LONDON SOUTH BANK UNIVERSITY
CENTRE FOR KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER LONDON SOUTH BANK UNIVERSITY 90 London Road, London SE1 6LN Telephone 020 7815 6922 Facsimile 020 7815 6915 Email ktpinfo@lsbu.ac.uk Website www.ktplondon.co.uk
CENTRE FOR KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER ANNUAL REVIEW 2007
KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER AT LSBU When universities and businesses work together, good things can happen. Yet all too often, business and academia co-exist in separate worlds, not realising the benefits they could bring to each other. Knowledge Transfer (KT) is a process aimed at benefiting businesses, organisations and the university through the exchange of ideas, skills and expertise. Over the past ten years LSBU has collaborated with over 100 companies to share the latest technical advances and know-how. We are one of the largest KT partners both in London and the UK. LSBU is currently working with over 30 companies and organisations on long-term KT projects to help businesses improve efficiency, competitiveness, sales and profits, with a total project value of over £6.2 million over the next four years.
WHAT IS KTP? At LSBU we access the national Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) scheme to bring top employees and university resources to business. KTPs are government-funded programmes, designed to further boost successful UK businesses and organisations by providing them with the resources and expertise they need to grow.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
EXPERTISE AT LSBU AVERAGE COMPANY SIZE
PARTICIPATING INDUSTRIES
Companies and organisations who want to improve their activities can use the KTP programme as an affordable and effective way to accomplish their goals. KTP projects usually last between 24 and 36 months. Companies/organisations get: • Grant funding to cover 50-67% of project costs including employment, travel, equipment and training budgets • A top quality graduate with relevant skills to drive the project • Input from Academic experts and access to University resources • Networking opportunities through KTP programmes Academics get: • Opportunities to transfer knowledge and expertise to businesses • A chance to impact business practices for the better • Real-world experience to enhance teaching We hope this Annual Review will stimulate your interest in KT programmes at LSBU. If you would like to know more, please contact the Centre for Knowledge Transfer on: 020 7815 6922; ktpinfo@lsbu.ac.uk; www.ktplondon.co.uk
BUSINESS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT • Business systems, competitive strategies • Data analysis and statistics • Marketing strategies and communication • Event planning and tourism management • Global operation systems • Accounting and finance management • Charity finance and management COMPUTING AND IT • Programming languages • Software engineering and development • Networking organisation and management • Database systems and security • Web technologies and internet systems • E-commerce • Imaging and graphics development
•• •• •
5-10 Employees 11-20 Employees 21-50 Employees 51-100 Employees 100+ Employees
To be eligible for a KTP programme, the project chosen by the company or organisation must be: • Strategically important and innovative • Commercially viable, producing a return on investment, and • Require complementary expertise from the university.
•• •• •• •
Food Manufacturing and Technology Manufacturing, Engineering and Materials IT, Communications and Electronics Energy and Environment Building Services and Construction Creative Industries, Media and Design Consultancy, Research and Professional Services
ENGINEERING AND MECHATRONICS • Engineering product design and management • Material science and mechatronics • Heat transfer and fluid mechanics • Hazardous environment testing, explosions and • • •
fire Robotics and artificial intelligence Systems development and architecture Quality control simulation and analysis
RESEARCH GROUPS
ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT • Renewable sustainable energy technologies and systems
• Environmental management • Solar power and products • Transport studies GENERAL AND APPLIED SCIENCE • Chemical engineering • Energetics • Sports and exercise science • Biotechnology • Forensic science CONSTRUCTION, ARCHITECTURE AND BUILDING SERVICES • Construction management and economics • Urban design and development strategies • Commercial and industrial architecture • Environmental and sustainable futures • Post occupancy evaluation, indoor air quality and energy use in buildings
• Property services and investment strategies
FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION • Food safety and hygiene processes • Nutrition • Manufacturing simulation and quality control • Management and process control systems • New product development • Shelf-life evaluation and packaging ARTS AND HUMAN SCIENCES • Arts and creative media • Graphics and design • Virtual learning • Educational development and policy • Legal methods and case management • Psychology HEALTH SERVICES, SOCIAL CARE AND WELL-BEING • Health research methods, processes and • • • • • •
assessment Sports, physical activity and well-being research Clinical risk assessment Patient care and interaction Management in mental health Health care services and ethics Social policies and equal opportunity
Research Group (ICBERG)
• Construction Management and Economics ARTS AND HUMAN SCIENCES • Families and Social Capital • Housing and Regeneration Research Group • Local Economy Policy Unit • Media Research Group • Psychology Research HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE • Institute of Primary Care and Public Health
