Appearing on page 4 of this issue is an article by Keith Hammond on ‘Star Wars and the Paint Industry’. Apart from administering a mild admonishment to the Paintmakers Association…
Abstract
Appearing on page 4 of this issue is an article by Keith Hammond on ‘Star Wars and the Paint Industry’. Apart from administering a mild admonishment to the Paintmakers Association for not leaving paint technology learning to the Polytechnic of the South Bank, the author presents his case for thinking that we might get some paint business through the SDI (star wars) project. However, what we found particularly intriguing were his sideswipes at the EEC, with reference to ‘EEC hit squads are dropping into the most unlikely places’. And in his final paragraph: ‘I'm sorry old boy but it's not possible for you to cross my threshold, let alone cart away my records, without a warrant from a local JP’.
The writer remembers — with a healthy nostalgia — when data sheets still included information on medium taughtening dopes and the chief test‐pilot of his principal account raced a…
Abstract
The writer remembers — with a healthy nostalgia — when data sheets still included information on medium taughtening dopes and the chief test‐pilot of his principal account raced a greyhound, took bets and qualified for jets as a grandfather. Those were indeed the days and we speak of Blackburn Aircraft Limited in the epoch wedged between the Beverley freighter and the Buccaneer, otherwise known as the NA39 fighter‐bomber. An impeccable salute from the commissionaire for which he received a new crisp 10/‐note, breakfast in the flying club with the chief security officer, lunch with ‘Sailor’ Parker later to be tragically killed in action, so to speak, testing the NA39. On summer evenings golf with the purchasing boys on the fine Brough course then, the tasting of fine wines and perhaps, a measure of after dinner hilarity. In between we did a great deal of effective work.
AEROSPACE innovation, research and development, has about it an imperative factor. First is the constant striving for optimum safety, performance, comfort and the need, where…
Abstract
AEROSPACE innovation, research and development, has about it an imperative factor. First is the constant striving for optimum safety, performance, comfort and the need, where appropriate, to compete effectively in the military segment. Further, when we refer to innovation within the aerospace concept, we mean true innovation rather than something tacked on to a component as an appendage, to satisfy fad or fashion. Sharper turns, longer range, higher ceilings and enhanced fire‐power result from authentic innovations; on a less dramatic plane, so does the prolongation of the life of the component — an imperative factor in relation to cost effectiveness. In an earlier article we outlined the contribution made by coatings to the protection of aerospace components and now we intend to similarly cover sister elements under the general head‐ing of ‘elastomers.’
EARTH is in space and it is no more extraordinary for man to use space to look down on Earth, as for centuries he has used Earth to scan the stars. Contrary to popular belief, man…
Abstract
EARTH is in space and it is no more extraordinary for man to use space to look down on Earth, as for centuries he has used Earth to scan the stars. Contrary to popular belief, man took to space and utilised it just as soon as he was given the means. When did the space age begin? Was it the Balloon Post of 1870, or the V2 rockets of 1944 or, Sputnik? Whatever, just as soon as man found he could employ energy to defy gravity, he saw the potential for its use in war — and a good thing too. Where would all who read this be if RAF bravery coupled with space technology had not been in being in 1940?
The success of the Airbus series, in which BA has a stake, is set to be the event of the next two decades — Europe is, and will continue, selling aeroplanes to the Americans;…
Abstract
The success of the Airbus series, in which BA has a stake, is set to be the event of the next two decades — Europe is, and will continue, selling aeroplanes to the Americans; actually sending coal to Newcastle. This is a formidable achievement and indicates the product has tangible advantages, across the spectrum, over that of the home industry. Even so, such watershed penetration is not only the result of novel and effective technology but is coupled with fiscal attraction and hard‐nosed selling.
July 1986 that august body, the Paintmakers Association, met to throw it about in delightful Torquay. It can be said at once they did not foozle but, can it be stated their…
Abstract
July 1986 that august body, the Paintmakers Association, met to throw it about in delightful Torquay. It can be said at once they did not foozle but, can it be stated their machinations were of a profound nature? They spoke of teaching modules and moaned about competition from that traditional (and world renowned) centre of paint technology learning, the Polytechnic of the South Bank. They showed a video about young people replete with hackneyed phrases: ‘industry is a rat race; industry is a dirty boring factory.’ (What's new Mr Magoo?) They complimented themselves on their novella Blight. The titanium dioxide boys came up for their monthly dubbing. On a more interesting note Disraeli was resurrected: ‘Change is a constant’ and, perhaps most interesting of all, Mr Julian Oliver of ICI, spoke on effective government lobbying.
From the poems of Caedmon to Blake's poetical sketches, through to Byron, Shelley, De Quincey and Keats, poetry is poetry is poetry.
The free world's AB‐IB offensive/defensive aircraft costs $200m and, armed with an appropriate missile, a range and reach of 5,400nm. This means the world could be covered from…
Abstract
The free world's AB‐IB offensive/defensive aircraft costs $200m and, armed with an appropriate missile, a range and reach of 5,400nm. This means the world could be covered from two bases. Such envelopment holds fascinating possibilities for the containment of aggression, by forcing a continental power, with the biggest land mass, to defend itself against an all round threat. Further, in such a situation, the very size of the power is turned against itself: what was an asset (the absorption of land invaders in depth) now becomes a burden. Such tangible hemispherical range emanating from a new level of utilitarian sources, cannot be studied in isolation. Before it can be accepted as feasible and embraced within a strategy, the potential enemy's reaction must be calculated and allowed for. Even so, the AB‐IB concept looks gilt‐edged: no one relishes giving up land mass; that said, should hostilities commence, the envisaged opponent will fight in the hope of inflicting combat degradation on a $200m aeroplane.
Life and perfection, if far from opposites, by their very nature lack affinity. True perfection is both inanimate and inert; once life and movement manifest themselves, perfection…
Abstract
Life and perfection, if far from opposites, by their very nature lack affinity. True perfection is both inanimate and inert; once life and movement manifest themselves, perfection suffers. Even so, certain man‐made commodities aim commendably at perfection: literature, painting, music, works of architecture — a line drawn at 90° to abase is a work of perfection. But, as it metamorphosises into a thing of beauty and function such as a Nash terrace or Wren church, utter perfection is lost. On another plane, a cricket‐bat, before being eagerly grabbed by man, possesses elements of perfection. It is only when employed in the hope of creating a great sporting performance, its intrinsic strength gives way to mans weakness. So it is with one of mans greatest status symbols — the automobile.
Sarah M. Paukert, Russell P. Guay and You Jin Kim
The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions of the human resources (HR) function from millennials and postmillennials who are either just finishing college or already…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions of the human resources (HR) function from millennials and postmillennials who are either just finishing college or already in the early stages of their careers. Previous works have often revealed negative stereotypes toward HR, and this study serves to discover whether these perceptions are changing. Further, the study aims to address the origins of and reasoning behind these new perceptions.
Design/methodology/approach
A two-study survey research design using a sample of 106 college of business students (Study 1) and an additional sample of 135 former business students who have graduated since 2011 (Study 2) is used.
Findings
The results demonstrate that perceptions of HR are changing and quite positive, with the majority of these perceptions originating from personal experiences. In fact, the vast majority of respondents not only felt positive about HR but also like and trust their HR representatives.
Originality/value
Results also suggest that there may be a disconnect between perceptions of the HR function and its actual purpose, suggesting that HR professionals need to better educate others about their important role as a strategic business partner.