bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addressing and Preventing Disproportionality in Exclusionary Discipline Practices for Students of Color With Disabilities
Authors: Green Ambra L. , Cohen Daniel R. , Stormont Melissa
Published: July 2018

Historically, schools across the nation have struggled to address significant racial or ethnic disproportionality, including overrepresentation in exclusionary discipline practices, special education identification, and restrictive educational placements. The federal government has mandated that local education agencies monitor and address disproportionality but has provided little guidance on how to begin. This current topics column discusses this moral and ethical issue and provides ways schools can begin to address or prevent disproportionality in disciplinary practices.
TRENDS: Police Militarization and the Use of Lethal Force
Authors: Lawson Edward
Published: July 2018

In recent years, the killing of suspects by police and the “militarization” of police have drawn considerable public attention, but there is little analysis of a relationship between the two. In this article, I investigate the possibility that such militarization may lead to an increase in suspect deaths using data on police receipt of surplus military equipment to measure militarization and a newly created database on suspect deaths in all fifty states quarterly from the fourth quarter of 2014 through the fourth quarter of 2016. The data consist of more than eleven thousand agency-quarter observations. I find a positive and significant association between militarization and the number of suspects killed, controlling for several other possible explanations.
Moving Closer to the Action: How Viewers’ Experiences of Eyewitness Videos in TV News Influence the Trustworthiness of the Reports
Authors: Halfmann Annabell , Dech Helena , Riemann Jana , Schlenker Leonie , Wessler Hartmut
Published: July 2018

This study develops and tests a theoretical model of viewers’ experiences of eyewitness videos (EWVs) in TV news reports and the resulting effects on perceived trustworthiness. It builds on qualitative research suggesting that the visual characteristics of EWVs cause specific effects, namely feelings of presence and empathy as well as perceptions of authenticity and bias. By conducting an online experiment ( N = 328), it was tested whether embedding an EWV in a report about the Ukraine conflict influences perceived trustworthiness of the report through these four mediating effects. The results confirm that presence, empathy, and perceived bias served as mediators.
Suiga/Change: An Ethnodrama Exploring Challenges in Intimate Relationships With Young People in Samoa
Authors: Heard Emma , Fitzgerald Lisa , Va’ai Sina , Collins Fiona , Mutch Allyson
Published: July 2018

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant global issue and there is an immediate need to strengthen knowledge and support innovative action, particularly with young people and people in diverse cultural settings. This ethnodrama provides insights into the way young people in Samoa, a Pacific Island nation reporting high rates of IPV, experience and perceive IPV and challenges within intimate relationships. Suiga/Change is an authentic, emotive, and powerful story of four young people who represent the diversity and lived experiences of the wider population of young people in Samoa. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Reading to Learn From Online Information: Modeling the Factor Structure
Authors: Kiili Carita , Leu Donald J. , Utriainen Jukka , Coiro Julie , Kanniainen Laura , Tolvanen Asko , Lohvansuu Kaisa , Leppänen Paavo H. T.
Published: July 2018

Identifying the factor structure of online reading to learn is important for the development of theory, assessment, and instruction. Traditional comprehension models have been developed from, and for, offline reading. This study used online reading to determine an optimal factor structure for modeling online research and comprehension among 426 sixth graders (ages 12 and 13). Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to evaluate an assessment of online research and comprehension based on a widely referenced theoretical model. Student performance reflected the theoretical constructs of the model, but several additional constructs appeared, resulting in a six-factor model: (a) locating information with a search engine, (b) questioning credibility of information, (c) confirming credibility of information, (d) identifying main ideas from a single online resource, (e) synthesizing information across multiple online resources, and (f) communicating a justified, source-based position. The findings are discussed in terms of theory, assessment, and instruction.
Intrinsic Survival Mechanisms for Retinal Ganglion Cells
Authors: Levin L. A.
Published: July 2018

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis) after axonal injury. This cell death is mediated by several mechanisms, including deprivation of neurotrophic factors, alterations in gene expression, and production of reactive oxygen species. However, death of RGCs is delayed-after axonal injury, and a significant number survive even after several days. This suggests that RGC death is not an immediate result of axonal injury, and that other pro-survival factors may play a role. While we and other researchers have focused on the mechanisms of cell death after axonal injury, it may be that determining the regulation of cell survival mechanisms may lead to innovative methods for neuroprotection. The final common pathway of glaucomatous optic neuropathy is RGC death, probably via damage to their axons occurring at or near the lamina cribrosa. Axonal injury leads directly (1) or indirectly (2) to the death of retinal ganglion cells. We and others have demonstrated that axotomy is associated with RGC apoptosis (3–7) as well as specific changes in expression of certain genes at the mRNA and protein level (8, 9). Reactive oxygen species may also be part of the pathway for RGC death (10, 11). We therefore hypothesize that axotomy leads to molecular events that are potentially destructive to RGCs, but also induces changes that are potentially protective against cellular injury. If this is the case, then RGC death from axonal injury would result not only from initiation of apoptosis, but also from failure of intrinsic neuroprotective mechanisms. It should therefore be theoretically possible to modulate these two classes of responses, and thus improve RGC cell survival after axotomy.
Optic Nerve Assessment: A Clinical Endpoint of Optic Neuropathy
Authors: López A. Antón
Published: July 2018

