Applied research at Coventry University Issue 6 Autumn 2009

special focus

Intelligent design
How business will benefit from the
Engineering and Computing Faculty’s
innovative new building

business boost
Helping businesses to
recover from the recession

Women war survivors Leadership training

made to measure for the West Midlands Police Improving
WEEE transportation Support for business
teaching the world the in the downturn HOPE for people with long
importance of measurement term health conditions
 16
Welcome
In the autumn 2009 issue of Innovate, the

10 applied research magazine from Coventry

University, we are focusing on the impact
the new Engineering and Computing
building will have on industry.
Managing Editor Now that the plans have
Karen Smith,
Deputy Director
of Marketing for
8 been finalised and the
construction work has
started, we can reveal more
Coventry University
information about the new
Edited and designed by facilities that will be included
in the new Faculty building. Our aim is to

inside
Elliott House
Communications enhance the teaching and learning we offer in
collaboration with business to create a building
Printed by that not only offers benefits to students but
Emmersons “The facilities also to industry.
The investment we are putting into this
will bring building will not only improve the quality of
academia our graduates but will also enhance the work
and business of the many applied research centres and
Innovate / AUTUMN 2009
together to find groups involved in engineering and computing
solutions to projects.
For more industry-wide The facilities will bring academia and
information 4 News 22 Women War Survivors problems” business together to find solutions to industry-
If you would like to find The latest research news from across the campus Overcoming the devastating effects of war in Liberia wide problems as well as help to develop
out more about any of the future innovators.

22
articles within this issue, Features 26 Hope springs eternal The tough economic climate has left many
if you have a general A new programme offers support for people living businesses needing to cut back on their research and development
enquiry about applied
8 Enterprise Culture with long-term health conditions (R&D) activity. Survival requires ingenuity, and cut backs in R&D now
research or to subscribe
How an entrepreneurial focus is making Coventry could have negative repercussions later on. The new Engineering and
to a future issue of
Innovate, contact us on
one of the leading business-facing universities 28 Risky business Computing building will offer more opportunities for the University
Reducing the chances of reoffending with to support industry with R&D. Increasing numbers of businesses are
Telephone 10 Joining Forces improvements to risk management training looking to academic institutions to carry out their R&D because using
+44 (0) 24 7623 6364 Creating better leaders in the West Midlands Police a University can be a more viable option.
force through an innovative new training scheme In this issue you can also read about the extra funding the University
Email Special focus - Engineering is offering to businesses who need more support to strengthen their
innovate@coventry.ac.uk 12 Business Boost ongoing development so they can beat the effects of the recession.

Website
More support for businesses who are trying to fight
back from the recession
14 Heavy Metal
Saving companies power and money in the 14 I hope this issue of Innovate inspires you to want to find out
more about how Coventry University’s applied research is making a
www.coventry.ac.uk/ production of aluminium difference to individuals and businesses in this country and around the
researchnet world. You can keep up to date with all our projects on our website
16 Intelligent design Regulars www.coventry.ac.uk/researchnet.
This publication is available Improvements for business in the new If you have any comments about the magazine or any of
in other formats on Engineering and Computing building 27 Case notes: Cabled our projects, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
request. Please Coventry’s role in the UK’s largest test of privately- I look forward to hearing from you.
contact Marketing and 20 Made to measure owned low-carbon vehicles
Communications on Improving productivity and cost efficiencies with Professor Ian Marshall, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research)

28
+44 (0) 24 7688 8352 accurate measuring 30 Q&A
Packing up WEEE has been made more efficient innovate@coventry.ac.uk

