In-situ hybrid metal matrix composites were prepared by reinforcing AA6061 aluminium alloy with 10 wt.% of boron carbide (B4C) and 0 wt.% to 6 wt.% of mica. Machinability of the hybrid aluminium metal matrix composite was assessed by conducting drilling with varying input parameters. Surface texture of the hybrid composites and morphology of drill holes were examined through scanning electron microscope images. The influence of rotational speed, feed rate and % of mica reinforcement on thrust force and torque were studied and analysed. Statistical analysis and regression analysis were conducted to understand the significance of each input parameter. Reinforcement of mica is the key performance indicator in reducing the thrust force and torque in drilling of the selected material, irrespective of other parameter settings. Thrust force is minimum at mid-speed (2000 rpm) with the lowest feed rate (25 mm/min), but torque is minimum at highest speed (3000 rpm) with lowest feed rate (25 mm/min). Multi-objective optimization through a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm has indicated that 1840 rpm of rotational speed, 25.3 mm/min of feed rate and 5.83% of mica reinforcement are the best parameters for obtaining the lowest thrust force of 339.68 N and torque of 68.98 N.m. Validation through experimental results confirms the predicted results with a negligible error (less than 0.1%). From the analysis and investigations, it is concluded that use of Al/10 wt.% B4C/5.83 wt.% mica composite is a good choice of material that comply with European Environmental Protection Directives: 2000/53/CE-ELV for the automotive sector. The energy and production cost of the components can be very much reduced if the found optimum drill parameters are adopted in the production.

Project success factors have become fundamental to project management practice in assuring successful projects. Yet, project failure has become common and a recurrent feature of infrastructure construction projects, not only in developing countries but also in most developed countries including Malaysia resulting in total abandonment of projects, prolonged project delay, cost overrun and client dissatisfaction. Researches on critical success factors impacting project results are important. Nevertheless, these researches are widely done in developed countries such as the USA and the UK under their culture orientation, while neglecting certain aspects, with limited evidence from developing countries such as Malaysia. This paper presents findings from a survey response from Malaysians who are project leaders, project management practitioners and project delivery team on their perception of project success factors. Selected literature review and survey questionnaire were used as data collection method for this study. Respondents’ national and organisational culture dimensions were analysed using Hofstede’s culture models and compared to the national and organisation culture dimensions of both the USA and the UK. The result of the analysis have suggested that that over and above age, and gender, individual perceptions of success factors varies with cultural differences. These findings have important implications for how companies can manage adaptation effectively to be able to achieve advantages in the various cultures where they operate while extending their main sources of advantage across borders, and in some cases even creating cultural diversity itself a supply of advantage.

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