314 Concept courses in Manchester

Project Quality Management: In-House Training In today's environment, quality is the responsibility of everyone. Project success is no longer just the fulfillment of a project on schedule, on budget, and within the scope. Today, projects aren't successful unless the customer's needs are met at the highest level of quality at the lowest cost to the organization. Project Managers must know customer needs, and manage to them throughout the project lifecycle, in order to gain acceptance. Project Quality Management provides an interactive, hands-on environment for participants to practice identification of critical quality requirements (quality planning), fulfillment of those requirements through well-designed processes (Quality Assurance), and statistical awareness of technical specifications of project deliverables (Quality Control). What You Will Learn You'll learn how to: Plan for higher quality project deliverables Measure key performance indicators on projects, processes, and products Turn data into useful project information Take action on analyzed data that will drive down non-value-added costs and drive up customer acceptance and satisfaction Reduce defects and waste in current project management processes Foundation Concepts Quality Defined Customer Focus Financial Focus Quality Management Process Management Cost of Quality Planning for Quality Project Manager Role in Planning Voice of the Customer Quality Management Plan Measurement System Accuracy Data Gathering Data Sampling Manage Quality Process Management Process Mapping Process Analysis Value Stream Mapping Standardization Visual Workplace and 5S Error Proofing (Poka-Yoke) Failure Mode and Effect Analysis Control Quality The Concept of Variation Common Cause Special Cause Standard Business Reports Tracking Key Measurements Control Charts Data Analysis Variation Root Cause Analysis Variance Management Designing for Quality

Preparing for Digital Transformation Organizations today must keep pace with changing technology to stay abreast of the market demand. Keeping pace means a transformation of the entire organization into the digital age. This workshop presents the challenges, benefits, and pitfalls of digital transformation and how it will affect you, and how you can be better prepared and positioned for the upcoming digital transformation. The goal of this course is to enable you to become knowledgeable about the technologies behind a digital transformation in your organization and the driving forces compelling such a transformation. You will learn how to become engaged in the processes of transforming your organization digitally to meet with the growing demands of customers and clients What you will Learn Describe the impact that digital is making on the economy and on customer expectations Examine the nature and drivers of the digital transformation Evaluate new technologies such as Blockchain, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and other technologies and see how they work to bring about digital transformation Assess the impact of digital technologies on the current roles and positions in the organization Discuss both the demand that customers have for digital technologies and the impact the digital technologies have on the customer and its relationship with the organization Recognize the new technology trends in the digital transformation and what they mean to the future of the organization Identify how digital transformation will affect all roles and how to be prepared for the upcoming and continuing digital transformation Foundation Concepts Digital transformation versus automation Driving forces behind the digital transformation Learning from digital transformation successes Digital Transformation and Customer Orientation The Digital Customer Customer touch points and the customer journey Omnichannel concept Transform to the customer Digital Technologies and the Organization Relationship Management Big Data: The Basis for it All The Human Factor in Digital Transformations Risks of Digital Transformation Technology Trends Data and Business Analytics Other Major Trends Preview of Coming Attractions Pathway to Digital Transformation

About this Training Front End Loading (FEL) is a methodology that takes a deliberate approach to capital project planning. Where traditional project plans seek to help an operator reach production targets and budgets, FEL methodology aligns an operator's technical and business goals to create a more comprehensive development plan. The FEL approach increases project definition and lowers risk to positively impact total investment costs and return on investment. Training Objectives Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Learn the methods applied for Pre-FEL and FEL process Understand the importance of FEL, FEL stages; visualisation, conceptualisation, definition Uncover how to apply project management during FEL Determine risk management in the FEL process Understand benchmarking & value improving practices   Target Audience The course is recommended for anyone who wish to gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of the importance of Front-End