2 Innovate / Autumn 2009 Innovate / Autumn 2009 5


CONSTRUCTION / Balfour
beatty employees working on
the virtual construction site
partner:
“This kind of cutting-
edge training also
makes us a very
attractive proposition
for graduates”
4 Innovate / Autumn 2009
intheknow
» Leading the way in applied research
Doors open at
construction centre
» Virtual training for builders and engineers
Balfour Beatty was the first company
to trial the new virtual construction site that
opened on the Technology Park in September.
Twelve delegates took a three-day course,
which uses cutting edge virtual reality training.
The £8.7 million ACT-UK Simulation Centre
uses advanced computer simulation and
actors to replicate a construction site. Regional
Development Agency Advantage West
Midlands is contributing £6.6 million towards
the simulation centre in partnership with
Coventry University and ACT-UK.
The facilities are being used to train the
next generation of engineers and builders in a
live situation but without the dangers of a real
construction site.
Adam Parker, HR director for Balfour Beatty
Construction Scottish and Southern, said:
“This takes our development and training to
a different level. Using virtual reality enables
us to put our trainee project managers in a
live environment without exposing them to
any risks. This kind of cutting-edge training
also makes us a very attractive proposition for
graduates looking to come into the industry.”
Trainees must deal with demanding site
management scenarios – based on real-life
situations – with site personnel, colleagues
and members of the public being played by
professional actors.
Supervisors observe trainees’ behaviour via
cameras and work with them to help them
identify and develop their talents and strengths.
Backed by the UK construction industry, the
ACT-UK Simulation Centre is only the second
of its kind in the world.
For more information:
visit www.act-uk.co.uk
inbrief
New book explores
future of Higher
Education
A new book will expose
the links and boundaries
between higher education
researchers, their students
and their institutions.
The iPED Research
Network, based at the
University, created the book
Academic Futures: Inquiries
into Higher Education and
Pedagogy. It is a collection
of work from international
academics providing an
insight into academic futures
Research online – what has been learnt,
website /
more research
projects
how it has incorporated
online technologies into teaching
» New look for website dedicated to Coventry and the tensions between
teaching and research.
University's applied research activity Visit www.c-s-p.org
to order online or email
Keeping up to date with the University’s applied research projects is easier now orders@c-s-p.org. It is priced
thanks to the new website Researchnet. at £39.99 in hardback.
The site www.coventry.ac.uk/researchnet is home to the latest news and events in
the world of research at Coventry. It also includes podcasts and videos from various
Institutes and research groups. Reducing dance
The site has been redesigned to help people keep track of the University’s growing
injuries
number of research projects. It also
promotes details of new projects that The Design and Ergonomics
researchers and students can get involved Research Group (DEarg)
with and lists the experts available for each
subject area.
Office opens in India is researching the
biomechanics of dance to try
Innovate magazine is hosted on the site As part of its expanding global network, the and reduce injuries.
too so people can easily read previous University has opened a new office in India. The research should prove
issues or see the latest version online. The office will be the fourth to open in areas of vital to dancing careers as up
Interest in the University’s research has strategic importance to support its development to 80% of dancers are injured
grown since Coventry became one of the as a global business-facing university, and in their first year of practice.
first universities in Europe to open an iTunes reflects the rapid growth in the University’s Dr James Shippen,
store. Coventry’s iTunes U site is packed relationships with India. Researcher and Principal
with multimedia content featuring over 150 In a new departure for UK universities in India, Lecturer, has designed
lectures, masterclasses, talks and debates. the Coventry office in Chennai will support special software to capture
iTunes U is an area in the iTunes Store activities across India, offer enhanced support and analyse the motion
where leading colleges and universities for students and forge better relationships with of dancers. Barbara May,
share knowledge with the world. in-country partners. Muscle Analyst, applies her
During 2008-09, the University worked with specialist knowledge of
For more information: more than 8,000 businesses including Indian anatomy and physiology to
visit www.coventry.ac.uk/researchnet and
www.coventry.ac.uk/itunesu
companies such as Tata. determine the dance steps
Dr. Pilsbury said: “The office will support more likely to cause injury.
students, parents and others interested in the Watch the Discovery
educational opportunities in Coventry, and also Channel’s visit at http://
corporate, educational and research partnerships watch.discoverychannel.
in India.” ca/#clip213093.
Innovate / Autumn 2009 5
 intheknow Leading the way in applied research
savethedate
Make a note of events
happening in the next few
months and keep up to date
online at www.coventry.
ac.uk/researchnet
19 Nov
International Journal of
Neighbourhood Renewal’s
Annual Conference
The Applied Research Centre
in Sustainable Regeneration
(SURGE) will be speaking and
exhibiting at this conference
that celebrates
neighbourhood renewal.
Location: Birkbeck College,
London, UK
Time: All day event
26 Nov
The Secrets of the BBC
Election Graphics
Jonathan Spence, Lead
Graphic designer, BBC
Election, takes part in a day
of graphic design talks, also
including Philip Oliver and
Martin Lambie-Nairn.
Location: Graham
Sutherland 404
Time: All day
30 Nov
HDTI Presents RAatE 2009
RAatE 2009 is the only UK
conference focused on the latest
innovations and developments
in assistive technology.
Location: Hilton Hotel,
Coventry
Start time: 10:00
10 Dec
Huw Williams
Williams gives a Professorial
Lecture entitled Weapons of
Maths Instruction.
Location: George Eliot
Building, Room GEG31
(Humber Lecture Theatre)
Start time: 18:00
4 Innovate / Autumn 2009
Wise spend strengthens Talk sport
applied research goals
» International Play the Game
conference is hosted in Coventry
» The University is spending money wisely to
Coventry University’s
boost research collaborations Centre for the International
Business of Sport (CIBs)
A recent report cited the hosted Play the Game 2009
University as a contributor in this summer, the sixth world
boosting the UK’s dominant position communication conference on
in international research thanks to sport and society.
investments it made using public Nearly 300 delegates from
capital funding. 31 countries attended the
The independent report, conference, with journalists, researchers, administrators
commissioned by the Higher Education and other sports stakeholders sharing experiences and
Funding Council (HEFCE), cited ideas for the future development of sport and its role in
specific case studies and included society.
Images courtesy of Play the Game 2009 and photographer Jens Astrup
how Coventry had spent the £900,000 Over 100 speakers discussed the major issues
it was awarded under the Science affecting sport today in Coventry Cathedral, which
Research Investment Fund (SRIF). was the main site for the conference, and in University
The money went towards classrooms.
strengthening two of the University’s Conference themes included topics such as: Ethics
leading applied research groups in governance – will sports federations come clean?;
within the Faculty of Engineering Between Britain, Beijing and London – mega events as
and Computing; the Automotive drivers of development; and Match fixing – a blow to
Engineering Applied Research Group the core of sport.
(AEARG) and the Control Theory and The Play the Game conference offers a unique forum
Applications Centre (CTAC). for dialogue on sport. Over 12 years and five world
AEARG develops simulation tools conferences, Play the Game has become the only
partnership / that predict the performance of automotive after-treatment devices and funding helped international forum where leading stakeholders meet
working the group to upgrade its facilities in line with new legislation. good sports / David Goldblatt, face to face in free and fact-based debates about the
with uhcw to author of The Ball is Round, was
develop new The improvements attracted international research talent and increased the number a speaker at the conference most important challenges to modern sport.
systems of quality international applications for student places. (right) Jens Sejer Andersen,
For more information:
CTAC used the funding to refurbish its laboratory to provide industry-standard Director of Play the Game
To listen and watch sessions from this year’s Play the
facilities, which have contributed towards a Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme
Game conference visit www.playthegame.org
with Jaguar in the field of hybrid vehicles.
The SRIF funding for CTAC also supported a research programme with University
Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust to design an intelligent
wheelchair for long term disabled and rehab patients.
It has also funded CTAC’s MAESTRO project, which involves the overall system
design for a controlled radiotherapy treatment couch. Student designers develop ideas for IKEA
Product Design students were recently given the chance philosophy and business model, students looked around
to develop ideas for the IKEA store in Coventry. the store to get a better understanding of the business.
The store is one of only two city centre IKEA sites in The students used role play and other prototyping
the world, and the location can present challenges as techniques in their proposals to show how the products
The number of visits, from 66 different
countries, that the dance archive Siobhan
well as opportunities.
Head of Industrial Design John
could be fully integrated into IKEA’s working practices
– from manufacturing through to catalogue entry and
Owen and Senior Lecturer Tim Ball price tag details.
Davies Replay has received since it worked with the store to produce Rachel Wallis, Store Manager at the city branch said:
launched in June this year. Funded by a major grant from the AHRC, a design brief for the students to “It was incredible to see such enthusiasm from the
create new product proposals. students. It was fantastic to see the lengths they went
the archive is a collaboration between the University and leading British After a brand presentation about to in order to create such great results. From the price
choreographer Siobhan Davies who is a Visiting Professor of Dance. Visit the history of IKEA, its values, tags to the innovative designs, it was exceptional.”
www.siobhandaviesreplay.com for more information.
Innovate / Autumn 2009 7
feature enterprise
Enterprise
culture
Recently shortlisted again for Entrepreneurial University
of the Year at the 2009 Times Higher Education awards,
Coventry is making its mark as one of the leading
business-facing universities in the UK
F
or two years running Coventry has
been recognised in the Times Higher
Education awards for its entrepreneurial
achievements. Highly commended in
2008, it was shortlisted again this year
for its leadership in enterprise and
entrepreneurialism in the Higher Education sector.
Enterprise runs through every strand of the University’s
activity and it has so far assisted 320 students to start a
business. Every year it supports 7,500 SMEs and works
with 500 larger companies.
Coventry’s commitment to enterprise is also helping
businesses through the recession. It has provided access to
staff expertise, student skills, subsidised training, funding
and assistance with starting, growing or reprofiling
businesses to support continuity and survival. The driving
force behind the enterprise agenda is the Institute of
Applied Entrepreneurship (IAE). Established in 2008, the
Institute has helped provide a focal point for support of
entrepreneurial activity across the campus.
“Since launching in November 2008, the last 12
months have been exciting times for the Institute of
Applied Entrepreneurship,” said Dr Gideon Maas Co-
Director of the IAE. “We have successfully developed
a strong reputation for supporting business ventures
and encouraging entrepreneurship in Higher Education
not only locally in Coventry but also on a regional
and international level. We are now a truly innovative
University creating a culture of global entrepreneurship
for our students and embedding enterprise into every
aspect of our curriculum and offering seamless support
from business creation and beyond.”
An Entrepreneurship committee coordinates all the
entrepreneurial activities at the University and student
entrepreneurs are employed by the IAE to help engage
other students in the enterprise agenda. Qualifications
8 Innovate / Autumn 2009
Student enterprise
When Daniel Sheridan had a business idea
to help African children generate power for
their schools, support from the University
led to numerous awards for the student
entrepreneur.
Sheridan’s idea to develop a see saw
that could create electricity while children
played on it won The Lord Stafford Award
2008 for ‘Entrepreneurial Spirit.’ The awards
recognise and encourage the development
of collaborative relationships between
businesses and universities. Awards Patron Lord Stafford said: “Daniel really is an
inspirational entrepreneur – not only has he spotted and developed a tremendous business
idea, it is a product that could have such a powerful impact on the world.”
In the same year Sheridan launched PlayMade Energy, he was also named Entrepreneur
of the Year 2008 at the IAE Entrepreneurial annual awards. He is an ambassador for
Enterprise UK and is launching new business PlayMade Learning, aimed at inspiring
schoolchildren about design and sustainability (www.playmade.co.uk). Sheridan
such as the MA in Global Entrepreneurship and an MA continues to receive support from the University and has just started the MA in Global
in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Education also reach Entrepreneurship with access to a fellowship scheme to help with funding.
* The University has been shortlisted at the West Midlands Lord Stafford Awards 2009
out to students wanting to further their knowledge in the
for an innovative shower design, called the Rejuvenator, that it has helped start-up business
subject. Innovations 28 Ltd develop.
In 2008/09 the IAE assisted 120 students to
transform business ideas into reality and gave 23
Enterprise Scholarships of £2,000 a year to students who
demonstrated a flair for business. In the same period
29 students received grants of £4,400, free office space
and mentoring on the SPEED (Student Placements Innovative and
for Entrepreneurs in Education) programme and an entrepreneurial staff
additional 29 students have benefited from SPEED WM University staff are rewarded for entrepreneurial activity and enterprise is
with a grant of £4,200 (£8,400 even embedded into the appraisal scheme. There’s even a Staff Ideas at Work
for growth businesses). Ten of 29 competition to improve the entrepreneurial environment on campus and
winning ideas are given the resources to make them a reality.
students who enrolled on the BA/
BSc Enterprise & Entrepreneurship Benefiting community Employees interested in starting up their own enterprises while working
are encouraged to do so and one staff member who is feeling the benefits of
programme have trading enterprise being at an Entrepreneurial University is IAE Project Manager Julia Stew. In
businesses and 740 students have In 2008, the University won the Queen’s her job she gives pre-start up mentoring advice to students before they join
taken ‘Graduate Entrepreneur’ Anniversary Prize for Tabeisa (Technical and SPEED.
Add+vantage modules, which give Business Education Initiative in South Africa) “I was encouraging others to set up their own business so I thought I should
a pioneering partnership, led by the University, follow my own advice,” said Julia who is looking at creating a business in the
academic credit to students in setting which encourages entrepreneurs in South area of art and design. “My husband is a freelance designer and we wanted to
up a venture. Africa’s poorest regions. do something that would boost our income and use our creative skills.”
There have also been 100 The coveted biannual prize recognises the Julia completed an entrepreneurial profile at the University and from
postgraduate/postexperience work done to help build a better standard January will study for a PG Cert in Business Enterprise alongside her job.
students who have been supported of living in some of the world’s poorest The course will not only help to finalise
in setting up a business with an 80% communities by supporting over 1,000 her business idea but also strengthen her
commercial start-up enterprises since its business mentoring skills.
success rate. establishment in 1994. “I have always had ideas but never had
Results like these, and its Tabeisa works with and alongside people to the confidence to do anything with them or
ambitious goals for the future, prove provide support and advice at critical stages at been in the right environment to take that
how much enterprise is a principal the start of a new project or business. leap,” said Julia. “I thought I would always
part of the University’s strategy. The organisation assists with strategies to have to leave work to start something like
Creating even more entrepreneurs encourage black economic empowerment by this, but at Coventry it has been actively
helping entrepreneurs from disadvantaged embraced and I am encouraged to go for it.”
from its students, staff and the communities set up small businesses. Julia doesn’t plan to leave the University
wider community will only further Tabiesa recently held The Design4life Africa when the business is up and running as
enhance Coventry’s entrepreneurial Fashion Show (right), which featured shortlisted she will run it with her husband who will be
reputation. designs from a global fashion competition involved full time.
Tabeisa Design 4 Life Africa.
Innovate / Autumn 2009 9
feature education

