Browsing by Author "Watts, C."

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    Additive manufacturing applications in Defence Support Services: current practices and framework for implementation
    (Springer , 2017-02-21) Busachi, Alessandro; Erkoyuncu, John Ahmet; Colegrove, Paul A.; Drake, R.; Watts, C.; Wilding, Stephen
    This research investigates through a systems approach, “Additive Manufacturing” (AM) applications in “Defence Support Services” (DS2). AM technology is gaining increasing interest by DS2 providers, given its ability of rapid, delocalised and flexible manufacturing. From a literature review and interviews with industrial and academic experts, it is apparent that there is a lack of research on AM applications in DS2. This paper’s contribution is represented by the following which has been validated extensively by industrial and academic experts: (1) DS2 current practices conceptual models, (2) a framework for AM implementation and (3) preliminary results of a next generation DS2 based on AM. To carry out the research, a Soft System Methodology was adopted. Results from the research increased the confidence of the disruptive potential of AM within the DS2 context. The main benefits outlined are (1) an increased support to the availability given a reduced response time, (2) reduced supply chain complexity given only supplies of raw materials such as powder and wire, (3) reduced platform inventory levels, providing more space and (4) reduced delivery time of the component as the AM can be located near to the point of use. Nevertheless, more research has to be carried out to quantify the benefits outlined. This requirement provides the basis for the future research work which consists in developing a software tool (based on the framework) for experimentation purpose which is able to dynamically simulate different scenarios and outline data on availability, cost and time of service delivered.
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    UK food and nutrition security during and after the COVID-19 pandemic
    (Wiley, 2021-02-19) Rivington, Mike; King, R.; Duckett, D.; Iannetta, P.; Benton, T. G.; Burgess, Paul J.; Hawes, C.; Wellesley, L.; Polhill, J. G.; Aitkenhead, M.; Lozada‐Ellison, L.‐M.; Begg, G.; Williams, Adrian G.; Newton, A.; Lorenzo‐Arribas, A.; Neilson, R.; Watts, C.; Harris, Jim A.; Loades, K.; Stewart, D.; Wardell‐Johnson, D.; Gandossi, G.; Udugbezi, E.; Hannam, Jacqueline A.; Keay, Caroline
    The COVID‐19 pandemic is a major shock to society in terms of health and economy that is affecting both UK and global food and nutrition security. It is adding to the ‘perfect storm’ of threats to society from climate change, biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation, at a time of considerable change, rising nationalism and breakdown in international collaboration. In the UK, the situation is further complicated due to Brexit. The UK COVID‐19 Food and Nutrition Security project, lasting one year, is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and is assessing the ongoing impact of COVID‐19 on the four pillars of food and nutrition security: access, availability, utilisation and stability. It examines the food system, how it is responding, and potential knock on effects on the UK’s food and nutrition security, both in terms of the cascading risks from the pandemic and other threats. The study provides an opportunity to place the initial lessons being learnt from the on‐going responses to the pandemic in respect of food and nutrition security in the context of other long‐term challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.