Inquiry-Based Learning and Technology--Supporting Institutional TEL within One Pedagogical Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Little, Sabine

2008-01-01

Following the establishment of Centres for Excellence in Teaching and Learning in England and Northern Ireland in 2005, several institutions have used these to pursue specific pedagogical approaches at a strategic level, in line with and building on existing institutional strategic thinking. Technology-enhanced learning is often one of the…

A novel performance monitoring framework for health research systems: experiences of the National Institute for Health Research in England

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) was established in 2006 with the aim of creating an applied health research system embedded within the English National Health Service (NHS). NIHR sought to implement an approach for monitoring its performance that effectively linked early indicators of performance with longer-term research impacts. We attempted to develop and apply a conceptual framework for defining appropriate key performance indicators for NIHR. Method Following a review of relevant literature, a conceptual framework for defining performance indicators for NIHR was developed, based on a hybridisation of the logic model and balanced scorecard approaches. This framework was validated through interviews with key NIHR stakeholders and a pilot in one division of NIHR, before being refined and applied more widely. Indicators were then selected and aggregated to create a basket of indicators aligned to NIHR's strategic goals, which could be reported to NIHR's leadership team on a quarterly basis via an oversight dashboard. Results Senior health research system managers and practitioners endorsed the conceptual framework developed and reported satisfaction with the breadth and balance of indicators selected for reporting. Conclusions The use of the hybrid conceptual framework provides a pragmatic approach to defining performance indicators that are aligned to the strategic aims of a health research system. The particular strength of this framework is its capacity to provide an empirical link, over time, between upstream activities of a health research system and its long-term strategic objectives. PMID:21435265

Surveillance Range and Interference Impacts on Self-Separation Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Idris, Husni; Consiglio, Maria C.; Wing, David J.

2011-01-01

Self-separation is a concept of flight operations that aims to provide user benefits and increase airspace capacity by transferring traffic separation responsibility from ground-based controllers to the flight crew. Self-separation is enabled by cooperative airborne surveillance, such as that provided by the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADSB) system and airborne separation assistance technologies. This paper describes an assessment of the impact of ADS-B system performance on the performance of self-separation as a step towards establishing far-term ADS-B performance requirements. Specifically, the impacts of ADS-B surveillance range and interference limitations were analyzed under different traffic density levels. The analysis was performed using a batch simulation of aircraft performing self-separation assisted by NASA s Autonomous Operations Planner prototype flight-deck tool, in two-dimensional airspace. An aircraft detected conflicts within a look-ahead time of ten minutes and resolved them using strategic closed trajectories or tactical open maneuvers if the time to loss of separation was below a threshold. While a complex interaction was observed between the impacts of surveillance range and interference, as both factors are physically coupled, self-separation performance followed expected trends. An increase in surveillance range resulted in a decrease in the number of conflict detections, an increase in the average conflict detection lead time, and an increase in the percentage of conflict resolutions that were strategic. The majority of the benefit was observed when surveillance range was increased to a value corresponding to the conflict detection look-ahead time. The benefits were attenuated at higher interference levels. Increase in traffic density resulted in a significant increase in the number of conflict detections, as expected, but had no effect on the conflict detection lead time and the percentage of conflict resolutions that were strategic. With surveillance range corresponding to ADS-B minimum operational performance standards for Class A3 equipment and without background interference, a significant portion of conflict resolutions, 97 percent, were achieved in the preferred strategic mode. The majority of conflict resolutions, 71 percent, were strategic even with very high interference (over three times that expected in 2035).

An improved hybrid multi-criteria/multidimensional model for strategic industrial location selection: Casablanca industrial zones as a case study.

PubMed

Boutkhoum, Omar; Hanine, Mohamed; Agouti, Tarik; Tikniouine, Abdessadek

2015-01-01

In this paper, we examine the issue of strategic industrial location selection in uncertain decision making environments for implanting new industrial corporation. In fact, the industrial location issue is typically considered as a crucial factor in business research field which is related to many calculations about natural resources, distributors, suppliers, customers, and most other things. Based on the integration of environmental, economic and social decisive elements of sustainable development, this paper presents a hybrid decision making model combining fuzzy multi-criteria analysis with analytical capabilities that OLAP systems can provide for successful and optimal industrial location selection. The proposed model mainly consists in three stages. In the first stage, a decision-making committee has been established to identify the evaluation criteria impacting the location selection process. In the second stage, we develop fuzzy AHP software based on the extent analysis method to assign the importance weights to the selected criteria, which allows us to model the linguistic vagueness, ambiguity, and incomplete knowledge. In the last stage, OLAP analysis integrated with multi-criteria analysis employs these weighted criteria as inputs to evaluate, rank and select the strategic industrial location for implanting new business corporation in the region of Casablanca, Morocco. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is performed to evaluate the impact of criteria weights and the preferences given by decision makers on the final rankings of strategic industrial locations.

76 FR 22924 - Re-Establishment of the National Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Advisory...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-25

... Government is necessary and in the public interest. Accordingly, NASA is re-establishing the National Space... and Deputy Director of Policy and Strategic Communications, Office of Space Communications and... advice on U.S. space-based PNT policy, planning, program management, and funding profiles in relation to...

The Office of Space Science and Applications strategic plan, 1990: A strategy for leadership in space through excellence in space science and applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

A strategic plan for the U.S. space science and applications program during the next 5 to 10 years was developed and published in 1988. Based on the strategies developed by the advisory committees of both the National Academy of Science and NASA, the plan balances major, moderate, and small mission initiatives, the utilization of the Space Station Freedom, and the requirements for a vital research base. The Office of Space Science and Applications (OSSA) strategic plan is constructed around five actions: establish a set of programmatic themes; establish a set of decision rules; establish a set of priorities for missions and programs within each theme; demonstrate that the strategy will yield a viable program; and check the strategy for consistency within resource constraints. The OSSA plan is revised annually. This OSSA 1990 Strategic Plan refines the 1989 Plan and represents OSSA's initial plan for fulfilling its responsibilities in two major national initiatives. The Plan is now built on interrelated, complementary strategies for the core space science and applications program, for the U.S. Global Change Research Program, and for the Space Exploration Initiative. The challenge is to make sure that the current level of activity is sustained through the end of this century and into the next. The 1990 Plan presents OSSA's strategy to do this.

Strategic analytics: towards fully embedding evidence in healthcare decision-making.

PubMed

Garay, Jason; Cartagena, Rosario; Esensoy, Ali Vahit; Handa, Kiren; Kane, Eli; Kaw, Neal; Sadat, Somayeh

2015-01-01

Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) has implemented multiple information technology solutions and collected health-system data to support its programs. There is now an opportunity to leverage these data and perform advanced end-to-end analytics that inform decisions around improving health-system performance. In 2014, CCO engaged in an extensive assessment of its current data capacity and capability, with the intent to drive increased use of data for evidence-based decision-making. The breadth and volume of data at CCO uniquely places the organization to contribute to not only system-wide operational reporting, but more advanced modelling of current and future state system management and planning. In 2012, CCO established a strategic analytics practice to assist the agency's programs contextualize and inform key business decisions and to provide support through innovative predictive analytics solutions. This paper describes the organizational structure, services and supporting operations that have enabled progress to date, and discusses the next steps towards the vision of embedding evidence fully into healthcare decision-making. Copyright © 2014 Longwoods Publishing.

Federal Student Aid: Additional Management Improvements Would Clarify Strategic Direction and Enhance Accountability. Report to Congressional Requesters.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

General Accounting Office, Washington, DC.

To determine what Federal Student Aid (FSA), previously the Office of Student Financial Assistance, had done to develop and implement a strategic direction as mandated by Congress in performance-based organization legislation, the General Accounting Office (GAO) reviewed FSA's strategic and annual performance plans and annual reports, interviewing…

Customer satisfaction assessment at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

DN Anderson; ML Sours

2000-03-23

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is developing and implementing a customer satisfaction assessment program (CSAP) to assess the quality of research and development provided by the laboratory. This report presents the customer survey component of the PNNL CSAP. The customer survey questionnaire is composed of two major sections: Strategic Value and Project Performance. Both sections contain a set of questions that can be answered with a 5-point Likert scale response. The strategic value section consists of five questions that are designed to determine if a project directly contributes to critical future national needs. The project Performance section consists ofmore » nine questions designed to determine PNNL performance in meeting customer expectations. A statistical model for customer survey data is developed and this report discusses how to analyze the data with this model. The properties of the statistical model can be used to establish a gold standard or performance expectation for the laboratory, and then to assess progress. The gold standard is defined using laboratory management input--answers to four questions, in terms of the information obtained from the customer survey: (1) What should the average Strategic Value be for the laboratory project portfolio? (2) What Strategic Value interval should include most of the projects in the laboratory portfolio? (3) What should average Project Performance be for projects with a Strategic Value of about 2? (4) What should average Project Performance be for projects with a Strategic Value of about 4? To be able to provide meaningful answers to these questions, the PNNL customer survey will need to be fully implemented for several years, thus providing a link between management perceptions of laboratory performance and customer survey data.« less

Coming up short on nonfinancial performance measurement.

PubMed

Ittner, Christopher D; Larcker, David F

2003-11-01

Companies in increasing numbers are measuring customer loyalty, employee satisfaction, and other nonfinancial areas of performance that they believe affect profitability. But they've failed to relate these measures to their strategic goals or establish a connection between activities undertaken and financial outcomes achieved. Failure to make such connections has led many companies to misdirect their investments and reward ineffective managers. Extensive field research now shows that businesses make some common mistakes when choosing, analyzing, and acting on their nonfinancial measures. Among these mistakes: They set the wrong performance targets because they focus too much on short-term financial results, and they use metrics that lack strong statistical validity and reliability. As a result, the companies can't demonstrate that improvements in nonfinancial measures actually affect their financial results. The authors lay out a series of steps that will allow companies to realize the genuine promise of nonfinancial performance measures. First, develop a model that proposes a causal relationship between the chosen nonfinancial drivers of strategic success and specific outcomes. Next, take careful inventory of all the data within your company. Then use established statistical methods for validating the assumed relationships and continue to test the model as market conditions evolve. Finally, base action plans on analysis of your findings, and determine whether those plans and their investments actually produce the desired results. Nonfinancial measures will offer little guidance unless you use a process for choosing and analyzing them that relies on sophisticated quantitative and qualitative inquiries into the factors actually contributing to economic results.

Analysis of Nursing Clinical Decision Support Requests and Strategic Plan in a Large Academic Health System.

PubMed

Whalen, Kimberly; Bavuso, Karen; Bouyer-Ferullo, Sharon; Goldsmith, Denise; Fairbanks, Amanda; Gesner, Emily; Lagor, Charles; Collins, Sarah

2016-01-01

To understand requests for nursing Clinical Decision Support (CDS) interventions at a large integrated health system undergoing vendor-based EHR implementation. In addition, to establish a process to guide both short-term implementation and long-term strategic goals to meet nursing CDS needs. We conducted an environmental scan to understand current state of nursing CDS over three months. The environmental scan consisted of a literature review and an analysis of CDS requests received from across our health system. We identified existing high priority CDS and paper-based tools used in nursing practice at our health system that guide decision-making. A total of 46 nursing CDS requests were received. Fifty-six percent (n=26) were specific to a clinical specialty; 22 percent (n=10) were focused on facilitating clinical consults in the inpatient setting. "Risk Assessments/Risk Reduction/Promotion of Healthy Habits" (n=23) was the most requested High Priority Category received for nursing CDS. A continuum of types of nursing CDS needs emerged using the Data-Information-Knowledge-Wisdom Conceptual Framework: 1) facilitating data capture, 2) meeting information needs, 3) guiding knowledge-based decision making, and 4) exposing analytics for wisdom-based clinical interpretation by the nurse. Identifying and prioritizing paper-based tools that can be modified into electronic CDS is a challenge. CDS strategy is an evolving process that relies on close collaboration and engagement with clinical sites for short-term implementation and should be incorporated into a long-term strategic plan that can be optimized and achieved overtime. The Data-Information-Knowledge-Wisdom Conceptual Framework in conjunction with the High Priority Categories established may be a useful tool to guide a strategic approach for meeting short-term nursing CDS needs and aligning with the organizational strategic plan.

23 CFR 1335.6 - Strategic plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 23 Highways 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Strategic plan. 1335.6 Section 1335.6 Highways NATIONAL... § 1335.6 Strategic plan. A strategic plan shall— (a) Be a multi-year plan that identifies and prioritizes... performance-based measures by which progress toward those goals will be determined; and (c) Be submitted to...

76 FR 56945 - Developing an Integrated Strategic Counterterrorism Communications Initiative and Establishing a...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-15

... extremist violence and terrorism that threaten the interests and national security of the United States... developing expertise on implementing highly focused social media campaigns; and (ii) perform such other...

10 CFR 73.25 - Performance capabilities for physical protection of strategic special nuclear material in transit.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... tampering with transports and cargo containers; and (iii) Surveillance subsystems and procedures to detect... to establish activities for transferring cargo in emergency situations; and (iii) Removal controls...

10 CFR 73.25 - Performance capabilities for physical protection of strategic special nuclear material in transit.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... tampering with transports and cargo containers; and (iii) Surveillance subsystems and procedures to detect... to establish activities for transferring cargo in emergency situations; and (iii) Removal controls...

Customer Satisfaction Assessment at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Anderson, Dale N.; Sours, Mardell L.

2000-03-20

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is developing and implementing a customer satisfaction assessment program (CSAP) to assess the quality of research and development provided by the laboratory. We present the customer survey component of the PNNL CSAP. The customer survey questionnaire is composed of 2 major sections, Strategic Value and Project Performance. The Strategic Value section of the questionnaire consists of 5 questions that can be answered with a 5 point Likert scale response. These questions are designed to determine if a project is directly contributing to critical future national needs. The Project Performance section of the questionnaire consistsmore » of 9 questions that can be answered with a 5 point Likert scale response. These questions determine PNNL performance in meeting customer expectations. Many approaches could be used to analyze customer survey data. We present a statistical model that can accurately capture the random behavior of customer survey data. The properties of this statistical model can be used to establish a "gold standard'' or performance expectation for the laboratory, and then assess progress. The gold standard is defined from input from laboratory management --- answers to 4 simple questions, in terms of the information obtained from the CSAP customer survey, define the standard: *What should the average Strategic Value be for the laboratory project portfolio? *What Strategic Value interval should include most of the projects in the laboratory portfolio? *What should average Project Performance be for projects with a Strategic Value of about 2? *What should average Project Performance be for projects with a Strategic Value of about 4? We discuss how to analyze CSAP customer survey data with this model. Our discussion will include "lessons learned" and issues that can invalidate this type of assessment.« less

Strategic planning processes and hospital financial performance.

PubMed

Kaissi, Amer A; Begun, James W

2008-01-01

Many common management practices in healthcare organizations, including the practice of strategic planning, have not been subject to widespread assessment through empirical research. If management practice is to be evidence-based, evaluations of such common practices need to be undertaken. The purpose of this research is to provide evidence on the extent of strategic planning practices and the association between hospital strategic planning processes and financial performance. In 2006, we surveyed a sample of 138 chief executive officers (CEOs) of hospitals in the state of Texas about strategic planning in their organizations and collected financial information on the hospitals for 2003. Among the sample hospitals, 87 percent reported having a strategic plan, and most reported that they followed a variety of common practices recommended for strategic planning-having a comprehensive plan, involving physicians, involving the board, and implementing the plan. About one-half of the hospitals assigned responsibility for the plan to the CEO. We tested the association between these planning characteristics in 2006 and two measures of financial performance for 2003. Three dimensions of the strategic planning process--having a strategic plan, assigning the CEO responsibility for the plan, and involving the board--are positively associated with earlier financial performance. Further longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the cause-and-effect relationship between planning and performance.

Analysis Influence of Managerial Competence, Technical Competence, and Strategic Competence on Firm Performance in Electrical Engineering Company in Bandung

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wijaya, E. R.; Irianto, D.

2018-03-01

The industry sectors that have an important role in the era of globalization is the electro engineering sector. The era of globalization led to intense competition. One of the negative effects of the intense competition is declining profits. Drop in profits caused many firms reduces their employees without seeking the root cause of declining profits in detail. Whereas, employee is the important resources to maintain competitive advantage. Competitive advantage can be measured by the performance of which is owned by the firm. The firm's performance can be formed of competencies that is unique, rare, irreplaceable, and difficult to imitate within the firm, one of them is the competence of the individual. According to a competency-based approach and the resource- based approach, individual competence that affect the performance of the firm is managerial competence, technical competence, and strategic competence. Questionnaire is built based on the dimensions of the firm's performance, managerial competence, technical competence, and strategic competence, are processed using partial least squares application. The results indicate that managerial competence negatively impact firm’s performance with weak ties. The technical competence and strategic competence positively affect firm’s performance with moderate ties.

Disease management as a performance improvement strategy.

PubMed

McClatchey, S

2001-11-01

Disease management is a strategy of organizing care and services for a patient population across the continuum. It is characterized by a population database, interdisciplinary and interagency collaboration, and evidence-based clinical information. The effectiveness of a disease management program has been measured by a combination of clinical, financial, and quality of life outcomes. In early 1997, driven by a strategic planning process that established three Centers of Excellence (COE), we implemented disease management as the foundation for a new approach to performance improvement utilizing five key strategies. The five implementation strategies are outlined, in addition to a review of the key elements in outcome achievement.

Strategic plans open for comment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Under the Government Performance and Results Act (the Results Act), agencies of the U.S. government are required to submit a 5-year strategic plan to the U.S. Congress by September 30, 1997 explaining how, when, and why they are spending tax dollars.Enacted in 1993, the Results Act is in tended to "improve efficiency and effective ness of Federal programs by establishing a system to set goals for program performance and to measure results." Thus according to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, the aim is for agencies to measure their performances by the results of their task and services, not by the number of tasks and services performed. Toward that goal, the Act requires that federal entities complete the following 3-step process:

A framework for operationalization of strategic plans and metrics for corporate performance measurement in transportation asset management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mteri, Hassan H.

This thesis investigated the business processes required to translate corporate-level strategic plans into tactical and operational plans in the context of transportation asset management. The study also developed a framework for effective performance measure for departments of transportation. The thesis was based on a case study of transportation agencies in the U.S.A. and Canada. The scope is therefore limited or more directly applicable to transportation assets such as pavement, bridges and culverts. The goal was to address the problem of translating or managing strategic plans, especially in the context of the public sector responsible for operating transportation infrastructure. It was observed that many agencies have been successful in formulating good strategic plans but they have performed relatively poorly in translating such corporate-level strategic plans into operational activities. A questionnaire survey was designed and targeted about 30 state agencies that are currently active in transportation asset management. Twenty one (21) transportation agencies in the USA and Canada responded to the questionnaire. The analysis of the questionnaire data showed that there is a lack of a standard approach to managing corporate strategic plans in transportation agencies. The results also indicated that most transportation agencies operate in three organizational levels but there was no systematic approach of translating goal and objectives from high level to lower levels. Approaches in performance measurement were found to vary from agency to agency. A number of limitations were identified in the existing practice on performance measurements. Key weaknesses include the large number of measures in use (as many as 25 or more), and the disconnection between the measures used and the corporate goals and objectives. Lessons from the private sector were thoroughly reviewed in order to build the groundwork for adapting existing tools to the public sector. The existing literature, assumptions and characteristics that make the Balanced Scorecards and strategy maps work effectively in the private sector were identified. Gaps in implementation of strategic plans and the use of Balanced Scorecard in the public sector were derived. Although Balanced Scorecards have previously been used to a limited extent in transportation agencies, the use of combined Balanced Scorecards and strategy maps with a much broader utility of translating strategic plans into tactical and operational activities for Transportation Asset Management is yet to be established. The thesis presents a framework to operationalize strategic plans through the combined application of Balanced Scorecards and strategy maps. The proposed framework aligns overarching objectives in all organizational levels: corporate, tactical, and operation, in which detail information is delegated from top level to lower levels. Furthermore, the thesis presents a proposed framework for developing and using effective corporate performance measures. The framework for performance measures provides a key tool for tracking progress and ensuring overall operationalization of strategic plans in transportation agencies. The thesis presents a methodology to assess existing performance measures so that agencies can reduce the number of measures, to be more effective and manageable. It was found that among other good characteristics, corporate performance measures must be tied to agency's goals and objectives and must be sensitive or responsive to program delivery activities and to the impacts of decisions about resource allocation.

A design of strategic alliance based on value chain of surveying and mapping enterprises in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duan, Hong; Huang, Xianfeng

2007-06-01

In this paper, we use value chain and strategic alliance theories to analyzing the surveying and mapping Industry and enterprises. The value chain of surveying and mapping enterprises is highly-contacted but split by administrative interference, the enterprises are common small scale. According to the above things, we consider that establishing a nonequity- Holding strategic alliance based on value chain is an available way, it can not only let the enterprises share the superior resources in different sectors of the whole value chain each other but avoid offending the interests of related administrative departments, by this way, the surveying and mapping enterprises gain development respectively and totally. Then, we give the method to building up the strategic alliance model through parting the value chain and the using advantage of companies in different value chain sectors. Finally, we analyze the internal rule of strategic alliance and prove it is a suitable way to realize the development of surveying and mapping enterprises through game theory.

Strategic Considerations in Developing Programs at Colleges and Universities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barbaro, Fred

1986-01-01

A strategy, based on organizational change literature, for establishing a college program for learning-disabled students includes such crucial steps as assessing the change effort (nature of the change, environmental factors, initiators of change), establishing a campaign plan (program and decision centers), and developing deployment tactics…

How an Organization's Environmental Orientation Impacts Environmental Performance and Its Resultant Financial Performance through Green Computing Hiring Practices: An Empirical Investigation of the Natural Resource-Based View of the Firm

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aken, Andrew Joseph

2010-01-01

This dissertation uses the logic embodied in Strategic Fit Theory, the Natural Resource- Based View of the Firm (NRBV), strategic human resource management, and other relevant literature streams to empirically demonstrate how the environmental orientation of a firm's strategy impacts their environmental performance and resultant financial…

Resource based view of the firm: measures of reputation among health service-sector businesses.

PubMed

Smith, Alan D

2008-01-01

Application of the strategic leverage of Resource Based View of the Firm (RBV) directly advocates that a company's competitive advantage is derived from its ability to assemble and exploit an appropriate combination of resources (both tangible and intangible assets). The three companies that were selected were Pittsburgh-based companies that were within relatively easy access, representing healthcare service-related industries, and can be reviewed for the principles of the RBV. The particular firms represented a variety of establishments and included Baptist Homes (a long-term care facility), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)(a provider of hospital and other health services), and GlaxoSmithKline, Consumer Healthcare, North America (GSK-CHNA)(a global provider of healthcare products and services). Through the case studies, it was found that not all intangible assets are strategic, and by extension, not all measures of reputation are strategic either. For an intangible asset to be considered strategic, in this case reputation, it must be valuable, rare, imperfectly imitable, and non-substitutable.

Proposal and Justification for Establishing Strategic Technology Information Analysis Center.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-12-04

decision to establish a Strategic Technology Information Analysis Center (STIAC). This Center would provide a mission-oriented focus for Strategic Technology...SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION This proposal provides the Defense Logistic Agency with the following critical data to assist them in making the decision on...time consuming for the strategic BID community to acquire. 1.2 EVOLVING NEED FOR STIAC The need for a STIAC has been surfacing along multiple paths

Integrated Strategic Planning in a Learning-Centered Community College

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelley, Susan; Kaufman, Roger

2007-01-01

In learning-centered community colleges, planning, like all processes, must measurably improve learning and learner performance. This article shares Valencia Community College's approach to revising its strategic planning process based on the Organizational Elements Model to: 1) focus strategic planning on learning results that add value for…

An exploratory study of healthcare strategic planning in two metropolitan areas.

PubMed

Begun, James W; Kaissi, Amer A

2005-01-01

Little is known about empirical variation in the extent to which healthcare organizations conduct formal strategic planning or the extent to which strategic planning affects performance. Structural contingency and complexity science theory offer differing interpretations of the value of strategic planning. Structural contingency theory emphasizes adaptation to achieve organizational fit with a changing environment and views strategic planning as a way to chart the organization's path. Complexity science argues that planning is largely futile in changing environments. Interviews of leaders in 20 healthcare organizations in the metropolitan areas of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, and San Antonio, Texas, reveal that strategic planning is a common and valued function in healthcare organizations. Respondents emphasized the need to continuously update strategic plans, involve physicians and the governing board, and integrate strategic plans with other organizational plans. Most leaders expressed that strategic planning contributes to organizational focus, fosters stakeholder participation and commitment, and leads to achievement of strategic goals. Because the widespread belief in strategic planning is based largely on experience, intuition, and faith, we present recommendations for developing an evidence base for healthcare strategic planning.

Establishing space activities in non-space faring nations: An example of university-based strategic planning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faure, Pauline; Cho, Mengu; Maeda, George

2018-07-01

In 2015, Kyushu Institute of Technology initiated the Joint Global Multi-Nation Birds Satellite (BIRDS) program. As of September 2017, young professionals from Bangladesh, Ghana, Nigeria, Thailand, Mongolia, Philippines, Malaysia, and Bhutan are being involved in BIRDS program. To help the young professionals acquiring the right tools and preparing them to successfully establish indigenous space activities, the space strategic planning project was established in February 2017. During the project, young professionals from Bangladesh, Ghana, Mongolia, and Bhutan were invited to think about the strategy their home country should be following in the next ten years to achieve their country's goals in terms of space sciences, engineering, and utilization, while respecting the country needs and constraints. In this paper, the efforts undertaken by the different young professionals are reported and the guidelines for each country space strategic planning are described. From this work, the authors aim at promoting space activities development in non-space faring nations and encouraging non-space faring nations to find their right strategy to achieve sustainable indigenous space activities despite the nation's constraints.

Team Culture and Business Strategy Simulation Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ritchie, William J.; Fornaciari, Charles J.; Drew, Stephen A. W.; Marlin, Dan

2013-01-01

Many capstone strategic management courses use computer-based simulations as core pedagogical tools. Simulations are touted as assisting students in developing much-valued skills in strategy formation, implementation, and team management in the pursuit of superior strategic performance. However, despite their rich nature, little is known regarding…

The Task Is Not Enough: Processing Approaches to Task-Based Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Skehan, Peter; Xiaoyue, Bei; Qian, Li; Wang, Zhan

2012-01-01

This article reports on three research studies, all of which concern second language task performance. The first focuses on planning, and compares on-line and strategic planning as well as task repetition. The second study examines the role of familiarity on task performance, and compares this with conventional strategic planning. The third study…

Robinson Rancheria Strategic Energy Plan; Middletown Rancheria Strategic Energy Plan, Scotts Valley Rancheria Strategic Energy Plan, Elem Indian Colony Strategic Energy Plan, Upperlake Rancheria Strategic Energy Plan, Big Valley Rancheria Strategic Energy Plan

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McGinnis and Associates LLC

2008-08-01

The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians is located in Lake County in Northern California. Similar to the other five federally recognized Indian Tribes in Lake County participating in this project, Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians members are challenged by generally increasing energy costs and undeveloped local energy resources. Currently, Tribal decision makers lack sufficient information to make informed decisions about potential renewable energy resources. To meet this challenge efficiently, the Tribes have committed to the Lake County Tribal Energy Program, a multi Tribal program to be based at the Robinson Rancheria and including The Elem Indian Colony, Bigmore » Valley Rancheria, Middletown Rancheria, Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake and the Scotts Valley Pomo Tribe. The mission of this program is to promote Tribal energy efficiency and create employment opportunities and economic opportunities on Tribal Lands through energy resource and energy efficiency development. This program will establish a comprehensive energy strategic plan for the Tribes based on Tribal specific plans that capture economic and environmental benefits while continuing to respect Tribal cultural practices and traditions. The goal is to understand current and future energy consumption and develop both regional and Tribe specific strategic energy plans, including action plans, to clearly identify the energy options for each Tribe.« less

Analysis of Nursing Clinical Decision Support Requests and Strategic Plan in a Large Academic Health System

PubMed Central

Bavuso, Karen; Bouyer-Ferullo, Sharon; Goldsmith, Denise; Fairbanks, Amanda; Gesner, Emily; Lagor, Charles; Collins, Sarah

2016-01-01

Summary Objectives To understand requests for nursing Clinical Decision Support (CDS) interventions at a large integrated health system undergoing vendor-based EHR implementation. In addition, to establish a process to guide both short-term implementation and long-term strategic goals to meet nursing CDS needs. Materials and Methods We conducted an environmental scan to understand current state of nursing CDS over three months. The environmental scan consisted of a literature review and an analysis of CDS requests received from across our health system. We identified existing high priority CDS and paper-based tools used in nursing practice at our health system that guide decision-making. Results A total of 46 nursing CDS requests were received. Fifty-six percent (n=26) were specific to a clinical specialty; 22 percent (n=10) were focused on facilitating clinical consults in the inpatient setting. “Risk Assessments/Risk Reduction/Promotion of Healthy Habits” (n=23) was the most requested High Priority Category received for nursing CDS. A continuum of types of nursing CDS needs emerged using the Data-Information-Knowledge-Wisdom Conceptual Framework: 1) facilitating data capture, 2) meeting information needs, 3) guiding knowledge-based decision making, and 4) exposing analytics for wisdom-based clinical interpretation by the nurse. Conclusion Identifying and prioritizing paper-based tools that can be modified into electronic CDS is a challenge. CDS strategy is an evolving process that relies on close collaboration and engagement with clinical sites for short-term implementation and should be incorporated into a long-term strategic plan that can be optimized and achieved overtime. The Data-Information-Knowledge-Wisdom Conceptual Framework in conjunction with the High Priority Categories established may be a useful tool to guide a strategic approach for meeting short-term nursing CDS needs and aligning with the organizational strategic plan. PMID:27437036

The Transformation from Defence Procurement to Defence Acquisition - Opportunities for New Forms of Analytical Support

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-01

Exchanges of Services ( ATARES ); Strategic Airlift Interim Solution (SALIS); Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC); the European Air Transport Fleet (EATF... ATARES is a TA, established in order to facilitate the exchange of military capabilities based on equivalent flying hours with Lockheed C-130 Hercules...initiatives such as NATO PfP, EU BG, MNE, NAMSA, MCCE, ATARES , SALIS, and SAC. The participation in the EU BG concept was as one of the contributors

Strategic relevance and accountability expectations: new perspectives for health care information technology design.

PubMed

Tan, J K; Modrow, R E

1999-05-01

In this article, we discuss the traditional systems analysis perspective on end-user information requirements analysis and extend it to merge with the new accountability expectations perspective to guide the future planning and design of health organization information systems. Underlying the strategic relevance of health care information technology (HCIT) are three critical questions: (1) What is the ideal HCIT model for the health organization in terms of achieving strategic expertise and competitive advantage? Specifically, how does this model link industry performance standards with organizational performance and accountability expectations? (2) How should the limitations of past HCIT models be reconciled to the benefits presented by the superior arrangement of the ideal model in the context of changing accountability expectations? (3) How should alternative HCIT solutions be evaluated in light of evidence-based accountability and organizational performance benchmarking? Insights into these questions will ensure that health care managers, HCIT practitioners and researchers can continue to focus on the most critical issues in harnessing today's fast-paced changing technologies for evolving strategically relevant, performance-based health organization systems.

Implementation of innovative attitudes and behaviour in primary health care by means of strategic communication: a 7-year follow-up.

PubMed

Morténius, Helena; Marklund, Bertil; Palm, Lars; Björkelund, Cecilia; Baigi, Amir

2012-06-01

To bridge the gap between theory and practice, methods are needed that promote a positive attitude to change among health care professionals and facilitate the incorporation of new research findings. In this context, communication plays a significant role. The aim of this study was to analyse primary care staff members' readiness to adopt new ways of thinking and willingness to change their work practices by means of strategic communication. An evaluative design was used to study a primary care staff cohort for 7 years. The study population comprised all primary care staff in a region of Sweden (n = 1206). The strategic communication encompassed managerial impact, planning and implementation of reflexive communication processes, in addition to activities in three established communication channels (oral, written and digital). A questionnaire was used, and bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed. A total of 846 individuals participated in the evaluation (70%). Strategic communication had a significant effect on staff members' new way of thinking (61%) and willingness to change daily work practices (33%). The communication channels had a significant synergy effect on the adoption of new ideas and willingness to change attitudes. Oral and digital communication had a significant impact on staff members' readiness to change. Strategic communication plays an important role in the process of creating innovative attitudes and behaviour among primary care professionals. The willingness to change attitudes enhances primary care staff's readiness to change everyday practices, thus facilitating the implementation of evidence-based care. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Strategic Learning in Youth with Traumatic Brain Injury: Evidence for Stall in Higher-Order Cognition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gamino, Jacquelyn F.; Chapman, Sandra B.; Cook, Lori G.

2009-01-01

Little is known about strategic learning ability in preteens and adolescents with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Strategic learning is the ability to combine and synthesize details to form abstracted gist-based meanings, a higher-order cognitive skill associated with frontal lobe functions and higher classroom performance. Summarization tasks were…

Strategic plan, 1991: A strategy for leadership in space through excellence in space science and applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

In 1988, the Office of Space Science and Applications (OSSA) developed and published a Strategic Plan for the United States' space science and applications program during the next 5 to 10 years. The Plan presented the proposed OSSA program for the next fiscal year and defined a flexible process that provides the basis for near-term decisions on the allocation of resources and the planning of future efforts. Based on the strategies that have been developed by the advisory committees both of the National Academy of Sciences and of NASA, the Plan balances major, moderate, and small mission initiatives, the utilization of Space Station Freedom, and the requirements for a vital research base. The Plan can be adjusted to accommodate varying budget levels, both those levels that provide opportunities for an expanded science and applications program, and those that constrain growth. SSA's strategic planning is constructed around five actions: establish a set of programmatic themes; establish a set of decision rules; establish a set of priorities for missions and programs within each theme; demonstrate that the strategy can yield a viable program; and check the strategy for consistency with resource constraints. The outcome of this process is a clear, coherent strategy that meets both NASA's and OSSA's goals, that assures realism in long-range planning and advanced technology development, and that provides sufficient resiliency to respond and adapt to both known and unexpected internal and external realities. The OSSA Strategic Plan is revised annually to reflect the approval of new programs, improved understanding of requirements and issues, and any major changes in the circumstances, both within NASA and external to NASA, in which OSSA initiatives are considered.

An Overview of the NASA Aeronautics Test Program Strategic Plan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marshall, Timothy J.

2010-01-01

U.S. leadership in aeronautics depends on ready access to technologically advanced, efficient, and affordable aeronautics test capabilities. These systems include major wind tunnels and propulsion test facilities and flight test capabilities. The federal government owns the majority of the major aeronautics test capabilities in the United States, primarily through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Department of Defense (DoD), however an overarching strategy for management of these national assets was needed. Therefore, in Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 NASA established the Aeronautics Test Program (ATP) as a two-pronged strategic initiative to: (1) retain and invest in NASA aeronautics test capabilities considered strategically important to the agency and the nation, and (2) establish a strong, high level partnership with the DoD Test Resources Management Center (TRMC), stewards of the DoD test and evaluation infrastructure. Since then, approximately seventy percent of the ATP budget has been directed to underpin fixed and variable costs of facility operations within its portfolio and the balance towards strategic investments in its test facilities, including maintenance and capability upgrades. Also, a strong guiding coalition was established through the National Partnership for Aeronautics Testing (NPAT), with governance by the senior leadership of NASA s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) and the DoD's TRMC. As part of its strategic planning, ATP has performed or participated in many studies and analyses, including assessments of major NASA and DoD aeronautics test capabilities, test facility condition evaluations and market research. The ATP strategy has also benefitted from unpublished RAND research and analysis by Ant n et al. (2009). Together, these various studies, reports and assessments serve as a foundation for a new, five year strategic plan that will guide ATP through FY 2014. Our vision for the future is a balanced portfolio of aeronautics ground and flight test capabilities that advance U.S. leadership in aeronautics in the short and long term. Key to the ATP vision is the concept of availability, not necessarily ownership; that is, NASA does not have to own and operate all facilities that are envisioned for future aeronautics testing. However, ATP will enable access to capabilities which are needed but not owned by NASA through strategic partnerships and reliance agreements. This paper will outline the major aspects of the ATP strategic plan for achieving its mission.

Strategic Factors on Interpreting Remanufacturing Quality-Certifying Framework to Address Warranty Aftermarket for Malaysian Industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamed, N.; Saman, M. Z. M.; Sharif, S.; Hamzah, H. S.

2018-03-01

While the concept of remanufacturing is gaining popularity globally, literature and theory on strategic decision-making on certifying for warranty in this area remain limited. A strategic and establish concept flow is developed based on extensive literature review and surveys with experienced experts who are dealing with remanufactured, reconditioned, rebuilt and reused components. The remanufacturing research on evaluating quality assurance of remanufactured component targets macro-level parameters and the indicators which must be confirmed for evaluation. The strategic remanufacturing factors identified from the literature review are discussed in a brainstorming session with a number of remanufacturing researchers and academic experts. The study is further broadened by industrial surveys and case studies to justify the inputs on developing a framework to certify remanufactured components. Preliminary results have established the key factors of remanufacturing quality control that might lead to the strict quality assurance of remanufactured components. Later, the developed framework can be used as a benchmarking tool to certify remanufactured components and warranty issuance. The findings serve as the foundation for further research concerning Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or Original Equipment Remanufacturer (OER) and Independent Equipment Remanufacturer (IER) in the Malaysian Remanufacturing Industry.

Experimental Evaluation of an Integrated Datalink and Automation-Based Strategic Trajectory Concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mueller, Eric

2007-01-01

This paper presents research on the interoperability of trajectory-based automation concepts and technologies with modern Flight Management Systems and datalink communication available on many of today s commercial aircraft. A tight integration of trajectory-based ground automation systems with the aircraft Flight Management System through datalink will enable mid-term and far-term benefits from trajectory-based automation methods. A two-way datalink connection between the trajectory-based automation resident in the Center/TRACON Automation System and the Future Air Navigation System-1 integrated FMS/datalink in NASA Ames B747-400 Level D simulator has been established and extensive simulation of the use of datalink messages to generate strategic trajectories completed. A strategic trajectory is defined as an aircraft deviation needed to solve a conflict or honor a route request and then merge the aircraft back to its nominal preferred trajectory using a single continuous trajectory clearance. Engineers on the ground side of the datalink generated lateral and vertical trajectory clearances and transmitted them to the Flight Management System of the 747; the airborne automation then flew the new trajectory without human intervention, requiring the flight crew only to review and to accept the trajectory. This simulation established the protocols needed for a significant majority of the trajectory change types required to solve a traffic conflict or deviate around weather. This demonstration provides a basis for understanding the requirements for integration of trajectory-based automation with current Flight Management Systems and datalink to support future National Airspace System operations.

Transforming the Way DOD Looks at Energy. An Approach to Establishing an Energy Strategy

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-04-01

than the aromatic-containing, petroleum-based gasoline and diesel, reducing emissions . Two biofuels in current use are B20 and E85.6 These fuels...penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. 1. REPORT DATE APR 2007 2...areas of disconnect between DoD’s current energy consump- tion practices and the capability requirements of its strategic goals: Strategic. DoD seeks

Maintaining technical excellence requires a national plan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davidson, T. F.

1991-01-01

To meet the challenge of technical excellence, AIA established a rocket propulsion committee to develop the National Rocket Propulsion Strategic Plan. Developing such a plan required a broad spectrum of experience and disciplines. The Strategic Plan team needed the participation of industry, government, and academia. The plan provides, if followed, a means for the U.S. to maintain technical excellence and world leadership in rocket propulsion. To implement the National Rocket Propulsion Strategic Plan is to invest in the social, economic, and technological futures of America. The plan lays the basis for upgrading existing propulsion systems and a firm base for future full scale development, production, and operation of rocket propulsion systems for space, defense, and commercial applications.

Organizational Learning, Strategic Flexibility and Business Model Innovation: An Empirical Research Based on Logistics Enterprises

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bao, Yaodong; Cheng, Lin; Zhang, Jian

Using the data of 237 Jiangsu logistics firms, this paper empirically studies the relationship among organizational learning capability, business model innovation, strategic flexibility. The results show as follows; organizational learning capability has positive impacts on business model innovation performance; strategic flexibility plays mediating roles on the relationship between organizational learning capability and business model innovation; interaction among strategic flexibility, explorative learning and exploitative learning play significant roles in radical business model innovation and incremental business model innovation.

Pure versus hybrid: performance implications of Porter's generic strategies.

PubMed

Kumar, K; Subramanian, R; Yauger, C

1997-01-01

This article identifies the strategic types in the hospital industry based on the hospital's use of Porter's generic strategies in their pure and hybrid forms. The article also examines differences in performance of hospitals across strategic types. Results indicate that hospitals that follow a focussed cost leadership strategy, in general, have superior performance on a variety of performance measures, while hospitals that use a combination of cost leadership and differentiation perform the poorest. Implications of findings for hospital administrators are also discussed.

Comparing Strategic Knowledge Gaps for Human Mars Settlement vs. Exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mackenzie, B. A.

2012-06-01

We list knowledge needed to establish a permanent Mars base, compared that for round-trip human exploration missions. Topics include: site selection, reliable access to water, long term effects of contaminations, and in-situ materials production.

Data on strategically located land and spatially integrated urban human settlements in South Africa.

PubMed

Musakwa, Walter

2017-12-01

In developing countries like South Africa processed geographic information systems (GIS) data on land suitability, is often not available for land use management. Data in this article is based on a published article "The strategically located land index support system for humans settlements land reform in South Africa" (Musakwa et al., 2017) [1]. This article utilities data from Musakwa et al. (2017) [1] and it goes on a step further by presenting the top 25th percentile of areas in the country that are strategically located and suited to develop spatially integrated human settlements. Furthermore the least 25th percentile of the country that are not strategically located and spatially integrated to establish human settlements are also presented. The article also presents the processed spatial datasets that where used to develop the strategically located land index as supplementary material. The data presented is meant to stir debate on spatially integrated human settlements in South Africa.

Strategic ambiguities in the process of consent: role of the family in decisions to forgo life-sustaining treatment for incompetent elderly patients.

PubMed

Tse, Chun-yan; Tao, Julia; Chun-yan, Tse

2004-04-01

This paper evaluates the Hong Kong approach to consent regarding the forgoing of life-sustaining treatment for incompetent elderly patients. It analyzes the contextualized approach in the Hong Kong process-based, consensus-building model, in contrast to other role-based models which emphasize the establishment of a system of formal laws and a clear locus of decisional authority. Without embracing relativism, the paper argues that the Hong Kong model offers an instructive example of how strategic ambiguities can both make good sense within particular cultural context and serve important moral goals.