Joining
forces Coventry University is helping to create
the next generation of leaders in the West
Midlands Police force

P
olice in the West Midlands are going back “We wanted to invest in
to school this autumn to learn how to be an accredited course with a
professional coaches. university, that would lead to a
The University has developed a bespoke formal qualification in coaching.
training package for the force that it hopes We didn’t want to do this by
will not only deliver an improved service halves, we wanted to approach it
to the public but also save money. properly,” said David Williams,
It’s a new initiative for the organisation that employs Director of Personnel for West
over 14,000 people and serves a population of almost 2.6 Midlands Police. “The fact
million. Good leaders are essential in an operation of its Coventry University was a CMI
size and the need for professional training is essential. Centre added to the credibility
The organisation aims to create a first batch of coaches of the course and meant there
who can deliver leadership training to their colleagues. was the potential for a dual
credible /
Investing in a group of internal coaches will not only award from the CMI and the colleagues
be rewarding for those gaining the qualification, but also University. Anyone can claim to trust the
means the organisation can reduce paying out for costly be a coach, we wanted ours to training
training elsewhere. have a credible qualification.”
It was clear from the outset that the coaches needed To get maximum return from
to have a professional, respected qualification for the course, it was important to
the internal training to be considered credible. The get the right calibre of student.
organisation was also keen to team up with an academic Candidates were put through
institution that could a stringent selection process,

“The University has create a package in

line with the individual
which the University helped
administer, because the new coaches would become empower/ being led by an industry coach, rather than an academic. coaches if it proves to be a success.

delivered a product needs of the police force. champions of the new style of leadership within the Making a “The course will involve blended learning,” said Dr Sue “We need to get to a place where we have enough
difference to
In response, the police force. the public Rivers, Acting Dean for SoLL. “The trainee coaches will coaches because 30 coaches between 14,000 people

that is bespoke to University’s School

of Lifelong Learning
“We want the organisation to perform at a greater
level,” said David Williams about his hopes for the
watch a professional coach and will be learning in the
workplace, watching what they do. In some cases a coach
isn’t really enough,“ said David Williams. “Coventry
University has worked magnificently with us to get this

us, rather than just (SoLL) developed a

Graduate Certificate in
outcome of the training. “The coaches will pass on skills
and knowledge to bring on other leaders.”
maybe working with someone of a higher rank, which is
why an accredited qualification was so important.”
course together so quickly. It has delivered a product that
is bespoke to us, rather than just something that’s already

something that’s Leadership Coaching,

which is accredited
Mr Williams is keen to point out that the coaching
training is not about developing people for promotion,
While it is very much a work-based, practical
programme, theory is included too, such as learning the
there on the shelf.”

already there on by the Chartered but about them developing the leadership skills of others. ethics and the rules and regulations of coaching. For more information:
For more information about West Midlands Police visit
Management Institute The coaches started their training this October and will How the coaches are deployed around the organisation www.west-midlands.police.uk/ and for more information

the shelf” (CMI), and is unique to

the organisation.
attend days at the University as well as working out in the field.
The vocational course will have some academic content but is
is still to be decided but the police force will be evaluating
the impact of the course with a view to training up more
about the course contact Ambrina Wahid in SoLL on + 44
(0) 24 7765 7867

10 Innovate / Autumn 2009 Innovate / Autumn 2009 11

feature business support
New funding worth
£1m and a package of support
from the University is helping
businesses recover from the
Business
effects of the recession
boost
“As a business-
facing university we
are committed to
supporting companies
in the economic
downturn”
T
he West Midlands has been the hardest hit
by the recession but a new rescue package
from the University is hoping to change the
fortunes of local businesses.
As of June 2009 the West Midlands still
had the third lowest employment rate of all the English
regions, according to the West Midlands Regional
Observatory. The knock-on effects are hitting industries
hard as the public tighten their belts and spend less.
In an effort to help the region recover from the
downturn, the University is offering individuals and
businesses access to £1m worth of support. Part of this
funding has come from a £25m Economic Challenge
Investment Fund (ECIF) that the Higher Education
Funding Council (HEFCE) launched to help English
colleges and universities take rapid action to support
business in the current economic climate.
Coventry secured £500k from the fund – the
maximum allowance given to any institution – which will
be matched to bring the total to £1m.
The funding is being used to offer immediate support
to businesses affected by the downturn, including a
voucher scheme that can pay up to £3,000 towards the
cost of specialist services provided by the University.
The speed at which institutions are able to deliver
the support was part of the assessment criteria for the
funding applications to HEFCE. Coventry University
proved it was ready for the challenge due to the existing
resources it already has in place.
Any size of business can apply for the support and
it is not restricted to Midlands’ business, but where
appropriate the University will look to support local
business. There are five different packages of support
available, three of which are targeted at specific
industries including automotive, creative industries and
ICT sectors.
The scheme was announced on 25 June and the
University is already supporting some of the successful
applications – making a difference to individual
businesses as well as the local economy.
“As a business-facing university we are committed to
supporting companies in the economic downturn. This
new fund means we can make our expertise and facilities
available to even more companies that are affected,”
explained ECIF Programme Director Derek Griffiths
indetail
5 packages of support
The University is offering five packages of support
for businesses to choose from
1 Business Enterprise,
Sustainability and Growth
Availability: 30 companies
Details: Delivered by the Institute of Applied Entrepreneurship the
package includes an initial diagnosis that determines individual
profiles, business viability and objectives to develop an action plan.
After the package has been implemented, there is a continuous
review of targets, including training, research and consultancy.
2 Business Sustainability Vouchers
Availability: 40 companies
Details: This package offers up to £3,000 towards the cost of
specialist services to tackle specific issues faced by companies
in the recession. Support is also available for starting a new
business, accessing international markets, specialist design and
measurement advice or student placements.
3
Niche Manufacturing/
Automotive Technology
Availability: Workforce skills and development for 200 employees
and additional support for 10 companies to help maintain their
position in the market, manage legislative and consumer pressures
or diversify into new sectors less affected by the downturn.
Details: Delivered by the Engineering and Computing Faculty,
it offers support for the development and provision of targeted
training with external partners for automotive manufacturers.
4
Creative Industries
Availability: A bespoke mentoring and graduate placement
scheme for 40 BA/MA graduates.
Details: Delivered by the Institute for Creative Enterprise the
package provides mentoring relationships between graduates and
business mentors from the creative industries and recent alumni.
5
Gaming/Serious Games
Availability: Specialist consultancy provision to 10 at-risk
companies within the sector, enlisting the support of sector specific
academic, investors and innovation specialists and mentoring
provision for 20 graduates in 2009-10 linked to industry placements.
Details: Delivered by the Serious Games Institute, the mentoring
sessions will be run physically and using virtual environments.
about the scheme that runs until September 2010.
Jaguar Land Rover and TRW Conekt both backed the
University's application for the funding and are hoping
some of their staff will benefit from the Automotive
Technology support package.
“The support available is not applicable for businesses
that are about to go under, but is focused on those that
want to put themselves in a better position to survive and Find out more:
be stronger when they market picks up again,” explained For more information
Derek. “It’s about companies who have hit a wall while about the Economic
Challenge Investment
developing a new product, for example, and our specialist
Fund, contact Derek
expertise will help them to continue with those projects. Griffiths at d.griffiths@
The money has to make a difference.” coventry.ac.uk.
Innovate / Autumn 2009 13
feature engineering
Smelting / Rio
Tinto Alcan’s
smelting

