Thermoplastic polyester elastomer nanocomposites Assignment

Thermoplastic polyester elastomer nanocomposites - Assignment Example It also shows very good resistance to impact, tear, creep, and abrasion. Inorder to improve to improve mechanical, therma and electrical properties of TPEs (Aso 2006, 2854) fillers such as mica, clays, silica, kaolin, and talc are added (Sreekanth 2009, pg. 272). Mica improves critical properties of TPEs, these properties are cost effective . which are cost effective (Sreekanth 2009, pg. 272). This position has also been supported by LeBaron et al. (1999, pg.12) who argues that composites that show a change in structure and composition over a nanometer length always exhibit property enhancements in comparison to conventioanally scaled composites. Layered silicates which have been distributed as a reinforcing phase on a polymer matrix are an example of such mixture of inorganic/organic nanocomposites (LeBaron et al.1999, pg.12). Some of these enhanced properties are, increased moduli, increased heat resistance and strength, and also decreased flammability (Ray et al. 2003, pg. 2355). For example, in a nylon layered silicate with 2 % with volume of inorgan ic content, doubling of strenghth and tensile modulus is achieved (Giannelis 1997, pg. 675). The reason why nanocomposites exhibit improved characteristics as compared to conventional composites is because the dispersion of clay nano layers increases the number of reinforcing elements available that can deflect cracks (LeBaron et al.1999, pg.13). Coupling between polymer matrix and the large surface area (760 m2/g) increases stress transfer to the reinforcement phase, which enable toughning and tensile improvement by (LeBaron et al.1999, pg.13). In addition, layered silicates thickness are in the order of 1 nm and they also have high aspect ratios in the magnitude of (10-1000) (Ray et al. 2003, pg. 2355). There are various reasons why there is an increase in the high aspect ratios of the nanocomposites.According to Yano et al. (1993), it is possible that the improved barrier

The Overall Strategic Plan for Blackberry Research Paper

The Overall Strategic Plan for Blackberry - Research Paper Example According to Rhandawa et al (2009), Blackberry was founded in 1984 and it is headquartered in Waterloo, Canada. Blackberry’s strategic plan is to target professionals through the provision of a range of activities such as push email, mobile telephony, text messaging, internet faxing, web browsing and additional wireless information services (Moro, 2007). Jim Balsillie, co-founder of RIM, sums up the strategic plan for RIM â€Å"easy in, impossible out† which implies that it is very easy for corporations to install their email system, but because the way the proprietary RIM software and servers work, it’s almost impossible to extract (Harnish, N.D). Thus, the strategic plan is based on the notion that the products are strategically designed to appeal to the interests of the targeted customers and it is almost impossible for rival competitors to imitate the same strategy. It can be seen that RIM is at the forefront of designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovat ive mobile communication devices. This strategy makes it clearly different from other rival competitors in the market for Smartphones and is mainly based on productivity and utility in terms of the services offered. However, the industry itself is highly competitive where there are companies like Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson as well as Apple competing for the same customers in this particular Smartphone industry. Research has however shown that if RIM wants to continue its dominance in the market, it needs to market its devices moreover in Asia and Europe (Rhandawa et al, 2009). However, Blackberry of late has come under the spotlight for firing influential people who are seen as suggesting ideas that are within the scope of its strategic plan. For instance, the CEO was fired in 2011 though it was popularly stated that it was a resignation (Yarow, 2011). There have been some reports that anyone who goes against the culture of the organization with regards to its strategic plan is o ften viewed as a villain. The organization does not see itself in a position where it diverts from its outlined strategic plans. Such a stance has drawn criticism from other quarters and this is the reason why there is need to develop a Human Resources strategic plan for Blackberry which is based on its overall strategic plan. Thus the following section of the essay seeks to develop a strategic plan for Blackberry as well as to outline how it will be aligned with the organization’s plans organization’s plans as well as the measures that can be taken to implement the HR strategic plan. Strategic HRM for Blackberry Currently, the HRM strategy for RIM is mainly concerned with the optimum performance of the employees whereby the interests of the employees are not given due consideration (Harnish, N.D). Priority is given to the overall goals stated in the strategic plan of the company and this is the reason why the company has been criticised for bad HRM practices. As such, a strategic human resources management (SHRM) plan ought to be implemented. Basically, SHRM can be defined as the combination of human resources management with the strategic aims and objectives/plans in order to enhance business performance as well as the culture that promotes innovation, flexibility as well as the competitive advantage (Becker & Huselid, 2006).