bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic Damage and Damage-Control Design for RC Frames
Authors: Shinozuka Masanobu , Wen Y.-K. , Casciati Fabio
Published: March 2007

A review is performed of some of the seismic damage models that were more recently developed, taking into consideration the effect of cumulative damage. One of these models derives a local damage index in the form of a modified Miner's rule. This index is then used to develop the automated damage-control design procedure so that the design, while satisfying the necessary building design code, is optimized in the sense that it spatially distributes the damage as uniformly as possible.
Damping and Structural Control of the JPL Phase 0 Testbed Structure
Authors: Fanson James L. , Chu Cheng-Chih , Lurie Boris J. , Smith Roy S.
Published: March 2007

This paper describes recent advances in structural quieting technology as applied to active truss structures intended for high precision space based optics applica tions. The active structure incorporates piezoelectric active members which exert control forces internal to the structure and thereby improve the structure's dimensional stability. The control architecture involves two layers of feedback control. The first utilizes col located measurements of force and velocity at the active member to achieve active damp ing, the second utilizes noncollocated measurements of acceleration at the location of a simulated optical component to achieve structural stabilization. The local control loops are based on the concept of impedance matching, the global control loops are designed using robust control methods. These two levels of control are intended to operate simulta neously; however, in this paper each approach is applied individually. The combined im plementation is left for future work.
Technical Review : Conducting Polymer Electronics
Authors: Unsworth J. , Lunn B.A. , Innis P.C. , Jin Z. , Kaynak A. , Booth N.G.
Published: March 2007

Before conducting polymers can be employed in many applications, some of the intrinsic properties of these materials need to be better understood. An overview of the research and development of conducting polymers being undertaken at UTS is presented. Because conducting polymers are difficult to process once fabricated, an understanding of synthesis parameters and the use of synthesis techniques to pro duce conducting polymer films with desired properties is of the upmost importance. Descriptions of the galvanostatic and potentiostatic techniques employed to produce polyheterocyclics are presented. Thermal properties such as thermal diffusivity, ther mal conductivity and specific heat are being investigated. Preliminary results reveal that the thermal diffusivity of polypyrrole is higher than that achieved with traditional polymers. The nature of contacts and junctions with polypyrrole and poly(3-methyl thiophene) are discussed. High work function metals form ohmic junctions with polypyr role while aluminium forms a Schottky barrier with poly(3-methylthiophene). Micro wave studies on polypyrrole films reveal that the microwave transmission and reflection are dependent upon the doping level of the film. Applications of the conducting polymers in data security modules and for light weight electrically conducting wires are also il lustrated.
Shape Adjustment of a Flexible Space Antenna Reflector
Authors: Tabata Masaki , Yamamoto Kazuo , Inoue Toshio , Noda Takahiko , Miura Koryo
Published: March 2007

A recursive shape adjustment algorithm is proposed, which will be used for flexible antenna reflectors for space application. The antenna reflector is composed of flexible mesh surface, cable networks, and support structures. Length adjustment mechanisms are attached to the suspension wire between the surface cable and the backup network, and the shape of the mesh surface is controlled by the adjustment mechanisms. For the purpose of effective adjustment, the matrix of influence coefficients (sensitivity matrix) of the adjustment length to the surface displacements is needed, and the matrix is usually calculated by analytical model. But some modeling errors, such as prediction error of material properties or error due to model simplification, are unavoidable in the preliminary analysis. Besides, the sensitivity matrix may change during the process of adjustment because of nonlinearity of the structure in some cases. To avoid the above problems, a recursive shape adjustment algorithm is proposed. The major characteristic of the algorithm is the recursive modification of the sensitivity matrix based on the be havior of the system in the iterative adjustment. Using this algorithm, the modeling error is automatically corrected in the adjustment process and the procedure will converge efficiently. The effectiveness of the algorithm is confirmed by numerical simulations and an experiment using a model of a large antenna reflector. Since this algorithm allows the change or modeling error of structural sensitivity, it shall also be useful for the on-board shape control of flexible reflectors.
Use of Lone Cell of PC12h-R as a Sensing Material for Neurite Growth Initiating Activity
Authors: Kazuno Yasushi , Horie Takuji , Homma Tomoo , Nemoto Yasuyuki , Matsuoka Hideaki
Published: March 2007

Neurite growth initiating activity (NGIA) of several neurotransmitters and neuro trophic factors was assayed by a lone cell culture system of PC12h-R. A relative number of neurite bearing cells ( RN) was found as a useful indicator of NGIA. Since the lone cell culture system could eliminate undefined effects inevitably caused by mass culture, the RN changing pattern obtained with each compound was considered to be the response to the specific effect of the compound assayed. The difference of the RN changing patterns suggested the behavior difference of respective com pounds.
The Rapid Kernel Classifier: A Link between the Self-Organizing Feature Map and the Radial Basis Function Network
Authors: Ghosh Joydeep , Chakravarthy Srinivasa V.
Published: March 2007

