Report of the training course on seagrass conservation and monitoring in Myanmar Coastal Zone, Mawlamyine University, Myanmar, 26 April-3 May, 2013

A training course on seagrass conservation and monitoring was conducted at Mawlamyine University and Ngapali Beach government department and Non-Government Organizations (NGO) trainees.

A method for identifying scope and assumptions in developing and selecting methods and tools

This technical report describes a practical method consisting of a checklist and a supporting techniques for those planning or just starting to develop or select design tools and methods. The method helps to summarize and illustrate the envisaged tool or method by identifying its scope and the underlying assumptions. The resulting tool or method description clarifies the problem that is addressed, the approach and the possible implications, and can thus be used by a variety of people involved in assessing a tool or method in an early stage. For the developers themselves the method reveals how realistic the envisaged method or tool is, and whether the scope has to be narrowed.

Report of the pilot EAFM course, 23-28 June, 2013, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Participants were exposed to concepts and information about EAFM using a structured, participatory method of delivery. The learning strategy involved pre- and post-course assessment as well as 4-6 month follow up at outcome level to assess improves EAFM practices. The report outlines methodology details of content and the daily feedback process.

Report of the postgraduate certificate course on integrated coastal management, Bangkok, Thailand, 21 January - 1 March, 2013

Student projects included: conservation and protection of critical coral habitats in Phuket; assessing the carrying capacity on conservation and protection strategies; proactive stakeholder strategy to tackle an environmental threat; improving the environmental management through participation and sustainable freshwater management. All of these projects were conducted on Racha Yai Island in Phuket.

Proceedings of an international workshop on the value of computer-based engineering tools, held in Cambridge in April 1997

There is increasing adoption of computer-based tools to support the product development process. Tolls include computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacture, systems engineering and product data management systems. The fact that companies choose to invest in tools might be regarded as evidence that tools, in aggregate, are perceived to possess business value through their application to engineering activities. Yet the ways in which value accrues from tool technology are poorly understood.

This report records the proceedings of an international workshop during which some novel approaches to improving our understanding of this problem of tool valuation were presented and debated. The value of methods and processes were also discussed. The workshop brought together British, Dutch, German and Italian researchers. The presenters included speakers from industry and academia (the University of Cambridge, the University of Magdeburg and the Politechnico de Torino)

The work presented showed great variety. Research methods include case studies, questionnaires, statistical analysis, semi-structured interviews, deduction, inductive reasoning, the recording of anecdotes and analogies. The presentations drew on financial investment theory, the industrial experience of workshop participants, discussions with students developing tools, modern economic theories and speculation on the effects of company capabilities.