Loading and how to apply Front End Loading best practices, including: Team Leaders Senior Managers (Line and Function) Project Managers Development Engineers Graduate Engineers Quality Assurance Engineers Key Contractor's Management FEED engineers Design engineers Mechanical engineers Process engineers   Course Level Basic or Foundation Trainer Your expert course leader is a subsea pipeline consultant with extensive experience in the design, construction, and installation of subsea pipelines for the oil and gas industry. As a consultant, he provides technical expertise and support to clients on all aspects of subsea pipeline projects, from the initial planning and design phase through to construction and commissioning. He is knowledgeable about industry standards, regulations, and best practices for subsea pipelines, and works closely with clients to ensure that projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget. He has over thirty years' experience in early concept and front-end studies for the initiation of numerous high value upstream oil and gas projects worldwide. He has worked for both Operating Companies and Consultants managing the FEL process for complex, multi-discipline and technically challenging concepts, combining both his technical and project management skills. He has been working with companies like ExxonMobil, Quantum Power, North Caspian Operating Company, OMV Petrom, Port Meridian, BG Group, and etc.   POST TRAINING COACHING SUPPORT (OPTIONAL) To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized 'One to One' coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster. Request for further information post training support and fees applicable Accreditions And Affliations

LTE Airside training course description This course provides a concise insight into the LTE airside. Key parts of the course are detailed looks at the air interface protocol stack, cell acquisition, transmission and reception of data and of he layer 1 procedures along with layer 2 procedures. What will you learn Explain the RF optimisation flowchart. Describe the importance of Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP). List many of the 3GPP recommended KPIs. Describe the concept of APN AMBR and UE AMBR within LTE. Describe the use of planning and optimisation computer tools. LTE Airside training course details Who will benefit: Anyone working with LTE. Prerequisites: Essential LTE Duration 2 days LTE Airside training course contents Introduction and review of LTE This section describes the requirements of LTE and key technical features, and reviews the system architecture. LTE Architecture, UE, E-UTRAN and EPC. Specifications. OFDMA, SC-FDMA and MIMO antennas This section describes the techniques used in the LTE air interface, notably orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) and multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antennas. Communication techniques for fading multipath channels. OFDMA, FFT processing and cyclic prefix insertion. SC-FDMA in the LTE uplink. Multiple antenna techniques including transmit & receive diversity and spatial multiplexing. Introduction to the air interface This section covers the operation of the air interface, the channels that it uses, and the mapping to the time and frequency domains of OFDMA and SC-FDMA. Air interface protocol stack. Logical, transport and physical channels. Frame and slot structure, the resource grid. Resource element mapping of the physical channels and physical signals. LTE spectrum allocation. Cell acquisition This is the first of three sections covering the air interface physical layer. Here, we cover mobile procedures to start low-level communications with the cell, and base station transmission of the corresponding information. Primary/secondary synchronisation signals. Downlink reference signals. The master information block. Physical control format indicator channel. Organisation and transmission of the system information. Data transmission and reception In this section, we cover procedures used for data transmission and reception on the shared channels, and describe in detail the individual steps. Data transmission and reception on the uplink and downlink. Scheduling commands and grants on the PDCCH. DL-SCH and UL-SCH. Physical channel processing of the PDSCH and PUSCH. Hybrid ARQ indicators on the PHICH. Uplink control information on the PUCCH. Uplink demodulation and sounding reference signals. Additional physical layer procedure This section concludes our discussion of the air interface physical layer, by discussing a number of procedures that support its operation. Transmission of the physical random access channel. Contention and non-contention based random access procedures. Discontinuous transmission in idle and connected modes. Uplink power control and timing advance. Air interface layer 2 This section describes the architecture and operation of layer 2 of the air interface protocol stack. MAC protocol, interactions with the physical layer, use for scheduling. RLC protocol, transparent, unacknowledged and acknowledged modes. PDCP, including header compression, security functions and recovery from handover.