The learning dynamics of a Radial Basis Function (RBF) network is shown to be related to the Learning Vector Quantization algorithm. Based on this similarity, a hybrid training scheme for the RBF network is proposed. The resulting Rapid Kernel Classifier is evaluated using a 6-class radar data set. Considerable speedup in training is obtained with this new scheme. Also, for the one-dimensional case, we prove that the distribution of centroids of the RBF network ap proaches node density of the Self-Organizing Feature Map as a limit. This result suggests a deeper connection between the fundamental learning paradigms, namely supervised and unsupervised learning.
Induced Strain of Actuation of Surface Bonded Piezoceramic Patches: A Numerical and Experimental Study
Authors: Mollenhauer David H. , Griffin O. Hayden
Published: March 2007

The induced strain of actuation of surface bonded piezoceramic patches was ex amined using numerical and experimental techniques. Specifically, a commercially available finite element package was used to examine these induced strains. The piezoceramic patches were actuated in the model via a specified thermal expansion or contraction dependent on the free e-field/strain re sponse of the piezoceramic patches. Moiré interferometry was used to examine the induced strains on the plate surface near-to and far-from a patch edge. These experimental results compare favorably with the numerical results, indicating that the numerical approach is a valid analysis technique. Results indicate relatively large in-plane and out-of-plane tensile stresses as well as large shear stresses in the regions surrounding a patch edge. These large stresses are not statically significant but will likely cause long term fatigue problems.
The Response of SMA Hybrid Composite Materials to Low Velocity Impact
Authors: Paine Jeffrey S.N. , Rogers Craig A.
Published: March 2007

Composite material impact damage tolerance and resistance are often limiting crite ria when composites are considered for critical load bearing applications. Often undetectable to visual inspection, foreign object impact causes varying degrees of damage to composite structures which can initiate fatal material failures under various operating loads. This paper examines a new concept of composite material toughening by embedding small amounts of fibrous superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) materials into brittle composite materials. In this preliminary study, a 2.8 per cent volume fraction of activated (i.e., superelastic) shape memory alloy fibers were embedded within G40-600/5245C graphite/bismaleimide to create a hybridized composite material. Impact test results show that with the SMA fibers, impact resistance of the hybrid composite materials was increased. At impact energies that perforate the standard graphite/bismaleimide, the SMA fibers stopped perforation of the hybridized composite. Preliminary results show that composite-ply delamination was reduced as much as 25 percent because of the embedded SMA fibers.
Perceptions of Cooperation in a Longitudinal Social Dilemma
Authors: Henry Kelly Bouas
Published: March 2007

Most social dilemma studies of communication’s effects on cooperation are based on laboratory results with trivial incentives. Studies of real-life social dilemmas with nontrivial rewards are needed to extend the generality of laboratory results. Perceptions of cooperation on a group product (weekly group essay) were examined as a public goods dilemma embedded in a longitudinal study of groups using either face-to-face or computer-mediated communication. Perceptions of cooperation increased over time, whereas measures of group identity did not. No media effect on perceptions of cooperation was observed. Several predictors of late perceptions of cooperation were examined, but only early perception of cooperation was significant. Results are discussed with respect to several current hypotheses regarding communication and cooperation in social dilemmas.
Role Ambiguity, Task Cohesion, and Task Self-Efficacy
Authors: Eys Mark A. , Carron Albert V.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between role ambiguity and both task cohesion (group integration-task and attractions to the group-task) and task efficacy (for offence and defense) in basketball. Ambiguity was operationalized as a multidimensional construct comprising a lack of clear understanding about (a) scope of role responsibilities, (b) behaviors to carry out role responsibilities, (c) how role performance will be evaluated, and (d) the consequences of a failure to discharge role responsibilities. The results showed a high degree of relationship among the four manifestations of role ambiguity. Also, ambiguity concerning scope of responsibilities was inversely related to both measures of task cohesion as well as task efficacy for defense. Task efficacy for offence was predicted for female athletes by ambiguity associated with evaluation of performance and for male athletes by ambiguity associated with evaluation of performance and consequences of not fulfilling responsibilities. Implications of findings and future research are discussed.
Intervention Strategies and Research With Socially Isolated Children
Authors: Ladd Gary W. , Keeney Bradford P.
Published: March 2007

Drawing on an ecological-system perspective, the authors consider socially isolated children in three contexts: as individuals, as partners in dyadic intervention, and as members of a social group or hierarchy. Implications for interventions that may facilitate isolated children's access to peer interaction in both dyadic and group contexts are Suggested.
One-Session Meetings
Authors: Shalinsky William
Published: March 2007

