bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Researching social justice and health (in)equality across different school Health and Physical Education contexts in Sweden, Norway and New Zealand
Authors: Gerdin Göran , Philpot Rod Allan , Larsson Lena , Schenker Katarina , Linnér Susanne , Moen Kjersti Mordal , Westlie Knut , Smith Wayne , Legge Maureen
Published: July 2018

The way school Health and Physical Education (HPE) is conceptualized and taught will impact on its ability to provide equitable outcomes across gender, sexuality, ethnicity, religion and social class. A focus on social justice in HPE is pertinent in times when these ideals are currently under threat from neoliberal globalization. This paper draws on data from the initial year of an international collaboration project called ‘Education for Equitable Health Outcomes – The Promise of School Health and Physical Education’ involving HPE and Physical Education Teacher Education researchers from Sweden, Norway and New Zealand. The data in this paper record the researchers’ presentations and discussions about issues of social justice and health as informed by school visits and interviews with HPE teachers in the three different countries. The analysis of the data is focused on what is addressed in the name of social justice in each of the three countries and how cross-cultural researchers of social justice in HPE interpret different contexts. In order to analyse the data, we draw on Michael Uljens’s concepts of non-affirmative and non-hierarchical education. The findings suggest that researching social justice and health (in)equality across different countries offers both opportunities and challenges when it comes to understanding the enactment of social justice in school and HPE practices. We conclude by drawing on Uljens to assert that the quest for social justice in HPE should focus on further problematizing affirmative and hierarchical educational practices since social justice teaching strategies are enabled and constrained by the contexts in which they are practised.
Experimental study on shear behavior of notched long-hole perfobond connectors
Authors: Wang Xizhi , Liu Yuqing , Liu Yangqing
Published: July 2018

It is restricted in applying perfobond connectors in steel-concrete composite bridges with shallow rib heights or narrow connector distances, because it is unfavorable to enhance shear connection by enlarging hole diameter of perfobond connectors and difficult to install transverse rebars in perforated holes. To address this issue, an alternative perfobond connector was proposed by making a notch on the outer edge of the lengthened circular hole in this paper. To investigate the differences of failure mode, shear strength, slip behavior, and load transferring mechanism between circular-hole and notched long-hole perfobond connectors, a total of eight push-out tests were performed. Experimental results show that the shear strength of notched long-hole perfobond connectors exhibits an increase of about 20% compared with that of circular-hole perfobond connectors, and the shear stiffness and peak slip increase by over 10%. The enlarged hole area in notched long-hole perfobond connectors could weaken contribution percentage of concrete dowel to shear capacities, although the shear strength increases as the product of concrete compressive strength and hole area raises. Repeated loading hardly impacts shear strength of perfobond connectors but raises peak slip by 11% and 14% of circular-hole and notched long-hole perfobond connectors, respectively. Compared with single-row connectors, multi-row connectors exhibit a reduction of about 5% in shear capacities and an increase of about 10% in peak slips. The first row along the shear direction in multi-row connectors would bear the maximum percentage of shear load. Based on push-out test results, several typical existing equations for predictions of shear strength are compared and evaluated.
Healthy and sustainable diet and physical activity: the rationale for and experiences from developing a combined summary score
Authors: Bjørnarå Helga Birgit , Torstveit Monica Klungland , Bere Elling
Published: July 2018

Aims: First, to describe the rationale for developing a combined summary score, the Healthy and Sustainable Dietary and Physical Activity habits (HSDPA) score, incorporating four selected dietary and physical activity aspects: (a) the New Nordic Diet, (b) local and sustainable foods, (c) active transportation and (d) non-exercise outdoor activities. Secondly, to describe the experiences from constructing the HSDPA score. Methods: Relevant literature covering the four aspects of interest was reviewed to secure a well-grounded rationale and a theory-based approach. To measure compliance with such a broad approach targeting diet, physical activity, health and environmental sustainability, the HSDPA score was constructed including one subscale for each aspect. The four subscales were constructed from questionnaire items and were equally weighted, entailing a range from 0–10 points, hence the total HSDPA score ranged from 0–40 points. Results: In retrospect, we believe that the rationale for creating the HSDPA score is reasonable. Still, emphasizing fewer, but the most relevant aspects, such as reduced meat consumption and active transportation, may represent a more functional solution than the broad approach suggested herein, both for promoting public health and environmental sustainability, and for developing a feasible measurement tool. Conclusions: Our experiences illustrate the importance of methodological perspectives and scrutiny related to both the development and testing of complex summary scores. Nevertheless, we think that combined summary scores could be applicable for use within epidemiological studies and for measuring the effects of interventions, if accounting for the methodological limitations as far as possible.
Using Formative Research to Develop the Healthy Me, Healthy We Campaign
Authors: Hennink-Kaminski Heidi , Ihekweazu Chioma , Vaughn Amber E. , Ward Dianne S.
Published: July 2018

