Organization for long range planning—A survey of German companies

Whilst much is written about the theory of long range planning it is a fact that unfortunately, the organization of long range planning of business strategy within companies, has not proved to be an attractive object of research for business theorists. This paper is the exception. By an examination of more than 200 companies residing in the Federal Republic of Germany, long range planning is shown to be gaining more importance as a tool for company management. The organizational design of the planning system and its integration into the overall company structure is, according to this analysis, shown to be one of the most central problems of the implementation of corporate planning systems. This paper presents a theoretical framework and the empirical findings on structural and procedural aspects of long range planning, systems. The empirical study was carried out by means of interviews and a questionnaire survey. The survey results show some interesting and important features of the problems engendered by corporate planning and some of the advantages accruing from its successful implementation. Additionally, the analysis provides an interesting backcloth against which to view the implementation of planning and the relationships between the different levels of planning.     

The assessment of parent-led prevention programs: a preliminary assessment of impact

This article reports on a preliminary study of the impact of parent-led prevention groups on youthful drug and alcohol use. In addition, the study assessed the extent to which families involved with parent-led prevention programs reported improved family relations and increased parental control of children's social activities--two major mechanisms by which parent-group advocates claim their activities alter youth substance use patterns. Consistent with the claims of parent-group advocates, the study results suggest that the parent groups did have some impact on family relations and on parental control of children's social activities. The evidence for an impact on drug and alcohol use was, however, weak. A somewhat unexpected finding was that parents who become involved in parent-led prevention activities may not be those parents whose children are at highest risk.     

Portfolio analysis for the small firm

Strategic decision-making in small firms is frequently described as being implicit or even as a process characterized by reactive, short-term oriented and incremental behaviour. Managers of small firms lack methods for analysing systematically and explicitly their strategic situation and the potential for future development of their firms. Strategic portfolio analysis could initiate and guide strategic reasoning. The article describes, on the basis of an empirical investigation, the problems and conditions of an application of this method in small firms and formulates proposals for its introduction and use.     

Social support and employee well-being: the conditioning effect of perceived patterns of supportive exchange

Seeking to explain divergent empirical findings regarding the direct effect of social support on well-being, the authors posit that the pattern of supportive exchange (i.e., reciprocal, under-, or over-reciprocating) determines the impact of receiving support on well-being. Findings generated on the basis of longitudinal data collected from a sample of older blue-collar workers support the authors' predictions, indicating that receiving emotional support is associated with enhanced well-being when the pattern of supportive exchange is perceived by an individual as being reciprocal (support received equals support given), with this association being weaker when the exchange of support is perceived as being under-reciprocating (support given exceeds support received). Moreover, receiving support was found to adversely affect well-being when the pattern of exchange was perceived as being over-reciprocating (support received exceeds support given). Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.     

《福乐智慧》中所反映的早期苏非

对于一个正在谋求发展的政权,苏非的避世苦修、清心寡欲、淡泊名利、不问世事并不值得提倡,正如11世纪新疆喀喇汗王朝的著名文学作品《福乐智慧》所提到的日出国王统治的国度,伊斯兰教正统派信仰盛行并以积极的态度参与国家治理。当时苏非已经出现,处于发展的初期阶段,属于个人行为,未形成大的苏非教团,但显然在社会和统治阶层中得到了一定程度的认同。究其原因,苏非神秘主义以其虔诚的独特的思想体系和修行方式为穆斯林的宗教生活增加了直觉体验和宗教情感,是对穆斯林宗教生活的合理补充。     

A MADM justification of a budget reduction decision

In 1988, a significant budget reduction at the University of Wyoming left the Athletic Department nearly $700,000 short on operating funds compared to the previous biennium. In order to make the necessary monetary cuts, the Athletic Department eliminated the men's and women's varsity ski teams from University sponsorship, thus removing one of the most successful and popular programs from the athletic family. A protest of this action quickly spread throughout the state and the Athletic Department received harsh criticism. However, through the cardinal preference techniques of Multiple Attribute Decision Making, it was determined that the criticism of the Athletic Department for dropping the ski programs was unfounded. But in light of the politics of the situation, after several months of deliberation, the ski programs were eventually reinstated with a greatly reduced budget and the team committed to raise a certain percentage of their monetary requirements through their own fund raising efforts.     

语言意识形态和语言秩序:全球化与美中两国的多语(教育)战略

全球化给美国和中国的多语教育带来什么挑战?美中两国采取何种语言战略应对全球化挑战?这些都是全球化时代大国在政治斗争和软实力较量中不可回避的问题.针对这些问题,本文提出语言意识形态和语言秩序两个概念,并以这两个概念为理论框架,对美中两国的语言意识形态、语言秩序及语言战略的历史和现实做出初步分析.全球化正在改变美中两国的语言意识,并重组两国的语言秩序,从而给多语教育带来挑战和机会.     

Prevention of Elder Mistreatment in Nursing Homes: Competencies for Direct-Care Staff

Existing training on elder mistreatment in nursing homes focuses on detection and reporting of abuse, with little training specifically targeted toward prevention of mistreatment before it occurs. We used qualitative interviews with nursing home staff, policy makers, and related professionals to identify training needs. Based on participant accounts, we drafted a number of competencies essential for caregiver training to prevent mistreatment in nursing homes. Competencies include those dealing with definitions and policies, risks for mistreatment, communication and respect in relationships with residents, and development of a cooperative work environment. Competencies are discussed along with illustrative examples, and implications for practice and policy are addressed.