Objective, quantitative, and reproducible methods of optic nerve assessment need to be utilized during research that measures the capability of pharmacological agents to prevent or decrease the rate of progressive ganglion cell atrophy occuring with glaucoma. Confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy has recently been developed, and offers objective, quantitative, and three-dimensional evaluation of the optic nerve head and peripapillary retina. This article reviews the use, application, and parameters of one such instrument, the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (HRT). Although HRT offers several methods to evaluate changes in optic nerve topography, these applications are still continually evolving. Therefore, confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy may be particularly useful for assessing the neuroprotective effect of new medications for glaucoma.
Psychophysical Endpoints
Authors: Johnson C.A.
Published: July 2018

While developing neuroprotective agents for managing glaucoma, researchers must be able to demonstrate treatment efficacy by relying on outcome measures other than intraocular pressure (IOP) and endpoints other than lowering of IOP. Attempts to improve the ability to monitor progressive glaucomatous loss have concentrated on new visual field analysis procedures; new, more sensitive test procedures; and the development of methods to reduce variability. Although none of these approaches has achieved a completely satisfactory solution, this article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of currently available techniques in visual field analysis, new perimetric tests, and current methods of reducing variability.
Ethnomethodological criticism of ethnography
Authors: Hammersley Martyn
Published: July 2018

Ethnomethodologists have made some fundamental criticisms of conventional forms of ethnography. For example, it has been argued that they fail to examine the processes through which the phenomena studied have been constituted, and that they lack rigour because they rely upon unexplicated common-sense knowledge. In my view, these criticisms have not been given sufficient attention. This article outlines them in detail and then goes on to provide an evaluation. It is concluded that they do not provide a sufficient basis for the radical-re-specification of the focus of inquiry that ethnomethodologists propose. However, they do raise issues to which ethnographers should give more attention.
Health monitoring of urban rail corrugation by wireless rechargeable sensor nodes
Authors: Lu Jun , Gao Mingyuan , Wang Yifeng , Wang Ping
Published: July 2018

This article presents a prototype of wireless rechargeable sensor nodes for the health monitoring of urban rail corrugation. The proposed system includes a local energy generator constructed based on the electromagnetic-induction principle, a DC–DC booster converter, wireless sensor nodes, and an analysis interface using Littlewood–Paley wavelet transform methods. A vehicle–track interaction model is established that considers the rail corrugation as an irregularity excitation source to predict the dynamic response of railway tracks with rail corrugation. To verify the theoretical prediction, field testing was conducted, and the power consumption of the sensor nodes was evaluated. Finally, a case study showed that rail corrugation defects can be identified by measuring the rail acceleration signals and using Littlewood–Paley wavelet analysis.
Football Spectator No-Show Behavior
Authors: Schreyer Dominik , Schmidt Sascha L. , Torgler Benno
Published: July 2018

In this article, we aim to contribute to the ever-growing economic literature on the determinants of football stadium attendance by exploring the increasingly important yet underresearched phenomenon of spectator no-show behavior. More specifically, we analyze a panel data set containing unique information on no-show behavior observed in the stadiums of 25 Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 clubs. Our results suggest that no-show behavior is primarily shaped by explanatory factors related to a football games’ quality aspects (e.g., an appearance by superstars, an away team rich in tradition, and geographical derbies). Interestingly, these effects seem to significantly differ across Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2.
Reconceptualizing Qualitative Research Involving Young People and Sexuality at School
Authors: Allen Louisa
Published: July 2018