Although social marketing principles have been successfully employed in school-based obesity prevention interventions, their use in early care and education (ECE) settings has been limited. This paper reports on formative research to develop Healthy Me, Healthy We ( HMHW), an innovative social marketing campaign that encourages partnership between parents and providers to foster healthy eating and physical activity in preschoolers. To guide campaign development, we consulted existing literature and identified useful theories. In addition, three focus groups with providers ( n = 17) and four with parents ( n = 20) were conducted to understand strategies used to instill healthy habits in children, perceptions of how their personal behaviors influence children, and the usefulness of parent–provider partnerships. Parents and providers recognized healthy eating and physical activity as important to the development of the “whole child.” Both groups expressed feeling great responsibility for shaping children’ habits and being a role model for healthy behaviors, particularly for healthy eating. While parents and providers felt partnership was important, areas of conflict emerged with how partnerships should be executed. There is great potential for such partnerships, but careful communication is needed to avoid triggering feelings of guilt among parents and perceptions of superiority among providers. These findings informed campaign development, which was pretested in an ECE setting. The resulting HMHW campaign is delivered by the childcare center and includes materials for classroom and home use. The campaign helps strengthen parent–provider partnerships to encourage healthy eating and physical activity habits during early childhood, a critical period in the development of lifelong health habits.
The Creative Cycle and the Growth of Psychological Science
Authors: Fiedler Klaus
Published: July 2018

Scientific progress relies on the dialectics of loosening and tightening processes. Although most gripping accomplishments in psychological science testify to the critical role of creative and innovative theorizing (loosening), the ongoing debate on the quality of psychological science is focused almost totally on a restrictive sense of tightening, revolving around statistical hypothesis testing (tightening). A discussion of the imbalance between the conspicuous neglect of theory and the overstated importance of the sacred cow of significance testing raises a skeptical question: Do we seriously believe that stricter compliance rules, exact p values, effect size calculations, new statistics, and monitoring of research practices will foster the growth of excellent science? A more effective strategy would be to start a positive debate that focuses on the best exemplars of strong theorizing and fascinating findings, replacing the focus on insufficient science and unwanted practices.
The Mental Health of the Organic Farmer: Psychosocial and Contextual Actors
Authors: Brigance Christina , Soto Mas Francisco , Sanchez Victoria , Handal Alexis J.
Published: July 2018

Despite the large body of research and literature on the health and mental health of farmers, we should not assume that research findings necessarily apply to the organic farmer. The limited literature on the mental health of the organic farmer points to potential differences. Research has found that workers on organic farms may be happier than their counterparts; others have identified added sources of stress related to the perceived need of organic farmers to embrace concepts linked to the organic movement. However, further research is needed to identify both risk and protective factors for mental health among organic farmers. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the psychosocial and contextual factors that may relate to the mental health of the organic farmer. Key informant interviews were conducted with 10 farm producers and 20 farm workers. The findings indicated that respondents recognized mental health as influential in the workplace and the future of organic practices (e.g., the mental, financial, physical stress). Some of the risk factors mentioned by participants reflected those experienced by conventional, nonorganic farmers. Participants also reported contentment with farming as an occupation, the benefits of being connected to the land, feelings of social and environmental responsibility, and engagement in social activities that may promote human and social capital. These feelings and activities ultimately benefit the farmer, contribute to social cohesion, and may have positive implications for mental health. Results suggest that there may be protective mental health factors unique to the organic farmer.
Assessing Project Management Maturity
Authors: Ibbs C. William , Kwak Young Hoon
Published: July 2018

The principal goal of this study was to determine the financial and organizational impacts of project management. This study began with the development of a project management maturity model and an analysis methodology to assess the maturity of project management processes. The project management maturity analysis methodology consists of 148 multiple-choice questions that measure project management maturity, and cover 8 knowledge areas and 6 project phases. The maturity model and methodology were then applied by benchmarking 38 different companies and government agencies in 4 different industries. This assessment methodology provides solid and comparative studies on project management practices across industries and companies within an industry. It also provides a set of tools for organizations to use in identifying key areas of opportunity for improvement in project management.
An Empirical Investigation of International Project Management Practices: The Role of International Experience
Authors: Yasin Mahmoud M. , Martin James , Czuchry Andrew
Published: July 2018