Innovation
mechanics
CENTRE FOR KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER
ENGINEERING, SCIENCE AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT • Chemical Engineering Research Centre • Centre for Environmental Acoustics • Machining Research Centre • The London Food Centre • Medical Architecture Research Unit (MARU) • International Comparative Built Environment
• Centre for Leadership and Practice
MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING PROCESSES • Operations management and manufacturing • Computer assisted instrumentation • Environmental safety, systems and testing • Environmental acoustics • New materials, composites and applications • Thermal systems, refrigeration and cooling • Microprocessors
BUSINESS, COMPUTING AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT • Institute for Computing Research • Centre for International Business Studies • Centre for Accounting, Finance & Governance • Centre for Government & Charity Management • Ehrenberg Centre for Research in Marketing
LONDON SOUTH BANK UNIVERSITY
03
ABS CONSULTING BUSINESS: Strategic consultancy services within the building industry. PROJECT: To develop a technical service to analyse and benchmark KPIs in energy efficiency and environmental impacts of commercial buildings. It's no secret that stuffy offices, poor lighting and crammed desks impact on user comfort and wellbeing, but poor conditions also have energy efficiency implications. Through a KTP with LSBU, ABS Consulting have developed a new benchmarking system to benefit both businesses and their staff. The Overall Liking Score (OLS) builds on the current Post Occupancy Evaluation system and asks management and employees to rate various aspects of their surroundings, including natural light, heating, crowding, and score them. These scores are then analysed, providing feedback, on easy-to- read charts, on ways to improve energy use and occupant satisfaction. KTP Associate Sarath Pathirennehelage worked to develop the easy-to-use, online analysis system. "It does happen too often that the people expected
BSRIA to use the buildings are not given due priority during design and construction,"Jim Ure, Managing Director of ABS stated. "With OLS, we give the occupants the opportunity to voice their concerns." ABS have used the expertise of LSBU Academic Phil Jones to ensure the success of this project. "Very few buildings get tested to see how they actually perform in use so we don't have any idea if the design of the building has been successful," Phil explained. Jim stated, "Our mission is to provide sustainable solutions for the working environment and KTP has helped with that."
BUSINESS: Consultancy and research services in construction and building industries. PROJECT: To develop new technical standards and a certification scheme for analysing the permeability of construction products and air tightness in buildings. Buildings are responsible for about 45% of carbon dioxide emissions in the UK according to LSBU Professor Graeme Maidment. To change this startling fact, Graeme has been working with BSRIA on a KTP to identify ways to deal with air leakage and heat loss from buildings. Air leakage can be directly linked to poor construction methods and the air permeability of building materials. However there are no reliable measurement standards for testing air leakage through materials, according to Mike Smith, Engineering Director of BSRIA. KTP Associate Ben Cheeseman began developing and testing methods for determining the air permeability of concrete blocks. Current tests involve sampling twelve concrete blocks, formed into a wall and applying the findings to the whole building.
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF "This test is OK from a quality point of view, but it's slow and we would like to see it developed into a formal certification scheme," Mike explained. A second project will develop a case for reinstating thermal imaging as a reliable building services tool to identify insulation installation and damp penetration. The third project will create a set of robust details for commercial buildings, advising on the correct way to join building parts, reducing air leakage. Mike believes the success of this KTP will be very important for BSRIA. "It will leave the competition behind and improve the services we offer members and other clients."
BUSINESS: Provider of infrastructure services for the transport industry. PROJECT: To develop, test and implement novel cooling strategies for underground railways. "Unfortunately you can't simply drill a vent to cool the London Underground," KTP Associate Yew Ting explains. "The first rule of heat transfer says that heat and energy cannot be destroyed, only transferred." This poses a considerable challenge for Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB), but with a KTP at LSBU new models are being developed in a first time approach to cooling London's Underground system despite space restrictions. KTP Associates Jolyon Thompson and Yew Ting are developing methods for cooling the Underground using pioneering new research and analysis methods. Jolyon is completing an analysis of the current cooling systems to provide PB with its first concise methodology for analysing a restricted space in need of cooling. Ting will then be using these calculations to formulate an implementation strategy. "This is not a new thing, but we have particular space constraints. We need to optimise the pipes to improve the heat transfer," Mark Gilbey, company supervisor at PB, explained.