This article addresses thefollowing question: Do one-session meetings remain "aggregates " or can they develop some "group"forms? The literature on phases of group development, one-session meetings, and the role of the worker in one-session meetings, as well as Lang's three-stage model of practice, are considered. It is concluded that the one-session meeting can develop specific group forms. Some conditions that will affect this process are noted, and implications for practice are indicated.
Sharing Scarce Resources
Authors: Edney Julian J. , Bell Paul A.
Published: March 2007

In Study I, groups of three subjects participated in a commons game in which they faced the dilemma ofhow to harvest resourcesfrom a shared, slowly regenerating pool so as to maximize their individual harvests without overexploiting the pool. In half the groups, individual subjects earned their own scores, but in the other half their scores were directly tied to (were equal shares of) the group's total score. Independently, one-third of the groups experienced an externally controlled "disaster" part way through the game in which their resource earnings to that point were abruptly cancelled. In another one-third of the groups this "disaster "happened only to a single member of the group. In the final (control) one-third, there was no disaster. Subjects in all conditions were given free opportunity both to act altruistically and to steal from their groupmates. Results showed that, overall, stealing was common and about five times as frequent as altruism. In groups in which members'scores were tied to the group's total score, however, groups made higher scores and showed more altruism and less stealing. It was discovered that, paradoxically, more stealing occurred in groups that did not experience ruin. Study II clarified this last finding, suggesting that stealing of the type allowed here was in fact functional in preserving the life of the commons, but not in improving members'scores. A tentative explanation is advanced identifying the experimentally created dilemma as a situation of conflicting rational ities.
Membership Composition of Open and Closed Therapeutic Groups
Authors: Gruner LeRoy
Published: March 2007

Open and closed therapeutic groups are contrasted in the context of group development research Positive and negative aspects of group membership (including coerced entry) are considered. With application of the Hill Interaction Matrix (HIM) available data are reanalyzed; it is concluded that results support the existence of a discernible process of development in the closed groups, while open groups with residual "old" members show counterproductive activity—especially as involuntary residual membership leads to "arrested" behavior in group performance
Videodrama and the Observing Ego
Authors: Stirtzinger Ruth , Robson Bonnie
Published: March 2007

This article demonstrates the process whereby creative drama is used to develop and enhance both self- and group observation skills, awareness, and insight. It further demonstrates the role of videotape recordings in aiding this development of observing ego. This work emphasizes three distinct phases as necessary in the development of observing ego function: the ritualization and playing out of old and current group themes; the magnification of these for the purpose of clarification; and the repeated reworkings of these themes to make them more psychologically accessible and so more available to be worked through, thereby promoting both individual and group change.
The Relationship of Exchange-Orientation To Friendship Intensity, Roommate Compatibility, Anxiety, and Friendship
Authors: Murstein Bernard I. , Azar James A.
Published: March 2007

The Exchange-Orientation Scale (E) was given to 98 randomly assigned roommate pairs at three New England colleges at the beginning of the semester. It was predicted that interpersonal compatibility, as measured by a roommate compatibility rating and a friendship intensity score given three months later, would be higher for nonexchange couples as compared to exchange couples. It wasfurtherpredicted that anxiety would be correlated with E for women but not for men, and that paranoia would be associated with Efor both women and men. All hypotheses were substantiated except the one regarding paranoia. The results are discussed in terms of the role of E in interpersonal relationships.
Group Development in Self-Help Groups for College Students
Authors: Fuehrer Ann , Keys Christopher
Published: March 2007

The applicability of Bednar, Melnick, and Kaul's model of early group development to college student self-help groups was examined. Research participants were 101 undergraduates who met in high-structure or low-structure groups for four weekly sessions. Dependent variables included importance of performing group behaviors, ownership of group functioning, and perceived group cohesion. As hypothesized, a path analysis revealed that (a) amount of group structure was positively related to the importance of performing group member behaviors and negatively related to ownership of group functioning, (b) importance of performing group behaviors was positively related to group cohesion, and (c) early group cohesion was positively related to later ownership ofgroup functioningand later group cohesion. These results support several aspects of the tested model of early group development.
Empirical Analysis of Group Development
Authors: Tschuschke Volker , MacKenzie K. Roy
Published: March 2007

Selected sessions of two long-term psychotherapy groups were rated using the Gottschalk-Gleser anxiety and hostility verbal content analysis scales. O-factor analytic techniques were used to identify sessions with similar interactional climates. The group judged clinically to be more successful demonstrated prolonged periods spent in various states. The affect dimensions of these states were consistent with the predictions of the group developmental stage hypothesis. The less successful group did not show these phenomena.
Redefining Cohesiveness in Groups
Authors: Keyton Joann , Springston Jeff
Published: March 2007