This paper reports the results of a survey of 56 United States (U.S.) and 25 international construction project managers. Project management areas and related tools important to international construction project management success are identified and analyzed. The results show that significant gaps exist between the existing body of knowledge and the practice of international project management in relation to variables that are relevant to construction project management success. Also reported are the differences between U.S. construction project managers and their international counterparts concerning the art and practice of project management. The implications of the findings of this study to business organizations and institutions of higher learning are examined in the context of a conceptual research framework.
Project Manager Workload—Assessment of Values and Influences
Authors: Kuprenas John A. , Jung Chung-Li , Fakhouri Abdallah S. , Jreij Wahib G.
Published: July 2018

This work presents the results of a data-gathering survey of civil engineering design and construction firms to determine the number of projects that are assigned to project managers and to identify the factors that are used to determine a manager's workload. Analysis shows that most often a project manager is responsible for between 1–9 projects with the experience of the manager being the single most important influence in a firm's determination of workload. The management approach to the project, the complexity of the work, and the timing of the project are also found to be key influences. Recommendations summarize the survey findings and outline possible future research on the topic.
Cost Estimation Overruns in the North Sea
Authors: Emhjellen Magne , Emhjellen Kjetil , Osmundsen Petter
Published: July 2018

Recently, a Norwegian government report on the cost overruns North Sea projects was presented (NOU 1999:11). It concluded that there was a 25% increase in development costs from project sanction (POD, Plan for Operation and Development) to last CCE (Capital Cost Estimate) for the 11 oil field projects investigated. Many reasons like unclear project assumptions in early phase, optimistic interpolation of previous project assumptions, optimistic estimates, and underestimation of uncertainty were given as reasons for overruns. In this paper we highlight the possibility that the cost overruns are not necessarily all due to the reasons given, but also to an error in the estimation and reporting of the capital expenditure cost (CAPEX). Usually the CAPEX is given by a single cost figure, with some indication of its probability distribution. The oil companies report, and are required to do so by government authorities, the estimated 50/50 (median) cost estimate instead of the estimated expected value cost estimate. We demonstrate how the practice of using a 50/50 (median) CAPEX estimate for the 11 projects, when the cost uncertainty distributions are asymmetric, may explain at least part of the “overruns.” Hence, we advocate changing the practice of using 50/50 cost estimates instead of expected value cost estimates for project management and decision purposes.
Effective Project Management for Strategic Innovation and Change in an Organizational Context
Authors: Kenny John
Published: July 2018

Projects are a means of implementing strategy; the relationship of project management to strategic implementation in an organization is explored. Some of the recent project management literature is examined and a case study from the education sector is used to consider how to effectively link project management to organizational strategic processes. Project management techniques have been used very successfully in a wide range of areas. They are routinely applied in IT developments, building, government, and education. Recent thinking has raised questions about how to more closely match the techniques to the nature of individual projects.

The nature of different types of projects is explored through consideration of projects involving high levels of change, and/or innovation. By their nature, the final outcomes of such projects are not clearly defined and their execution may require many iterations of development.

A means of categorizing projects within an organization is developed. This, along with a set process guidelines, will enable an organization's management to more effectively consider the implications of implementing strategic projects. Monitoring such projects can present problems in an organization when management accountability mechanisms demand results and rigid processes are imposed.
Why Monte Carlo Simulations of Project Networks Can Mislead
Authors: Williams Terry
Published: July 2018

Monte Carlo simulation of project networks is a standard project-modelling technique. However, much of this analysis is inadequate, as project managers always take action to recover late-running projects, which is ignored in most models. This paper shows the importance of this omission (which generally gives unreasonably wide probability distributions) and discusses simple and easily coded models of project-management actions. The paper also notes a second flaw, explaining why risk-analyses rarely predict catastrophic overspends that sometimes occur, namely the inability to capture feedback loops resulting from chains of causality from management actions. The need to recognize these as part of the modelling and then take steps to avoid them is described.
A Balanced Scorecard Approach to Project Management Leadership
Authors: Norrie James , Walker Derek H. T.
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we discuss ways that project managers can use measurement (using a tool such as the balanced scorecard) to improve the operational performance of their project teams. Project managers will see that attaching measures to outcomes clarifies project objectives and supports well-defined and well-communicated links between the project vision and business strategy. These also enable project managers to more effectively monitor and control project activities for the purpose of improving project results. This paper reinforces the importance of strategy as an added dimension to the traditional triple constraint.

