Network analysis in evaluation: some words of caution

Network analysis, a methodology derived from general systems' theory, can be utilized as a community mental health administrative-evaluation procedure. Evaluation parameters derived from analysis of patient data as they “flow” through a network of agency services, provide measures of systemic functioning. These parameters include “longest paths” and various ratio relationships as evaluation measures of service delivery. The limitations of network analysis are examined by means of conceptual analyses, and phenomena that emerged from research experience. The necessity for both quantitative and qualitative data to ensure a meaningful evaluation of mental health services is explained. Conclusions about the value of the network analysis approach are considered.     

Artifact in client satisfaction assessment: experience in community mental health settings

Artifact in client satisfaction assessment is discussed and the results of a study of three factors thought to mediate client satisfaction ratings; (a) general life satisfaction, (b) mode of administration, and (c) psychological symptomatology, are reported. A standard client satisfaction questionnaire (CSQ) was modified to yield parallel forms and was administered orally and in writing to 92 clients in two mental health day treatment programs. Satisfaction ratings obtained from these clients were quite similar to out-patient ratings obtained in previous studies conducted in this setting and using the same measures. Oral administration of the CSQ produced 10% higher satisfaction ratings than written administration (p less than .05) and less missing data (p less than .01). Satisfaction ratings were also obtained using a simple graphic instrument. Graphic ratings were comparable to CSQ ratings. Satisfaction with life in general and level of psychiatric symptoms together accounted for 25% of CSQ variance. The implication of these findings for future client satisfaction research is discussed.     

The validity of indices for rural health manpower needs assessment

Population-to-practitioner ratios have long been the primary index in the designation of health manpower shortage areas. This paper documents that application of the widely used population-to-dentist index results in understatement of the need for dental health manpower in rural areas. Through the analysis of utilization data collected from a statewide health screening program in Colorado, the practice of sole reliance on the population-to-dentist indices as an indicator of need was tested. Another measure, the area-(square miles) to-dentist ratio was formulated, examined, and found to be a more useful referent of the need for additional health manpower in rural areas. Utilization of dental services in sparsely settled rural counties of Colorado was unrelated to population-to-dentist ratios. A strong, statistically significant association of utilization with land area-to-dentist ratios was found. The findings of this analysis suggest a need for reevaluation of needs assessment methodologies used in the designation of health manpower shortage areas. Indices more sensitive to consumer circumstance than to the number of health care providers available must be considered.     

县级政府、供应链管理与农产品上行关系研究

基于中国13省87个电子商务进农村示范县的调研材料,分析政府项目驱动下农产品上行问题。实践表明,政策利好为县域农产品电商发展提供了试错空间,“S2B2C”的供应链管理模式对农产品上行的推动作用明显。但是,多数县级政府未能认识到供应链管理之于农产品上行的作用,普遍存在政府治理方式滞后、公共服务网络不健全、农产品区域公用品牌缺乏、冷链等基础设施投入不足等问题。因此,为有效推动农产品上行,政府应进一步推动“公私合作”、构建一体化的公共服务、注重品牌营销、优化产品供应链管理。     

刘湛恩研究综述

刘湛恩（1895—1938）,是我国近代著名爱国教育家、沪江大学首任华人校长。自1938年以来,学界陆续开展对刘湛恩思想与活动的研究。大体来说,学界的研究主要围绕以下几个方面进行：对刘湛恩爱国活动进行概括并歌颂其爱国主义精神;对刘湛恩的教育思想与实践活动进行分析;对刘湛恩与沪江大学的关系进行探讨。有关刘湛恩的研究成果不断丰富和深入,但仍存在一定的研究空间。     

A comparison of approaches for estimating the effect of women's education on the probability of using modern contraceptive methods in Malawi

The aim of this study is to estimate the effect of education on the probability of married Malawian women using modern contraceptive methods by accounting for both observed and unobserved confounders. We conduct a sensitivity analysis and compare the results of naive models with instrumental variable models to account for the potential endogeneity of education. Our findings demonstrate conflicting results between the two modelling approaches. The naive models report smaller education effects on the probability of using modern contraceptive methods compared to instrumental variable models. We also find that by relaxing the functional form assumption on the effect of continuous covariates, using a flexible instrumental variable model, the education's effect follows a positive, nonlinear pattern. This finding is not observed with a classic instrumental variable model.     

The governance of social enterprises: Mission drift and accountability challenges in hybrid organizations

We examine the challenges of governance facing organizations that pursue a social mission through the use of market mechanisms. These hybrid organizations, often referred to as social enterprises, combine aspects of both charity and business at their core. In this paper we distinguish between two ideal types of such hybrids, differentiated and integrated, and we conceptualize two key challenges of governance they face: accountability for dual performance objectives and accountability to multiple principal stakeholders. We revisit the potential and limitations of recently introduced legal forms to address these challenges. We then theorize about the importance of organizational governance and the role of governing boards in particular, in prioritizing and aligning potentially conflicting objectives and interests in order to avoid mission drift and to maintain organizational hybridity in social enterprises. Finally, we discuss future research directions and the implications of this work for rethinking traditional categories of organizations, namely business and charity.     

布斯的隐喻观与西方修辞学

韦恩·布斯是二十世纪美国修辞学界的知名学者，尤以小说修辞学著称。但布斯对隐喻的论述也颇具前瞻性。由于其修辞学家身份，其在阐述隐喻定义、评价等方面时难免不涉及一些诸如修辞情境、修辞动机、劝说等修辞学概念，这些概念的运用极大地充实了他的隐喻观。研究对韦恩·布斯的隐喻观作了梳理与分析，主要阐析了布斯对隐喻的概念本质、评价等方面的理解，分析了布斯的隐喻观与西方修辞学之间的内在关联，在此基础上评价了其理论贡献和局限。研究发现，布斯的隐喻观较具前瞻性，有深厚的西方修辞学底蕴，为后来的隐喻研究作了重要的铺垫。