This article reports a replication and extension of the work of Kelly and Duran in assessing the relationship of group member perceptions of group interaction to group effectiveness. Using their original and our alternative operations of group cohesion, we conclude that perceived similarity may not always align with perceptions of cohesiveness. The difficulties we report in measuring group constructs should encourage future group researchers to seek grounded explanations of the constructs of interests from members themselves.
Conflict Management in Group Psychotherapy
Authors: Unger Robert
Published: March 2007

This article combines theoretical material and the author's experience in a discussion of conflict and its management in group psychotherapy. The author emphasizes that conflict is an inevitable and important factor in group development. Particular emphasis is placed on the therapist's ability to manage group conflict and how this ability is communicated to the group members. Techniques that aid in the highlighting and resolution of conflict situations are discussed, accompanied by illustrations of group situations arising from the author's practice. Cited in the article is some of the literature discussing the sources and importance of conflicts in groups, conflict related to group development theory, transference and the role of the group leader in managing conflict, the group contract, and resistance.
A Definition of Small Group Democracy
Authors: Gastil John
Published: March 2007

This article clarifies the conceptual relationship between democracy and small group processes by providing a definition of small group democracy. A small democratic group is (a) powerful and (b) inclusive, with (c) a membership that is committed to the democratic process. A fully democratic group (d) maintains healthy, democratic relationships and (e) practices a democratic form of deliberationm including equal and adequate speaking opportunities and both comprehension and consideration. The concluding section makes recommendationsforfuture research, including the suggestion that researchers integrate theories of small group behavior with theories of democratic social change.
Focus Groups
Authors: Swenson Jill Dianne , Griswold William F. , Kleiber Pamela B.
Published: March 2007

Focus groups regarding the role of journalism in rural development were conducted with community leaders and news professionals in 12 targeted counties in Georgia. This article discusses the implications of focus groups as an inquiry/intervention technique. Focus group participants were surveyed 4-6 months later regarding the impact of focus group experiences.
Leader Interventions for Distressed Group Members
Authors: Anderson Lynn R.
Published: March 2007

Mitchell's two-step model of leader interventions for poor performing group members was examined as a toolfor understanding leader behaviors in relation to members who are task effective but personally distressed Case studies were presented to 136 hospital nurses who, in the role of a head nurse, were asked to deal with a highly effective yet distressed group member. Results indicated that leaders (subjects) could overcome self-serving attributional biases and infer that they, the group leaders, could be the cause of the group members' distress. Subjects who made such attributions were more likely to change their own leader-ship style than subjects who inferred the distress was caused by the members 'efforts, ability, or personal andfamily problems-a conclusion that supports Mitchell 's two-step model.
The Impact of Reward Interdependency on the Synergogy Model of Cooperative Performance
Authors: Fandt Patricia M. , Cady Steven H. , Sparks Marcia R.
Published: March 2007

This study seeks to determine how the synergogy model of group cooperative performance can be most effectively used in the classroom/training environment with respect to task assignments and reward interdependency. Using two principle designs from Mouton and Blake's synergogy model, the findings indicate that when team members are assigned specialized tasks, the most effective reward system is either the group product or groupaveraged (dependent and interdependent, respectively) design. When the tasks among team members are not specialized, the most effective reward system is the group product or a dependent reward designL
Attribution in Groups
Authors: Forsyth Donelson R. , Kelley Karl N.
Published: March 2007

Group members'estimations oftheircontributions to a collective endeavorwere investigated by assessing perceptions of responsibility following completion of an additive group task. As an information-processing approach to attributions in groups suggests, only those who performed well at the individual level internalized success and externalized failure. Those who failed tended to take more responsibility for their group s failure rather than success. Group members also displayed a group-serving tendency; they gave more responsibility to others after success rather than failure. The results suggest that attributional asymmetries following group performance may result from group members' exaggeratedly positive appraisals of their personal competencies.
Types of Roles in Small Groups
Authors: Hare A. Paul
Published: March 2007

The types of roles played by members of small groups have been describedfrom a number of different perspectives. Most of the research has been based on laboratory or therapy-like groups in their "task-oriented " phase, after the overall purpose of the group has been given, resources supplied, and basic formal roles indicated. Informal roles tend to develop as a response to the set of formal roles. They may provide additional activities necessary for effective group functioning or they may be in opposition to the formal roles. Little attention has been paid to groups beginning de novo. However roles are described, they must be placed, eventually, along with other concepts in a comprehensive social-psychological theory. As an illustration, several category systems, derivedfrom different social-psychological perspectives, can be used to describe the form and content of formal, informal, and dramaturgical roles in small groups.
Agreement as a Function of Initial Choice and Stay Response Probabilities in Status Characteristics Research
Authors: Munroe Paul T. , Tootell Geoffrey , Kuhn Tamara J.
Published: March 2007