We present this information through our comparison and survey of two projects undertaken by project teams at a large North American global telecommunications organization. The results of our study provide early evidence of the usefulness of the balanced scorecard (BSC) as a tool for improving project management effectiveness. Our study also shows that balanced performance measurement is an important technique for establishing on-strategy project delivery. We propose using this technique primarily as an extension of current practices by adding a strategic measurement dimension.
Organizational Routines, Situated Learning and Processes of Change in Project-Based Organizations
Authors: Bresnen Mike , Goussevskaia Anna , Swan Jacky
Published: July 2018

Understanding and effecting change in project-based forms of organization is made difficult by the dispersed nature of management practices in such organizations and their effects upon the reinforcement of localized practices and routines that militate against the spread oforganization-wide change initiatives. Taking a perspective that is informed by the “situated” approach to knowledge and learning (Lave & Wenger, 1991), this paper focuses upon the role of organizational routines (Becker, 2004) in constraining or enabling the spread of new management practices within the firm. Drawing upon four case studies of change within UK construction firms, the paper examines the relationship between new and existing management practices and routines, focusing upon the effects of agency and managerial power and influence. Two key dimensions are revealed that influence the nature and extent of change: the extent to which new management initiatives interfere with existing project management practices; and the extent to which they disrupt the balance of power/knowledge within the organization. Implications for understanding and managing change in project-based organ-ization are drawn out and assessed.
Switch Leadership in Projects an Empirical Study Reflecting the Importance of Transformational Leadership on Project Success across Twenty-Eight Nations
Authors: Prabhakar Guru Prakash
Published: July 2018

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Mahatma Gandhi

This paper documents an empirical analysis of leadership in project management practices on 153 projects across 28 nations. This is a two-phase research study for which 46 projects were studied in phase 1 representing 14 nations and 107 projects were examined in phase 2 originating from 25 nations. The main purpose of this research is to study the importance of project leadership and team related factors and enlist the factors that play a pivotal role in achieving project success.

It is a multinational and thus multicultural research study that represents the present day project environment, which is highly multicultural and multidisciplinary.

The results from the analysis of data obtained from phase 1 lead to the development of the phase 2 questionnaires that further explores the links between different leadership aspects and project success as pointed out in the phase 1.

At the end the author provides a tentative and suggestive list of factors displaying the impact of critical leadership factors on project success
Developing Organizational Project Management Capability: Theory and Practice
Authors: Crawford Lynn
Published: July 2018

This paper traces the evolution of conceptions of project management from the use of tools and techniques on standalone projects to the conceptualization of project management as an organizational capability. Working from the premise that project management is a socially constructed field of practice that has developed through the conversations and deliberate efforts of practitioners, principles of discourse analysis are used as a framework for studying the extent to which practice reflects the espoused theories of organizational project management capability development. The actuality of practice is represented by periodic reports over a five-year period by the “owners” of project management in an organization with an expressed commitment to development of organizational project management capability and is analysed with reference to the related espoused theories of practitioners as represented in the project management literature, including bodies of knowledge, standards, and guides.
Project-Based Management as an Organizational Innovation: Drivers, Changes, and Benefits of Adopting Project-Based Management
Authors: Martinsuo Miia , Hensman Nicole , Artto Karlos , Kujala Jaakko , Jaafari Ali
Published: July 2018

This paper examines project-based management as an organizational innovation. Institutional theory and innovation diffusion literature suggest that the drivers for adopting an organizational innovation may differ across organizations, and that the drivers may be linked with the timing of the innovation. A survey questionnaire was used for data collection, and the sample consisted of 111 companies representing a variety of industries. The results of this study identified external pressure and internal complexity as drivers for introducing project-based management. The degree of process change, depth of project-based management adoption, and local success of project-based management introduction as changes caused by adopting project-based management are examined. The study also reveals benefits from introducing project-based management in the form of improvement in project culture, and efficiency improvement.
Projects and Project Managers: The Relationship between Project Managers' Personality, Project Types, and Project Success
Authors: Dvir Dov , Sadeh Arik , Malach-Pines Ayala
Published: July 2018

The fit between project managers' personality and management style and the types of projects they manage is crucial for projects' success. This exploratory interdisciplinary study focuses on the relationships among three aspects: projects' types (profiles), project managers' personality, and projects' success. Based on the person-organization fit theory it was hypothesized that a project with a particular profile needs a manager with fitting personality traits in order to achieve optimal performance and success. A questionnaire, consisting of three parts was used: (1) classifying projects along the four dimensions (novelty, complexity, technology, and pace [NCTP]); (2) focusing on project managers' personality traits relevant to these project dimensions; and (3) assessing the projects' success from several perspectives. Preliminary results lend tentative support to the study's hypothesis.
Organizational Culture Restraining in-House Knowledge Transfer between Project Managers a Case Study
Authors: Eskerod Pernille , Skriver Hans Jørgen
Published: July 2018

Even though the importance of knowledge transfer within project-oriented organizations is frequently emphasized in the recent project management literature, in practice, knowledge transfer only takes place to a rather limited extent. Based on an in-depth case study, findings from a company, in which several initiatives to promote knowledge transfer between five full-time project managers were taken, are presented. However, the initiatives did not bring the expected outcome. The organizational subculture encompassing project managers may explain reluctance in involvement in knowledge transfer and in sharing of lessons learned. Based on Schein's notion (1987) six basic underlying assumptions in the organizational culture that limit knowledge transfer are identified. Further, the authors propose an interaction paradigm underlying project managers' interactions.
Project Scheduling: Improved Approach to Incorporate Uncertainty Using Bayesian Networks
Authors: Khodakarami Vahid , Fenton Norman , Neil Martin
Published: July 2018