LSBU Professor Graeme Maidment, an expert in thermal engineering, has been working with London Underground on the implementation of the current cooling system in Victoria Station. Graeme's work with PB stems from this cooling system in what he describes as a beneficial KT partnership. "Because the university is involved with this project, we can provide a mechanism for reflection which probably would have been missing without KTP," Graeme commented. Mark added, "Not only is LSBU able to provide us with academic expertise but they have been very useful as a bridge between other KTP programmes." Jolyon and Ting agree that the KTP programme could have major impacts on the approach to tunnel cooling. "KTP is a great way of doing the work because you get the opportunity to do research and development," Jolyon commented.
PAYE STONEWORK & RESTORATION BUSINESS: Specialist repairer of historic buildings. PROJECT: To develop a novel ice particle system for cleaning historic buildings, replacing damaging chemical alternatives.
"It's an exciting project. We're hoping to have a new efficient, sustainable method of cleaning that will dramatically reduce the carbon footprint," Adrian Paye, Chief Executive of Paye commented.
Cleaning historic buildings such as Windsor Castle is a large undertaking, both on time and resources, but with the help of a KTP programme, Paye Stonework and Restoration have plans for a new method that could revolutionise the way historic buildings are cleaned. Current cleaning methods often involve the use of chemicals which can pollute surrounding areas, while some cleaning techniques use approximately 100 litres of water per square metre of surface. With the support of LSBU Professor Graeme Maidment, KTP Associate Marco Venturini Autieri will be working to develop and test novel technology in a new application; an ice particle system that will save on water while effectively cleaning buildings without the use of harmful chemicals.
BUILDING SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION
05
TELENT BUSINESS: Provider of infrastructure in telecommunications and transportation. PROJECT: To develop a measurement system to deliver new world-class speech intelligibility systems in underground environments.
FINSOFT acoustic environments we work with." The development of this new model has yielded exciting results that may soon allow Telent to move away from the current loud, after-hours testing methods. "One of the things that is coming out of this is a new quiet way to test," Paul Dobbins, Managing Engineer of Telent, explained.
BUSINESS: Developer of computer software systems for financial risk and credit management. PROJECT: To develop a securities software system to support web-based European trading.
RIPMAX software which will not only be used by the ECB but also by the national central banks. During the KTP, the potential usefulness of this system for other aspects of the business was noted. Shortly after the completion of the KTP in 2002, Finsoft expanded its operations using the CSDB, into the online book-making and gaming securities industry. This is now Finsoft's most profitable area, with the multi-million pound operations being managed by Zoran Zmajkovic. Finsoft is in the midst of expanding further, with a new company, Finsoft Financial, being spawned later this year. The company will utilise the CSDB system in their dealings with clients.
BUSINESS: Manufacturer and distributor of radio controlled models. PROJECT: To develop e-commerce and customer relationship management systems.
them to access information on stock levels, current orders, stock images, as well as clients’ current and past orders. Compatible barcode scanners will be supplied to sales people, allowing them to scan products on shelves and add them to an order.
Model planes, electric racing cars and rockets that break the sound barrier may seem like fun, specialist items for some, but for Ripmax, it is hard work keeping up with demand. To improve order and supply processes, the company recently took on a KTP programme to develop a new e-commerce system for their business, helped by LSBU Academic Nigel Phillips.
The company website originally allowed clients to browse over 14,000 stock items online, but without the option for purchasing. Now clients will be able to log in via a web portal, browse items and make an order. "The idea is to be able to communicate with our customers 24 hours a day," Yuliya said.
LSBU acoustic specialists, Dr Stephen Dance and Professor Bridget Shield, are providing expertise in this technical area.
It seems rather daunting, but for software developer Finsoft, managing secure data transfers for clients with over four million transactions a day is now a routine business. In 2000, Finsoft started a three-year KTP to assist with the development of a Central Securities Database (CSDB) for the European Central Bank (ECB).
KTP Associate Louis Gomez, is leading pioneering new research into data gathering techniques which will cut down lengthy testing times on-site and transform the way things are done in the acoustics industry worldwide.
"We're a very competent communications equipment service company, but we saw the need to build up our competence in an area that we'd never done before," Paul explained. "To me, this is a model KTP programme. It exemplifies exactly how the process should work."
KTP Associates Zoran Zmajkovic, Olga Pechinkina and Matthew Best worked to develop a set of core systems that would allow for the management of massive quantities of data quickly and securely. The project was supported by LSBU Professor Allen Long.
"What people are doing at the moment is just rule of thumb and trial, and we want to go beyond that and create a model that is going to accurately predict the sound field in underground stations," Louis explained. "This model will save time, money and resources; at the moment that tool doesn't exist anywhere in the world for testing the special
"For us as a business, we have a new capability that we've never had before, we're going to have new techniques that have never been used in the world before and although it is all focused on the underground work because that is where we have an enormous task to do, we could apply this anywhere."