Expectation states theories of status processes have consistently shown that participation and influence patterns in groups are a function of differences in external status characteristics. A branch of this theoretical research program, Status Characteristics Theory (SCT) deals specifically with the processes by which external status characteristics come to determine the allocation of status positions within groups. The authors pose three arguments relevant to this program. First, agreement on thefinal choice is a much more likely outcome than disagreement in situations that meet most of the conditions of the standardized experimental setting, even when the probability of staying with one's own answer given disagreement is highfor group members. Second, agreement is yet more likely to be thefinal outcome in groups that are differentiated on some status characteristic that leads to differential likelihood of staying with one's own initial choice. Third, cooperative allocation of status position is more likely to occur in these groups than competitive position allocation.
Gender Diversity, Team Decision Quality, Time on Task, and Interpersonal Cohesion
Authors: Rogelberg Steven G. , Rumery Steven M.
Published: March 2007

Because of changing workplace demographics, teams are becoming more gender diverse. Most gender research has compared all-male with all-female teams or same-gender with balanced-gender teams. Using 96 four-person teams, this study examined the impact of 5 gender compositions (all-male, lone-female, balanced-gender; lone-male, and all-female) on decision quality, time on task, and interpersonal cohesion. Using a male-oriented task (t = 4.14, p < .05), data analyses revealed significant mean differences indecision quality across the various gender ratios, F(4, 91) = 2.72, p < .05. Furthermore, a trend analysis provided support for the expected direction of the mean differences. As the number of males in the team increased, so did team decision quality; however, lone female teams outperformed all-male teams, F(1, 91) = 9.02, p < .05. No significant differences in interpersonal cohesion or time on task were found across the various gender ratios. A "process" explanation of the findings isforwarded.
Analyzing Interaction Patterns in Dysfunctional Teams
Authors: Keyton Joann
Published: March 2007

After a brief review of team effectiveness models is presented, Stohl and Schell’s concept of farrago— a confusing group member who becomes the relational focus of a dysfunctional group—is reconfigured into primary and secondary provokers. It was hypothesized that a group’s dysfunction is caused by the primary provoker’s confusing behavior. Behaving at one anchor of a behavioral dimension and then at the other, the primary provoker pulls other group members into a web of confusing communication, causing them to become secondary provokers. The dysfunction that results replaces the task focus of the team. This assumption was tested in two studies of organizational work groups. Results indicate that confusion on only one dimension—the friendly-unfriendly—distinguishes dysfunctional from effective groups.
Teams in Organizations
Authors: Devine Dennis J. , Clayton Laura D. , Philips Jennifer L. , Dunford Benjamin B. , Melner Sarah B.
Published: March 2007

This article offers a typology of team types found in organizations and reports the results of two surveys sent to U.S. organizations asking about the prevalence, duties, composition, and structure of groups and teams in practice. One sample was randomly selected from the entire population of U.S. organizations; the second sample consisted of organizations known or believed to use teams. Nearly half (48%) of the respondents in the random sample indicated that their organization used some type of team, and ongoing project teams were reported most frequently. Teams were more prevalent in organizations with multiple departments, multiple divisions, higher sales, and more employees. Interpersonal conflict was the best predictor of perceived team effectiveness, but several structural and composition characteristics of the team were related to conflict and/or effectiveness as well. Organizations that reported using teams generally did not support them in terms of team-level performance feedback or compensation practices.
Improving Students’ Self-Efficacy in Strategic Management: The Relative Impact of Cases and Simulations
Authors: Tompson George H. , Dass Parshotam
Published: March 2007

Taught as the “capstone” course in most universities, strategic management is designed to teach the skills of strategic thinking and analysis rather than mere facts or concepts. So, educators should have some assurance that their students learn to “do” strategy. Self-efficacy enhances a person’s task interest, persistence, willingness to exert effort, and, ultimately, task performance. This article investigates the relative contribution of simulations and case studies for improving students’ self-efficacy in strategic management. Using pre-and posttest data from a sample of 252 students, the authors conclude that simulations result in significantly higher improvements in self-efficacy than case studies.
Issues in the Design and Use of System-Dynamics-Based Interactive Learning Environments
Authors: Davidsen Pål I.
Published: March 2007