This article attempts to reconceptualize qualitative research around young people, sexuality, and schooling. In a bid to contribute to what has been coined “post-qualitative” research, it grapples with questions of epistemology and ontology which some argue much humanist methodology negates. This discussion is situated within current debates about the utility of method and a context in which sexuality research and methodology appears to have stagnated. Taking two moments from sexuality research previously conceived within a humanist qualitative methodological paradigm, the article thinks them with feminist new materialist thought. The aim is to consider what new methodological, ethical, and ontological possibilities feminist new materialist ideas afford for research in the field of sexualities and beyond. The article argues that new materialist thought invites an open-ness and response-ability from researchers which reorients the ethics of sexuality research and the nature of sexuality itself.
Balloon-Based Organ Retractor With Increased Safety and Reduced Invasiveness During Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery
Authors: Taniguchi Daisuke , Matsumoto Keitaro , Kondo Yoshihiro , Shimoyama Koichiro , Hashimoto Yasumasa , Elgalad Abdelmotagaly , Obata Tomohiro , Miyazaki Takuro , Tsuchiya Tomoshi , Matsuo Naoto , Lawn Murray John , Yamasaki Naoya , Yamamoto Ikuo , Nagayasu Takeshi
Published: July 2018

Objectives. In recent years, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has increasingly become the preferred technique for thoracic surgery. However, the inherent characteristics of the lungs as large, soft, slippery, and delicate creates difficulties for pulmonary surgery. In this article, we outline the development and assessment of a balloon-based organ retractor for VATS via collaboration between medical and engineering personnel. Methods. A dry lab trial and accompanying questionnaire assessment were performed by a group of thoracic surgeons. Objective pressure measurements were obtained, and animal experiment on pigs was performed. Results. In the dry lab trial, use of the developed organ retractor required significantly less time and resulted in fewer difficulties than using a Cherry Dissector. The measured pressure per mm2 of the developed retractor was clearly lower than that for the Cherry Dissector. The questionnaire completed by the surgeons following the dry lab and animal experiments showed that most of the surgeons (7 surgeons out of 9) were satisfied with the quality of the balloon-based retractor based on a score of 3.13 ± 0.28 (mean ± standard deviation) out of 4.0. During the animal experiment, the balloon-based retractor provided stable and clear viewing with minimal need for adjustment. Conclusion. This balloon-based retractor could contribute to increased safety and less-invasive VATS.
The Health Impact of Experiences of Discrimination, Violence, and Immigration Enforcement Among Latino Men in a New Settlement State
Authors: Mann-Jackson Lilli , Song Eunyoung Y. , Tanner Amanda E. , Alonzo Jorge , Linton Julie M. , Rhodes Scott D.
Published: July 2018

Among Latinos in the United States, particularly in new settlement states, racial/ethnic discrimination, violence, and immigration enforcement contribute to health disparities. These types of experiences were explored among Latino men in North Carolina through quantitative assessment data ( n = 247). Qualitative in-depth interviews were also conducted with a subsample of Latino men who completed the assessment ( n = 20) to contextualize quantitative findings. Participants reported high rates of unfair treatment, discrimination or violence, and questioning about their immigration status. Having been questioned about one’s immigration status was significantly associated with increased drug use (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.16; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.07, 4.38]) and increased depressive symptoms (AOR = 2.87; 95% CI [1.07, 7.67]). Qualitative themes included: reports of frequent discrimination based on immigration status, race/ethnicity, and language; workplaces and police interactions as settings where reported discrimination is most common and challenging; frequent violent victimization; psychological consequences of experiences of discrimination and violence and concerns related to immigration enforcement for Latino men and their families; inter- and intra-community tensions; health-care services as safe spaces; use of coping strategies; and system-level approaches for reducing discrimination and violent victimization of Latinos. Findings point to the need to address underlying causes of discrimination and violence toward Latinos, particularly those related to immigration enforcement, to support health and well-being.
Replication, Registration, and Scientific Creativity
Authors: Brainerd C. J. , Reyna Valerie F.
Published: July 2018

The bureaucratization of psychological science exacts intellectual costs that go beyond the sheer amount of time that is drained away from creative scientific activity. Additional administrative hurdles are now being generated in an attempt to ensure the replicability of psychological effects. A cognitive analysis of those hurdles shows that impairment of scientific creativity is a foreseeable consequence, owing to their frequent verbatim-processing focus and the negative emotional context in which they are embedded. We consider whether it is possible to enhance replicability without increasing bureaucratic obstacles and to enhance scientific creativity in the presence of such obstacles.
The Road to Uncreative Science Is Paved With Good Intentions: Ideas, Implementations, and Uneasy Balances
Authors: Kaufman James C. , Glǎveanu Vlad P.
Published: July 2018

