title: Insights into the experiences of older workers and change: Through the lens of selection, optimization and compensation

authors: Unson, Christine

subjects: encore

abstract: Purpose: The study examined the barriers faced, the goals selected, and the optimization and compensation strategies of older workers in relation to career change. Method: Thirty open-ended interviews, 12 in the United States and 18 in New Zealand, were conducted, recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed for themes. Results: Barriers to finding and maintaining work included task difficulty, problems with coworkers and management, lack of self-confidence, health/physical limitations, ageism, and stereotyping. Respondents’ most frequently selected goals for a new career were the desire to help others, work satisfaction, and acquisition of learning. Seventy-five percent of respondents in paid employment had earning an income as a goal. Optimization strategies included drawing on past experience, assessing skills, seeking careers/organizations that fitted their values, and a willingness to accept lower pay or unpaid work. Attitudinal strategies included focus and persistence, optimism, and positive attitudes toward change. The compensation strategies reported were on-the-job training; help from coworkers, clients, or customers; friends and family social support; and professional networks. Management practices considered helpful were flexible work schedules, supervisors’ patience, and formal recognition of the value of older workers. Conclusion: This qualitative study, using the SOC framework, showed that evaluating one’s skills and values, being positive about change, and being part of a supportive work environment were key contributors to adaptive competence.

text: Insights into the experiences of older workers and change: Through the lens of selection, optimization and compensation Purpose: The study examined the barriers faced, the goals selected, and the optimization and compensation strategies of older workers in relation to career change. Method: Thirty open-ended interviews, 12 in the United States and 18 in New Zealand, were conducted, recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed for themes. Results: Barriers to finding and maintaining work included task difficulty, problems with coworkers and management, lack of self-confidence, health/physical limitations, ageism, and stereotyping. Respondents’ most frequently selected goals for a new career were the desire to help others, work satisfaction, and acquisition of learning. Seventy-five percent of respondents in paid employment had earning an income as a goal. Optimization strategies included drawing on past experience, assessing skills, seeking careers/organizations that fitted their values, and a willingness to accept lower pay or unpaid work. Attitudinal strategies included focus and persistence, optimism, and positive attitudes toward change. The compensation strategies reported were on-the-job training; help from coworkers, clients, or customers; friends and family social support; and professional networks. Management practices considered helpful were flexible work schedules, supervisors’ patience, and formal recognition of the value of older workers. Conclusion: This qualitative study, using the SOC framework, showed that evaluating one’s skills and values, being positive about change, and being part of a supportive work environment were key contributors to adaptive competence.

year: 2012

title: Comparing hardness tests to estimate, evaluate, and analyse the mechanical properties of structural steel

authors: Gopi, Govind

abstract: The paper investigates the mechanical properties of structural steels, focusing on hardness and toughness, which are important indicators used in industrial applications. In total, four major hardness testing methods were analysed: Vickers, Rockwell, Brinell, and Leeb, and the Charpy impact test was used to measure toughness. The hardness tests evaluated the precision with which steel resistance to deformation can be determined under different conditions, and the Charpy test examined their energy absorption capacity in case of sudden fractures and tensile testing was estimated on them to study the range of yield strength and ultimate tensile strength. This research has conducted 288 experimental tests to evaluate the correlation between various hardness testing methods (Brinell, Vickers, Rockwell, and Leeb) and the mechanical properties of the structural steel samples. Further, 42 experimental tests were performed for the Charpy impact test to evaluate a correlation between Charpy impact values and mechanical properties of the structural steel samples. 330 samples were prepared for the respective tests, representing various structural steel grades (Grade 300, 350, and 400). Among different grades of steel samples, 350-grade steel exhibited a higher impact energy of 94.4 J. Both Charpy Impact Values and Hardness Test Values were plotted against ultimate tensile strength and yield strength to determine if there is a correlation between the properties. The results reveal a better accuracy of Vickers and Rockwell tests as they revealed only an error percentage of 2.5% and 1.9%, respectively, especially for fine-grained materials, while Leeb is characterized by good convenience in large-scale testing at the site. Although the Brinell test is very effective for coarse structures, it was not as precise as martensite in more complex microstructures. Both hardness and tensile strength showed a strong correlation, indicating that hardness may accurately predict the material strength. The study also highlights the reverse relationship between hardness and toughness.  This research contributes to structural steel testing by proposing methods to predict mechanical properties using non-destructive testing techniques. It sets the stage for future improvementsin hardness testing models by incorporating factors like microstructural variations, strain hardening, and heat treatment, which can enhance the accuracy of predictions. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of portable hardness testing methods and emphasizes the need for improved calibration protocols to ensure more accurate in-situ measurements.

text: Comparing hardness tests to estimate, evaluate, and analyse the mechanical properties of structural steel The paper investigates the mechanical properties of structural steels, focusing on hardness and toughness, which are important indicators used in industrial applications. In total, four major hardness testing methods were analysed: Vickers, Rockwell, Brinell, and Leeb, and the Charpy impact test was used to measure toughness. The hardness tests evaluated the precision with which steel resistance to deformation can be determined under different conditions, and the Charpy test examined their energy absorption capacity in case of sudden fractures and tensile testing was estimated on them to study the range of yield strength and ultimate tensile strength. This research has conducted 288 experimental tests to evaluate the correlation between various hardness testing methods (Brinell, Vickers, Rockwell, and Leeb) and the mechanical properties of the structural steel samples. Further, 42 experimental tests were performed for the Charpy impact test to evaluate a correlation between Charpy impact values and mechanical properties of the structural steel samples. 330 samples were prepared for the respective tests, representing various structural steel grades (Grade 300, 350, and 400). Among different grades of steel samples, 350-grade steel exhibited a higher impact energy of 94.4 J. Both Charpy Impact Values and Hardness Test Values were plotted against ultimate tensile strength and yield strength to determine if there is a correlation between the properties. The results reveal a better accuracy of Vickers and Rockwell tests as they revealed only an error percentage of 2.5% and 1.9%, respectively, especially for fine-grained materials, while Leeb is characterized by good convenience in large-scale testing at the site. Although the Brinell test is very effective for coarse structures, it was not as precise as martensite in more complex microstructures. Both hardness and tensile strength showed a strong correlation, indicating that hardness may accurately predict the material strength. The study also highlights the reverse relationship between hardness and toughness.  This research contributes to structural steel testing by proposing methods to predict mechanical properties using non-destructive testing techniques. It sets the stage for future improvementsin hardness testing models by incorporating factors like microstructural variations, strain hardening, and heat treatment, which can enhance the accuracy of predictions. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of portable hardness testing methods and emphasizes the need for improved calibration protocols to ensure more accurate in-situ measurements.

year: 2024-11-23

title: Discussing future directions in the Maori legal environment

authors: Te Aho, Linda

abstract: The next few years are likely to be exciting in terms of law changes, parliament getting ready for the next election cycle and the end of historical claims settlements. This presentation will look at the future of the Maori legal environment

text: Discussing future directions in the Maori legal environment The next few years are likely to be exciting in terms of law changes, parliament getting ready for the next election cycle and the end of historical claims settlements. This presentation will look at the future of the Maori legal environment

year: 2016