Human resource development competencies as predictors of agricultural extension agents' performance in Yemen

Human resource development (HRD) issue is recognized as a significant factor for survival of organizations and professionals, including those in the sector of agricultural extension. Few empirical studies have examined the influence of HRD competency variables on agricultural extension agents' performance. The authors argue that HRD competency variables such as leadership development, communication, programme planning, programme implementation and programme evaluation could predict agricultural extension agents' performance. Questionnaire data were collected from a sample of 290 extension agents in Yemen to discover if HRD competencies affect the performance of extension agents. Regression analysis shows that three variables – competencies in programme implementation, programme evaluation and programme planning – contributed significantly to the performance of extension agents. These predictors explain 42.2% of the variance in the job performance model.     

基于最大熵技术模型的我国通信出口产品优化策略研究

本文应用最大熵技术模型对目前和未来中国主要出口通信产口进行代序分析,指出目前和未来中国主要出口通信、产口发展的不同重点。并提出扩大我国通信产品出口的策略。     

Production planning in a MRP/JIT repetitive manufacturing environment

Some literature suggests that the best approach to production planning is a complete implementation of just-in-time. It has also been suggested that JIT replaces material requirements planning, and computerized procedures are an unnecessary complex burden on management especially in a highly repetitive environment. This article examines the JIT programme at the John Deere Engine factory. In 1985 the factory began a JIT programme with the belief that it would replace their MRP system. The results of the JIT programme are examined and management's conclusion that the best approach is a blend of JIT and MRP is explored.     

Stress and job satisfaction in mammography radiographers

Previous research suggests that substantial numbers of health professionals experience undue levels of occupational stress. Little is yet known, however, about a recently established specialized group, namely radiographers who work in the UK National Health Service Breast Screening Programme. All 134 radiographers in the first wave of the programme were sent a postal questionnaire to determine how stressed they felt at work, how satisfied they were with the job, and what were the principal causes of stress and dissatisfaction. A total of 103 were returned, a response rate of 77 %. The results showed that 30 % reported high levels of stress, which is more than in most other professions, and that only 17% described themselves as 'very satisfied' with their jobs. The most important predictors of stress were problems of communication (mainly knowing what to tell the client) and conflicts between home and work. The most important predictor of dissatisfaction was role ambiguity. Ways of reducing stress and increasing satisfaction must be found if radiographers are to remain healthy and are to continue to work for the programme.     

Strategic and Organizational Evolution of Spanish Firms: Towards a Holding Network Form?

The main objective of this study is to analyse the strategic and organizational evolution of large firms in a current time period and within a specific geographical context (Spain). In order to achieve this purpose, the paper combines the Chandlerian programme with processual analysis. We draw on documentary sources (annual reports, company histories, business directories and so on) and interviews. We have found that in the model of corporate development some characteristics of new organizational structures will coexist with some features of old ones. In line with previous studies our findings highlight the existence of the 'multidivisional network' but, most importantly, our findings also reflect the emergence of a new kind of organizational form that we call 'holding network'. The 'holding network' is more decentralized, both strategically and operationally, than the multidivisional form. However, its level of decentralization is less than in the N-form. Furthermore, whereas the multidivisional form is a hierarchy, the 'holding network' emphasizes the communication among people of different levels. This multilevel communication differs from that in the N-form. Apart from the horizontal communication in the same level there is vertical and horizontal communication between different levels. We conclude by emphasizing the need to explore in future empirical studies to what extent these patterns and new organizational forms should be considered as a transitory or consolidated phenomenon.     

Stress and job satisfaction in mammography radiographers

Abstract

Previous research suggests that substantial numbers of health professionals experience undue levels of occupational stress. Little is yet known, however, about a recently established specialized group, namely radiographers who work in the UK National Health Service Breast Screening Programme. All 134 radiographers in the first wave of the programme were sent a postal questionnaire to determine how stressed they felt at work, how satisfied they were with the job, and what were the principal causes of stress and dissatisfaction. A total of 103 were returned, a response rate of 77 %. The results showed that 30 % reported high levels of stress, which is more than in most other professions, and that only 17% described themselves as ‘very satisfied’ with their jobs. The most important predictors of stress were problems of communication (mainly knowing what to tell the client) and conflicts between home and work. The most important predictor of dissatisfaction was role ambiguity. Ways of reducing stress and increasing satisfaction must be found if radiographers are to remain healthy and are to continue to work for the programme.     

