title: Effects of prompts on the frequency of app use: A stress management app for perinatal mental health

authors: Singh, Sukrita

abstract: E-interventions such as smartphone apps may facilitate an alternative treatment for mental health issues. However, often apps are not used after a certain period of time, which limits the potential effectiveness of app intervention programmes. Addition of prompts in app-based programmes may potentially enhance user engagement with apps. ‘Positively Pregnant’ is a smartphone, self-help, interactive app for pregnant women that aims to reduce anxiety, stress and other related problems during the perinatal period. The primary aim of the current study was to test the effectiveness of prompts to increase the app use and also to determine participants’ satisfaction with this stress management app using two groups (guided and non-guided activity). A two-group experimental study design was used on a sample of 88 participants within the New Zealand population. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The guided activity messages were sent to the participants in guided activity group once every day for 44 days; however, both (experimental and control) groups received ‘tip of the day’ (a general positive quote) every day. Participants completed a pre-assessment questionnaire at the time of recruitment. Further assessments were completed at 24 weeks gestation, at 36 weeks gestation and at 1-month postnatal period. Data from ‘satisfaction and app use’ questionnaire for 24-week gestation was analyzed for this study. No significant difference was found in regards to frequency of app use between two groups. On average, participants in the guided activity group did not report using more components of the app than the participants in non-guided group. No significant differences were found on satisfaction with the app, or on willingness to recommend the app to a friend. Results of this study suggest that the prompts may not be an effective tool to enhance user engagement with this sort of app; however, technical factors may have affected results in this pilot study; therefore, replication is desirable, may be considering the use of direct measures to determine if they correspond with the reported measures used in the study.

text: Effects of prompts on the frequency of app use: A stress management app for perinatal mental health E-interventions such as smartphone apps may facilitate an alternative treatment for mental health issues. However, often apps are not used after a certain period of time, which limits the potential effectiveness of app intervention programmes. Addition of prompts in app-based programmes may potentially enhance user engagement with apps. ‘Positively Pregnant’ is a smartphone, self-help, interactive app for pregnant women that aims to reduce anxiety, stress and other related problems during the perinatal period. The primary aim of the current study was to test the effectiveness of prompts to increase the app use and also to determine participants’ satisfaction with this stress management app using two groups (guided and non-guided activity). A two-group experimental study design was used on a sample of 88 participants within the New Zealand population. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The guided activity messages were sent to the participants in guided activity group once every day for 44 days; however, both (experimental and control) groups received ‘tip of the day’ (a general positive quote) every day. Participants completed a pre-assessment questionnaire at the time of recruitment. Further assessments were completed at 24 weeks gestation, at 36 weeks gestation and at 1-month postnatal period. Data from ‘satisfaction and app use’ questionnaire for 24-week gestation was analyzed for this study. No significant difference was found in regards to frequency of app use between two groups. On average, participants in the guided activity group did not report using more components of the app than the participants in non-guided group. No significant differences were found on satisfaction with the app, or on willingness to recommend the app to a friend. Results of this study suggest that the prompts may not be an effective tool to enhance user engagement with this sort of app; however, technical factors may have affected results in this pilot study; therefore, replication is desirable, may be considering the use of direct measures to determine if they correspond with the reported measures used in the study.

year: 2018

title: Enabling seamless market-orientated supply chains

authors: Childerhouse, Paul

subjects: vision-principles-toolkit model

abstract: A decade after the publication of the concept of smooth material flow via four fundamental principles related to the work of Jay Forrester and John Burbidge (FORRIDGE) the influence of this work on academe and industry is discussed. We show that by extension of their principles via a three-level model which includes the vision and the toolkit, substantial contributions have been made towards new management theory. The associated 12 simplicity rules and uncertainly circle concepts have been exploited within the structured framework provided by the quick scan audit methodology. This generates value stream classification ranging from baseline to exemplar, and a design procedure aimed at material flow best practice. A detailed case study demonstrates the improved industrial performance achievable by this means.

text: Enabling seamless market-orientated supply chains A decade after the publication of the concept of smooth material flow via four fundamental principles related to the work of Jay Forrester and John Burbidge (FORRIDGE) the influence of this work on academe and industry is discussed. We show that by extension of their principles via a three-level model which includes the vision and the toolkit, substantial contributions have been made towards new management theory. The associated 12 simplicity rules and uncertainly circle concepts have been exploited within the structured framework provided by the quick scan audit methodology. This generates value stream classification ranging from baseline to exemplar, and a design procedure aimed at material flow best practice. A detailed case study demonstrates the improved industrial performance achievable by this means.

year: 2006

title: Curriculum integration as treaty praxis.

authors: Fraser, Deborah

subjects: curricula

abstract: The article discusses the significance of curriculum integration on the promotion of principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, an agreement signed in 1840 by the Maori and the Crown people in New Zealand. It explores the challenges linked with this curriculum theory design. It also highlights a case study which analyzes the impact of curriculum integration in education.

text: Curriculum integration as treaty praxis. The article discusses the significance of curriculum integration on the promotion of principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, an agreement signed in 1840 by the Maori and the Crown people in New Zealand. It explores the challenges linked with this curriculum theory design. It also highlights a case study which analyzes the impact of curriculum integration in education.

year: 2002