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This paper examines some of the key aspects of the process of maintenance management of the built cultural heritage. It is primarily based on responses to a questionnaire from a number of maintenance managers all of whom are responsible for significant stocks of historic buildings within their portfolios. The research identifies two types of organisation; “heritage focused” and “non‐heritage focused”. It examines differences in approach between them in the following key areas: aims and objectives of the organisation, the use of external consultants and condition surveys, prioritisation and costs. The paper identifies areas for further research. It also suggests that the identification of cultural significance embodied in the fabric of historic buildings and consideration of its vulnerability should be a prerequisite for determining approaches to maintenance management.

Following a successful audit visit on 21st December 1988, Torvac Services, Waterbeach, have been awarded systems and processes approval by British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Ltd.

New Light Aeroplane Compass An interesting light aeroplane compass has just been introduced to this country by E. F. Stephen, of 141, Bond Street, who will be the sole concessionaire lor this country. Known as the “ZN” compass, the German makers, “Zürn, Jackenkroll & Co., claim for it that it is a definite improvement on existing compasses in that it is non‐periodic rather than aperiodic. That is to say, by careful design it has been possible to make the value of the magnetic moment so large in proportion to the amount of inertia that only a comparatively small amount of damping is necessary to eliminate oscillation.

This chapter reviews developments to improve on the poor performance of the standard GMM estimator for highly autoregressive panel series. It considers the use of the ‘system’ GMM estimator that relies on relatively mild restrictions on the initial condition process. This system GMM estimator encompasses the GMM estimator based on the non-linear moment conditions available in the dynamic error components model and has substantial asymptotic efficiency gains. Simulations, that include weakly exogenous covariates, find large finite sample biases and very low precision for the standard first differenced estimator. The use of the system GMM estimator not only greatly improves the precision but also greatly reduces the finite sample bias. An application to panel production function data for the U.S. is provided and confirms these theoretical and experimental findings.

Recognises that whilst an abundance of research has been conducted into solicitors’ marketing, other players in the legal industry have been ignored or overlooked. Suggests that what is clearly lacking is a holistic analysis of legal‐market dynamics. Attempts to provide a clearer and more accurate understanding of the relationships within the legal industry. Investigates the role of relationships in facilitating exchange, elucidates how these relationships are developed, and identifies key relationship characteristics. Overviews the legal industry and discusses the rationale for utilising a relational perspective. Presents and analyses evidence generated from interviews with barristers, solicitors, barristers’ clerks and clients. Culminates with a discussion of findings, implications and directions for future research.

Notes that, in the UK, there has been little empirical research undertaken to consider the effect of the commercial property tax (more commonly known as non‐domestic rates) on the level of openly negotiated market rents. Seeks, through the analysis of a large set of panel data obtained from the Investment Property Databank and the Valuation Office Agency, to develop econometric models which can measure the effect that an increase in non‐domestic rates has on commercial rents and ultimately the effective incidence of non‐domestic rates. Draws a number of conclusions, the most significant being that changes in rates bills prompt changes in commercial property rents in the opposite direction. Notes that this conclusion may, in the longer term, have an effect on the type and indeed the timing of government assistance to business occupiers through transitional relief schemes.

Making a quiet helicopter even quieter is the aim of a new technology being developed by McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems.

ABERDEEN‐based Bond Helicopters is set to provide high speed support to the roadbound ambulance service in the West Midlands.

Self-employment placements can provide an opportunity to experience the real-life world of the entrepreneur within an educational context but their implementation is rare. Here we describe a full sandwich year placement scheme at the University of Huddersfield – the Enterprise Placement Year (EPY). Details of the EPY are provided including academic requirements, application procedures and the learning opportunities provided. There are a growing number of EPY alumni continuing the development of their business idea or starting up a new business in their final year or after graduation and three examples are provided. In addition to increasing numbers of sustaining businesses, there is evidence of improved academic success with a greater than average percentage of ‘good degrees’ obtained. Regular changes to the delivery of the programme have been made as a result of ongoing evaluation. These are reported here with recommendations for other universities considering offering such a programme and suggestions for future research.