Browsing by Author "Seaton, R. A. F."
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Item Open Access Ecotechnology as interdisciplinary method: ecological engineering of water quality(2000-03) Browne, Brigid; Seaton, R. A. F.The principle objective of the work is to explore an ecotechnological, interdisciplinary approach to studying ‘natural’, in ecologically engineered terms, systems. This requires the investigation of two sub-objectives. The first of which is to develop an assessment method for investigating the bi-directionality between water quality (biochemical) and ecological change as a socially directed biophysical or ‘natural’ technology. Supporting this first sub-objective is a second one which offers an innovative approach, in the form of developing a new classificatoiy framework or ‘ecotaxonomy’, which uses the concepts of hierarchy and emergence in describing the biological components (bios) of such ‘natural’ systems. Central also to the research is a case-study which relates to an issue of perception in the way that treatment processes at a water treatment works are generally regarded as separate from the treatment processes of water in ‘natural’ watercourses and the aquatic ecologies endogenous to them. Wastewater-fed aquaculture systems are a principle example of an ecological engineered treatment system or socially directed biophysical technology, which bridges this perceptual divide. Such an aquaculture system is used to test the new taxonomic framework. As a result of the development of a conceptual model and the hybrid classification exercise several interesting observations are made. Firstly the way in which the ecotaxonomy as a hybridization of traditional biological and ecological classification enables the systems biochemistry to be mapped to its ecology. Secondly the utility of ‘inter’ taxonomic systems generally as mapping functions to facilitate knowledge transfer and interdisciplinary research. Thirdly the creation of a classification systems which allows, by merit of it’s structure, for the phenomenon of emergence. Other interesting side issues are raised such as the role of ‘objective’ as opposed to ‘natural’ biological classification systems and further implications on the effect of changing biological taxonomic structure are discussed, with particular reference to principle ecological theories such as the diversity-stability hypothesis and the nature of biological variety and functional diversity in natural systems generally. If social needs, such as water treatment, are to ‘harness’ natural biological systems then these properties of ecotechnology need to be further developed.Item Open Access Emergent techno-environmental phenomena(Cranfield University, 1997-03) Hadfield, Linda; Seaton, R. A. F.Environmental problems, and human attempts to manage them, can be conceptualised as evolutionary complex systems, involving interlinked processes of physical, knowledge, technological, institutional, perceptual and behavioural change. Issues such as traffic pollution and asthma may be viewed as emergent systems, embedded within overlapping hierarchical systems. A distinction may be made beween changes in physical systems (“physical emergence”), changes in human knowledge about those systems (“knowledge emergence”) and changes in human perceptions (“perceptual emergence”). While processes of physical and knowledge emergence are important, it is through perceptual emergence that a phenomenon comes to be regarded as a “problem” or “issue”, potentially leading to changes in policy, institutional arrangements or behaviour. Physical changes may have impacts on human beings, which may be measurable and predictable in the mass. However, the outcome of such an impact, from the point of view of a particular individual, is mediated by that individual’s perception, which is dictated by his or her personal experience, understanding and interests (“appreciative system”). These perceptions in turn will determine the individual’s behaviour, which may feed back into the collective appreciative system, policy system, and the base physical system. The distinction between policy based on measurement and control of impacts and individual perceptions and behaviour dependent on outcomes leads to incongruity between the “institutional” and “individual” views of an issue. The thesis investigates this incongruity in the case of the “traffic pollution and asthma” emergent system. The perceptions of “institutional” and “individual” actors involved in the system were elicited by means of unstructured and semi-structured interviews, and analysed in terms of a number of key concepts (perceptions of measurement, risk and spatiality) across a number of dimensions (different actors in the same location, the same hierarchical position in different locations, and between a specific institution and individuals). The empirical investigation demonstrates differences between multiple institutions managing different aspects of the problem and a lack of understanding and communication between institutions and individuals, despite the fact that an expressed aim of policy in this area is directed at communicating with individuals with the intention of changing individual behaviour.Item Open Access Factors that influence the receptivity to fault diagnostic learning when a systems approach is applied: a technical transfer study(Cranfield University, 1992-12) Craig, Malcolm; Cordey-Hayes, M.; Seaton, R. A. F.This thesis is concerned with receptivity and response encountered at different levels within organisations when a novel approach to the learning of fault diagnosis skills is introduced. Essentially, the work involved the transfer of a learning technology from research and development on the one hand to the workplace on the other. With only a few exceptions, previous research had taken