The author presents an overview of the topics covered by the articles in this special issue on system-dynamics-based interactive learning environments (ILEs). The article shows how a system-dynamics-based ILE is being designed to portray the intimate relationship between structure and dynamic behavior in complex domains. The complexity and need for a structural foundation for the interpretation of behavior create the following challenges: to associate behavior to underlying structure; to explicitly represent the integration processes, including delays (lags), that drive dynamic behavior; to trace the various feedback structures so as to identify what determines their relative contribution to the overall behavior; to facilitate the strengthening and weakening of such loops as a basis for policy design; to represent any nonlinearity that might exist and map each operating point onto them so as to identify variations in dynamic sensitivity; to effectively portray the significance of uncertainty and vagueness; and last but not least, to put it all together.
Purpose and Learning Benefits of Simulations: A Design and Development Perspective
Authors: Goosen Kenneth R. , Jensen Ron , Wells Robert
Published: March 2007

In the development of business enterprise simulations, designers use as their knowledge base theories and business fundamentals drawn from accounting, finance, marketing, economic, production, and management courses. A problem exists, however, as each discipline has alternative procedures, theories, and unresolved issues. Because the simulation designer must choose specific procedures and theories, the personal bias of the designer enters the picture and cannot be avoided even if the designer attempts to avoid bias. The learning benefits of a specific simulation are thereby affected by what is and is not chosen as the knowledge base.
The Immigrants: The Irish Experience in Boston 1840-1859
Authors: Mulligan Patricia Alba , Gore Kay
Published: March 2007

THE IMMIGRANTS is a HyperCardTM stack to use on a Macintosh computer which allows students to adopt an Irish family immigrating to the United States in 1840. Students make decisions for them regarding employment, housing, and budgeting for 2 decades. There are five activities: problem solving, reading, writing, mathematics, and social studies. Teachers may have students work on the activities in small or cooperative groups, which then would include speaking and listening activities as well.
The Commons Game
Authors: Kirts Carla A. , Tumeo Mark A. , Sinz Jeanne M.
Published: March 2007

The COMMONS GAME was used in combination with lectures and discussion sessions to teach 19 university students the complexities and frustrations of managing commons property natural resources. On completion of the course, data from students' opinions of instruction, observations made during a postlecture/postgame analysis session, and a content analysis of students' essays were used to describe the extent to which the game provided a valuable instructional experience. The results provide evidence that the COMMONS GAME is a valuable teaching tool when used in a natural resources management context if special instructional considerations, designed to reinforce resource management concepts and techniques, are adequately addressed.
A Loser's Perspective II
Authors: Gentry James W.
Published: March 2007

This article takes a light-hearted view of the 1990 ABSEL simulation competition Unlike the process used by the winning team, losing groups learned some things and had fun playing the game as well.
Assessment Center Simulation
Authors: Steuer Eckhard
Published: March 2007

Assessment center (AC) programs have been in use in Germany since the 1920s and nowadays most of the big European and American firms select academic applicants through AC. The following contains an introduction into A Casa simulation technique and the format ofa compact university seminar that has been offered for 4 years now. Personnel experts from business and industry simulate an AC. Two firms always participate in the seminar that involves students applying to actual advertisements for job vacancies within the firms by sending in their curriculum vitae, among other things. During the course of the seminar, two groups of six are assessed by either Firm A or Firm B (i.e., leaderless group discussions, presentation, etc.) and it has been noted that participants are eager to obtain individual feedback concerning their strengths and weaknesses.
Student Ethnocentrism, Dogmatism, and Motivation: A Study of BAFA BAFA
Authors: Bruschke Jon C. , Gartner Carrie , Seiter John S.
Published: March 2007

Experiential and didactic approaches are both prevalent and potentially valuable; this study seeks to compare and contrast the methods of each. One specific simulation is examined: BAFA BAFA. This intercultural simulation is widely used and supported by educators, but few researchers have empirically tested its effectiveness. The results showed that, although BAFA BAFA did motivate students to do better in class, the simulation actually increased students' ethnocentrism in contrast to courses not using BAFA BAFA. The implications of these findings for education and future research are discussed
Forecasting and Management Ability: Rebuttal to Teach's Response
Authors: Wolfe Joseph
Published: March 2007

The responses offered by Richard Teach to my article that empirically examined his theses regarding the use of predictive accuracy serve to defend his initial position without addressing the negative findings I originally presented. The historical background of my study, as well as an elaboration of its methodology and supportive literature, is presented for those who might wish to replicate or further examine the application of Teach's ideas to either top management or functionally related business games.
The Compete Saga: Or 25 Years of Writing and Administering Simulation Games
Authors: Faria A. J. , Nulsen R. O.
Published: March 2007

This article describes the personal side of 25 years of simulation authorship and usage. Current simulation games are sophisticated and complex, and the quality of simulation research is excellent, but it is important to remember that simulations are also fun. This overview and reflection looks at the fun side of writing and administering business simulations.
Problem Framing through Gaming... and Problematic Games: A Response to Klabbers
Authors: Law-Yone Hubert
Published: March 2007