How does the current replication crisis, along with other recent psychological trends, affect scientific creativity? To answer this question, we consider current debates regarding replication through the lenses of creativity research and theory. Both scientific work and creativity require striking a balance between ideation and implementation and between freedom and constraints. However, current debates about replication and some of the emerging guidelines stemming from them threaten this balance and run the risk of stifling innovation. Although we recognize the importance of doing rigorous science, we argue that any “one size fits all” research guidelines being proposed or enforced will do more harm than good for scientific creativity.
Intrinsic thermoacoustic modes and their interplay with acoustic modes in a Rijke burner
Authors: Hosseini N , Kornilov VN , Lopez Arteaga I , Polifke W , Teerling OJ , de Goey LPH
Published: July 2018

The interplays between acoustic and intrinsic modes in a model of a Rijke burner are revealed and their influence on the prediction of thermoacoustic instabilities is demonstrated. To this end, the system is examined for a range of time delays, temperature ratios and reflection coefficients as adjustable parameters. A linear acoustic network model is used and all modes with frequency below the cut-on frequency for non-planar acoustic waves are considered. The results show that when reflection coefficients are reduced, the presence of a pure ITA mode limits the reduction in the growth rate that usually results from a reduction of the reflection coefficients. In certain conditions, the growth rates can even increase by decreasing reflections. As the time delay of the flame and thus the ITA frequency decreases, the acoustic modes couple to and subsequently decouple from the pure ITA modes. These effects cause the maximum growth rate to alternate between the modes. This investigation draws a broad picture of acoustic and intrinsic modes, which is crucial to accurate prediction and interpretation of thermoacoustic instabilities.
Iron parameters in patients with end-stage renal disease receiving lanthanum carbonate or other non-iron-based phosphate binders: Results from a phase 3, randomized open-label study
Authors: Wilson Rosamund J , Jones Beverly , Marelli Claudio
Published: July 2018

Objectives:

The recent availability of iron-based phosphate binders has raised some concerns about iron overload in patients with end-stage renal disease. This study evaluated iron parameters in patients with end-stage renal disease receiving lanthanum carbonate or other non-iron-based phosphate binders.

Methods:

This analysis used 2-year follow-up data from an open-label, multicentre, randomized, active-controlled, parallel-group, phase 3 trial of lanthanum carbonate (SPD405-307). After a washout period, if patients’ serum phosphate levels exceeded 5.9 mg/dL, they were randomized 1:1 to receive lanthanum carbonate (375–3000 mg/day) or non-iron-based standard therapy during a 6-week dose titration period. Patients achieving control of serum phosphate levels (⩽5.9 mg/dL) received maintenance therapy with lanthanum carbonate or standard therapy for up to 24 months.

Results:

No clinically relevant changes in mean (standard deviation) iron parameters between the treatment groups (lanthanum carbonate, n = 682; standard therapy, n = 677) from baseline to month 24/final visit were observed: iron (µg/dL), −1.1 (41.8) versus 1.0 (38.7); ferritin (ng/mL), 208.4 (445.1) versus 262.4 (505.5); transferrin saturation (%), 2.8 (18.0) versus 2.8 (17.3); and haemoglobin (g/dL), 0.4 (1.9) versus 0.3 (1.7), respectively (all, p > 0.1). There were no clinically relevant changes in the percentage of patients receiving any anti-anaemic preparation in either treatment group (pre- vs post-randomization: lanthanum carbonate, 94.9% vs 97.8%; standard therapy, 95.1% vs 98.8%, respectively). This is in contrast to the study by Lewis and colleagues, which found significant increases in ferritin and transferrin saturation levels in patients receiving ferric citrate versus active control (calcium acetate and/or sevelamer carbonate) after 52 weeks of therapy. Although serum ferritin and transferrin saturation are the recommended iron indices by the Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative, they are indirect indicators of iron status. Longer-term studies are required to understand fully the potential risks associated with iron overload.

Conclusion:

No evidence of iron accumulation was found in patients with end-stage renal disease receiving lanthanum carbonate or other non-iron-based binders.
Ventrolateral Prefrontal Cortex Activation During Social Exclusion Mediates the Relation Between Intolerance of Uncertainty and Trait Aggression
Authors: Gorka Stephanie M. , Phan K. Luan , Hosseini Bobak , Chen Eunice Y. , McCloskey Michael S.
Published: July 2018

Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is an important individual difference factor that may contribute to trait-like aggression. Deficient engagement of the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) during social situations may also be a mechanism that links these two constructs. The aim of the current study was to test a proposed mediation model whereby IU is associated with trait aggression through neural activation of the vlPFC during a social exclusion task. A total of 53 adults with a range of impulsive-aggressive traits completed validated assessments of IU and trait aggression and the Cyberball social exclusion task during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Results supported the mediation model such that greater levels of IU were associated with greater trait aggression through hypoactivation of the vlPFC during social exclusion. This study is the first to provide evidence suggesting that individuals higher in IU have difficulties engaging regulatory neural processes, which in turn may increase the propensity for aggression.
Central Sensitization: Explanation or Phenomenon?
Authors: van den Broeke Emanuel N. , Torta Diana M. , Van den Bergh Omer
Published: July 2018