"For a bank, investment bank or fund manager, data management is not their key business, however, it is a key requirement they have," Chris Walker, a Finsoft founder, explained.
KTP Associate Yuliya Syzonenko has developed Ripmax's first tailored mobile software application with specifically customised usability features that will allow the company to take the lead technologically within their industry. "We saw a gap in the way we take orders for the company. We had salesmen driving around the country writing orders on pieces of paper and faxing them through," Elliot Wright, Technical Director at Ripmax, explained.
Since the release of the CSDB, Finsoft have won a tender to develop the second phase of the
Sales representatives will soon be issued with laptops running this application which will enable
One hundred London Underground stations, 25,000 loudspeakers, 6,000 CCTV cameras, constant commuter traffic, sound testing restrictions and a five-person team to design the installation. For communication support services experts Telent, completing a communications upgrade is always a challenging feat.
"There is a lot of spin-off potential from the software," Chris said. "KTP has been a great benefit to Finsoft, the clients and the project."
IT, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS
ASP PACKAGING
“
KTP has been good for getting these things to happen.
”
The introduction of these systems is expected to improve Ripmax's efficiency as the foremost wholesale supplier of radio controlled models in the UK, while also helping the company to break into the larger European market. "We never had enough time to do the sorts of projects that Yuliya has been involved in. KTP has been good for getting these things to happen," Elliot stated. A second KTP Associate has been recruited to develop Customer Relationship Management Systems to provide marketing and trend information.
MANUFACTURING, ENGINEERING AND MATERIALS
BUSINESS: Producer of packaging films, primarily for the food industry. PROJECT: To research and develop new packaging technologies and integrated production planning systems. With the UK market for food packaging materials worth approximately £600 million, ASP Packaging knows the importance of keeping on top of new products. With the assistance of KTP Associates Isabelle Pointu and Prabhjot Singh, ASP Packaging is pursuing new and innovative ways to improve current packaging materials, increase the shelf life of food products and implement an electronic system to improve scheduling and productivity. The success of this KTP is expected to help ASP fill niche markets within the industry as well as continue to secure contracts with clients such as Waitrose, Tesco and ASDA. "This is an exciting project that will have great benefits for us. The KTP is a good way to make this happen," said Technical Director, Richard Hartley.
07
CMPi BUSINESS: Media company specialising in the construction, property, architecture and travel industries. PROJECT: To develop a benchmarking service to support strategic decision-making in customer services. The media industry could soon be in possession of a product that will set a benchmark for business sectors worldwide, according to KTP Associate and product developer Yuan Xing. "The product will make the industry realise how they perform in comparison with their peers, how they're perceived in the eyes of their customers and consumers. It's a best-in-class performance and industry average," Yuan stated. Yuan has been working with media company CMPi to develop a software programme that will improve the way customer relations and management is handled in many industries. As a benchmark within the media industry, Yuan's product is expected to have potential international applications for CMPi. "In the short term it will position us to be a force
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN CONSULTANCY to transform the marketplace," a CMPi manager commented. "It is a product that helps companies to develop their own information across the board. This KTP will give us a new product, and a revenue stream that we wouldn't have got otherwise. It will give us a good understanding of what is required in the market place." LSBU Professor Shushma Patel is providing valuable expertise to develop this product. CMPi stated, "We're a media service provider, but we weren't really in the business of benchmarking, it wouldn't have been something we could have done on our own. It is good to have the support from a professional knowledge base and to work with an academic institution."
BUSINESS: Provider of design consultancy services for product manufacturers. PROJECT: To design, manufacture and test a novel, solar powered jet-pump refrigerator. Cooling down using heat provided by the sun? This seemingly contradictory approach to refrigeration is the newest innovation from Industrial Design Consultancy (IDC). The product: A fully autonomous, solar powered refrigeration system. The first of its kind, the system could soon be used, not only as a sustainable alternative for conventional domestic and retail applications, but also to provide refrigeration to isolated communities in the developing world, according to Stephen Knowles, Managing Director of IDC. KTP Associate Ryan Fenton has been working to develop a prototype test-rig in the company's Datchet workshops. While testing various theoretical models, stock sourcing and lecturing at other universities on his designs, Ryan has also found time to begin a PhD in design engineering. Ryan's development could have huge benefits for
IDC with the technology being applied to a range of industrial applications. Stephen believes that without the KTP, IDC might not have been able to tackle this project. "Time is money and we were going to need to employ somebody full-time to develop it, but the financial burden was a bit high and we couldn't make the long-term commitment to do it on our own." LSBU Professors Ian Eames and Graeme Maidment have been providing technical support throughout the project. "Current solar power cooling systems are very expensive," Graeme commented. "But IDC is using a component developed by Ian that will make this design affordable. It could be a low cost opportunity for third world countries."
rdc FOLEY COOKE
“
We couldn't make the long-term commitment to do it on our own.