Course Information Join our comprehensive three-day training programme tailored for individuals seeking a foundational grasp of computerised system validation. This course equips participants with essential knowledge to effectively validate systems within their respective organisations for utilisation in GxP (GLP, GCP, GMP, GDP, and GPvP) environments. Attendees will also gain proficiency in auditing validated computerised systems, ensuring compliance with pertinent GxP regulations. Commencing with an overview of regulatory prerequisites and the system life cycle, the course transitions into practical aspects, centered around validating computerised systems and conducting subsequent audits. Engage in a dynamic blend of presentations, interactive discussions, and hands-on practical workshops throughout the course. This course will provide delegates with an understanding of the computerised system validation process, including: Definition of end user requirements Risk management, including supplier assessment and techniques for audit planning Validation planning and reporting Linking system development with good business practices Formal testing and qualification Understanding of data integrity and security issues How to assess system validation documentation to verify compliance. Is this course for you? IT professionals new to implementing computerised systems into regulated environments Quality professionals who monitor or audit computerised systems System owners, end users, tester and project staff. Tutors Tutors will be comprised of (click the photos for biographies): Nichola Stevens Director and Principal Consultant, Nuncius Compliance Solutions Ltd Barry McManus Consultancy Partner, Empowerment Quality Engineering Ltd Programme Please note timings may be subject to alteration. Day 1 09:00 Welcome, Introduction and Course Objectives 09:45 Why Validate? Regulations and Guidance on Computerised System Validation Overview of the regulations and guidance applicable to CSV and their key expectations. 10:30 Break 10:45 The System Lifecycle The concept of the SLC and the key outputs from it. 12:00 Lunch 12:45 The Validation Process The approach to validation for different system types and a look at some of the key deliverables. 14:00 Project Introduction 14:15 Exercise 1 - User Requirements Capturing, agreeing and documenting the user requirements for a system. 15:15 Break 15:30 Exercise 1 - Feedback 16:00 Risk Management Risk management and its impact on validation. Identifying the deliverables required. Then group discussion on risk assessment for three systems. 17:00 Questions and Answers Answers to any outstanding questions from Day 1. 17:15 Close of Day Day 2 09:00 Supplier Assessment The different approaches to supplier assessment and the things to be considered when assessing a supplier. 10:15 Exercise 2 - Supplier Assessment Planning a vendor audit with a focus on the key validation deliverables. 11:00 Break 11:15 Exercise 2 - Feedback 11:45 Test Overview and Test Planning The different test phases, the purpose of each test phase and things to be considered when planning and reporting testing. 12:45 Lunch 13:30 Test Overview and Test Planning Continued. 14:15 Test Script Design, Execution and Review What a good test script looks like and the key things to consider when creating, executing and reviewing a test script. 15:30 Break 15:45 Exercise 3 - Creating a Test Script Create a test script based on user requirements created on Day 1. 17:15 Close of Day Day 3 09:00 Exercise 3 Feedback 09:30 Infrastructure Configuration and Qualification 10:30 Break 10:45 Validation Reporting Overview of the Validation Report and what should be included in it. 11:15 Maintaining the Validated State The procedures and records needed to ensure the system remains fit for purpose. 12:30 Lunch 13:15 Change Control Key concepts related to making changes to validated systems. 14:00 Data Integrity and Security How can we assure the integrity and security of our data. 15:15 Break 15:30 Course Objectives Summary and Panel Discussion A round up of key learning from the course. 