Central sensitization (CS) is a popular concept that is frequently used to explain pain hypersensitivity in a large number of pain conditions. However, the concept of CS is now also increasingly used to explain nonpain symptoms. In the present commentary, we argue that CS, as defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain, refers to changes in nociceptive neurons only and therefore cannot be applied to enhanced responses to stimuli other than nociceptive and/or pain. Moreover, the evidence for CS in widespread pain (other than secondary hyperalgesia) and many other conditions is scarce to absent. As a consequence, CS is a descriptive label for the explanandum rather than an explanation and, as such, suffers the risk of being a circular explanation. Finally, cognitive and emotional factors should also be considered as potential mechanisms for the wide range of phenomena that are currently interpreted as evidence for CS.
Use of a Modified All-Epiphyseal Technique for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in the Skeletally Immature Patient
Authors: Pennock Andrew T. , Chambers Henry G. , Turk Robby D. , Parvanta Kristina M. , Dennis M. Morgan , Edmonds Eric W.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Multiple surgical approaches have been described for the management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in skeletally immature patients.

Purpose:

To provide a detailed description of a modified all-epiphyseal ACL reconstruction and report early outcomes and complications with this new technique.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all skeletally immature patients undergoing ACL reconstruction via a modified all-epiphyseal technique prior to July 2015 was performed. Skeletally immature male patients with a bone age of 8 to 15 years and female patients with a bone age of 8 to 12 years were selectively indicated for this procedure. The surgical technique involved an all-epiphyseal femoral tunnel drilled parallel and distal to the physis as well as an all-epiphyseal tibial tunnel. Both tunnels were placed in the anatomic footprint of the ACL. Tibial fixation was achieved first with a suspensory cortical fixation device followed by fixation on the femur with an interference screw.

Results:

During the study period, 30 patients with a mean bone age of 11.8 years underwent ACL reconstruction with this physeal-sparing technique; 26 patients (87%) achieved a minimum follow-up of 2 years. At final follow-up, the mean Lysholm score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score, patient satisfaction, return-to-sport rate, and Tegner activity score were 93, 89, 9.2, 94%, and 7.6, respectively. Four graft failures (15%) and 3 (12%) contralateral ACL tears were identified. One patient was noted to have a 12-mm leg-length discrepancy at final follow-up, which required no additional treatment. No other leg-length discrepancies or angular deformities were identified.

Conclusion:

The modified all-epiphyseal ACL reconstruction technique achieved good functional outcomes, a high rate of return to sport, low failure rates, and low physeal injury rates at a mean follow-up of 3.2 years. Skeletally immature patients with an ACL tear requiring reconstruction pose a unique challenge for sports medicine clinicians. While several previous approaches have been described for this patient population, the proposed benefits of this new technique are that it is anatomic, it is physeal sparing, it uses osseous tunnels, and it provides good initial graft fixation strength.
Evaluation of Models for Forecasting the Final Cost of a Project
Authors: Zwikael Ofer , Globerson Shlomo , Raz Tzvi
Published: July 2018

This paper addresses how to estimate the final cost of a project and when the estimate becomes accurate. The performance of five forecasting models drawn from literature was evaluated with data from a sample of actual projects. A stability analysis was carried out in order to identify when the forecasts become stable and accurate for the model that emerged as the most accurate.
Project Management and Communication of Product Development through Electronic Document Management
Authors: Amami Mokhtar , Beghini Giorgio
Published: July 2018

While the literature on project management and product development is voluminous, in reality little of it addresses the questions of document management of new organizational procedures to increase project development productivity, and of software development tools required to support and control these procedures. This research study develops a new methodology to integrate project management (activities, milestones, and resources) and document management (responsibilities, authorizations, workflows, archives, and storage). The aim of the integration is threefold. First, it aims to plan and to control activities and documents essential for product development. Second, it aims to ensure the management of documents in terms of responsibilities, authorizations, dissemination, and storage. And third, it aims to trace and locate documents for any type of product. Further, this study shows the value of electronic document management (EDM) in terms of improving the management and communication of concepts and ideas, whether it be for project teams or organizations, for reengineering basic business processes, or for leveraging long-run organizational memory through documents.
Project Management Topic Coverage in Recent Conferences
Authors: Zobel Anne M. , Wearne Stephen H.
Published: July 2018

