Working group, multidisciplinary

Successful development of fibre optic chemical sensors requires the cooperation of many specialists in various fields of science. Scientists in analytical chemistry, polymer science, material science, optoelectronics and electronics etc. can be involved in this multidisciplinary task. Depending on the application of the sensor biologists, medical doctors or environmentalists can also be incorporated to the working group. Although, the contribution of all specialists cannot be classified by the importance, analytical chemistry and material science seem to be the key to the success. 

Developed, by a multidisciplinary team at the University of Cape Town, for the International Labour Office (ILO) Working Group on Hazard Communication as part of international efforts to promote a Global Harmonised System (GHS) for hazard communication. 

Sometimes referred to as energy flow analysis, HazOps is used primarily in the petrochemical industry. It uses a multidisciplinary team similar to a system safety working group for the systematic review of the flow of materials through a process. It concentrates on key locations in the process known as study nodes and uses a series of guide words and parameters to examine possible deviations and the causes and consequences of deviations (Goidwaite 1985). 

Given the difficulties which have faced multidisciplinary community teams, it seems almost a miracle that any have survived. The central issue is how these teams can be integrated into the existing service structure in such a way as to not only enhance the over-all pattern of service provision, but also to facilitate and support the work done by the team. If this is going to happen we need to be much clearer about what the needs of our client group are, and how we propose to meet them. The fact that so many teams have survived is a tribute to the adaptability and commitment of their individual members. In order to sustain their commitment the teams themselves need to receive the support and commitment of others. If we cannot learn this lesson from existing teams the future of community services looks bleak. 

Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative, which provides funding for research groups from different disciplines working for a common objective. 

A PHA was prepared as part of the Parsons/Honeywell EDP, in accordance with MIL-STD-882C. The PHA is based on a preliminary hazards list that describes unmitigated hazards the list will be updated as the design process progresses (DOD, 1993). Numerous PHA work sheets were generated, and recommendations were made to reduce risk. The PHA results were reviewed by a multidisciplinary group from the Parsons/Honeywell team, which will track the means of mitigating hazards. 

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