The communication of control in an international company: Methods of investigation

This article describes the methodology developed for the objective analysis of communication, in terms of its control content, in one international company. The research project examined detailed aspects of control and communication practices in the firm with some comparative material from other companies. This article is intended as a contribution both to the understanding of a complex communication system, and to the measurement of control in an international group of companies. For reasons of space an account of the mechanics of the analysis has been omitted.     

Strategic thinking with computers

The author describes the development of a system of cognitive mapping as a strategic management tool. Strategic Options Development and Analysis (SODA) has been used extensively by project teams working on strategic issues. A typical programme is described and the procedure is based on attention to the ownership of data as the basic material, and on the design of strategy workshops using the owned data. This appendix describes the use of the system in practice and the benefits and drawback perceived in running the strategy workshop.     

电子通讯企业R&D国际化的技术效率及其影响因素实证研究

采取数据包络分析法对2003~2008年我国电子通讯企业R&D国际化技术效率进行了测算,并应用模型分析了其外商R&D投资企业人力资本、物质资本与研发资本三要素对技术效率的影响。结果表明:虽然我国电子通讯企业R&D国际化的投入和产出均逐年递增,但技术效率并不是递增的,现阶段上述三要素的提高与其R&D国际化技术效率之间并非正相关。研究提示电子通讯企业必须强化自身的技术能力与技术基础,外资引进应由"量"向"质"转变。     

基于需求预测和模块化的应急物资库库联动方法研究

本文从应急物资预储体系整体优化的角度出发,研究应急物资在国家库之间联动的方法。综合考虑了物资的需求不确定性、模块化和时效性等性质,以应急物资预储调整方案总成本最小为目标,构建一个基于机会约束规划的线性库库联动模型。最后,我们将该方法应用到我国20个中央级应急物资储备库进行的物资预储水平模拟调整中,在相同的物资保障水平下较大幅度的降低了预储调整的成本。     

A strategic model of communications demand

Strategic planning of telecommunications supply takes place in an increasingly turbulent environment due to factors such as the development of new and improved telecommunications services, the convergence of computing and telecommunications technologies and the emergence of the information society. This article is concerned with a model of future communications demand, developed under a research contract placed by British Telecom. The model describes dynamic trends in the supply and demand for communications products and services over a 30 year time horizon. Some key model features are outlined and an overview of the computer programme is given. The aim of the project was to provide decision-makers with a flexible, analytical tool for the exploration of policy issues and environmental impacts. The model should not be viewed as a forecasting tool but as an aid to structured thinking and the rapid assessment of alternative scenarios.     

An integrated response to trauma in three post office businesses

Abstract

This paper looks at the way the UK Post Office has developed a core trauma care programme that is capable of being adapted to meet the needs of three of its businesses. The core programme includes an introductory stage that is involved in the selection and education of the workforce and the promotion of the programme; crisis management; manager debriefing; psychological debriefing; trauma counselling; and a final stage involving the evaluation of the programme and following up traumatized employees. The core programme was tailored to the needs of each of the three Post Office businesses, using information on the business operation, culture and policies of the businesses in the light of the nature and range of the traumatic incidents that affect their workforce.     

A statistical analysis of yield loss in material requirements planning systems

In most of the research done on material requirements planning (MRP) systems it has been assumed that production and assembly operations incur no yield loss. This assumption has been dropped and performance of popular lot-size adjustment rules borrowed from the single-stage reject allowance problem has been tested in an MRP environment. Both the effect of the rules on the component inventory, and their ability to meet the master production schedule requirements have been analysed. An appropriate statistical design has been presented.     

Was tun mediaberater?

What is the work of media counsellors? Media planning — The professional use of media as advertising toolsMedia planning means the selection and the targeted use of media as a communication channel for advertising messages from the advertisers to the target groups. From a media agency’s point of view the extensive and multistage process of media planning is shown and explained, from the client’s briefing beyond the market and competition analysis, the compilation of the media strategy, the formulation of the media plans to the media buying and the measurement of results. The target orientation and dynamics of this process, which takes place in a very fast moving market and needs permanent adjustment, is especially emphasized.     

Factors influencing perceived learning transfer of an outdoor management development programme in Malaysia

This study investigated if components of outdoor management programme, participant characteristics and work environment characteristics influence perceived transferable skills. The study used 148 executive and management participants who attended a 3-day outdoor management programme using experiential learning at a secondary rainforest in Malaysia. Motivation to learn was the predictor of perceived transferable skills. Macro-dynamic activities, continuous learning culture and self-efficacy were found to significantly influence perceived transferable skills, but micro-dynamic activities, instructor's skills and perceived content validity were not. The outdoor management development programme was not effective in achieving its main objectives and return on investment to the relevant stakeholders. A well-designed instructional programme should be developed for accountability purposes.     