Strategic Tutor Monitoring.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chee-kwong, Kenneth Chao

1996-01-01

Discusses effective tutor monitoring strategies based on experiences at the Open Learning Institute of Hong Kong. Highlights include key performance and strategic control points; situational factors, including tutor expectations and relevant culture; Theory X versus Theory Y leadership theories; and monitoring relationships with tutors. (LRW)

Research on Duplication Dynamics and Evolutionary Stable of Reverse Supply Chain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huizhong, Dong; Hongli, Song

An evolutionary game model of Reverse Supply Chain(RSC) is established based on duplication dynamics function and evolutionary stable strategy. Using the model framework, this paper provides insights into a deeper understanding on how each supplier make strategic decision independently in reverse supply chain to determine their performance. The main conclusion is as follow: Under the market mechanism, not unless the extra income derived from the implementation of RSC exceeds zero point would the suppliers implement RSC strategy. When those suppliers are passive to RSC, the effective solution is that the government takes macro-control measures, for example, to force those suppliers implement RSC through punishment mechanism.

15 CFR 1160.23 - Assistance in establishing Strategic Partnerships.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Assistance in establishing Strategic Partnerships. 1160.23 Section 1160.23 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade (Continued) TECHNOLOGY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE PRODUCTIVITY, TECHNOLOGY AND...

Establishing a sense of urgency for leading transformational change.

PubMed

Shirey, Maria R

2011-04-01

This department highlights change management strategies that may be successful in strategically planning and executing organizational change initiatives. With the goal of presenting practical approaches helpful to nurse leaders advancing organizational change, content includes evidence-based projects, tools, and resources that mobilize and sustain organizational change initiatives. In this article, the author discusses successful tactics for establishing a sense of urgency to facilitate organizational change.

Distributed Secure Coordinated Control for Multiagent Systems Under Strategic Attacks.

PubMed

Feng, Zhi; Wen, Guanghui; Hu, Guoqiang

2017-05-01

This paper studies a distributed secure consensus tracking control problem for multiagent systems subject to strategic cyber attacks modeled by a random Markov process. A hybrid stochastic secure control framework is established for designing a distributed secure control law such that mean-square exponential consensus tracking is achieved. A connectivity restoration mechanism is considered and the properties on attack frequency and attack length rate are investigated, respectively. Based on the solutions of an algebraic Riccati equation and an algebraic Riccati inequality, a procedure to select the control gains is provided and stability analysis is studied by using Lyapunov's method.. The effect of strategic attacks on discrete-time systems is also investigated. Finally, numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of theoretical analysis.

78 FR 52924 - Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Statement of Organization, Functions, and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-27

... management functions for the Office on Women's Health (OWH) in the OASH. Specifically, this notice establishes the Division of Policy and Performance Management (ACB2), the Division of Strategic Communication (ACB3) and the Division of Program Innovation (ACB4) within the Office on Women's Health (ACB). The...

Technology Streamlines and Improves Recruitment--and Institutional Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Forsstrom, Janice

2008-01-01

Established in 1965, North Shore Community College (NSCC) is one of the oldest and largest of the 15 public comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts. Operating from campuses in Lynn, Beverly and Danvers, NSCC serves more than 10,000 students each year. One of their strategic directions is to build technology media environments that create…

Evolving neural networks for strategic decision-making problems.

PubMed

Kohl, Nate; Miikkulainen, Risto

2009-04-01

Evolution of neural networks, or neuroevolution, has been a successful approach to many low-level control problems such as pole balancing, vehicle control, and collision warning. However, certain types of problems-such as those involving strategic decision-making-have remained difficult for neuroevolution to solve. This paper evaluates the hypothesis that such problems are difficult because they are fractured: The correct action varies discontinuously as the agent moves from state to state. A method for measuring fracture using the concept of function variation is proposed and, based on this concept, two methods for dealing with fracture are examined: neurons with local receptive fields, and refinement based on a cascaded network architecture. Experiments in several benchmark domains are performed to evaluate how different levels of fracture affect the performance of neuroevolution methods, demonstrating that these two modifications improve performance significantly. These results form a promising starting point for expanding neuroevolution to strategic tasks.

Joint-ventures as strategic choice--a literature review.

PubMed

Lyons, M P

1991-08-01

The concept of 'strategic options' has become firmly established in recent years--this regards choices such as 'organic growth', acquisition, merger, and so on. This paper explores one such route forward, the option of joint-ventures. The examination is undertaken within a framework that considers market structures and the pressures for change. Initial sections introduce a form of analysis based upon the work of Michael Porter. This is used to suggest how and why joint-ventures and other alliances are attractive. Later discussion considers some of the practical considerations when setting-up a joint-venture.

Aggressive strategic planning for oral health in Kuwait: a decade of post-war successes.

PubMed

Morris, R E; Gillespie, G M; Al Za'abi, F; Al Rashed, B; Al Mahmeed, B E

2008-01-01

Strategic planning and implementation of oral health care and disease prevention programmes after the 1990/91 Gulf war are discussed. The key concept was to develop access to care and disease prevention for all Kuwaiti children in government kindergarten/primary schools and to eliminate emphasis on extractions and restorations. Resources were restored to pre-war levels and then increased. Prevention programmes for 150 000 children were established. Prevention funds increased from 7% to 20% of the oral health budget. Prevention-based dentists increased from 9.7% to 28.0% of staff. Rising caries trends were stabilized or reduced by up to 36.8%. Percentage of caries-free primary dentition in children increased up to 37.6%, permanent dentition up to 27.0%. A dentistry school was established.

Using a nursing balanced scorecard approach to measure and optimize nursing performance.

PubMed

Jeffs, Lianne; Merkley, Jane; Richardson, Sandy; Eli, Jackie; McAllister, Mary

2011-04-01

The authors give an overview of one healthcare organization's experience in developing a nursing strategic plan and nursing balanced scorecard (NBS) using a focused planning process involving strategy mapping. The NBS is being used at this organization to manage the nursing strategic plan by leveraging and improving nursing processes and organizational capabilities as required, based on data and transparent communication of performance results to key stakeholders. Key strategies and insights may help other nurse leaders in developing or refining strategic approaches to measuring nursing performance. Vital to the success of an organization's strategic plan are ongoing endorsement, engagement and visibility of senior leaders. Quality of decisions made depends on the organization's ability to collect data from multiple sources using standardized definitions, mine data and extract them for statistical analysis and effectively present them in a compelling and understandable way to users and decision-makers.

Kent County Health Department: Using an Agency Strategic Plan to Drive Improvement.

PubMed

Saari, Chelsey K

The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) was accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) in September 2014. Although Michigan has had a state-level accreditation process for local health departments since the late 1990s, the PHAB accreditation process presented a unique opportunity for KCHD to build on successes achieved through state accreditation and enhance performance in all areas of KCHD programs, services, and operations. PHAB's standards, measures, and peer-review process provided a standardized and structured way to identify meaningful opportunities for improvement and to plan and implement strategies for enhanced performance and established a platform for being recognized nationally as a high-performing local health department. The current case report highlights the way in which KCHD has developed and implemented its strategic plan to guide efforts aimed at addressing gaps identified through the accreditation process and to drive overall improvement within our agency.

Strategic Planning for School Success.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Herman, Jerry J.

1993-01-01

Strategic planners concerned with such matters as high-achieving students, high-performing teachers, broad-based community support, and a two-way involvement with the community must analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats existing in the school's internal and external environment. A sample SWOT analysis is included. (MLH)

Application of Principles of Performance-Based Assessment to Corporate Certifications

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Foshay, Wellesley R.; Hale, Judith

2017-01-01

Performance based assessment is currently receiving renewed attention as an alternative to conventional testing. We argue that performance based assessment, supported by a microcredentialing system, is particularly well suited to corporate environments that stress strategic development of their workforce capacities. There are important…

78 FR 77643 - National Advisory Committee of Meat and Poultry Inspection

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-24

... label on meat and poultry packages. With this input, the Agency will consider whether or not the current... seeking feedback from NACMPI on FSIS's Establishment-Specific Data Release Strategic Plan. The plan was... handling instructions included on food labels and FSIS's Establishment- Specific Data Release Strategic...

Cultivations...and potting on a strategic plan for a social and horticultural therapy program.

PubMed

Smilski, Andrea

2008-01-01

This research endeavored to develop a strategic growth plan for St. Ann's Garden Club (SAGC), a Non-Profit Social and Horticultural Therapy program, located at Providence Farm in Duncan, British Columbia. SAGC is a day program for older adults with mental illness and/or drug/alcohol addiction. The aim of the program is to be sustainable within the context of stakeholders needs, preferences, and resources and therefore they sought a strategic analysis prior to launching a growth strategy. SAGC has valuable intangible resources that contribute to strong core competencies and effectiveness despite facing many program issues requiring change in order for them to be sustainable. These same issues are shared by many public and non-profit health and wellness programs as they struggle to remain relevant in today's changing healthscape. To adequately focus the study and provide sound direction, the strategic analysis highlighted SAGC's environment, opportunities, issues, priorities, and requirements and was conducted through multiple iterations of the action research cycle. Data was gathered using surveys, interviews, and a focus group. The findings supported a capital campaign to build as new larger clubhouse and establish a more diverse sustainable funding base. Using a resource based perspective, a three year strategic plan was formulated for SAGC to help them cultivate growth and sustainability.

A saponification-triggered gelation of ester-based Zn(II) complex through conformational transformations.

PubMed

Kumar, Ashish; Dubey, Mrigendra; Kumar, Amit; Pandey, Daya Shankar

2014-09-11

Novel saponification-triggered gelation in an ester-based bis-salen Zn(II) complex (1) is described. Strategic structural modifications induced by NaOH in 1 tune the dipolar-/π-interactions leading to J-aggregation and the creation of an inorganic gel material (IGM), which has been established by photophysical, DFT and rheological studies.

Strategic Marketing for Educational Systems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hanson, E. Mark; Henry, Walter

1992-01-01

Private-sector strategic marketing processes can significantly benefit schools desiring to develop public confidence and support and establish guidelines for future development. This article defines a strategic marketing model for school systems and articulates the sequence of related research and operational steps comprising it. Although schools…

Criteria for assigning laboratory measurands to models for analytical performance specifications defined in the 1st EFLM Strategic Conference.

PubMed

Ceriotti, Ferruccio; Fernandez-Calle, Pilar; Klee, George G; Nordin, Gunnar; Sandberg, Sverre; Streichert, Thomas; Vives-Corrons, Joan-Lluis; Panteghini, Mauro

2017-02-01

This paper, prepared by the EFLM Task and Finish Group on Allocation of laboratory tests to different models for performance specifications (TFG-DM), is dealing with criteria for allocating measurands to the different models for analytical performance specifications (APS) recognized in the 1st EFLM Strategic Conference Consensus Statement. Model 1, based on the effect of APS on clinical outcome, is the model of choice for measurands that have a central role in the decision-making of a specific disease or clinical situation and where cut-off/decision limits are established for either diagnosing, screening or monitoring. Total cholesterol, glucose, HbA1c, serum albumin and cardiac troponins represent practical examples. Model 2 is based on components of biological variation and should be applied to measurands that do not have a central role in a specific disease or clinical situation, but where the concentration of the measurand is in a steady state. This is best achieved for measurands under strict homeostatic control in order to preserve their concentrations in the body fluid of interest, but it can also be applied to other measurands that are in a steady state in biological fluids. In this case, it is expected that the "noise" produced by the measurement procedure will not significantly alter the signal provided by the concentration of the measurand. This model especially applies to electrolytes and minerals in blood plasma (sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium, inorganic phosphate) and to creatinine, cystatin C, uric acid and total protein in plasma. Model 3, based on state-of-the-art of the measurement, should be used for all the measurands that cannot be included in models 1 or 2.

Strategic rehabilitation planning of piped water networks using multi-criteria decision analysis.

PubMed

Scholten, Lisa; Scheidegger, Andreas; Reichert, Peter; Maurer, Max; Mauer, Max; Lienert, Judit

2014-02-01

To overcome the difficulties of strategic asset management of water distribution networks, a pipe failure and a rehabilitation model are combined to predict the long-term performance of rehabilitation strategies. Bayesian parameter estimation is performed to calibrate the failure and replacement model based on a prior distribution inferred from three large water utilities in Switzerland. Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) and scenario planning build the framework for evaluating 18 strategic rehabilitation alternatives under future uncertainty. Outcomes for three fundamental objectives (low costs, high reliability, and high intergenerational equity) are assessed. Exploitation of stochastic dominance concepts helps to identify twelve non-dominated alternatives and local sensitivity analysis of stakeholder preferences is used to rank them under four scenarios. Strategies with annual replacement of 1.5-2% of the network perform reasonably well under all scenarios. In contrast, the commonly used reactive replacement is not recommendable unless cost is the only relevant objective. Exemplified for a small Swiss water utility, this approach can readily be adapted to support strategic asset management for any utility size and based on objectives and preferences that matter to the respective decision makers. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Classroom Diversification: A Strategic View of Educational Productivity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lopez, Omar S.

2007-01-01

This article advances a theory of educational productivity based on a paradigm of classroom diversification that defines a strategic view of the education production process. The paradigm's underlying premise is that classroom student performance, and the instructional interactions that produce such outcomes, depend on economies derived from the…

School Site Strategic Planning To Improve District Performance.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lytle, James H.

This paper describes the evolution of a school-based planning model that accommodates independent approaches to School District of Philadelphia goals. The description centers on key strategic planning decisions made during a 6-year period and three components of the planning model: the organizational monitoring and feedback system; organizational…

Performance management excellence among the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Winners in Health Care.

PubMed

Duarte, Neville T; Goodson, Jane R; Arnold, Edwin W

2013-01-01

When carefully constructed, performance management systems can help health care organizations direct their efforts toward strategic goals, high performance, and continuous improvement needed to ensure high-quality patient care and cost control. The effective management of performance is an integral component in hospital and health care systems that are recognized for excellence by the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in Health Care. Using the framework in the 2011-2012 Health Care Criteria for Performance Excellence, this article identifies the best practices in performance management demonstrated by 15 Baldrige recipients. The results show that all of the recipients base their performance management systems on strategic goals, outcomes, or competencies that cascade from the organizational to the individual level. At the individual level, each hospital or health system reinforces the strategic direction with performance evaluations of leaders and employees, including the governing board, based on key outcomes and competencies. Leader evaluations consistently include feedback from internal and external stakeholders, creating a culture of information sharing and performance improvement. The hospitals or health care systems also align their reward systems to promote high performance by emphasizing merit and recognition for contributions. Best practices can provide a guide for leaders in other health systems in developing high-performance work systems.

Physician input: a critical strategic-planning tool.

PubMed

Rovinsky, Michael

2002-01-01

To establish effective working relationships with medical staff and community physicians, an IDS must adopt a strategic-planning approach that adequately incorporates physicians' needs and expectations. Research shows that most physicians considered the IDS's market position, the degree to which the IDS can offer physicians practice-enhancing capabilities, and physician involvement in IDS governance to be critical factors for the success of an IDS. By establishing a meaningful role for physicians in the organizational strategic-planning process, an IDS can significantly improve its market position and its relationships with physicians.

Selecting physician leaders for clinical service lines: critical success factors.

PubMed

Epstein, Andrew L; Bard, Marc A

2008-03-01

Clinical service lines and interdisciplinary centers have emerged as important strategic programs within academic health centers (AHCs). Effective physician leadership is significant to their success, but how these leaders are chosen has not been well studied. The authors conducted a study to identify current models for selecting the physician leaders of clinical service lines, determine critical success factors, and learn how the search process affected service line performance. In 2003 and 2004, the authors interviewed clinical and executive personnel involved in 14 programs to establish, or consider establishing, heart or cancer service lines, at 13 AHCs. The responses were coded to identify and analyze trends and themes. The key findings of the survey were (1) the goals and expectations that AHCs set for their service line leaders vary greatly, depending on both the strategic purpose of the service line in the AHC and the service line's stage of development, (2) the matrix organizational structure employed by most AHCs limits the leader's authority over necessary resources, and calls forth a variety of compensating strategies if the service line is to succeed, (3) the AHCs studied used relatively informal processes to identify, evaluate, and select service line leaders, and (4) the leader's job is vitally shaped by the AHC's strategic, structural, and political context, and selection criteria should be determined accordingly. Institutions should be explicit about the strategic purpose and stage of development of their clinical service lines and be clear about their expectations and requirements in hiring service line leaders.

Fatigue on the flight deck: the consequences of sleep loss and the benefits of napping.

PubMed

Hartzler, Beth M

2014-01-01

The detrimental effects of fatigue in aviation are well established, as evidenced by both the number of fatigue-related mishaps and numerous studies which have found that most pilots experience a deterioration in cognitive performance as well as increased stress during the course of a flight. Further, due to the nature of the average pilot's work schedule, with frequent changes in duty schedule, early morning starts, and extended duty periods, fatigue may be impossible to avoid. Thus, it is critical that fatigue countermeasures be available which can help to combat the often overwhelming effects of sleep loss or sleep disruption. While stimulants such as caffeine are typically effective at maintaining alertness and performance, such countermeasures do nothing to address the actual source of fatigue - insufficient sleep. Consequently, strategic naps are considered an efficacious means of maintaining performance while also reducing the individual's sleep debt. These types of naps have been advocated for pilots in particular, as opportunities to sleep either in the designated rest facilities or on the flight deck may be beneficial in reducing both the performance and alertness impairments associated with fatigue, as well as the subjective feelings of sleepiness. Evidence suggests that strategic naps can reduce subjective feelings of fatigue and improve performance and alertness. Despite some contraindications to implementing strategic naps while on duty, such as sleep inertia experienced upon awakening, both researchers and pilots agree that the benefits associated with these naps far outweigh the potential risks. This article is a literature review detailing both the health and safety concerns of fatigue among commercial pilots as well as benefits and risks associated with strategic napping to alleviate this fatigue. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Chapter 24: Strategic Energy Management (SEM) Evaluation Protocol. The Uniform Methods Project: Methods for Determining Energy Efficiency Savings for Specific Measures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stewart, James

Strategic energy management (SEM) focuses on achieving energy-efficiency improvements through systematic and planned changes in facility operations, maintenance, and behaviors (OM&B) and capital equipment upgrades in large energy-using facilities, including industrial buildings, commercial buildings, and multi-facility organizations such as campuses or communities. Facilities can institute a spectrum of SEM actions, ranging from a simple process for regularly identifying energy-savings actions, to establishing a formal, third-party recognized or certified SEM framework for continuous improvement of energy performance. In general, SEM programs that would be considered part of a utility program will contain a set of energy-reducing goals, principles, and practices emphasizingmore » continuous improvements in energy performance or savings through energy management and an energy management system (EnMS).« less

Developing capital investment guidelines for acquisitions.

PubMed

Bergman, J T; Gordon, D C

1988-05-01

Financial managers are now being asked to evaluate new investment opportunities, such as acquisitions. To do a thorough evaluation, however, it is important to have a plan of action to follow. Strategies such as establishing a framework for evaluating acquisitions based on strategic compatibility with the existing organization, establishing suitable risk-adjusted discount rates for assessing investments, and selecting the proper type of capital allocation method are all necessary steps to ensure a successful acquisition.

Forming system of strategic innovation management at high-tech engineering enterprises

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ergunova, O. T.; Lizunkov, V. G.; Malushko, E. Yu; Marchuk, V. I.; Ignatenko, A. Yu

2017-02-01

The article considers the processes of forming the strategic system of innovative activity management at the enterprises of a high-tech mechanical engineering complex (MEC) that are traditionally decisive in shaping the economic base of Russia. The authors proposed a method of designing a strategic system of innovative activity management at the MEC’s enterprises of the region which is based on the consideration of means and opportunities of the enterprise to implement intellectual activity. The proposed methodology and the empirical results constituted a ground for developing a system of strategic innovation management when performing the state-guaranteed order at the hi-tech MEC enterprises. Its implementation will help to reduce the level of uncertainty throughout the entire life cycle of an innovative activity product.

Long-Range Strategic Planning: The Rochester Experience.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schultz, John M.; Anthony, Deborah L.

The administration of Rochester Community Schools (Michigan) initiated a process for long-range strategic planning in 1984, described in this synopsis. Strategic planning is an ongoing, evolutionary process of defining the business one is in or should be in; establishing organizational goals and objectives; and developing and implementing…

78 FR 79697 - Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-31

... new initiatives based on emerging issues, science, and policy; (6) supports the harmonization and..., and programmatic efforts; (10) manages evaluation fellowship; (11) guides performance-based strategic... improvement based on effective program evaluation, and performance measurement; (14) supports evidence-driven...

Promising high monetary rewards for future task performance increases intermediate task performance.

PubMed

Zedelius, Claire M; Veling, Harm; Bijleveld, Erik; Aarts, Henk

2012-01-01

In everyday life contexts and work settings, monetary rewards are often contingent on future performance. Based on research showing that the anticipation of rewards causes improved task performance through enhanced task preparation, the present study tested the hypothesis that the promise of monetary rewards for future performance would not only increase future performance, but also performance on an unrewarded intermediate task. Participants performed an auditory Simon task in which they responded to two consecutive tones. While participants could earn high vs. low monetary rewards for fast responses to every second tone, their responses to the first tone were not rewarded. Moreover, we compared performance under conditions in which reward information could prompt strategic performance adjustments (i.e., when reward information was presented for a relatively long duration) to conditions preventing strategic performance adjustments (i.e., when reward information was presented very briefly). Results showed that high (vs. low) rewards sped up both rewarded and intermediate, unrewarded responses, and the effect was independent of the duration of reward presentation. Moreover, long presentation led to a speed-accuracy trade-off for both rewarded and unrewarded tones, whereas short presentation sped up responses to rewarded and unrewarded tones without this trade-off. These results suggest that high rewards for future performance boost intermediate performance due to enhanced task preparation, and they do so regardless whether people respond to rewards in a strategic or non-strategic manner.

Promising High Monetary Rewards for Future Task Performance Increases Intermediate Task Performance

PubMed Central

Zedelius, Claire M.; Veling, Harm; Bijleveld, Erik; Aarts, Henk

2012-01-01

In everyday life contexts and work settings, monetary rewards are often contingent on future performance. Based on research showing that the anticipation of rewards causes improved task performance through enhanced task preparation, the present study tested the hypothesis that the promise of monetary rewards for future performance would not only increase future performance, but also performance on an unrewarded intermediate task. Participants performed an auditory Simon task in which they responded to two consecutive tones. While participants could earn high vs. low monetary rewards for fast responses to every second tone, their responses to the first tone were not rewarded. Moreover, we compared performance under conditions in which reward information could prompt strategic performance adjustments (i.e., when reward information was presented for a relatively long duration) to conditions preventing strategic performance adjustments (i.e., when reward information was presented very briefly). Results showed that high (vs. low) rewards sped up both rewarded and intermediate, unrewarded responses, and the effect was independent of the duration of reward presentation. Moreover, long presentation led to a speed-accuracy trade-off for both rewarded and unrewarded tones, whereas short presentation sped up responses to rewarded and unrewarded tones without this trade-off. These results suggest that high rewards for future performance boost intermediate performance due to enhanced task preparation, and they do so regardless whether people respond to rewards in a strategic or non-strategic manner. PMID:22905145

Creating the Future: Changing Culture Through Leadership Capacity Development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lefoe, Geraldine

Leadership for change is key to universities finding new ways to meet the needs of their future students. This chapter describes an innovative framework for leadership capacity development which has been implemented in a number of Australian universities. The framework, underpinned by a distributive approach to leadership, prepares a new generation of leaders for formal positions of leadership in all aspects of teaching and learning. The faculty scholars implemented projects, including a number of them using innovative technologies, to establish strategic change within their faculties. They shared their outcomes annually through national roundtables, which focussed on methods for improving assessment practice. Five critical factors for success are discussed including implemenation of strategic faculty-based projects; formal leadership training and related activities; opportunities for dialog about leadership practice and experiences; and activities that expanded current professional networks. The model can be adapted to have a specific focus on leadership for e-Learning, and some examples of faculty based strategic initiatives are described.

Strategic planning by independent community pharmacies.

PubMed

Harrison, Donald L

2005-01-01

(1) To assess the degree and level of use of the strategic planning process (none, partly, fully) by independent community pharmacy owners/managers and (2) to evaluate the relationships between independent community pharmacy owners/managers' level of strategic planning and indicators of pharmacy performance; including new and refill prescriptions filled, gross margin, rated patient care performance, rated dispensing performance, rated non-pharmacy performance, and rated financial performance. Cross-sectional study. United States. Nationwide random sample of 1,250 owners/managers of independent community pharmacies. Mailed survey. Quality of strategic planning conducted; pharmacy performance measures. Only 141 of 527 (26.8%) usable responses indicated use of some (77 pharmacies, 54.6%) or all (64 pharmacies, 45.4%) of the seven steps typical of strategic planning. Significant associations were observed between the level of strategic planning use and all pharmacy performance variables assessed, including indicators such as greater numbers of new and refill prescriptions dispensed, gross margins, patient care performance, dispensing performance, non-pharmacy performance, and financial performance. Greater ratings of pharmacy performance were significantly associated with the level of strategic planning use. Respondents who fully used strategic planning had significantly higher indicators than partial users; respondents who partly used the process had significantly higher ratings than respondents who did not conduct strategic planning.

Environmental Scanning in Educational Planning: Establishing a Strategic Trend Information System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morrison, James L.

The systematic evaluation of the macroenvironment is sometimes referred to as a strategic trend information system. Strategic trend intelligence systems are highly developed, systematic intelligence programs that focus on trends and events in the external environment and provide institutions with knowledge to reduce areas of uncertainty and with…

24 CFR 598.305 - Designation factors.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

...) OFFICE OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT, DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN... Secretary will consider: (a) Quality of strategic plan. The quality of the strategic plan (see § 598.215(b... strategic plan (see § 598.215(b)); and (c) Other factors. Other factors established by HUD, as specified in...

National Coordination Office for Space-Based PNT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaw, M. E.

2008-12-01

In December 2004, President Bush issued the US Policy on space-based positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), providing guidance on the management of the Global Positioning System (GPS) and other space- based PNT systems. The policy established the National Executive Committee (EXCOM) to advise and coordinate federal agencies on matters related to space-based PNT. Chaired jointly by the deputy secretaries of defense and transportation, the EXCOM includes equivalent level officials from the Departments of State, the Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, and Homeland Security, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). A National Coordination Office (NCO) supports the EXCOM through an interagency staff. Since establishing the EXCOM and NCO in 2005, the organizations have quickly grown in influence and effectiveness, leading or managing many interagency initiatives including the development of a Five-Year National Space-Based PNT Plan, the Space-Based PNT Interference Detection and Mitigation (IDM) Plan, and other strategic documents. The NCO has also facilitated interagency coordination on numerous policy issues and on external communications intended to spread a consistent, positive US message about space-based PNT. Role of the NCO - The purpose of the EXCOM is to provide top-level guidance to US agencies regarding space-based PNT infrastructure. The president established it at the deputy secretary level to ensure its strategic recommendations effect real change in agency budgets. Recognizing such high-level officials could only meet every few months, the president directed the EXCOM to establish an NCO to carry out its day-to-day business, including overseeing the implementation of EXCOM action items across the member agencies. These range from the resolution of funding issues to the assessment of strategic policy options. They also include the completion of specific tasks and documents requested by the EXCOM co-chairs. The NCO has established several processes for achieving interagency consensus on policy issues, including specialized staff-level working groups and an assistant secretary-level Executive Steering Group. The NCO also established a process for interagency coordination of US government communications related to space-based PNT, including speeches, presentations, and other externally released documents. The goal is to ensure government-wide consistency and accuracy in public and international statements made about space-based PNT. This is particularly important in addressing false or misleading information about GPS in the public arena. Conclusion - In less than three years, the NCO evolved from an idea into a highly active organization with substantial influence within the space-based PNT community. NCO efforts have helped build the EXCOM into an effective mechanism for raising issues to the attention of senior leadership and ensuring their guidance gets implemented. While it is still a work in progress, the NCO has many significant accomplishments. The organization will continue to mature as ongoing US government space-based PNT activities continue to bear fruit.

Marshall Application Realignment System (MARS) Architecture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Belshe, Andrea; Sutton, Mandy

2010-01-01

The Marshall Application Realignment System (MARS) Architecture project was established to meet the certification requirements of the Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF) V2.0 Federal Enterprise Architecture Certification (FEAC) Institute program and to provide added value to the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Application Portfolio Management process. The MARS Architecture aims to: (1) address the NASA MSFC Chief Information Officer (CIO) strategic initiative to improve Application Portfolio Management (APM) by optimizing investments and improving portfolio performance, and (2) develop a decision-aiding capability by which applications registered within the MSFC application portfolio can be analyzed and considered for retirement or decommission. The MARS Architecture describes a to-be target capability that supports application portfolio analysis against scoring measures (based on value) and overall portfolio performance objectives (based on enterprise needs and policies). This scoring and decision-aiding capability supports the process by which MSFC application investments are realigned or retired from the application portfolio. The MARS Architecture is a multi-phase effort to: (1) conduct strategic architecture planning and knowledge development based on the DoDAF V2.0 six-step methodology, (2) describe one architecture through multiple viewpoints, (3) conduct portfolio analyses based on a defined operational concept, and (4) enable a new capability to support the MSFC enterprise IT management mission, vision, and goals. This report documents Phase 1 (Strategy and Design), which includes discovery, planning, and development of initial architecture viewpoints. Phase 2 will move forward the process of building the architecture, widening the scope to include application realignment (in addition to application retirement), and validating the underlying architecture logic before moving into Phase 3. The MARS Architecture key stakeholders are most interested in Phase 3 because this is where the data analysis, scoring, and recommendation capability is realized. Stakeholders want to see the benefits derived from reducing the steady-state application base and identify opportunities for portfolio performance improvement and application realignment.

Energy related Strategic Environmental Assessment applied by Multilateral Development Agencies — An analysis based on good practice criteria

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tshibangu, Ghislain Mwamba, E-mail: minduim@sc.usp.br; Av. Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400, Sao Carlos, SP 13566-590; Montaño, Marcelo, E-mail: ghistshibangu@hotmail.com

Multilateral Development Agencies (MDAs) have been emerging as responsible for the widespread of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) application in low and middle income countries. However, the effectiveness of SEA, as practiced by MDAs, has received limited attention in literature so far. This paper aims to analyse the use of SEA by MDAs in the context of loan agreements established between these countries. Based on documentation gathered in public databases, six energy related cases were reviewed in relation to the moment that SEA started, the strategic dimensions of proposed actions, compliance with key aspects of SEA, and also to the qualitymore » of SEA reports. Results indicate a number of aspects that should be improved in order to increase SEA effectiveness: SEA is starting after relevant decisions, is applied to actions without clear definition of strategic dimensions and lacks a systematic assessment of alternatives. Regarding the quality of SEA reports, the outcomes reveal a poor quality in baseline description, development and assessment of alternatives and public participation. - Highlights: • MDAs are fostering the use of SEA in developing countries. • SEA is applied late by MDAs and needs to enhance its strategic dimensions. • ToRs and SEA reports needs to better comply with key aspects of SEA • We've found no evidences that SEA applied by MDAs is contributing to better decisions.« less

Strategic and Performance Planning for the Office of the Chancellor for Education and Professional Development in the Department of Defense

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-01-01

the quality of that workforce is one of its highest priorities. In October 1998, DoD established the Office of the Chancellor for Education and...instruction that serve DoD civilian workers. The office , which exists and operates within the organizational hierarchy of the Office of the Secretary of

Crew workload-management strategies - A critical factor in system performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hart, Sandra G.

1989-01-01

This paper reviews the philosophy and goals of the NASA/USAF Strategic Behavior/Workload Management Program. The philosophical foundation of the program is based on the assumption that an improved understanding of pilot strategies will clarify the complex and inconsistent relationships observed among objective task demands and measures of system performance and pilot workload. The goals are to: (1) develop operationally relevant figures of merit for performance, (2) quantify the effects of strategic behaviors on system performance and pilot workload, (3) identify evaluation criteria for workload measures, and (4) develop methods of improving pilots' abilities to manage workload extremes.

RIACS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, Robert C.

1998-01-01

The Research Institute for Advanced Computer Science (RIACS) was established by the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) at the NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) on June 6, 1983. RIACS is privately operated by USRA, a consortium of universities that serves as a bridge between NASA and the academic community. Under a five-year co-operative agreement with NASA, research at RIACS is focused on areas that are strategically enabling to the Ames Research Center's role as NASA's Center of Excellence for Information Technology. The primary mission of RIACS is charted to carry out research and development in computer science. This work is devoted in the main to tasks that are strategically enabling with respect to NASA's bold mission in space exploration and aeronautics. There are three foci for this work: (1) Automated Reasoning. (2) Human-Centered Computing. and (3) High Performance Computing and Networking. RIACS has the additional goal of broadening the base of researcher in these areas of importance to the nation's space and aeronautics enterprises. Through its visiting scientist program, RIACS facilitates the participation of university-based researchers, including both faculty and students, in the research activities of NASA and RIACS. RIACS researchers work in close collaboration with NASA computer scientists on projects such as the Remote Agent Experiment on Deep Space One mission, and Super-Resolution Surface Modeling.

The role of strategies in motor learning

PubMed Central

Taylor, Jordan A.; Ivry, Richard B.

2015-01-01

There has been renewed interest in the role of strategies in sensorimotor learning. The combination of new behavioral methods and computational methods has begun to unravel the interaction between processes related to strategic control and processes related to motor adaptation. These processes may operate on very different error signals. Strategy learning is sensitive to goal-based performance error. In contrast, adaptation is sensitive to prediction errors between the desired and actual consequences of a planned movement. The former guides what the desired movement should be, whereas the latter guides how to implement the desired movement. Whereas traditional approaches have favored serial models in which an initial strategy-based phase gives way to more automatized forms of control, it now seems that strategic and adaptive processes operate with considerable independence throughout learning, although the relative weight given the two processes will shift with changes in performance. As such, skill acquisition involves the synergistic engagement of strategic and adaptive processes. PMID:22329960

Modeling the Value of Strategic Actions in the Superior Colliculus

PubMed Central

Thevarajah, Dhushan; Webb, Ryan; Ferrall, Christopher; Dorris, Michael C.

2009-01-01

In learning models of strategic game play, an agent constructs a valuation (action value) over possible future choices as a function of past actions and rewards. Choices are then stochastic functions of these action values. Our goal is to uncover a neural signal that correlates with the action value posited by behavioral learning models. We measured activity from neurons in the superior colliculus (SC), a midbrain region involved in planning saccadic eye movements, while monkeys performed two saccade tasks. In the strategic task, monkeys competed against a computer in a saccade version of the mixed-strategy game ”matching-pennies”. In the instructed task, saccades were elicited through explicit instruction rather than free choices. In both tasks neuronal activity and behavior were shaped by past actions and rewards with more recent events exerting a larger influence. Further, SC activity predicted upcoming choices during the strategic task and upcoming reaction times during the instructed task. Finally, we found that neuronal activity in both tasks correlated with an established learning model, the Experience Weighted Attraction model of action valuation (Camerer and Ho, 1999). Collectively, our results provide evidence that action values hypothesized by learning models are represented in the motor planning regions of the brain in a manner that could be used to select strategic actions. PMID:20161807

Linking an agency strategic review to increase knowledge management: San Francisco County Human Service Agency.

PubMed

Harrison, Lindsay

2012-01-01

Led by the agency director, the agency engaged in a Strategic Review, based on a comprehensive assessment of agency performance that identified strategies to improve organizational effectiveness through increased data-informed practice and knowledge management. The Strategic Review gathered information on staff perceptions, perceptions of external stakeholders, changing citywide and neighborhood demographics, policy mandates, and budget and workload issues. The need for the review was based upon multiple, substantial changes not addressed in the 2000 Strategic Plan, including the 2004 merger of the Department of Human Services and the Department of Aging and Adult Services, changes among the executive management team, transitions among key political entities, new policy mandates and changing budget allocations. This case study describes the Strategic Review process and content, summarizing key challenges and lessons related to addressing workload demands, fostering positive staff attitudes, balancing internal and external information needs, and integrating data use and planning processes across the agency. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC

Establishment of the New Ecuadorian Solar Physics Phenomena Division

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopez, E. D.

2014-02-01

Crucial physical phenomena occur in the equatorial atmosphere and ionosphere, which are currently understudied and poorly understood. Thus, scientific campaigns for monitoring the equatorial region are required in order to provide the necessary data for the physical models. Ecuador is located in strategic geographical position where these studies can be performed, providing quality data for the scientific community working in understanding the nature of these physical systems. The Quito Astronomical Observatory of National Polytechnic School is moving in this direction by promoting research in space sciences for the study of the equatorial zone. With the participation and the valuable collaboration of international initiatives such us AWESOME, MAGDAS, SAVNET and CALLISTO, the Quito Observatory is establishing a new space physics division on the basis of the International Space Weather Initiative. In this contribution, the above initiative is presented by inviting leaders of other scientific projects to deploy its instruments and to work with us providing the necessary support to the creation of this new strategic research center

Strategic environmental assessment in tourism planning - Extent of application and quality of documentation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carvalho Lemos, Clara, E-mail: clara@sc.usp.br; Fischer, Thomas B., E-mail: fischer@liverpool.ac.uk; Pereira Souza, Marcelo, E-mail: mps@usp.br

Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) has been applied throughout the world in different sectors and in various ways. This paper reports on results of a PhD research on SEA applied to tourism development planning, reflecting the situation in mid-2010. First, the extent of tourism specific SEA application world-wide is established. Then, based on a review of the quality of 10 selected SEA reports, good practice, as well as challenges, trends and opportunities for tourism specific SEA are identified. Shortcomings of SEA in tourism planning are established and implications for future research are outlined. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The extent of tourism specificmore » SEA practice is identified. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Selected SEA/Tourism reports are evaluated. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer SEA application to tourism planning is still limited. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A number of shortcomings can be pointed out.« less

A framework for global river flood risk assessments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winsemius, H. C.; Van Beek, L. P. H.; Jongman, B.; Ward, P. J.; Bouwman, A.

2013-05-01

There is an increasing need for strategic global assessments of flood risks in current and future conditions. In this paper, we propose a framework for global flood risk assessment for river floods, which can be applied in current conditions, as well as in future conditions due to climate and socio-economic changes. The framework's goal is to establish flood hazard and impact estimates at a high enough resolution to allow for their combination into a risk estimate, which can be used for strategic global flood risk assessments. The framework estimates hazard at a resolution of ~ 1 km2 using global forcing datasets of the current (or in scenario mode, future) climate, a global hydrological model, a global flood-routing model, and more importantly, an inundation downscaling routine. The second component of the framework combines hazard with flood impact models at the same resolution (e.g. damage, affected GDP, and affected population) to establish indicators for flood risk (e.g. annual expected damage, affected GDP, and affected population). The framework has been applied using the global hydrological model PCR-GLOBWB, which includes an optional global flood routing model DynRout, combined with scenarios from the Integrated Model to Assess the Global Environment (IMAGE). We performed downscaling of the hazard probability distributions to 1 km2 resolution with a new downscaling algorithm, applied on Bangladesh as a first case study application area. We demonstrate the risk assessment approach in Bangladesh based on GDP per capita data, population, and land use maps for 2010 and 2050. Validation of the hazard estimates has been performed using the Dartmouth Flood Observatory database. This was done by comparing a high return period flood with the maximum observed extent, as well as by comparing a time series of a single event with Dartmouth imagery of the event. Validation of modelled damage estimates was performed using observed damage estimates from the EM-DAT database and World Bank sources. We discuss and show sensitivities of the estimated risks with regard to the use of different climate input sets, decisions made in the downscaling algorithm, and different approaches to establish impact models.

Vision 21: The NASA strategic plan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

The NASA Strategic Plan, Vision 21, is a living roadmap to the future to guide the men and women of the NASA team as they ensure U.S. leadership in space exploration and aeronautics research. This multiyear plan consists of a set of programs and activities that will retain our leadership in space science and the exploration of the solar system; help rebuild our nation's technology base and strengthen our leadership in aviation and other key industries; encourage commercial applications of space technology; use the unique perspective of space to better understand our home planet; provide the U.S. and its partners with a permanent space based research facility; expand on the legacy of Apollo and initiate precursor activities to establish a lunar base; and allow us a journey into tomorrow, journey to another planet (Mars), and beyond.

A Resource Management Tool for Implementing Strategic Direction in an Academic Department

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ringwood, John V.; Devitt, Frank; Doherty, Sean; Farrell, Ronan; Lawlor, Bob; McLoone, Sean C.; McLoone, Seamus F.; Rogers, Alan; Villing, Rudi; Ward, Tomas

2005-01-01

This paper reports on a load balancing system for an academic department, which can be used as an implementation mechanism for strategic planning. In essence, it consists of weighting each activity within the department and performing workload allocation based on this transparent scheme. The experience to date has been very positive, in terms of…

Change Management and the SENCo Role: Developing Key Performance Indicators in the Strategic Development of Inclusivity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Done, Liz; Murphy, Mike; Watt, Mia

2016-01-01

This article follows an earlier publication highlighting the changing role of special educational needs co-ordinators (SENCos) in England. SENCos are now required to manage change strategically and deliver inclusive school cultures. School-based action research undertaken by a teacher studying for the postgraduate National Award for SEN…

A strategic management model for evaluation of health, safety and environmental performance.

PubMed

Abbaspour, Majid; Toutounchian, Solmaz; Roayaei, Emad; Nassiri, Parvin

2012-05-01

Strategic health, safety, and environmental management system (HSE-MS) involves systematic and cooperative planning in each phase of the lifecycle of a project to ensure that interaction among the industry group, client, contractor, stakeholder, and host community exists with the highest level of health, safety, and environmental standard performances. Therefore, it seems necessary to assess the HSE-MS performance of contractor(s) by a comparative strategic management model with the aim of continuous improvement. The present Strategic Management Model (SMM) has been illustrated by a case study and the results show that the model is a suitable management tool for decision making in a contract environment, especially in oil and gas fields and based on accepted international standards within the framework of management deming cycle. To develop this model, a data bank has been created, which includes the statistical data calculated by converting the HSE performance qualitative data into quantitative values. Based on this fact, the structure of the model has been formed by defining HSE performance indicators according to the HSE-MS model. Therefore, 178 indicators have been selected which have been grouped into four attributes. Model output provides quantitative measures of HSE-MS performance as a percentage of an ideal level with maximum possible score for each attribute. Defining the strengths and weaknesses of the contractor(s) is another capability of this model. On the other hand, this model provides a ranking that could be used as the basis for decision making at the contractors' pre-qualification phase or during the execution of the project.

SWOT Analysis on Medical Informatics and Development Strategies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ma, Xiaoyan; Han, Zhongdong; Ma, Hua

2015-01-01

This article aims at clarifying the strategic significance of developing medical informatics, conducting SWOT analysis on this discipline and hence establishing the strategic objectives and focal points for its development.

