This book develops a new vision in geomechanics which will be of interest to researchers and engineers. It begins with the key theoretical features of dissipative structures induced by elementary contact friction within geomaterials in slow motion, their multi-scale expression in key tensor relations and associated features including strain localization and shear banding.
TRANSFER MATRIX METHOD FOR MULTIBODY SYSTEMS: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS Xiaoting Rui, Guoping Wang and Jianshu Zhang – Nanjing University of Science and Technology, China Featuring a new method of multibody system dynamics, this book introduces the transfer matrix method systematically for the first time. First developed by the lead author and his research team, this method has found numerous engineering and technological applications. Readers are first introduced to fundamental concepts like the body dynamics equation, augmented operator and augmented eigenvector before going in depth into precision analysis and computations of eigenvalue problems as well as dynamic responses. The book also covers a combination of mixed methods and practical applications in multiple rocket launch systems, self-propelled artillery as well as launch dynamics of on-ship weaponry. • Comprehensively introduces a new method of analyzing multibody dynamics for engineers • Provides a logical development of the transfer matrix method as applied to the dynamics of multibody systems that consist of interconnected bodies • Features varied applications in weaponry, aeronautics, astronautics, vehicles and robotics Written by an internationally renowned author and research team with many years' experience in multibody systems Transfer Matrix Method of Multibody System and Its Applications is an advanced level text for researchers and engineers in mechanical system dynamics. It is a comprehensive reference for advanced students and researchers in the related fields of aerospace, vehicle, robotics and weaponry engineering.
This work analyzes the role of private equity firms (SCIs) in forming strategic alliances in the French private equity market. The subject is important because the formation of alliances and, more generally, the networking of SMEs, could be an alternative to the lack of medium-sized companies in France. For French SCIs, which are increasingly in a competitive situation, assistance in forming alliances for their holdings may represent a new activity and be a source of competitive advantage. The work is positioned transversally, touching the areas of corporate governance, entrepreneurial finance and strategy.
Unleash your entrepreneurial spirit with a counterintuitive approach to starting your own venture or taking your career to the next level Start Before You’re Ready offers entrepreneurs an inspiring new roadmap to success – one that runs against nearly everything you’ve ever been taught about business. Author Mick Spencer is living proof that success doesn’t always rest down the traditional path of formal education and deep pockets. At the age of 22, with nothing to his name, he founded ONTHEGO Custom Apparel (www.otgcustom.com), a customised apparel and uniform company. Since then he has built a worldwide network of movers and shakers and raised millions in venture capital. His company is now a multi-million-dollar player on the international stage, disrupting the slow-moving industry with a modern blend of technological disruptions and social responsibility. In this book, he presents a solid case that analysis paralysis and endless ‘preparation’ won’t get you anywhere – you have to take that leap and do what you really want to do. Indeed, start before you’re ready. Spencer challenges you to get outside your comfort zone and, although intimidating, his approach forces you to learn ‘on the go’ and focus on what you can do rather than what you can’t. Engrossing personal anecdotes coach you through the frustrations and challenges, while vital tools and clear strategies give you a concrete plan for making every day count, many of which have been taught to Mick by billionaires, global CEO’s and highly sought after founders. Chart your own path to success – even without a university degree or financial assets Focus on what you can do right now to achieve your goals Master self-reliance, overcome adversity and discover your true purpose Learn positive habits and build confidence to overcome challenges Starting your own venture or pushing the boundaries in your career is always a leap of faith. It’s saying ‘yes’ before figuring out how to deliver. It’s moments of self-doubt followed by fiery adventurousness and courageous optimism. You are at once inspired, vulnerable, motivated and proud – and you are capable of extraordinary things. Start Before You’re Ready equips you with the inspiration and practical advice you need to succeed in today’s entrepreneurial environment.
