Exact estimability of the transfer functions of linear systems

In this paper we show the exact estimability of the transfer functions of linear stochastic systems under two sets of conditions.The main point is to demonstrate the measurability of the “identifying” function.The estimability od the transfer functions is not only of interest for its own but also for the estimability of the system parameters.     

Heterogeneity in Parent‐reported Social Skill Development in Early Elementary School Children

Despite known risks associated with aberrant social skill development, there has been a relative dearth of literature on typical developmental changes in social skills over time. In this study, we examine systematic changes in social skills from kindergarten (typical age of 5–6 years) to third grade (typical age of 8–9 years), and focus on systematic heterogeneity across these developmental trajectories. Data came from the National Head Start—Public School Early Childhood Transition Demonstration Project (N = 6964). Mixture models provide evidence for multiple classes of individuals representing heterogeneity in the development of social skills. Classes were defined as a majority class (whose trajectories remained relatively stable over time), an increasing class (whose trajectories increased at a faster rate than the majority class), and a decreasing class (whose trajectories decreased at a faster rate than the majority class). Developmental trends accounted for a substantial proportion of the variance in social skill components. Implications and limitations of the study are discussed.     

What's Playing in the Organizational Theater? Collusive Relationships in Management

This article takes as its point of departureconcepts derived from couple therapy to betterunderstand collusive relationships in organizations. Aswe examine these dysfunctional workplace relationships— these interpersonal gridlocks —four main types of collusive superior subordinateinteraction patterns are identified — thenarcissistic, the controlling, the paranoid, and thesadomasochistic — and the consequences of each such dyad in organizationsare explored. In conclusion, the paper presents a numberof recommendations on how to recognize the presence ofsuch collusive arrangements (taking leadership behavior as a point of departure) and suggestspreventive steps that can be taken.     

Coping with complexity

We offer a new typology of problems according to such attributes as the fuzzy set of possible solutions, the fuzzy set of properties a solution should have, the fuzzy set of knowledge necessary and sufficient to find a solution, deadlines and constraints. Problems are ranked by degree of ‘structuredness’ from well-structured to ill-defined. Some real problems are shown to be ill-defined and the causes of their inherent imprecision are traced. A model for coping with ill-defined problems enables us to estimate an optimal degree of precision in both dealing with the problem and in requesting information to help cope with it. This has interesting implications for the design of information systems.     

Country-portfolio analysis— Assessing country risk and opportunity

The author illustrates how the basic concept of product-portfolio analysis, now in common use in strategic management, can be used as a country-portfolio analysis to identify growth rate in international markets. He identifies the ‘Baby’ countries, ‘Star’ countries, ‘Cash-Cow’ countries and ‘Dog’ countries; the factors behind the matrix, i.e. population structure, political stability and product patterns; and concludes with the recommendation for the secure way or the way to high growth potential.