”
BUSINESS: Retail interior designer. PROJECT: To develop in-house graphic design and project management capabilities. When interior retail design consultancy rdc Foley Cooke signed up for their KTP with LSBU, they didn't know what to expect. Now with a successful 3D design software system in place across the business, Foley Cooke are progressing with the second part of the KTP focusing on project management. Patrick Adekunle was recruited to pursue the next progressive step in rdc Foley Cooke's business plan; to improve communications and expand on project management services. Project management had always been an 'on-theside' service at Foley Cooke, however Roger Cooke, Managing Director, said there was now an opportunity for them to develop this further. "We've always had project management as a discipline but it wasn’t structured. Now we're seeking out ways to build on and expand it," Roger explained.
LSBU Academics, Professor Graeme Maidment and Harry Lawner, have helped Foley Cooke to develop more structured procedures for their Project Management services. "That's one of the benefits of working with London South Bank University, you have to document processes," Roger stated. Patrick's work has had him liaising with clients, deciphering legislation and attending design meetings on a number of large projects, including the final outputs for a number of stores within the new Heathrow Airport Terminal 5.
This KTP has “ touched on
areas which we want to move further into.
”
In addition, Patrick has established a web-hosted system to allow off-site access to Foley Cooke's network. Previously designers and clients were required to liaise at the office in order to coordinate design issues. The new system has also allowed Foley Cooke to move toward a paperless business process. "This KTP, Patrick's work on communication issues, has touched on areas which we want to move further into. Now it is helping us go forward."
09
CREATIVE INDUSTRIES, MEDIA AND DESIGN
SIMMONS BAKERS BUSINESS: Manufacturer and retailer of food products. PROJECT: To re-engineer manufacturing and distribution systems to improve operating efficiencies. The idea of tracing every ingredient from packet to pastry seems overwhelming considering there are over 300 products at Simmons Bakers. With the support of LSBU Academic Alan Bent, KTP Associate Sue Hinchcliffe led Simmons through the establishment of new health and safety systems including Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points (HACCP), Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), cleaning schedules and material traceability methods, allowing the bakery to achieve BRC standards at a higher level. "Traceability is very difficult to achieve in this sort of business, but Sue got a manual system going. Then the second Associate, Kit Nguyen, got it computerised which made things much quicker and more accurate. We had to achieve these things and it's worked out well with KTP," Ian Matthews, Simmons Managing Director, commented.
ALARA WHOLEFOODS Simmons now has streamlined production processes with many of the bakery's paper-based systems being computerised. The introduction of a Disaster and Emergency plan has saved Simmons £50K annually on insurance premiums. Since the completion of the KTP, Simmons have increased sales each year, opening a number of new bakery outlets. Simmons remains a competitive force against the likes of Greggs, Starbucks and other major retailers. Ian said the KTP and expertise from LSBU helped Simmons to evolve quickly and efficiently. "We weren't very well tuned into bakery technology. The KTP was our way of acquiring that sort of technology, which was out of our immediate knowledge." Simmons have recently taken on a second KTP to develop new products, improve efficiency and implement energy, water and waste reduction systems.
BUSINESS: Speciality supplier of organic muesli cereals. PROJECT: To develop packaging and factory processes to reduce waste, energy use and environmental impact. Achieving carbon neutrality is still a relatively new concept, but for Alara Wholefoods, it could be happening within the next three years. "We've got two specific aims to achieve by 2010. The first is to be carbon negative, and the second is to send zero waste to landfill. Then the vision is to have an organic muesli factory at Kings Cross, surrounded by a permaculture forest garden, powered by windmills," Alex Smith, Alara Managing Director said.
The actions taken by Alara are expected to have roll-over effects for the manufacturing industry in what LSBU Academic Alan Beeby describes as 'brave and responsible' leadership by example. Alan noted obvious benefits for both parties in pursuing this KTP. "Alara represents an opportunity for LSBU to pursue green initiatives. This project is pushing us to do research that we wouldn't normally have done."
To help achieve these goals, KTP Associate Joanna Southernwood has been working to introduce biodegradable packaging and recycling systems for every aspect of the business, including cardboard boxes, paper, plastic and food waste. Compost bins and worm farms feature in Alara's backyard permaculture garden, formerly a wasteland, along with vegetables, fruit bearing trees and shrubs, as part of the vision for Alara's self-sustaining future.
