Managing new product development in the Chinese steel industry: An empirical investigation

This study explores several important aspects of the management of new product development (NPD) in the Chinese steel industry. Specifically it explores NPD success factors, the importance of management functions to new product success and measures of new product success from the perspective of the industry's practitioners. Based on a sample of 190 industrial practitioners from 18 Chinese steel companies, the study provides a mixed picture as China makes the transition from a centrally-controlled to market-based economy. On one hand, respondents ranked understanding users' needs as the most important factor influencing the performance of the new products. Further, formulating new product strategy and strengthening market research are perceived as the most important managerial functions in NPD. However, technical performance measures are regarded as more important and are more widely used in industry than market-based or financial measures of success.

Pole detail, PNG Coffee Industry Board Office and Warehouse, Goroka

Detailed view of poles used in construction. Poles were spliced in their length with steel bars (like 3 pin plugs) and these joints were restrained from splitting with steel strap belts. The belts were tightened with opposing wedges like the old Greene & Greene wrought iron detail.

Roof structure, internal, PNG Coffee Industry Board Office and Warehouse, Goroka

View to underside of roof with steel beam and insulation.

Erosion-corrosion of mild steel in hot caustic. Part I: NaOH solution

A novel apparatus, high-pressure/high-temperature nickel flow loop, was constructed to study the effect of the flow on the rate of erosion-corrosion of mild steel in hot caustic. It has been successfully used to measure the corrosion rate of 1020 steel in 2.75 M NaOH solution at a temperature of 160 degrees C and velocities of 0.32 and 2.5 m/s. In situ electrochemical methods were used to measure the corrosion rate such as the potentiodynamic sweep, the polarization resistance method, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Also used were the weight-loss method and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Eight electrodes/coupons were used to monitor the metal loss rate, four were placed at the low velocity section, while the other four were placed in the high velocity section. The first three coupons in each section were placed within the disturbed flow region, while the fourth was placed in a fully developed flow region. The corrosion rate of the coupons in the high velocity section was generally higher than that of the coupons in the low velocity section. One coupon in the disturbed flow region had a significantly higher corrosion rate than the others. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Erosion-corrosion of mild steel in hot caustic. Part II: The effect of acid cleaning

Corrosion rates of 1020 steel in 2.75 M NaOH solution at a temperature of 160 degrees C and velocities of 0.32 and 2.5 m/s were studied. The focus was on the effect of the acid cleaning which was performed by using strong, inhibited sulphuric acid in between the exposures to caustic. In situ electrochemical methods were used to measure the corrosion rate such as the potentiodynamic sweep and the polarization resistance method. Also used were the weight-loss method and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Eight electrodes/coupons were used to monitor the metal loss rate, four were placed at the low velocity section, while the other four were placed in the high velocity section of a high temperature flow. The first three coupons in each section were placed within the disturbed flow region, while the fourth was placed in a fully developed flow region. During the exposure of mild steel to the inhibited acid, following the first caustic period, the corrosion rate increased significantly to between 3 and 10mm/y with a few electrodes experiencing as high as 50 mm/y. The second caustic period following the acidic period typically started with very high corrosion rates (20-80 mm/y). The length of this corrosion period was typically 2-3 h with a few exceptions when the high corrosion period lasted 7-10 h. Following the very high corrosion rates experienced at the beginning of the second caustic period, the corrosion rates were reduced sharply (as the corrosion potential increased) to nearly the same levels as those observed during the passive part of the first caustic period. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Warehouse, PNG Coffee Industry Board Office and Warehouse, Goroka

View of exterior wall to warehouse.

Downpipes, PNG Coffee Industry Board Office and Warehouse, Goroka

Detailed view of downpipes and drainage grill.

PNG Coffee Industry Board Office and Warehouse, Goroka

View past tiered amphitheatre and offices above to air strip beyond.

View along western elevation, PNG Coffee Industry Board Office and Warehouse, Goroka

View past timber blinds to balcony and timber sunscreens.

Under construction, PNG Coffee Industry Board Office and Warehouse, Goroka

View of post being hoisted into position during construction.

Warehouse, PNG Coffee Industry Board Office and Warehouse, Goroka

View of warehouse exterior.

Warehouse, PNG Coffee Industry Board Office and Warehouse, Goroka

View of warehouse exterior.

Post and beam connection, PNG Coffee Industry Board Office and Warehouse, Goroka

Detailed view of cast iron brackets connecting beams and posts.

Front elevation, PNG Coffee Industry Board Office and Warehouse, Goroka

View of front elevation with entrance from exterior.