Conflict Detection and Resolution for Future Air Transportation Management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krozel, Jimmy; Peters, Mark E.; Hunter, George

1997-01-01

With a Free Flight policy, the emphasis for air traffic control is shifting from active control to passive air traffic management with a policy of intervention by exception. Aircraft will be allowed to fly user preferred routes, as long as safety Alert Zones are not violated. If there is a potential conflict, two (or more) aircraft must be able to arrive at a solution for conflict resolution without controller intervention. Thus, decision aid tools are needed in Free Flight to detect and resolve conflicts, and several problems must be solved to develop such tools. In this report, we analyze and solve problems of proximity management, conflict detection, and conflict resolution under a Free Flight policy. For proximity management, we establish a system based on Delaunay Triangulations of aircraft at constant flight levels. Such a system provides a means for analyzing the neighbor relationships between aircraft and the nearby free space around air traffic which can be utilized later in conflict resolution. For conflict detection, we perform both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional analyses based on the penetration of the Protected Airspace Zone. Both deterministic and non-deterministic analyses are performed. We investigate several types of conflict warnings including tactical warnings prior to penetrating the Protected Airspace Zone, methods based on the reachability overlap of both aircraft, and conflict probability maps to establish strategic Alert Zones around aircraft.

Strategic establishment of an International Pharmacology Specialty Laboratory in a resource-limited setting.

PubMed

Mtisi, Takudzwa J; Maponga, Charles; Monera-Penduka, Tsitsi G; Mudzviti, Tinashe; Chagwena, Dexter; Makita-Chingombe, Faithful; DiFranchesco, Robin; Morse, Gene D

2018-01-01

A growing number of drug development studies that include pharmacokinetic evaluations are conducted in regions lacking a specialised pharmacology laboratory. This necessitated the development of an International Pharmacology Specialty Laboratory (IPSL) in Zimbabwe. The aim of this article is to describe the development of an IPSL in Zimbabwe. The IPSL was developed collaboratively by the University of Zimbabwe and the University at Buffalo Center for Integrated Global Biomedical Sciences. Key stages included infrastructure development, establishment of quality management systems and collaborative mentorship in clinical pharmacology study design and chromatographic assay development and validation. Two high performance liquid chromatography instruments were donated by an instrument manufacturer and a contract research organisation. Laboratory space was acquired through association with the Zimbabwe national drug regulatory authority. Operational policies, standard operating procedures and a document control system were established. Scientists and technicians were trained in aspects relevant to IPSL operations. A high-performance liquid chromatography method for nevirapine was developed with the guidance of the Clinical Pharmacology Quality Assurance programme and approved by the assay method review programme. The University of Zimbabwe IPSL is engaged with the United States National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Division of AIDS research networks and is poised to begin drug assays and pharmacokinetic analyses. An IPSL has been successfully established in a resource-limited setting through the efforts of an external partnership providing technical guidance and motivated internal faculty and staff. Strategic partnerships were beneficial in navigating challenges leading to laboratory development and training new investigators. The IPSL is now engaged in clinical pharmacology research.

Assessing the State of Procurement Knowledge Production: Implications for the Federal Government

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-10-31

NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND...archiving of the canonical knowledge base, quality control of published information, and assignment of priority and credit for their work to authors...recognizes the value of theory-based research and graduate education in strategic purchasing—evidenced by its investment in an acclaimed strategic purchasing

Strategic Planning, Assessment and Accountability: Their Impact on the Establishment of Centers of Excellence in Academic Departments. AIR 1998 Annual Forum Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pollicino, Elizabeth B.; Hall, Clover W.

This paper reviews the literature on academic quality programs and examines issues faced at one institution in which two initiatives emphasizing student outcomes and faculty performance as indicators of quality are underway. In its review of the literature the paper focuses on concepts such as total quality management, peer or student evaluation…

76 FR 22160 - Advisory Committee on the Secretary of State's Strategic Dialogue With Civil Society; Notice of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-20

... representatives who are leaders of U.S. and foreign civil society and U.S. and foreign businesses engaged with... DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 7397] Advisory Committee on the Secretary of State's Strategic... establishment of the Advisory Committee on the Secretary of State's Strategic Dialogue with Civil Society...

75 FR 57739 - Notice of Availability of a Draft NOAA Climate Service Strategic Vision and Framework for Public...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-22

... Draft NOAA Climate Service Strategic Vision and Framework for Public Review, and Notice of Informational Webinar Meetings ACTION: Notice of availability of a draft NOAA Climate Service strategic vision and... to establish a new NOAA Climate Service (NCS). The new service will directly support NOAA's vision of...

42 CFR 457.710 - State plan requirements: Strategic objectives and performance goals.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

.... The State's strategic objectives, performance goals and performance measures must include a common... 42 Public Health 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false State plan requirements: Strategic objectives and...) ALLOTMENTS AND GRANTS TO STATES Strategic Planning, Reporting, and Evaluation § 457.710 State plan...

Strategic relatedness in mergers and financial performance: the case of the health maintenance organization industry in the United States.

PubMed

Weech-Maldonado, Robert

2002-11-01

Knowledge and identification of strategic factors associated with favourable post-acquisition performance can be of benefit to both managers and shareholders. From a management perspective, the identification of contextual factors that can influence postmerger performance is 'strategic' in nature, and should be considered in the analysis of future acquisitions. Within the context of the health maintenance organization (HMO) industry, this study examines the impact of strategic relatedness on postmerger financial performance. Strategic relatedness is conceptualized as similarity between the acquirer and target HMOs in terms of operational efficiency, marketing orientation, organizational structure and profit orientation. Regression analysis showed that similarity in operational efficiency and similarity in HMO structure were associated with better postmerger financial performance. However, marketing orientation similarity and profit orientation similarity were not significantly related to postmerger performance. This finding suggests that HMO mergers involving firms with similar strategic orientations and similar approaches to the delivery of care have greater strategic fit and experience better financial performance.

The Use of Simulation to Improve the Effectiveness of Training in Performance Management

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rachman-Moore, Dalia; Kenett, Ron S.

2006-01-01

Performance management is an important managerial tool that directs employees' goals and behavior toward the organization's strategic goals. This article focuses on simulation-based training in performance management systems. The simulation developed at the School of Business Administration of the College of Management in Israel is based on a…

Group search optimiser-based optimal bidding strategies with no Karush-Kuhn-Tucker optimality conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadav, Naresh Kumar; Kumar, Mukesh; Gupta, S. K.

2017-03-01

General strategic bidding procedure has been formulated in the literature as a bi-level searching problem, in which the offer curve tends to minimise the market clearing function and to maximise the profit. Computationally, this is complex and hence, the researchers have adopted Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) optimality conditions to transform the model into a single-level maximisation problem. However, the profit maximisation problem with KKT optimality conditions poses great challenge to the classical optimisation algorithms. The problem has become more complex after the inclusion of transmission constraints. This paper simplifies the profit maximisation problem as a minimisation function, in which the transmission constraints, the operating limits and the ISO market clearing functions are considered with no KKT optimality conditions. The derived function is solved using group search optimiser (GSO), a robust population-based optimisation algorithm. Experimental investigation is carried out on IEEE 14 as well as IEEE 30 bus systems and the performance is compared against differential evolution-based strategic bidding, genetic algorithm-based strategic bidding and particle swarm optimisation-based strategic bidding methods. The simulation results demonstrate that the obtained profit maximisation through GSO-based bidding strategies is higher than the other three methods.

Managing for Results: Using Strategic Human Capital Management To Drive Transformational Change. Testimony before the National Commission on the Public Service.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walker, David M.

The General Accounting Office (GAO) examined the effectiveness of using strategic human capital (HC) management to drive transformational change in federal agencies and reported on its own implementation of a new competency-based performance management system. First, the potential impacts of the following three broad HC reform opportunities to…

Introduction of International Microgravity Strategic Planning Group

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rhome, Robert

1998-01-01

Established in May 6, 1995, the purpose of this International Strategic Planning Group for Microgravity Science and Applications Research is to develop and update, at least on a biennial basis, an International Strategic Plan for Microgravity Science and Applications Research. The member space agencies have agreed to contribute to the development of a Strategic Plan, and seek the implementation of the cooperative programs defined in this Plan. The emphasis of this plan is the coordination of hardware construction and utilization within the various areas of research including biotechnology, combustion science, fluid physics, materials science and other special topics in physical sciences. The Microgravity Science and Applications International Strategic Plan is a joint effort by the present members - ASI, CNES, CSA, DLR, ESA, NASA, and NASDA. It represents the consensus from a series of discussions held within the International Microgravity Strategic Planning Group (IMSPG). In 1996 several space agencies initiated multilateral discussions on how to improve the effectiveness of international microgravity research during the upcoming Space Station era. These discussions led to a recognition of the need for a comprehensive strategic plan for international microgravity research that would provide a framework for cooperation between international agencies. The Strategic Plan is intended to provide a basis for inter-agency coordination and cooperation in microgravity research in the environment of the International Space Station (ISS) era. This will be accomplished through analysis of the interests and goals of each participating agency and identification of mutual interests and program compatibilities. The Plan provides a framework for maximizing the productivity of space-based research for the benefit of our societies.

Performance implications of Porter's generic strategies in Slovak hospitals.

PubMed

Hlavacka, S; Bacharova, L; Rusnakova, V; Wagner, R

2001-01-01

The aim of the study was to examine the use of Porter's generic strategies and their effect on performance in the context of the Slovak hospital industry. Using mail survey the study first identified the natural taxonomy of four strategic types of Slovak hospitals, based on their use of Porter's generic strategies in pure form and in combination. Next the study examined whether different strategic types were associated with different levels of organisational performance, while controlling for such variables as size and location, which have been argued to influence the hospital performance. The findings indicate that hospitals which follow a "stuck-in-the-middle" strategy, in general, have superior performance on all used performance measures, while hospitals that place only low emphasis on cost leadership, differentiation and focus, labelled "wait and see" in this study, perform the poorest. The study concludes that the research provided body of knowledge relevant for the Slovak hospital industry, that may be used by hospital managers in the strategy formulation process as well as by the researches in exploring the influence of different contingencies on hospitals' strategic orientation.

The occupational safety and health scorecard--a business case example for strategic management.

PubMed

Köper, Birgit; Möller, Klaus; Zwetsloot, Gerard

2009-12-01

Human resources and health issues are crucial in terms of corporate competitiveness. However, systematic, continuous and strategically aligned occupational safety and health (OSH) management is scarcely applied in companies. One major reason for this could be the lack of generally accepted and standardised OSH control methods. Our objective was thus to conceptualize a method by which qualitative factors such as human resources and OSH aspects contribute to the performance or value-added layer of an organization. We developed a business case based on the well-known and accepted Balanced Scorecard approach, which we adapted and applied to the management of OSH issues. The concept was implemented in the course of a comprehensive case study at a German automobile manufacturer. We gathered health as well as finance data in order to test which health-related indicators had an impact on financial performance. The demonstration of, and reporting on, how the promotion of workplace health contributes strategically to the organization is crucial for both health and human resource managers. Based on multivariate regression analyses, our main finding was that the Balanced Scorecard approach is an adequate means to control OSH issues in terms of strategic health management. Our analyses demonstrated that health-related interventions contribute significantly to performance aspects such as quality, productivity, absenteeism, and cost reduction. Therefore, the financial impact of health-related aspects / interventions could be demonstrated by means of the OSH scorecard. The availability and quality of health data within the context of overall corporate performance data needs to be improved in order to bridge OSH-related and performance issues of an organization.

The impact of chief executive officer optimism on hospital strategic decision making.

PubMed

Langabeer, James R; Yao, Emery

2012-01-01

Previous strategic decision making research has focused mostly on the analytical positioning approach, which broadly emphasizes an alignment between rationality and the external environment. In this study, we propose that hospital chief executive optimism (or the general tendency to expect positive future outcomes) will moderate the relationship between comprehensively rational decision-making process and organizational performance. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact that dispositional optimism has on the well-established relationship between rational decision-making processes and organizational performance. Specifically, we hypothesized that optimism will moderate the relationship between the level of rationality and the organization's performance. We further suggest that this relationship will be more negative for those with high, as opposed to low, optimism. We surveyed 168 hospital CEOs and used moderated hierarchical regression methods to statically test our hypothesis. On the basis of a survey study of 168 hospital CEOs, we found evidence of a complex interplay of optimism in the rationality-organizational performance relationship. More specifically, we found that the two-way interactions between optimism and rational decision making were negatively associated with performance and that where optimism was the highest, the rationality-performance relationship was the most negative. Executive optimism was positively associated with organizational performance. We also found that greater perceived environmental turbulence, when interacting with optimism, did not have a significant interaction effect on the rationality-performance relationship. These findings suggest potential for broader participation in strategic processes and the use of organizational development techniques that assess executive disposition and traits for recruitment processes, because CEO optimism influences hospital-level processes. Research implications include incorporating greater use of behavior and cognition constructs to better depict decision-making processes in complex organizations like hospitals.

National Civil Applications Program: strategic plan vision for 2005

USGS Publications Warehouse

,

2004-01-01

The National Mapping Division (NMD) has developed this comprehensive strategic plan to chart the course of the National Civil Applications Program (NCAP) over the next 5 years. To meet the challenges of the future, the NCAP is changing its program emphases, methods of responding to customer needs, and business practices. The NCAP Strategic Plan identifies the new direction for the program through a series of strategic thrusts and goals for managers to use in formulating plans, establishing program emphases, and determining resource needs and allocations.

Evolution of an innovative role: the clinical nurse leader.

PubMed

Wilson, Lauri; Orff, Sonja; Gerry, Terilee; Shirley, Bobbi R; Tabor, Danielle; Caiazzo, Kathryn; Rouleau, Darlene

2013-01-01

This study describes the evolution of the clinical nurse leader (CNL(®) ) role and its utility in a tertiary care and community hospital. In the US, quality and safety metrics are being publically reported and healthcare organizations are just beginning to experience pay-for-performance and its impact. The American Association of the Colleges of Nursing (AACN) developed the role of the CNL to address the complexities and challenges of providing high-quality care in the current environment. Since 2007, a cohort of CNLs in practice has evaluated the effectiveness of the role with measures of clinical outcomes, financial savings and case studies. Having CNLs with a strategic perspective acting as facilitators and integrators of care has proven invaluable. Leadership support has been critical and commitment to maintaining the integrity of the role has ensured its success and sustainability. This role has established its value in risk assessment, strategic quality improvement, interdisciplinary collaboration and the implementation of evidence-based solutions. The flexibility and broad scope of this role allows for its use across practice settings and represents an exciting opportunity for nursing to drive quality of care to new levels while managing costs. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Case Study: University of Anyplace: Strategic Legal Risk Review.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hall, John T.; Ferguson, Rowan

2000-01-01

Considers legal issues and risks faced by a fictional American university as it seeks to establish an operation based in London. Addresses the first step in the process of risk management, the risk review exercise, and provides an explanation of the legal issues involved to allow progression to the second stage in the process (evaluation of the…

Building a University-Wide Agenda for Intercultural Competence and Understanding: Lessons Learned at the University of Minnesota

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Furco, Andrew; Lockhart, Kristin Nering

2018-01-01

Furthering intercultural competence in higher education requires colleges and universities to establish an intentional, mission driven strategic plan that embeds intercultural understanding and practice across the institution's work. To secure broad-based buy-in and support, this plan needs to consider the various ways that different units within…

The International Space Life Sciences Strategic Planning Working Group

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

White, Ronald J.; Rabin, Robert; Lujan, Barbara F.

1993-01-01

Throughout the 1980s, ESA and the space agencies of Canada, Germany, France, Japan, and the U.S. have pursued cooperative projects bilaterally and multilaterally to prepare for, and to respond to, opportunities in space life sciences research previously unapproachable in scale and sophistication. To cope effectively with likely future space research opportunities, broad, multilateral, coordinated strategic planning is required. Thus, life scientists from these agencies have allied to form the International Space Life Sciences Strategic Planning Working Group. This Group is formally organized under a charter that specifies the purpose of the Working Group as the development of an international strategic plan for the space life sciences, with periodic revisions as needed to keep the plan current. The plan will be policy-, not operations-oriented. The Working Group also may establish specific implementation teams to coordinate multilateral science policy in specific areas; such teams have been established for space station utilization, and for sharing of flight equipment.

High frequency Analysis of Stream Chemistry to Establish Elemental Cycling Regimes of High latitude Catchments

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-02-13

NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) Tamara Harms 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME... ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) Strategic Environmental... organic matter, temperature, turbidity, conductivity, and optical properties of organic matter were deployed in two streams draining the US Army’s

ACHP | Stragetic Sustainability Performance Plans

Science.gov Websites

Sustainability Performance Plan (SSPP). Click here to access these plans. The ACHP's SSPP addresses how the Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan 2012 (PDF) ACHP Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan 2011 (PDF) ACHP Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan 2010 (PDF) Updated August 5, 2013 Return to Top

Entrepreneur environment management behavior evaluation method derived from environmental economy.

PubMed

Zhang, Lili; Hou, Xilin; Xi, Fengru

2013-12-01

Evaluation system can encourage and guide entrepreneurs, and impel them to perform well in environment management. An evaluation method based on advantage structure is established. It is used to analyze entrepreneur environment management behavior in China. Entrepreneur environment management behavior evaluation index system is constructed based on empirical research. Evaluation method of entrepreneurs is put forward, from the point of objective programming-theory to alert entrepreneurs concerned to think much of it, which means to take minimized objective function as comprehensive evaluation result and identify disadvantage structure pattern. Application research shows that overall behavior of Chinese entrepreneurs environmental management are good, specially, environment strategic behavior are best, environmental management behavior are second, cultural behavior ranks last. Application results show the efficiency and feasibility of this method. Copyright © 2013 The Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Utility of de-escalatory confidence-building measures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nation, J.

1989-06-01

This paper evaluates the utility of specific confidence-building de-escalatory measures and pays special attention to the evaluation of measures which place restrictions on or establish procedures for strategic forces. Some measures appear more promising than others. Potentially useful confidence-building measures largely satisfy defined criteria and include the phased return of strategic nuclear forces to peacetime bases and operations, the termination of interference with communications and NTMs (National Technical Means) and the termination of civil defense preparations. Less-promising CBMs include the standing down of supplemental early warning systems, the establishment of SSBN keep-out zones, and decreases in bomber alert rates. Establishmentmore » of SSBN keep-out zones and reduction in bomber rates are difficult to verify, while the standing-down of early warning systems provides little benefit at potentially large costs. Particular confidence-building measures (CBMs) may be most useful in building superpower confidence at specific points in the crisis termination phase. For example, a decrease in strategic bomber alert rates may provide some decrease in perception of the likelihood of war, but its potential costs, particularly in increasing bomber vulnerability, may limit its utility and implementation to the final crisis stages when the risks of re-escalation and surprise attack are lower.« less

Strategic operations planning - it's not just for wilderness! How the Strategic Operations Planner can help

Treesearch

Charles W. McHugh; Stu Hoyt; Brett Fay

2015-01-01

The Strategic Operational Planner (SOPL) wildland fire management position was created in the United States in 2009 to reflect updated terminology. SOPL merges the former Fire Use Manager positions (FUM1 and FUM2) and is now an established position within the Incident Command System. Traditionally, the FUM positions and the SOPL have been used on incidents managed for...

Strategic partnering to improve community health worker programming and performance: features of a community-health system integrated approach.

PubMed

Naimoli, Joseph F; Perry, Henry B; Townsend, John W; Frymus, Diana E; McCaffery, James A

2015-09-01

There is robust evidence that community health workers (CHWs) in low- and middle-income (LMIC) countries can improve their clients' health and well-being. The evidence on proven strategies to enhance and sustain CHW performance at scale, however, is limited. Nevertheless, CHW stakeholders need guidance and new ideas, which can emerge from the recognition that CHWs function at the intersection of two dynamic, overlapping systems - the formal health system and the community. Although each typically supports CHWs, their support is not necessarily strategic, collaborative or coordinated. We explore a strategic community health system partnership as one approach to improving CHW programming and performance in countries with or intending to mount large-scale CHW programmes. To identify the components of the approach, we drew on a year-long evidence synthesis exercise on CHW performance, synthesis records, author consultations, documentation on large-scale CHW programmes published after the synthesis and other relevant literature. We also established inclusion and exclusion criteria for the components we considered. We examined as well the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing each component. We identified a minimum package of four strategies that provide opportunities for increased cooperation between communities and health systems and address traditional weaknesses in large-scale CHW programmes, and for which implementation is feasible at sub-national levels over large geographic areas and among vulnerable populations in the greatest need of care. We postulate that the CHW performance benefits resulting from the simultaneous implementation of all four strategies could outweigh those that either the health system or community could produce independently. The strategies are (1) joint ownership and design of CHW programmes, (2) collaborative supervision and constructive feedback, (3) a balanced package of incentives, and (4) a practical monitoring system incorporating data from communities and the health system. We believe that strategic partnership between communities and health systems on a minimum package of simultaneously implemented strategies offers the potential for accelerating progress in improving CHW performance at scale. Comparative, retrospective and prospective research can confirm the potential of these strategies. More experience and evidence on strategic partnership can contribute to our understanding of how to achieve sustainable progress in health with equity.

Strategic planning in a complex academic environment: lessons from one academic health center.

PubMed

Levinson, Wendy; Axler, Helena

2007-08-01

Leaders in academic health centers (AHCs) must create a vision for their academic unit embedded in a complex environment. A formal strategic planning process can be valuable to help shape a clear vision taking advantage of potential collaborations and to develop specific achievable long- and short-term goals. The authors describe the steps in a formal strategic planning process and illustrate it with the example of the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine beginning in 2004. The process included the active participation of over 300 faculty members, trainees, and stakeholders of the department and resulted in broad-based support and leadership for the resulting plan. The authors describe the steps, which include getting started, committing to planning principles, establishing the work plan, understanding the environment, pulling it all together, shaping the vision, testing strategic directions, building effective implementation, and promoting the plan. Articulation of vision, mission, and values informed the plan's development, as well as 10 key principles integral to the plan. Challenges and lessons learned are also described. The final strategic plan is an active core activity of the department, guiding decisions and resource allocation and facilitating measurement of success or shortcomings. The process the authors describe is applicable to multiple academic units, including divisions/sections, departments, or thematic programs in AHCs.

10 CFR 626.1 - Purpose.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... (CONTINUED) SALES REGULATION PROCEDURES FOR ACQUISITION OF PETROLEUM FOR THE STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE § 626.1 Purpose. This part establishes the procedures for acquiring petroleum for, and deferring contractually scheduled deliveries to, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The procedures do not represent actual...

10 CFR 626.1 - Purpose.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... (CONTINUED) SALES REGULATION PROCEDURES FOR ACQUISITION OF PETROLEUM FOR THE STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE § 626.1 Purpose. This part establishes the procedures for acquiring petroleum for, and deferring contractually scheduled deliveries to, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The procedures do not represent actual...

Strategic management system in a healthcare setting--moving from strategy to results.

PubMed

Devitt, Rob; Klassen, Wolf; Martalog, Julian

2005-01-01

One of the historical challenges in the healthcare system has been the identification and collection of meaningful data to measure an organization's progress towards the achievement of its strategic goals and the concurrent alignment of internal operating practices with this strategy. Over the last 18 months the Toronto East General Hospital (TEGH) has adopted a strategic management system and organizing framework that has led to a metric-based strategic plan. It has allowed for formal and measurable linkages across a full range of internal business processes, from the annual operating plan to resource allocation decisions, to the balanced scorecard and individual performance evaluations. The Strategic Management System (SMS) aligns organizational planning and performance measurement, facilitates an appropriate balance between organizational priorities and resolving "local" problems, and encourages behaviours that are consistent with the values upon which the organization is built. The TEGH Accountability Framework serves as the foundation for the entire system. A key tool of the system is the rolling three-year strategic plan for the organization that sets out specific annual improvement targets on a number of key strategic measures. Individual program/department plans with corresponding measures ensure that the entire organization is moving forward strategically. Each year, all plans are reviewed, with course adjustments made to reflect changes in the hospital's environment and with re-calibration of performance targets for the next three years to ensure continued improvement and organizational progress. This system has been used through one annual business cycle. Results from the past year show measurable success. The hospital has improved on 12 of the 15 strategic plan metrics, including achieving the targeted 1% operating surplus while operating in an environment of tremendous change and uncertainty. This article describes the strategic management system used at TEGH and demonstrates the formal integration of the plan into its operating and decision making processes. It also provides examples of the metrics, their use in decision-making and the variance reporting and improvement mechanisms. The article also demonstrates that a measurement-oriented approach to the planning and delivery of community hospital service is both achievable and valuable in terms of accountability and organizational responsiveness.

RIACS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, Robert C.

1998-01-01

The Research Institute for Advanced Computer Science (RIACS) was established by the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) at the NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) on June 6, 1983. RIACS is privately operated by USRA, a consortium of universities that serves as a bridge between NASA and the academic community. Under a five-year co-operative agreement with NASA, research at RIACS is focused on areas that are strategically enabling to the Ames Research Center's role as NASA's Center of Excellence for Information Technology. Research is carried out by a staff of full-time scientist,augmented by visitors, students, post doctoral candidates and visiting university faculty. The primary mission of RIACS is charted to carry out research and development in computer science. This work is devoted in the main to tasks that are strategically enabling with respect to NASA's bold mission in space exploration and aeronautics. There are three foci for this work: Automated Reasoning. Human-Centered Computing. and High Performance Computing and Networking. RIACS has the additional goal of broadening the base of researcher in these areas of importance to the nation's space and aeronautics enterprises. Through its visiting scientist program, RIACS facilitates the participation of university-based researchers, including both faculty and students, in the research activities of NASA and RIACS. RIACS researchers work in close collaboration with NASA computer scientists on projects such as the Remote Agent Experiment on Deep Space One mission, and Super-Resolution Surface Modeling.

Strategic Versus Nonstrategic Gambling: Results From a Community Survey.

PubMed

Subramaniam, Mythily; Abdin, Edimansyah; Vaingankar, Janhavi Ajit; Shahwan, Shazana; Picco, Louisa; Chong, Siow Ann

2016-01-01

The aims of the current study were to establish the prevalence and correlates of strategic and nonstrategic gambling, using data from an epidemiological survey conducted in 2010 in Singapore. Data were used from a nationwide cross-sectional, nationally representative survey of the resident (citizens and permanent residents) population of Singaporean adults aged 18 years and older (N=6616). All respondents were administered the South Oaks Gambling Screen to determine the gambling activities and screen for pathological gambling. The diagnosis of mental disorders was established using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, and relevant sociodemographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. In the analysis, 1835 adults who had gambled at least once in their lives were included. The prevalence of strategic gamblers only, both strategic and nonstrategic gamblers, and nonstrategic gamblers was 12.9%, 30%, and 57.1%, respectively. As compared with nonstrategic gamblers, strategic gamblers were more likely to be males, and economically inactive (vs employed). They were less likely to be of Indian ethnicity and were currently married and divorced/separated. The prevalence of pathological gambling was significantly higher among strategic gamblers only, and both strategic and nonstrategic gamblers than nonstrategic gamblers (7.1% and 7.3% vs 2.1%; P = 0.001). This study on gambling preferences in a multiethnic community sample has reiterated some of the findings from previous studies, whereas others are unique to this population.

Strategic Development for Middle School Students Struggling With Fractions: Assessment and Intervention.

PubMed

Zhang, Dake; Stecker, Pamela; Huckabee, Sloan; Miller, Rhonda

2016-09-01

Research has suggested that different strategies used when solving fraction problems are highly correlated with students' problem-solving accuracy. This study (a) utilized latent profile modeling to classify students into three different strategic developmental levels in solving fraction comparison problems and (b) accordingly provided differentiated strategic training for students starting from two different strategic developmental levels. In Study 1 we assessed 49 middle school students' performance on fraction comparison problems and categorized students into three clusters of strategic developmental clusters: a cross-multiplication cluster with the highest accuracy, a representation strategy cluster with medium accuracy, and a whole-number strategy cluster with the lowest accuracy. Based on the strategic developmental levels identified in Study 1, in Study 2 we selected three students from the whole-number strategy cluster and another three students from the representation strategy cluster and implemented a differentiated strategic training intervention within a multiple-baseline design. Results showed that both groups of students transitioned from less advanced to more advanced strategies and improved their problem-solving accuracy during the posttest, the maintenance test, and the generalization test. © Hammill Institute on Disabilities 2014.

Building a balanced scorecard for a burn center.

PubMed

Wachtel, T L; Hartford, C E; Hughes, J A

1999-08-01

The Balanced Scorecard provides a model that can be adapted to the management of any burn center, burn service or burn program. This model enables an organization to translate its mission and vision into specific strategic objectives across the four perspective: (1) the financial perspective; (2) the customer service perspective; (3) the internal business perspective; and (4) the growth and learning perspective. Once the appropriate objectives are identified, the Balanced Scorecard guides the organization to develop reasonable performance measures and establishes targets, initiatives and alternatives to meet programmatic goals and pursue longer-term visionary improvements. We used the burn center at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center to test whether the Balanced Scorecard methodology was appropriate for the core business plan of a healthcare strategic business unit (i.e. a burn center).

Helpful or harmful? The impact of strategic change on the performance of U.S. urban hospitals.

PubMed

Trinh, Hanh Q; O'Connor, Stephen J

2002-02-01

To contribute to the debate as to whether strategic change helps or harms organizations by empirically examining how strategic change influences performance change in urban hospitals. AHA Annual Survey (1994 and 1996), Health Care Financing Administration's Medicare Cost Reports (1994 and 1996) and Medicare HMO Files (1994), U.S. Bureau of the Census' County Business Patterns Files (1994), and Area Resources File (1994). This work employed a longitudinal approach using a panel design to study the effect of environmental and organizational characteristics on urban hospital strategic behavior and performance. A path analytic model was used to examine the simultaneous effects of environmental and organizational characteristics (1994) on strategic behavior (change in strategies to enhance HMO business and change in strategies to control costs 1994-96), as well as the effects of all of these variables on change in urban hospital performance (change in market share, change in operational efficiency, change in financial performance 1994-96). (1) Environmental context exerts a greater influence on urban hospitals' HMO business enhancement strategies, whereas organizational characteristics have more influence on cost-control strategies. (2) Between the two strategies, HMO business enhancement and cost control, strategic change to enhance business with HMOs is much more complex. (3) Strategic change observed across the 1994 to 1996 time period can be either helpful or harmful to urban hospitals. A strategic change that contributes positively to one type of performance can negatively impact the other. Although differences of opinion persist in the strategic change debate, results of this study indicate that strategic change can be helpful or harmful to urban hospitals, and its consequences are far more complex than previously thought. Strategic rationality has its own limitations and cannot always be relied on to yield expected results. Hospital strategic changes require coordination to achieve greater performance results.

A treatment program for individuals with deficient evaluative processing and consequent impaired social and risk judgement.

PubMed

Park, Norman W; Conrod, Brian; Hussain, Zahra; Murphy, Kelly J; Rewilak, Dmytro; Black, Sandra E

2003-01-01

The current study evaluated the effectiveness of a rehabilitation program developed to assist individuals such as AM who have impaired social and risk judgement. AM's difficulties developed after a severe traumatic brain injury that resulted in bilateral frontal and temporal lobe damage including damage to the amygdala. Previous work (Park et al., 2001) established that AM had impaired automatic processing of negative, but not positive evaluative information, and relatively spared processing of both types of evaluative information when using controlled or strategic processing. In the Strategic Evaluation of Alternatives (SEA) treatment program, AM was trained to compensate for his impairments by explicitly retrieving positive and negative attributes associated with potential actions prior to performing them. The SEA treatment focused specifically on improving AM's ability to obtain financial compensation for his work-related activities. Results showed improved performance on work-related activities and evidence of generalization. Analyses suggested that the process underlying improved performance was compensatory rather than restorative in nature. We discuss the implications of these results for the development of rehabilitation treatment for patients with impaired social and risk judgement.

Center for Navy Business Excellence: A Catalyst for Business Transformation

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-12-01

selecting priority strategic initiatives and milestones. Key participants in the strategic planning process are Global Marketing and Sales Group...the Global Marketing Operations Group. This Group works to ensure current, best research practices are tested and utilized; establishing research

42 CFR 457.710 - State plan requirements: Strategic objectives and performance goals.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...) ALLOTMENTS AND GRANTS TO STATES Strategic Planning, Reporting, and Evaluation § 457.710 State plan requirements: Strategic objectives and performance goals. (a) Plan description. A State plan must include a... 42 Public Health 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false State plan requirements: Strategic objectives and...

The Global Fleet Station Concept: Meeting Strategic Level Requirements

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-06-13

combined, and interagency assets to establish a persistent presence with a minimal footprint ashore in the Caribbean Basin and Central America in...the GFS concept and its 2007 deployment to Central America to determine if GFS meets defined strategic requirements. A qualitative analysis was...review the GFS concept and its 2007 deployment to Central America to determine if GFS meets defined strategic requirements. A qualitative analysis was

The Perceptions of the Automotive Supply Industry Related to Information Technology Utilization and Creating Barriers to Competitive Market Entry: A Case Study of the Implications for Strategic Planning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cargal, Joseph L.

2010-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine information technology/systems strategy related factors in the automotive supply industry based on responses to the Strategic Planning and Business Performance Survey provided to automotive suppliers. This population produces supplies to the automotive industry with products valued at hundreds of billions…

Defense Nuclear Enterprise: DOD Has Established Processes for Implementing and Tracking Recommendations to Improve Leadership, Morale, and Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-07-14

and (2) track the implementation of these recommendations and measure the effectiveness of the actions it has taken to address them. We briefed the... effectiveness of actions taken, we reviewed key documents, including the reports of the nuclear enterprise reviews, Strategic Command’s action plan, DOD...Federal Government—including assessing and responding to risk, using and effectively communicating quality information, and performing monitoring

Acute and Chronic Toxicities of TNT and RDX to the Enchytraeid Worm, Enchytraeus crypticus, in Natural Soils

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-11-01

21010-5424 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER ECBC-TR-981 9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Strategic Environmental ...triazine (RDX) to the potworm Enchytraeus crypticus using the Enchytraeid Reproduction Test (ISO 16387:2004). Studies were designed to identify and...clay loam soils. Toxicity benchmarks established in TSL and SSL will be submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Eco-SSL Workgroup for

Application of Computational Intelligence to Improve Education in Smart Cities.

PubMed

Gomede, Everton; Gaffo, Fernando Henrique; Briganó, Gabriel Ulian; de Barros, Rodolfo Miranda; Mendes, Leonardo de Souza

2018-01-18

According to UNESCO, education is a fundamental human right and every nation's citizens should be granted universal access with equal quality to it. Because this goal is yet to be achieved in most countries, in particular in the developing and underdeveloped countries, it is extremely important to find more effective ways to improve education. This paper presents a model based on the application of computational intelligence (data mining and data science) that leads to the development of the student's knowledge profile and that can help educators in their decision making for best orienting their students. This model also tries to establish key performance indicators to monitor objectives' achievement within individual strategic planning assembled for each student. The model uses random forest for classification and prediction, graph description for data structure visualization and recommendation systems to present relevant information to stakeholders. The results presented were built based on the real dataset obtained from a Brazilian private k-9 (elementary school). The obtained results include correlations among key data, a model to predict student performance and recommendations that were generated for the stakeholders.

Application of Computational Intelligence to Improve Education in Smart Cities

PubMed Central

Gaffo, Fernando Henrique; de Barros, Rodolfo Miranda; Mendes, Leonardo de Souza

2018-01-01

According to UNESCO, education is a fundamental human right and every nation’s citizens should be granted universal access with equal quality to it. Because this goal is yet to be achieved in most countries, in particular in the developing and underdeveloped countries, it is extremely important to find more effective ways to improve education. This paper presents a model based on the application of computational intelligence (data mining and data science) that leads to the development of the student’s knowledge profile and that can help educators in their decision making for best orienting their students. This model also tries to establish key performance indicators to monitor objectives’ achievement within individual strategic planning assembled for each student. The model uses random forest for classification and prediction, graph description for data structure visualization and recommendation systems to present relevant information to stakeholders. The results presented were built based on the real dataset obtained from a Brazilian private k-9 (elementary school). The obtained results include correlations among key data, a model to predict student performance and recommendations that were generated for the stakeholders. PMID:29346288

A Simulation-Based Approach for Teaching the Systems Perspective of Strategic Performance Management

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Capelo, Carlos; Lopes, Ana; Mata, Ana

2015-01-01

Kaplan and Norton introduced the balanced scorecard (BSC), which is based on a systems perspective of the business strategy and performance measurement. Many organisations around the world use the BSC to define, implement and manage strategy. Nevertheless, there are studies that identify problems and limitations associated with the implementation…

Strategic, Analytic and Operational Domains of Information Management.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Diener, Richard AV

1992-01-01

Discussion of information management focuses on three main areas of activities and their interrelationship: (1) strategic, including establishing frameworks and principles of operations; (2) analytic, or research elements, including user needs assessment, data gathering, and data analysis; and (3) operational activities, including reference…

Strategic Information Systems Planning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rowley, Jennifer

1995-01-01

Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP) is the process of establishing a program for implementation and use of information systems in ways that will optimize effectiveness of information resources and use them to support the objectives of the organization. Basic steps in SISP methodology are outlined. (JKP)

The Unmanned Initiative: A Strategic Appraisal of Coast Guard Unmanned Aerial Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

King also designated the Coast Guard as the service responsible for helicopter training, research and development. With no established training...Guard Deepwater Acquisition Programs,” Congressional Research Service (Washington, DC, Mar 30, 2010), 25. 15 U.S. Coast Guard, Land-Based UAS, 1-4...preproduction and research , the Coast Guard terminated its UAS program, citing “development risks and a lack of funding.”17 The lack of a cutter-based UAS

77 FR 37683 - Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-22

... update of strategic plans and performance goals. Oversees the CMS Challenge Competition, working with... strategic plans with Department of Health and Human Services' 5-year strategic plan and performance goals...

Strategic planning--a plan for excellence for South Haven Health System.

PubMed

Urbanski, Joanne; Baskel, Maureen; Martelli, Mary

2011-01-01

South Haven Health System has developed an innovative approach to strategic planning. The key to success of this process has been the multidisciplinary involvement of all stakeholders from the first planning session through the final formation of a strategic plan with measurable objectives for each goal. The process utilizes a Conversation Café method for identifying opportunities and establishing goals, Strategic Oversight Teams to address each goal and a Champion for implementation of each objective. Progress is measured quarterly by Strategic Oversight Team report cards. Transparency of communication within the organization and the sharing of information move the plan forward. The feedback from participant evaluations has been overwhelmingly positive. They are involved and excited.

76 FR 13353 - Department of Commerce FY 2011-2016 Strategic Plan

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-11

... scorecard. A balanced scorecard ``balances'' or equally emphasizes programmatic and management objectives... senior leadership to develop a balanced scorecard to deploy and execute this Strategic Plan. The Secretary directed a balanced scorecard approach to establish and maintain focus on the Department's top...

Preparing for the Update of New Hampshire's Strategic Highway Safety Plan : An RSPCB Peer Exchange

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-05-01

This report provides a summary of a peer exchange sponsored by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) that focused on updating New Hampshires Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) and establishing a Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) initiati...

Maintaining a Competitive Edge: Strategically Planning for Historically Black Institutions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wagener, Ursula; Smith, Edgar E.

1993-01-01

Fisk University (Tennessee), Tougaloo College (Mississippi), and Howard University (District of Columbia) are achieving fiscal and academic success resulting from strategic planning. Elements of that success include building on institutional strengths, using bold institutional leadership, establishing financial stability, and involving faculty in…

Foundation for the Future. 2013-2015 Strategic Plan. FY13 Organizational Performance Plan

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats ( SWOT ) Analysis 192013–2015 Strategic Plan tr t ic l The Planning, Policy, and Leadership Support (PPLS...participation of faculty and staff from across the University in this review. The review process begins with an analysis of organizational strengths...weaknesses, opportunities, and threats ( SWOT ). (The results of the SWOT are shown on page 18.) This is based on an environmental scan which identifi

An examination of the relationship between strategic group membership and hospital performance.

PubMed

Marlin, Dan; Huonker, John W; Sun, Minghe

2002-01-01

Membership in a particular strategic group, where a strategic group can be defined as groups of firms in an industry following similar competitive approaches and having similar market positions, defines the essentials of a firm's strategy. This study longitudinally examines the relationship between strategic group membership and performance in the hospital industry.

Laboratory evaluation of asphalt binder rutting, fracture, and adhesion tests.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-04-01

The current performance grading (PG) specification for asphalt binders was developed based on the Strategic Highway : Research Program (SHRP) and is based primarily on the study of unmodified asphalt binders. Over the years, experience has : proven t...

Strategic groups, performance, and strategic response in the nursing home industry.

PubMed

Zinn, J S; Aaronson, W E; Rosko, M D

1994-06-01

This study examines the effect of strategic group membership on nursing home performance and strategic behavior. Data from the 1987 Medicare and Medicaid Automated Certification Survey were combined with data from the 1987 and 1989 Pennsylvania Long Term Care Facility Questionnaire. The sample consisted of 383 Pennsylvania nursing homes. Cluster analysis was used to place the 383 nursing homes into strategic groups on the basis of variables measuring scope and resource deployment. Performance was measured by indicators of the quality of nursing home care (rates of pressure ulcers, catheterization, and restraint usage) and efficiency in services provision. Changes in Medicare participation after passage of the 1988 Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act (MCCA) measured strategic behavior. MANOVA and Turkey HSD post hoc means tests determined if significant differences were associated with strategic group membership. Cluster analysis produced an optimal seven-group solution. Differences in group means were significant for the clustering, performance, and conduct variables (p < .0001). Strategic groups characterized by facilities providing a continuum of care services had the best patient care outcomes. The most efficient groups were characterized by facilities with high Medicare census. While all strategic groups increased Medicare census following passage of the MCCA, those dominated by for-profits had the greatest increases. Our analysis demonstrates that strategic orientation influences nursing home response to regulatory initiatives, a factor that should be recognized in policy formation directed at nursing home reform.

Economic perspective on strategic human capital management and planning for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

PubMed

Roy, Kakoli; Chen, Zhuo Adam; Crawford, Carol A Gotway

2009-11-01

An organization's workforce--or human capital--is its most valuable asset. The 2002 President's Management Agenda emphasizes the importance of strategic human capital management by requiring all federal agencies to improve performance by enhancing personnel and compensation systems. In response to these directives, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) drafted its strategic human capital management plan to ensure that it is aligned strategically to support the agency's mission and its health protection goals. In this article, we explore the personnel economics literature to draw lessons from research studies that can help CDC enhance its human capital management and planning. To do so, we focus on topics that are of practical importance and empirical relevance to CDC's internal workforce and personnel needs with an emphasis on identifying promising research issues or methodological approaches. The personnel economics literature is rich with theoretically sound and empirically rigorous approaches for shaping an evidence-based approach to human capital management that can enhance incentives to attract, retain, and motivate a talented federal public health workforce, thereby promoting the culture of high-performance government.

