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Purpose: This paper aims to demonstrate how science and engineering graduates can be recruited and trained to Masters level in precision engineering as an aid to reducing the skills shortage of mechanical engineers in UK industry. Design/methodology/approach: The paper describes a partnership between three UK academic institutions and industry, creating an Integrated Knowledge Centre (IKC) in Ultra Precision Structured Surfaces. Within this project sits a Knowledge Transfer activity that seeks to channel graduate scientists and engineers through an MSc in "Ultra Precision Technologies" into the UK engineering industry. The creation and implementation of this pipeline, its systems and its processes, is the subject of this paper and its case study. Findings: In order to retain competitive advantage, the UK precision engineering industry requires a regular supply of technically proficient and organizationally prepared graduates. This paper has explained the approach taken at Cranfield University to increase the size of the pool of postgraduate precision engineers. The approach involves the design of a multi-level system, which draws on increased connectivity between the University, UK engineering companies, and the student. Academic institutions need to exhibit the appropriate flexibility to meet the demands of industry and the aspirations of the student. Research limitations/implications: The paper describes only the early stages of implementation, and further work is necessary. Practical implications: The systems model and case studies provide a framework and detail that is of immediate benefit to manufacturing industries and higher education establishments. Originality/value: The originality of the approach lies in the level of integration between the sub-systems that comprise the Open system, within which students and skills are forged together in a programme to produce employable engineering postgraduates. (Contains 1 table and 5 figures.)

Throughout the world there has been concern that persons with disabilities are being perceived as "other" than us and that differences imparted by disability result in more dissimilarity than actually exists. A summary of this concept of "otherness" and disability in the United States, Eastern Europe, and India is presented.

Describes materials in a kit assembled by the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) that can be used to revitalize the teaching of Roman history and as a model for teaching about ancient history in general. The author also suggests a new approach, concepts, and topics that should be used in teaching Roman history. (AM)

Social studies textbooks of the 1930's frequently accepted the changing times and the new world leadership without criticism. Textbooks downplayed the Depression, took an uncritical approach towards Roosevelt, and showed relative neutrality toward European totalitarianism. Political, social, and cultural reasons for these attitudes are explained. (CS)