W
facilities

The initial success hile it is one metal that the

earth has in abundance,
of a two-year project aluminium is not cheap. It
aimed at reducing the takes up about eight percent in
weight of the earth’s crust but
energy consumption in is around $0.7 per pound due
to its high production costs.
aluminium smelting has Despite its expense, aluminium is one non-ferrous
led to further research metal we would find difficult to live without. From
transport such as cars and bicycles research
on the subject. Professor to food packaging such as cans and
sponsor:

in Applied Mathematics
foil – the human race has found
significant ways to employ this
Sergei Molokov explains metal’s services.

how the University is

Instability during the production
process needs to be kept to a
helping to save power minimum to conserve money
and energy and the University
and money has been investigating ways to do
this. Coventry’s Applied Mathematics Research Centre,
alongside Warwick University, began the project in 2007
in collaboration with the world’s leading aluminium
producer Rio Tinto Alcan and with funding from the
Carbon Trust.
Its most remarkable qualities are its lightness and its
resistance to corrosion because of the inert oxide film
it forms on its surface. On the downside, aluminium
chemically reacts with other substances very easily and
therefore only occurs in minerals, such as bauxite ore.
Pure metal is extracted from the ore using the
electrolytic Hall-Héroult process. Bauxite ore normally
dissolves at about 2000ºC but this process dissolves it
in cryolite (electrolyte, fluoride salt), which reduces the
melting temperature to about 960ºC.
An electric current passes through the solution and
causes it to melt. The current travels vertically down from
the carbon anode to the carbon cathode, causing liquid
aluminium to be deposited at the cathode as precipitate
during the process. The anode is oxidised to produce CO2.
Today, the process is performed in huge electrolysis cells,
or ‘smelting pots,’ a few meters wide and more then 10m
long, consisting of steel shell, a carbon bottom (cathode)
and numerous huge carbon blocks (anodes) at the top of
the cell. The current that passes through the shallow baths
containing aluminium is about 300-500 kA.
Deposited liquid aluminium sits at the bottom of the
cell as a 30cm deep liquid metal pad, covered with a
relatively thin (four to five centimetres) cryolite layer.
Aluminium is siphoned from the cell periodically and
layer is reduced below 4.5cm, “The investigation
the liquid metal surface loses
its stability and starts to slosh, showed that the
producing ‘rolling waves’ along the
field with a certain
perimeter of the cell.
In critical cases the molten metal could even escape frequency dampens
the cell or produce an electric short-circuit between the
cathode and the anode. This phenomenon called ‘rolling
the amplitude of
pad instability’ occurs due to mutual interaction of the oscillations by up
electric current in the molten metal and the magnetic
field generated by the bus bars supplying power to the
to 17%”
cell. This produces the electromagnetic body force in
molten aluminium called the Lorentz force, which drives
the liquid metal into a sloshing or rolling motion.
Aluminium producers constantly optimise their
cells in terms of bus bar arrangements to minimise
this unwanted phenomenon. While there have been Biography
theoretical investigations into this instability, no one has
conducted an experimental study to verify these theories Sergei
until Coventry began its research two years ago. It is easy Molokov
to understand why: molten cryolite and aluminium are obtained his
chemically very aggressive which significantly restricts PhD in Fluid
the means for experimental investigation of this process. Dynamics
from TU-Riga
Coventry reproduced the mechanism of the interfacial
(Latvia) in
waves in a small laboratory at room temperature. The 1990. After working at TU-
anode was specially constructed so it did not need the Riga he moved to Germany
electrolyte to achieve the electrodynamic behaviour of in ‘91, then to Oxford in ‘94
the system similar to that of cryolite. This avoided high and finally to Coventry in ‘95.
power demands, an aggressive environment and side His research interests are in
magnetohydrodynamics and
effects of electrolysis such as fumes and overheating.
electromagnetic processing
In-Ga-Sn alloy was used as a substitute for the liquid of materials.
aluminium layer as it has similar physical properties but
a lower melting temperature of 11ºC. Alex
The whole cell was placed in the inductor of magnetic Pedcenko
field that produced a magnetic field similar to the bus graduated

Heavy metal
from Riga
fresh bauxite ore is added to the cryolite. This keeps the bars of the real cells. This successful approach generated
Technical
electrochemical reaction going continuously. interfacial instability similar to that observed in the real University
Cryolite is a very poor conductor of electricity and it cells. The application of the alternating magnetic field to (RTU) in 2000
takes an enormous amount of power to produce pure the cell has also been successful. and joined the Institute
aluminium. Major producers of primary aluminium, such The investigation showed that the field with a certain of Physics in Latvia as a
as Rio Tinto Alcan, make great efforts to minimise power frequency dampens the amplitude of oscillations by up to Research Assistant working
on applications of magnetic
consumption of the smelting pots. 17%, meaning aluminium power plants might be able to
fields in semiconductor
For example, if the cryolite layer’s thickness is reduced, reduce energy consumption by a similar amount. crystal growth technologies.
the overall resistance of the cell decreases considerably The results have led to another two-year contract with He has a Dr.Eng.Sc. in
and reduces power consumption. However, if the cryolite Rio Tinto Alcan to study the phenomena further. Mechanical Engineering
and joined Coventry in
2007 to take part in AMRC
14 Innovate / Autumn 2009 experimental project.2009 X
Innovate / Autumn
feature profile
“We are transforming the
engineering and computing
provision to enhance
the innovation of the
region’s businesses”
The new high-tech Engineering and Computing building
promises to be a striking addition to Coventry in both
architectural and business terms
S
cience and nature are united in the new
Engineering and Computing building.
The designer chose to illustrate the strong
connection by coating one side of the
building in hexagonal aluminium panels
interspersed with glazed panels that have
both an aesthetic and environmental resonance.
The honeycomb façade of this new £60m state-
of-the-art building will not only make it a landmark
construction in Coventry, but the advanced technology
inside will also ensure it is a hive of activity for business
innovation and research.
Time moves on and the existing facilities need
significantly enhancing. The Faculty has engaged the
latest thinking in technological education to ensure the
new facilities meet industry demands.
“Our business and research partners expect something
different these days,” explained E&C’s Associate Dean
Ian Dunn. “They want all of the technical skills and
knowledge but they also expect professional skills,
communication, teamworking, leadership, innovation –
all of those skills on top.”
These demands fuelled a determination to create a
new Faculty building worthy of its world-class reputation
in engineering and computing and one that lived up to
the University’s business-facing reputation.
The new concepts for the Faculty were formed with
business engagement in mind, transforming its
Innovate / Autumn 2009 17
 feature profile

“Advanced technology was used in 11 ways the new

building will engage
the design and build to create an with business
environmentally friendly, collaborative

teaching and working space that is
open to industry”
approach to teaching as well as facilities for research and training.
Advanced technology was used to create an environmentally friendly,
collaborative teaching and working space that is open to industry.
It is a technically complex building that has been designed to
enhance the eco-system in the area. It is almost completely naturally
ventilated and is a live building that gives out performance data, such
1
Industry Advisory Group
Participation
Sector specific-forums where industry
representatives give input into relevant teaching
and/or research development. These forums
will help to shape the curriculum, research training and
development and business support services provided
by the Faculty. Shaping the teaching agenda was a high
priority for businesses (76%) to ensure they receive
graduates with the relevant skills and experience.
Businesses were also keen on research that was directly
relevant to their sector.