This is a response to Jan Klabbers's article, "Problem Framing Through Ganing: Learning to Manage Complexity, Uncertainty, and Value Adjustment. " It looks at the original article from three major viewpoints: the methodological, the epistemological, and the ontological. This critical analysis hence examines the reasoning process whereby the actor approach model of learning environment is derived from the machine approach model. Next, it looks at the claims for a differentiation between rationalism and historicism, and the distinction between problem solving and problem framing. Finally, the advocacy for a free-form gaming approach is criticized on pedagogic grounds. Its problematic relation to the representation, understanding, and handling of reality is pointed out. In sum, it is believed that clarification of these points should substantively improve this interesting article.
Flights of Imagination: Fostering Creativity through Experiential Learning
Authors: Gundry Lisa K. , Kickul Jill R.
Published: March 2007

An experiential approach for enhancing students' abilities to think and behave creatively is presented. The role of creativity in entrepreneurship education is becoming more significant as students and entrepreneurs are confronted with new problems that demand more integrative responses. Several experiential methods, both conceptual and behavioral, are discussed, and applications to entrepreneurship courses are suggested. With strengthened creative abilities, students will gain an advantage as they enact new roles in the marketplace as innovators and entrepreneurs.
Adapting Deming’s Funnel Experiment to a Content-Specific Area
Authors: Coleman Douglas W.
Published: March 2007

The FUNNEL EXPERIMENT was a “hands-on” activity designed by W. Edwards Deming in 1986 to give workers and supervisors in business and industry an intuitive grasp of certain statistical concepts needed for the correct interpretation of variation in quality measures. The author describes the FUNNEL EXPERIMENT in detail, allowing the reader to experience it. It is then recast for use in a content-specific area (in this case, for establishing intuitive understanding of variation in test scores in teaching English as a second language), showing how it can give teacher-trainees the understanding they need to avoid misinterpreting variation in educational measures.
As Teachers and Researchers, Where Do We Go From Here?
Authors: Gosen Jerry , Washbush John
Published: March 2007

This article does three things. First, it describes and contrasts the teaching styles of its two authors. Second, it proposes dimensions on which simulation teaching style and game administration design might vary. Third, it argues that teaching style and game design has a considerable impact on learning-related outcomes from simulation. From that argument it recommends that the relationship between teacher/administrator behaviors, designs, and decisions on one hand and outcomes on the other ought to be (further) researched. The article is both folksy and scholarly. It describes the mechanics of the authors’ teaching and cites others’ empirical research. It tries to marry what teachers do with what they believe the field ought to be studying.
Simulation and Gaming: Old Philosophy, New in Spain
Authors: Watts Frances , García-Carbonell Amparo
Published: March 2007

This article attempts to draw parallels between knowledge acquisition in ancient philosophy and knowledge acquisition in simulation and gaming. At the same time, it highlights the fact that Spain is still a young country in the use of the methodology, although it is beginning to have significant empirical experience and research in the field.
Clinical Practice Guidelines for Depression in Primary Care: What Social Workers Need to Know
Authors: Littrell Jill
Published: March 2007

In April 1993, the government issued guidelines for the treatment of major depression in primary care, stressing a pharmacological approach. Although several professional associations have endorsed these guidelines, the American Psychological Association has declined to do so. Primary care physicians consult with social workers on mental health issues, so social workers need to be aware of the questions that have been raised in the context of the controversy over the guidelines. An educated position on the controversy can only come from familiarity with the empirical literature on the research-based benefits and costs of drug treatment versus psychotherapy for major depression. This article offers the needed literature review, after first summarizing the nature of the depression-guidelines controversy.
Using an Event History Analysis to Evaluate Social Welfare Programs
Authors: Barton Thomas R. , Pillai Vijayan K.
Published: March 2007

This article presents an overview of how an event history analysis can be used to evaluate social welfare programs' impacts on events and the timing of events. An overview of event history analysis is presented, including a discussion of events and spells, hazards, censoring, duration intervals, longitudinal databases, design issues, and life table and multivariate analysis techniques. The article concludes with an example of how an event history analysis was used to evaluate the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program.
The Centre for Evaluation Studies at the University of Huddersfield: A Profile
Authors: Kazi Mansoor A. F.
Published: March 2007

The Centre for Evaluation Studies (Centre) at the University of Huddersfield in England includes evaluators from a variety of disciplines, enabling collaboration in a variety of ways. This article reviews the approaches and themes in the Centre's main activities in social work Although adhering to methodological pluralism, the Centre's emphasis is on practitioner evaluation, with a particular interest in the application of single-case evaluation frequently in combination with other methods, including the use of qualitative approaches. This article presents some key findings from the Centre's activities to date in the development of single-case evaluation.
Health Care Utilization by Children Entering Foster Care
Authors: Risley-Curtiss Christina , Combs-Orme Terri , Chernoff Robin , Heisler Alice
Published: March 2007