Strategic Marketing for Educational Systems: A Guide for Implementation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hanson, E. Mark; Henry, Walter

1993-01-01

The use of strategic marketing processes typically associated with the private sector can benefit school systems' efforts to develop public confidence and establish guidelines for future development. This article introduces a conceptual framework allowing schools to progress systematically through needs assessment, community surveys, goal setting,…

The Development and Implementation of a Dental School Strategic Plan.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moreland, Ernest F.; And Others

1990-01-01

The University of Maryland Dental School began a comprehensive external and internal analysis of dentistry and dental education. Three analysis groups were established to review the external environment, the competitive environment, and institutional strengths and weaknesses. A strategic directions group identified directions and created a…

Designing and Managing a Strategic Academic Alliance: An Australian University Experience

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ryan, Lindsay; Morriss, Ross

2005-01-01

Purpose--This article outlines the experience and approach of an Australian university in developing and managing education program partnerships within industry. Design/methodology/approach--Describes how the university has established a specialist Strategic Partnerships unit for managing the customisation and delivery of postgraduate award…

Succession Planning in Malaysian Institution of Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abdullah, Zaini; Samah, Siti Akmar Abu; Jusoff, Kamaruzaman; Isa, Posiah Mohd

2009-01-01

Succession planning has not been a distinct initiative undertaken by educational organisation in their strategic planning. The former has been clearly established in several high profile profit organisations to ensure smooth transition of leadership in their respective department. From several literatures, proponents of strategic planning have…

Strategic Review Process for an Accountable Care Organization and Emerging Accountable Care Best Practices.

PubMed

Conway, Sarah J; Himmelrich, Sarah; Feeser, Scott A; Flynn, John A; Kravet, Steven J; Bailey, Jennifer; Hebert, Lindsay C; Donovan, Susan H; Kachur, Sarah G; Brown, Patricia M C; Baumgartner, William A; Berkowitz, Scott A

2018-02-02

Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), like other care entities, must be strategic about which initiatives they support in the quest for higher value. This article reviews the current strategic planning process for the Johns Hopkins Medicine Alliance for Patients (JMAP), a Medicare Shared Savings Program Track 1 ACO. It reviews the 3 focus areas for the 2017 strategic review process - (1) optimizing care coordination for complex, at-risk patients, (2) post-acute care, and (3) specialty care integration - reviewing cost savings and quality improvement opportunities, associated best practices from the literature, and opportunities to leverage and advance existing ACO and health system efforts in each area. It then reviews the ultimate selection of priorities for the coming year and early thoughts on implementation. After the robust review process, key stakeholders voted to select interventions targeted at care coordination, post-acute care, and specialty integration including Part B drug and imaging costs. The interventions selected incorporate a mixture of enhancing current ACO initiatives, working collaboratively and synergistically on other health system initiatives, and taking on new projects deemed targeted, cost-effective, and manageable in scope. The annual strategic review has been an essential and iterative process based on performance data and informed by the collective experience of other organizations. The process allows for an evidence-based strategic plan for the ACO in pursuit of the best care for patients.

U.S. Department of Education FY 2010 Annual Performance Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

US Department of Education, 2011

2011-01-01

This paper presents the U.S. Department of Education's Fiscal Year (FY) "2010 Annual Performance Report" (APR). This report provides detailed information on: (1) the status of strategic goals, and (2) the outcomes of the strategic performance measures identified in the Department's "FY 2007-2012 Strategic Plan" and updated previously in the "FY…

Knowledge brokerage - potential for increased capacities and shared power in impact assessment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rosario Partidario, Maria, E-mail: mrp@civil.ist.utl.pt; Sheate, William R., E-mail: w.sheate@imperial.ac.uk; Collingwood Environmental Planning Ltd, London, 1E, The Chandlery, 50 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7QY

2013-02-15

Constructive and collaborative planning theory has exposed the perceived limitations of public participation in impact assessment. At strategic levels of assessment the established norm can be misleading and practice is illusive. For example, debates on SEA effectiveness recognize insufficiencies, but are often based on questionable premises. The authors of this paper argue that public participation in strategic assessment requires new forms of information and engagement, consistent with the complexity of the issues at these levels and that strategic assessments can act as knowledge brokerage instruments with the potential to generate more participative environments and attitudes. The paper explores barriers andmore » limitations, as well as the role of knowledge brokerage in stimulating the engagement of the public, through learning-oriented processes and responsibility sharing in more participative models of governance. The paper concludes with a discussion on building and inter-change of knowledge, towards creative solutions to identified problems, stimulating learning processes, largely beyond simple information transfer mechanisms through consultative processes. The paper argues fundamentally for the need to conceive strategic assessments as learning platforms and design knowledge brokerage opportunities explicitly as a means to enhance learning processes and power sharing in IA. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Debates on SEA recognize insufficiencies on public participation Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We propose new forms of engagement consistent with complex situations at strategic levels of decision-making Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Constructive and collaborative planning theories help explain how different actors acquire knowledge and the value of knowledge exchange Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Strategic assessments can act as knowledge brokerage instruments Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The paper argues for strategic assessments as learning platforms as a means to enhance learning processes and power sharing in IA.« less

Healthcare's Future: Strategic Investment in Technology.

PubMed

Franklin, Michael A

2018-01-01

Recent and rapid advances in the implementation of technology have greatly affected the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery in the United States. Simultaneously, diverse generational pressures-including the consumerism of millennials and unsustainable growth in the costs of care for baby boomers-have accelerated a revolution in healthcare delivery that was marked in 2010 by the passage of the Affordable Care Act.Against this backdrop, Maryland and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services entered into a partnership in 2014 to modernize the Maryland All-Payer Model. Under this architecture, each Maryland hospital negotiates a global budget revenue agreement with the state's rate-setting agency, limiting the hospital's annual revenue to the budgetary cap established by the state.At Atlantic General Hospital (AGH), leaders had established a disciplined strategic planning process in which the board of trustees, medical staff, and administration annually agree on goals and initiatives to achieve the objectives set forth in its five-year strategic plans. This article describes two initiatives to improve care using technology. In 2006, AGH introduced a service guarantee in the emergency room (ER); the ER 30-Minute Promise assures patients that they will be placed in a bed or receive care within 30 minutes of arrival in the ER. In 2007, several independent hospitals in the state formed Maryland eCare to jointly contract for intensive care unit (ICU) physician coverage via telemedicine. This technology allows clinical staff to continuously monitor ICU patients remotely. The positive results of the ER 30-Minute Promise and Maryland eCare program show that technological advances in an independent, small, rural hospital can make a significant impact on its ability to maintain independence. AGH's strategic investments prepared the organization well for the transition in 2014 to a value-based payment system.

Memorial Hermann: high reliability from board to bedside.

PubMed

Shabot, M Michael; Monroe, Douglas; Inurria, Juan; Garbade, Debbi; France, Anne-Claire

2013-06-01

In 2006 the Memorial Hermann Health System (MHHS), which includes 12 hospitals, began applying principles embraced by high reliability organizations (HROs). Three factors support its HRO journey: (1) aligned organizational structure with transparent management systems and compressed reporting processes; (2) Robust Process Improvement (RPI) with high-reliability interventions; and (3) cultural establishment, sustainment, and evolution. The Quality and Safety strategic plan contains three domains, each with a specific set of measures that provide goals for performance: (1) "Clinical Excellence;" (2) "Do No Harm;" and (3) "Saving Lives," as measured by the Serious Safety Event rate. MHHS uses a uniform approach to performance improvement--RPI, which includes Six Sigma, Lean, and change management, to solve difficult safety and quality problems. The 9 acute care hospitals provide multiple opportunities to integrate high-reliability interventions and best practices across MHHS. For example, MHHS partnered with the Joint Commission Center for Transforming Healthcare in its inaugural project to establish reliable hand hygiene behaviors, which improved MHHS's average hand hygiene compliance rate from 44% to 92% currently. Soon after compliance exceeded 85% at all 12 hospitals, the average rate of central line-associated bloodstream and ventilator-associated pneumonias decreased to essentially zero. MHHS's size and diversity require a disciplined approach to performance improvement and systemwide achievement of measurable success. The most significant cultural change at MHHS has been the expectation for 100% compliance with evidence-based quality measures and 0% incidence of patient harm.

The Vulnerability Framework Integrates Various Models of Generating Surplus Revenue

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maniaci, Vincent

2004-01-01

Budgets operationalize the strategic planning process, and institutions must have surplus revenue to be able to cope with future operations. There are three approaches to generate surplus revenue: increased revenue, decreased cost, and reallocation of resources. Extending their earlier work, where they established strategic benchmarks for annual…

Strategic Partnerships in Fuel Cell Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Diab, Dorey

2006-01-01

This article describes how forming strategic alliances with universities, emerging technology companies, the state of Ohio, the federal government, and the National Science Foundation, has enabled Stark State College to develop a $5.5 million Fuel Cell Prototyping Center and establish a Fuel Cell Technology program to promote economic development…

Program Evaluation for USAID/Guinea Basic Education Program Portfolio

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Midling, Michael; Filion, Louise; David-Gnahoui, Emmanuel M.; Gassama-Mbaye, Mbarou; Diallo, Amadou Tidjane; Diallo, Abdoul Karim

2006-01-01

In support of its strategic objective of a quality basic education provided to a larger percentage of Guinean children with an emphasis on girls and rural children, the United States Agency for International Development established the following intermediate results: (1) Improved sectoral strategic planning, management, and decision-making in…

Strategic Computing Computer Vision: Taking Image Understanding To The Next Plateau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simpson, R. L., Jr.

1987-06-01

The overall objective of the Strategic Computing (SC) Program of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is to develop and demonstrate a new generation of machine intelligence technology which can form the basis for more capable military systems in the future and also maintain a position of world leadership for the US in computer technology. Begun in 1983, SC represents a focused research strategy for accelerating the evolution of new technology and its rapid prototyping in realistic military contexts. Among the very ambitious demonstration prototypes being developed within the SC Program are: 1) the Pilot's Associate which will aid the pilot in route planning, aerial target prioritization, evasion of missile threats, and aircraft emergency safety procedures during flight; 2) two battle management projects one for the for the Army, which is just getting started, called the AirLand Battle Management program (ALBM) which will use knowledge-based systems technology to assist in the generation and evaluation of tactical options and plans at the Corps level; 3) the other more established program for the Navy is the Fleet Command Center Battle Management Program (FCCBIVIP) at Pearl Harbor. The FCCBMP is employing knowledge-based systems and natural language technology in a evolutionary testbed situated in an operational command center to demonstrate and evaluate intelligent decision-aids which can assist in the evaluation of fleet readiness and explore alternatives during contingencies; and 4) the Autonomous Land Vehicle (ALV) which integrates in a major robotic testbed the technologies for dynamic image understanding, knowledge-based route planning with replanning during execution, hosted on new advanced parallel architectures. The goal of the Strategic Computing computer vision technology base (SCVision) is to develop generic technology that will enable the construction of complete, robust, high performance image understanding systems to support a wide range of DoD applications. Possible applications include autonomous vehicle navigation, photointerpretation, smart weapons, and robotic manipulation. This paper provides an overview of the technical and program management plans being used in evolving this critical national technology.

Transforming the Department of State: Adapting Operational Capacities and Capabilities to the Post-9/11 Reality, Evolving Interagency Responsibilities, and the Challenges of the 21st Century

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-04-14

combination of the Strategic Plan, MPPs, and BPPs goals, along with performance, and accountability plans. Three other documents are inherently important...DOS Strategic Plan, Mission Performance Plan (MPP), Bureau Performance Plan ( BPP ). NSC representation, POLADs, Embassy Country Teams, and...the world. DOS Strategic Plan, Mission Performance Plan (MPP), Bureau Performance Plan ( BPP ). NSC representation, POLADs, Exchange

Strategic groups, performance, and strategic response in the nursing home industry.

PubMed Central

Zinn, J S; Aaronson, W E; Rosko, M D

1994-01-01

OBJECTIVE. This study examines the effect of strategic group membership on nursing home performance and strategic behavior. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING. Data from the 1987 Medicare and Medicaid Automated Certification Survey were combined with data from the 1987 and 1989 Pennsylvania Long Term Care Facility Questionnaire. The sample consisted of 383 Pennsylvania nursing homes. STUDY DESIGN. Cluster analysis was used to place the 383 nursing homes into strategic groups on the basis of variables measuring scope and resource deployment. Performance was measured by indicators of the quality of nursing home care (rates of pressure ulcers, catheterization, and restraint usage) and efficiency in services provision. Changes in Medicare participation after passage of the 1988 Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act (MCCA) measured strategic behavior. MANOVA and Turkey HSD post hoc means tests determined if significant differences were associated with strategic group membership. FINDINGS. Cluster analysis produced an optimal seven-group solution. Differences in group means were significant for the clustering, performance, and conduct variables (p < .0001). Strategic groups characterized by facilities providing a continuum of care services had the best patient care outcomes. The most efficient groups were characterized by facilities with high Medicare census. While all strategic groups increased Medicare census following passage of the MCCA, those dominated by for-profits had the greatest increases. CONCLUSIONS. Our analysis demonstrates that strategic orientation influences nursing home response to regulatory initiatives, a factor that should be recognized in policy formation directed at nursing home reform. PMID:8005789

The Network of Excellence 'Knowledge-based Multicomponent Materials for Durable and Safe Performance'

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Moreno, Arnaldo

The Network of Excellence 'Knowledge-based Multicomponent Materials for Durable and Safe Performance' (KMM-NoE) consists of 36 institutional partners from 10 countries representing leading European research institutes and university departments (25), small and medium enterprises, SMEs (5) and large industry (7) in the field of knowledge-based multicomponent materials (KMM), more specifically in intermetallics, metal-ceramic composites, functionally graded materials and thin layers. The main goal of the KMM-NoE (currently funded by the European Commission) is to mobilise and concentrate the fragmented scientific potential in the KMM field to create a durable and efficient organism capable of developing leading-edge research while spreading themore » accumulated knowledge outside the Network and enhancing the technological skills of the related industries. The long-term strategic goal of the KMM-NoE is to establish a self-supporting pan-European institution in the field of knowledge-based multicomponent materials--KMM Virtual Institute (KMM-VIN). It will combine industry oriented research with educational and training activities. The KMM Virtual Institute will be founded on three main pillars: KMM European Competence Centre, KMM Integrated Post-Graduate School, KMM Mobility Programme. The KMM-NoE is coordinated by the Institute of Fundamental Technological Research (IPPT) of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.« less

The Role of Space Medicine in Management of Risk in Spaceflight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, Jonathan B.

2001-01-01

The purpose of Space Medicine is to ensure mission success by providing quality and comprehensive health care throughout all mission phases to optimize crew health and performance and to prevent negative long-term health consequences. Space flight presents additional hazards and associated risks to crew health, performance, and safety. With an extended human presence in space it is expected that illness and injury will occur on orbit, which may present a significant threat to crew health and performance and to mission success. Maintaining crew health, safety and performance and preventing illness and injury are high priorities necessary for mission success and agency goals. Space flight health care should meet the standards of practice of evidence based clinical medicine. The function of Space Medicine is expected to meet the agency goals as stated in the 1998 NASA Strategic Plan and the priorities established by the Critical Path Roadmap Project. The Critical Path Roadmap Project is an integrated NASA cross-disciplinary strategy to assess, understand, mitigate, and manage the risks associated with long-term exposure to the space flight environment. The evidence based approach to space medicine should be standardized, objective process yielding expected results and establishing clinical practice standards while balancing individual risk with mission (programmatic) risk. The ability to methodically apply available knowledge and expertise to individual and mission health issues will ensure appropriate priorities are assigned and resources are allocated. NASA Space Medicine risk management process is a combined clinical and engineering approach. Competition for weight, power, volume, cost, and crew time must be balanced in making decisions about the care of individual crew with competing agency resources.

Strategic environmental management planning, team-building and implementation: Principles and experience at Watkins-Johnson Company

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Molony, C.

This paper provides a short discussion of the realities of implementing a strategic environmental management program in a modern corporation. The first half lists typical business challenges which are related to EPA regulations, to property risk management, and to company performance which can have a positive impact on the environment. The strategic environmental manager anticipates these business issues successfully. The list provided is based on my experiences as an environment and safety professional over the past sixteen years, while working at three Silicon Valley electronics firms. The second half discusses examples of relevant, specific accomplishments in the environment-related business activitiesmore » of Watkins-Johnson Company.« less

Strategic communication related to academic performance: Evidence from China.

PubMed

Zhao, Li; Chen, Lulu; He, Luwei; Heyman, Gail D

2017-09-01

We examined a range of forms of strategic communication relevant to academic performance among 151 seventh- and eleventh-grade adolescents in China. Participants were asked to rate the frequency of their engagement of strategic communication and to evaluate the possible motives for each strategy. The most commonly adopted strategy was to give a vague response about one's own performance, and the predominant motives for strategic communication were the desires to outcompete others, to be prosocial, and to be modest. Males were more likely than females to focus on gaining social approval, and eleventh graders were more likely than seventh graders to focus on being prosocial and modest when engaging in strategic communication. These findings provide insight into the development of strategic communication beyond Western culture. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Adolescents in the West often hide their effort to appear more competent or to gain social acceptance. Little is known about other communication strategies related to academic performance. Little is known about the development of these strategies in non-Western samples. What does this study add? We show that in China, as in Western cultures, children often engage in strategic communication. We demonstrate links between different forms of strategic communication and specific motives. We demonstrate that strategic communication can be motivated by outcompeting others, by being prosocial, and by being modest. © 2017 The British Psychological Society.

Defense Logistics: The Department of Defense’s Report on Strategic Seaports Addressed All Congressionally Directed Elements

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-13

executes the strategic seaport program for DOD. • MARAD and DOD use Port Planning Orders ( PPOs ) to identify and coordinate DOD’s needs in advance...outline each port’s ability to meet the PPO requirements. • The National Port Readiness Network, chaired by MARAD, provides for the establishment of...However, a key assumption of the report was that the PPO facilities at the strategic seaports provide sufficient capacity to meet the DOD cargo

Establishing a Department of Defense Program Management Body of Knowledge

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-09-01

systems included, "...thousands of jet fighters, bombers and transport aircraft; one hundred new combat and support vessels; and thousands of tanks and...cannon-carrying troop transports and strategic and tactical missiles" (12:9). Such systems were designed to achieve goals and performance levels never...to L. A a 20-week Program Mnageme-.nt .ur., ’ DSMc b-,o : taking command of a mra or pLog-im. A Major De ?-n.5 Acquisition (Category I) Program in the

Establishing strategic alliance among hospitals through SAIS: a case study in Taiwan.

PubMed

Hung, Won-Fu; Hwang, Hsin-Ginn; Liao, Chechen

2005-01-01

Due to a reformed healthcare insurance system and a gradually decreasing public affairs' budget by the government year by year, Central Taiwan Office (CTO), the Department of Health (DOH) in Taiwan, initiated a strategic alliance project of the hospitals subordinated to the DOH in November, 2001. This project was a five-year plan with an attempt to expand and develop three more strategic alliances covering the northern, southern and eastern regions of Taiwan respectively. Through a cooperative system, such an alliance allows the following: resource sharing, technique collaboration, marketing affiliations and so on. In order to decrease operation management costs and improve the quality of service at hospitals, the strategic alliance practice is supported by IS. We call this alignment the IS-enabled strategic alliance. All the IS-enabled functions are supported by the Strategic Alliance Information System (SAIS). In this article, the SAIS developed by the CTO of the DOH is introduced.

Losing Turkey? Implications of a Failed Turkish EU Bid

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-24

in many ways, reflects the desires of the AKP‘s religiously conservative supporters who have demanded a more inclusive, participatory role in the...through increased trade, tourism , commercial ties, and the establishment of visa-free travel agreements, all of which have created a strong sense of...compatibility but on pragmatic calculations based on converging economic and strategic interests.77 As ties in energy, trade, investment and tourism

New Initiatives for Electronic Scholarly Publishing: Academic Information Sources on the Internet

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-04-01

organizations/countries to participate in the development of the global knowledge base. The paper will outline the strategic factors that impact on -the...society proceedings, and the successful creation of more specialised journals, reflecting the fragmentation of knowledge into more specialised...Guedon (2001) - establishing "priority" over a particular scientific discovery or advance, and of "packing" current communication into an indexed and

The Long and Winding Path (from Instructional Design to Performance Technology).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carr, Clay; Totzke, Larry

1995-01-01

Presents a case study based on experiences at Amway Corporation that explains how the Human Resources Development Department progressed from providing training to providing a broader range of human performance technology interventions. Strategic planning is described, including identifying incentives and required competencies, providing for…

Five-Year Strategic Plan: Fiscal Years 2011-2015

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

US Department of Education, 2010

2010-01-01

This paper presents the U.S. Department of Education (Department) Office of Inspector General (OIG) Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2011 through 2015. This plan describes the focus and direction of OIG's operations over the next five years, establishes its organizational goals, and outlines the strategies it will employ to reach those goals and…

A Blueprint for Excellence: Lakeland Community College.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lakeland Community Coll., Mentor, OH.

In 1988, Lakeland Community College (LCC), in Mentor, Ohio, began a strategic planning process to refocus the college on its mission, identify priorities for the years ahead, and establish a process to achieve them. Five strategic priorities were identified: (1) sustain and strengthen academic quality for students by adding at least 25 full-time…

Development of an Updated Strategic Marketing Plan for Fox Valley Technical College.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

May, Susan A.

This project was conducted to develop a comprehensive strategic marketing plan for Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC). Components included a review of the literature, establishing criteria for the plan, validation of the criteria, the actual development of the plan involving a formative committee, and the review of institutional marketing plans…

When to use your head and when to use your heart: the differential value of perspective-taking versus empathy in competitive interactions.

PubMed

Gilin, Debra; Maddux, William W; Carpenter, Jordan; Galinsky, Adam D

2013-01-01

Four studies explored whether perspective-taking and empathy would be differentially effective in mixed-motive competitions depending on whether the critical skills for success were more cognitively or emotionally based. Study 1 demonstrated that individual differences in perspective-taking, but not empathy, predicted increased distributive and integrative performance in a multiple-round war game that required a clear understanding of an opponent's strategic intentions. Conversely, both measures and manipulations of empathy proved more advantageous than perspective-taking in a relationship-based coalition game that required identifying the strength of interpersonal connections (Studies 2-3). Study 4 established a key process: perspective-takers were more accurate in cognitive understanding of others, whereas empathy produced stronger accuracy in emotional understanding. Perspective-taking and empathy were each useful but in different types of competitive, mixed-motive situations-their success depended on the task-competency match. These results demonstrate when to use your head versus your heart to achieve the best outcomes for oneself.

Strategic Purchasing in Practice: Comparing Ten European Countries.

PubMed

Klasa, Katarzyna; Greer, Scott L; van Ginneken, Ewout

2018-02-05

Strategic purchasing of health care services is widely recommended as a policy instrument. We conducted a review of literature of material drawn from the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies Health Systems in Transition series, other European Observatory databases, and selected country-specific literature to augment the comparative analysis by providing the most recent healthcare trends in ten selected countries. There is little evidence of purchasing being strategic according to any of the established definitions. There is little or no literature suggesting that existing purchasing mechanisms in Europe deliver improved population health, citizen empowerment, stronger governance and stewardship, or develop purchaser organization and capacity. Strategic purchasing has not generally been implemented. Policymakers considering adopting strategic purchasing policies should be aware of this systemic implementation problem. Policymakers in systems with strategic purchasing built into policy should not assume that a purchasing system is strategic or that it is delivering any expected objectives. However, there are individual components of strategic purchasing that are worth pursuing and can provide benefits to health systems. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

The Strategic Data Project's Strategic Performance Indicators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Page, Lindsay C.; Fullerton, Jon; Bacher-Hicks, Andrew; Owens, Antoniya; Cohodes, Sarah R.; West, Martin R.; Glover, Sarah

2013-01-01

Strategic Performance Indicators (SPIs) are summary measures derived from parallel, descriptive analyses conducted across educational agencies. The SPIs are designed to inform agency management and efforts to improve student outcomes. We developed the SPIs to reveal patterns common across partner agencies, to highlight exceptions to those…

Strategic Air Traffic Planning Using Eulerian Route Based Modeling and Optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bombelli, Alessandro

Due to a soaring air travel growth in the last decades, air traffic management has become increasingly challenging. As a consequence, planning tools are being devised to help human decision-makers achieve a better management of air traffic. Planning tools are divided into two categories, strategic and tactical. Strategic planning generally addresses a larger planning domain and is performed days to hours in advance. Tactical planning is more localized and is performed hours to minutes in advance. An aggregate route model for strategic air traffic flow management is presented. It is an Eulerian model, describing the flow between cells of unidirectional point-to-point routes. Aggregate routes are created from flight trajectory data based on similarity measures. Spatial similarity is determined using the Frechet distance. The aggregate routes approximate actual well-traveled traffic patterns. By specifying the model resolution, an appropriate balance between model accuracy and model dimension can be achieved. For a particular planning horizon, during which weather is expected to restrict the flow, a procedure for designing airborne reroutes and augmenting the traffic flow model is developed. The dynamics of the traffic flow on the resulting network take the form of a discrete-time, linear time-invariant system. The traffic flow controls are ground holding, pre-departure rerouting and airborne rerouting. Strategic planning--determining how the controls should be used to modify the future traffic flow when local capacity violations are anticipated--is posed as an integer programming problem of minimizing a weighted sum of flight delays subject to control and capacity constraints. Several tests indicate the effectiveness of the modeling and strategic planning approach. In the final, most challenging, test, strategic planning is demonstrated for the six western-most Centers of the 22-Center national airspace. The planning time horizon is four hours long, and there is weather predicted that causes significant delays to the scheduled flights. Airborne reroute options are computed and added to the route model, and it is shown that the predicted delays can be significantly reduced. The test results also indicate the computational feasibility of the approach for a planning problem of this size.

Make-to-order manufacturing - new approach to management of manufacturing processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saniuk, A.; Waszkowski, R.

2016-08-01

Strategic management must now be closely linked to the management at the operational level, because only in such a situation the company can be flexible and can quickly respond to emerging opportunities and pursue ever-changing strategic objectives. In these conditions industrial enterprises seek constantly new methods, tools and solutions which help to achieve competitive advantage. They are beginning to pay more attention to cost management, economic effectiveness and performance of business processes. In the article characteristics of make-to-order systems (MTO) and needs associated with managing such systems is identified based on the literature analysis. The main aim of this article is to present the results of research related to the development of a new solution dedicated to small and medium enterprises manufacture products solely on the basis of production orders (make-to- order systems). A set of indicators to enable continuous monitoring and control of key strategic areas this type of company is proposed. A presented solution includes the main assumptions of the following concepts: the Performance Management (PM), the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) and a combination of strategic management with the implementation of operational management. The main benefits of proposed solution are to increase effectiveness of MTO manufacturing company management.

Robust Derivation of Risk Reduction Strategies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richardson, Julian; Port, Daniel; Feather, Martin

2007-01-01

Effective risk reduction strategies can be derived mechanically given sufficient characterization of the risks present in the system and the effectiveness of available risk reduction techniques. In this paper, we address an important question: can we reliably expect mechanically derived risk reduction strategies to be better than fixed or hand-selected risk reduction strategies, given that the quantitative assessment of risks and risk reduction techniques upon which mechanical derivation is based is difficult and likely to be inaccurate? We consider this question relative to two methods for deriving effective risk reduction strategies: the strategic method defined by Kazman, Port et al [Port et al, 2005], and the Defect Detection and Prevention (DDP) tool [Feather & Cornford, 2003]. We performed a number of sensitivity experiments to evaluate how inaccurate knowledge of risk and risk reduction techniques affect the performance of the strategies computed by the Strategic Method compared to a variety of alternative strategies. The experimental results indicate that strategies computed by the Strategic Method were significantly more effective than the alternative risk reduction strategies, even when knowledge of risk and risk reduction techniques was very inaccurate. The robustness of the Strategic Method suggests that its use should be considered in a wide range of projects.

High prevalence but limited evidence in complementary and alternative medicine: guidelines for future research

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

The use of complementary and alternative Medicine (CAM) has increased over the past two decades in Europe. Nonetheless, research investigating the evidence to support its use remains limited. The CAMbrella project funded by the European Commission aimed to develop a strategic research agenda starting by systematically evaluating the state of CAM in the EU. CAMbrella involved 9 work packages covering issues such as the definition of CAM; its legal status, provision and use in the EU; and a synthesis of international research perspectives. Based on the work package reports, we developed a strategic and methodologically robust research roadmap based on expert workshops, a systematic Delphi-based process and a final consensus conference. The CAMbrella project suggests six core areas for research to examine the potential contribution of CAM to the health care challenges faced by the EU. These areas include evaluating the prevalence of CAM use in Europe; the EU cititzens’ needs and attitudes regarding CAM; the safety of CAM; the comparative effectiveness of CAM; the effects of meaning and context on CAM outcomes; and different models for integrating CAM into existing health care systems. CAM research should use methods generally accepted in the evaluation of health services, including comparative effectiveness studies and mixed-methods designs. A research strategy is urgently needed, ideally led by a European CAM coordinating research office dedicated to fostering systematic communication between EU governments, the public, charitable and industry funders, researchers and other stakeholders. A European Centre for CAM should also be established to monitor and further a coordinated research strategy with sufficient funds to commission and promote high quality, independent research focusing on the public’s health needs and pan-European collaboration. There is a disparity between highly prevalent use of CAM in Europe and solid knowledge about it. A strategic approach on CAM research should be established to investigate the identified gaps of knowledge and to address upcoming health care challenges. PMID:24499316

[OR-management and self-improvement - a discrepancy?].

PubMed

Casutt, Mattias; Konrad, Christoph; Schüpfer, Guido

2014-10-01

Today, operating room management is essential for a modern hospital. The strategic controls of this cost-intensive area and the ongoing cost pressure have necessitated management attention to this area. Economical, processual and quality data are well-known and established, although analysis of different health delivering organisations by benchmarking is still difficult. It remains still a severe task for the management of an OR and anaesthesia department. For these fields data is needed to identify and measure the performance of these departments in the dimensions of finances, development, processes and patient's needs. The key performance indicators are exemplified for an anaesthesia department and discussed. © Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York.

Using formal methods to scope performance challenges for Smart Manufacturing Systems: focus on agility.

PubMed

Jung, Kiwook; Morris, K C; Lyons, Kevin W; Leong, Swee; Cho, Hyunbo

2015-12-01

Smart Manufacturing Systems (SMS) need to be agile to adapt to new situations by using detailed, precise, and appropriate data for intelligent decision-making. The intricacy of the relationship of strategic goals to operational performance across the many levels of a manufacturing system inhibits the realization of SMS. This paper proposes a method for identifying what aspects of a manufacturing system should be addressed to respond to changing strategic goals. The method uses standard modeling techniques in specifying a manufacturing system and the relationship between strategic goals and operational performance metrics. Two existing reference models related to manufacturing operations are represented formally and harmonized to support the proposed method. The method is illustrated for a single scenario using agility as a strategic goal. By replicating the proposed method for other strategic goals and with multiple scenarios, a comprehensive set of performance challenges can be identified.

Using formal methods to scope performance challenges for Smart Manufacturing Systems: focus on agility

PubMed Central

Jung, Kiwook; Morris, KC; Lyons, Kevin W.; Leong, Swee; Cho, Hyunbo

2016-01-01

Smart Manufacturing Systems (SMS) need to be agile to adapt to new situations by using detailed, precise, and appropriate data for intelligent decision-making. The intricacy of the relationship of strategic goals to operational performance across the many levels of a manufacturing system inhibits the realization of SMS. This paper proposes a method for identifying what aspects of a manufacturing system should be addressed to respond to changing strategic goals. The method uses standard modeling techniques in specifying a manufacturing system and the relationship between strategic goals and operational performance metrics. Two existing reference models related to manufacturing operations are represented formally and harmonized to support the proposed method. The method is illustrated for a single scenario using agility as a strategic goal. By replicating the proposed method for other strategic goals and with multiple scenarios, a comprehensive set of performance challenges can be identified. PMID:27141209

Working Capital Management, Corporate Performance, and Strategic Choices of the Wholesale and Retail Industry in China

PubMed Central

Li, Chuan-guo; Dong, Hui-min; Chen, Shou; Yang, Yan

2014-01-01

We examine the influence of strategic choice on working capital configurations and observe how the relationship between working capital ratio and operational performance differs depending on strategy. By clustering the strategic factors of the wholesale and retail industry, we find three categories of strategies: terminal market strategy, middle market strategy, and hybrid strategy. Using the panel data of the listed companies of the wholesale and retail industry as our sample, we analyze the differences in the ways companies configure working capital, the speed with which working capital adjusts to its target, and the effects of working capital on performance for companies that make different strategic choices. The empirical results suggest that working capital is configured and adjusted to its target in different ways under different competitive strategic choices. This effect is finally transferred to influence the relationship between working capital configuration and operational performance. PMID:25121141

Working capital management, corporate performance, and strategic choices of the wholesale and retail industry in China.

PubMed

Li, Chuan-guo; Dong, Hui-min; Chen, Shou; Yang, Yan

2014-01-01

We examine the influence of strategic choice on working capital configurations and observe how the relationship between working capital ratio and operational performance differs depending on strategy. By clustering the strategic factors of the wholesale and retail industry, we find three categories of strategies: terminal market strategy, middle market strategy, and hybrid strategy. Using the panel data of the listed companies of the wholesale and retail industry as our sample, we analyze the differences in the ways companies configure working capital, the speed with which working capital adjusts to its target, and the effects of working capital on performance for companies that make different strategic choices. The empirical results suggest that working capital is configured and adjusted to its target in different ways under different competitive strategic choices. This effect is finally transferred to influence the relationship between working capital configuration and operational performance.

A statewide strategy for nursing workforce development through partnerships in Texas.

PubMed

Kishi, Aileen; Green, Alexia

2008-08-01

Statewide efforts and partnerships were used for nursing workforce development to address the nursing shortage in Texas. A statewide strategic action plan was developed where partnerships and collaboration were the key components. One of the most important outcomes of these statewide partnerships was the passage of the Nursing Shortage Reduction Act 2001. Through this legislation, the Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies and its advisory committee were established. This article describes how a statewide infrastructure for nursing workforce policy and legislative and regulatory processes were further developed. An overview is provided on the contributions made by the organizations involved with these strategic partnerships. The ingredients for establishing successful, strategic partnerships are also identified. It is hoped that nursing and health care leaders striving to address the nursing shortage could consider statewide efforts such as those used in Texas to develop nursing workforce policy and legislation.

Benchmarking Campus Communications and Marketing Programs: A Look at Policies, Structures, Tools and Audiences. CASE White Paper

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brounley, Lindy

2010-01-01

The University of Florida (UF) established a Strategic Communications Planning Committee in May 2009 to coordinate a campuswide effort to promote strategic communications planning, strengthen the university's brand, unify key themes and messages, maximize use of available research and resources, and identify and propagate best practices and…

Cityworks: A Strategic Planning Model for Workforce Education and Training. Progress Report, January-June 1996.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

City Coll. of San Francisco, CA.

"CityWorks" is a strategic plan for improving workforce education and training at California's City College of San Francisco (CCSF). In January 1996, a Project Group was formed to determine a timeline and tasks to be accomplished by the project through June 1996, establishing goals related to project dissemination, forming external…

NASA/SDIO Space Environmental Effects on Materials Workshop, part 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Teichman, Louis A. (Compiler); Stein, Bland A. (Compiler)

1989-01-01

The present state of knowledge regarding space environmental effects on materials is described and the knowledge gaps that prevent informed decisions on the best use of advanced materials in space for long-duration NASA and Strategic Defense Initiative Organization (SDIO) missions are identified. Establishing priorities for future ground-based and space-based materials research was a major goal. The end product was an assessment of the current state-of-the-art in space environmental effects on materials in order to develop a national plan for spaceflight experiments.

Information and Strategic Internet Skills of Secondary Students: A Performance Test

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van Deursen, A. J. A. M.; van Diepen, S.

2013-01-01

In this study, the information and strategic Internet skills of Dutch secondary students were measured in a performance test. Participating students were asked to complete assignments on the Internet. The findings reveal that the levels of both information and strategic Internet skills have much room for improvement. Of the variables that…

Strategic Plan for the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venerology (AEDV): FuturAEDV 2013-2017.

PubMed

Ribera Pibernat, M; Moreno Jiménez, J C; Valcuende Cavero, F; Soto de Delás, J; Vázquez Veiga, H; Lázaro Ochaíta, P; Giménez Arnau, A

2014-09-01

The Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) has decided that a Strategic Plan is needed to help the association adapt to new circumstances and anticipate future developments. 1) To position the AEDV as a medical association that can exert an influence in everything related to dermatology. 2) To contribute to the development of the specialty, strengthening the prestige and reputation of dermatology and dermatologists. 3) To establish a model for operating and strategic thinking that can be handed on to successive Boards of Directors and will enable the Academy to identify future challenges. The approach used to develop the Strategic Plan was as follows: analysis of trends in the health care system; assessment of the current situation of AEDV and of dermatology in general through an internal analysis based on surveys and interviews with academics; analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats; preparation of a mission statement; and identification, development, and implementation of a strategy map prioritizing strategic lines of action. The strategy map set out 16 general goals grouped into 4 main topics (achieving the vision, internal and external customers, internal processes, and innovation) and detailed in an action plan with 19 initiatives, each with specific actions. The plan will be monitored by the Strategic Plan Monitoring Committee, which is made up of the members of the Standing Committee and the chairs of the 9 Technical Committees responsible for implementing the initiatives. The Functional Plan should guide the management of AEDV until 2017, and its implementation will enable the association to contribute to the development and prestige of the specialty and position itself as a reference in terms of its functional model. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y AEDV. All rights reserved.

FY 2013 INL SITE SUSTAINABILITY PLAN WITH THE FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ernest L. Fossum; Steve A. Birrer

2012-12-01

It is the policy of the Department of Energy (DOE) that sustainable energy and transportation fuels management will be integrated into DOE operations to meet obligations under Executive Order (EO) 13423 "Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management," the Instructions for Implementation of EO 13423, as well as Guidance Documents issued in accordance thereto and any modifcations or amendments that may be issued from time to time. In furtherance of this obligation, DOE established strategic performance-based energy and transportation fuels goals and strategies through the Transformational Energy Action Management (TEAM) Initiative, which were incorporated into DOE Order 430.2B "Departmental Energy,more » Renewable energy, and Transportation Management" and were also identified in DOE Order 450.1A, "Environmental Protection Program." These goals and accompanying strategies are to be implemented by DOE sites through the integration of energy and transportation fuels management into site Environmental Management Systems (EMS).« less

CANISTER HANDLING FACILITY DESCRIPTION DOCUMENT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

J.F. Beesley

The purpose of this facility description document (FDD) is to establish requirements and associated bases that drive the design of the Canister Handling Facility (CHF), which will allow the design effort to proceed to license application. This FDD will be revised at strategic points as the design matures. This FDD identifies the requirements and describes the facility design, as it currently exists, with emphasis on attributes of the design provided to meet the requirements. This FDD is an engineering tool for design control; accordingly, the primary audience and users are design engineers. This FDD is part of an iterative designmore » process. It leads the design process with regard to the flowdown of upper tier requirements onto the facility. Knowledge of these requirements is essential in performing the design process. The FDD follows the design with regard to the description of the facility. The description provided in this FDD reflects the current results of the design process.« less

Strategic Analysis Overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cirillo, William M.; Earle, Kevin D.; Goodliff, Kandyce E.; Reeves, J. D.; Stromgren, Chel; Andraschko, Mark R.; Merrill, R. Gabe

2008-01-01

NASA s Constellation Program employs a strategic analysis methodology in providing an integrated analysis capability of Lunar exploration scenarios and to support strategic decision-making regarding those scenarios. The strategic analysis methodology integrates the assessment of the major contributors to strategic objective satisfaction performance, affordability, and risk and captures the linkages and feedbacks between all three components. Strategic analysis supports strategic decision making by senior management through comparable analysis of alternative strategies, provision of a consistent set of high level value metrics, and the enabling of cost-benefit analysis. The tools developed to implement the strategic analysis methodology are not element design and sizing tools. Rather, these models evaluate strategic performance using predefined elements, imported into a library from expert-driven design/sizing tools or expert analysis. Specific components of the strategic analysis tool set include scenario definition, requirements generation, mission manifesting, scenario lifecycle costing, crew time analysis, objective satisfaction benefit, risk analysis, and probabilistic evaluation. Results from all components of strategic analysis are evaluated a set of pre-defined figures of merit (FOMs). These FOMs capture the high-level strategic characteristics of all scenarios and facilitate direct comparison of options. The strategic analysis methodology that is described in this paper has previously been applied to the Space Shuttle and International Space Station Programs and is now being used to support the development of the baseline Constellation Program lunar architecture. This paper will present an overview of the strategic analysis methodology and will present sample results from the application of the strategic analysis methodology to the Constellation Program lunar architecture.

Doing better to do good: the impact of strategic adaptation on nursing home performance.

PubMed

Zinn, Jacqueline S; Mor, Vincent; Feng, Zhanlian; Intrator, Orna

2007-06-01

To test the hypothesis that a greater commitment to strategic adaptation, as exhibited by more extensive implementation of a subacute/rehabilitation care strategy in nursing homes, will be associated with superior performance. Online Survey, Certification, and Reporting (OSCAR) data from 1997 to 2004, and the area resource file (ARF). The extent of strategic adaptation was measured by an aggregate weighted implementation score. Nursing home performance was measured by occupancy rate and two measures of payer mix. We conducted multivariate regression analyses using a cross-sectional time series generalized estimating equation (GEE) model to examine the effect of nursing home strategic implementation on each of the three performance measures, controlling for market and organizational characteristics that could influence nursing home performance. DATA COLLECTION/ABSTRACTION METHODS: OSCAR data was merged with relevant ARF data. The results of our analysis provide strong support for the hypothesis. From a theoretical perspective, our findings confirm that organizations that adjust strategies and structures to better fit environmental demands achieve superior performance. From a managerial perspective, these results support the importance of proactive strategic leadership in the nursing home industry.

Advantages of integrated and sustainability based assessment for metabolism based strategic planning of urban water systems.

