The evolution of plant machinery is the subject of the inaugural
lecture of one of Birmingham City University's newest
Professors.
Professor Gary Holt will be discussing the increasing use of
mechanisation in labour-intensive sectors such as construction,
quarrying and agriculture. He will tracing the development of
machinery from the beginnings of JCB when Joe Bamford bolting a
side-arm loader onto a tractor through to today's technological
advancements.
Gary was appointed Professor of Innovation in Machinery
Management at eh Centre for business, innovation and Enterprise at
Birmingham City University in December 2010. Previously he worked
as a construction manager within the speculative property
development sector. In 1990 he entered higher education, holding
various university teaching and research-management positions. His
primary academic focus is machinery management and innovation,
especially relating to construction activity.
His talk is entitled Plant growth! Evolutionary features of
plant, equipment and machinery management science and innovation
and will be held at Birmingham City University's City North campus
on Wednesday 4 May at 5pm.
Recently, Professor Holt has been involved with research into
the prevention of the theft of plant equipment. Alongside
colleague, Professor David Edwards he has been working with
industry to help suggest solutions to the problem of building site
theft. Despite covert and highly technical anti-theft devices
available to vehicle owners, one of the Professors' conclusions was
that if a piece of equipment is painted a conspicuous colour it
will make it a less attractive target for a criminal.
The Professors have drawn their conclusion following close
discussions with stakeholders through field studies. They believe
that thieves will be deterred from stealing a vehicle that is
painted in a conspicuous colour because the vehicle will have to be
repainted before selling it on, which takes time and incurs
inconvenience and cost.
In addition to his role at Birmingham City University Professor
Holt is a member of the organising and technical advisory committee
for the Plant and Equipment Management in Innovation Conference
series.