FOOD MANUFACTURING AND TECHNOLOGY
PREUVENEERS BUSINESS: Law firm providing IT advice in the legal community. PROJECT: To develop a software system to share documents with clients in a secure online environment. The days of having to visit your solicitor with each development during a legal matter will soon be a thing of the past at Preuveneers. Through a KTP with LSBU, Preuveneers have introduced a centralised web-based case management system, allowing clients to conduct their proceedings from anywhere around the world. KTP Associate Rionne Preuveneers has been working to integrate the new online system, training staff and informing clients of the company's new capabilities. The system allocates clients a login and password upon joining Preuveneers, which they can use to track the progress of their matter, read documents and see key dates for future proceedings. "It's a new type of client that we're trying to attract with this system," Rionne explained. "The 'Smart Legal Move' client will conduct their business from a distance."
INSTITUTE OF OPTIMUM NUTRITION In addition to the online system integration, Rionne's work has also resulted in a mobile phone text messaging service which generates messages informing clients of any immediate situations. LSBU Professor Shushma Patel has been supporting Rionne throughout her KTP and believes the systems developed by Rionne will spearhead a new communications tactic in the legal profession. "I don't know of any other law firm using texting and online case-tracking to communicate with clients. I think it's quite innovative," Shushma stated. This live approach to traditional paper-based proceedings is challenging conventional methods within the legal system according to Lisa Preuveneers, Managing Director of Preuveneers. "There are so many possibilities. The KTP has helped us to take a structured approach through meetings and clear deliverables. We are keeping ahead of the game and anticipating what the new e-generation will soon be demanding from their solicitor."
BUSINESS: Educational charity providing advanced education on nutrition. PROJECT: To create a web-based, distancelearning version of courses in Nutritional Therapy and Optimum Nutrition. With the help of a KTP programme and expertise from Professor Dilip Patel, the Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION) is on its way to bringing nutritional information to the world using a first-time, allinclusive virtual learning system.
There is no “ way we could have done this without KTP. ”
KTP Associate Chris Peat is developing the system that will not only allow collaborative networking through a virtual community, but enable students to view recorded lectures, university-style from the comfort of their own homes, regardless of their internet connection speed. People viewing the lectures and tutorials will feel as though they were actually in the classroom. ION Executive Director David Nicolson said that the system would greatly benefit people in developing areas. "I knew there was a demand for our course overseas and thought that if we could do this course via the internet, it could help a lot of people. There is no way we could have done this without KTP."
CONSULTANCY, RESEARCH AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
11
SEA/RENUE BUSINESS: Consultants in the sustainable use and supply of energy. PROJECT: To develop new energy modelling software to assist with the energy certification of buildings. Growing awareness of environmental issues is now prompting many organisations to review their impact on the planet. SEA/Renue is undertaking its second KTP project, with LSBU, to streamline environmental audits which aim to reduce the carbon footprint of organisations.
reporting facility to make tailored recommendations to customers. In the past, this type of data collection had been a time consuming part of the auditing process. However with Julie's development, the assessor will be able to enter data only once to produce faster and more accurate results. As an auditor herself, Julie will be in a unique position to test the software during development and once it is completed.
"During the last KTP, European legislation, the 'Energy Performance in Buildings Directive', was introduced, essentially requiring carbon emissions to be monitored and reduced," KTP company supervisor Steve Connor stated. "With that in mind, we saw this particular directive as a real business opportunity."
"While you're doing the audit you're actually capturing data which forms the basis of the report," Steve commented. "Typically it was all done on paper. Imagine surveying a building and taking notes in every room on lighting, heating and equipment etc. This new software will make it possible for us to deliver recommendation reports more efficiently, having a positive impact on cost, ultimately enabling us to deliver assessments for more organisations."
KTP Associate Julie Allen is developing a new environmental auditing software tool to assist building assessors in collecting raw data on energy usage, water consumption and waste production on site. The assessor will be able to upload the data into a central database, analyse it and use the
Julie added, "The auditing software will be designed to manage different types of audits, from the simpler mini-audit, covering energy use, where quick wins are identified, to the comprehensive survey including water consumption, waste production and travel planning, and analysing the
building's equipment and services in more detail." Academic supervisors, Professor Tony Day and Phil Jones have been supporting SEA/Renue on the current KTP in what Steve describes as invaluable contact. "They are very experienced energy consultants. Through them Julie is gaining a lot of contacts within the industry. SEA/Renue doesn't have software development skills in-house so this project is something we could not have pursued without having Julie's expertise in the team." PREVIOUS PROJECT: To research and develop expertise in Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems. The current KTP project at SEA/Renue stemmed from a previous collaboration with LSBU to develop in-house expertise in Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems. With demand for CHP growing in the UK, SEA/Renue recognised the opportunity to develop new modelling software to evaluate the feasibility of CHP systems. KTP Associate Luis Hinojosa worked with SEA/Renue to develop the model and train the staff in its use. As a result, operational savings have
been made on previously out-sourced CHP consultancy work and SEA/Renue have expanded their client base. SEA/Renue was recently successful in securing over £6 million in grants for CHP-related work in London. "KTP has developed our capacity both in technical support and software development," Chris Dunham, Managing Director of SEA/Renue commented during the project.