Project scheduling inevitably involves uncertainty. The basic inputs (i.e., time, cost, and resources for each activity) are not deterministic and are affected by various sources of uncertainty. Moreover, there is a causal relationship between these uncertainty sources and project parameters; this causality is not modeled in current state-of-the-art project planning techniques (such as simulation techniques). This paper introduces an approach, using Bayesian network modeling, that addresses both uncertainty and causality in project scheduling. Bayesian networks have been widely used in a range of decision-support applications, but the application to project management is novel. The model presented empowers the traditional critical path method (CPM) to handle uncertainty and also provides explanatory analysis to elicit, represent, and manage different sources of uncertainty in project planning.
The Impact of Residual Risk and Resultant Problems on Information Systems Development Project Performance
Authors: Purvis Russell , Henry Raymond M. , Tams Stefan , Grover Varun , McGregor John D. , Davis Steve
Published: July 2018

The research presented in this article considers how residual risk impacts project performance and: (1) evaluates the impact of specific categories of residual risks (actor, technology, task, and structure) on project performance; and (2) demonstrates the mediation role of categorical problems caused by residual risk on project performance. Data from 92 projects analyzed using partial least squares found support for mediation, and not direct effects between: (1) actor project problems and the effects of actor residual risk; (2) task project problems and the effects of task residual risk; and (3) technology project problems and the effects of technology residual risk on information systems development (ISD) project performance.
Sustainability in Construction Project Delivery: A Study of Experienced Project Managers in Nigeria
Authors: Zuofa Tarila , Ochieng Edward
Published: July 2018

Accomplishing sustainability-related targets in construction projects is progressively becoming popular. While some stakeholders generally recognize it as important, there are others with differing opinions. This article reports the results of an exploratory study involving interviews with 25 senior project managers from the construction industry who are involved in sustainability in some way. The main findings suggest that holistic sustainability practices and initiatives during the life cycles of projects in the construction industry have not been fully embraced. Although all interviews were carried out in Nigeria, the results may be applicable or interesting to other countries as well.
Influence of Project Partnering on Stakeholder Role Ambiguity and Project Manager Risk Perception in Information System Projects
Authors: Liu Julie Yu-Chih , Chiu Golden Chin-Tien
Published: July 2018

Project partnering is an efficient management intervention for enhancing software project performance. Empirical studies have shown that project partnering can effectively reduce role ambiguity during project development; however, these studies focused only on user-related problems. We conducted a matched triplet questionnaire survey of 102 software project managers, users, and developers to examine how project partnering enhances project performance via the risk perception and role ambiguity of certain key stakeholders. Results demonstrate that project partnering affects managers’ risk perception and certain key stakeholders’ role ambiguity, which in turn influences project performance. The findings provide new insight into the impact of risk perception and role ambiguity on project management.
Influential Factors for Team Reflexivity and New Product Development
Authors: Wu Wann-Yih , Rivas Adriana A. Amaya , Liao Ying-Kai
Published: July 2018

Despite the important influence of team reflexivity on new product development (NPD) success, a thorough analysis of its key antecedents, mediators, and moderators is lacking in the literature. Using cognitive fit theory, knowledge management perspective, justice theory, and self-verification theory, this study proposed that existing knowledge, task familiarity, and procedural justice are three of the vital factors that lead to NPD success by encouraging team reflexivity. This study also examined the effects of team conflict on team reflexivity and NPD success. Survey data were collected from 254 NPD team members, and these data were then analyzed using the PROCESS Macro from SPSS and the partial least squares (PLS) approach. The results of this study showed that the three aforementioned factors play a significant role in NPD success. The importance of team conflict was then examined, and the results showed that when relationship conflict is higher, the effect of team reflexivity on NPD success tends to be weaker.
Ex Post Risk Management in Public-Private Partnership Infrastructure Projects
Authors: Xiong Wei , Zhao Xianbo , Yuan Jing-Feng , Luo Sai
Published: July 2018

