an overview of tools a researcher can use while working with a patent attorney or agent Adopts a readable style that explains the basics right up to developing a strategy Essential reading for all those who wish to keep pace and protect their work Reviews from previous edition: «…I can recommend it for technology managing types. Does a nice job of explaining many aspects of the patent system and patent strategies with a minimum of jargon and case citations…» —Internet Patent News «…provides an enlightened approach to a complex subject. It is relatively easy to read and follow…» – Polymers Paint and Colour Journal «This handy book provides the researcher with useful guidance on how to maximize the benefit of their inventiveness to themselves and their organization». —Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology

A comprehensive introduction to research methods and best practices for designing,conducting, interpreting, and reporting findings This text is designed to develop in students a passion for conducting research and an understanding of the practical value of systematic information- gathering and decision-making. It features step-by-step coverage of the research process including research design, statistical considerations, and guidance on writing up and presenting results. Recognized leaders in the field—authors Bart Weathington, Christopher Cunningham, and David Pittenger—present: Introductions to multiple research designs—including single-participant, multi-group, longitudinal, correlational, and experimental designs—accompanied by examples Bibliographic research and methods for appropriate sampling Identifying, developing, and evaluating reliable and valid approaches to measurement The issues and steps common to all single-factor and multifactor studies, as well as single-subject and nonexperimental methods How to summarize research in writing that conforms to the editorial guidelines of the American Psychological Association A comprehensive review of research methods and the statistical concepts that support them, Research Methods for the Behavioral and Social Sciences offers the best techniques for studying behavior and social phenomena.