“
KTP has developed our capacity both in technical support and software development.
”
PAPER ROUND
TEAM
BUSINESS: Office recycling company. PROJECT: To develop CARBON SMART - a carbon saving/offsetting service for SME offices.
BUSINESS: Provider of energy management software and services. PROJECT: To develop rapid energy modelling software and advanced energy analysis tools for the building and utilities industry.
Paper Round, London's largest office recycling company is just starting a KTP with LSBU to develop an innovative set of environmental services in pursuit of reducing and offsetting carbon emissions. The Carbon Smart service will offer businesses the opportunity to have their systems assessed, gaining energy consumption feedback and recommendations for changes to reduce their carbon imprints. LSBU Academic Phil Jones said the project would have effective impacts for SMEs across the board. "This service will encourage energy effectiveness and carbon reductions and efficiency. It is a project with many benefits for many parties."
Pinpointing energy savings in business has been made even easier thanks to a KTP programme at TEAM (Energy Auditing Agency). Energy meter readings, taken every half-an-hour from thousands of business sites, are now the subject of improved data analysis, saving companies like BT and Virgin Media considerable amounts on energy bills. With advanced metering growing as a reliable method for gaining improved energy readings in the UK, KTP Associate Kumar Samiyappan began developing TEAM's Sigma software package to deal with the vast amounts of data being received from multiple energy meters on multiple sites. "When you think about half-hourly readings, that's 48 values per day of consumption, then you've got that for a week and you've got 100 sites. It makes for a lot of data," Tim Holman, Support Service Team Leader for TEAM stated. "We did deal previously with half-hourly metering, but more
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
on the software provision side. Now with the work that Kumar's done, we're doing a lot more on our side to analyse it." Kumar has put together a working database of 10,000 sites and over 25,000 meters from his work with various sites, including 85 sites from an analysis he managed for the Carbon Trust. He plans to use these readings as benchmarks for his PhD. LSBU Academic Professor Tony Day and Perry Xiao input expertise on novel weather correction and data analysis algorithms in to the software. "If we didn't have KTP we wouldn't have got the external expertise from the university. The success of this project is a direct result of the KTP," Tim commented. TEAM is now looking to expand its consultancy services and is in the process of applying for another KTP programme.
13
ABS CONSULTING
BLUES CLOTHING
BUSINESS: Strategic consultancy services within the building industry. PROJECT: To develop a technical service to analyse and benchmark KPIs in energy efficiency and environmental impacts of commercial buildings.
BUSINESS: Designer and manufacturer of children's clothing. PROJECT: To develop and implement a data mining and customer relationship management system to support forecasting and strategic planning.
ACTURIS
BSRIA
BUSINESS: Supplier of IT solutions for the insurance industry. PROJECT: To develop a software system for improving client data transfers and new software integration tools to provide an interactive system linking brokers with insurers.
BUSINESS: Consultancy and research services in construction and building industries. PROJECT: To develop new technical standards and a certification scheme for analysing the permeability of construction products and air tightness in buildings.
ENERGY AND POWER CONSULTANTS BUSINESS: Technical consultants in energy and power PROJECT: To develop knowledge and expertise for smaller scale sustainable development.
EUROTALK BUSINESS: Developer of language learning products. PROJECTS: To develop a method for delivering language content to mobile devices and to develop a new e-commerce system.
EXONY ALARA WHOLEFOODS
CMPi
BUSINESS: Speciality supplier of organic muesli cereals. PROJECT: To develop packaging and factory processes to reduce waste, energy use and environmental impact.
BUSINESS: Media company specialising in the construction, property, architecture and travel industries. PROJECT: To develop a benchmarking service to support strategic decision-making in customer services.
ASP PACKAGING BUSINESS: Producer of packaging films, primarily for the food industry. PROJECT: To research and develop new packaging technologies and integrated production planning systems.