PubMed

Behzadian, Kourosh; Kapelan, Zoran

2015-09-15

Despite providing water-related services as the primary purpose of urban water system (UWS), all relevant activities require capital investments and operational expenditures, consume resources (e.g. materials and chemicals), and may increase negative environmental impacts (e.g. contaminant discharge, emissions to water and air). Performance assessment of such a metabolic system may require developing a holistic approach which encompasses various system elements and criteria. This paper analyses the impact of integration of UWS components on the metabolism based performance assessment for future planning using a number of intervention strategies. It also explores the importance of sustainability based criteria in the assessment of long-term planning. Two assessment approaches analysed here are: (1) planning for only water supply system (WSS) as a part of the UWS and (2) planning for an integrated UWS including potable water, stormwater, wastewater and water recycling. WaterMet(2) model is used to simulate metabolic type processes in the UWS and calculate quantitative performance indicators. The analysis is demonstrated on the problem of strategic level planning of a real-world UWS to where optional intervention strategies are applied. The resulting performance is assessed using the multiple criteria of both conventional and sustainability type; and optional intervention strategies are then ranked using the Compromise Programming method. The results obtained show that the high ranked intervention strategies in the integrated UWS are those supporting both water supply and stormwater/wastewater subsystems (e.g. rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling schemes) whilst these strategies are ranked low in the WSS and those targeting improvement of water supply components only (e.g. rehabilitation of clean water pipes and addition of new water resources) are preferred instead. Results also demonstrate that both conventional and sustainability type performance indicators are necessary for strategic planning in the UWS. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Strategic Reporting Tool: Balanced Scorecards in Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lyddon, Jan W.; McComb, Bruce E.

2008-01-01

In this toolbox article, the authors describe the recommended steps for creating a community college balanced scorecard that measures and reports on key performance indicators based on targets and signal values to end-users, college constituents and external stakeholders. Based on extensive experience in the field, the authors provide a…

What Accounts for Students' Loyalty? Some Field Study Evidence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Helgesen, Oyvind; Nesset, Erik

2007-01-01

Purpose: Public funding of institutions offering higher education is becoming scarcer, more complex, and to an ever-increasing extent performance-based. Concerning the teaching area the financing is partly based on student credits and professional degrees. Thus student loyalty has become an important strategic theme. The purpose is to study…

Team training in obstetric and neonatal emergencies using highly realistic simulation in Mexico: impact on process indicators.

PubMed

Walker, Dilys; Cohen, Susanna; Fritz, Jimena; Olvera, Marisela; Lamadrid-Figueroa, Hector; Cowan, Jessica Greenberg; Hernandez, Dolores Gonzalez; Dettinger, Julia C; Fahey, Jenifer O

2014-11-20

Ineffective management of obstetric emergencies contributes significantly to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in Mexico. PRONTO (Programa de Rescate Obstétrico y Neonatal: Tratamiento Óptimo y Oportuno) is a highly-realistic, low-tech simulation-based obstetric and neonatal emergency training program. A pair-matched hospital-based controlled implementation trial was undertaken in three states in Mexico, with pre/post measurement of process indicators at intervention hospitals. This report assesses the impact of PRONTO simulation training on process indicators from the pre/post study design for process indicators. Data was collected in twelve intervention facilities on process indicators, including pre/post changes in knowledge and self-efficacy of obstetric emergencies and neonatal resuscitation, achievement of strategic planning goals established during training and changes in teamwork scores. Authors performed a longitudinal fixed-effects linear regression model to estimate changes in knowledge and self-efficacy and logistic regression to assess goal achievement. A total of 450 professionals in interprofessional teams were trained. Significant increases in knowledge and self-efficacy were noted for both physicians and nurses (p <0.001- 0.009) in all domains. Teamwork scores improved and were maintained over a three month period. A mean of 58.8% strategic planning goals per team in each hospital were achieved. There was no association between high goal achievement and knowledge, self-efficacy, proportion of doctors or nurses in training, state, or teamwork score. These results suggest that PRONTO's highly realistic, locally appropriate simulation and team training in maternal and neonatal emergency care may be a promising avenue for optimizing emergency response and improving quality of facility-based obstetric and neonatal care in resource-limited settings. NCT01477554.

Interorganizational exchanges as performance markers in a community cancer network.

PubMed Central

McKinney, M M; Morrissey, J P; Kaluzny, A D

1993-01-01

OBJECTIVE. This study examines how "strategic partnerships" between community-based consortia of oncologists and hospitals (CCOPs) and clinical cooperative groups emerge, develop, and influence patient accruals (i.e., the number of patients enrolled in clinical trials) over time. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING. Study analyses are based on 65 pairwise relationships that 38 CCOPs established with eight clinical cooperative groups in September 1983 and maintained through February 1989. Data are drawn from grantee applications and progress reports. STUDY DESIGN. The study examines how different types of CCOP-cooperative group exchange relate to one another and to CCOP patient accruals over six time points. Key independent variables include resource dependence, information exchange (i.e., meeting attendance and committee membership), and protocol exchange (i.e., the number of different protocols used). DATA COLLECTION METHODS. Data extracted from secondary sources were entered in a data base. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS. The number of CCOP physicians and support staff who attend cooperative group meetings during the first two years of a clinical research partnership has a significant influence on meeting attendance and protocol use in later years. Two-thirds or more of the variance in patient accruals at each time point can be explained by the number of different protocols used and the number of CCOP representatives serving on cooperative group committees (or attending cooperative group meetings). CONCLUSIONS. The findings highlight the importance of historical relationships and anticipated resource dependence in shaping initial exchange patterns. They also suggest that strategic partnerships need to emphasize structures and processes that encourage early involvement in collaborative activities and that reward participants for maintaining high levels of interaction. PMID:8407338

The SEA of the Future: Building Agency Capacity for Evidence-Based Policymaking. Volume 5

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gross, Betheny, Ed.; Jochim, Ashley, Ed.

2015-01-01

"The SEA of the Future" is an education publication series examining how state education agencies can shift from a compliance to a performance-oriented organization through strategic planning and performance management tools to meet growing demands to support education reform while improving productivity. This volume, the fifth in the…

Analysis of Cracking in Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-03-01

This paper investigates the trends of longitudinal and transverse cracking in jointed concrete pavements based on Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) Program Strategic Study of Structural Factors for Rigid Pavements (SPS-2) data. The impacts of sla...

Cyber Defense: An International View

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-01

NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army War College,Strategic Studies Institute,47 Ashburn Drive,Carlisle,PA,17013-5010 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT...role of ground forces in achieving national security objectives. The Strategic Studies Institute publishes national security and strategic research...honor Soldiers—past and present. U.S. Army War College SLDR Senior Leader Development and Resiliency i STRATEGIC STUDIES INSTITUTE The Strategic

The nursing profession in Sri Lanka: time for policy changes.

PubMed

Aluwihare-Samaranayake, D; Ogilvie, L; Cummings, G G; Gellatly, Ian R

2017-09-01

We address issues and challenges in nursing in Sri Lanka with the aim of identifying where and how policy changes need to be made. Increased global interconnectivity calls for professional leadership, research, education, and policy reform in nursing as these are identified as enhancing health workforce performance and professionalization, thereby improving health systems. We draw on first-hand knowledge of health care and nursing in Sri Lanka and a recent survey of nurses at a large urban government hospital in Sri Lanka, followed by discussion and proposed action on themes identified through analysis of published and unpublished literature about the nursing profession. Policy and action are needed to: (a) establish mandatory nurse licensure in the public and private healthcare sectors; (b) implement realistic policies to further develop nursing education; (c) develop a professionalization process to support nursing autonomy and voice; and (d) promote systematic processes for educational accreditation, curriculum revision, continuing professional development, evidence-based practice, research, leadership, and information systems. There is a policy vacuum that requires careful analysis and strategic planning by formal nurse leaders. Implementing change will require political and professional power and strategic, innovative, and evolutionary policy initiatives as well as organizational infrastructure modifications best achieved through committed multidisciplinary collaboration, augmented research capacity, bolstered nursing leadership, and promotion of partnerships with policy makers. © 2017 International Council of Nurses.

Strategic performance evaluation in cancer centers.

PubMed

Delgado, Rigoberto I; Langabeer, James R

2009-01-01

Most research in healthcare strategy has focused on formulating or implementing organizational plans and strategies, and little attention has been dedicated to the post-implementation control and evaluation of strategy, which we contend is the most critical aspect of achieving organizational goals. The objective of this study was to identify strategic control approaches used by major cancer centers in the country and to relate these practices to financial performance. Our intent was to expand the theory and practice of healthcare strategy to focused services, such as oncology. We designed a 17-question survey to capture elements of strategy and performance from our study sample, which comprised major cancer hospitals in the United States and shared similar mandates and resource constraints. The results suggest that high-performing cancer centers use more sophisticated analytical approaches, invest greater financial resources in performance analysis, and conduct more frequent performance reviews than do low-performing organizations. Our conclusions point to the need for a more robust approach to strategic assessment. In this article, we offer a number of recommendations for management to achieve strategic plans and goals on the basis of our research. To our knowledge, this study is one of the first to concentrate on the area of strategic control.

The balanced scorecard: an integrative approach to performance evaluation.

PubMed

Oliveira, J

2001-05-01

In addition to strict financial outcomes, healthcare financial managers should assess intangible assets that affect the organization's bottom line, such as clinical processes, staff skills, and patient satisfaction and loyalty. The balanced scorecard, coupled with data-warehousing capabilities, offers a way to measure an organization's performance against its strategic objectives while focusing on building capabilities to achieve these objectives. The balanced scorecard examines performance related to finance, human resources, internal processes, and customers. Because the balanced scorecard requires substantial amounts of data, it is a necessity to establish an organizational data warehouse of clinical, operational, and financial data that can be used in decision support. Because it presents indicators that managers and staff can influence directly by their actions, the balanced-scorecard approach to performance measurement encourages behavioral changes aimed at achieving corporate strategies.

It Effectiveness and Flexibility versus Strategic Alignment: Assessing the Correlative Effects in Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burke, Michael F.

2011-01-01

Fiscal challenges are forcing institutions of higher education to do more with less, while retaining the quality of service that the institution has established. The net result is that these institutions need to prepare themselves to achieve a sustained competitive advantage. In business, the focus has been on strategic alignment of IT to provide…

Focus on the Future of Vocational Education & Training: Scenario Planning Project. An ANTA National Project.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnston, Ron

The future of vocational education and training (VET) in Australia was explored in a project that was designed to identify emerging issues in VET, identify challenges and opportunities for strategic thinking about the future of VET, and establish a basis for ongoing consideration of strategic issues. The major project activities were as follows:…

Indo-US Strategic Relations Moving from Estrangement to Engagement

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-01-01

discussed, if only to establish its influence on strategic relations. The paper will end with suggestions for the way forward. THE...special influence in India, where a “great fund of genuine 12 Dennis Kux, 206 13 Chintamani Mahapatra...inducements to better behaviour ; the stick over the carrot. They tend to seek finality in international affairs: they want problems solved, threats

Strategic Benefit Planning in Colleges and Universities: Giving a Sense of Direction to the Benefit Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DiBernardino, Frank J.; Mead, Paul D.

1988-01-01

Strategic benefit planning is a management process that establishes overall objectives that form the basis for decision making on all elements of indirect compensation. The Tax Reform Act of 1986 and implications to tax-sheltered annuities are discussed. An example of a statement of university policy on employee benefits is appended. (MLW)

Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant Progress Report: Building a Sustainable Substance Abuse Prevention System, State of Hawai'i, 2006-2010

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yuan, S.; Lai, M.C.; Heusel, K.

2011-01-01

In 2006, the Hawai'i State Department of Health (DOH) received the Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant (SPF-SIG) from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to establish a comprehensive, coordinated, and sustainable substance abuse prevention infrastructure in Hawai'i. The SPF-SIG Project is funded…

Strategic Actions and Strategy Changes in European Universities: Clues from Institutional Evaluation Reports of the European University Association

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Uslu, Baris

2018-01-01

This research examined strategic actions in European universities through the institutional evaluation reports of the EUA. EUA reports for 21 universities from seven European countries were included in the data set. Qualitative inquiry was carried out and six sub-sections in the reports were used as established themes. The findings were then…

Strategy and the Strategic Way of Thinking

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-01

military institutions; and economic and technological factors.10 Accordingly, strategy can be said to constitute a continual dialogue be- tween policy on...logistical, social, and technological .12 Building on the foundation established by Clausewitz and Sir Michael, Colin Gray has provided a comprehensive...strategic theory and doctrine, and technology . His third category corresponds to “war proper”: military operations; command; geography; friction, chance

From striving to thriving: systems thinking, strategy, and the performance of safety net hospitals.

PubMed

Clark, Jonathan; Singer, Sara; Kane, Nancy; Valentine, Melissa

2013-01-01

Safety net hospitals (SNH) have, on average, experienced declining financial margins and faced an elevated risk of closure over the past decade. Despite these challenges, not all SNHs are weakening and some are prospering. These higher-performing SNHs provide substantial care to safety net populations and produce sustainable financial returns. Drawing on the alternative structural positioning and resource-based views, we explore strategic management as a source of performance differences across SNHs. We employ a mixed-method design, blending quantitative and qualitative data and analysis. We measure financial performance using hospital operating margin and quantitatively evaluate its relationship with a limited set of well-defined structural positions. We further evaluate these structures and also explore the internal resources of SNHs based on nine in-depth case studies developed from site visits and extensive interviews. Quantitative results suggest that structural positions alone are not related to performance. Comparative case studies suggest that higher-performing SNH differ in four respects: (1) coordinating patient flow across the care continuum, (2) engaging in partnerships with other providers, (3) managing scope of services, and (4) investing in human capital. On the basis of these findings, we propose a model of strategic action related to systems thinking--the ability to see wholes and interrelationships rather than individual parts alone. Our exploratory findings suggest the need to move beyond generic strategies alone and acknowledge the importance of underlying managerial capabilities. Specifically, our findings suggest that effective strategy is a function of both the internal resources (e.g., managers' systems-thinking capability) and structural positions (e.g., partnerships) of organizations. From this perspective, framing resources and positioning as distinct alternatives misses the nuances of how strategic advantage is actually achieved.

Strategic Capability Development in the Higher Education Sector

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Paul

2004-01-01

The research adopts a case study approach (in higher education) to investigate how strategic capabilities might be developed in an organisation through strategic management development (SMD). SMD is defined as "Management development interventions which are intended to enhance the strategic capability and corporate performance of an…

Performance measurement: integrating quality management and activity-based cost management.

PubMed

McKeon, T

1996-04-01

The development of an activity-based management system provides a framework for developing performance measures integral to quality and cost management. Performance measures that cross operational boundaries and embrace core processes provide a mechanism to evaluate operational results related to strategic intention and internal and external customers. The author discusses this measurement process that allows managers to evaluate where they are and where they want to be, and to set a course of action that closes the gap between the two.

Strategic Help in User Interfaces for Information Retrieval.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brajnik, Giorgio; Mizzaro, Stefano; Tasso, Carlo; Venuti, Fabio

2002-01-01

Discussion of search strategy in information retrieval by end users focuses on the role played by strategic reasoning and design principles for user interfaces. Highlights include strategic help based on collaborative coaching; a conceptual model for strategic help; and a prototype knowledge-based system named FIRE. (Author/LRW)

Involvement of the anterior cingulate cortex in time-based prospective memory task monitoring: An EEG analysis of brain sources using Independent Component and Measure Projection Analysis

PubMed Central

Burgos, Pablo; Kilborn, Kerry; Evans, Jonathan J.

2017-01-01

Objective Time-based prospective memory (PM), remembering to do something at a particular moment in the future, is considered to depend upon self-initiated strategic monitoring, involving a retrieval mode (sustained maintenance of the intention) plus target checking (intermittent time checks). The present experiment was designed to explore what brain regions and brain activity are associated with these components of strategic monitoring in time-based PM tasks. Method 24 participants were asked to reset a clock every four minutes, while performing a foreground ongoing word categorisation task. EEG activity was recorded and data were decomposed into source-resolved activity using Independent Component Analysis. Common brain regions across participants, associated with retrieval mode and target checking, were found using Measure Projection Analysis. Results Participants decreased their performance on the ongoing task when concurrently performed with the time-based PM task, reflecting an active retrieval mode that relied on withdrawal of limited resources from the ongoing task. Brain activity, with its source in or near the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), showed changes associated with an active retrieval mode including greater negative ERP deflections, decreased theta synchronization, and increased alpha suppression for events locked to the ongoing task while maintaining a time-based intention. Activity in the ACC was also associated with time-checks and found consistently across participants; however, we did not find an association with time perception processing per se. Conclusion The involvement of the ACC in both aspects of time-based PM monitoring may be related to different functions that have been attributed to it: strategic control of attention during the retrieval mode (distributing attentional resources between the ongoing task and the time-based task) and anticipatory/decision making processing associated with clock-checks. PMID:28863146

Cost and performance of coal-based energy in Brazil

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Temchin, J.; DeLallo, M.R.

1998-07-01

As part of the US Department of Energy's (DOE) efforts to establish the strategic benefits of Clean Coal Technologies (CCT), there is a need to evaluate the specific market potential where coal is a viable option. One such market is Brazil, where significant growth in economic development requires innovative and reliable technologies to support the use of domestic coal. While coal is Brazil's most abundant and economic fossil energy resource, it is presently under utilized in the production of electrical power. This report presents conceptual design for pulverized coal (PC) and circulating fluidized-bed combustion (CFBC) options with resulting capital, operatingmore » and financial parameters based on Brazil application conditions. Recent PC and CFBC plant capital costs have dropped with competition in the generation market and have established a competitive position in power generation. Key issues addressed in this study include: Application of market based design approach for FBC and PC, which is competitive within the current domestic, and international power generation markets. Design, fabrication, purchase, and construction methods which reduce capital investment while maintaining equipment quality and plant availability. Impact on coast and performance from application of Brazilian coals, foreign trade and tax policies, construction logistics, and labor requirements. Nominal production values of 200 MWe and 400 MWe were selected for the CFBC power plant and 400 MWe for the PC. The 400 MWe size was chosen to be consistent with the two largest Brazilian PC units. Fluidized bed technology, with limited experience in single units over 200 MW, would consist of two 200 MWe circulating fluidized bed boilers supplying steam to one steam turbine for the 400 MWe capacity. A 200 MWe capacity unit was also developed for CFBC option to support opportunities in re-powering and where specific site or other infrastructure constraints limit production.« less

Effects of Principals' Team Work Capabilities on the Adoption of Strategic Management in Public Secondary Schools in Baringo County, Kenya

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moindi, Richard C.; Changeiywo, Johnson M.; Sang, Anthony K.

2016-01-01

Strategic management is a critical component for the effective performance of an organization. Many successful organizations have consistently performed better than their competitors mainly because they have implemented strategic management. The Ministry of Education (MOE) in the Republic of Kenya expects that all secondary schools put in place…

The clinical partnership as strategic alliance.

PubMed

Novotny, Jeanne M; Donahue, Moreen; Bhalla, Bharat B

2004-01-01

The purpose of this article is to describe a renewed partnership between a collegiate school of nursing and a community hospital. Universities and hospitals are searching for creative solutions to increase the number of registered nurses available to meet the demand for nursing care. An affiliation agreement had been in existence for many years, but health care system imperatives made it necessary to redesign the partnership between nursing education and nursing service. The model used to develop this new partnership is based on the work done in the field of management and is in the form of a strategic alliance. The success of a strategic alliance depends on two key factors: the relationship between partners and partnership performance. Identified outcomes show that this partnership is helping to meet the increasing demand for nursing care by building student capacity, satisfying mutual needs of faculty and clinical staff, and removing economic barriers. This article describes the development of the strategic alliance, its current status, and strategies for the future.

Expanding roles in a library-based bioinformatics service program: a case study

PubMed Central

Li, Meng; Chen, Yi-Bu; Clintworth, William A

2013-01-01

Question: How can a library-based bioinformatics support program be implemented and expanded to continuously support the growing and changing needs of the research community? Setting: A program at a health sciences library serving a large academic medical center with a strong research focus is described. Methods: The bioinformatics service program was established at the Norris Medical Library in 2005. As part of program development, the library assessed users' bioinformatics needs, acquired additional funds, established and expanded service offerings, and explored additional roles in promoting on-campus collaboration. Results: Personnel and software have increased along with the number of registered software users and use of the provided services. Conclusion: With strategic efforts and persistent advocacy within the broader university environment, library-based bioinformatics service programs can become a key part of an institution's comprehensive solution to researchers' ever-increasing bioinformatics needs. PMID:24163602

Strategic and non-strategic problem gamblers differ on decision-making under risk and ambiguity.

PubMed

Lorains, Felicity K; Dowling, Nicki A; Enticott, Peter G; Bradshaw, John L; Trueblood, Jennifer S; Stout, Julie C

2014-07-01

To analyse problem gamblers' decision-making under conditions of risk and ambiguity, investigate underlying psychological factors associated with their choice behaviour and examine whether decision-making differed in strategic (e.g., sports betting) and non-strategic (e.g., electronic gaming machine) problem gamblers. Cross-sectional study. Out-patient treatment centres and university testing facilities in Victoria, Australia. Thirty-nine problem gamblers and 41 age, gender and estimated IQ-matched controls. Decision-making tasks included the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) and a loss aversion task. The Prospect Valence Learning (PVL) model was used to provide an explanation of cognitive, motivational and response style factors involved in IGT performance. Overall, problem gamblers performed more poorly than controls on both the IGT (P = 0.04) and the loss aversion task (P = 0.01), and their IGT decisions were associated with heightened attention to gains (P = 0.003) and less consistency (P = 0.002). Strategic problem gamblers did not differ from matched controls on either decision-making task, but non-strategic problem gamblers performed worse on both the IGT (P = 0.006) and the loss aversion task (P = 0.02). Furthermore, we found differences in the PVL model parameters underlying strategic and non-strategic problem gamblers' choices on the IGT. Problem gamblers demonstrated poor decision-making under conditions of risk and ambiguity. Strategic (e.g. sports betting, poker) and non-strategic (e.g. electronic gaming machines) problem gamblers differed in decision-making and the underlying psychological processes associated with their decisions. © 2014 Society for the Study of Addiction.

A Primer on Strategic Financial Assessments.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Richman, Naomi; Fitzgerald, Susan

2003-01-01

Describes how to perform a strategic financial assessment to enable the board to understand the fundamental internal and external challenges and opportunities confronting the institution when decision making and strategic capital planning. (EV)

Performance Assessment of IT Governance with Balanced Score Card and COBIT 4.1 of Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wijayanti, N. Y.; Setiawan, W.; Sukamto, R. A.

2017-02-01

Information technology’s application has become an important daily support for all sectors. Educational institutions, including Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), enable information technology as the main asset to increase its qualities and global’s competitive power. By the importances of using information technology for almost every scope, measurement is needed to identify how optimal the IT governance is. Based on these facts, the purposes of this reaseacrh are identify the IT governance’s performance assessment indicators, discover the scores based on the indicators, and analyse IT governance’s performance in UPI. This research is using the combination of Balanced Score Card (BSC) and COBIT 4.1 as the framework to establish assessment indicators in questionnaire’s form. By combining both methods, the final scores of IT governance’s performance will represent UPI’s business goals and objectives in all sectors. This research used 26 COBIT’s processes as assessment indicator of IT performance from the maping 15 IT and business goals of COBIT, and 17 UPI’s strategic plans. The final score are 3.80 for financial perspective, 3.63 for customer perspective, 3.62 for internal business process perspective, and 3.72 for learning and growth perspective. With these scores, then the final result is each perspectives of Balanced Score Card’s current maturity levels are at level 4, which is IT process criticality is regularly defined with full support and agreement from the relevant business process owners.

Trend of knowledge production of research centers in the field of medical sciences in iran.

PubMed

Falahat, K; Eftekhari, Mb; Habibi, E; Djalalinia, Sh; Peykari, N; Owlia, P; Malekafzali, H; Ghanei, M; Mojarrab, Sh

2013-01-01

Establishment of medical research centers at universities and health-related organizations and annually evaluation of their research activities was one of the strategic policies which followed by governmental organization in last decade in order to strengthening the connections between health research system and health system. The aim of this study is to scrutinize the role of medical research centers in medical science production in Iran. This study is a cross sectional which has been performed based on existing reports on national scientometrics and evaluation results of research performance of medical research centers between years 2001 to 2010. During last decade number of medical research centers increased from 53 in 2001 to 359 in 2010. Simultaneous scientific output of medical research centers has been increased especially articles indexed in ISI (web of science). Proper policy implementation in the field of health research system during last decades led to improving capacity building and growth knowledge production of medical science in recent years in Iran. The process embedding research into the health systems requires planning up until research products improves health outcomes and health equity in country.

General presentation including new structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soons, A.

2002-12-01

Electrical, electronic and electro-mechanical components play an essential role in the functional performance, quality, life cycle and costs of space systems. Their standardisation, product specification, development, evaluation, qualification and procurement must be based on a coherent and efficient approach, paying due attention to present and prospective European space policies and must be commensurate with user needs, market developments and technology trends. The European Space Components Coordination (ESCC) is established with the objective of harmonising the efforts concerning the various aspects of EEE space components by ESA. European national and international public space organisations, the component manufacturers and the user industries. The goal of the ESCC is to improve the availability of strategic EEE space components with the required performance and at affordable costs for institutional and commercial space programmes. It is the objective of ESCC to achieve this goal by harmonising the resources and development efforts for space components in the ESA Member States and by providing a single and unified system for the standardisation, product specification, evaluation, qualification and procurement of European EEE space components and for the certification of components and component manufacturers.

Are performance measurement systems useful? Perceptions from health care.

PubMed

Demartini, Chiara; Trucco, Sara

2017-01-31

Prior literature identified the use of Performance Measurement Systems (PMS) as crucial in addressing improved processes of care. Moreover, a strategic use of PMS has been found to enhance quality, compared to non-strategic use, although a clear understanding of this linkage is still to be achieved. This paper deals with the test of direct and indirect models related to the link between the strategic use of PMS and the level of improved processes in health care organizations. Indirect models were mediated by the degree of perceived managerial discretion. A PLS analysis on a survey of 97 Italian managers working for health care organizations in the Lombardy region was conducted. The response rate was 77.6%. The strategic use of PMS in health care organizations directly and significantly (p < 0.001) enhances performance in terms of improved processes. Perceived managerial discretion is positively and significantly (p < 0.001) affected by the strategic use of PMS, whereas the mediation effect is non-significant. This study contributes to the literature investigating the design and implementation of a non-financial measurement tool, such as the non-financial information included into a balanced scorecard (BSC), in health care organizations. Managers in health care organizations can benefit from the strategic use of PMS to effectively allocate their time to strategic opportunities and threats, which might arise and affect organizational, output-related performance, such as improving processes.

Putting health metrics into practice: using the disability-adjusted life year for strategic decision making.

PubMed

Longfield, Kim; Smith, Brian; Gray, Rob; Ngamkitpaiboon, Lek; Vielot, Nadja

2013-01-01

Implementing organizations are pressured to be accountable for performance. Many health impact metrics present limitations for priority setting; they do not permit comparisons across different interventions or health areas. In response, Population Services International (PSI) adopted the disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted as its bottom-line performance metric. While international standards exist for calculating DALYs to determine burden of disease (BOD), PSI's use of DALYs averted is novel. It uses DALYs averted to assess and compare the health impact of its country programs, and to understand the effectiveness of a portfolio of interventions. This paper describes how the adoption of DALYs averted influenced organizational strategy and presents the advantages and constraints of using the metric. Health impact data from 2001-2011 were analyzed by program area and geographic region to measure PSI's performance against its goal of doubling health impact between 2007-2011. Analyzing 10 years of data permitted comparison with previous years' performance. A case study of PSI's Asia and Eastern European (A/EE) region, and PSI/Laos, is presented to illustrate how the adoption of DALYs averted affected strategic decision making. Between 2007-2011, PSI's programs doubled the total number of DALYs averted from 2002-2006. Most DALYs averted were within malaria, followed by HIV/AIDS and family planning (FP). The performance of PSI's A/EE region relative to other regions declined with the switch to DALYs averted. As a result, the region made a strategic shift to align its work with countries' BOD. In PSI/Laos, this redirection led to better-targeted programs and an approximate 50% gain in DALYs averted from 2009-2011. PSI's adoption of DALYs averted shifted the organization's strategic direction away from product sales and toward BOD. Now, many strategic decisions are based on "BOD-relevance," the share of the BOD that interventions can potentially address. This switch resulted in more targeted strategies and greater program diversification. Challenges remain in convincing donors to support interventions in disease areas that are relevant to a country's BOD, and in developing modeling methodologies. The global health community will benefit from the use of standard health impact metrics to improve strategic decision making and more effectively respond to the changing global burden of disease.

[The debate concerning performance-based financing in Africa South of the Sahara: analysis of the nature].

PubMed

Manitu, Serge Mayaka; Meessen, Bruno; Lushimba, Michel Muvudi; Macq, Jean

2015-01-01

Performance-based financing (PBF) is a strategy designed to link thefunding of health services to predetermined results. Payment by an independent strategic purchaser is subject to verification of effective achievement of health outcomes in terms ofquantity and quality. This article investigates the complex tensions observed in relation to performance based financing (PBF) and identifies some reasons for disagreement on this approach. This study was essentially qualitative. Interviews were conducted with a panel of experts on PBF mobilizing their ability to reflect on the various arguments and positions concerning this financing mechanism. To enhance our analyses, we proposed a framework based on the main reasonsfor scientific or political controversies and factors involved in their emergence. Analysis of the information collected therefore consisted of combining experts verbatim reports with corresponding factors of controversies of our framework. Graphic representations of the differences were also established. Tensions concerning PBF are based on facts (experts' interpretation ofPBF), principles and values (around each expert's conceptual framework), balances of power between experts but also inappropriate behavior in the discussion process. Viewpoints remain isolated, each individual experience and an overview are lacking, which can interfere with decision-making and maintain the Health system reform crisis. Potential solutions to reduce these tensions are proposed. Our study shows that experts have difficulties agreeing on a theoretical priority approach to PBE. A good understanding of the nature of the tensions and an improvement in the quality of dialogue will promote a real dynamic of change and the proposal of an agenda of PBF actions.

The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Diversity and Inclusion Plan

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

Establish accountability for successful diversity efforts through the USAFA Institutional Effectiveness Program ( IEP ) and senior leader oversight to...Plan is aligned with USAFA’s strategic planning process. The USAFA Institutional Effectiveness Program ( IEP ) will assess the effectiveness of the USAFA...Diversity and Inclusion Plan in achieving USAFA’s strategic goals and objectives. The IEP will also help highlight gaps to be addressed in future

Integrating Global Trends Information Into Army Strategic Planning Processes

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-01

There will inevitably be a need to clarify survey responses with the participants. Followup would also provide an opportunity to establish personal ...with the participants. Followup would also provide an opportunity to e~tablih personal contact with the experts, which would promote participation...Plublications Inc., Dallas, 1990). UNCITE!) Aaker , D.A. .Strategic Market Managemient, 2nd Edition. (New York: John Wiley. 1988). "Army Environmental

Establishing a portfolio of quality-improvement projects in pediatric surgery through advanced improvement leadership systems.

PubMed

Gerrein, Betsy T; Williams, Christina E; Von Allmen, Daniel

2013-01-01

Formal quality-improvement (QI) projects require that participants are educated in QI methods to provide them with the capability to carry out successful, meaningful work. However, orchestrating a portfolio of projects that addresses the strategic mission of the institution requires an extension of basic QI training to provide the division or business unit with the capacity to successfully develop and manage the portfolio. Advanced Improvement Leadership Systems is a program to help units create a meaningful portfolio. This program, used by the Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, helped establish a portfolio of targeted QI projects designed to achieve outstanding outcomes at competitive costs in multiple clinical areas aligned with the institution's strategic goals (improve disease-based outcomes, patient safety, flow, and patient and family experience). These objectives are addressed in an institutional strategic plan built around 5 core areas: Safety, Productivity, Care Coordination and Outcomes, Patient and Family Experience, and Value. By combining the portfolio of QI projects with improvements in the divisional infrastructure, effective improvement efforts were realized throughout the division. In the 9 months following the program, divisional capability resulted in a 16.5% increase (5.7% to 22.2%) of formally trained staff working on 10 QI teams. Concurrently, a leadership team, designed to coordinate projects, remove barriers, and provide technical support, provided the capacity to pursue this ongoing effort. The Advanced Improvement Leadership Systems program increased the Division's efficiency and effectiveness in pursing the QI mission that is integral at our hospital.

Establishing a Portfolio of Quality-Improvement Projects in Pediatric Surgery through Advanced Improvement Leadership Systems

PubMed Central

Gerrein, Betsy T; Williams, Christina E; von Allmen, Daniel

2013-01-01

Formal quality-improvement (QI) projects require that participants are educated in QI methods to provide them with the capability to carry out successful, meaningful work. However, orchestrating a portfolio of projects that addresses the strategic mission of the institution requires an extension of basic QI training to provide the division or business unit with the capacity to successfully develop and manage the portfolio. Advanced Improvement Leadership Systems is a program to help units create a meaningful portfolio. This program, used by the Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, helped establish a portfolio of targeted QI projects designed to achieve outstanding outcomes at competitive costs in multiple clinical areas aligned with the institution’s strategic goals (improve disease-based outcomes, patient safety, flow, and patient and family experience). These objectives are addressed in an institutional strategic plan built around 5 core areas: Safety, Productivity, Care Coordination and Outcomes, Patient and Family Experience, and Value. By combining the portfolio of QI projects with improvements in the divisional infrastructure, effective improvement efforts were realized throughout the division. In the 9 months following the program, divisional capability resulted in a 16.5% increase (5.7% to 22.2%) of formally trained staff working on 10 QI teams. Concurrently, a leadership team, designed to coordinate projects, remove barriers, and provide technical support, provided the capacity to pursue this ongoing effort. The Advanced Improvement Leadership Systems program increased the Division’s efficiency and effectiveness in pursing the QI mission that is integral at our hospital. PMID:24361020

Strategic issues in performance appraisal: theory and practice.

PubMed

Fombrun, C J; Laud, R L

1983-01-01

Performance appraisal systems have tremendous strategic potential for governing employee behavior and thus corporate direction through their links to selection, training and career planning, and reward systems. Authors Charles J. Fombrun, assistant professor of management at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, and Robert P. Laud, senior vice-president of Drake Beam Morin, Inc., surveyed appraisal systems of Fortune 1300 corporations to find out how well companies are realizing this potential. Among their conclusions: (1) In most organizations, the typical performance appraisal system is focused on short-term goals. Strengthening the linkage between the appraisal system and the long-term implications of strategic planning could improve organizational effectiveness in the future. (2) The performance appraisal system's most prevalent use is as a feedback mechanism rather than as a management tool. Thus, the authors conclude, the role of the performance appraisal system as a strategic organizational tool is largely unappreciated by U.S. organizations.

U.S. Department of Education FY 2009 Annual Performance Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

US Department of Education, 2010

2010-01-01

The United States Department of Education's "Annual Performance Report" (APR) for fiscal year (FY) 2009 provides detailed information on how the outcomes of the strategic performance measures identified in its "FY 2007-2012 Strategic Plan" and updated in the "Fiscal Year 2008 Performance and Accountability Report"…

A Strategic Plan Is Just the Beginning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilson, E. B.

2009-01-01

The process of strategic planning wears out institutions. Strategic planning, pursued with high purpose and energy, is enervating and exhausting. In this article, the author describes the value-added work of trustees in high-performing boards and discusses the role boards of trustees play as the process of continuous strategic planning unfolds.…

12 CFR 25.27 - Strategic plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Strategic plan. 25.27 Section 25.27 Banks and... DEPOSIT PRODUCTION REGULATIONS Regulations Standards for Assessing Performance § 25.27 Strategic plan. (a... assessment area(s) under a strategic plan if: (1) The bank has submitted the plan to the OCC as provided for...

12 CFR 228.27 - Strategic plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Strategic plan. 228.27 Section 228.27 Banks and... REINVESTMENT (REGULATION BB) Standards for Assessing Performance § 228.27 Strategic plan. (a) Alternative...(s) under a strategic plan if: (1) The bank has submitted the plan to the Board as provided for in...

12 CFR 345.27 - Strategic plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 4 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Strategic plan. 345.27 Section 345.27 Banks and... REINVESTMENT Standards for Assessing Performance § 345.27 Strategic plan. (a) Alternative election. The FDIC... strategic plan if: (1) The bank has submitted the plan to the FDIC as provided for in this section; (2) The...

Strategies for the Canadian Smallsat Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Symonds, M. D.

1993-11-01

Canadian industry working together with government representatives have evolved a strategic approach to defining a proposed Canadian Smallsat Program. The strategy is outlined and a framework is established for subsequent papers on industrial infrastructure and specific missions. The strategic objective is to establish a national capability, providing international leadership, and being a low-cost fast-response supplier in providing total system solutions. A major element of the strategy is a vertically integrated, low cost, team approach combining the expertise of various centers of excellence to provide an end-to-end systems capability. This expertise will address Canadian needs but will be export focused. It is proposed that Canada support a series of missions to establish the industrial infrastructure and demonstrate these capabilities. In selecting the missions, consideration is given to the commercial market factors, but scientific interest in smallsats is also recognized.

OMEGA (Offshore Membrane for Enclosing Algae). NASA-NAVY: A Strategic Planning Discussion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trent, Jonathan

2010-01-01

This briefing packet provides a short introduction to OMEGA and a truncated version of our project approach, with an example of the kind of work break down structure (WBS) used to guide our Phase I activities. It is meant to give you an impression of how we are approaching the challenge of creating the world's first marine photobioreactor (PBR) that will scale to address the strategic energy problems confronting the United States and the world. Some of our conceptual PBR designs and plans for logistics are included to communicate the path we have taken. We have also included an aerial photograph of the experimental tanks we are using at the Cal Fish and Game, followed by concluding remarks. The overarching purpose of the strategic planning discussion in Norfolk is to establish the relationship between the NASA OMEGA Team and the Navy, to unite the strengths of both agencies, and to map a mutual way forward along the project's established critical path.

More than a headcount: towards strategic stakeholder representation in catchment management in South Africa and Zimbabwe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manzungu, Emmanuel

In 1998 both South Africa and Zimbabwe promulgated new water laws to ensure that ownership and user-ship patterns of water resources match the new socio-political order. Integrated water resource management, incorporating among other things decentralized and democratized water management institutions and the principles of stakeholder participation, was regarded as the cornerstone of the reforms. This article examines how stakeholder representation, particularly of the formerly disadvantaged people, has been handled. It is observed that there has been too much effort dedicated to ensure a mere headcount of the stakeholders at the water table rather than on strategic representation. Strategic representation emphasizes stakeholder identity instead of consensus. Selective alliance building is important as is establishing genuine local level platforms with enough political space outside the state-tailored formal straight jackets. It is equally important to address developmental aspects of establishing catchment-wide bodies and structural problems such as access to land and financial resources. Without addressing these issues stakeholder representation will remain hamstrung in good intentions.

Strategic Plan. Volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

The purpose of this document is to present the strategic plan and associated organizational structure that the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) will utilize to achieve the defined mission and objectives provided by NASA. Much of the information regarding the background and establishment of the NSBRI by NASA has been provided in other documentation and will not be repeated in this Strategic Plan. This Strategic Plan is presented in two volumes. Volume I (this volume) begins with an Introduction (Section 2) that provides the Institute's NASA-defined mission and objectives, and the organizational structure adopted to implement these through three Strategic Programs: Countermeasure Research; Education, Training and Outreach; and Cooperative Research and Development. These programs are described in Sections 3 to 5. Each program is presented in a similar way, using four subsections: Goals and Objectives; Current Strategies; Gaps and Modifications; and Resource Requirements. Section 6 provides the administrative infrastructure and total budget required to implement the Strategic Programs and assures that they form a single cohesive plan. This plan will ensure continued success of the Institute for the next five years. Volume II of the Strategic Plan provides an in-depth analysis of the current and future strategic programs of the 12 current NSBRI teams, including their goals, objectives, mutual interactions and schedules.

Strategic Alliance Poker: Demonstrating the Importance of Complementary Resources and Trust in Strategic Alliance Management

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reutzel, Christopher R.; Worthington, William J.; Collins, Jamie D.

2012-01-01

Strategic Alliance Poker (SAP) provides instructors with an opportunity to integrate the resource based view with their discussion of strategic alliances in undergraduate Strategic Management courses. Specifically, SAP provides Strategic Management instructors with an experiential exercise that can be used to illustrate the value creation…

Action learning: a tool for the development of strategic skills for Nurse Consultants?

PubMed

Young, Sarah; Nixon, Eileen; Hinge, Denise; McFadyen, Jan; Wright, Vanessa; Lambert, Pauline; Pilkington, Carolyn; Newsome, Christine

2010-01-01

This paper will discuss the process of action learning and the outcomes of using action learning as a tool to achieve a more strategic function from Nurse Consultant posts. It is documented that one of the most challenging aspect of Nurse Consultant roles, in terms of leadership, is the strategic contribution they make at a senior corporate Trust level, often across organizations and local health economies. A facilitated action learning set was established in Brighton, England, to support the strategic leadership development of eight nurse consultant posts across two NHS Trusts. Benefits to patient care, with regard to patient pathways and cross-organizational working, have been evident outcomes associated with the nurse consultant posts involved in the action learning set. Commitment by organizational nurse leaders is essential to address the challenges facing nurse consultants to implement change at strategic levels. The use of facilitated action learning had been a successful tool in developing the strategic skills of Nurse Consultant posts within this setting. Action learning sets may be successfully applied to a range of senior nursing posts with a strategic remit and may assist post holders in achieving better outcomes pertinent to their roles.

Creating a nursing strategic planning framework based on evidence.

PubMed

Shoemaker, Lorie K; Fischer, Brenda

2011-03-01

This article describes an evidence-informed strategic planning process and framework used by a Magnet-recognized public health system in California. This article includes (1) an overview of the organization and its strategic planning process, (2) the structure created within nursing for collaborative strategic planning and decision making, (3) the strategic planning framework developed based on the organization's balanced scorecard domains and the new Magnet model, and (4) the process undertaken to develop the nursing strategic priorities. Outcomes associated with the structure, process, and key initiatives are discussed throughout the article. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Strategic groups and performance in the nursing home industry: a reexamination.

PubMed

Marlin, D; Sun, M; Huonker, J W

1999-06-01

This study further examines the relationship between strategic group membership and performance in the nursing home industry. The results indicate seven strategic groups in the industry with significant between-group differences in operating margin, average profit per patient day, catheterization rate, health deficiencies, life and safety deficiencies, and efficiency in the provision of services. The authors did not, however, find significant between-group differences in pressure sore rate, the use of restraints, or in the percentage of patients with significant unplanned weight changes. The group with the highest private-pay utilization combined with high Medicare utilization generally performed the best along all indicators. Results also suggest that strategic group membership and rural/urban location have a greater impact on performance than do ownership, chain membership, or possession of a dedicated specialty care unit.