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have been widely used in infrastructure development in the past 30 years. However, a number of PPP projects have suffered serious risk scenarios and ended up with project failures. The change from a short-term contract period of traditional projects (fewer than five years) to a long-term contract period of PPP projects (20–30 years) has raised challenges to the traditional risk management. The high occurrence of renegotiations and early terminations of PPP projects suggest that ex ante risk management is no longer enough and ex post risk management is needed. This study aims to propose an ex post risk management model, under which renegotiations and early terminations are introduced. The application of this model begins with risk impact evaluation, then ex post risk response measures assessment, selection, and enforcement. An illustrative case is provided in the Appendix at the end of the article. The outputs of this study would facilitate governments’ decision making in PPP projects under serious risk scenarios.
Does Real Options Reasoning Support or Oppose Project Performance? Empirical Evidence from Electronic Commerce Projects
Authors: Jahanshahi Asghar Afshar , Brem Alexander
Published: July 2018

There is a consensus among scholars that real options reasoning is crucial for improving project performance but there has been little empirical support thus far; hence, we explore how real options reasoning may influence project timeliness, efficiency, and effectiveness. Our longitudinal analysis of 110 electronic commerce projects, drawn from new technology ventures, indicated the differential effects of real options reasoning on project performance. We find that higher uncertainty does not always lead to a greater use of real options reasoning. Although perceived environmental state uncertainty is positively linked to real options, perceived environmental effect and response uncertainty are not.
Innovation Resilience Behavior and Critical Incidents: Validating the Innovation Resilience Behavior-Scale with Qualitative Data
Authors: Oeij Peter R. A. , Dhondt Steven , Gaspersz Jeff B. R. , Van Vuuren Tinka
Published: July 2018

Project teams carrying out innovation projects are investigated during critical incidents. Earlier, a Team Innovation Resilience Behavior (IRB)-scale was successfully applied to quantitative survey data (Oeij, 2017). Team IRB is the team's capacity to effectively deal with possible incidents and ensure the project's continuation. This study uses qualitative data to validate the Team IRB concept. Methodologically, it is concluded that the concept of Team IRB allows for its application to both qualitative and qualitative data. The content conclusion is that teams that score highly for Team IRB are better in recovering from critical incidents than they are in preventing critical incidents.
The Successful Delivery of Megaprojects: A Novel Research Method
Authors: Locatelli Giorgio , Mikic Miljan , Kovacevic Milos , Brookes Naomi , Ivanisevic Nenad
Published: July 2018

Megaprojects are often associated with poor delivery performance and poor benefits realization. This article provides a method of identifying, in a quantitative and rigorous manner, the characteristics related to project management success in megaprojects. It provides an investigation of how stakeholders can use this knowledge to ensure more effective design and delivery for megaprojects. The research is grounded in 44 mega-projects and a systematic, empirically based methodology that employs the Fisher's exact test and machine learning techniques to identify the correlation between megaprojects’ characteristics and performance, paving the way to an understanding of their causation.
Predicting the Impact of Multiple Risks on Project Performance: A Scenario-Based Approach
Authors: Bañuls Victor A. , López Cristina , Turoff Murray , Tejedor Fernando
Published: July 2018

This article suggests a scenario-based approach to properly managing risks during the lifetime of a project. Our proposal aims at giving managers a structured process to predicting the impact of the occurrence of multiple risks that can affect project performance. This is a product of combining Cross-Impact Analysis (CIA) and Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) mechanics, which improve the predictive capacity of existing risk analysis techniques. In order to validate their risk predictions, we compare them with a sample of real projects carried out in an engineering company. The findings show a high explanatory capacity to forecast project risk influences.
The Three Secrets of Megaproject Success: Clear Strategic Vision, Total Alignment, and Adapting to Complexity
Authors: Shenhar Aaron , Holzmann Vered
Published: July 2018

Past studies have often voiced concern that important megaprojects have repeatedly failed due to extensive overruns, misunderstanding of expectations, or both. In this article, we contend that this pattern may not be inevitable. In retrospect, despite painful delays, some megaprojects eventually achieved their longer-term objectives. In this study, rather than asking why megaprojects fail, we asked whether these notable (and rare) accomplishments have anything in common. We found that successful megaprojects are distinguished by three major elements: clear strategic vision, total alignment, and adapting to complexity.
Tackling Project Management Competence Research
Authors: Nijhuis Steven , Vrijhoef Ruben , Kessels Joseph
Published: July 2018

The vast amount of previous research on project management competence does not provide a basis for educational needs. Analyzing previous research poses two challenges: the lack of a uniform list of competences, necessitating a taxonomy, and the use of importance as a criterion, favoring general important competences. Criticality is introduced as the competence a project manager adds to the team. Validation research using criticality and the taxonomy among experienced Dutch project managers is more comprehensive and provides a lesser focus on general important competences than previous research. Criticality focuses more on the essence of the profession.
Automated Cost Estimating System Using Neural Networks
Authors: Siqueira Ines
Published: July 2018