2
as how many lights are on or how many people are in the building.
All of this data will be available live on the internet so students and Training and development
researchers can experiment with the information. The University offers industry-focused
These innovative services will give businesses greater access to training and development courses to improve
research, new technology and Faculty expertise as well as student and productivity and processes. Businesses
alumni talent. Teaching has been re-focused so that students will tackle indicated this was a key priority (81%) and
real business problems that companies have approached the University that it would offer benefits to their organisation.

3
with to help them find a solution. As well as these educational projects are developed in collaboration with international Technology / the new
benefits, the building itself will provide more usable space for business Themed network events businesses. Regional businesses can benefit by finding new building encourages improved
collaboration between
to showcase products in a 2,000m2 laboratory as well as use of a The Faculty will host themed networking events markets, cheaper suppliers, new development partners, etc.
industry and academia
demonstrator suite for advanced IT. focused on current topics and industry-relevant Over 60% of respondents recognised the need to
In addition to the more collaborative themes. These events will encourage industry, develop international links and agreed they would benefit
indetail teaching and learning spaces, there students and academics to collaborate and 75% from access to the University’s international connections.

10
is also a business engagement suite – of businesses were interested in this activity.

Building facts
» The building has been designed by
award-winning architect Dipesh
4
ideal for supporting start up businesses.
"We've drawn up a business wing
with a touch-down facility for start-ups
to operate from. This area is designed
Showcasing
Use of facilities (including hire of
specialist equipment)
The new building will be a prominent
city centre site for showcasing “Funding R&D
More than half of all the businesses surveyed technology. It offers a unique
can be difficult

7
Patel and includes commissioned differently to a teaching space so we can said they would like access to the new marketing opportunity for businesses.

in tough
artwork inside the building from recent take our students out of the classroom building facilities. Areas of interest were Academic industry secondments More than half of those surveyed expressed an interest in
graduates.
to meet companies. It's difficult to get the conference and meeting rooms, hot-desking, the Academic industry secondments are showcasing new technology in the real life environment
»
economic times,
Arup Associates supplied all
businesses into the classroom so this assessment centre, technical development space, and a mechanism for knowledge transfer of the building.
consultancy, mechanical and structural

11
services. will act as an interface between the specialist equipment hire. and innovation. A Knowledge Transfer
but using a

» The roof will be an experimental
space for environmental technologies,
including wind and solar and green roof
technologies. There are plans to put a
weather station on the roof.
5
two," explained Dunn.
It is an impressive set of plans that is
fast becoming a reality. The plans have
been founded on industry feedback,
Graduate recruitment
As demand increases for ‘industry ready’
engineering graduates, the Activity Led
Partnership, where a graduate or academic Student Projects
is seconded to an organisation for a set period of time Activity Led Learning is a form of teaching
to solve a pre-determined task can result in increased
innovation, knowledge transfer and productivity.
which uses real problems from industry
as material for teaching. This method is
university can
be a more viable

» The building is wireless and includes a
number of interactive teaching devices
such as touch screens on desks and
voting technology systems.
» One theatre space will be made up of two
which revealed what business needs
from a new facility like this.
The University conducted a business
consultation study to ascertain the
industry demand for a range of
8
Learning approach will help prepare
graduates for business. They will work on
real-life business product and process problems.
Survey respondents expressed a desire to ‘form closer
academic links to identify talented engineering students'.
being used in leading universities around
Innovation and knowledge the globe. Industry benefits from graduates with relevant
transfer (R&D)
The University has an established expertise
knowledge and gets solutions to specific problems. option”
in ‘near to market ready’ R&D. In tough

6
semi-circles that can be opened into one suggested engagement mechanisms. economic times funding R&D can be difficult
round space with 250-seat capacity. The survey consulted a database of 690 Student mentoring but using a University can be a more viable option.

» The roof of the business engagement
suite will have grasses and plants
growing on it. It’s not accessible but can
be viewed from the rest of the building.
It encourages biodiversity and supports
regional planting.
» The building is being funded by the
University, along with support from
friends and others in the region.
SMEs and large corporate businesses
in the region and included companies
that had previously worked with the
University as well as new ones.
The survey results have helped to
form an 11-point plan for working with
business. It’s a guide that will improve
the future of students and industry.
The University has run a number of
successful industry-led student mentoring
programmes in niche areas. These courses
give students the chance to interact directly
with industry and test out their interview and CV skills.
Industry mentors benefit from an opportunity to improve
their interviewing skills as well as giving them early
access to good students for potential recruitment.
9
International links
In the growing global marketplace,
international links are more necessary.
The University has a wide network of
international contacts with businesses, trade
associations, not-for-profit organisations, Government and
policy makers and universities across the globe. Many R&D

X Innovate / Autumn 2009 Innovate / Autumn 2009 19

close up metrology
infocus
investigating ways to keep production

Made to
going after hours saved time and money for
Arrowsmith Precision Engineering

measure
Issues
Keeping the machines running at the end of the
day – otherwise known as lights-out – would open
up new markets for Arrowsmith. The Midlands'
company has been making small components for the
aerospace industry since 1967 and specialises in low
numbers and high precision. The company wanted
to expand its portfolio of work and be able to submit
competitive tenders for longer running projects.
Arrowsmith needed to implement a probing
system to enable lights-out working, which would
mean the machines could carry on producing the
A new foundation degree in Metrology and input into the training components after normal working hours without
any human intervention.
of skills’ competitors is helping The West Midlands Manufacturing
Action Team / (l-r) MAS-WM's Cliff Johnson, Jason
Measurement Centre (WMMMC) encourage the world to measure up Arrowsmith Director Jason Aldridge contacted the Aldridge and MAS WM's Peter Jones
Manufacturing Advisory Service West Midlands (MAS-
WM) for help. He was given a grant and put in contact