a highly focused, machinecentred view of fault diagnosis. The same view has been adopted towards the limited range of training that is currently offered in this subject. The overall aim here was to introduce a holistic approach by viewing fault diagnosis as a social process that is conducted within a technical context. To do this, account had to be taken of the complex interactions found between a number of disciplines such as, design, production, quality assurance, buying, maintenance and management. The learning technology that served as a vehicle for the transfer of this systems approach was a series of open learning modules. The modules were produced as part of the project. The methodology was based upon an inductive approach that involved the interpretation of qualitative data; this was done using a triangulation of research methods: case studies, critical incidents, and survey questionnaire. The sample, of both large and small organisations, was designed to provide a mix of different types of manufacturing and service industries. In each case, the practice of fault diagnosis skills continues to be a critical influence upon business performance. Different factors arose at different levels within each organisation, and betweenorganisation factor differences are also identified. Apart from the production of open learning material, the contribution made to the subject area is of new insights into the mechanism used for technology transfer within companies, and the identification of factors that either facilitate or hinder transfer of this kind. There is also a contribution to the debate about how the theory of systems thinking can be applied in a prescriptive way as opposed to the more common descriptive delivery. Recommendations are made for further developmento f the learning technology.Item Open Access Managing diversity : the strategic planning of long term technology infrastructure(Cranfield University, 1992-11) Jeffrey, Paul; Seaton, R. A. F.Current methods of addressing uncertainty in the field of technology planning and management rely heavily on the use of forecasting and scenario generation. However, current developments in the planning and systems literature suggest that concepts of diversity and resilience provide an alternative framework for addressing uncertainty. Consequently, this thesis adopts an interdisciplinary approach to investigate three specific aspects of the technology assessment process; the limits to information from quantitative modelling, technological and managerial strategies for combating uncertainty, and the roles of models and modellers in these strategies. As a preface to the study, the nature of resilience in the context of technology planning is reviewed and some propositions are made concerning the matching of planning tools with levels of management sovereignty. A series of simulation models developed as part of the research programme provide some useful insights into the role of diversity in promoting both reduced costs and greater cost stability over the long term. However, they also expose a number of methodological limitations to modelling diversity in technological systems. These limitations are associated with both the representation of diversity and the exposure of multiple solutions. The second strand of investigation shows that the flexibility promoted by managers active in a turbulent operating environment, is focused on organisational and human centred attributes of the firm's activities. The final research activity shows that professional modellers in the U. K. appear to be aware of the limitations of the tools and techniques they utilise and perceive their role as being one of providing a rational / scientific approach to problem solving. Both policy and methodology related conclusions are drawn from the three research activities. Integration of the various strands of the research results emphasises the importance of matching the strategic and decision issue contexts of a policy issue to the analysis and policy tools used. Several recommendations for further research are also provided.Item Open Access Modelling landfill as a complex biophysical technology(Cranfield University, 1998-10) Lowe, Martin; Seaton, R. A. F.Concerns regarding climate change are becoming a driver behind legislation at both UK and EU levels, and also on the wider, planetary scale This is the case with emissions from landfills where the release of methane is being targeted for reduction This thesis uses an integrative approach, incorporating concepts of hierarchy from systems theory, to model landfill as a complex biophysical technology It assesses the contribution to carbon deposition and global warming of landfill through changes to that technology itself and through changes in the waste stream caused by potential waste policies The thesis develops an holistic, conceptual model of the landfill system, mapping flows and transformations of carbon within that system It further develops this conceptual model into a calculating model of landfill as a waste management technology incorporating measurements taken to provide new data and validate published data to calibrate the model It thus applies modelling techniques to a biophysical technology, producing an integrated model of the landfill that allows the knowledge gained from other research to be used to explore engineering and operational decisions on landfills The thesis includes results from measurements of the composition of household waste, and of the biochemical methane potential (BMP) of fractions of that waste It includes measurements of the residual BMP in samples of excavated waste and measurements of gas flows The main results suggest the following • Early capping of landfilled waste is important in reducing the global warming impact, • If the rate of degradation of the waste is accelerated