The paper presents an analysis of the relative frequency of attention to project management body of knowledge topics in papers presented at recent Project Management Institute (PMI®) seminars/symposia and International Project Management Association congresses. The results show that some topics of importance in project management have had little or no attention at these conferences, and that sectors of industry are not represented to match their importance in national economies. Possible reasons for these results are discussed and some recommendations offered to the organizers of future conferences.
Modeling the Cost of Political Risk in International Construction Projects
Authors: Al-Tabtabai Hashem , Alex Alex P.
Published: July 2018

This paper describes a neural network model that can provide assistance in predicting the additional increase in project cost, due to political risk source variables affecting a construction project. The risk factors that affect a construction project are classified as “political source variables” and “project consequence variables.” These source variables are identified and represented in a neural network model. The paper explains how the developed political risk control model can be incorporated directly into a project cost estimation process. The paper concludes with a discussion of the capabilities and limitations of the proposed political risk estimation method, and how it will assist project managers in computing a realistic cost estimate for typical international construction projects under different political conditions.
Developing Project Management Skills: A Service Learning Approach
Authors: Brown Karen A.
Published: July 2018

This paper describes a unique approach to project management education. MBA students enrolled in a project management course have been renovating homes for low-income senior citizens. Concurrent with instruction in project planning and control methods, students must communicate with a customer, plan tasks, coordinate schedules, procure materials, learn construction skills, perform physical labor, and track project progress. Reflection activities ensure that students see the broadly applicable metaphors that emerge from the experience. Results indicate that a community service project can provide a powerful learning vehicle. Evidence from similar programs run through corporations suggests that this approach is suited to industry applications, as well.
A Heuristic to Maximize the Net Present Value for Resource-Constrained Project-Scheduling Problems
Authors: Abbasi Ghaleb Y. , Arabiat Yasser A.
Published: July 2018

The objective of this research was to schedule project activities based on maximum net present value (NPV) and minimum duration. A new hybrid heuristic based on the combination of minimum late start (MLS) and shortest processing time (SPT) priority-rules heuristics was developed. The new late start and shortest processing time (LSSPT) heuristic was tested using 60 problems of the Patterson set, and results compared with 4 other heuristics. To test all 5 previous heuristics, 5 computer programs were developed. Statistical analysis was performed. Results indicate that the new heuristic produced better and encouraging results.
Using Social Network Analysis to Visualize Project Teams
Authors: Mead Stephen P.
Published: July 2018

Past research indicates that effective communication is one of the keys to successful project management. Unfortunately, because it involves people, communication is a complex and continually changing subject that is difficult to measure. Communication on today's projects is becoming increasingly complex. Technological complexity, multiple stakeholders, and compressed time frames are inundating project managers with a sea of information. While most project managers agree that good communication is vital to project success, there are few tools that are available for measuring project performance. This paper presents a social network analysis (SNA) approach that has been used widely in the social sciences to analyze and measure how communication occurs between individuals and groups. The discussion includes a review of the basic concepts of SNA, provides background on data collection and analysis, and describes a case study where SNA was used to understand project communication performance.
Construction Total Project Management Planning Issues
Authors: Yates Janet K. , Eskander Adel
Published: July 2018

This paper provides an analysis of the types of delays that affect the planning and scope development of construction projects. The information presented in this paper was obtained during a research project that investigated construction planning issues, delay factors, and mitigation strategies to reduce delays. As part of the research effort, a survey containing 45 questions related to planning issues and delays was used to collect data from 101 engineering and construction (E&C) industry professionals. This paper discusses the results of the last section of the survey where the respondents indicated which of the 27 types of delays are encountered most frequently on their projects and the strategies they use for addressing these types of delays. Information also is provided in this publication on project development requirements, project control systems, the planning process, project budget planning, project financing, program management, the need for a standardized project management process, planning delay factors, and mitigation strategies to reduce planning delays.
Using Modularization to Manage Construction of Onshore Process Plants: A Theoretical Approach and a Case Study
Authors: Cigolini Roberto , Castellano Antonio
Published: July 2018

This paper presents a model aimed at supporting construction managers in the early stages of projects by generating quantitative results and “what-if” analyses about modularization, i.e., fabricating and preassembling plant elements far from where the plant is to be placed. To build the model, the activities influenced by modularization have been identified. The related cost drivers have been distinguished, and the impact of modularization on these cost drivers has been evaluated. Last, the overall project costs under the modular and traditional approaches are compared. The proposed model has been tested on a real-life case study. By using the proposed model, the average error in estimating project cost parameters is reduced about 70%, or from 30% to 10%, comparing the preliminary studies that contractors usually perform in the early steps of projects.
Scheduling Programs with Repetitive Projects Using Composite Learning Curve Approximations
Authors: Amor Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2018