Realization of personal telemedicine in the interface point of emergency services and preventive care

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golovner, Michal

2002-08-01

SHL was founded in 1987, based in Tel Aviv Israel. SHL is a leading provider of personal telemedicine systems and services. SHL operates a medical call center in Israel that offers remote monitoring services to approx.65000 subscribers. Currently SHL is implementing successful Israeli business model in international markets and has established a number of strategic relationships with leading consumer and healthcare companies in Europe, including Philips Electronics and Nestor Healthcare. As of June 2002, Raytel Medical, a US based company, became a wholly- owned subsidiary of SHL. Core products are FDA approved, carry the CE mark and have a long established reputation in the medical community and a successful track record. SHL offers subscribers and their physicians, Internet access to selected medical data. SHL is publicly traded on the SWX market, Switzerland).

The effects of demand uncertainty on strategic gaming in the merit-order electricity pool market

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frem, Bassam

In a merit-order electricity pool market, generating companies (Gencos) game with their offered incremental cost to meet the electricity demand and earn bigger market shares and higher profits. However when the demand is treated as a random variable instead of as a known constant, these Genco gaming strategies become more complex. After a brief introduction of electricity markets and gaming, the effects of demand uncertainty on strategic gaming are studied in two parts: (1) Demand modelled as a discrete random variable (2) Demand modelled as a continuous random variable. In the first part, we proposed an algorithm, the discrete stochastic strategy (DSS) algorithm that generates a strategic set of offers from the perspective of the Gencos' profits. The DSS offers were tested and compared to the deterministic Nash equilibrium (NE) offers based on the predicted demand. This comparison, based on the expected Genco profits, showed the DSS to be a better strategy in a probabilistic sense than the deterministic NE. In the second part, we presented three gaming strategies: (1) Deterministic NE (2) No-Risk (3) Risk-Taking. The strategies were then tested and their profit performances were compared using two assessment tools: (a) Expected value and standard deviation (b) Inverse cumulative distribution. We concluded that despite yielding higher profit performance under the right conjectures, Risk-Taking strategies are very sensitive to incorrect conjectures on the competitors' gaming decisions. As such, despite its lower profit performance, the No-Risk strategy was deemed preferable.

Enhancing the nurses' role in healthcare delivery through strategic management: recognizing its importance or not?

PubMed

Carney, Marie

2009-09-01

To determine the importance of strategy in nursing management and to establish if strategic management has entered the lexicon of nurses' vocabulary. Developing and managing strategy is a critical success factor for health care managers. It remains unclear if nurse managers view strategy development as their role. A review of scholarly International nursing and management literature, available through CINAHL and PUBMED Data Bases was undertaken. The titles of 1063 articles, published between 1997 and 2007 were examined in order to determine the profile of strategy in those titles. Documentary analysis was undertaken on a random sample of 250 of those articles and on the full text of a further 100. Less than 10% of journal titles contained the word strategy. What was presented as strategy was in the majority of cases describing policy, administration or management. Little formal strategy theory was evident. The nursing profession does not appear to have adopted the terms strategy or strategic management to any great extent. Nurse Managers could play a greater role in enhancing healthcare delivery if an understanding of, and acceptance of the importance of strategy in health care delivery was promoted.

Interpreting international governance standards for health IT use within general medical practice.

PubMed

Mahncke, Rachel J; Williams, Patricia A H

2014-01-01

General practices in Australia recognise the importance of comprehensive protective security measures. Some elements of information security governance are incorporated into recommended standards, however the governance component of information security is still insufficiently addressed in practice. The International Organistion for Standardisation (ISO) released a new global standard in May 2013 entitled, ISO/IEC 27014:2013 Information technology - Security techniques - Governance of information security. This standard, applicable to organisations of all sizes, offers a framework against which to assess and implement the governance components of information security. The standard demonstrates the relationship between governance and the management of information security, provides strategic principles and processes, and forms the basis for establishing a positive information security culture. An analysis interpretation of this standard for use in Australian general practice was performed. This work is unique as such interpretation for the Australian healthcare environment has not been undertaken before. It demonstrates an application of the standard at a strategic level to inform existing development of an information security governance framework.

Using business intelligence to improve performance.

PubMed

Wadsworth, Tom; Graves, Brian; Glass, Steve; Harrison, A Marc; Donovan, Chris; Proctor, Andrew

2009-10-01

Cleveland Clinic's enterprise performance management program offers proof that comparisons of actual performance against strategic objectives can enable healthcare organization to achieve rapid organizational change. Here are four lessons Cleveland Clinic learned from this initiative: Align performance metrics with strategic initiatives. Structure dashboards for the CEO. Link performance to annual reviews. Customize dashboard views to the specific user.

A Hard Look at Hard Power: Assessing the Defense Capabilities of Key U.S. Allies and Security Partners

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-07-01

Army War College,Strategic Studies Institute,47 Ashburn Drive,Carlisle,PA,17013-5010 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING...achieving national security objectives. The Strategic Studies Institute publishes national security and strategic research and analysis to influence...U.S. Army War College SLDR Senior Leader Development and Resiliency STRATEGIC STUDIES INSTITUTE The Strategic Studies Institute (SSI) is part of the

2014 Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-30

Strategic Sourcing Initiatives, such as Blanket Purchase Agreements ( BPAs ) for office products and imaging equipment, which include sustainable...end of FY2014. Use Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiatives, such as Blanket Purchase Agreements ( BPAs ) Yes USACE is required to participate in

Hierarchical Medical System Based on Big Data and Mobile Internet: A New Strategic Choice in Health Care

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

China is setting up a hierarchical medical system to solve the problems of biased resource allocation and high patient flows to large hospitals. The development of big data and mobile Internet technology provides a new perspective for the establishment of hierarchical medical system. This viewpoint discusses the challenges with the hierarchical medical system in China and how big data and mobile Internet can be used to mitigate these challenges. PMID:28790024

Collaborative Branding of Partnered Health Systems in Radiology.

PubMed

Kalambo, Megan; Parikh, Jay R

2018-01-01

In an effort to expand clinical reach and achieve economies of scale, academic radiology practices are strategically expanding into the community by establishing partnerships with existing community health systems. A challenge with this model is to effectively brand the collaboration in a way that underscores the strengths of both partners. In this article, the authors look at the benefits and risks of cobranding and review cobranding strategies for implementation by academic radiology practices considering partnership-based network expansion. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Is Air War College Teaching the Right Leadership Skill Sets?

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-02-15

Following are the skill sets for strategic leaders: • Critical Thinking (includes Conceptual Competence/ Decision Making / Strategic Thinking... Decision Making / Strategic Thinking) • Creative Thinking (includes Conceptual Flexibility) • Integrating internal and external environments • Long Range... Making / Strategic Thinking Yes Integrating Internal and External Environments Yes Long Range Vision Yes Team Performance Facilitation/Team Building

12 CFR 563e.27 - Strategic plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Strategic plan. 563e.27 Section 563e.27 Banks... for Assessing Performance § 563e.27 Strategic plan. (a) Alternative election. The OTS will assess a... strategic plan if: (1) The savings association has submitted the plan to the OTS as provided for in this...

Dynamic Strategic Planning in a Professional Knowledge-Based Organization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olivarius, Niels de Fine; Kousgaard, Marius Brostrom; Reventlow, Susanne; Quelle, Dan Grevelund; Tulinius, Charlotte

2010-01-01

Professional, knowledge-based institutions have a particular form of organization and culture that makes special demands on the strategic planning supervised by research administrators and managers. A model for dynamic strategic planning based on a pragmatic utilization of the multitude of strategy models was used in a small university-affiliated…

HMIS and decision-making in Zambia: re-thinking information solutions for district health management in decentralized health systems.

PubMed

Mutemwa, Richard I

2006-01-01

At the onset of health system decentralization as a primary health care strategy, which constituted a key feature of health sector reforms across the developing world, efficient and effective health management information systems (HMIS) were widely acknowledged and adopted as a critical element of district health management strengthening programmes. The focal concern was about the performance and long-term sustainability of decentralized district health systems. The underlying logic was that effective and efficient HMIS would provide district health managers with the information required to make effective strategic decisions that are the vehicle for district performance and sustainability in these decentralized health systems. However, this argument is rooted in normative management and decision theory without significant unequivocal empirical corroboration. Indeed, extensive empirical evidence continues to indicate that managers' decision-making behaviour and the existence of other forms of information outside the HMIS, within the organizational environment, suggest a far more tenuous relationship between the presence of organizational management information systems (such as HMIS) and effective strategic decision-making. This qualitative comparative case-study conducted in two districts of Zambia focused on investigating the presence and behaviour of five formally identified, different information forms, including that from HMIS, in the strategic decision-making process. The aim was to determine the validity of current arguments for HMIS, and establish implications for current HMIS policies. Evidence from the eight strategic decision-making processes traced in the study confirmed the existence of different forms of information in the organizational environment, including that provided by the conventional HMIS. These information forms attach themselves to various organizational management processes and key aspects of organizational routine. The study results point to the need for a radical re-think of district health management information solutions in ways that account for the existence of other information forms outside the formal HMIS in the district health system.

Shifting attention among working memory representations: testing cue type, awareness, and strategic control.

PubMed

Berryhill, Marian E; Richmond, Lauren L; Shay, Cara S; Olson, Ingrid R

2012-01-01

It is well known that visual working memory (VWM) performance is modulated by attentional cues presented during encoding. Interestingly, retrospective cues presented after encoding, but prior to the test phase also improve performance. This improvement in performance is termed the retro-cue benefit. We investigated whether the retro-cue benefit is sensitive to cue type, whether participants were aware of their improvement in performance due to the retro-cue, and whether the effect was under strategic control. Experiment 1 compared the potential cueing benefits of abrupt onset retro-cues relying on bottom-up attention, number retro-cues relying on top-down attention, and arrow retro-cues, relying on a mixture of both. We found a significant retro-cue effect only for arrow retro-cues. In Experiment 2, we tested participants' awareness of their use of the informative retro-cue and found that they were aware of their improved performance. In Experiment 3, we asked whether participants have strategic control over the retro-cue. The retro-cue was difficult to ignore, suggesting that strategic control is low. The retro-cue effect appears to be within conscious awareness but not under full strategic control.

Designing and evaluating a STEM teacher learning opportunity in the research university.

PubMed

Hardré, Patricia L; Ling, Chen; Shehab, Randa L; Herron, Jason; Nanny, Mark A; Nollert, Matthias U; Refai, Hazem; Ramseyer, Christopher; Wollega, Ebisa D

2014-04-01

This study examines the design and evaluation strategies for a year-long teacher learning and development experience, including their effectiveness, efficiency and recommendations for strategic redesign. Design characteristics include programmatic features and outcomes: cognitive, affective and motivational processes; interpersonal and social development; and performance activities. Program participants were secondary math and science teachers, partnered with engineering faculty mentors, in a research university-based education and support program. Data from multiple sources demonstrated strengths and weaknesses in design of the program's learning environment, including: face-to-face and via digital tools; on-site and distance community interactions; and strategic evaluation tools and systems. Implications are considered for the strategic design and evaluation of similar grant-funded research experiences intended to support teacher learning, development and transfer. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Importance/performance analysis: a tool for service quality control by clinical laboratories.

PubMed

Scammon, D L; Weiss, R

1991-01-01

A study of customer satisfaction with clinical laboratory service is used as the basis for identifying potential improvements in service and more effectively targeting marketing activities to enhance customer satisfaction. Data on customer satisfaction are used to determine the aspects of service most critical to customers, how well the organization is doing in delivery of service, and how consistent service delivery is. Importance-performance analysis is used to highlight areas for future resource reallocation and strategic emphasis. Suggestions include the establishment of performance guidelines for customer contact personnel, the enhancement of timely delivery of reports via electronic transmission (computer and fax), and the development of standardized graphics for request and report forms to facilitate identification of appropriate request forms and guide clients to key items of information on reports.

High-energy laser weapons: technology overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perram, Glen P.; Marciniak, Michael A.; Goda, Matthew

2004-09-01

High energy laser (HEL) weapons are ready for some of today"s most challenging military applications. For example, the Airborne Laser (ABL) program is designed to defend against Theater Ballistic Missiles in a tactical war scenario. Similarly, the Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL) program is currently testing a laser to defend against rockets and other tactical weapons. The Space Based Laser (SBL), Advanced Tactical Laser (ATL) and Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) programs promise even greater applications for laser weapons. This technology overview addresses both strategic and tactical roles for HEL weapons on the modern battlefield and examines current technology limited performance of weapon systems components, including various laser device types, beam control systems, atmospheric propagation, and target lethality issues. The characteristics, history, basic hardware, and fundamental performance of chemical lasers, solid state lasers and free electron lasers are summarized and compared. The elements of beam control, including the primary aperture, fast steering mirror, deformable mirrors, wavefront sensors, beacons and illuminators will be discussed with an emphasis on typical and required performance parameters. The effects of diffraction, atmospheric absorption, scattering, turbulence and thermal blooming phenomenon on irradiance at the target are described. Finally, lethality criteria and measures of weapon effectiveness are addressed. The primary purpose of the presentation is to define terminology, establish key performance parameters, and summarize technology capabilities.

Microgravity strategic plan, 1988

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1988-01-01

The NASA agency-wide microgravity strategic plan is presented, and its research, applications, and commercialization for the 1990's is addressed. The plan presents an analysis of the current situation, identifies critical factors, and defines goals, objectives, and strategies, which are intended to: (1) provide a context for decision making; (2) assure realism in long-range planning and direction for hardware development; and (3) establish a framework for developing a national microgravity research plan.

The Analysis of Soviet Military Manpower

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-12-01

and civilian populations and its consecutive results related to the preparedness to the conventio.:ial and nuclear wars. Ever existing images of...and of the branches of service. One direct result was the formation of a fifth service in 1959, the Strategic Rocket Forces. Ac the present time the...overall strategic nuclear capa- bilities perspective. Therefore, it is mentioned first iin Soviet references. The SRF was established as an independent

Strategic Shock: Managing the Strategic Gap

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

intended to transport 340 mcm annually with 80 percent of the water allocated to support agriculture in the Negev Desert and 20 percent to be used for... water resources in those areas, and have prohibited the development of additional wells and water infrastructure. This lack of development of water ...Soviet military actions, up to and including nuclear war, and had built a well trained and well equipped military establishment whose primary focus was

Understanding How Resources and Capabilities Affect Performance: Actively Applying the Resource-Based View in the Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sheehan, Norman T.

2006-01-01

The resource-based view is a strategic framework for understanding why some firms outperform others. Its importance is reflected in its wide inclusion in strategy texts as a tool for assessing a firm's internal strengths and weaknesses. This article outlines an experiential exercise that demonstrates how different bundles of resources and…

Developing a Strategic Plan for Transitioning to Healthcare Knowledge Services Centers (HKSCs)

PubMed Central

Goldstein, H. Mark; Coletti, Margaret H.

2012-01-01

Facing a negative trend in the form of downsizing, layoffs, and closures, a small committee of hospital librarians in New England was formed in 2004 to provide library advocacy. Between 2008 and 2010, 23 hospital libraries closed in New England. In 2010, the committee shifted its focus from advocacy to a platform for change. This resulted in the creation of the Healthcare Knowledge Services Center (HKSC) Template. The Template is the basis for a 3-phased, 5-year strategic plan to establish several regional pilots, transitioning traditional hospital libraries to healthcare knowledge services centers. This article focuses on Phase One of the strategic plan, Development. PMID:23125551

Business-IT Alignment in Trade Facilitation: A Case Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adaba, Godfried; Rusu, Lazar; El-Mekawy, Mohamed

In the information age, no organization can thrive without harnessing the power of IT. The effective deployment of IT to achieve business goals and gain competitive advantage requires the alignment of business and IT strategies of organizations. Using the Strategic Alignment Maturity model, this paper evaluates strategic alignment maturity of Customs Excise Preventive service, a frontline public organization charged with trade facilitation in Ghana. Strategic alignment maturity is at level 3; which implies the existence of an established process to leverage IT for efficiency and effectiveness. Efforts are required to strengthen alignment and fully harness the potential of IT to facilitate trade in Ghana.

Strategic planning processes and financial performance among hospitals in Lebanon.

PubMed

Saleh, Shadi; Kaissi, Amer; Semaan, Adele; Natafgi, Nabil Maher

2013-01-01

Strategic planning has been presented as a valuable management tool. However, evidence of its deployment in healthcare and its effect on organizational performance is limited in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). The study aimed to explore the use of strategic planning processes in Lebanese hospitals and to investigate its association with financial performance. The study comprised 79 hospitals and assessed occupancy rate (OR) and revenue-per-bed (RPB) as performance measures. The strategic planning process included six domains: having a plan, plan development, plan implementation, responsibility of planning activities, governing board involvement, and physicians' involvement. Approximately 90% of hospitals have strategic plans that are moderately developed (mean score of 4.9 on a 1-7 scale) and implemented (score of 4.8). In 46% of the hospitals, the CEO has the responsibility for the plan. The level of governing board involvement in the process is moderate to high (score of 5.1), whereas physician involvement is lower (score of 4.1). The OR and RPB amounted to respectively 70% and 59 304 among hospitals with a strategic plan as compared with 62% and 33 564 for those lacking such a plan. No statistical association between having a strategic plan and either of the two measures was detected. However, the findings revealed that among hospitals that had a strategic plan, higher implementation levels were associated with lower OR (p < 0.05). In an LMIC healthcare environment characterized by resource limitation, complexity, and political and economic volatility, flexibility rather than rigid plans allow organizations to better cope with environmental turbulence. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

An Examination of Mastery- and Performance-Based Orientations in Strategic Communication Syllabi and Suggestions for Rhetorical and Pedagogical Improvement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stevens, Elise M.; Gibson, Rhonda

2017-01-01

This study evaluated syllabi (N = 87) from introductory advertising and public relations courses to examine to what extent and how stated course goals and assignments signal the overall learning orientation of a course and which type of learning orientation--mastery or performance--was most common. Mastery orientations emphasize intrinsic rewards,…

Impact of Tactical and Strategic Weather Avoidance on Separation Assurance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Refai, Mohamad S.; Windhorst, Robert

2011-01-01

The ability to keep flights away from weather hazards while maintaining aircraft-to-aircraft separation is critically important. The Advanced Airspace Concept is an automation concept that implements a ground-based strategic conflict resolution algorithm for management of aircraft separation. The impact of dynamic and uncertain weather avoidance on this concept is investigated. A strategic weather rerouting system is integrated with the Advanced Airspace Concept, which also provides a tactical weather avoidance algorithm, in a fast time simulation of the Air Transportation System. Strategic weather rerouting is used to plan routes around weather in the 20 minute to two-hour time horizon. To address forecast uncertainty, flight routes are revised at 15 minute intervals. Tactical weather avoidance is used for short term trajectory adjustments (30 minute planning horizon) that are updated every minute to address any weather conflicts (instances where aircraft are predicted to pass through weather cells) that are left unresolved by strategic weather rerouting. The fast time simulation is used to assess the impact of tactical weather avoidance on the performance of automated conflict resolution as well as the impact of strategic weather rerouting on both conflict resolution and tactical weather avoidance. The results demonstrate that both tactical weather avoidance and strategic weather rerouting increase the algorithm complexity required to find aircraft conflict resolutions. Results also demonstrate that tactical weather avoidance is prone to higher airborne delay than strategic weather rerouting. Adding strategic weather rerouting to tactical weather avoidance reduces total airborne delays for the reported scenario by 18% and reduces the number of remaining weather violations by 13%. Finally, two features are identified that have proven important for strategic weather rerouting to realize these benefits; namely, the ability to revise reroutes and the use of maneuvers that start far ahead of encountering a weather cell when rerouting around weather.

Supporting countries in establishing and strengthening NITAGs: lessons learned from 5 years of the SIVAC initiative.

PubMed

Adjagba, Alex; Senouci, Kamel; Biellik, Robin; Batmunkh, Nyambat; Faye, Pape Coumba; Durupt, Antoine; Gessner, Bradford D; da Silva, Alfred

2015-01-29

To empower governments to formulate rational policies without pressure from any group, and to increase the use of evidence-based decision-making to adapt global recommendations on immunization to their local context, the WHO has recommended on multiple occasions that countries should establish National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs). The World Health Assembly (WHA) reinforced those recommendations in 2012 when Member States endorsed the Decade of Vaccines Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP). NITAGs are multidisciplinary groups of national experts responsible for providing independent, evidence-informed advice to health authorities on all policy-related issues for all vaccines across all populations. In 2012, according to the WHO-UNICEF Joint Reporting Form, among 57 countries eligible for immunization program financial support from the GAVI Alliance, only 9 reported having a functional NITAG. Since 2008, the Supporting Independent Immunization and Vaccine Advisory Committees (SIVAC) Initiative (at the Agence de Médecine Préventive or AMP) in close collaboration with the WHO and other partners has been working to accelerate and systematize the establishment of NITAGs in low- and middle-income countries. In addition to providing direct support to countries to establish advisory groups, the initiative also supports existing NITAGs to strengthen their capacity in the use of evidence-based processes for decision-making aligned with international standards. After 5 years of implementation and based on lessons learned, we recommend that future efforts should target both expanding new NITAGs and strengthening existing NITAGs in individual countries, along three strategic lines: (i) reinforce NITAG institutional integration to promote sustainability and credibility, (ii) build technical capacity within NITAG secretariats and evaluate NITAG performance, and (iii) increase networking and regional collaborations. These should be done through the development and dissemination of tools and guidelines, and information through a variety of adapted mechanisms. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Strategic Information Resources Management: Fundamental Practices.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Caudle, Sharon L.

1996-01-01

Discusses six fundamental information resources management (IRM) practices in successful organizations that can improve government service delivery performance. Highlights include directing changes, integrating IRM decision making into a strategic management process, performance management, maintaining an investment philosophy, using business…

Ames Research Center FY 2000 Implementation Plan: Leading Technology into the New Millennium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

This document presents the implementation plan for Ames Research Center (ARC) within the overall framework of the NASA Strategic Plan. It describes how ARC intends to implement its Center of Excellence responsibilities, Agency assigned missions, Agency and Enterprise lead programs, and other roles in support of NASA's vision and mission. All Federal agencies are required by the 1993 Government Performance and Results Act to implement a long-term strategic planning process that includes measurable outcomes and strict accountability. At NASA, this planning process is shaped by the Space Act of 1958, annual appropriations, and other external mandates, as well as by customer requirements. The resulting Strategic Plan sets the overall architecture for what we do, identifies who our customers are, and directs where we are going and why. The Strategic Plan is the basis upon which decisions regarding program implementation and resource deployment are made. Whereas the strategic planning process examines the long-term direction of the organization and identifies a specific set of goals, the implementation planning process examines the detailed performance of the organization and allocates resources toward meeting these goals. It is the purpose of this implementation document to provide the connection between the NASA Strategic Plan and the specific programs and support functions that ARC employees perform. This connection flows from the NASA Strategic Plan, through the various Strategic Enterprise plans to the ARC Center of Excellence, primary missions, Lead Center programs, program support responsibilities, and ultimately, to the role of the individual ARC employee.

Streamlining Administrative Procedures at the Defense Language Institute: The Strategic Impact Model in Action

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oded, Yaniv; Su, Bude

2010-01-01

Performance at the Defense Language Institute was examined through the prism of human performance technology and the strategic impact model. This examination revealed performance deficiencies in the administrative realm that required mainly a noninstructional intervention. A systematic analysis showed that digitizing administrative procedures…

Strategic Planning to Improve EHDI Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

White, Karl R.; Blaiser, Kristina M.

2011-01-01

Because newborn hearing screening has become the standard of care in the United States, every state has established an early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) program responsible for establishing, maintaining, and improving the system of services needed to serve children with hearing loss and their families. While significant developments…

Towards the Establishment of a Strategic Framework for a Global Exploration Strategy.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Messina, Piero

2006-01-01

A viewgraph presentation on the development of space exploration through a framework of the European Space Policy is shown. The topics include: 1) Europe's Involvement in Space Exploration; 2) Different Programs-Similar Goals; 3) International Cooperation; and 4) Establishing an International Cooperation Framework.

Hospital-based health technology assessment in France: A focus on medical devices.

PubMed

Martelli, Nicolas; Puc, Cyril; Szwarcensztein, Karine; Beuscart, Régis; Coulonjou, Hélène; Degrassat-Théas, Albane; Dutot, Camille; Epis de Fleurian, Anne-Aurélie; Favrel-Feuillade, Florence; Hounliasso, Iliona; Lechat, Philippe; Luigi, Emmanuel; Mairot, Laurent; Nguyen, Thao; Piazza, Laurent; Roussel, Christophe; Vienney, Cécile

2017-02-01

Hospital-based health technology assessment (HTA) guides decisions as to whether new healthcare products should be made available within hospital structures. Its extension to medical devices (MDs) makes it possible to analyse several relevant aspects of these healthcare products in addition to their clinical value, and such evaluations are of interest to national health authorities, other healthcare establishments and industry. The aim of this work was to formulate several recommendations for a blueprint for hospital-based HTA for MDs in France. Five themes based on the work of the European Adopting hospital-based HTA in the EU (AdHopHTA) project were defined. Each member of the roundtable was then allocated a documentation task based on their experience of the theme concerned, and a literature review was carried out. An inventory of hospital-based HTA was performed and six recommendations aiming to strengthen and improve this approach were put forward: (1) encouragement of the spread of the hospital-based HTA culture and participation in communications and the promotion of this approach to hospital decision-makers; (2) adaptation of hospital-based HTA to the needs of decision-makers, taking into account the financial timetable and strategic objectives of the healthcare establishment; (3) harmonisation of the dossiers requested from industry between healthcare establishments, based on a common core; (4) promotion of the sharing of hospital-based HTA data under certain conditions, with data dissociable from the HTA report and the use of a validated methodology for the literature review; (5) creation of a composite indicator reflecting data production effort and the sharing of HTA activities, to be taken into account in the distribution of funds allocated for teaching, research and innovation missions considered of general interest; (6) the transmission of information directly from local to national level by pioneering centres. This work highlights the major issues at stake in hospital-based HTA and the need to valorise such activities in France. Copyright © 2017 Société française de pharmacologie et de thérapeutique. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Lunar Exploration Architecture Level Key Drivers and Sensitivities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goodliff, Kandyce; Cirillo, William; Earle, Kevin; Reeves, J. D.; Shyface, Hilary; Andraschko, Mark; Merrill, R. Gabe; Stromgren, Chel; Cirillo, Christopher

2009-01-01

Strategic level analysis of the integrated behavior of lunar transportation and lunar surface systems architecture options is performed to assess the benefit, viability, affordability, and robustness of system design choices. This analysis employs both deterministic and probabilistic modeling techniques so that the extent of potential future uncertainties associated with each option are properly characterized. The results of these analyses are summarized in a predefined set of high-level Figures of Merit (FOMs) so as to provide senior NASA Constellation Program (CxP) and Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD) management with pertinent information to better inform strategic level decision making. The strategic level exploration architecture model is designed to perform analysis at as high a level as possible but still capture those details that have major impacts on system performance. The strategic analysis methodology focuses on integrated performance, affordability, and risk analysis, and captures the linkages and feedbacks between these three areas. Each of these results leads into the determination of the high-level FOMs. This strategic level analysis methodology has been previously applied to Space Shuttle and International Space Station assessments and is now being applied to the development of the Constellation Program point-of-departure lunar architecture. This paper provides an overview of the strategic analysis methodology and the lunar exploration architecture analyses to date. In studying these analysis results, the strategic analysis team has identified and characterized key drivers affecting the integrated architecture behavior. These key drivers include inclusion of a cargo lander, mission rate, mission location, fixed-versus- variable costs/return on investment, and the requirement for probabilistic analysis. Results of sensitivity analysis performed on lunar exploration architecture scenarios are also presented.

Predicting the performance of a strategic alliance: an analysis of the Community Clinical Oncology Program.

PubMed

Kaluzny, A D; Lacey, L M; Warnecke, R; Hynes, D M; Morrissey, J; Ford, L; Sondik, E

1993-06-01

This study is designed to examine the effects of environment and structure of the Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) on performance as measured by patient accrual to National Cancer Institute (NCI)-approved treatment protocols. Data and analysis are part of a larger evaluation of the NCI Community Clinical Oncology Program during its second funding cycle, June 1987-May 1990. Data, taken from primary and secondary sources, included a survey of selected informants in CCOPs and research bases, CCOP grant applications, CCOP annual progress reports, and site visits to a subsample of CCOPs (N = 20) and research bases (N = 5). Accrual data were obtained from NCI records. Analysis involved three complementary sets of factors: the local health care resources environment available to the CCOP, the larger policy environment as reflected by the relationship of the CCOP to selected research bases and the NCI, and the operational structure of the CCOP itself. A hierarchical model examined the separate and cumulative effects of local and policy environment and structure on performance. Other things equal, the primary predictors of treatment accrual were: (1) the larger policy environment, as measured by the attendance of nurses at research base meetings; and (2) operational structure, as measured by the number and character of components within participating CCOPs and the number of hours per week worked by data managers. These factors explained 73 percent of the total variance in accrual performance. Findings suggest criteria for selecting the types of organizations to participate in the alliance, as well as for establishing guidelines for managing such alliances. A future challenge is to determine the extent to which factors predicting accrual to cancer treatment clinical trials are equally important as predictors of accrual to cancer prevention and control trials.

The Readiness to Change for Bariatric Surgery Assessment Tool: Validity, Factor Structure, and Reliability.

PubMed

Carlson, Susan M S

2017-11-01

Currently, there is no guideline or standard of practice for performing the psychiatric/psychological evaluation that is a requirement for approval for bariatric surgery. The Readiness to Change for Bariatric Surgery Assessment Tool (RCB-SAT) establishes a means for psychiatric evaluators to objectively assess the patient's cognition, beliefs, and motivation around the bariatric diet and lifestyle changes. Development of a clinical decision-making tool for assessing readiness to change in bariatric patients will be useful regarding The Strategic Plan for NIH Obesity Research. The strategic plan outlines 6 overarching themes, with the last 3 centering around creation of such a clinical decision-making tool to assess a bariatric patient's readiness to change: evaluate promising strategies for obesity prevention and treatment in realworld settings and diverse populations, harness technology and tools to advance obesity research and improve health care delivery, and facilitate integration of research results into community programs and medical practice (National Institutes of Health, 2011). The pilot tool was administered to 153 potential bariatric patients, with 61 patients completing the survey a second time. Face and content validity of the items were established through an expert review process. Principle axis factoring by means of varimax rotation with Kaiser normalization identified 15 items loading on 3 factors associated with Prochaska and DiClemente's transtheoretical model of health behavior change: precontemplation, contemplation, and action (DiClemente & Prochaska, 1998). Test-retest reliability was also established for the tool. The proposed RCB-SAT demonstrates potential for assessing a patient's readiness to change regarding the bariatric diet and lifestyle.

Working and strategic memory deficits in schizophrenia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stone, M.; Gabrieli, J. D.; Stebbins, G. T.; Sullivan, E. V.

1998-01-01

Working memory and its contribution to performance on strategic memory tests in schizophrenia were studied. Patients (n = 18) and control participants (n = 15), all men, received tests of immediate memory (forward digit span), working memory (listening, computation, and backward digit span), and long-term strategic (free recall, temporal order, and self-ordered pointing) and nonstrategic (recognition) memory. Schizophrenia patients performed worse on all tests. Education, verbal intelligence, and immediate memory capacity did not account for deficits in working memory in schizophrenia patients. Reduced working memory capacity accounted for group differences in strategic memory but not in recognition memory. Working memory impairment may be central to the profile of impaired cognitive performance in schizophrenia and is consistent with hypothesized frontal lobe dysfunction associated with this disease. Additional medial-temporal dysfunction may account for the recognition memory deficit.

Operationalising emergency care delivery in sub-Saharan Africa: consensus-based recommendations for healthcare facilities.

PubMed

Calvello, Emilie J B; Tenner, Andrea G; Broccoli, Morgan C; Skog, Alexander P; Muck, Andrew E; Tupesis, Janis P; Brysiewicz, Petra; Teklu, Sisay; Wallis, Lee; Reynolds, Teri

2016-08-01

A major barrier to successful integration of acute care into health systems is the lack of consensus on the essential components of emergency care within resource-limited environments. The 2013 African Federation of Emergency Medicine Consensus Conference was convened to address the growing need for practical solutions to further implementation of emergency care in sub-Saharan Africa. Over 40 participants from 15 countries participated in the working group that focused on emergency care delivery at health facilities. Using the well-established approach developed in the WHO's Monitoring Emergency Obstetric Care, the workgroup identified the essential services delivered-signal functions-associated with each emergency care sentinel condition. Levels of emergency care were assigned based on the expected capacity of the facility to perform signal functions, and the necessary human, equipment and infrastructure resources identified. These consensus-based recommendations provide the foundation for objective facility capacity assessment in developing emergency health systems that can bolster strategic planning as well as facilitate monitoring and evaluation of service delivery. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Conceptualizing strategic environmental assessment: Principles, approaches and research directions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Noble, Bram, E-mail: b.noble@usask.ca; Nwanekezie, Kelechi

Increasing emphasis has been placed in recent years on transitioning strategic environmental assessment (SEA) away from its environmental impact assessment (EIA) roots. Scholars have argued the need to conceptualize SEA as a process designed to facilitate strategic thinking, thus enabling transitions toward sustainability. The practice of SEA, however, remains deeply rooted in the EIA tradition and scholars and practitioners often appear divided on the nature and purpose of SEA. This paper revisits the strategic principles of SEA and conceptualizes SEA as a multi-faceted and multi-dimensional assessment process. It is suggested that SEA can be conceptualized as series of approaches operatingmore » along a spectrum from less to more strategic – from impact assessment-based to strategy-based – with each approach to SEA differentiated by the specific objectives of SEA application and the extent to which strategic principles are reflected in its design and implementation. Advancing the effectiveness of SEA requires a continued research agenda focused on improving the traditional SEA approach, as a tool to assess the impacts of policies, plans and programs (PPPs). Realizing the full potential of SEA, however, requires a new research agenda — one focused on the development and testing of a deliberative governance approach to SEA that can facilitate strategic innovations in PPP formulation and drive transitions in short-term policy and initiatives based on longer-term thinking. - Highlights: • SEA facilitates strategic thinking, enabling transitions toward sustainability. • SEA is conceptualized as a spectrum of approaches, from IA-based to strategy-based. • Each approach variably emphasizes strategic principles in its design and practice. • There is no one conceptualization of SEA that is best, SEA is fit for PPP purpose. • Research is needed to advance SEA to facilitate strategic PPP transformations.« less

Responsibility-Centered Management: A 10-Year Nursing Assessment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McBride, Angela Barron; Neiman, Sandra; Johnson, James

2000-01-01

Describes the implementation of responsibility-centered management, a decentralized model giving deans responsibility for expanding and using resources, at Indiana University's nursing school. Discusses how it led to creation of an information-rich environment, strategic decision making, and a performance-based reward structure. (SK)

Environmental strategy and performance in small firms: a resource-based perspective.

PubMed

Aragón-Correa, J Alberto; Hurtado-Torres, Nuria; Sharma, Sanjay; García-Morales, Víctor J

2008-01-01

In spite of the widespread recognition of the important roles that small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) play in most economies, limited research has focused on their impacts on the natural environment and the strategies such enterprises adopt to reduce these impacts. It is usually assumed that SMEs lack the resources to implement proactive environmental strategies that go beyond minimum regulatory compliance. In this study of 108 SMEs in the automotive repair sector in Southern Spain, we found that SMEs undertake a range of environmental strategies from reactive regulatory compliance to proactive pollution prevention and environmental leadership. These strategies are associated with three organizational capabilities: shared vision, stakeholder management, and strategic proactivity, hypothesized based on the unique strategic characteristics of SMEs--shorter lines of communication and closer interaction within the SMEs, the presence of a founder's vision, flexibility in managing external relationships, and an entrepreneurial orientation. We also found that firms with the most proactive practices exhibited a significantly positive financial performance.

Antimicrobial resistance: from global agenda to national strategic plan, Thailand.

PubMed

Tangcharoensathien, Viroj; Sattayawutthipong, Wanchai; Kanjanapimai, Sukhum; Kanpravidth, Wantanee; Brown, Richard; Sommanustweechai, Angkana

2017-08-01

In Thailand, antimicrobial resistance has formed a small component of national drug policies and strategies on emerging infectious diseases. However, poor coordination and a lack of national goals and monitoring and evaluation platforms have reduced the effectiveness of the corresponding national actions. On the basis of local evidence and with the strong participation of relevant stakeholders, the first national strategic plan on antimicrobial resistance has been developed in Thailand. Before the development of the plan, ineffective coordination meant that antimicrobial resistance profiles produced at sentinel hospitals were not used effectively for clinical decision-making. There was no integrated system for the surveillance of antimicrobial resistance, no system for monitoring consumption of antimicrobial drugs by humans, livestock and pets and little public awareness of antimicrobial resistance. In August 2016, the Thai government endorsed a national strategic plan on antimicrobial resistance that comprised six strategic actions and five targets. A national steering committee guides the plan's implementation and a module to assess the prevalence of household antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance awareness has been embedded into the biennial national health survey. A national system for the surveillance of antimicrobial consumption has also been initiated. Strong political commitment, national ownership and adequate multisectoral institutional capacities will be essential for the effective implementation of the national plan. A robust monitoring and evaluation platform now contributes to evidence-based interventions. An integrated system for the surveillance of antimicrobial resistance still needs to be established.

Strategic Impact of Cyber Warfare Rules for the United States

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

Despite the growing complexities of cyberspace and the significant strategic challenge cyber warfare poses on the United States’ vital interests few...specific rules for cyber warfare exist. The United States should seek to develop and maintain cyber warfare rules in order to establish...exemplify the need for multilaterally prepared cyber warfare rules that will reduce the negative influence cyber warfare presently has on the United States’ national interests.

Critical Success Factors in Teaching Strategic Sales Management: Evidence from Client-Based Classroom and Web-Based Formats

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jaskari, Harri; Jaskari, Minna-Maarit

2016-01-01

The importance of sales management as an interface between a company and its customers is widely recognized. However, the teaching of strategic sales management has not received enough attention in marketing education literature. This study analyzes an experiential client-based method for teaching a strategic sales management course. The authors…

The BCD of response time analysis in experimental economics.

PubMed

Spiliopoulos, Leonidas; Ortmann, Andreas

2018-01-01

For decisions in the wild, time is of the essence. Available decision time is often cut short through natural or artificial constraints, or is impinged upon by the opportunity cost of time. Experimental economists have only recently begun to conduct experiments with time constraints and to analyze response time (RT) data, in contrast to experimental psychologists. RT analysis has proven valuable for the identification of individual and strategic decision processes including identification of social preferences in the latter case, model comparison/selection, and the investigation of heuristics that combine speed and performance by exploiting environmental regularities. Here we focus on the benefits, challenges, and desiderata of RT analysis in strategic decision making. We argue that unlocking the potential of RT analysis requires the adoption of process-based models instead of outcome-based models, and discuss how RT in the wild can be captured by time-constrained experiments in the lab. We conclude that RT analysis holds considerable potential for experimental economics, deserves greater attention as a methodological tool, and promises important insights on strategic decision making in naturally occurring environments.

Strategic offloading of delayed intentions into the external environment.

PubMed

Gilbert, Sam J

2015-01-01

In everyday life, we often use external artefacts such as diaries to help us remember intended behaviours. In addition, we commonly manipulate our environment, for example by placing reminders in noticeable places. Yet strategic offloading of intentions to the external environment is not typically permitted in laboratory tasks examining memory for delayed intentions. What factors influence our use of such strategies, and what behavioural consequences do they have? This article describes four online experiments (N = 1196) examining a novel web-based task in which participants hold intentions for brief periods, with the option to strategically externalize these intentions by creating a reminder. This task significantly predicted participants' fulfilment of a naturalistic intention embedded within their everyday activities up to one week later (with greater predictive ability than more traditional prospective memory tasks, albeit with weak effect size). Setting external reminders improved performance, and it was more prevalent in older adults. Furthermore, participants set reminders adaptively, based on (a) memory load, and (b) the likelihood of distraction. These results suggest the importance of metacognitive processes in triggering intention offloading, which can increase the probability that intentions are eventually fulfilled.

Strategic Planning for Drought Mitigation Under Climate Change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, X.; Zeng, R.; Valocchi, A. J.; Song, J.

2012-12-01

Droughts continue to be a major natural hazard and mounting evidence of global warming confronts society with a pressing question: Will climate change aggravate the risk of drought at local scale? It is important to explore what additional risk will be imposed by climate change and what level of strategic measures should be undertaken now to avoid vulnerable situations in the future, given that tactical measures may not avoid large damage. This study addresses the following key questions on strategic planning for drought mitigation under climate change: What combination of strategic and tactical measures will move the societal system response from a vulnerable situation to a resilient one with minimum cost? Are current infrastructures and their operation enough to mitigate the damage of future drought, or do we need in-advance infrastructure expansion for future drought preparedness? To address these questions, this study presents a decision support framework based on a coupled simulation and optimization model. A quasi-physically based watershed model is established for the Frenchman Creek Basin (FCB), part of the Republic River Basin, where groundwater based irrigation plays a significant role in agriculture production and local hydrological cycle. The physical model is used to train a statistical surrogate model, which predicts the watershed responses under future climate conditions. The statistical model replaces the complex physical model in the simulation-optimization framework, which makes the models computationally tractable. Decisions for drought preparedness include traditional short-term tactical measures (e.g. facility operation) and long-term or in-advance strategic measures, which require capital investment. A scenario based three-stage stochastic optimization model assesses the roles of strategic measures and tactical measures in drought preparedness and mitigation. Two benchmark climate prediction horizons, 2040s and 2090s, represent mid-term and long-term planning, respectively, compared to the baseline of the climate of 1980-2000. To handle uncertainty in climate change projections, outputs from three General Circulation Models (GCMs) with Regional Climate Model (RCM) for dynamic downscaling (PCM-RCM, Hadley-RCM, and CCSM-RCM) and four CO2 emission scenarios are used to represent the various possible climatic conditions in the mid-term (2040's) and long-term (2090's) time horizons. The model results show the relative roles of mid- and long-term investments and the complementary relationships between wait-and-see decisions and here-and-now decisions on infrastructure expansion. Even the best tactical measures (irrigation operation) alone are not sufficient for drought mitigation in the future. Infrastructure expansion is critical especially for environmental conversation purposes. With increasing budget, investment should be shifted from tactical measures to strategic measures for drought preparedness. Infrastructure expansion is preferred for the long term plan than the mid-term plan, i.e., larger investment is proposed in 2040s than the current, due to a larger likelihood of drought in 2090s than 2040s. Thus larger BMP expansion is proposed in 2040s for droughts preparedness in 2090s.