The impact of frequency of contact on protégé mentoring outcomes: the moderating effects of protégé general self-efficacy and face-to-face interaction

As a Human Resource Development (HRD) intervention, mentoring assists individuals in their career development. However, it is still unknown if mentoring could enhance individuals’ early career decision-making. Moreover, the literature lacks longitudinal research that investigates the role of frequency of contact in mentoring relationships. Therefore, this study examines whether frequency of contact between mentor and protégé influences protégé mentoring outcomes, namely, improvement in career decision self-efficacy (i.e. CDSE development) and satisfaction with mentoring. Data were collected at two times from 86 first-year undergraduate students who participated in a mentoring programme at a Middle Eastern business school, where email communication facilitated the contact between these protégés and their mentors. Based on regression analyses, the associfations were significant between frequency of contact and mentoring outcomes. The findings partially confirmed the effects of two moderating variables in the relationships mentioned above. This study has practical implications for HRD practitioners in higher-education institutions.     

在大开发中调整产业结构实现西部地区经济增长

分析了中国西部地区的产业结构,其中重点分析了西部地区的三次产业结构演变和西部地区第二产业的内部结构,并对东、中、西部地区的产业结构趋同状况进行了对比分析。在详尽数据分析的基础上,提出了关于西部地区产业结构调整的几点构想。     

Exact and approximate algorithms for the loop layout problem

Control parameters, such as order frequency, safety stock and safety time, are important tools to improve the logistic performance in material planning. In practice, the adjustment of control parameters appears to be very difficult. One of the reasons is the lack of relevant tactical control information: a simple, periodical and per-commodity integrated feedback of performance and process information often is not available to the logistic operator. Therefore, the material planner is offered a fairly limited overview and insight of the processes to be controlled. This problem has been investigated in several plants in the Netherlands. A solution to this problem is first to measure the performance, the frequency of process disturbances and the effect of the parameters on performance for all commodities involved. And second, to integrate this information and provide feedback to the responsible material planner. In this article a design for decision support is presented to integrate and give feedback of relevant tactical control information. Prototype information systems are now being tested in practice and in the laboratory. The expectation is that this type of decision support will help the operator to make more systematic and effective diagnoses.     

The manager's role in employees' successful return to work following back injury

This study reports on the short-term effects of an educational programme for immediate supervisors on employees' back pain problems. The course was designed to help supervisors more efficiently deal with employees returning to work after being treated for back pain. Forty-seven supervisors who had personnel either undergoing treatment for back pain problems or were candidates for this treatment were invited to attend a one-day course. This educational package consisted of information about back pain and stressed specific behaviours which supervisors could use to help their employees successfully return to work. The results showed that 78% of the supervisors found the course to be satisfactory enough to recommend it to a colleague without hesitation. Furthermore, independent ratings made by the supervisors and their employees suggested that supervisors complied with the recommended programme. Returning employees, moreover, gave their supervisors significantly higher ratings of support than a control group whose supervisors had not attended the educational programme. It was concluded that an educational programme which alters specific supervisory behaviours may be an effective method of assisting employee return to work after treatment for back pain. Further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of such a programme on absenteeism due to illness.     

The manager's role in employees' successful return to work following back injury

Abstract

This study reports on the short-term effects of an educational programme for immediate supervisors on employees' back pain problems. The course was designed to help supervisors more efficiently deal with employees returning to work after being treated for back pain. Forty-seven supervisors who had personnel either undergoing treatment for back pain problems or were candidates for this treatment were invited to attend a one-day course. This educational package consisted of information about back pain and stressed specific behaviours which supervisors could use to help their employees successfully return to work. The results showed that 78% of the supervisors found the course to be satisfactory enough to recommend it to a colleague without hesitation. Furthermore, independent ratings made by the supervisors and their employees suggested that supervisors complied with the recommended programme. Returning employees, moreover, gave their supervisors significantly higher ratings of support than a control group whose supervisors had not attended the educational programme. It was concluded that an educational programme which alters specific supervisory behaviours may be an effective method of assisting employee return to work after treatment for back pain. Further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of such a programme on absenteeism due to illness.