Programs that require executing a modest number of similar projects arise in several industries, such as aerospace, construction, and defense. The scheduling of such programs often involves deciding how many projects will run simultaneously (in parallel) to “optimally” trade-off resource utilization and penalty costs. One approach for scheduling such programs is to perform a quick approximation and following it later with a “full-blown” procedure. By assuming a common learning rate for all project activities, the quick approximation, although computationally inexpensive, is not sufficiently accurate to eliminate the need for the full procedure, which requires so much data tracking and so many calculations that it is discouraging to practitioners. The approximation proposed in this paper is significantly more accurate than the quick approximation, while requiring only slightly more computation, making it more valuable for program managers.
The Application of Project Scheduling Techniques in a Real-Life Environment
Authors: Vanhoucke Mario , Demeulemeester Erik
Published: July 2018

The scheduling of activities over time has gained increasing attention with the development of the critical path method (CPM) and the program evaluation and review technique (PERT). Since then, a large amount of solution procedures for a wide range of problem types have been proposed in the literature. Many of these procedures, however, are not able to solve real-life problems.

In this paper we describe a capacity expansion project at a water production center (WPC) of the Vlaamse Maatschappij voor Watervoorziening (VMW) in Belgium. This project aims at expanding the production capacity of pure water. We show that scheduling the project with certain techniques will improve the financial status of the project. We illustrate this statement with different schedules.
JWARS: A Case Study
Authors: Metzger Jim
Published: July 2018

This paper is a management-oriented review of a large-scale government software development project. The product is the Joint Warfare System (JWARS), a theater-level warfare simulation intended to support U.S. Department of Defense decision-making. This paper discusses all aspects of the JWARS development project from 1995 until 2002. Unique features included object-oriented development, an integrated government-contractor environment, and involvement of users and subject matter experts in development and testing.
Project Troubleshooting: Tiger Teams for Reactive Risk Management
Authors: Pavlak Alex
Published: July 2018

Large long-term projects with many stakeholders generally entail unforeseen risks and events that cannot, in principle, be predicted. Given the impracticality of pre-planning for every possible contingency, managers must react to inevitable disruptions, respond to unexpected events, update risk management plans, rescope the project, and problem-solve. Contrary to these all-too-common project occurrences, management continues to view the project as a deterministic process. The belief is that risk can be anticipated and projects executed as planned. The view presented in this paper is that pragmatic project management involves a practical balance between proactive risk management tools and reactive problem-solving tools.
Team Leadership Effectiveness in Technology-Based Project Environments
Authors: Thamhain Hans J.
Published: July 2018

Managerial leadership and the organizational environment must be conducive to the professional needs of the project team. I reached this conclusion after conducting a field study of 80 technology-intensive project teams in 27 companies. This paper aims to improve the project management field's understanding of team performance as it is influenced by the organizational environment and managerial leadership. The results of this research suggest that many of the factors that drive project team performance, such as commitment and the ability to deal with conflict and risk, originate in the work environment. While effective management of the technical aspects of the project is critical to success, team leaders must also pay close attention to managing relations across the entire work process, including support functions, suppliers, sponsors, and partners. In this paper, I discuss the implications of — and criteria for — effective team leadership.
Identifying the Contextual Elements of Project Management within Organizations and their Impact on Project Success
Authors: Ives Mark
Published: July 2018

Change within organizations is becoming the rule rather than the exception as businesses seek to respond to an increasingly fluid, complex, and global business environment. This drive demands that organizations embrace a more strategic response to avoid being leap-frogged by more nimble competitors. As Cicmil points out (1997, 1999), strategic organizational change is most likely facilitated and managed through an organization's use of the project management disciplines.

This study attempts to develop a greater understanding of the contextual aspects of project management in an organizational change setting. In reviewing the current literature, I have found an increasing use of project management within organizations and an attendant poor rate of success among these projects; interestingly, I also found only limited research on the context and fit of projects within organizations. I have addressed this void with an essentially exploratory research project that utilizes inductive strategy. The process I have used is qualitative and based on in-depth interviews with four people.
The Amoebic Growth of Project Costs
Authors: Eden Colin , Ackermann Fran , Williams Terry
Published: July 2018

In the public arena, we often hear about projects that have suffered massive cost overruns. Often they are related to large public construction projects such as airports, bridges, or public buildings. Large overruns also exist in private industry. However, often these do not appear in the newspapers, so the public is not as aware of them. Of course, not all projects go badly wrong, but quite a few do, and frequently we find ourselves uncertain of the causes for such overruns. In this paper, industrial projects that overrun and overrun in a surprising manner are considered. In other words, the paper considers those many projects where the extent of the overrun is well beyond what might ever have been anticipated, even though what was going wrong within the projects was, for the most part, understood.

