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Engineered stone is a material which can be described as an artificial stone. The exemplary application area is sink production. There are very few research projects about this type of material. In fact, most of them are research conducted by the manufacturing company, which are limited to the basic properties of the material. However, knowledge about fracture mechanic of this material may be crucial in terms of usage. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Analysis of the inside structure was made using an optical microscope as well as SEM. In the paper, methods which can be used to obtain data about fracture behaviour of material are presented. Using eXtended Finite Element Method and experimental data from three-point bending of notched specimens stress intensity factors (SIFs) for I and II load modes were obtained. Finally, a comparison between the fracture initiation angle in the function of the ration of SIFs for I/II load modes and maximum tangential stress hypothesis prediction was presented.

Analysis of the inside structure proves that this type of material has an uneven distribution of particle size. This can follow to void and micronotches formation and, later, to the failure of the material. A method of obtaining stress intensity factors for the discussed type of material and specimens can be successfully applied to other similar material, as proposed in this work. Standard crack angle propagation criteria are not sufficient for this type of material.

There are very few research papers about this type of material. The subject of fracture mechanic is not properly discovered, despite the fact that IT is important in terms of the application area of these materials.

The first wing to be manufactured by British Aerospace for its new Airbus A340 made its public debut recently at the company's Airbus Division in Broughton, near Chester.

After three years in business together, Des Carpenter and Kees Schaddelee had a decision to make – should they double the size of their location, based on the opportunities and competitive threats they perceived? The startup phase took longer than expected and access to distribution channels was more difficult than expected. Nonetheless, the business gained traction with online sales that proved the concept of custom-made counters using EnvironiteTM technology was viable. As they prepared to expand the business, the owner-managers needed to decide on a growth strategy that would let them leverage their strengths. In analyzing their successes so far, they needed to evaluate their business model including their product line, target markets, marketing strategy (including the pricing strategy, product lines, and channels of distribution) and operations.

Data were collected through interviews with business owners and a review of company documents, production processes and the company website.

This case exercise will suit strategy and entrepreneurship students at both the senior undergraduate level and graduate level. The case discussion will ask students to consider operations, supply chain management, marketing and other issues, all through the lens of a holistic vision for the company. This case may be taught as an example of a growth strategy or a business model in a capstone business strategy course or higher level entrepreneurship course. It is appropriate for both undergraduate seniors and graduate students.

This case may be taught as an example of a growth strategy or a business model in a capstone business strategy course or higher-level entrepreneurship course. The case may be used to help students understand external and internal analysis, identifying the sources of value creation and competitive advantage, and creating an appropriate strategy for growth. It provides a rich context to discuss and apply the following conceptual tools: the application of a value chain analysis and the application of a business model canvas (key partners, key activities, key resources, value propositions, customer relationships, distribution channels, customer segments, cost structure and revenue streams). The case may also be used to reinforce the applications of growth phases in a young firm that are part of the entrepreneurial setting, for example, value proposition, ideal customer, revenue streams and key performance indicators.

The purpose of this paper is to describe a practice that has implications for increasing product innovation in a variety of industries.

The case describes a market orientation and product innovation program to increase a company's competitiveness. At the organization's request, its name has been changed. The author is indebted to an executive with contacts in the company for insight into the company's operations.

The case provides information and a solid action approach to increasing company competitiveness by strengthening a firm's market orientation and new product innovation. The subject company remedied a lack of product development and management skills by training and hiring new specialists to operate a new department. In addition, it put a reward and communication program in place that increased its intelligence generation, dissemination and corporate responsiveness.

As in all case studies, the specific conditions found in one organization may not be found more generally in others. Readers are cautioned that the conclusions drawn in the case may have limited applicability.

The case depicts a professional implementation of a market orientation improvement program as well as development of product management and innovation functions. Other organizations may find the techniques of value in their own efforts.

The case is a unique implementation of a new product innovation and market orientation that has a comprehensive foundation. It offers lessons that may be applied to other companies faced with similarly competitive, consumer and technological environments.