17:00 Close of Course Extra Information Face-to-face course Course Material Course material will be available in PDF format for delegates attending this course. The advantages of this include: Ability for delegates to keep material on a mobile device Ability to review material at any time pre and post course Environmental benefits – less paper being used per course. The material will be emailed in advance of the course and RQA will not be providing any printed copies of the course notes during the training itself. Delegates wishing to have a hard copy of the notes should print these in advance to bring with them. Alternatively delegates are welcome to bring along their own portable devices to view the material during the training sessions. Remote course Course Material This course will be run completely online. You will receive an email with a link to our online system, which will house your licensed course materials and access to the remote event. Please note this course will run in UK timezone. The advantages of this include: Ability for delegates to keep material on a mobile device Ability to review material at any time pre and post course Environmental benefits – less paper being used per course Access to an online course group to enhance networking. You will need a stable internet connection, a microphone and a webcam. CPD Points 19 Points Development Level Develop

Introduction to Design Thinking: In-House Training Innovation is the cornerstone of highly successful companies, especially those that continue to be successful over the years and decades. Design thinking practices fuel this continual innovation, as they are the critical links from inspiration to delivery, concept to showroom floor, and start-up to global business. Design thinking is a structured approach to promoting innovation and creative problem-solving. It is not a new approach. It has been around for centuries, as the art, architecture, and inventions of mankind illustrate. By examining the steps to achieving great design and maximum utility of product, design thinking approaches provide a framework in which to develop new solutions to problems and new products to sell. This highly interactive course is designed to help participants think like designers to generate innovation, and to help teams to produce more innovation and creativity. Since design thinking is based on doing rather than thinking, we participants are challenged to apply the techniques, in the classroom, to create new ideas and solutions to a case study project. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Explain the underlying principles and value of using Design Thinking for innovation Describe the basic concepts of the Stanford Model for Design Thinking Evaluate a set of basic Design Thinking techniques for application to your projects Apply tools, techniques, and skills aligned with the 5 stages of the Stanford Model Drive innovation through Design Thinking at some level in your work environment Foundation Concepts Problems and solutions The Design Thinking difference Design Thinking skills and abilities Design Thinking mindset Design Thinking frameworks Stages of Design Thinking Problems and solutions The Design Thinking difference Design Thinking skills and abilities Design Thinking mindset Design Thinking frameworks General Practices Team formation Visualization Improvisation Personalization Empathize Practices Overview of Empathize techniques Observation Engagement Interviews Define Practices Overview of Define practices Unpacking techniques Defining the customer techniques Integrating the Define experience Ideate Practices Overview of Ideate practices Reusable techniques for the Ideate stage New Ideate techniques to explore Prototype & Test Practices Overview of Prototype practices Examples of prototypes Overview of Testing practices Forms of testing techniques Adopt and Adapt Design Thinking Overview of Design Thinking implementation Design Thinking implementation challenges Success in implementing Design Thinking Summary and Next Steps Workshop summary Next steps: Personal Action Plans

MEF Carrier Ethernet training course description The course progresses from a overview of the Carrier Ethernet service and how it works onto looking at the concepts in depth. Service attributes and management follow with the course finishing with studies of practical Carrier Ethernet. What will you learn Discuss and understand key Carrier Ethernet Concepts. Understand tasks related to designing, deploying and maintaining a Carrier Ethernet network. Offer effective solutions to implementing a Carrier Ethernet enterprise network given available customer resources and requirements. Carry out informed discussions using industry Carrier Ethernet 'vocabulary. Pass the MEF CECP 2.0 professional accreditation exam. MEF Carrier Ethernet training course details Who will benefit: Anyone working with Carrier Ethernet Prerequisites: The course attendees need to be conversant with data networks, as well as Ethernet and IP technologies. Duration 5 days