Autumn 2002 PW 5 - Cranfield University

www. cranfield.ac.uk/alumni
TCS
Do you know that Cranfield University not only has an
enormous amount to offer your business but, through
Cranfield Creates, has set up a special scheme to help
you get involved?
In essence, the TCS* scheme allows you to implant a graduate
into your business to carry out a specified research or
development project, supported by an academic supervisor
from Cranfield University.
Speaking at the launch presentation earlier in the year, Dr
Tony West of Cranfield Creates said: “The scheme is an ideal
opportunity for the business community to take full advantage
of the university’s international expertise and knowledge, and
improve their competitiveness.
“A current research project is investigating the effectiveness of
the ways we engage with SMEs. It is also exploring future
developments and how they might be introduced into the wider
university activities, building on our strong record of interacting
with large multi-nationals.
“Obviously, we would particularly like to include companies
run by our alumni in this process.”
Already, one Cranfield-related TCS project has been selected
for entry into a national competition for excellence – evidence of
the university’s relationship with forward-looking businesses.
The Virtual Bus Driving project – applying human factors
engineering to bus driver training – is a partnership between the
university and Arriva Passenger Services plc. Three Cranfield
graduates (known as associates) will be working on this project
over the next four years, jointly supported by staff from both
organisations.
Funded by the DTI/ESRC, with Arriva contributing 60% of
the £425,000 contract, the project involves the application of
psychological principles leading to the implementation of a
driver training programme. A unique aspect is investment in a
specially adapted mobile driving simulator which can safely
model real-life situations without real-life risk.
* formerly Teaching Company Scheme
WHAT IS THERE
IN IT FOR YOU?
� Dr Tony West of Cranfield Creates speaks to an attentive audience
during the presentation which launched the TCS scheme
A further TCS award of £94,000 went to Cranfield’s
Department of Process and Systems Engineering, in conjunction
with Titan Enterprises, to develop a flowmeter that is low cost,
non-invasive and capable of in-line cleaning.
Cranfield academic staff used their considerable experience in
ultrasonic flowmetering and came up with a novel design which
met Titan’s specifications.
In the process of being
patented, the success of
this flowmeter will result
in production of more
than 20,000 of these units
each year, representing a
considerable expansion of
Titan’s business.
Tony commented: “This
is another fine example of Cranfield’s ability to reach out to
business and use its expertise to the benefit of both.
“I am delighted we have been able to conclude such a
successful and productive arrangement.”
A detailed investigation of business engagement by Cranfield
Creates will shortly lead to a set of recommendations to improve
the interaction between the university and its potential business
partners.
“This is a very exciting time for the development of links with
business that benefit all parties,” said Tony. “Cranfield
University has a great deal to offer, and I am determined we
shall do all we can to ensure this project is a great success for all
those who choose to be involved.”
Interested? To find out more about TCS and the benefits it can
bring to your company, please contact the Alumni Office and
we’ll make the connections for you…
Email alumni@cranfield.ac.uk
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NEWS FEATURE