I
n difficult economic times, productivity is
even more vital. Accurate measurement
can boost efficiencies – maximising an
organisation’s potential cost savings and
ultimately increasing value to customers.
The West Midlands Manufacturing
Measurement Centre (WMMMC), the regional centre
for measurement expertise and services based in
the University, is keen to get more organisations to
measure up and has created a new foundation degree.
The Centre, which is situated on the Technology Park,
has teamed up with the University's School of Lifelong
Learning to create the Fdeng in Metrology, which will
start in January 2010.
The two-year degree aims to fill the skills gap in
the understanding and application of measurement
by teaching students the benefits of Metrology
best practice. It will include levels 1 and 2 of the
National Physical Laboratory’s (NPL) framework to
gain an industry-recognised qualification and turn
students into champions of Metrology. Time spent
away from the workplace will be kept to a minimum,
with learning materials available through Coventry
University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
Trevor Toman, Metrology Manager at the WMMMC,
believes many businesses undervalue the role of
metrology.
“Measurement is the language of science, and
metrology is the language of measurement,” said
Trevor. “All organisations measure what they make
but most only have a limited understanding of their
measurement processes, their capability and value to
their organisation.”
The value of measuring skills recently got even
more recognition at the World Skills Competition in
Calgary. WMMMC were recently called in to help the
UK competitors in Manufacturing and Engineering to
fine-tune their abilities.
Trevor Toman worked with the team to strengthen
their expertise and, in the Canadian Skills Annual
National Competition, the UK won gold and one
competitor went on to win a Medallion of Excellence
in Mechanical Engineering Design in Calgary in
September.
The Centre, which received initial funding support
from Advantage West Midlands and the University’s
FMRC, has helped over 250 companies in the West
Midlands, trained over 100 employees in a number of
measurement related disciplines and assisted over 60
graduates with metrology needs.
with Metrology experts at the WMMMC.
After drawing up a plan for how to invest the
funding, WMMMC did Ball Bar checks on all the
machines to ensure they were of a good enough
standard for the probes to work.
Aldridge said: "It was the most cost efficient way
of checking the machines because any specific
problems were rectified very quickly. A generic
service doesn't usually show up that level of detail."
The company has now incorporated Ball
Bar checks into its five-year Total Productive
Maintenance plan (TPM).
Following on from the checks, WMMMC asked a
probing specialist to develop the most appropriate
probe for Arrowsmith's needs.
Arrowsmith worked with specialists to provide a tip
that could last for three to four hours at a time, slicing
through metals such as Nimonics and Titanium.
Previous tips would break because of the amount of
swarf (metal shavings and chippings) produced from
the hard material. The specialist company developed
a tip that was much sharper and cut more precisely.
Results
By introducing the new cutting tips the
company has reduced work time by 70%,
outweighing the extra money paid for the tips.
Implementing Ball Bar checks into its TPM,
has saved money on expensive servicing
and the company has evidence to show
customers how effective its machines are.
While the probing system is still under trial,
Arrowsmith hopes it will be able to do lights-
out work soon, enabling them to tender more
competitively for longer-run projects.
"The initial work with WMMMC was only
over a couple of weeks but it has had such
a big impact," said Aldridge. "The probing
project will be ongoing for years and we
have developed a new maintenance plan.
The tip trialling has moved into all parts
of the business too. Working with
a university gets our own people
thinking. Bringing new ideas into
a medium sized SME is hugely
positive as the workforce in a
smaller environment can be
unaware of the technological
advancements
available."

For more information about the

Foundation Degree
Contact Katherine McHugh at the School of
Lifelong Learning on + 44 (0) 24 7765 7867 or
visit www.coventry.ac.uk/soll.
For more information about the Metrology Centre
visit www.wmmmc.co.uk

20 Innovate / Autumn 2009


Women war
survivors Women in Liberia are still suffering from
the devastating effects of sexual violence and
torture during the war. Dr. Helen Liebling-
Kalifani reveals how research is helping to
bring about positive changes
T
he war in Liberia that raged
from 1989 to 2003 shattered
lives. It destroyed social
networks, social services,
education, health, roads, food
production and food security.
The whole economy was disrupted and the
majority of the population fled their homes.
Worse still, a considerable proportion suffered
war related torture and trauma.
In order to properly understand the
effects of the conflict, I recently reviewed a
“Despite the study of the women who survived the war
in Liberia. The research was carried out in
devastating effects 2008 by international women’s organisation
Isis-Women’s International Cross-Cultural
of war, research Exchange (Isis-WICCE), in collaboration with
two other women’s groups Women in Peace
found Liberian Building Network (WIPNET) and West African
Network for Peace Building (WANEP) and the
women demonstrated Ministry of Gender and Development in Liberia
and I was asked to be a consultant on the study.
resilience. They are
The research used a multi-stage purposive
sampling design involving 643 participants;
active campaigners
80% women and 20% men. Interviews
Culture / in addition to questionnaires measuring
Celebrating
for peace” cultures psychological distress, were conducted in four
during the areas of Liberia.
workshop for Data analysis concluded that the 14-year war
war survivors
in south east in Liberia, and the gender-based violence and
Liberia torture, had devastating effects, not only to
health feature
individual women and girl survivors, but also
to whole communities.
The statistics are distressing. Rape
accounted for 73.9% of sexual violence, at
least 66% survived physical torture, 27% lost a
spouse, 61.4% had at least one surgical problem
and 80% experienced at least one form of
psychological torture during the conflict.
For women the sexual torture has caused
longer lasting physical and psychological
problems. Over 60% of women (62.5) reported
personal experiences of sexual torture with
serious repercussions such as sexually
transmitted diseases and reproductive health
problems. Younger women up to the age of
24 were more likely to get a gynaecological
problem due to their increased vulnerability.
There was also a lack of knowledge
regarding the transmission of HIV/AIDS, with
65% of interviewees not using any form of
contraception. The study found that as a result,
Liberia is likely to experience a rapid spread
of HIV/AIDS in a very short time, if public
awareness is not aggressively pursued.
As well as these physical repercussions, the
extent of the psychological damage is just as
shocking. The trauma affected just over 69% of
respondents’ ability to work and 42.8% of them
had psychological distress scores suggestive of
a mental disorder. At least 12% had alcoholism
problems and 14.5% had attempted suicide.
Innovate / Autumn 2009 23
feature health

“The entire population is suffering from

a wide range of alcohol and drug related
addiction as well as psychological and
surgical problems related to the conflict” together /
Participants
(including
Helen) during
the training
of health and
community
leaders in the
speak out / management
Hon. Varbah of medical and
Gayflor, The psychological
Minister of effects of
Gender and war in Harper,
Development Liberia during
in front of a May 2009
painting of the
Head of State northern Uganda by Isis-WICCE for operational level
of Liberia, Her.
Excellency
health workers. The manual covered topics such as the
effects of torture and sexual and gender-based violence
Biography
Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf on psychological and physical/reproductive health – and Dr. Helen Liebling-Kalifani is a Lecturer-
how to mange these effects. Practitioner in Clinical Psychology, Faculty
The research concluded that the entire population is Together with Professor Bruce Baker, Director of the of Health and Life Sciences. She has carried
suffering from a wide range of alcohol and drug related African Studies Centre, we developed the manual further out research with war survivors since 1998.
addiction as well as psychological and surgical problems and added a chapter on maintaining human rights and Helen completed her PhD in Women and
related to the conflict. Poor healthcare facilities are now professional standards in healthcare. I also introduced Gender at the University of Warwick in 2005
Percentages of after joining Coventry University in 2004.
exacerbating the crisis. a chapter on psychosocial support for community and
Helen has been involved in funded research, training and
Psychological The problems of Liberia’s dilapidated healthcare health workers because everyone in Liberia suffered from consultancy in Luwero, Northern Uganda, Tanzania and
Torture Experiences system combined with poverty and the stigma associated the effects of the war – including the professionals. Liberia. A British Academy funded project on Governance and
Sexual Violence will be carried out in Kitgum, Northern Uganda
62.2%
with experiencing sexual violence deters many women The training was carried out in collaboration with
from seeking medical treatment. The stigma prevents Liberian partners and was funded under the Millennium with Professor Bruce Baker, later this year.
Witnessing someone being killed many women from speaking out about their experiences Development Goal 3: Investing in Equality.
but to change health policy it is important their voices are The aim of our training was to increase the numbers of
49.6% heard. A rural Liberian woman explained how the system
struggled to respond to a personal crisis: “The soldiers facilities that treat survivors of sexual violence.
local health workers and demonstrate the importance of
healing reproductive and psychological health problems.
The large majority of respondents with psychological
trauma are still to be addressed. An evaluation of the
Abduction
also raped my young sister’s daughter and she became Despite the devastating effects of the war, the Isis- Our efforts have paid off. The number of operational training, screening and interventions is currently being
36.2% very ill. She died because there was no medicine.”
There are few adequately trained and employed
WICCE research did find Liberian women demonstrated
resilience. They are active campaigners for peace and
health workers across Liberia has now increased. The 70
people who took part in the training have also cascaded
carried out and a report will follow.
Together with Bruce Baker, we have developed
Witnessing people being policy documents on Governance, Mental Health and
health workers who can deal with the overwhelming were instrumental in the election of Africa’s first female the knowledge they were taught to community workers
buried alive
levels of reproductive, gynaecological and psychological head of state, Hon. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as President of in their respective counties. Consultative meetings Reproductive Health and Sexual Rights based on the