Addressing Learning Disabilities with UDL and Technology: Strategic Reader

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hall, Tracey E.; Cohen, Nicole; Vue, Ge; Ganley, Patricia

2015-01-01

CAST created "Strategic Reader," a technology-based system blending Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Curriculum-Based Measurement (CBM) in a digital learning environment to improve reading comprehension instruction. This experimental study evaluates the effectiveness of Strategic Reader using two treatment conditions for measuring…

Towards an operational definition of pharmacy clinical competency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Douglas, Charles Allen

The scope of pharmacy practice and the training of future pharmacists have undergone a strategic shift over the last few decades. The pharmacy profession recognizes greater pharmacist involvement in patient care activities. Towards this strategic objective, pharmacy schools are training future pharmacists to meet these new clinical demands. Pharmacy students have clerkships called Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs), and these clerkships account for 30% of the professional curriculum. APPEs provide the only opportunity for students to refine clinical skills under the guidance of an experienced pharmacist. Nationwide, schools of pharmacy need to evaluate whether students have successfully completed APPEs and are ready treat patients. Schools are left to their own devices to develop assessment programs that demonstrate to the public and regulatory agencies, students are clinically competent prior to graduation. There is no widely accepted method to evaluate whether these assessment programs actually discriminate between the competent and non-competent students. The central purpose of this study is to demonstrate a rigorous method to evaluate the validity and reliability of APPE assessment programs. The method introduced in this study is applicable to a wide variety of assessment programs. To illustrate this method, the study evaluated new performance criteria with a novel rating scale. The study had two main phases. In the first phase, a Delphi panel was created to bring together expert opinions. Pharmacy schools nominated exceptional preceptors to join a Delphi panel. Delphi is a method to achieve agreement of complex issues among experts. The principal researcher recruited preceptors representing a variety of practice settings and geographical regions. The Delphi panel evaluated and refined the new performance criteria. In the second phase, the study produced a novel set of video vignettes that portrayed student performances based on recommendations of an expert panel. Pharmacy preceptors assessed the performances with the new performance criteria. Estimates of reliability and accuracy from preceptors' assessments can be used to establish benchmarks for future comparisons. Findings from the first phase suggested preceptors held a unique perspective, where APPE assessments are based in relevance to clinical activities. The second phase analyzed assessment results from pharmacy preceptors who watched the video simulations. Reliability results were higher for non-randomized compared to randomized video simulations. Accuracy results showed preceptors more readily identified high and low student performances compared to average students. These results indicated the need for pharmacy preceptor training in performance assessment. The study illustrated a rigorous method to evaluate the validity and reliability of APPE assessment instruments.

Strategic Human Resource Development. Symposium.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

2002

This document contains three papers on strategic human resource (HR) development. "Strategic HR Orientation and Firm Performance in India" (Kuldeep Singh) reports findings from a study of Indian business executives that suggests there is a positive link between HR policies and practices and workforce motivation and loyalty and…

Lebron FINAL REPORT Standardized Procedures for Use of Nucleic Acid-Based Tools SERDP PROJECT ER-1561. Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program, Washington, DC, USA

EPA Science Inventory

Technical Approach A technology review on the status of MBTs was performed at the beginning of the project to determine MBT use in other industries. The review focused project goals and activities, which included: 1) Comparing qPCR to non-PCR-based enumeration methods to valid...

A framework for global river flood risk assessments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winsemius, H. C.; Van Beek, L. P. H.; Jongman, B.; Ward, P. J.; Bouwman, A.

2012-08-01

There is an increasing need for strategic global assessments of flood risks in current and future conditions. In this paper, we propose a framework for global flood risk assessment for river floods, which can be applied in current conditions, as well as in future conditions due to climate and socio-economic changes. The framework's goal is to establish flood hazard and impact estimates at a high enough resolution to allow for their combination into a risk estimate. The framework estimates hazard at high resolution (~1 km2) using global forcing datasets of the current (or in scenario mode, future) climate, a global hydrological model, a global flood routing model, and importantly, a flood extent downscaling routine. The second component of the framework combines hazard with flood impact models at the same resolution (e.g. damage, affected GDP, and affected population) to establish indicators for flood risk (e.g. annual expected damage, affected GDP, and affected population). The framework has been applied using the global hydrological model PCR-GLOBWB, which includes an optional global flood routing model DynRout, combined with scenarios from the Integrated Model to Assess the Global Environment (IMAGE). We performed downscaling of the hazard probability distributions to 1 km2 resolution with a new downscaling algorithm, applied on Bangladesh as a first case-study application area. We demonstrate the risk assessment approach in Bangladesh based on GDP per capita data, population, and land use maps for 2010 and 2050. Validation of the hazard and damage estimates has been performed using the Dartmouth Flood Observatory database and damage estimates from the EM-DAT database and World Bank sources. We discuss and show sensitivities of the estimated risks with regard to the use of different climate input sets, decisions made in the downscaling algorithm, and different approaches to establish impact models.

Strategic Planning to Conduct Joint Force Network Operations: A Content Analysis of NETOPS Organizations Strategic Plans

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-03-01

information dominance , Joint Network Operations (NETOPS) organizations need to be strategically aligned. As result, to enhance the capabilities-based effects of NETOPS and reduce our NETOP infrastructures susceptibility to compromise. Once the key organizations were identified, their strategic plans were analyzed using a structured content analysis framework. The results illustrated that the strategic plans were aligned with the community of interests tasking to conduct NETOPS. Further research is required into the strategic alignment beyond the strategic

Schweinfurt Raids and the Pause in Daylight Strategic Bombing

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-06-13

fundamentally flawed doctrine based upon faulty assumptions and the end result was the heavy loss of aircrew and aircraft. The Schweinfurt missions...maneuverable German fighters due to the Lightning’s turbochargers performing badly at higher altitudes in the high humidity and colder temperatures. The P-38

Improving Department of Defense Global Distribution Performance Through Network Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

network performance increase. 14. SUBJECT TERMS supply chain metrics, distribution networks, requisition shipping time, strategic distribution database...peace and war” (p. 4). USTRANSCOM Metrics and Analysis Branch defines, develops, tracks, and maintains outcomes- based supply chain metrics to...2014a, p. 8). The Joint Staff defines a TDD standard as the maximum number of days the supply chain can take to deliver requisitioned materiel

Medium term municipal solid waste generation prediction by autoregressive integrated moving average

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Younes, Mohammad K.; Nopiah, Z. M.; Basri, Noor Ezlin A.

2014-09-12

Generally, solid waste handling and management are performed by municipality or local authority. In most of developing countries, local authorities suffer from serious solid waste management (SWM) problems and insufficient data and strategic planning. Thus it is important to develop robust solid waste generation forecasting model. It helps to proper manage the generated solid waste and to develop future plan based on relatively accurate figures. In Malaysia, solid waste generation rate increases rapidly due to the population growth and new consumption trends that characterize the modern life style. This paper aims to develop monthly solid waste forecasting model using Autoregressivemore » Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), such model is applicable even though there is lack of data and will help the municipality properly establish the annual service plan. The results show that ARIMA (6,1,0) model predicts monthly municipal solid waste generation with root mean square error equals to 0.0952 and the model forecast residuals are within accepted 95% confident interval.« less

Medium term municipal solid waste generation prediction by autoregressive integrated moving average

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Younes, Mohammad K.; Nopiah, Z. M.; Basri, Noor Ezlin A.; Basri, Hassan

2014-09-01

Generally, solid waste handling and management are performed by municipality or local authority. In most of developing countries, local authorities suffer from serious solid waste management (SWM) problems and insufficient data and strategic planning. Thus it is important to develop robust solid waste generation forecasting model. It helps to proper manage the generated solid waste and to develop future plan based on relatively accurate figures. In Malaysia, solid waste generation rate increases rapidly due to the population growth and new consumption trends that characterize the modern life style. This paper aims to develop monthly solid waste forecasting model using Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), such model is applicable even though there is lack of data and will help the municipality properly establish the annual service plan. The results show that ARIMA (6,1,0) model predicts monthly municipal solid waste generation with root mean square error equals to 0.0952 and the model forecast residuals are within accepted 95% confident interval.

Weighted Components of i-Government Enterprise Architecture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Budiardjo, E. K.; Firmansyah, G.; Hasibuan, Z. A.

2017-01-01

Lack of government performance, among others due to the lack of coordination and communication among government agencies. Whilst, Enterprise Architecture (EA) in the government can be use as a strategic planning tool to improve productivity, efficiency, and effectivity. However, the existence components of Government Enterprise Architecture (GEA) do not show level of importance, that cause difficulty in implementing good e-government for good governance. This study is to explore the weight of GEA components using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) in order to discovered an inherent structure of e-government. The results show that IT governance component of GEA play a major role in the GEA. The rest of components that consist of e-government system, e-government regulation, e-government management, and application key operational, contributed more or less the same. Beside that GEA from other countries analyzes using comparative base on comon enterprise architecture component. These weighted components use to construct i-Government enterprise architecture. and show the relative importance of component in order to established priorities in developing e-government.

Measuring market share of petrol stations using conditional probability approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharif, Shamshuritawati; Lwee, Xue Yin

2017-05-01

Oil and gas production is the strength of Malaysia's growth over past decades. It is one of the most strategic economic branches in the world. Since the oil industry is essential for the economic growth of a country, only a few undertakings have been achieved to establish. It is a very risky business. Therefore the dealer must have some information in hand before setting up a new business plan. Understanding the current business situation is an important strategy to avoid risky ventures. In this study, the aim is to deliver a very simple but essential way to identify the market share based on customer's choice factors. This approach is presented to encourage the non-statisticians to use it easily in helping their business performance. From this study, the most important factors differ from one station to another station. The results show that the factors of customer's choice for BHPetrol, Caltex, PETRON, PETRONAS and SHELL are site location, service quality, service quality, size of the petrol station, and brand image, respectively.

The Importance of the Lateral Prefrontal Cortex for Strategic Decision Making in the Prisoner's Dilemma.

PubMed

Soutschek, Alexander; Sauter, Marian; Schubert, Torsten

2015-12-01

Previous functional imaging studies investigating the neural basis of strategic decision making in the prisoner's dilemma reported a correlation between cooperative behavior and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) activity; however, the precise function of the DLPFC in establishing cooperation remains unclear so far. The present study investigated the causal role of the DLPFC in an iterative prisoner's dilemma game with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We discovered that disrupting the DLPFC with TMS decreased cooperation rates in comparison to control conditions, with this effect being most pronounced when the partner had defected previously. Thus, the current results suggest that the DLPFC contributes to strategic decision making in the prisoner's dilemma game.

Advancing the use of performance evaluation in health care.

PubMed

Traberg, Andreas; Jacobsen, Peter; Duthiers, Nadia Monique

2014-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for health care performance evaluation that enables decision makers to identify areas indicative of corrective actions. The framework should provide information on strategic pro-/regress in an operational context that justifies the need for organizational adjustments. The study adopts qualitative methods for constructing the framework, subsequently implementing the framework in a Danish magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit. Workshops and interviews form the basis of the qualitative construction phase, and two internal and five external databases are used for a quantitative data collection. By aggregating performance outcomes, collective measures of performance are achieved. This enables easy and intuitive identification of areas not strategically aligned. In general, the framework has proven helpful in an MRI unit, where operational decision makers have been struggling with extensive amounts of performance information. The implementation of the framework in a single case in a public and highly political environment restricts the generalizing potential. The authors acknowledge that there may be more suitable approaches in organizations with different settings. The strength of the framework lies in the identification of performance problems prior to decision making. The quality of decisions is directly related to the individual decision maker. The only function of the framework is to support these decisions. The study demonstrates a more refined and transparent use of performance reporting by combining strategic weight assignment and performance aggregation in hierarchies. In this way, the framework accentuates performance as a function of strategic progress or regress, thus assisting decision makers in exerting operational effort in pursuit of strategic alignment.

Sensitivity of storage field performance to geologic and cavern design parameters in salt domes.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ehgartner, Brian L.; Park, Byoung Yoon

2009-03-01

A sensitivity study was performed utilizing a three dimensional finite element model to assess allowable cavern field sizes for strategic petroleum reserve salt domes. A potential exists for tensile fracturing and dilatancy damage to salt that can compromise the integrity of a cavern field in situations where high extraction ratios exist. The effects of salt creep rate, depth of salt dome top, dome size, caprock thickness, elastic moduli of caprock and surrounding rock, lateral stress ratio of surrounding rock, cavern size, depth of cavern, and number of caverns are examined numerically. As a result, a correlation table between the parametersmore » and the impact on the performance of storage field was established. In general, slower salt creep rates, deeper depth of salt dome top, larger elastic moduli of caprock and surrounding rock, and a smaller radius of cavern are better for structural performance of the salt dome.« less

Research career development: the importance of establishing a solid track record in nursing academia.

PubMed

Happell, Brenda; Cleary, Michelle

2014-01-01

Academic status and achievement is increasingly influenced by research income and outputs with nursing academics experiencing considerable pressure to perform in these areas. As a result funding and career opportunities are becoming more competitive. Establishing expertise and a sound track record is crucial for success at both the individual and organisational level. However, despite their importance, methods to effectively establish a track record have received limited attention in the literature. The aim of this paper is to articulate the need for and provide advice for achieving a strategic approach to develop a solid and competitive track record. Practical tips are provided to facilitate the development of productive research teams with clear and logical contributions from each member, having a dissemination plan to maximise research outputs, and remaining focused on specific areas of content expertise. It is intended that these tips will assist individuals and academic units with to develop a stronger track record that may increase the likelihood of success in obtaining competitive funding.

Stratway: A Modular Approach to Strategic Conflict Resolution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hagen, George E.; Butler, Ricky W.; Maddalon, Jeffrey M.

2011-01-01

In this paper we introduce Stratway, a modular approach to finding long-term strategic resolutions to conflicts between aircraft. The modular approach provides both advantages and disadvantages. Our primary concern is to investigate the implications on the verification of safety-critical properties of a strategic resolution algorithm. By partitioning the problem into verifiable modules much stronger verification claims can be established. Since strategic resolution involves searching for solutions over an enormous state space, Stratway, like most similar algorithms, searches these spaces by applying heuristics, which present especially difficult verification challenges. An advantage of a modular approach is that it makes a clear distinction between the resolution function and the trajectory generation function. This allows the resolution computation to be independent of any particular vehicle. The Stratway algorithm was developed in both Java and C++ and is available through a open source license. Additionally there is a visualization application that is helpful when analyzing and quickly creating conflict scenarios.

NASA strategic plan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1994-01-01

The NASA Strategic Plan is a living document. It provides far-reaching goals and objectives to create stability for NASA's efforts. The Plan presents NASA's top-level strategy: it articulates what NASA does and for whom; it differentiates between ends and means; it states where NASA is going and what NASA intends to do to get there. This Plan is not a budget document, nor does it present priorities for current or future programs. Rather, it establishes a framework for shaping NASA's activities and developing a balanced set of priorities across the Agency. Such priorities will then be reflected in the NASA budget. The document includes vision, mission, and goals; external environment; conceptual framework; strategic enterprises (Mission to Planet Earth, aeronautics, human exploration and development of space, scientific research, space technology, and synergy); strategic functions (transportation to space, space communications, human resources, and physical resources); values and operating principles; implementing strategy; and senior management team concurrence.

Decoupling the use and meaning of strategic plans in public healthcare

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The culture of New Public Management has promoted the diffusion of strategic management tools throughout Public Healthcare Organisations (PHOs). There is consensus that better strategic planning tools are required to achieve higher levels of organisational performance. This paper provides evidence and understanding of the emergent uses and scope of strategic planning in PHOs, in order to answer three research questions: (i) has the New Public Management approach changed the organisational culture of PHOs in terms of how they adopt, diffuse, and use strategic planning documents? (ii) how coherent are strategic planning documents in PHOs? and (iii) what are the main purposes of strategic documents in PHOs? Methods An analysis was carried out in three Italian Local Health Authorities. We analysed the number and types of formal strategic documents adopted between 2004 and 2012, evaluating their degree of coherence and coordination, their hierarchy, their degree of disclosure, and the consistency of their strategic goals. A content analysis was performed to investigate overlap in terms of content and focus, and a qualitative analysis was carried out to study and represent the relationships between documents. Results The analysis showed that a rich set of strategic documents were adopted by each PHO. However, these are often uncoordinated and overlap in terms of content. They adopt different language and formats for various stakeholders. The presence of diverse external drivers may explain the divergent focus, priorities and inconsistent goals in the strategic documents. This planning complexity makes it difficult to determine how the overall goals and mission of an organisation are defined and made visible. Conclusions The evidence suggests that PHOs use a considerable number of strategic documents. However, they employ no clear or explicit overarching strategy currently, and strategic planning appears to be externally oriented. All the documents communicate similar topics to different stakeholders, although they use different language to answer to the different expectations of each stakeholder. Therefore, strategic planning and plans seem to be driven by neo-institutional approaches, as they are means to build consensus and negotiate ground for strategic actions, rather than means to identify strategic choices and priorities. PMID:23289527

Decoupling the use and meaning of strategic plans in public healthcare.

PubMed

Lega, Federico; Longo, Francesco; Rotolo, Andrea

2013-01-04

The culture of New Public Management has promoted the diffusion of strategic management tools throughout Public Healthcare Organisations (PHOs). There is consensus that better strategic planning tools are required to achieve higher levels of organisational performance. This paper provides evidence and understanding of the emergent uses and scope of strategic planning in PHOs, in order to answer three research questions: (i) has the New Public Management approach changed the organisational culture of PHOs in terms of how they adopt, diffuse, and use strategic planning documents? (ii) how coherent are strategic planning documents in PHOs? and (iii) what are the main purposes of strategic documents in PHOs? An analysis was carried out in three Italian Local Health Authorities. We analysed the number and types of formal strategic documents adopted between 2004 and 2012, evaluating their degree of coherence and coordination, their hierarchy, their degree of disclosure, and the consistency of their strategic goals. A content analysis was performed to investigate overlap in terms of content and focus, and a qualitative analysis was carried out to study and represent the relationships between documents. The analysis showed that a rich set of strategic documents were adopted by each PHO. However, these are often uncoordinated and overlap in terms of content. They adopt different language and formats for various stakeholders. The presence of diverse external drivers may explain the divergent focus, priorities and inconsistent goals in the strategic documents. This planning complexity makes it difficult to determine how the overall goals and mission of an organisation are defined and made visible. The evidence suggests that PHOs use a considerable number of strategic documents. However, they employ no clear or explicit overarching strategy currently, and strategic planning appears to be externally oriented. All the documents communicate similar topics to different stakeholders, although they use different language to answer to the different expectations of each stakeholder. Therefore, strategic planning and plans seem to be driven by neo-institutional approaches, as they are means to build consensus and negotiate ground for strategic actions, rather than means to identify strategic choices and priorities.

Innovative human resource practices in U.S. hospitals: an empirical study.

PubMed

Platonova, Elena A; Hernandez, S Robert

2013-01-01

Contemporary organizations increasingly recognize human resource (HR) capabilities as a source of sustained competitive advantage; about 80% of an organization's value is attributable to intangible assets, including human assets and capital. Some scholars consider effective human resource management (HRM) the single most important factor affecting organizational performance. This study examined (1) the extent to which HRM strategies were included in organizational strategic planning and (2) the association between the involvement of senior HR professionals in strategic planning and the use of innovative HR practices in U.S. hospitals employing strategic HRM theory. A survey was administered to 168 chief executive officers and HR executives from 85 hospitals during spring 2005. Binary logistic regression was conducted to determine whether HRM involvement was associated with the use of innovative HRM strategies in the hospitals. We found significant associations between HRM strategy inclusion in the strategic planning process and senior HR professionals' involvement in organizational strategic planning and in three innovative HR activities: finding talent in advance for key job openings (odds ratio [OR] = 4.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-7.38), stressing organizational culture and values in the selection process (OR = 3.97, 95% CI: 1.01-3.97), and basing individual or team compensation on goal-oriented results (OR = 6.17, 95% CI: 1.17-3.37). Our data indicate that innovative HR practices were underused in some U.S. hospitals despite their potential to improve overall hospital performance. Hospitals that emphasized effective HRM were more likely to use some of the innovative HR approaches. In this article, we discuss this research and the practical implications of the findings.

Laboratory directed research and development FY98 annual report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Al-Ayat, R; Holzrichter, J

1999-05-01

In 1984, Congress and the Department of Energy (DOE) established the Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program to enable the director of a national laboratory to foster and expedite innovative research and development (R and D) in mission areas. The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) continually examines these mission areas through strategic planning and shapes the LDRD Program to meet its long-term vision. The goal of the LDRD Program is to spur development of new scientific and technical capabilities that enable LLNL to respond to the challenges within its evolving mission areas. In addition, the LDRD Program provides LLNLmore » with the flexibility to nurture and enrich essential scientific and technical competencies and enables the Laboratory to attract the most qualified scientists and engineers. The FY98 LDRD portfolio described in this annual report has been carefully structured to continue the tradition of vigorously supporting DOE and LLNL strategic vision and evolving mission areas. The projects selected for LDRD funding undergo stringent review and selection processes, which emphasize strategic relevance and require technical peer reviews of proposals by external and internal experts. These FY98 projects emphasize the Laboratory's national security needs: stewardship of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile, responsibility for the counter- and nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, development of high-performance computing, and support of DOE environmental research and waste management programs.« less

Computation of Material Demand in the Risk Assessment and Mitigation Framework for Strategic Materials (RAMF-SM) Process

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-08-01

Congress concerning requirements for the National Defense Stockpile (NDS) of strategic and critical non- fuel materials. 1 RAMF-SM, which was...critical non- fuel materials. The NDS was established in the World War II era and has been managed by the Department of Defense (DOD) since 1988. By...Department of the Interior. An alternative algorithm is used for materials with intensive defense demands. v Contents 1 .  Introduction

Assessing strategic behaviour within the acute sector of the National Health Service.

PubMed

Chaston, I

1994-01-01

The creation of the internal market has merely been the latest progression in the change processes confronting the NHS over recent years as the UK Government searches for new ways of expanding patient output while concurrently restricting provision of additional financial resources. To assist in the implementation of change, acute sector providers have introduced managerial concepts from the private sector such as strategic planning. It is not clear, however, whether these techniques are appropriate or effective in the management of health-care services. A survey was undertaken to gain the perspectives of middle managers in acute units on the degree to which senior management involves them in determining performance goals and strategic plans. Results indicate that in most units, the orientation of senior management is to retain control over key issues associated with strategic planning and to minimize the degree to which the workforce is involved in any decision-making processes. Reviewing these results relative to the service-sector management theories concerning the options of industrializing or employee empowerment strategies indicates that senior management in the acute sector is operating a production-line service output philosophy. Although this orientation may meet the immediate needs of the UK Government, a review of how this strategic philosophy has severely weakened Western firms' position in world markets provides a basis for examining whether greater economic advantages might accrue to Britain by redirecting the management of change in the NHS towards a strategic philosophy based on employee empowerment.

Detector and readout performance goals for quantum well and strained layer superlattice focal plane arrays imaging under tactical and strategic backgrounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bandara, Sumith V.

2009-11-01

Advancements in III-V semiconductor based, Quantum-well infrared photodetector (QWIP) and Type-II Strained-Layer Superlattice detector (T2SLS) technologies have yielded highly uniform, large-format long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) QWIP FPAs and high quantum efficiency (QE), small format, LWIR T2SLS FPAs. In this article, we have analyzed the QWIP and T2SLS detector level performance requirements and readout integrated circuit (ROIC) noise levels for several staring array long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) imaging applications at various background levels. As a result of lower absorption QE and less than unity photoconductive gain, QWIP FPAs are appropriate for high background tactical applications. However, if the application restricts the integration time, QWIP FPA performance may be limited by the read noise of the ROIC. Rapid progress in T2SLS detector material has already demonstrated LWIR detectors with sufficient performance for tactical applications and potential for strategic applications. However, significant research is needed to suppress surface leakage currents in order to reproduce performances at pixel levels of T2SLS FPAs.

Navigating the AIDS industry: being poor and positive in Tanzania.

PubMed

Boesten, Jelke

2011-01-01

This article shows how poor people living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania navigate a myriad of actors, agencies and organizations to obtain the aid they need to survive. It focuses on community-based organizations which establish networks of care through which people obtain care, treatment and financial support. A case study of a roadside town in Tanzania illustrates that these community-based networks of care — essential to the survival of many — are partly the product of the AIDS industry, which encourages the establishment of community-based organizations and voluntary service delivery rather than more formalized systems of care. Community-based organizations, however, are so poorly supported that they often deploy self-destructive strategies. The need to strategically navigate the AIDS industry creates tension and even conflict among HIV-positive activists, the people they represent and the wider community, which undermines rather than strengthens community-based interventions. Whilst the AIDS industry promises inclusion of HIV-positive people in the response to HIV/AIDS, it succeeds only partially, with the result that it may potentially do more harm than good.

ICD-10: from assessment to remediation to strategic opportunity.

PubMed

Dugan, John K

2012-02-01

Healthcare finance teams should perform an enterprisewide assessment to determine what ICD-10 means to their organization, strategically, operationally, and financially. CFOs should strategically evaluate the impact of ICD-10 on the organization's entire financial operation. Organizations should have a contingency plan in place across all processes.

Work schedule manager gap analysis : assessing the future training needs of work schedule managers using a strategic job analysis approach.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-05-01

This report documents the results of a strategic job analysis that examined the job tasks and knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (KSAOs) needed to perform the job of a work schedule manager. The strategic job analysis compared in...

Work schedule manager gap analysis : assessing the future training needs of work schedule managers using a strategic job analysis approach

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-05-01

This report documents the results of a strategic job analysis that examined the job tasks and knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (KSAOs) needed to perform the job of a work schedule manager. The strategic job analysis compared in...

10 CFR 74.33 - Nuclear material control and accounting for uranium enrichment facilities authorized to produce...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... enrichment facilities authorized to produce special nuclear material of low strategic significance. 74.33... NUCLEAR MATERIAL Special Nuclear Material of Low Strategic Significance § 74.33 Nuclear material control... strategic significance. (a) General performance objectives. Each licensee who is authorized by this chapter...

Review of "Education Olympics 2008: The Games in Review"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fierros, Edward G.; Kornhaber, Mindy

2008-01-01

This review examines the recently released Thomas P. Fordham Institute report, "Education Olympics: The Games in Review." Published just after the completion of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, Education Olympics strategically parallels the international competition by awarding gold, silver and bronze medals to top performing countries based on…

Performance study of aluminum shielded room for ultra-low-field magnetic resonance imaging based on SQUID: Simulations and experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Bo; Dong, Hui; Huang, Xiao-Lei; Qiu, Yang; Tao, Quan; Zhu, Jian-Ming

2018-02-01

Not Available Project supported in part by the Strategic Priority Research Program (B) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. XDB04020200) and in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 11204339).

An Assessment of Small Submarines and Encapsulation of Ballistic Missiles--Phase 2 Survey

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-11-01

capsules will tend to offset the reduced investment costs of the submarine. It would be necessary to deter- mine total sytem costs (including RDT&E...missile basing concepts and missile performance characteristics required to counter potential Soviet strategic offensive forces and ABM proliferation

U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid Five-Year Plan, 2006-2010

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

US Department of Education, 2006

2006-01-01

This document reflects Federal Student Aid's solid progress in meeting strategic objectives since becoming a Performance-Based Organization. Specifically, the plan addresses continuing efforts to increase program integrity, improve customer service and achieve measurable results in the management and administration of the Title IV student…

75 FR 37815 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Two-Year Extension of an Existing Information...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-30

... measures, collects data on overall project performance related to the Bureau's strategic goals, objectives, outcomes, and indicators. Progress will be measured based on the objectives of the grant project, and... health professions and nursing education and training programs. The reporting system measures the grantee...

The Logic of Equity Practice in "Queensland State Education"--2010

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taylor, Sandra; Singh, Parlo

2005-01-01

This paper reports on an interview-based study which explored the implementation of a major policy initiative in Queensland, Australia, with particular attention to social justice issues. Interviews were conducted with key policy actors in three sections of the bureaucracy: strategic directions, performance and measurement; curriculum and…

Integrating Outcomes Assessment into Optometry Education: A Strategic Guide for Enhancing Student Learning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beck, Diane E.; Daum, Kent M.

2003-01-01

Outlines eight steps that will help optometry schools transition a faculty from "denial" of the need for assessment to "institutionalization": establish a collaborative environment, establish an infrastructure that makes assessment an integral activity, recruit a leader for full implementation of outcomes assessment, conduct a needs assessment,…

Soviet News and Propaganda Analysis Based on RED STAR (The Official Newspaper of the Soviet Defense Establishment) for the Period 1-31 December 1984. Volume 4, Number 12.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-12-31

junior officers to make independent decisons and learn on their own, but their guidance and criticism should always be available. " Several officers on a...preparations for World War III. It is modernizing and increasing the strength of its strategic nuclear forces. * The Reagan administration will not be reasonable ... attention on counterpropaganda. Classes should focus on rebuttals to NATO-U.S. propaganda. E-5 E-5 - • I . -- -. " - - •- , . . .". . . l- ~ .i -.. , .ii

The trend of carbon emission in Henan Province under the background of renewable energy development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Hongkun; Li, Hujun; Deng, Fangzhao; Zheng, Yanan

2018-06-01

In order to achieve the goal of I5% and 20% of the primary energy consumption in 2020 and 2030, clean low-carbon modern energy systems must be established rapidly. Based on the strategic planning of electric power resources, this paper deeply studies the development trend of renewable energy power generation in Henan Province, compares it with the whole country and central China and analyzes the peak of carbon dioxide emissions from power generation capacity, which provides reference for government and power industry development plan.

Martian settlement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roberts, Barney B.

1987-01-01

The rationale for a manned Mars mission and the establishment of a base is divided into three areas: science, resource utilization, and strategic issues. The effects of a Mars mission on the objectives of near-term NASA programs, and the applications of these programs to a Mars mission are examined. The use of extraterrestrial resources to supply space settlements and thereby reduce transportation costs is studied; the development of systems for extraterrestrial materials processing will need to be researched. The possibility of a joint U.S./Soviet Mars mission is discussed by the symposium participants.

Individual Markers of Resilience in Train Traffic Control: The Role of Operators' Goals and Strategic Mental Models and Implications for Variation, Expertise, and Performance.

PubMed

Lo, Julia C; Pluyter, Kari R; Meijer, Sebastiaan A

2016-02-01

The aim of this study was to examine individual markers of resilience and obtain quantitative insights into the understanding and the implications of variation and expertise levels in train traffic operators' goals and strategic mental models and their impact on performance. The Dutch railways are one of the world's most heavy utilized railway networks and have been identified to be weak in system and organizational resilience. Twenty-two train traffic controllers enacted two scenarios in a human-in-the-loop simulator. Their experience, goals, strategic mental models, and performance were assessed through questionnaires and simulator logs. Goals were operationalized through performance indicators and strategic mental models through train completion strategies. A variation was found between operators for both self-reported primary performance indicators and completion strategies. Further, the primary goal of only 14% of the operators reflected the primary organizational goal (i.e., arrival punctuality). An incongruence was also found between train traffic controllers' self-reported performance indicators and objective performance in a more disrupted condition. The level of experience tends to affect performance differently. There is a gap between primary organizational goals and preferred individual goals. Further, the relative strong diversity in primary operator goals and strategic mental models indicates weak resilience at the individual level. With recent and upcoming large-scale changes throughout the sociotechnical space of the railway infrastructure organization, the findings are useful to facilitate future railway traffic control and the development of a resilient system. © 2015, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

The Empirical Analysis of Impact of Alliances on Airline Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Iatrou, Kostas; Alamdari, Fariba

2003-01-01

Airline alliances are dominating the current air transport industry with the largest carriers of the world belonging to one of the four alliance groupings - "Wings", Star Alliance, one world, SkyTeam - which represent 56% of world Revenue Passenger Kilometers. Although much research has been carried out to evaluate the impact of alliance membership on performance of airlines, it would be of interest to ascertain the degree of impact perceived by participating airlines in alliances. It is the purpose of this paper to gather the opinion of all the airlines, belonging to the four global alliance groupings on the impact alliances have had on their traffic and on their performance in general To achieve this, a comprehensive survey of the alliance management departments of airlines participating in the four global strategic alliances was carried out. With this framework the survey has examined which type of cooperation among carriers (FFP, Code Share, Strategic Alliance without antitrust immunity, Strategic Alliance with antitrust immunity) has produced the most positive impact on traffic and which type of route (short haul, long haul, hub-hub, hub-non hub, non hub-non hub) has been mostly affected. In addition, the respondent airlines quantified the effect alliances have had on specific areas of their operation, such as load factors, traffic, costs, revenue and fares. Their responses have been analysed under each global alliances grouping, under airline and under geographic region to establish which group, type of carrier and geographic region has benefited most. The results show that each of the four global alliances groupings has experienced different results according to the type of collaboration agreed amongst their member airlines.

A comprehensive SWOT audit of the role of the biomedical physicist in the education of healthcare professionals in Europe.

PubMed

Caruana, C J; Wasilewska-Radwanska, M; Aurengo, A; Dendy, P P; Karenauskaite, V; Malisan, M R; Meijer, J H; Mihov, D; Mornstein, V; Rokita, E; Vano, E; Weckstrom, M; Wucherer, M

2010-04-01

Although biomedical physicists provide educational services to the healthcare professions in the majority of universities in Europe, their precise role with respect to the education of the healthcare professions has not been studied systematically. To address this issue we are conducting a research project to produce a strategic development model for the role using the well-established SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) methodology. SWOT based strategic planning is a two-step process: one first carries out a SWOT position audit and then uses the identified SWOT themes to construct the strategic development model. This paper reports the results of a SWOT audit for the role of the biomedical physicist in the education of the healthcare professions in Europe. Internal Strengths and Weaknesses of the role were identified through a qualitative survey of biomedical physics departments and biomedical physics curricula delivered to healthcare professionals across Europe. External environmental Opportunities and Threats were identified through a systematic survey of the healthcare, healthcare professional education and higher education literature and categorized under standard PEST (Political, Economic, Social-Psychological, Technological-Scientific) categories. The paper includes an appendix of terminology. Defined terms are marked with an asterisk in the text. Copyright 2009 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lessons Learned from U.S. Government Law Enforcement in International Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-12-01

NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army War College,Strategic Studies Institute,122 Forbes Avenue,Carlisle,PA,17013 8...the Department of the Army, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government. Authors of Strategic Studies Institute (SSI) publica- tions enjoy full...Director, Strategic Studies Institute, U.S. Army War College, 122 Forbes Ave, Carlisle, PA 17013-5244. ***** All Strategic Studies Institute (SSI

The role of semantic memory in short-term recall: effect of strategic retrieval ability in an elderly population.

PubMed

Larigauderie, Pascale; Michaud, Aurelie; Vicente, Siobhan

2011-03-01

The present paper examines the relationship between two classic phenomena: semantic effects in short-term recall (STR) tasks, which are interpreted as indicating the involvement of long-term memory (LTM) in the functioning of short-term memory, on the one hand, and the existence of individual differences amongst elderly people in strategic retrieval ability (i.e., the ability to activate representations in LTM in a controlled way) on the other hand. Forty elderly participants completed a STR task under four different conditions which were thought to differentially involve LTM representations. Several executive functions, among which the strategic retrieval ability, were evaluated. The results showed that the participants who obtained the best performances in terms of strategic retrieval ability, and only in this executive ability, also exhibited better performances in the STR task, in particular when this task was performed under conditions which favored the use of LTM.

[The strategic purchasing of health services: a big opportunity for the National Universal Health System].

PubMed

González-Block, Miguel Ángel; Alarcón Irigoyen, José; Figueroa Lara, Alejandro; Ibarra Espinosa, Ignacio; Cortés Llamas, Noemí

2015-01-01

proposed to establish a service packages, whether through a single obligatory list or through the definition of a flexible, high priority set to be offered to specific populations according to their economic possibilities. For the strategic purchasing of services, two alternatives are proposed: to assign the fund either to a single national manager or to each of the existing public provider institutions, with the expectation that they would contract across each other and with private providers to fulfill their complementary needs.The proposal does not consider the risks and alternatives to a single tax contribution fund, which could have been suggested given that it is not an essential part of a National Universal Health System. However, it is necessary to discuss in more detail the roles and strategies for a national single-payer, especially for the strategic purchasing of high-cost and specialized interventions in the context of public and private providers. The alternative of allocating funds directly to providers would undermine the incentives for competition and collaboration and the capacity to steer providers towards the provision of high quality health services.It is proposed to focus the discussion of the reform of the national health system around strategic purchasing and the functions and structure of a single-payer as well as of agencies to articulate integrated health service networks as tools to promote quality and efficiency of the National Universal Health System. The inclusion of economic incentives to providers will be vital for competition, but also for the cooperation of providers within integrated, multi-institutional health service networks.Health professionals and sector policy specialists coordinated by the Centro de Estudios Espinosa Yglesi as in Mexico propose a policy to anchor the health system in primary care centered on the individual. The vision includes effective stewardship,solid financing, and the provision of services by a plurality of providers - including eventually those in the private sector. A unified approach to financing health through a unique, exclusively tax-based fund would be established. Alternatives are

Costa - Introduction to 2015 Annual Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Costa, James E.

In parallel with Sandia National Laboratories having two major locations (NM and CA), along with a number of smaller facilities across the nation, so too is the distribution of scientific, engineering and computing resources. As a part of Sandia’s Institutional Computing Program, CA site-based Sandia computer scientists and engineers have been providing mission and research staff with local CA resident expertise on computing options while also focusing on two growing high performance computing research problems. The first is how to increase system resilience to failure, as machines grow larger, more complex and heterogeneous. The second is how to ensure thatmore » computer hardware and configurations are optimized for specialized data analytical mission needs within the overall Sandia computing environment, including the HPC subenvironment. All of these activities support the larger Sandia effort in accelerating development and integration of high performance computing into national security missions. Sandia continues to both promote national R&D objectives, including the recent Presidential Executive Order establishing the National Strategic Computing Initiative and work to ensure that the full range of computing services and capabilities are available for all mission responsibilities, from national security to energy to homeland defense.« less

Performance improvement and implementation science: infection prevention competencies for current and future role development.

PubMed

Hanchett, Marilyn

2012-05-01

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc, developed its first model of infection preventionist (IP) competency in 2011. The model is based on the principles of patient safety, professional and practice standards, and core competencies identified through research conducted by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. In addition, the model highlights 4 domains that are predicted to be key areas for future competency development. Performance improvement (PI) and implementation represent 1 of the 4 forward-focused domains. Concurrently, the inclusion of implementation science (IS) in the competency model is consistent with the research goals established by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc, in its 2020 strategic plan. This article explains the importance of PI and IS and describes their relevance to the current and future IP role development. Significant challenges such as role delineation and compression are discussed. The need for the IP to acquire new competencies at integrating, as well as differentiating, PI and IS are explored in terms of emerging issues and trends. Copyright © 2012 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

An Empirical and Qualitative Study of the Strategic Planning Process of a Higher Education Institution

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aleong, Chandra

2007-01-01

This paper discusses whether there are differences in performance based on differences in strategy. First, an attempt was made to determine whether the institution had a strategy, and if so, did it follow a particular model. Major models of strategy are the industry analysis approach, the resource based view or the RBV model and the more recent,…

Using computer software to improve group decision-making.

PubMed

Mockler, R J; Dologite, D G

1991-08-01

This article provides a review of some of the work done in the area of knowledge-based systems for strategic planning. Since 1985, with the founding of the Center for Knowledge-based Systems for Business Management, the project has focused on developing knowledge-based systems (KBS) based on these models. In addition, the project also involves developing a variety of computer and non-computer methods and techniques for assisting both technical and non-technical managers and individuals to do decision modelling and KBS development. This paper presents a summary of one segment of the project: a description of integrative groupware useful in strategic planning. The work described here is part of an ongoing research project. As part of this project, for example, over 200 non-technical and technical business managers, most of them working full-time during the project, developed over 160 KBS prototype systems in conjunction with MBA course in strategic planning and management decision making. Based on replies to a survey of this test group, 28 per cent of the survey respondents reported their KBS were used at work, 21 per cent reportedly received promotions, pay rises or new jobs based on their KBS development work, and 12 per cent reported their work led to participation in other KBS development projects at work. All but two of the survey respondents reported that their work on the KBS development project led to a substantial increase in their job knowledge or performance.

Age Differences in Strategic Planning as Indexed by the Tower of London

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Albert, Dustin; Steinberg, Laurence

2011-01-01

The present study examined age differences in performance on the Tower of London, a measure of strategic planning, in a diverse sample of 890 individuals between the ages of 10 and 30. Although mature performance was attained by age 17 on relatively easy problems, performance on the hardest problems showed improvements into the early 20s.…

The Influence of Working Memory Load on Expectancy-Based Strategic Processes in the Stroop-Priming Task.

PubMed

Ortells, Juan J; Álvarez, Dolores; Noguera, Carmen; Carmona, Encarna; de Fockert, Jan W

2017-01-01

The present study investigated whether a differential availability of cognitive control resources as a result of varying working memory (WM) load could affect the capacity for expectancy-based strategic actions. Participants performed a Stroop-priming task in which a prime word (GREEN or RED) was followed by a colored target (red vs. green) that participants had to identify. The prime was incongruent or congruent with the target color on 80 and 20% of the trials, respectively, and participants were informed about the differential proportion of congruent vs. incongruent trials. This task was interleaved with a WM task, such that the prime word was preceded by a sequence of either a same digit repeated five times (low load) or five different random digits (high load), which should be retained by participants. After two, three, or four Stroop trials, they had to decide whether or not a probe digit was a part of the memory set. The key finding was a significant interaction between prime-target congruency and WM load: Whereas a strategy-dependent (reversed Stroop) effect was found under low WM load, a standard Stroop interference effect was observed under high WM load. These findings demonstrate that the availability of WM is crucial for implementing expectancy-based strategic actions.

Strategic activity and financial performance of U.S. rural hospitals: a national study, 1983 to 1988.

PubMed

Mick, S S; Morlock, L L; Salkever, D; de Lissovoy, G; Malitz, F; Wise, C G; Jones, A

1994-01-01

This study examines the effect of 13 strategic management activities on the financial performance of a national sample of 797 U.S. rural hospitals during the period of 1983-1988. Controlled for environment-market, geographic-region, and hospital-related variables, the results show almost no measurable effect of strategic adoption on rural hospital profitability and liquidity. Where statistically significant relationships existed, they were more often negative than positive. These findings were not expected; it was hypothesized that positive effects across a broad range of strategies would emerge, other things being equal. Discussed are possible explanations for these findings as well as their implication for a rural health policy relying on individual rural hospital strategic adaptation to environmental change.