This is a study of the referral completion status of a cohort of children entering foster care, and the ability of selected factors to explain the completion of those referrals. It was found that although the children had multiple health problems their needs continued to go unmet. Two variables that accounted for 9% of the variance in referral completion were identified. The implications of these findings are discussed and issues for additional investigations are suggested.
Development of a Helping Relationship Inventory for Social Work Practice
Authors: Poulin John , Young Thomas
Published: March 2007

The authors report the development of an instrument to assess the strength of the helping relationship in social work The Helping Relationship Inventory has both client (HRI:C) and worker (HRI: W) versions. The HRI:C measures the strength of the helping relationship m social work practice from the perspective of the client, and the HRI: W measures the strength of the helping relationship from the perspective of the worker. The HRI:C is composed of items that capture those aspects of the helping relationship that are most salient to clients. The HRI: W is composed of items that capture those aspects of the helping relationship that are most salient to workers providing help. Both the client and worker versions of the inventory have acceptable reliability and validity estimates.
Using the Child Behavior Checklist in Assessing Conduct Disorder: Issues of Reliability and Validity
Authors: Lowe Laura A.
Published: March 2007

To determine the reliability, validity, and usefulness of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and its supplements in the identification of conduct disorder, an extensive review of the literature cur rently available on the CBCL and its supplements was conducted. Research revealed that the CBCL and its supplements were reliable and valid. The extent of knowledge concerning its use fulness in detecting conduct disorder was somewhat limited; however, the available information suggested that the instruments were highly sensitive to the disorder, if not particularly specific. The CBCL and supplements are useful tools in social work practice, including the identification of conduct disorder, if used in combination with other assessment instruments.
Validation of the Practice Skills Inventory With Experienced Clinical Social Workers
Authors: O'Hare Thomas , Collins Pauline , Walsh Thomas
Published: March 2007

The Practice Skills Inventory (PSI) was developed with MSW students to measure the frequency with which social workers employ specific intervention strategies. Despite initial evidence of validity, reliability, and utility further validation is needed with more experienced social workers. The current study with 281 experienced MSW practitioners revealed three factors (Supportive, Therapeutic, and Case Management) very similar to three of the original four factors derived from the previous study. However, some differences did emerge including an additional Insight factor. These four factors constituted a more parsimonious solution (23 items) than the original scale and accounted for over 60% of the variance with good to excellent internal reliabilities. Comparisons with the original version are made as well as suggestions for future research.
Productive Readings: The Portrayal of Health “Experts” in Women’s Magazines
Authors: Kirkman Allison
Published: March 2007

This article illustrates how health practitioners are portrayed through advice columns, articles, personal accounts, and advertisements in women’s magazines. Magazines provide a valuable source of information about health services and also influence lay knowledge about health and illness. A wide variety of health practitioners provide information and advice in women’s magazines, ranging from orthodox medical practitioners to alternative practitioners. However, there is a blurring of boundaries between these, with orthodox practitioners sometimes including alternative therapies in their practice and alternative therapists sometimes encompassing a number of orthodox therapies within their practice. The way health practitioners are represented in the media has implications for how their expertise in health issues is evaluated and used by consumers of health care services.
Crossed Wires: Interpreters, Translators, and Bilingual Workers in Cross-Language Research
Authors: Temple Bogusia
Published: March 2007

Increasingly, researchers are undertaking studies involving people who do not speak the same language as they do. Sociologists have long argued that language constructs the social world at the same time as it describes it. However, the implications of this for cross-language research are rarely considered. Employing interpreters/translators and “cultural brokers” in research raises methodological issues around the meanings of concepts and how to convey difference. Using a project that employed two Asian mental health workers, the author teases out some of the implications for research of language difference. She focuses both on the value of a biographical approach and on the problems such an approach presents.
The Organizational Cultures of Nursing Homes: Influences on Responses to External Regulatory Controls
Authors: Grau Lois , Wellin Edward
Published: March 2007

This article is a qualitative study of two skilled nursing facilities. The research was designed to investigate how the homes coped with the demands of government regulation for state licensure and Medicaid! Medicare certification. Regulatory responses were found to be tightly associated with the organizational cultures of the two homes. In one home, residents and staff members represented the same ethnic and social class group. Relations among and between staff members, residents, and residents' family members tended to be informal, with the result that the home had little concern that families would complain to external regulatory bodies. The second home was characterized by sociocultural heterogeneity between residents and staff. Tension between these two groups resulted in family complaints which, in turn, triggered defensive strategies designed to protect the home from regulatory interventions.