Take control of your financial future with expert guidance from wealth educators and property millionaires John Lee and Vincent Wong The Wealth Dragon Way is an essential guide to creating passive income, building property-based wealth, and achieving financial freedom. This inspiring and informative resource can help you define your financial goals and identify the steps you need to take to achieve them. Exploring common myths and misinformation surrounding wealth—such as “money is the root of all evil”—this book shows how overcoming fear and self-doubt can change the way you think about wealth and your potential for personal growth. Real-world examples illustrate how entrepreneurs can use alternative strategies to acquire properties below market value. Fully updated to reflect the current economic environment, this second edition includes the Top Ten Habits of Successful Wealth Dragons as well as new chapters on the foundations of true wealth and how to adopt abundance mentality. From expanded sections on multiple income streams to a more in-depth look at the psychology behind our approach to money, such as posing the question, “Is money your friend?,” this latest edition offers a roadmap to achieving infinite wealth. Knowing why you want to be wealthy increases your chances of becoming wealthy. This essential guide explores what lies beneath our relationship with money and offers practical methods to attain the freedom that monetary wealth affords and stresses the importance of having high moral wealth. Gain practical guidance delivered with an inspiring motivational message Learn how to define your goals and maximize your likelihood of success Explore the psychological patterns that prevent us from achieving our financial goals Overcome the obstacles standing in the way of your financial freedom It has never been more important to take control of your financial future. Uncertain economic futures, increasing healthcare costs, and unreliable retirement benefits are just a few reasons to start focusing on your financial future today. No matter what your ultimate goal is—whether you want to quit the daily grind, acquire assets for increased security, or build passive income streams to achieve true financial freedom—The Wealth Dragon Way shows you the best way to get there.
Every sale is made or lost in 60 seconds—make them count Cold calling and pushing your way into an office or a living room creates an atmosphere of adversity and distrust you must overcome before you close the deal. With those tired tactics, you’re swimming upstream, against a strong current, with a bag of rocks tied to your waist. Sales has changed. Legacy sales gimmicks destroy relationships right from the first minute. The 60 Second Sale is a turnkey system for building profitable, lifelong relationships. Whether you work with affluent consumers or sell to senior executives in FORTUNE 500 companies, this step-by-step guide will help you open doors, close deals, and make more money in a way that leverages your natural strengths. That’s the magnificence of the 60 second sale system. You get to be yourself and build your business. In this book you will discover: How to start a sales conversation in 60 seconds Who to target for immediate income A powerful yet easy-to-use system to generate relationship revenue Five ways to initiate new relationships What to say to make sure your business meetings result in money in the bank The secret to getting a “yes” every time, even in the most competitive sales environment The winning mindset that removes the stress, uncertainty, and fear from income generation And so many other effective business growth strategies, your competition won’t know what hit them Business relationships are built one minute at a time. From introduction to closing, every 60 seconds you have an opportunity to strengthen your relationship or destroy it. Isn’t it time you started leveraging your expertise, demonstrating your value, and building trust with your clients? When you do, they buy into who you are and how you can help them – right from the first minute. The 60 Second Sale is a fail-proof system for succeeding in today’s relationship-focused sales environment.
Companion Animal Care and Welfare: The UFAW Companion Animal Handbook presents a comprehensive, accessible and practical reference for all parties seeking information about the proper care of companion animals. Identifies the needs of companion animals, explains how we know these needs, and gives scientifically-backed advice on how to meet these needs Promotes the most humane treatment and best possible care of our companion animals Addresses controversial issues such as selective breeding, companion animal showing, the keeping of exotic species, and the international pet trade Covers the husbandry and care of all major companion animal species, including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians
Transform team dynamics with practical, real-world tools for sustainable change Fix Your Team is the manager’s essential and practical guide to diagnosis and intervention. Packed with expert insight acquired over decades of experience in workplace relations and conflict resolution, this book systematically addresses problems with team dynamics and provides a blueprint for moving forward. Authors Rose Bryant-Smith and Grevis Beard bring a unique combination of legal nous, conflict management expertise, emotional intelligence and business experience to provide a wealth of valuable insights, with robust tools designed for easy implementation. This book offers diagnostic guidance to help you analyse existing issues with confidence, and a clear framework for removing the dysfunction. It includes practical scenarios we can all relate to, and actionable guidance on building buy-in, executing the strategy and looking after yourself through tough transformations. By tackling problems early and providing employees with the opportunity to improve their working relationships, managers, human resources and other internal advisors demonstrate their commitment to productivity, genuine care for employees and dedication to a healthy and ethical working environment. People working in dysfunctional teams will understand better what is going on, and understand what options exist for improvement. Diagnose team problems and learn what tools are available to help Determine the best use of resources and choose an implementable fix Develop a business case for intervention, and get support from the top Build morale, productivity and collaboration within the team Upskill employees to ensure sustainable improvements Build accountability in everyone for a positive workplace culture In today’s competitive environment, managers need to bring out the best in everyone. Team dysfunction affects productivity at all levels, and it’s contagious – managers must stop the problem before it spreads, to prevent larger and more pervasive issues down the road. Remediating team issues reduces legal and safety risks, but it goes deeper than that. Solving problems before they become public or impact other areas of the business improves the team’s respect for managers and leadership, reducing unnecessary turnover and resignations of good staff. Fix Your Team is a groundbreaking handbook for management looking to improve team dynamics, with practical solutions for productivity-killing, unethical and distracting issues. It gives all managers and internal advisors the confidence, strategies and solutions they need to repair tricky, toxic and troubled teams to create a great workplace.