in the drive towards sustainability, capping should be carried out even earlier if the global impact is not to be increased, • Although recycling parts of the degradable elements of the waste stream has the effect of reducing the global impact, extensive recycling has implications for landfill engineeringItem Open Access Perceptual congruence and change : non-urban communities and land-use planning(Cranfield University, 1991-11) Lemon, M.; Cordey-Hayes, M.; Seaton, R. A. F.The planning and management of change has tended to be directed towards the achievement of end states. Adaptive procedures are generally undertaken when it is felt that these end states will not be reached and intervention is necessary. This intervention is usually determined by the technical and organizational criteria of the management system. This thesis argues, using the land-use planning system as a central example, that such an approach to change management fails to acknowledge the diversity of the process. Two points are considered to be fundamental to this argument. Firstly, that diversity is the generator of change, and not merely an inconvenient constraint upon its management Secondly, change follows multi-dimensional pathways (through time, across space, and between themes), that do not conform to technical, linear. management criteria. Failure to recognise these points inevitably hinders the ability of management systems to adapt to the uncertainty of the environment for which they have assumed responsibility. One measure of this failure is the mis-match between the agenda set by the managers of change, and that which is desired by the consumers of the process. The thesis supports the need for integrated management systems that are cognizant of, and driven by, the variety which is identified within the consumer agenda. The field work for the study considers ways of identifying the nature and extent of this variety. It will be argued that individuals interpret, negotiate, and effect change interactively with the wider social system. This interaction combines with the social and physical environments encountered by individuals in their daily lives, to define a 'sense of place'. A multi-method approach is developed which uses the demographic attributes of the . study village as bench marks that will allow comparison with other localities, and place it on an urban - rural continuum. This quantitative data also provides a means by which the variety of qualitative data can be assessed, and upon which provisional classifications about how particular groupings respond to change can be based. An interview and questionnaire instrument will be introduced. This will enable respondents to construct their own cognitive pathways of how changes which are pertinent to the local environment have evolve~. These pathways are then compared with the criteria Identified In land-use planning documentation, and the level of congruence between the two examined.Item Open Access Perceptual Methods for Environmental Assessment: Odour and Landfill(Cranfield University, 1998-09) Hitchin, Suzanne; Seaton, R. A. F.; Longhurst, PhilipThis thesis investigates the phenomenon of environmental annoyance from waste management, specifically landfill odours. The research study identifies the scope and significance of parameters that influence the extent of impact and includes these in a framework that can be used to influence the design and development of a population response model for odours. The research design considers the physiological, lifestyle and location factors that influence exposure and response to landfill odour and addresses three research objectives: • To produce a framework within which a community based population response model could be developed. • Determine and demonstrate the variability of response within a popUlation exposed to landfill odour. • To determine and demonstrate how spatial and temporal factors also contribute to the differential exposure and response of individuals to odour pollution. The research activity involved the design and implementation of an odour monitoring panel. Volunteers were recruited in the vicinity of two landfill sites where they monitored daily for odours for three months. This programme provided information on their routine activities and exposure to odour at the time. The thesis concludes by noting the following: • Location and climatic factors may generate more variability (at this scale of sample) than interpersonal differences. • The results from laboratory experiments examining hedonic properties were not repeated in the external environment. • The response levels between males and females were inconsistent with current knowledge and research assessing gender differences in the ability to detect odours. Additionally, the research demonstrates how data on the detection of odour in communities could be included in research activity that links olfactometry and the experience of odour in the environment.Item Open Access A 'process' approach to the technological, organisational and strategic role of training(Cranfield University, 1994-09) Longhurst, Philip J.; Seaton, R. A. F.The origins of this work are in understanding the difficulties that organisations face in developing and using technology based training (TBT). However it is the organisational context within which these technological changes take place that is of particular interest. The objective of this thesis is to use concepts and models of cumulative knowledge in organisations to investigate the limitations of conventional training centred approaches. The research design is centred around the question: Is the failure of conventional training, in meeting organisational needs, due to it being used as a project, task centred `function' rather than being process centred? This question is explored by: identifying, in a