INCREASING demand for stone products has led to numerous new quarries being opened up and worked all over the world. As a result of this expansion, the variety of stone types available has increased. This can present initial problems when determining the correct diamond and bond specifications for the diamond tools used to cut and drill these materials. It is difficult to make precise judgements without carrying out extensive machining trials to establish the sawability of a given stone type.

The analysis of ancient buildings presents professionals with important challenges, so it is necessary to have a rational methodology of analysis of these constructions. From the point of view of the technology of structures it is imperative to know the mechanical characteristics of the structural elements involved, as well as the existing stress levels. Currently the tendency is to obtain such knowledge in a non‐destructive way, producing minimal damage. The purpose of this paper is to provide a vision of some of the minor‐destructive techniques (MDT) applied to the diagnosis of historical rubble stone masonry structures.

The paper focuses attention on the employment of techniques based on mechanical stress aspects: flat jack, hole‐drilling and dilatometer, conducted on rubble stone masonry structures. Several computational models were made of parts of the building. These models were used to obtain experimental data (modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio). The accuracy of the models was contrasted through the comparison with compression stress levels obtained experimentally.

The paper provides a brief description of these MDT, and exposes the flat jack tests results obtained on several historical masonry walls in the Major Seminary of Comillas (Spain): Compression stress levels, modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio of several masonries of this building.

These techniques improve the computational models of constructions, because they can obtain a better knowledge of their mechanical properties, from experimental ways, and the calibration of models through experimental data.

This paper describes one of the first applications of these techniques in Spain.

This paper reconsiders the criticisms of the most influential theory of the rise of the large corporations, and to see how these criticisms can be met without entirely abandoning the basic elements of the theory.

This problem is approached by first analyzing the weaknesses inherent in Chandler's theory as presented in The Visible Hand, and then by reworking elements of the theory by relying on data generated by other historical accounts.

The author found that the theory could be salvaged by reordering the evolution of managerial practices based on a variety of historical studies, many not considered by Chandler, but even some of his own earlier work. Given these changes in historical order, vital managerial reforms can be placed sufficiently early that organizational techniques existed to solve the problems and exploit the opportunities that Chandler identifies as creating the pressures necessary to generate the large industrial corporation, thus responding to one class of criticism. My approach can also incorporate other factors that critics see as missing in Chandler's account.

What is new in this paper is that it reconciles Chandler's analysis with those of his critics by re‐examining and correcting some of his assumptions. The result is a theory of corporate evolution that is less global but more realistic. Economic and business historians as well as sociologists of organizations will find this reassessment valuable.

A hybrid of architectural design and engineering, architectural engineers (AEs)design and remediate problems with internal and external structures and systems of building and facilities in the US. Trained and credentialed in academic programs awarding approximately 1,000 degrees annually, AE is a mid-sized specialty engineering degree comparable to computer software, nuclear, or materials engineering. The case outlines the origins and history of the occupation and illustrates three aspects of the academization process: integration of the university’s charter for knowledge production within an occupation; possibilities for conflict and power within universities that can shape occupational outcomes; and the role of the university and collaborations with practitioners in creating change in theoretical conceptions, on-the-job skills, and problem-solving strategies. AE demonstrates academization in a field with specific physical outcomes and functional requirements that are technically bounded. As counterfactuals, possible alternative occupational paths for the work roles of AEs are considered, along with reasons why they did not happen. What did occur demonstrates the impact of the academization process, with both credentialing and new research. AE is an informative example of constructed functionalism, formed and continually shaped by the university.

Examines a European Commission Institute survey investigating TQM and its application to the European construction industry and suggests that the short‐term nature of construction projects means that obtaining long‐term benefits of TQM can be difficult. Uses the experience of BP Chemicals to investigate what TQM offers in these circumstances, comparing the results of the ECI study with one from the University of Manchester Institute of Science & Technology on a similar theme. Concludes that if TQM simply speeds up the integration of different construction industry “cultures”, that is in itself beneficial.

An aircraft wing perforated with millions of tiny holes is being studied at McDonnell Douglas Corporation as a way to reduce fuel consumption substantially on long‐range flights by the next decade.