A journey through the Index Revolution from the man who started it all Stay the Course is the story the Vanguard Group as told by its founder, legendary investor John C. Bogle. This engrossing book traces the history of Vanguard—the largest mutual fund organization on earth. Offering the world’s first index mutual fund in 1976, John Bogle led Vanguard from a $1.4 billion firm with a staff of 28 to a global company of 16,000 employees and with more than $5 trillion in assets under management. An engaging blend of company history, investment perspective, and personal memoir, this book provides a fascinating look into the mind of an extraordinary man and the company he created. John Bogle continues to be an inspiring and trusted figure to millions of individual investors the world over. His creative innovation, personal integrity, and stubborn determination infuse every aspect of the company he founded. This accessible and engaging book will help you: Explore the history of some of Vanguard’s most important mutual funds, including First Index Investment Trust, Wellington Fund, and Windsor Fund Understand how the Vanguard Group gave rise to the Index Revolution and transformed the lives of millions of individual investors Gain insight on John Bogle’s views on values such as perseverance, caring, commitment, integrity, and fairness Investigate a wide range of investing topics through the lens of one of the most prominent figures in the history of modern finance The Vanguard Group and John Bogle are inextricably linked—it would be impossible to tell one story without the other. Stay the Course: The Story of Vanguard and the Index Revolution weaves these stories together taking you on a journey through the history of one revolutionary company and one remarkable man. Investors, wealth managers, financial advisors, business leaders, and those who enjoy a good story, will find this book as informative and unique as its author.
The first book to focus on the role of glass as a material of critical importance to the wine industry For centuries glass has been the material of choice for storing, shipping, and sipping wine. How did that come to pass, and why? To what extent have glassmaking and wine making co-evolved over the centuries? The first book to focus on the role of glass as a material of critical importance to the wine industry, The Glass of Wine answers these and other fascinating questions. The authors deftly interweave compelling historical, technical, and esthetic narratives in their exploration of glass as the vessel of choice for holding, storing, and consuming wine. They discuss the traditions informing the shapes and sizes of wine bottles and wine glasses, and they demystify the selection of the «right glass» for red versus white varietals, as well as sparkling and dessert wines. In addition, they review the technology of modern glassmaking and consider the various roles glass plays in wineries—especially in the enologist's laboratory. And they consider the increasing use of aluminum and polymer containers and its potential impact on the central role of glass as the essential material for wine appreciation. The first book focusing on the role of glass and its central importance to the wine industry Written by a glass scientist at UC Davis, home of the premier viticulture and enology program in North America Interlards discussions of the multi-billion-dollar glass and wine industries with valuable technical insights for scientists, engineers, and wine enthusiasts alike Illustrates the wide spectrum of bottles, carafes, decanters, and drinking glasses with an abundance of exquisite full-color photos Both an authoritative guide and a compelling read, The Glass of Wine tells the story of the centuries-old marriage between an endlessly fascinating material and a celebrated beverage. It is sure to have enormous appeal among ceramic and glass professionals, wine makers, and oenophiles of all backgrounds.