This paper presents an automated cost estimating (ACE) system for low-rise structural steel buildings. ACE is developed and coded using Borland C++ 5.0 in a Windows '95 environment. An efficient user interface allows for cost adjustments and markup allocation to individual cost items. Moreover, a number of project reports can be displayed upon request. ACE integrates artificial intelligence technologies and traditional spreadsheet applications. Neural networks are used in the system development in view of their learning and generalization capabilities. These networks utilize the knowledge obtained from previously constructed building projects to generate conceptual cost estimates in a timely manner. As such, estimates can be generated for different project scopes and characteristics in order to meet the user's needs. ACE uses NeuroShell 2, a commercial software, in the design and training of the neural network models. The capabilities of ACE are demonstrated through an example application. The methodology presented in this paper is not limited to cost estimating. It can easily be adapted to provide decision support for risk management and to assist in developing productivity models in a wide range of industries.
Ferri-fluoro-katophorite from Bear Lake diggings, Bancroft area, Ontario, Canada: a new species of amphibole, ideally Na(NaCa)(Mg4Fe3+)(Si7Al)O22F2
Authors: Oberti Roberta , Boiocchi Massimo , Hawthorne Frank C. , Ball Neil A. , Martin Robert F.
Published: July 2018

Ferri-fluoro-katophorite is the second species characterised involving the rootname katophorite in the sodium–calcium subgroup of the amphibole supergroup. The mineral and its name were approved by the International Mineralogical Association Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification, IMA2015-096. It was found in the Bear Lake diggings, Bancroft area, Ontario, Canada, where coarse euhedral crystals of amphibole, phlogopite, sanidine solid-solution (now coarsely exsolved to microcline perthite), titanite, augite, zircon and fluorapatite crystallised from a low-viscosity silicocarbonatitic magma of crustal origin. Greenish grey prismatic crystals of ferri-fluoro-katophorite generally protrude from the walls into a body of coarsely crystalline calcite, but they also occur away from the walls, completely enclosed by calcite. The empirical formula derived from electron microprobe analysis and single-crystal structure refinement is: A(Na0.55K0.32)Σ0.87B(Na0.79Ca1.18Mn2+0.03)Σ2.00C(Mg3.29Mn2+0.02Fe2+1.19Fe3+0.31Al0.09Ti4+0.08Li0.02)Σ5.00T(Si7.39Al0.61)Σ8.00O22W[F1.23 (OH)0.77]Σ2.00. Ferri-fluoro-katophorite is biaxial (–), with α = 1.640(2), β = 1.652(2), γ = 1.658(2), 2Vmeas. = 68.9(2)° and 2Vcalc.. = 70.1°. The unit-cell parameters are a = 9.887(3), b = 18.023(9), c = 5.292(2) Å, β = 104.66(3)°, V = 912.3(6) Å3, Z = 2 and space group C2/m. The strongest ten lines in the powder X-ray pattern [d values (in Å) I (hkl)] are: 2.708, 100, (151); 2.388, 74, (131); 3.139, 72, (310); 8.449, 69, (110); 2.540, 65, ($\bar{2}$02); 2.591, 53, (061); 2.739, 47, ($\bar{3}$31); 2.165, 45, (261); 3.279, 44, ($\bar{2}$40); 2.341, 43, ($\bar{3}$51).
Extracellular vesicles in DLBCL provide abundant clues to aberrant transcriptional programming and genomic alterations
Authors: Rutherford Sarah C. , Fachel Angela A. , Li Sheng , Sawh Seema , Muley Ashlesha , Ishii Jennifer , Saxena Ashish , Dominguez Pilar M. , Caldas Lopes Eloisi , Agirre Xabier , Chambwe Nyasha , Correa Fabian , Jiang Yanwen , Richards Kristy L. , Betel Doron , Shaknovich Rita
Published: July 2018

Key Points

EVs derived from DLBCL cells can be traced from and provide insight into cell of origin. Mutated RNAs may be preferentially packaged into EVs, and this could enable disease monitoring through liquid biopsy.
Maintenance antipsychotic treatment versus discontinuation strategies following remission from first episode psychosis: systematic review
Authors: Thompson Andrew , Winsper Catherine , Marwaha Steven , Haynes Jon , Alvarez-Jimenez Mario , Hetrick Sarah , Realpe Alba , Vail Laura , Dawson Sarah , Sullivan Sarah A.
Published: July 2018

Background

Understanding the relative risks of maintenance treatment versus discontinuation of antipsychotics following remission in first episode psychosis (FEP) is an important area of practice.

Method

A systematic review and meta-analysis. Prospective experimental studies including a parallel control group were identified to compare maintenance antipsychotic treatment with total discontinuation or medication discontinuation strategies following remission in FEP.