MEF Carrier Ethernet training course contents Section One: Introduction to Carrier Ethernet Introduction to Carrier Ethernet: What is Carrier Ethernet? Evolution, advantages, The MEF, MEF specifications; UNI, EVC, OVC, EPL/EVPL, EP-LAN/ EVP-LAN, EP-Tree/EVP-Tree, etc, overview. How Carrier Ethernet Works: Service Frame Handling. Carrier Ethernet at Customer Premises, metro and core. Carrier Ethernet Workings, UNI attributes, Service Attributes (EVC and EVC per UNI attributes), Bandwidth Profiles, service multiplexing, L2 protocol processing; Carrier Ethernet equipment, CPE, aggregation and homing nodes, core equipment; management systems. The Setting Up of a Carrier Ethernet Service: Step 1: Choose service type, EPL/EVPL, EP-LAN/EVP-LAN, EPTree/EVP-Tree, EVLine...; Step 2: CPE tasks, UNI-C tasks (UNI attributes, service attributes (EVC and EVC per UNI) and bandwidth profiles), UNI-N tasks (L2 protocol handling). Step 3: Non-CPE tasks, Access, metro and core connections set up. Section Two: Carrier Ethernet Concepts in depth Carrier Ethernet Definitions in Depth: UNI, UNI I & II, UNI-N and UNI-C, etc.; NNI/ENNI; EVC; OVC, OVC type (P2P, M2M, Rooted MP), OVC end point (root, leaf, trunk), OVC end point map, OVC end point bundling; Service types in detail, EPL/EVPL, EP-LAN/EVP-LAN, EP-Tree/EVP-Tree, EVLine, Access EPL, Access EVPL . Carrier Ethernet Service Frame Handling: Unicast, multicast and broadcast frame delivery, Tagged, untagged and priority; Tagging, C and S-Tags, 802.3, 802.1d, 802.1q, 802.1ad, 802.1ah evolution, VLAN ID translation/preservation. CoS preservation. Other Key Carrier Ethernet Concepts: MTU, MTU at UNI, MTU at ENNI; Physical Layer Attributes, FE, GbE and 10GbE, Service Multiplexing and Bundling Concept and detail, rules and implications; Hairpin Switching Managing Bandwidth in a Carrier Ethernet Network: Token Bucket Algorithm, EIR, CIR, CBS, EBS, Coupling Flag; Frame Colors, recoloring, Color Awareness attribute, Color Forwarding; Bandwidth Profiles, rules and concepts. MEF CoS identifiers, DEI bit (in S-Tag), PCP bit (in C-Tag or S-Tag), or DSCP (in IP header), Multiflow bandwidth concepts; CoS Label/Color Identification. Section Three: Carrier Ethernet Service Attributes Overview: Carrier Ethernet 2.0; Blueprint C Service Attributes: Per UNI, Physical interfaces, Frame format, Ingress/egress Bandwidth Profiles, CEVLAN ID/EVC Map, UNI protection. EVC per UNI, Ingress/egress Bandwidth Profiles, etc.; Per EVC, CEVLAN ID Preservation, CoS ID Preservation, Relationship between SLA and SLP, Class of Service, etc. OVC, ENNI, OVC End Point per UNI and OVC End Point per ENNI, Ingress/egress bandwidth profiles, etc. Section Four: Managing Carrier Ethernet Networks Overview: MEF Service Lifecycle.Carrier Ethernet maintenance: Port, Link & NE failure, Service Protection Technologies, Fault Identification and Recovery, LAG, Active/Standby EVC, Single EVC with transport protection, G.8031, G.8032, MPLS FRR. SOAMs: Connectivity fault management, connectivity Monitoring, Loopback, Linktrace; Performance Management, Frame Delay, Inter Frame Delay Variation, Availability, Frame Loss Ratio, Resiliency, HLI, DMM, DMR, SLM, SLR; Key Concepts, Single vs dual ended, ordered UNI pair calculations. LOAMs: Link discovery, link monitoring, etc. Terminology and Concepts: MEG levels, MIPs. Section Five: Practical Carrier Ethernet Carrier Ethernet Transport Technologies:Layer 1: SDH. Layer 2: Bridging, provider bridging, PBB, PBBTE. Layer 2.5: MPLS VPWS, MPLS VPLS, MPLS-TP. Carrier Ethernet Access Technologies: fiber, SDH, active fiber, PON, GPON, 10G PON, OTN, WDM; copper, PDH, G-SDSL, 10Pass-TS, HFC; packet radio. Optimising mobile backhaul with Carrier Ethernet Key challenges solutions: Market pressure, LTE evolution, elements and architecture (RAN BS, NC, GWIF.), synchronization, bandwidth management. Circuit Emulation over Ethernet: Purpose, needs and applications. Synchronization: Phased, ToD, External Reference source, SynchE ,NTP, IEEE-1588 v2/ PTP, ACR; MEF Service Definitions for emulated circuits. Applying what you know: Practical examples and scenarios, Carrier Ethernet solutions; Practice Scenarios, Given a scenario, determine appropriate Ethernet services

Gain a comprehensive understanding of immunisation and vaccines with our "Foundations of Immunisation and Vaccines" course. Designed for healthcare professionals, public health workers, and individuals interested in immunisation, this course covers vaccine development, administration, safety, and the role of vaccines in preventing infectious diseases.

