Fimet (Finland)

The problem of maximizing the radius of n equal circles that can be packed into a given square is a well-known geometrical problem. An equivalent problem is to find the largest distance d, such that n points can be placed into the square with all mutual distances at least d. Recently, all optimal packings of at most 20 circles in a square were exactly determined. In this paper, computational methods to find good packings of more than 20 circles are discussed. The best packings found with up to 50 circles are displayed. A new packing of 49 circles settles the proof that when n is a square number, the best packing is the square lattice exactly when n≤ 36.

This paper presents the results of a study jointly conducted by the Finnish shipyards in 1992–93. The study surveyed the possibilities of applying group work at the zonal outfitting of ships. Six zones of two sister ships, multipurpose icebreakers, were outfitted using both conventional and work group technology. The study revealed that there is a great potential to shorten the throughput time and increase productivity. When multiskilled independent work groups are implemented correctly, a decrease of 50% in throughput time and an increase of 20% in productivity can be expected. Synchronization and management problems can also be decreased