Linkages between manufacturing strategy, benchmarking, performance measurement and business process reengineering

An empirical analysis is presented for researching linkages between manufacturing strategy, benchmarking, performance measurement (PM) and business process reengineering (BPR). Although the importance of these linkages has been described in conceptual literature, it has not been widely demonstrated empirically. The survey research was carried out in 73 medium and large-sized Slovenian manufacturing companies within the mechanical, electro-mechanical and electronic industries. The resulting data were subjected to reliability and validity analyses. Canonical correlation analysis was used to test six hypotheses.The results confirmed the need for a strategically-driven BPR approach and the positive impact of performance measurement on BPR performance.     

The Ven Te Chow Memorial Lecture: On Future Professional Activities Of The International Water Resources Association

ABSTRACT

The Upper Mississippi River Basin has experienced considerable hydrologic change in the last two centuries as a result of removal of wetland areas, deforestation and subsequent reforestation, changes in agricultural practices, urbanization, navigation projects, and the construction of levees. It is popularly accepted that the human-induced modifications to the river and its watersheds have increased the amount of flow in the Mississippi River, particularly during flooding events. Long-term streamgage records in the Upper Mississippi River Basin were analyzed to determine trends in streamflows and flooding. Over the 130 years of gaging there have been various periods in which the frequency and magnitude of floods have fluctuated. Trends in average flow and flooding are strongly correlated to coincident increases in average annual precipitation. For many portions of the watershed, precipitation and streamflows over the last three decades have been higher than any earlie period on record. Outside of the dominant influence of climate variation, only one major change on Mississippi River flood discharges is observed. Flood control reservoirs in the Missouri River watershed appear to produce a 10 per cent reduction in the average flood peak and average flood volume for the Mississippi River at St. Louis, Missouri.     

Water Diversions and Interbasin Transfers

Abstract

Interbasin water diversion generates some of the largest controversies and deepest conflicts in water resources development. These transfers have become multi-disciplinary problems. The more water purposes served in a interbasin water transfer, the more complex the resolutions of problems are. Geomorphological, geological, and hydrological properties of diversion region are crucial factors in transfers. Interbasin transfers make the region an important planning unit. Controversies in transfers result from losses and damages in the basin of origin. Many large projects for water transfers around the world still await decisions on construction. Diversion projects now require long periods to study and large planning and design investments, with detailed studies of all transfer aspects, including environmental impacts. The compensation for losses in the basin of origin is important, though often it takes into account only the water uses but not others (recreation, instream water values, ecology, etc.). Controversies among basins and regions may create serious political divisions and infights in the state as well as among the states. In general, factors must be taken into account, including the prohibition of interbasin water transfers. Equity funds within the states may resolve some of the controversies. The role of governments may be to plan water resources development, create policies and strategies, and provide legislation. Regional water plans and their coordination by the state agencies may lead to a good compromise and a mutually-acceptable solution. Interbasin transfers may lead to very complex legal problems. Each of the three standard methods of conflict resolution—the administrative-legal, arbitration, and market decision (negotiation, contracts, compensation) has its place in resolving controversies.     

Future Function of the Danube River in United Europe

Abstract

The Danube River is the major navigational river in the central and south-eastern parts of Europe. A vision on the future role of the Danube River in the United Europe must aim to satisfy the evolving human needs in the region. A new, special type of unification of the majority of European countries has already begun and will likely lead to more rational, effective, widespread, and beneficial impacts on regional populations through such functions as comprehensive water resources development. An enoromous water resources development will occur in the Danube River Basin in the next two centuries, provided that Europeans succeed in uniting and remaining united.     

Hydrology and Hydraulics in Planning and Operation of Water Resources Systems

ABSTRACT

A number of water supply schemes in developing countries have been observed to fail to yield water at the design capacity rates well before the elapse of the design period. Such failures frustrate the efforts of a nation in its water supply development programmes.

In this paper the causes of failures o f some typical components o f a water supply scheme have been discussed citing case studies from Tanzania in East Africa. It is observed that the elements o f design and maintenance are largely responsible for the failures o f water supply schemes.

Rehabilitation of failing water supply schemes in developing countries can substantially increase the number of people served with safe and adequate water supply. Clear national policies and adequate budgetary provision are required for successful implementation of water supply projects.