20.1% health needs. Liberia is very poorly resourced with

Witnessing the cutting off of body
parts such as ears, noses, lips
only one psychiatrist in the whole country, no clinical
psychologists and only a handful of counsellors.
There is also a failure to address the injustices.
Liberia in November 2005.
Since 1998 I have carried out research intervention
work in conjunction with Isis-WICCE into women war
survivors and the effects of sexual and gender-based
have urged the Government and non-government
organisations to support the future training and
employment of specialist health care workers in this field.
Already health interventions have been carried out
research findings. These have been sent to the team in
Liberia to use at future lobbying meetings. Funding is
also being sought to develop links with the Kofi Annan
Institute at the University of Liberia to help train more

19.9%
Witnessing the splitting open of
wounds of pregnant women
16 6% .
Being forced to join fighting groups
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) started issuing legal
medical certificates to rape survivors who visited health
facilities. Few have used them to pursue legal action.
High levels of illiteracy among the poor make following
all the necessary legal steps difficult or they simply
cannot afford the legal process.
In 2008, only four out of the 771 victims MSF treated
took the accused perpetrators to court. However, as a
violence. As a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with over
19 years experience of providing therapeutic services
and training for survivors of traumatic experiences, I
was requested to take part in a consultative meeting in
Monrovia to plan training in south-east Liberia. In May
2009 I participated in the training with a team of health
workers, psychosocial counsellors, religious and women
leaders, activists, legal personnel, non-government
team / Helen with the team
from Isis-WICCE during the
training in Harper
in isolated, marginalised communities and together
the Ugandan and Liberian team have screened over
1,000 war survivors. They have also successfully
operated on 130 war survivors; the majority of which
had reproductive health complications, including
fistulae, cancers of the cervix, genital prolapses, pelvic
inflammatory disease and fibroids.
A number of men were also operated on; 50% had
people to be able to deliver the manual in Liberia.
While there is still a long way to go in resolving the
issues of the war, much recognition must be given to all
the women, men, child participants and key informants
in Liberia. Let us hope they receive their urgently needed
services and that justice will soon be done.
» Helen recently received the prize for an

5.0% result of lobbying efforts, this certificate was adapted

Being forced to kill someone
against one’s will
into a national medical report, which is recognised
throughout the country by Liberian law. Since October
2008, this report has been used in all public health
organisations, and with community and social workers.
The training was based on a manual called
Management of Medical and Psychological Effects
of War Trauma, which was originally developed in
For further information
visit www.isis.or.ug or contact Helen
on hsx497@coventry.ac.uk
Hydroceles, a swelling of the testicles that causes stigma.
Both male and female respondents reported a decrease
in stigma and an increase in their quality of life because
of their health problems being successful treated.
outstanding research presentation on sexual
violence in Liberia at the Sexual Violence
Research Initiative Forum Conference in
Johannesburg, 6-9 July 2009.

24 Innovate / Autumn 2009 Innovate / Autumn 2009 25

feature health

Case notes CABLED

Hope springs eternal The University is part of a consortium that

will run the UK's largest test of privately-
Positive emotions are boosting the well-being of people living with long-term
health conditions. Dr Andy Turner explains how a new international health- owned low carbon vehicles
coaching programme is offering hope to patients and their carers Background

P
rofessor Martin Seligman first introduced
positive psychology as a scientific
endeavour at his American Psychological
Association Presidential Lecture in 1998.
In the same year, Professor Barbara
Fredrickson showed how positive emotions
could play an important role in alleviating psychological
distress by building psychosocial resources.
A positive state of mind is especially important for
people living with long-term health conditions and their
carers, and the University, along with its international
partners, has developed a new programme underpinned
by positive psychology theory and practice.
The Applied Research Centre in Health and Lifestyle
Interventions (ARC HLI) has been working with
colleagues in the US and Greece to deliver the Help to
Overcome Problems Effectively (HOPE) programme to
encourage psychological and behavioural change.
Through group coaching and support, HOPE
encourages people to develop a positive psychological
emotional state and builds on participants’ existing
strengths and resiliencies. The programme uses an
upward spiral of positive emotions to achieve greater well-
being through the use of positive psychology techniques.
These include keeping a gratitude journal, identifying
and using personal strengths, engaging in activities that
provide meaning and purpose and relaxation techniques.
The gratitude activity is a simple technique to shift the
emphasis away from the negative and on to the positive
behaviours of people living with HIV/AIDS. Results positive / Greek
women at one of the
showed, after the programme, there was decreased courses
anxiety, depression and health distress; and increased self-
image, satisfaction with life, medication adherence, coping Project team / Dr
Andy Turner, Dave
skills, and job-seeking skills. One participant said: “This
McHattie, from ARC
course helped me understand I am no longer a victim. I HLI, Professor Ken
have become a manager of my health. Herganrather, George
The Technology Strategy Board launched car trials /
an Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator the new vehicles
will be tested on
competition this summer. The city of performance
Coventry was one of the winners, along with
Birmingham, and formed the CABLED (Coventry
and Birmingham Low Emission Demonstrators)
consortium to test vehicles in the West Midlands.
Funding has come from the Technology Strategy
Board and Regional Development Agency Advantage
West Midlands.
It marks an important step forward for the future
of transport in the UK and aims to speed up
the availability of low carbon vehicles to the
public. It brings together expertise from
13 organisations – including Arup, car
manufacturers and developers, E.ON,
councils and academic institutions.
Methodology
The Government’s Technology
Strategy Board has invested
£25m in the project (the
biggest project of its kind), which will fund indetail
eight trials nationally within the next six to
Companies involved in the project are:
eighteen months.
» Arup – Project managers
Coventry University’s role is to select a » E.ON – Charging points and
representative sample of drivers, who will then test electrical infrastructure
the 110 cars allocated to the region. This process » RDM Automotive – Data loggers
of user selection is being managed by SURGE, the » Coventry City Council -
Applied Research Centre in Sustainable Regeneration. Infrastructure

“This course helped me understand that
I am no longer a victim. I have become
a manager of my health… I have
options and choice to have a better life”
things in our lives. Research has shown that people, who
write a gratitude list, report fewer health complaints, feel
more attentive, energetic and optimistic, more satisfied
with life, and feel closer to other people. They are also
more likely to support others and build social networks
and friendships. One UK participant explained how the
gratitude list had helped: “On the days that you think are
disasters, generally there’s something hidden away in
there that was actually quite good.” (HOPE UK)
HOPE has been delivered by research partners in the
US to explore factors influencing the self-management
26 Innovate / Autumn 2009
I have options and choice to have a
better life.” (HOPE US)
Washington University
and Dr Maria Fotiadou
Nigel Berkeley, SURGE Director, said: “This is a very
exciting project for Coventry University and SURGE
» Birmingham City Council -
Infrastructure
In Greece, HOPE was delivered to
from Greece
to be involved with. We have had much initial interest Predicted Results » Aston University – Data analysis
» Coventry University – User profiles
a group of Greek women with chronic
health conditions (such as arthritis, Biography
from staff from consortium member organisations
and the general public, showing a real desire to get
The initiative will improve the co-ordination
between key players from industry, academia
» University of Birmingham – Hydrogen
refuelling
diabetes and thyroid disease). They behind the green agenda and invest their time in and government and make it easier to research » Mitsubishi – Vehicle provider
» Microcab Industries – Vehicle
reported feeling more hopeful and Dr Andy sustainable transport solutions.” and develop the outcome of the trials for future projects.
Turner has provider
less anxious and depressed after taking part. Participants The trial aims to involve a range of participants of The vehicles will be trialled for a minimum of 12 months
been evaluating » smart – Vehicle provider
emphasised the importance of being in a supportive both genders and all ages to test-drive the cars. Those each and have been developed as true alternatives to their » Tata Motors – Vehicle provider
health
environment, which helped them improve their quality who are chosen to take part will have a charging up petrol equivalents. » Jaguar Land Rover – Vehicle
coaching
of life and better understand and manage their health and self- point fitted at home, some will also have one at their The trial will help manufacturers to understand the provider
condition. “The programme showed me how to put things management place of work or will use their nearest cluster of public market potential for these vehicles but it is expected that » LTi – Vehicle provider
into practice and achieve what I want. Now problems seem programmes for patients and charging points. from 2010, Electric and Plug-in Hybrid cars will be an
their carers’ programmes for Vehicles in the fleet will be:
easier and I have confidence in anything that happens to The electric cars normally take up to eight hours increasingly common sight in the UK.
over 10 years.  He is trained in » 40 smart fortwo electric drives
me.” (HOPE Greece) to fully recharge and this can be done through any (EV - electric vehicle)
motivational interviewing and
HOPE will enable individuals to flourish and is already ordinary power socket. However, the specialist power research sponsor: » 25 Tata Indica Vista EVs
psychological coaching and
contributing to positive psychology applied research is a personal trainer. charging points can recharge 85% of the power needed » 25 Mitsubishi i MiEVs
and practice. in just twenty minutes. » 10 micro:cab urban cars (Hydrogen
Fuel Cell)
» 5 Land Rovers Range-e
» 5 LTI electric/ TX4s
Innovate Autumn 2009 27
feature TRAINING