PfMP® Exam Prep: In-House Training This is an intensive PfMP® Exam preparation course. This learning experience guides you through the multi-faceted discipline of portfolio management by focusing on the related technical, leadership, and business skills required to navigate it in the real world. First and foremost, this is an intensive PfMP® exam preparation course. Over the course, we go beyond exam prep to provide selected practice in applying key portfolio management skills, tools, and techniques. This learning experience guides you through the multi-faceted discipline of portfolio management by focusing on the related technical, leadership, and business skills required to navigate it in the real world. The journey zooms in and out between governance context and specific operational activities. The ultimate goal is practical application, with the bonus of certification along the way. What You Will Learn By the end of this program, you will be able to: Align and manage the portfolio, strategically, to satisfy organizational objectives and priorities, through benefit realization Articulate and emulate the role of a portfolio manager Apply the principles and skills of a portfolio manager to your real-world environment Study and prepare for the PfMP® Examination Apply for the certification, per the PMI PfMP Handbook and pass the initial panel review on your application Getting Started Course Overview Details of the PfMP® Certification process Foundation Concepts Projects, program, and portfolios A portfolio management process Strategy and value The role of the portfolio manager The role of key stakeholders Life cycle management The Portfolio Life Cycle Overview of Life Cycle Portfolio Management Information System (PMIS) Governance within the Portfolio Life Cycle Strategic Management Strategy concepts Supporting documentation and the strategic plan Planning and optimization Organizational risk appetite Managing strategic change Governance Management Overview and Guiding Principles The Concept of Governance Effective Design Factors Governance Roles Capacity and Capability Management Overview and Guiding Principles Capacity Management and Planning Supply and Demand (Management and Optimization) Organization Capabilities (Assessment and Development) Performance Management (Reporting, Analytics, and Balance) Stakeholder Engagement The Importance of Stakeholders Overview and Guiding Principles Definition and Identification Analysis and Planning Communications Approaches and Management Value Management Overview (Guiding Principles, Definition, and Components) Negotiating Expected Value Maximizing Value Assuring Value Realizing Value Measuring and Reporting Value A Look at Tools Risk Management Overview and Guiding Principles Portfolio Risk Planning Portfolio Risk Identification Portfolio Risk Assessment Portfolio Risk Response Examination Content Outline (ECO) Overview Structure Strategic Tasks Mapping Governance Tasks Mapping Performance Tasks Mapping Risk Tasks Mapping Communication Tasks Mapping List of Knowledge and Skills Exam Prep and Practice Overview Documenting experience Submitting the application Preparing to sit for the exam

About this Training Subsea pipelines play a critical role in the transportation of hydrocarbons (e.g. oil and gas) from offshore production sites to onshore facilities or other platforms. This course will cover design and construction of subsea pipelines with respect to: design for pressure containment, design for collapse, on-bottom stability, freespans, global (lateral and upheaval buckling), corrosion, materials selection, cathodic protection and coatings. Training Objectives Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to understand: Issues and challenges in subsea pipeline design Methods in applying pipeline design codes Techniques in how to specify a pipeline Key considerations in the main methods of pipeline construction Methods and issues surrounding pipeline intervention Target Audience The course is recommended for anyone who wish to gain in-depth knowledge and appreciation of the fundamental principles of the design and construction of subsea pipelines, including: Team Leaders Senior Managers (Line and Function) Project Managers Graduate Engineers Pipeline Engineers Senior Pipeline Engineers Subsea Engineers Integrity Engineers Quality Assurance Engineers Key Contractor's Management Course Level Basic or Foundation Trainer Your expert course leader is a subsea pipeline consultant with extensive experience in the design, construction, and installation of subsea pipelines for the oil and gas industry. As a consultant, he provides technical expertise and support to clients on all aspects of subsea pipeline projects, from the initial planning and design phase through to construction and commissioning. He is knowledgeable about industry standards, regulations, and best practices for subsea pipelines, and works closely with clients to ensure that projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget. He has over thirty years' experience in early concept and front-end studies for the initiation of numerous high value upstream oil and gas projects worldwide. He has worked for both Operating Companies and Consultants managing the FEL process for complex, multi-discipline and technically challenging concepts, combining both his technical and project management skills. He has been working with companies like ExxonMobil, Quantum Power, North Caspian Operating Company, OMV Petrom, Port Meridian, BG Group, and etc. POST TRAINING COACHING SUPPORT (OPTIONAL) To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized 'One to One' coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster. Request for further information post training support and fees applicable Accreditions And Affliations