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This paper presents the framework for forecasting the surgery time by taking into account the surgical environment in an ophthalmology department (experience of surgeon in years, experience of anesthetist in years, staff experience in years, type of anesthesia etc.). The estimation of surgery times is done using three techniques, such as the Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis (MLRA) and the results of estimation accuracy were compared. Though the developed framework is general, it is illustrated for three ophthalmologic surgeries such as the cataract surgery, corneal transplant surgery and Oculoplastic surgery. The framework is validated by using data obtained from a local hospital. It is hypothesized that by accurately knowing the surgery times, one can schedule the operations optimally resulting in the efficient utilization of the operating rooms. This increase in the efficiency is demonstrated through computer simulations of the operating theater.

Purpose -Enterprise resource planning (ERP) projects failing to meet user expectations is a cause for concern as it often leads to considerable time and money losses. The purpose of this paper is to understand the causal factors for such failures in the Indian context. Design/methodology/approach -A scientific case study research methodology was followed. The unit of analysis: a failed ERP project followed by a successful one in the same organization. Data were collected through interviews, observation and study of archival documents. Analysis was methodical and validated through a triangulation approach. Findings -The results suggest that it is the manner in which key critical success factors (CSFs) such as top management support are operationalized; good project management; a smaller scope and a hybrid approach of integrating the legacy system with the ERP that facilitates adoption and leads to a succesful implementation.Research limitations/implications -The study extends the work of earlier researchers in a new market -India. It identifies important constructs, composites of existing CSFs, which future research could measure as ex ante predictors of ERP project success. Practical implications -The authors offer several guidelines related to the role of top management, the importance of simplicity of scope, change management steps -all of which would help implementation teams better manage projects. Originality/value -The two case methodology of a failed implementation followed by a successful one in the same organization is unique, in the Indian context. This is the closest to a controlled experiment one can have in case study research. The findings pave the way for the development of predictive instruments of ERP project outcomes.

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A/though steel is most commonly used as a reinforcing material in concrete due to its competitive cost and favorable mechanical properties, the problem of corrosion of steel rebars leads to a reduction in life span of the structure and adds to maintenance costs. Many techniques have been developed in recent past to reduce corrosion (galvanizing, epoxy coating, etc.) but none of the solutions seem to be viable as an adequate solution to the corrosion problem. Apart from the use of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) rebars, hybrid rebars consisting of both FRP and steel are also being tried to overcome the problem of steel corrosion. This paper evaluates the performance of hybrid rebars as longitudinal reinforcement in normal strength concrete beams. Hybrid rebars used in this study essentially consist of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) strands of 2 mm diameter wound helically on a mild steel core of 6 mm diameter. GFRP stirrups have been used as shear reinforcement. An attempt has been made to evaluate the flexural and shear performance of beams having hybrid rebars in normal strength concrete with and without polypropylene fibers added to the concrete matrix.1359-5997 9 2004 RILEM. All rights reserved. R~;SUME