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IT services organizations deploy a number of tools to improve the productivity and quality of the developed software. Some of these tools deliver significant improvements to software development life cycle. However, use of these tools is often accompanied by a significant change in work practices and high learning barriers thus offsetting some of the advantage. As a result, the tools do not reach the expected levels of adoption. This paper presents the experiences of a software services company in India in the development and deployment of new technology tools for developer productivity. Two tools of varying complexity levels are studied in terms of their diffusion trends. The simpler one which diffused rapidly is a standards checker which satisfied most of the characteristics for successful diffusion according to Roger's model while the complex one (a model driven development framework that was the most sophisticated of its kind at the time of its deployment) did not satisfy majority of the characteristics and had a very slow diffusion rate in spite of its exceptional functionality. The above tool diffusion experiences are analyzed with respect to diffusion factors, diffusion processes, diffusion politics and diffusion services, a categorization well known in the literature. A new tool is designed based on the above learning. Results of the diffusion after the improvements are reported.

The paper describes the case of development of a rural technology product in a high-technology IT (information technology) environment. The product is a low- cost water filter for which there is a definite need in rural India. The case brings out how even a simple- looking concept for water filtration has to go through several well-defined steps for successful introduction into the field. These evolutionary steps resulting in a process for product development were found to be not too different from any high-technology product process (including a software product process) leading to the inference that in general the steps for a successful product process are the same whether the end use is for a high -technology application or a low- technology application. The usefulness of carrying out work within a process framework is highlighted. Since the project aims at technology transfer to the rural poor for generating rural livelihoods, appropriate financial models and the general sustainability issues for such an activity are briefly discussed. The usefulness of an IT environment in facilitating the development activity is pointed out. The lessons learnt in this exercise are documented. WaterSA Vol.28(2) 2002: 139-148

The paper presents a case study of a technology development and commercialisation process in a large Indian company. The organisational structure of the company and the environment in which the case had taken place were presented along with the strategies for implementation. The technology transfer and commercialisation process is discussed within the framework of a systems analysis approach using a technology commercialisation model and the concept of imbedded technology. However, the outcome of the project has not been according to expectations. The reasons found after analysis are inadequate communication and somewhat differing objectives of the different players involved. The need for a strategic view and the scope for exploring the use of information technology tools to minimise the communication barriers is outlined to gain better benefits from such efforts.

The behaviour of lead borosilicate glass/alumina (45 wt.% glass) composite was studied at different temperatures ranging from 900 to 1100°C using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The shrinkage vs. the sintering temperature showed a peak at 1000°C and the dissipation factor vs. the sintering temperature showed a dip at 950°C.

Under uniaxial compressive mechanical pressure applied along [100] direction, orthorhombic KNbO3 crystal exibits dimensional changes associated with the movement of the 60° domain walls which obey the following relation ΔX X = − ΔY Y and ΔZ Z = 0 where X, Y, Z, ΔX, ΔY and ΔZ are the lengths and length changes in the respective directions. The nature and magnitude of these changes are explained on the basis of crystallography of domain configurations in this crystal.

Compressive deformation studies on BaTiO3 single crystals show that the crystals deform easily at room temperature because of the movement of twin boundaries which are the 90° domain walls. In the twin‐deformation region, the crystals exhibit time‐dependent deformation, which could be observed as stress relaxation. Some features of this deformation and relaxation behavior are reported.