The second big change that IT must prepare for is to track the environment on which all of these applications run, which will also be increasingly under end-user control.

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Flood defence schemes will be set up across the south east as part of an Environment Agency (EA) campaign to prepare the region for flooding.

BBC: Environment Agency sets up flood defences in South East

"It's the responsibility of our staff to plan and prepare this being almost a permanent part of our environment in the future, " Ridge said.

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Back in Britain and with the season looming, the Yorkshire Dales provide the ideal, rugged environment in which to prepare.

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As a result, the Environment Agency is working with local authorities and emergency services to prepare for possible flooding from rivers, groundwater and surface water across the country over the weekend.

BBC: Flood-hit areas face further rain

The Environment Agency has also issued about 280 flood alerts - indicating people should prepare for possible flooding.

BBC: Floods in UK: More than 800 homes flooded as storms hit

But now the business principles of factories are being used to prepare students for a markedly different economic environment.

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