diverse set of organisations, the nature of `failures' and limitations of the conventional training function from which it is possible to structure an approach that draws upon models of training and knowledge; using models of knowledge accumulation, process models, to examine the limitations of task and functional models of training. The research activity includes the use of an innovative training package based on trouble-shooter training, and carefully focused interactive activities with line managers in three very different types of organisation. For each of these groups knowledge issues and training are of evident concern. The research shows that contributions to knowledge gain within an organisation can be uncovered and supported if specific patterns and structures are identified. It is clear that there is little difficulty in identifying the value of specific knowledge types in functional or technical domains if the timing of the skill required can also be determined. Further, it is clear that problems arise when senior managers focus on developmental knowledge and specify skill requirements in advance of the preparedness of line managers. In such cases learning benefits are likely to be restricted by a lack of structural change in the organisation required to exploit such training. In addition the thesis makes a contribution to the development of a composite training and cumulative knowledge model by: clarifying the various dimensions of training and knowledge relevant to knowledge exploitation, and; the identification of the role of exploitation as the potential point of interaction between individual and organisational learning models.Item Open Access Railway management : an evaluation of management cybernetics in a public enterprise(Cranfield University, 1989-03) Paradissopoulos, Iordanis K.; Seaton, R. A. F.Two are the objectives of this thesis: To identify structural and cultural causes of ineffectiveness in a state-owned railway enterprise in the light of the management cybernetics area of knowledge. To assess the capacity of this area of knowledge, especially in its abstract and coded form (Beer's Model of the Viable System), to provide adequate explanations of organizational performance and organizational failure. The objectives are sought in the analysis of an actual enterprise, the Greek Railways Organization (OSE). An 'ethnographic type' pilot study is initially undertaken, to highlight organizational problems under a management cybernetics perspective. The study, though demonstrating structural problems associated with a certain organizational culture, is assumed in itself inadequate, as it reflects a subjective interpretation of reality. A 'survey within the case study' is therefore undertaken aiming at deriving the real dimensions of organizational problems from an analysis of managerial responses. Responses are designed to provide a picture of both the actual way in which the enterprise organizes in the pursuit of its tasks, and the organizational culture. The first subtheme (organizational structure) is examined in terms of the cybernetic model of the viable organization. The findings, in general, validate the assumptions of the ethnographic study. Numerous structural problems are identified. The second subtheme (culture) is examined in terms of managerial cohesiveness, defined as the agreement between managers on key issues of the identity of the enterprise. The overall conclusion is that though managers are, in general, in agreement, the content of this agreement tends rather to reflect a shared pessimistic view of the future than cohesiveness facilitating viability and development. The conclusion, as regards the enterprise, is, that though many problems are reflected in the organizational structure, proper modifications of this structure may not suffice to guarantee improved performance, unless considerable attention is paid in the building of a relevant organizational culture, quite difficult under the specific circumstances. The conclusion, as regards the adopted methodology, is that though Beer's model of the viable system assists in a diagnosis of many organizational deficiencies, it may not suffice to promote organizational change, especially when narrowly perceived, i. e., when results to a concentration on structural arrangements in the expense of the building of a corporate culture. Certain methodologies should develop, which, while making use of the advantages of the model, will not underestimate other significant aspects of organizational reality.Item Open Access A study of receptivity and technology transfer in small engineering companies.(1993-10) Anstey, Mike; Seaton, R. A. F.This thesis addresses the problem of facilitating technology transfer to SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises). The research sets out to explore the existing body of knowledge relating to the problem, and then by means of field research to seek pointers towards solutions. The thesis builds on earlier research which identified weaknesses in the activities of information centred technology transfer intermediaries and called for a more interactive and consumer centred approach. The research is particularly concerned with the concept of the ’Receptivity’ of SMEs to the technology transfer process. The concept of ’Receptivity’ is examined in the context of a wider conceptual framework. The field research explores the problems and plans of a small sample of engineering companies in Luton as perceived by the owners or managing directors of the SMEs. The field research then seeks to establish how the same group perceive solutions to the identified problems and requirements to achieve identified plans. The research suggests that the SMEs in the sample did not perceive the acquisition of technology as a problem nor did they perceive technology as a solution