The basis for the content of the paper (that is, the structure and lessons), are drawn from a postmortem analysis of many large projects as part of claims analysis, particularly “delay and disruption” claims for projects whose total expenditure appeared, at first look, inexplicable or surprising. The aim of the paper is to contribute to an understanding of how projects go badly wrong, when they do, and in particular to draw some lessons from this exploration that are likely to help all managers. The reasons for cost escalation are not just the responsibility of project managers.
A Staged Framework for the Recovery and Rehabilitation of Troubled is Development Projects
Authors: Aiyer Jagu , Rajkumar T. M. , Havelka Douglas
Published: July 2018

Many information system development projects are delivered significantly behind schedule, drastically over budget and do not adequately meet customer specifications. These projects are generally in trouble long before completion. This paper looks at the steps needed to recover from such troubled situations. A generic four stage, 12-step framework for recovery and rehabilitation is proposed. The four stages are recognition, immediate recovery, sustained recovery and maturity. The twelve steps in the four stages are detailed in the paper. Illustrative cases are used to discuss the applicability of the framework to differing situations.
Using Constraint Management to Optimize Motion Picture Production Management
Authors: Worley Tracy L. F.
Published: July 2018

This paper presents the application of constraint management (CM) concepts for motion picture projects, which have three primary phases (pre-production, production, and post-production) and two secondary phases (distribution and exhibition) utilizing whole system methodology. The methodology described is an orchestrated approach for making routine decisions across motion picture phases that contain significant levels of uncertainty. Constraint management is a whole system approach that can allow for estimation and feedback leading to optimized projects.
Aligning Capability with Strategy: Categorizing Projects to do the Right Projects and to do Them Right
Authors: Crawford Lynn , Hobbs Brian , Turner J. Rodney
Published: July 2018

Organizations that undertake many projects need to identify the types undertaken, and use labels to name them. These labels are attributes that form the basis of a project categorization system. There are two reasons why organizations need to categorize projects. The first is to develop and assign appropriate competencies to undertake projects successfully (do them right). The second is to prioritize projects within an investment portfolio to maximize return on investment (do the right projects). Prior research into project classification, the methodology adopted, and the model developed is described. Two major components of a project classification system, the purposes for classifying projects and the attributes used to classify them, are identified; as well as that attributes can be grouped into larger classes. There are also more complex, multidimensional systems for categorizing projects. Finally, how an organization can implement a categorization system is described. This research of project categorization was funded by the Project Management Institute.
Mechanisms for Inter-Project Integration-Empirical Analysis in Program Context
Authors: Dietrich Perttu
Published: July 2018

This exploratory study focuses on the problem of inter-project integration and how the perceived uncertainty and structural complexity affect the importance of different integration mechanisms used. Four case programs from four companies were chosen as a source of empirical data. Data collection in the selected case programs was multifaceted and included in-depth interviews, questionnaires, and documents and archives. Fifteen integration mechanisms were identified and further categorized into five different classes based on the formality of the mechanism and whether the integration mechanism is personalized or impersonalized in nature. This study provides valuable insights for both researchers and program managers challenged to introduce strategic or large-scale changes in organizations. The study demonstrates that proper mechanisms for inter-project integration are dependent on the uncertainty and complexity of the program, and that the proper integration strategy in multi-project programs should allow the use of various alternative mechanisms for information delivery.
A Theoretical Framework for Aligning Project Management with Business Strategy
Authors: Milosevic Dragan Z. , Srivannaboon Sabin
Published: July 2018

This study addresses two aspects of a topic under-researched in the strategic management literature: the alignment of project management and business strategy. Two areas of this alignment were studied: (1) The reciprocal influence between project management and business strategy, which we call the nature of the project management/business strategy alignment; and (2) the process used to align project management and business strategy. Then an empirically based theoretical framework, which highlights the impact of business strategy on project management—and the impact of project management on business strategy—as well as the mechanisms used to strengthen these alignments, was developed. This study expands on the previous, mostly anecdotal work, by using a rigorous theoretical approach to develop the proposed framework. This framework is contingent upon the type of business strategy—simple to understand and use—developed through numerous projects that are typology-free and not restricted to any particular business strategy typology, through projects that are empirically based on real-world data.