The Benefits of Equine-Assisted Activities: An Exploratory Study

This study explores the benefits of equine-assisted-activities (EAA) to adolescents with emotional, behavioural or learning difficulties, expanding on previous anecdotal evidence by employing quantitative measures and a control activity. Ten adolescent males and one adolescent female attended a racehorse rehabilitation centre, interacting with both live and model horses. Interaction frequency, self-report anxiety and self-esteem were measured. A significant reduction in trait anxiety was found over the course of the programme, however, no changes in self-esteem were reported. Such programmes could reduce anxiety in at risk populations. Further research could deconstruct the study and elucidate the relationships between EAA and psychological well-being.     

Optimal One-Way Random Effects Designs for the Intraclass Correlation Based on Confidence Intervals

ABSTRACT

Confidence intervals for the intraclass correlation coefficient (ρ) are used to determine the optimal allocation of experimental material in one-way random effects models. Designs that produce narrow intervals are preferred since they provide greater precision to estimate ρ. Assuming the total cost and the relative cost of the two stages of sampling are fixed, the authors investigate the number of classes and the number of individuals per class required to minimize the expected length of confidence intervals. We obtain results using asymptotic theory and compare these results to those obtained using exact calculations. The best design depends on the unknown value of ρ. Minimizing the maximum expected length of confidence intervals guards against worst-case scenarios. A good overall recommendation based on asymptotic results is to choose a design having classes of size 2 + √4 + 3r, where r is the relative cost of sampling at the class-level compared to the individual-level. If r = 0, then the overall cost is the sample size and the recommendation reduces to a design having classes of size 4.     

ICONS, STRAW MEN AND PRECISION: Reflections on Demographic Theories of Fertility Decline

Despite the passage of half a century since 'demographic transition theory' first appeared in English-language demographic literature, many would agree that relatively little progress has been made toward refinement and testing of leading theoretical ideas, or towards theoretical consensus. There has rather been a proliferation of untested theories, partially overlapping and often associated with one individual, discipline, or school of thought. It is argued here that lack of clarity, precision and rigor in the statement, criticism, and use of theories of fertility decline is a major cause of the lack of theoretical progress. The greater use of tools for the computer modeling of complex dynamic systems is seen as a partial remedy. Emphasis is on the use of computer modeling (simulation) as a theoretical tool.     

The two ANSI standards for serial holdings statements: A comparison

The ANSI Standard on Serial Holdings Statements at the Summary Level is being withdrawn and a new holdings standard developed by NISO, entitled Serial Holdings Statements, is being approved in its place. This article compares the two standards, and describes the changes users will need to make when adopting the new standard.     

Strategic information management in global manufacturing

Responding to new forces on the competitive landscape, global manufacturing companies are restructuring corporate cultures, organizational cofigurations and management coordination channels and styles. The emergence of flexibility as a prime competitive parameter for manufacturing is paralleled by companies shifting toward flexible, adaptive structures. A major challenge is to develop and deploy information technologies linking organizational subgroups for a streamlines process of new product/service creation and delivery. This article describes the convergence of information management and manufacturing activities over the past 30 years and suggests what the future will hold.     

The components of strategic planning

What is the current level of strategic planning in the United States? What objectives are quantified in the strategic plans? What kinds of environmental factors are identified in the planning process? What areas are planned for? How often are the strategic plans reviewed? These are among the questions which were raised in a recent survey of 323 companies whose results are summarized in this paper. It is hoped that this study will permit practitioners to compare their planning with planning being performed in their industry.Suggested improvements in the stategic planning process include more frequent monitoring of performance against the plans, more comprehensive environmental surveillance, and greater emphasis on organizational structure plans. The strategic planning process was found to be constantly evolving and cyclical. The strategic planning activity expanded during adversity and contracted when business prospects were good.     

How Japanese partners help US manufacturers to raise productivity

Cross-border alliances are useful strategies for technological innovation and as a basis for the adaptation of foreign technologies. This study provides evidence that through strategic alliances US automotive firms are effectively adopting manufacturing technologies from Japan, and are adapting them to the US industrial context.

The results show that US firms without foreign affiliations use fewer modern manufacturing technologies than US firms with Japanese strategic alliance partners. Furthermore, US firms with Japanese strategic alliance partners believe that manufacturing cycle times for product introduction are more efficient that US firms without foreign affiliations.