to their problems, or as a means to achieve their plans. Conclusions are drawn and implications discussed.Item Open Access Technology transfer and the role of intermediaries(Cranfield University, 1992-11) Lefever , David B.; Cordey-Hayes, M.; Seaton, R. A. F.This thesis sets out to explore limitations of the role undertaken by "technology transfer" agencies in their contribution to successful innovation in UK industry. In particular it identifies the limitations arising from the widely used approach of maximising information Accessibility. A conceptual device is introduced to distinguish the existing emphasis on access to information about technology, from a more interactive and customer centred strategy - Using this simple conceptual model a more detailed analysis of the mismatch between the needs of potential innovators and the activities of information centred technology transfer agencies is undertaken by the use of both survey techniques and a case-study of one particular agency. The results of this analysis suggest that the Accessibility strategy by itself fails to address many of the issues and concerns that UK industry has about innovating and reinforces the need to adopt the more consumer need centred and interactive approach suggested by the model. The implications and potential requirements of such an approach are further developed with respect to transfer agencies and government and European Commission policy.Item Open Access Towards a sustainable systems framework: the assessment of Silvoarable Agroforestry as an innovative cropping practice(1993-09) Park, Julian; Seaton, R. A. F.Questions are continually being asked about the direction in which land based production in the UK is evolving. Present systems are criticised as being damaging to the wider environment and rural communities. Of equal concern is the reliance upon non-renewable resources within agricultural systems and the effect "modern farming" is having on agroecosystem processes. This thesis uses an integrative research approach to investigate the sustainability of land based production. It is argued that the view of what constitutes a sustainable system is constantly changing suggesting that increasingly sustainable systems are those which evolve along pathways which keep future options open. It is recognised that to do this links have to be made between the concept of sustainability in physical and social systems and the policy and decision makers who play a major part in the change process. A series of interfaces are explored using a variety of research activities which demonstrate one approach for linking the concept of sustainability to the provision of policy relevant information. Silvoarable agroforestry is used as a research medium or case study which enables the application of the research approach to an innovative cropping practice which could possibly increase the degree of sustainability of land based production. The contribution of the thesis is interpreted at three levels. 1. The application of a integrative research approach to synthesis information from both physical and social systems in a manner which enables the concept of sustainability to be linked to human managed production systems which interact with the natural environment, 2. The use and linking of several research activities, some of which provide a contribution to methods of working within individual disciplines, to provide a methodology for the assessment of the potential of innovative cropping practices, 3. The assessment of silvoarable agroforestry as an innovative cropping practice. Information is provided on the effects of these systems on agroecosystem processes, the economic and financial implications of their uptake, the technical issues as perceived by the farmers and finally the likelihood of uptake of these systems.Item Open Access Waste Policy Formulation and Implementation: Recycling and Landfill(Cranfield University, 1994-08) Greaves, Christopher; Seaton, R. A. F.This thesis considers recycling as one option to improve the environmental performance of industry in the UK. A systems approach is used to identify objectives and capabilities of legislative and industrial agencies and to analyse issues in the broad context of waste policy formulation and implementation which spans both constituencies. It is shown that regulatory change to empower industrialists as decision takers is limited by a shortage of recycling infrastructure in the UK. Although well resourced firms are developing progressive waste policies in house, other firms are less well equipped to respond to regulatory pressures in a manner that is congruent with legislative objectives. An innovative option to develop recycling facilities for construction wastes at a landfill site is assessed, considering the roles of construction firms, skip hauliers and waste managers. An investigation is conducted into the practices employed by construction firms that influence wastes arising and likely changes to such practices. It is shown that pressures on construction firms are leading to some improvements to waste streaming that favour the recycling option. A spatial model of landfill catchment is used to estimate the elasticity of the volume of a given waste type delivered to a landfill site with respect to prices charged at the site and competing facilities. The option to recycle a substantial fraction of construction waste is compared with the null option of continuing to landfill waste without pre-treatment using a comparative cost benefit model. This model shows that, in the case of construction waste, benefits due to extending the working life of a landfill pit can be more significant than revenue effects for waste managers. Whether these benefits justify the costs of recycling is shown to be dependent on characteristics of particular landfill sites and