Results

Seven studies were included. Relapse rates were higher in the discontinuation group (53%; 95% CIs: 39%, 68%; N = 290) compared with maintenance treatment group (19%; 95% CIs: 0.05%, 37%; N = 230). In subgroup analyses, risk difference of relapse was lower in studies with a longer follow-up period, a targeted discontinuation strategy, a higher relapse threshold, a larger sample size, and samples with patients excluded for drug or alcohol dependency. Insufficient studies included psychosocial functioning outcomes for a meta-analysis.

Conclusions

There is a higher risk of relapse for those who undergo total or targeted discontinuation strategies compared with maintenance antipsychotics in FEP samples. The effect size is moderate and the risk difference is lower in trials of targeted discontinuation strategies.

Declaration of interest

A.T. has received honoraria and support from Janssen-Cilag and Otsuka Pharmaceuticals for meetings and has been has been an investigator on unrestricted investigator-initiated trials funded by AstraZeneca and Janssen-Cilag. He has also previously held a Pfizer Neurosciences Research Grant. S.M. has received sponsorship from Otsuka and Lundbeck to attend an academic congress and owns shares in GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca. J.H. has attended meetings supported by Sunovion Pharmaceuticals.
Cytokinin signalling regulates organ identity via the AHK4 receptor in Arabidopsis
Authors: Pernisova Marketa , Grochova Martina , Konecny Tomas , Plackova Lenka , Harustiakova Danka , Kakimoto Tatsuo , Heisler Marcus G. , Novak Ondrej , Hejatko Jan
Published: July 2018

Mutual interactions of the phytohormones, cytokinins and auxin determine root or shoot identity during postembryonic de novo organogenesis in plants. However, our understanding of the role of hormonal metabolism and perception during early stages of cell fate reprogramming is still elusive. Here we show that auxin activates root formation, whereas cytokinins mediate early loss of the root identity, primordia disorganisation and initiation of shoot development. Exogenous and endogenous cytokinins influence the initiation of newly formed organs, as well as the pace of organ development. The process of de novo shoot apical meristem establishment is accompanied by accumulation of endogenous cytokinins, differential regulation of genes for individual cytokinin receptors, strong activation of AHK4-mediated signalling and induction of the shoot-specific homeodomain regulator WUSCHEL. The last is associated with upregulation of isopentenyladenine-type cytokinins, revealing higher shoot-forming potential when compared with trans-zeatin. Moreover, AHK4-controlled cytokinin signalling negatively regulates the root stem cell organiser WUSCHEL RELATED HOMEOBOX 5 in the root quiescent centre. We propose an important role for endogenous cytokinin biosynthesis and AHK4-mediated cytokinin signalling in the control of de novo-induced organ identity.
An interview with Richard Gardner
Authors: Maartens Aidan
Published: July 2018

Richard Gardner began his career as a PhD student with Bob Edwards and ran his own lab, focusing on patterning of the early mammalian embryo, at the University of Oxford from 1973 until his retirement in 2008. A Fellow of the Royal Society since 1979, he was knighted for services to Biological Sciences in 2005 and received an Honorary Doctorate from Cambridge University in 2012. This year he was awarded the British Society of Developmental Biology (BSDB) Waddington Medal for major contributions to developmental biology in the UK. We caught up with him at the society's Spring Meeting in Warwick and discussed how a book of birds set him on a path to science, how his research was complemented by decades of advising government on scientific policy and why picking the right mentor in research is so important.
Ammonia and urea handling by early life stages of fishes
Authors: Zimmer Alex M. , Wright Patricia A. , Wood Chris M.
Published: July 2018

Nitrogen metabolism in fishes has been a focus of comparative physiologists for nearly a century. In this Review, we focus specifically on early life stages of fishes, which have received considerable attention in more recent work. Nitrogen metabolism and excretion in early life differs fundamentally from that of juvenile and adult fishes because of (1) the presence of a chorion capsule in embryos that imposes a limitation on effective ammonia excretion, (2) an amino acid-based metabolism that generates a substantial ammonia load, and (3) the lack of a functional gill, which is the primary site of nitrogen excretion in juvenile and adult fishes. Recent findings have shed considerable light on the mechanisms by which these constraints are overcome in early life. Perhaps most importantly, the discovery of Rhesus (Rh) glycoproteins as ammonia transporters and their expression in ion-transporting cells on the skin of larval fishes has transformed our understanding of ammonia excretion by fishes in general. The emergence of larval zebrafish as a model species, together with genetic knockdown techniques, has similarly advanced our understanding of ammonia and urea metabolism and excretion by larval fishes. It has also now been demonstrated that ammonia excretion is one of the primary functions of the developing gill in rainbow trout larvae, leading to new hypotheses regarding the physiological demands driving gill development in larval fishes. Here, we highlight and discuss the dramatic changes in nitrogen handling that occur over early life development in fishes.