Risky business
“It was a reoffender who committed
the high profile murder of Sarah
Payne in 2000 and the media
Coventry University is helping Scotland to better manage its offenders when controversy that surrounds a case like
they are released back into the community. Senior Lecturer in Psychology this can damage public confidence in
Ian Britton explains how improved training could save lives
the system”

T
he complex process of integrating offenders back improve and develop the assessment tools, but because the stakes
into society does not always bring about positive are high there are often disagreements over the best approach.
results. Official statistics of reconviction rates If the authorities do release someone from prison without
in Scotland for 2005-06 and 2006-07 offender appropriate supervision, it could result in tragic consequences. It
cohorts, show that almost half of convicted is rare that it results in a death but naturally the media furore over
offenders go on to commit a further crime. any incident from a reoffender shows the system to be failing.
It was a reoffender who committed the high profile murder of All applicants to the course had to take an online test to ensure
Sarah Payne in 2000 and the media controversy that surrounds a they had an adequate level of knowledge about risk assessment.
case like this can damage public confidence in the system. In areas where an applicant received a low score, they would have
But in contrast to the fear that is created about the release of to pass the individual elements of an online e-learning package
sex offenders, research often shows that reconviction rates tend before they could move on.
to be lower for these offenders than for other criminals. After hosting two sessions of the face-to-face course, teaching
While there are interventions and systems in place to two cohorts of senior people within the Scottish system –
safeguard the public, some individuals will reoffend, and including police officers, psychiatrists and social workers – the
occasionally with tragic consequences. Identifying the nature of RMA identified a need for national training.
the risks presented by individual offenders can be key to keeping In response, a team from the University’s Psychology
a community safer and where training can be targeted. Department and Forensic Psychology and Law Applied Research
In Scotland a new sentence has been available to the High Group developed a train-the-trainer style course to produce a
Courts since 2006 called the Order for Lifelong Restriction, pool of people who could work around the country ensuring other
which was created by the Criminal Justice (Scot) Act 2003. The practitioners follow the same methods.
sentence ensures the lifelong managament of high risk, violent The RMA chose the University to do this work after evaluating
and sexual offenders. Before release, an offender will have served a number of tenders. RMA Training Officer Donald Darroch said
an adequate period in prison and will have satisfied the Parole the decision came down to "the understanding of the RMA’s
Board that the risk he or she would pose to the community is requirements, the appreciation and development of the brief,
acceptable. the qualifications, experience and credentials of those involved,
A plan is put in place to monitor a person’s management knowledge of the subject matter and related fields, and the ability
programme while they are in prison, which is then revised and to design and develop engaging and effective training."
approved on an annual basis. It includes the interventions and Working alongside colleagues Senior Lecturer in Psychology
the agencies that need to be involved in Erica Bowen and Reader in Forensic
managing an offender’s ongoing risk once Psychology Development Sarah Brown, we
they are back in the community. Biography all had practical experience in the training
The Risk Management Authority (RMA) side as well as being able to mix academia
is the Government body that approves all of Ian Britton is with the occupational elements. We also had
the risk management plans. After a successful a Chartered the expertise to put together the interactive
tender the University was appointed to put Psychologist online learning packages because of the
registered to
together a training programme using the blended learning we had developed for our
practise as
RMA's published Standards and Guidelines: a Forensic MSc in Forensic Psychology and Crime.
Risk Management of Offenders subject to an Psychologist. He has delivered Scotland looked at the problem of risk
Order for Lifelong Restriction. The training professional development management and came to a ground-up
was aimed at encouraging all practitioners to training since the early 1990s, solution. Similar intervention packages are in
produce plans that met with these guidelines. and recently agreed to help place in the rest of the UK but these can vary.
police with negotiation in
There is a balance between managing This course, based on the RMA's
hostage situations. As a
an appropriate level of risk and being member of the Forensic Standards and Guidelines, will help improve
inappropriately and very expensively Psychology and Law ARG he is multi-agency working and the development
restrictive. It is important to constantly currently undertaking research of robust risk management plans.
on errors in surveillance
evidence, and detectives’
28 Innovate / Autumn 2009 decision making processes. Innovate / Autumn 2009 X
Q&A WEEE

Q&A Q. What was the problem?

The UK WEEE (Waste Electronic and Electrical
Packing up waste electrical and
electronic equipment (WEEE)
could become a lot cheaper and
more efficient thanks to a new
suitcase design

Equipment) Legislation places explicit responsibilities

on producers, distributors, business-to-business (B2B)
end-users and local authorities to ensure they dispose
of WEEE environmentally. The legislation requires them
to pay for recovery, reuse, treatment and recycling by
Authorised Approved Treatment Facilities (AATF) or
Approved Exporters (AE).
By 2014, 25% of WEEE will have to be reused
and producers were concerned they would be
unable to reach these legal targets because of the
damage caused by the way WEEE was collected
and transported. The existing market solution for the
storage and transportation of WEEE is a standard
pallet with fitted metal sides, or the WEEE is simply FLat packed /
shrink-wrapped on to a pallet. WEEE stored or the designs of the
weee suitcase
transported in either of these ways is frequently
damaged which reduces its value and the volume that
solution can be re-used. Both approaches also increase logistic
/ the box Q. What are the advantages of
costs because it is difficult to stack items, additional
transports
weee better packaging is required and there is a lack of durability. using a WEEE Suitcase?
» Improve protocols of an AATF, increasing evidence
Q. How did the note production by up to 10% per tonne.
» Reduce Producer Compliance Schemes Collection
University help? Costs by up to 10% per tonne collected.
In 2007 Weeeco Ltd and » Improve local authority run DCF’s performance by up
Coventry University joined to 10%.
forces to come up with a » New WEEE could be carried in the suitcase rather
container solution that collects than in the disposal packaging that is presently used.
WEEE from Designated The WEEE suitcase can then be used to take away
Collection Facilities (DCF) any WEEE that is being replaced.
and/or B2B end-users and » It is designed to flat pack when not in use and
transports it to the AATF without damages. therefore provides an efficient logistics solution for
The result was the WEEE Suitcase and in spring AATFs (more efficient use of back loads) and WEEE
2008 the two organisations launched the company can be stacked.
WEEE Suitcase Ltd to develop the concept further. » Attractive design for both the office and factory floor.
The company wants to supply the WEEE Collections » An innovative tray solution prevents items from moving
and Recovery Industry with container solutions that when the suitcase is being transported.
For more
information: deal with the need to protect the WEEE when it is » It is durable with a target shelf life of a minimum of five
Contact Business transported from DCF, B2B end-users, producers and years. The modular design means individual elements
Development distributors to an AATF. can be removed and replaced when damaged.
Manager Mark A company was commissioned to produce a » The locking system and all sides are fully integrated
Schneider on
MSchneider@
prototype for the Suitcase and in June a working » It could carry new electronic or electrical goods and
cad.coventry. prototype was presented to logistics companies to eliminate or reduce packaging, which generally cannot
ac.uk get their feedback. be reused.

30 Innovate / Autumn 2009

Do you need to find an innovative solution to
a difficult problem?

At Coventry University, our applied research teams

work closely with your organisation, applying their
knowledge and expertise to devise inventive and
original solutions for real-world problems.

At a local, national and international level, we work

with clients across the public, private and voluntary
sectors. From art to design, health to sports,
regeneration to human security, mathematics to
engineering, computing to communications –
we can find a solution that’s right for you.

Applied Research at Coventry University

www.coventry.ac.uk/researchnet

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