BIG THOUGHTS BUSINESS: Manufacturer of savoury snacks and soft drinks. PROJECT: To develop new processing technologies and create the next generation of low-fat snacks and juices.
ECSC BUSINESS: Technical consultants in renewable energy fields. PROJECT: To develop expertise in the use of sustainable and renewable energy sources in new buildings.
BUSINESS: Designer of computer software systems. PROJECT: To develop a new software system to optimise the performance of call centres.
FORFARS BAKERS BUSINESS: Producers of baked goods. PROJECT: To implement quality sytems in the factory and introduce new product research and customer trials.
FULCRUM CONSULTING BUSINESS: Built environment consulting engineers. PROJECT: To develop expertise in groundcoupled thermal technology for the storage of heat using underground resources.
GMJ
METAFOUR
rdc FOLEY COOKE
SEA/RENUE
BUSINESS: Producers of computer animated images for the architectural and property industries. PROJECT: To develop new software tools for 3D computer modelling of city streets and buildings.
BUSINESS: Provider of software services for the courier and travel industries. PROJECTS: To develop software products for courier markets and a user interface for the travel industry and to develop a semi-automated help desk system to offer 24-hour client services worldwide.
BUSINESS: Retail interior designer. PROJECT: To develop in-house graphics design and project management capabilities.
BUSINESS: Consultants in the sustainable use and supply of energy. PROJECT: To develop new energy modelling software to assist with the energy certification of buildings.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN CONSULTANCY BUSINESS: Provider of design consultancy services for product manufacturers. PROJECT: To design, manufacture and test a novel, solar powered jet-pump refrigerator.
INSTITUTE OF OPTIMUM NUTRITION BUSINESS: Educational charity providing advanced education on nutrition. PROJECT: To create a web-based, distancelearning version of courses in Nutritional Therapy and Optimum Nutrition.
KENTON RESEARCH BUSINESS: Manufacturer of telecommunications equipment. PROJECT: To design the first of a new range of telecoms products for ultra-secure communications applications.
LONG AND PARTNERS BUSINESS: Building Services Engineering Company PROJECT: To develop a software tool which evaluates the costs of achieving mandatory carbon emission reductions.
PAPER ROUND BUSINESS: Office recycling company PROJECT: To develop CARBON SMART - a carbon saving/offsetting service for SME offices.
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF BUSINESS: Provider of infrastructure services for the transport industry. PROJECT: To develop, test and implement novel cooling strategies for underground railways.
PAYE STONEWORK AND RESTORATION BUSINESS: Specialist repairer of historic buildings. PROJECT: To develop a novel ice particle system for cleaning historic buildings, replacing damaging chemical alternatives.
RIPMAX BUSINESS: Manufacturer and distributor of radio controlled models. PROJECT: To develop e-commerce and customer relationship management systems.
SOUND RESEARCH LABORATORIES
CENTRE FOR KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER HEAD OF CENTRE: Nathan Burgess
SUNRISE BAKERY BUSINESS: Manufacturer and distributor of wholesale Caribbean-style baked goods PROJECT: To develop new products, address production issues and improve efficiency.
DEPUTY MANAGER: Barbara Ellis MARKETING OFFICER: Stephanie Luxmoore FINANCE OFFICER: Florence Ankomah ADMINISTRATOR: Shirley Nicholson
BUSINESS: Acoustics consultancy providing technical solutions for buildings. PROJECT: To design and develop culturally acceptable products and techniques for the mitigation of noise exposure for classical musicians.
TELENT BUSINESS: Provider of infrastructure in telecommunications and transportation. PROJECT: To develop a measurement system to deliver new world-class speech intelligibility systems in underground environments.
TELEPHONE: 020 7815 6922 FACSIMILE: 020 7815 6915 EMAIL: ktpinfo@lsbu.ac.uk WEBSITE: www.ktplondon.co.uk
SIMMONS BAKERS
ZUTEC UK
BUSINESS: Manufacturer and retailer of food products. PROJECT: Re-engineer manufacturing and distribution systems to improve operating efficiencies.
BUSINESS: Provider of building management software and services. PROJECT: To develop state-of-the-art software modelling tools to analyse and identify energy usage within commercial buildings.
PRODUCTION: wave, London TELEPHONE: 020 7935 3741 Š2007 Centre for Knowledge Transfer, London South Bank University This report covers the year 1 August 2006 to 31 July 2007
PREUVENEERS BUSINESS: Law firm providing IT advice in the legal community. PROJECT: To develop a software system to share documents with clients in a secure online environment.
CURRENT KTP PROJECTS AND PARTNERS
15