78 FR 55257 - Request for Comments on the Draft Departmental Strategic Plan for FY 2014-2018

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-10

... strategic planning consultation process is an opportunity for the Department to refine and strengthen the... and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, Strategic Planning... planning process under the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2010 (GPRA-MA) (Pub. L...

Exploring the Strategic Role of Human Resource Development in Organizational Crisis Management

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wang, Jia; Hutchins, Holly M.; Garavan, Thomas N.

2009-01-01

Crisis management has been a largely overlooked territory in human resource development (HRD) despite the increasingly recognized impact of organizational crises on the individual and organizational performance. This article explores the strategic role of HRD in the context of organizational crisis management using Garavan's strategic HRD model as…

Analysing the quality of routine malaria data in Mozambique.

PubMed

Chilundo, Baltazar; Sundby, Johanne; Aanestad, Margunn

2004-03-03

In Mozambique, malaria is the principal cause of morbidity and mortality. Efforts are being made to increase control activities within communities. These activities require management decisions based on evidence of malaria incidence. Although some data generated are of poor quality, there is little research towards improving the reporting systems. An analysis of the quality of routine malaria data was performed in selected districts in Southern Mozambique from August to September 2003. The aim was to assess the quality of the source data in terms of completeness, correctness and consistency across management levels. Analysis revealed primary data to be of poor quality. The diversity of reporting systems with limited coordination give rise to redundancies and wastage of resources. There was evidence of "invention" of data in health facilities contributing to an incorrect representation of malaria incidence. Large, "non-clinical", time-based variations of malaria cases due to reporting delays were also noted, contributing to false alerts of outbreaks.Furthermore, targets established in the national strategic plan for malaria cannot be calculated through the existing systems; this is the case, for example, for data related to pregnant women and children under-five years. The existing reporting system for malaria is currently not satisfying the information needs of managers. It is suggested that one standardized system, including the creation of one form to include the essential variables required for the calculation of key indicators by age, gender and pregnancy status, and to establish a national database that maps malaria by location.

What Happens to Deterrence as Nuclear Weapons Decrease Toward Zero?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drell, Sidney

2011-04-01

Steps reducing reliance on deployed nuclear weapons en route to zero will be discussed. They include broadly enhancing cooperation and transparency agreements beyond the provisions for verifying limits on deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems in the New START treaty. Two questions that will be addressed are: What conditions would have to be established in order to maintain strategic stability among nations as nuclear weapons recede in importance? What would nuclear deterrence be like in a world without nuclear weapons?

Profit maximization, industry structure, and competition: A critique of neoclassical theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keen, Steve; Standish, Russell

2006-10-01

Neoclassical economics has two theories of competition between profit-maximizing firms-Marshallian and Cournot-Nash-that start from different premises about the degree of strategic interaction between firms, yet reach the same result, that market price falls as the number of firms in an industry increases. The Marshallian argument is strictly false. We integrate the different premises, and establish that the optimal level of strategic interaction between competing firms is zero. Simulations support our analysis and reveal intriguing emergent behaviors.

The management of advanced practitioner preparation: a work-based challenge.

PubMed

Livesley, Joan; Waters, Karen; Tarbuck, Paul

2009-07-01

This paper explores the collaborative development of a Master's level advanced practice programme in the context of the radical reform and remodelling of the UK's National Health Service. Some of the educational, managerial and practice challenges are discussed. Changes to education and training in response to key strategic reviews undertaken by the Greater Manchester Strategic Health Authority (North West of England) established a need to develop nurses and allied health care practitioners to advanced practitioner level. This paper considers how employers, commissioners and educationalists worked together to produce a Master's level programme to prepare nurses and other health care practitioners for sustainable advanced practice roles. Developing innovative and effective curricula to meet the needs of post graduate students from varied backgrounds preparing to practice in different contexts with different client groups is challenging. However, the development of individual learning pathways and work-based learning ensures that the student's work and intended advanced practice role remains at the centre of their learning. Analysis of each student's knowledge and skill deficits alongside an analysis of the organization's readiness to support them as qualified advanced practitioners (APs) is instrumental in ensuring that organizations are ready to support practitioners in new roles. Work-based learning and collaboration between students, employers and higher education institutions can be used to enable managers and students to unravel the network of factors which affect advanced practice in health and social care. Additionally, collaborative working can help to create opportunities to develop strategies that will facilitate change. Implications for nursing management Sustainable change concerned with the introduction of advanced practitioner roles present a real challenge for managers at a strategic and operational level. Commissioning flexible, collaborative and service-led educational programmes can assist in ensuring that change is sustainable and produce practitioners who are fit for practice, purpose and award.

Analysis of the policymaking process in Burkina Faso's health sector: case studies of the creation of two health system support units.

PubMed

Zida, Andre; Lavis, John N; Sewankambo, Nelson K; Kouyate, Bocar; Moat, Kaelan; Shearer, Jessica

2017-02-13

Burkina Faso has made a number of health system policy decisions to improve performance on health indicators and strengthen responsiveness to health-related challenges. These included the creation of a General Directorate of Health Information and Statistics (DGISS) and a technical unit to coordinate performance-based financing (CT-FBR). We analysed the policymaking processes associated with the establishment of these units, and documented the factors that influenced this process. We used a multiple-case study design based on Kingdon's agenda-setting model to investigate the DGISS and CT-FBR policymaking processes. Data were collected from interviews with key informants (n = 28), published literature, policy documents (including two strategic and 230 action plans), and 55 legal/regulatory texts. Interviews were analysed using thematic qualitative analysis. Data from the documentary analysis were triangulated with the qualitative interview data. Key factors influencing the policymaking processes associated with the two units involved the 'problem' (problem identification), 'policy' (formation of policy proposals), and 'politics' (political climate/change) streams, which came together in a way that resulted in proposals being placed on the decision agenda. A number of problems with Burkina Faso's health information and financing systems were identified. Policy proposals for the DGISS and CT-FBR units were developed in response to these problems, emerging from several sources including development partners. Changes in political and public service administrations (specifically the 2008 appointment of a new Minister of Health and the establishment of a new budget allocation system), with corresponding changes in the actors and interests involved, appeared key in elevating the proposals to the decision agenda. Efforts to improve performance on health indicators and strengthen responsiveness to health-related challenges need focus on the need for a compelling problem, a viable policy, and conducive politics in order to make it to the decision agenda.

Promoting a Strategic Approach to Clinical Nurse Leader Practice Integration.

PubMed

Williams, Marjory; Avolio, Alice E; Ott, Karen M; Miltner, Rebecca S

2016-01-01

The Office of Nursing Services of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) piloted implementation of the clinical nurse leader (CNL) into the care delivery model and established a strategic goal in 2011 to implement the CNL role across the VA health care system. The VA Office of Nursing Services CNL Implementation and Evaluation (CNL I&E) Service was created as one mechanism to facilitate that goal in response to a need identified by facility nurse executives for consultative support for CNL practice integration. This article discusses strategies employed by the CNL I&E consultative team to help facility-level nursing leadership integrate CNLs into practice. Measures of success include steady growth in CNL practice capacity as well as positive feedback from nurse executives about the value of consultative engagement. Future steps to better integrate CNL practice into the VA include consolidation of lessons learned, collaboration to strengthen the evidence base for CNL practice, and further exploration of the transformational potential of CNL practice across the care continuum.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

The Computing and Communications (C) Division is responsible for the Laboratory's Integrated Computing Network (ICN) as well as Laboratory-wide communications. Our computing network, used by 8,000 people distributed throughout the nation, constitutes one of the most powerful scientific computing facilities in the world. In addition to the stable production environment of the ICN, we have taken a leadership role in high-performance computing and have established the Advanced Computing Laboratory (ACL), the site of research on experimental, massively parallel computers; high-speed communication networks; distributed computing; and a broad variety of advanced applications. The computational resources available in the ACL are ofmore » the type needed to solve problems critical to national needs, the so-called Grand Challenge'' problems. The purpose of this publication is to inform our clients of our strategic and operating plans in these important areas. We review major accomplishments since late 1990 and describe our strategic planning goals and specific projects that will guide our operations over the next few years. Our mission statement, planning considerations, and management policies and practices are also included.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

The Computing and Communications (C) Division is responsible for the Laboratory`s Integrated Computing Network (ICN) as well as Laboratory-wide communications. Our computing network, used by 8,000 people distributed throughout the nation, constitutes one of the most powerful scientific computing facilities in the world. In addition to the stable production environment of the ICN, we have taken a leadership role in high-performance computing and have established the Advanced Computing Laboratory (ACL), the site of research on experimental, massively parallel computers; high-speed communication networks; distributed computing; and a broad variety of advanced applications. The computational resources available in the ACL are ofmore » the type needed to solve problems critical to national needs, the so-called ``Grand Challenge`` problems. The purpose of this publication is to inform our clients of our strategic and operating plans in these important areas. We review major accomplishments since late 1990 and describe our strategic planning goals and specific projects that will guide our operations over the next few years. Our mission statement, planning considerations, and management policies and practices are also included.« less

Development of Structural Energy Storage for Aeronautics Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Santiago-Dejesus, Diana; Loyselle, Patricia L.; Demattia, Brianne; Bednarcyk, Brett; Olson, Erik; Smith, Russell; Hare, David

2017-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has identified Multifunctional Structures for High Efficiency Lightweight Load-bearing Storage (M-SHELLS) as critical to development of hybrid gas-electric propulsion for commercial aeronautical transport in the N+3 timeframe. The established goals include reducing emissions by 80 and fuel consumption by 60 from todays state of the art. The advancement will enable technology for NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorates (ARMD) Strategic Thrust 3 to pioneer big leaps in efficiency and environmental performance for ultra-efficient commercial transports, as well as Strategic Thrust 4 to pioneer low-carbon propulsion technology in the transition to that scheme. The M-SHELLS concept addresses the hybrid gas-electric highest risk with its primary objective: to save structures energy storage system weight for future commercial hybrid electric propulsion aircraft by melding the load-carrying structure with energy storage in a single material. NASA's multifunctional approach also combines supercapacitor and battery chemistries in a synergistic energy storage arrangement in tandem with supporting good mechanical properties. The arrangement provides an advantageous combination of specific power, energy, and strength.

Using Key Performance Indicators to Drive Strategic Decision Making.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dolence, Michael G.; Norris, Donald M.

1994-01-01

A nine-step method for defining and pursuing key performance indicators (KPIs), derived from a strategic planning process, is outlined, and its applications at the University of Northern Colorado and Illinois Benedictine College are described and tabulated. A chart summarizes current and projected KPIs for Illinois Benedictine College for each…

Highway concrete pavement technology development and testing : volume III, field evaluation of Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) C-205 test sites (high-performance concrete).

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-05-01

This research study, sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration, summarizes the field performance of eight high-early-strength (HES) : concrete patches between 1994 and 1998. The patches were constructed under the Strategic Highway Research Prog...

The relevance of a rules-based maize marketing policy: an experimental case study of Zambia.

PubMed

Abbink, Klaus; Jayne, Thomas S; Moller, Lars C

2011-01-01

Strategic interaction between public and private actors is increasingly recognised as an important determinant of agricultural market performance in Africa and elsewhere. Trust and consultation tends to positively affect private activity while uncertainty of government behaviour impedes it. This paper reports on a laboratory experiment based on a stylised model of the Zambian maize market. The experiment facilitates a comparison between discretionary interventionism and a rules-based policy in which the government pre-commits itself to a future course of action. A simple precommitment rule can, in theory, overcome the prevailing strategic dilemma by encouraging private sector participation. Although this result is also borne out in the economic experiment, the improvement in private sector activity is surprisingly small and not statistically significant due to irrationally cautious choices by experimental governments. Encouragingly, a rules-based policy promotes a much more stable market outcome thereby substantially reducing the risk of severe food shortages. These results underscore the importance of predictable and transparent rules for the state's involvement in agricultural markets.

Strategic planning: today's hot buttons.

PubMed

Bohlmann, R C

1998-01-01

The first generation of mergers and managed care hasn't slowed down group practices' need for strategic planning. Even groups that already went through one merger are asking about new mergers or ownership possibilities, the future of managed care, performance standards and physician unhappiness. Strategic planning, including consideration of bench-marking, production of ancillary services and physician involvement, can help. Even if only a short, general look at the future, strategic planning shows the proactive leadership needed in today's environment.

Strategic research in the social sciences

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bainbridge, W.S.

1995-12-31

The federal government has identified a number of multi-agency funding initiatives for science in strategic areas, such as the initiatives on global environmental change and high performance computing, that give some role to the social sciences. Seven strategic areas for social science research are given with potential for federal funding: (1) Democratization. (2) Human Capital. (3) Administrative Science. (4) Cognitive Science. (5) High Performance Computing and Digital Libraries. (6) Human Dimensions of Environmental Change. and (7) Human Genetic Diversity. The first two are addressed in detail and the remainder as a group. 10 refs.

Maximizing the performance of photothermal actuators by combining smart materials with supplementary advantages

PubMed Central

Wang, Tongyu; Torres, David; Fernández, Félix E.; Wang, Chuan; Sepúlveda, Nelson

2017-01-01

The search for higher-performance photothermal microactuators has typically involved unavoidable trade-offs that hinder the demonstration of ubiquitous devices with high energy density, speed, flexibility, efficiency, sensitivity, and multifunctionality. Improving some of these parameters often implies deterioration of others. Photothermal actuators are driven by the conversion of absorbed optical energy into thermal energy, which, by different mechanisms, can produce mechanical displacement of a structure. We present a device that has been strategically designed to show high performance in every metric and respond to optical radiation of selected wavelength bands. The device combines the large energy densities and sensitivity of vanadium dioxide (VO2)–based actuators with the wavelength-selective absorption properties of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) films of different chiralities. SWNT coatings increased the speed of VO2 actuators by a factor of 2 while decreasing the power consumption by approximately 50%. Devices coated with metallic SWNT were found to be 1.57 times more responsive to red light than to near-infrared, whereas semiconducting SWNT coatings resulted in 1.42 times higher responsivities to near-infrared light than to red light. The added functionality establishes a link between optical and mechanical domains of high-performance photoactuators and enables the future development of mechanical logic gates and electronic devices that are triggered by optical radiation from different frequency bands. PMID:28439553

Oxygen vacancy induces self-doping effect and metalloid LSPR in non-stoichiometric tungsten suboxide synergistically contributing to the enhanced photoelectrocatalytic performance of WO3-x/TiO2-x heterojunction.

PubMed

Huang, Weicheng; Wang, Jinxin; Bian, Lang; Zhao, Chaoyue; Liu, Danqing; Guo, Chongshen; Yang, Bin; Cao, Wenwu

2018-06-27

A WO3-x/TiO2-x nanotube array (NTA) heterojunction photoanode was strategically designed to improve photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) performance by establishing a synergistic vacancy-induced self-doping effect and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of metalloid non-stoichiometric tungsten suboxide. The WO3-x/TiO2-x NTA heterojunction photoanode was synthesized through a successive process of anodic oxidation to form TiO2 nanotube arrays, magnetron sputtering to deposit metalloid WO3-x, and post-hydrogen reduction to engender oxygen vacancy in TiO2-x as well as crystallization. On the merits of such a synergistic effect, WO3-x/TiO2-x shows higher light-harvesting ability, stronger photocurrent response, and resultant improved photoelectrocatalytic performance than the contrast of WO3-x/TiO2, WO3/TiO2 and TiO2, confirming the importance of oxygen vacancies in improving PEC performance. Theoretical calculation based on density functional theory was applied to investigate the electronic structural features of samples and reveal how the oxygen vacancy determines the optical property. The carrier density tuning mechanism and charge transfer model were considered to be associated with the synergistic effect of self-doping and metalloid LSPR effect in the WO3-x/TiO2-x NTA.

How will it work? A qualitative study of strategic stakeholders' accounts of a patient safety initiative.

PubMed

Dixon-Woods, M; Tarrant, C; Willars, J; Suokas, A

2010-02-01

Implementation of quality improvement programmes may suffer if the stakeholders involved do not share a common understanding of the theory of change or do not accept it as legitimate. We aimed to identify how strategic stakeholders understood and responded to the first phase of the Health Foundation's Safer Patients Initiative, a programme aimed at making hospitals safer for patients in the UK. Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with 60 strategic-level hospital stakeholders and with five stakeholders involved in commissioning, designing and introducing the initiative. Analysis was based on the constant comparative method. The aims of the initiative were seen as legitimate and sound by most hospital stakeholders, and the theory of change was generally understood and accepted, but seven hospital stakeholders were unable to describe it. Although participants had specific doubts, particularly relating to feasibility of implementation and scientific legitimacy of some elements of the initiative, overall there was a broadly shared vision and commitment to the principles and practices associated with the theory of change, and considerable enthusiasm and optimism. Contestations about the legitimacy and relevance of the initiative among front-line staff, local resistance to changes that went against established norms, and resource and structural issues were, however, seen as potentially threatening to implementation. It is possible to get strategic-level individuals, even when widely dispersed, to understand and agree upon a theory of change that can be used in their organisations. These individuals are also able to recognise the contexts of negotiation in which programmes of change are enacted.

77 FR 37006 - Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-20

... 210, Peterson Air Force Base, CO 80914-4500. Back-up servers: U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM... JSME Project Manager, U.S. Strategic Command J663, 901 SAC Boulevard, Suite 3J11, Offutt Air Force Base...; System of Records AGENCY: U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), DoD. ACTION: Notice to add a system of...

Research and technology goals and objectives for Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM) is defined herein as the capability to efficiently perform checkout, testing, and monitoring of space transportation vehicles, subsystems, and components before, during, and after operational This includes the ability to perform timely status determination, diagnostics, and prognostics. IVHM must support fault-tolerant response including system/subsystem reconfiguration to prevent catastrophic failures; and IVHM must support the planning and scheduling of post-operational maintenance. The purpose of this document is to establish the rationale for IVHM and IVHM research and technology planning, and to develop technical goals and objectives. This document is prepared to provide a broad overview of IVHM for technology and advanced development activities and, more specifically, to provide a planning reference from an avionics viewpoint under the OAST Transportation Technology Program Strategic Plan.

Reinforcement learning neural-network-based controller for nonlinear discrete-time systems with input constraints.

PubMed

He, Pingan; Jagannathan, S

2007-04-01

A novel adaptive-critic-based neural network (NN) controller in discrete time is designed to deliver a desired tracking performance for a class of nonlinear systems in the presence of actuator constraints. The constraints of the actuator are treated in the controller design as the saturation nonlinearity. The adaptive critic NN controller architecture based on state feedback includes two NNs: the critic NN is used to approximate the "strategic" utility function, whereas the action NN is employed to minimize both the strategic utility function and the unknown nonlinear dynamic estimation errors. The critic and action NN weight updates are derived by minimizing certain quadratic performance indexes. Using the Lyapunov approach and with novel weight updates, the uniformly ultimate boundedness of the closed-loop tracking error and weight estimates is shown in the presence of NN approximation errors and bounded unknown disturbances. The proposed NN controller works in the presence of multiple nonlinearities, unlike other schemes that normally approximate one nonlinearity. Moreover, the adaptive critic NN controller does not require an explicit offline training phase, and the NN weights can be initialized at zero or random. Simulation results justify the theoretical analysis.

Establishing Medical Schools in Limited Resource Settings.

PubMed

Tsinuel, Girma; Tsedeke, Asaminew; Matthias, Siebeck; Fischer, Martin R; Jacobs, Fabian; Sebsibe, Desalegn; Yoseph, Mamo; Abraham, Haileamlak

2016-05-01

One urgent goal of countries in sub-Saharan Africa is to dynamically scale up the education and work force of medical doctors in the training institutions and health facilities, respectively. These countries face challenges related to the rapid scale up which is mostly done without proper strategic planning, without the basic elements of infrastructure development, educational as well as academic and administrative human resources. Medical education done in the context of limited resources is thus compromising the quality of graduates. In the future, a collaborative and need-based approach involving major stakeholders such as medical educators concerned, ministries, planners and policy makers is needed. This article identifies the challenges of establishing medical schools and sustaining the quality of education through rapid scale-up in Sub-Saharan Africa in the settings of limited resources. It also outlines the minimum requirements for establishing medical schools. A consensus building workshop was conducted in Bishoftu, Ethiopia, from Nov 8-12, 2013. Participants were professionals from 13 Ethiopian medical schools, and representatives of medical schools from South Sudan, Somaliland, Somalia, and Mozambique. Participants are listed in Appendix 1. The governments and stakeholders should jointly develop strategic plans and a roadmaps for opening or expanding medical schools to scale up educational resources. It is advisable that medical schools have autonomy regarding the number of student-intake, student selection, curriculum ownership, resource allocation including for infrastructure and staff development. Health science and medical curricula should be integrated within and harmonized nationally. An educational evaluation framework needs to be embedded in the curricula, and all medical schools should have Health Science Education Development Centers.

How a Historically Black College University (HBCU) Established a Sustainable Online Learning Program in Partnership with Quality Matters™

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harkness, S. Suzan J.

2015-01-01

This case study describes an initiative approach to establishing online learning at a medium-size historically black college university. The study reveals the collaborative efforts between university administration and faculty, Quality Matters™, and Blackboard. The strategic initiative spanned a period of five academic years (2010-2014) during…

Land suitability for establishing rainwater harvesting systems for fighting wildfires

Treesearch

José María León Villalobos; Manuel Anaya Garduño; Enrique Ojeda Trejo; Dante Arturo Rodríguez Trejo; José Luis Oropeza Mota; Jorge Luis García Rodríguez

2013-01-01

Rainwater harvesting systems (RHSs) can be used to improve the efficiency of helicopter firefighting operations. To this end, RHSs need to be strategically located in areas with high wildfire occurrence to maximize their usefulness. In this study, spatial analysis was carried out to determine suitable sites for establishing RHSs intended for air attack operations in...

Establishing International Branch Campuses: A Framework for Assessing Opportunities and Risks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilkins, Stephen

2016-01-01

At the start of 2016, there were 230 international branch campuses operating worldwide, but of the campuses that were established since the mid-1990s, around 10 per cent have failed. The purpose of this article is to propose a framework that the strategic decision makers in higher education institutions can refer to when evaluating opportunities…

Integrated Technology Plan for the Civil Space Program, 1991

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

The purpose of the Integrated Technology Plan (ITP) is to serve as a strategic plan for the OAST space research and technology (R&T) program, and as a strategic planning framework for other NASA and national participants in advocating and conducting technology developments that support future U.S. civil space missions. The ITP begins with a discussion of the national policy and NASA organization which establishes the overall framework for civil space R&T planning. The second chapter provides a top-level review of the potential users of civil space R&T, their strategic mission plans, and the technologies they have identified as needed to achieve those plans. The overall methodology used to develop a civil space technology strategy is discussed. The technical details of the 1991 strategic plan are described, ending with a review of civil space R&T priorities. The fourth chapter describes how the strategic plan is annually translated into the OAST Space R&T Program, with a summary of the fiscal year 1992 program. The ITP concludes with a discussion of requirements for technology development coordination and strategies for facilitating the transfer of civil space technology to the private sector. Several appendices also are attached that provide further information regarding budget implications of the strategic plan, organizational roles, and other topics.

Dealing with Change in Hong Kong Schools Using Strategic Thinking Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pang, Nicholas Sun-Keung; Pisapia, John

2012-01-01

This paper reports an investigation into the strategic thinking skills of school leaders in Hong Kong. By adapting the Strategic Thinking Questionnaire in the school context and based on data self-reported from 543 Hong Kong school leaders, three cognitive capabilities with strategic thinking were identified: reflection, systems thinking and…

Earth Science Enterprise Technology Strategy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

NASA's Earth Science Enterprise (ESE) is dedicated to understanding the total Earth system and the effects of natural and human-induced changes on the global environment. The goals of ESE are: (1) Expand scientific knowledge of the Earth system using NASA's unique vantage points of space, aircraft, and in situ platforms; (2) Disseminate information about the Earth system; and (3) Enable the productive use of ESE science and technology in the public and private sectors. ESE has embraced the NASA Administrator's better, faster, cheaper paradigm for Earth observing missions. We are committed to launch the next generation of Earth Observing System (EOS) missions at a substantially lower cost than the EOS first series. Strategic investment in advanced instrument, spacecraft, and information system technologies is essential to accomplishing ESE's research goals in the coming decades. Advanced technology will play a major role in shaping the ESE fundamental and applied research program of the future. ESE has established an Earth science technology development program with the following objectives: (1) To accomplish ESE space-based and land-based program elements effectively and efficiently; and (2) To enable ESE's fundamental and applied research programs goals as stated in the NASA Strategic Plan.

Replacing critical and strategic refractory metal elements in nickel-base superalloys. [NASA's COSAM program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stephens, J. R.; Dreshfield, R. L.; Nathal, M. V.

1983-01-01

Because of the import status and essential nature of their use, cobalt, chromium, tantalum, and niobium were identified as strategic and critical in the aerospace industry. NASA's Conservation of Strategic Aerospace Materials (COSAM) program aims to reduce the need for strategic materials used in gas turbine engines. Technological thrusts in two major areas are under way to meet the primary objective of conserving the use of strategic materials in nickelbase superalloys. These thrusts consist of strategic element substitution and alternative material identification. The program emphasizes cooperative research teams involving NASA Lewis Research Center, universities, and industry. The adoption of refractory metals in nickel-base superalloys is summarized including their roles in mechanical strengthening and environmental resistance; current research activities under way in the COSAM Program are presented as well as research findings to date.

A Strategic Study about Quality Characteristics in e-Health Systems Based on a Systematic Literature Review.

PubMed

Domínguez-Mayo, F J; Escalona, M J; Mejías, M; Aragón, G; García-García, J A; Torres, J; Enríquez, J G

2015-01-01

e-Health Systems quality management is an expensive and hard process that entails performing several tasks such as analysis, evaluation, and quality control. Furthermore, the development of an e-Health System involves great responsibility since people's health and quality of life depend on the system and services offered. The focus of the following study is to identify the gap in Quality Characteristics for e-Health Systems, by detecting not only which are the most studied, but also which are the most used Quality Characteristics these Systems include. A strategic study is driven in this paper by a Systematic Literature Review so as to identify Quality Characteristics in e-Health. Such study makes information and communication technology organizations reflect and act strategically to manage quality in e-Health Systems efficiently and effectively. As a result, this paper proposes the bases of a Quality Model and focuses on a set of Quality Characteristics to enable e-Health Systems quality management. Thus, we can conclude that this paper contributes to implementing knowledge with regard to the mission and view of e-Health (Systems) quality management and helps understand how current researches evaluate quality in e-Health Systems.

A Strategic Study about Quality Characteristics in e-Health Systems Based on a Systematic Literature Review

PubMed Central

Escalona, M. J.; Mejías, M.; Aragón, G.; García-García, J. A.; Torres, J.; Enríquez, J. G.

2015-01-01

e-Health Systems quality management is an expensive and hard process that entails performing several tasks such as analysis, evaluation, and quality control. Furthermore, the development of an e-Health System involves great responsibility since people's health and quality of life depend on the system and services offered. The focus of the following study is to identify the gap in Quality Characteristics for e-Health Systems, by detecting not only which are the most studied, but also which are the most used Quality Characteristics these Systems include. A strategic study is driven in this paper by a Systematic Literature Review so as to identify Quality Characteristics in e-Health. Such study makes information and communication technology organizations reflect and act strategically to manage quality in e-Health Systems efficiently and effectively. As a result, this paper proposes the bases of a Quality Model and focuses on a set of Quality Characteristics to enable e-Health Systems quality management. Thus, we can conclude that this paper contributes to implementing knowledge with regard to the mission and view of e-Health (Systems) quality management and helps understand how current researches evaluate quality in e-Health Systems. PMID:26146656

The Role of Independent Activities in Development of Strategic Learning Competences and Increase of School Performance Level, within the Study of High School Pedagogy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anca, Monica-Iuliana; Bocos, Musata

2017-01-01

The experimental research performed by us with the purpose of exploring the possibilities of development of strategic learning competences and improvement of school performance of 11th grade students, pedagogical profile, specialisation in primary school-kindergarten teacher, falls in the category of researches aiming to make efficient certain…

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Castro, Ricardo

The report describes in details the achievements of the project addressing the performance of nanomaterials in radioactive environments. The project addresses the fundamentals of the role of interface features on the defect dynamics during irradiation and present models to predict behavior based on thermodynamic properties. Papers and products, including formation of students in this strategic area, are presented in details as well.

Visionary Leadership

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-04

SHARED PURPOSE + EMPOWERED PEOPLE + APPROPRIATE ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES + STRATEGIC THINKING a SUCCESSFUL VISIONARY LEADERSHIP34 Nanus stated that the...energized and motivated people , acknowledged work well done, counseled and developed subordinates, always set the example, and listened to the soldiers...been given their positions of responsibility based on their previous succeses and their potential for future performance. Of course, previous successes

Change Management and the SENCo Role: Developing Key Performance Indicators of Inclusivity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Done, Elizabeth; Murphy, Mike; Bedford, Clare

2016-01-01

This article highlights the changing role of special educational needs co-ordinators (SENCos) in England. SENCos are now required to manage change strategically and deliver inclusive school cultures. A school-based evaluative study undertaken by a teacher who is studying for the postgraduate National Award for SEN Co-ordination (NASENCO) for…

Strategic Control over Extent and Timing of Distractor-Based Response Activation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jost, Kerstin; Wendt, Mike; Luna-Rodriguez, Aquiles; Löw, Andreas; Jacobsen, Thomas

2017-01-01

In choice reaction time (RT) tasks, performance is often influenced by the presence of nominally irrelevant stimuli, referred to as distractors. Recent research provided evidence that distractor processing can be adjusted to the utility of the distractors: Distractors predictive of the upcoming target/response were more attended to and also…

Evaluating GPFARM Crop Growth, Soil Water, and Soil Nitrogen Components for Colorado Dryland Locations

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

GPFARM is a farm/ranch decision support system (DSS) designed to assist in strategic management planning for land units from the field to the whole-farm level. This study evaluated the regional applicability and efficacy of GPFARM based on simulation model performance for dry mass grain yield, tota...

A business model for managing system change through strategic financing and performance indicators: a case study.

PubMed

Armstrong, Mary I; Milch, Heidi; Curtis, Peter; Endress, Phillip

2012-06-01

This article describes how a system of care operated by a county government agency used a fiscal crisis as the opportunity to reform its children's system. A cross-system response to the crisis is outlined that includes a system of care framework coupled with a business model, inter-departmental collaboration and leadership, the use of strategic reinvestment strategies, and a quality improvement system that focuses on key indicators. Implementation of the system change is described with a specific focus on cross-system entry points, financing strategies that re-allocate funds from deep-end programs to community-based services, and management oversight through the use of performance indicators to monitor and support effectiveness. This article examines the results of the system change, including the diversion of youth from system penetration, the reduction in residential treatment bed days, the re-allocation of these savings to community-based services, and the outcomes of children who were diverted from residential care and served in the community. The article offers a number of recommendations for other communities contemplating system change.

Strategic Plans in Higher Education: Planning to Survive and Prosper in the New Economy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Luu, Hung Nguyen Quoc

2006-01-01

In the era of globalization, many schools have recognized strategic planning as the key factor to enhance their organizational performance. To survive and prosper in this hyper-competitive environment, institutional leaders are to implement strategic planning to help match all activities of the school to its environment and to its resource…

A New Vision for Integrated Breast Care.

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-09-01

management with recommendations for strategic information systems use and overall process improvements. " Wrote the business plan for a physician group... business and marketing plans for physician network expansion. Performed market research and internal operational and strategic analyses. Identified...Berkeley Master of Business Administration (MBA) May 1994 • Concentration: Marketing and Strategic Planning * Event Chairman, MBA Challenge for Charity

Planning for a Peaceful Korea

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-03-01

Authors Henry D. Sokolski Project Number Task Number Work Unit Number Performing Organization Name(s) and Address(es) Director, Strategic Studies ...release; distribution is unlimited. ***** Comments pertaining to this report are invited and should be forwarded to: Director, Strategic Studies ...Strategic Studies Institute (SSI) monographs are available on the SSI Homepage for electronic dissemination. SSI’s Homepage address is: http://carlisle

Federal Student Aid (FSA) Five-Year Strategic Plan. FY 2004-2008

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

US Department of Education, 2004

2004-01-01

The FSA Five-Year Strategic Plan is a roadmap for FY 2004-2008 that identifies five long-range strategic objectives, tactical short-term goals, and performance management initiatives. In working toward the goals outlined in the plan, FSA will address a number of key challenges, including legacy system migration, business process re-engineering,…

Strategic Planning and Strategic Thinking Clothed in STRATEGO

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baaki, John; Moseley, James L.

2011-01-01

This article shares experiences that participants had playing the game of STRATEGO and how the activity may be linked to strategic planning and thinking. Among the human performance technology implications of playing this game are that gamers agreed on a framework for rules, took stock on where they wanted to go in the future, and generated a risk…

Determination of Flavanols and Procyanidins (DP 1-10) in Cocoa-Based Ingredients and Products by UHPLC: First Action 2013.03.

PubMed

Machonis, Philip R; Jones, Matthew A; Kwik-Uribe, Catherine; Dowell, Dawn

2014-01-01

Single-laboratory validation data were reviewed by the Expert Review Panel (ERP) of the Stakeholder Panel on Strategic Food Analytical Methods at the AOAC Mid-Year Meeting, March 12-14, 2013, in Rockville, MD. The ERP determined that the data presented met established standard method performance requirements and adopted a method for determination of flavanols and procyanidins (DP 1-10) in cocoa-based ingredients and products by ultra-HPLC as AOAC Official First Action Method 2013.03 on March 14, 2013. The flavanols and procyanidins (DP 1-10) are eluted using a binary gradient (solvents A and B) consisting of 98 + 2 (v/v) acetonitrile-glacial acetic acid (A) and 95 + 3 + 2 (v/v/v) methanol-water-glacial acetic acid (B). The mobile phase is applied to a diol stationary phase. Detection occurs using fluorescence detection. Recovery of flavanols and procyanidins (DP 1-10) from both high- and low-fat matrixes was 98.4-99.8%. Precision was determined for seven different sample types (cocoa extract, cocoa nib, natural cocoa powder, cocoa liquor, alkalized cocoa powder, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate).

Achieving competitive advantage through strategic human resource management.

PubMed

Fottler, M D; Phillips, R L; Blair, J D; Duran, C A

1990-01-01

The framework presented here challenges health care executives to manage human resources strategically as an integral part of the strategic planning process. Health care executives should consciously formulate human resource strategies and practices that are linked to and reinforce the broader strategic posture of the organization. This article provides a framework for (1) determining and focusing on desired strategic outcomes, (2) identifying and implementing essential human resource management actions, and (3) maintaining or enhancing competitive advantage. The strategic approach to human resource management includes assessing the organization's environment and mission; formulating the organization's business strategy; assessing the human resources requirements based on the intended strategy; comparing the current inventory of human resources in terms of numbers, characteristics, and human resource management practices with respect to the strategic requirements of the organization and its services or product lines; formulating the human resource strategy based on the differences between the assessed requirements and the current inventory; and implementing the appropriate human resource practices to reinforce the strategy and attain competitive advantage.

R&D Investment in New Technology-Based Firms: Strategic and Entrepreneurial Dynamics and the Impact of Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lynskey, Michael J.

2016-01-01

This article examines how two core factors--strategic and entrepreneurial dynamics--influence research and development (R&D) investment in new technology-based firms (NTBFs) using data from a questionnaire survey conducted in Japan. Among the strategic dynamics, it is found that joint R&D projects with universities have a positive,…

United States’ Strategy and Strategic Partnerships - Understanding Others’ Perspective

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-16

context that this paper seeks to delineate the way forward, based on a strategic approach that cultivates meaningful partnerships and fosters...delineate the way forward, based on a strategic approach that cultivates meaningful partnerships and fosters unrestrained cooperation among all...region.3 Such awareness would afford adoption of a regional approach that mitigates acrimony and cultivates unrestrained cooperation; amongst the

Constructing Domain-Specific Knowledge in Kindergarten: Relations among Knowledge, Intelligence, and Strategic Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alexander, Joyce M.; Johnson, Kathy E.; Leibham, Mary E.; DeBauge, Christiane

2005-01-01

Thirty kindergarten children from two classrooms participated in a 3-week curricular unit on dinosaurs designed to teach taxonomic relations and distinguishing features aligned with 15 dinosaur species. Both domain-specific learning and strategic performance on a Twenty Questions game were assessed twice throughout the curriculum, as well as…

2016 Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan: Smithsonian Facilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smithsonian Institution, 2016

2016-01-01

As a trust instrumentality of the United States, the Smithsonian is committed to the goals which Executive Order 13693 set for federal agencies, and is focused on making improvements in environmental, energy, and economic performance. As stated in the current Smithsonian Strategic Plan, one of the four grand challenges we have undertaken is…

How the Organizational Learning Process Mediates the Impact of Strategic Human Resource Management Practices on Performance in Korean Organizations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cho, Sei Hyoung; Song, Ji Hoon; Yun, Suk Chun; Lee, Cheol Ki

2013-01-01

The primary purpose of this research is to examine the structural relationships among several workplace-related constructs, including strategic human resource management (HRM) practices, organizational learning processes, and performance improvement in the Korean business context. More specifically, the research examined the mediating effect of…

Strategies to define performance specifications in laboratory medicine: 3 years on from the Milan Strategic Conference.

PubMed

Panteghini, Mauro; Ceriotti, Ferruccio; Jones, Graham; Oosterhuis, Wytze; Plebani, Mario; Sandberg, Sverre

2017-10-26

Measurements in clinical laboratories produce results needed in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients. These results are always characterized by some uncertainty. What quality is needed and what measurement errors can be tolerated without jeopardizing patient safety should therefore be defined and specified for each analyte having clinical use. When these specifications are defined, the total examination process will be "fit for purpose" and the laboratory professionals should then set up rules to control the measuring systems to ensure they perform within specifications. The laboratory community has used different models to set performance specifications (PS). Recently, it was felt that there was a need to revisit different models and, at the same time, to emphasize the presuppositions for using the different models. Therefore, in 2014 the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) organized a Strategic Conference in Milan. It was felt that there was a need for more detailed discussions on, for instance, PS for EQAS, which measurands should use which models to set PS and how to set PS for the extra-analytical phases. There was also a need to critically evaluate the quality of data on biological variation studies and further discussing the use of the total error (TE) concept. Consequently, EFLM established five Task Finish Groups (TFGs) to address each of these topics. The TFGs are finishing their activity on 2017 and the content of this paper includes deliverables from these groups.

Processing bottlenecks in dual-task performance: structural limitation or strategic postponement?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ruthruff, E.; Pashler, H. E.; Klaassen, A.

2001-01-01

Recent evidence indicates that a central bottleneck causes much of the slowing that occurs when two tasks are performed at the same time. This bottleneck might reflect a structural limitation inherent in the cognitive architecture. Alternatively, the bottleneck might reflect strategic (i.e., voluntary) postponement, induced by instructions to emphasize one task over the other. To distinguish structural limitations from strategic postponement, we examine a new paradigm in which subjects are told to place equal emphasis on both tasks and to emit both responses at about the same time. An experiment using this paradigm demonstrated patterns of interference that cannot easily be attributed to strategic postponement, preparation effects, or conflicts in response production. The data conform closely to the predictions of structural central bottleneck models.

Evaluating stakeholder management performance using a stakeholder report card: the next step in theory and practice.

PubMed

Malvey, Donna; Fottler, Myron D; Slovensky, Donna J

2002-01-01

In the highly competitive health care environment, the survival of an organization may depend on how well powerful stakeholders are managed. Yet, the existing strategic stakeholder management process does not include evaluation of stakeholder management performance. To address this critical gap, this paper proposes a systematic method for evaluation using a stakeholder report card. An example of a physician report card based on this methodology is presented.

Strategic planning in an academic radiation medicine program.

PubMed

Hamilton, J L; Foxcroft, S; Moyo, E; Cooke-Lauder, J; Spence, T; Zahedi, P; Bezjak, A; Jaffray, D; Lam, C; Létourneau, D; Milosevic, M; Tsang, R; Wong, R; Liu, F F

2017-12-01

In this paper, we report on the process of strategic planning in the Radiation Medicine Program (rmp) at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. The rmp conducted a strategic planning exercise to ensure that program priorities reflect the current health care environment, enable nimble responses to the increasing burden of cancer, and guide program operations until 2020. Data collection was guided by a project charter that outlined the project goal and the roles and responsibilities of all participants. The process was managed by a multidisciplinary steering committee under the guidance of an external consultant and consisted of reviewing strategic planning documents from close collaborators and institutional partners, conducting interviews with key stakeholders, deploying a program-wide survey, facilitating an anonymous and confidential e-mail feedback box, and collecting information from group deliberations. The process of strategic planning took place from December 2014 to December 2015. Mission and vision statements were developed, and core values were defined. A final document, Strategic Roadmap to 2020, was established to guide programmatic pursuits during the ensuing 5 years, and an implementation plan was developed to guide the first year of operations. The strategic planning process provided an opportunity to mobilize staff talents and identify environmental opportunities, and helped to enable more effective use of resources in a rapidly changing health care environment. The process was valuable in allowing staff to consider and discuss the future, and in identifying strategic issues of the greatest importance to the program. Academic programs with similar mandates might find our report useful in guiding similar processes in their own organizations.

Strategic planning in an academic radiation medicine program

PubMed Central

Hamilton, J.L.; Foxcroft, S.; Moyo, E.; Cooke-Lauder, J.; Spence, T.; Zahedi, P.; Bezjak, A.; Jaffray, D.; Lam, C.; Létourneau, D.; Milosevic, M.; Tsang, R.; Wong, R.; Liu, F.F.

2017-01-01

Background In this paper, we report on the process of strategic planning in the Radiation Medicine Program (rmp) at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. The rmp conducted a strategic planning exercise to ensure that program priorities reflect the current health care environment, enable nimble responses to the increasing burden of cancer, and guide program operations until 2020. Methods Data collection was guided by a project charter that outlined the project goal and the roles and responsibilities of all participants. The process was managed by a multidisciplinary steering committee under the guidance of an external consultant and consisted of reviewing strategic planning documents from close collaborators and institutional partners, conducting interviews with key stakeholders, deploying a program-wide survey, facilitating an anonymous and confidential e-mail feedback box, and collecting information from group deliberations. Results The process of strategic planning took place from December 2014 to December 2015. Mission and vision statements were developed, and core values were defined. A final document, Strategic Roadmap to 2020, was established to guide programmatic pursuits during the ensuing 5 years, and an implementation plan was developed to guide the first year of operations. Conclusions The strategic planning process provided an opportunity to mobilize staff talents and identify environmental opportunities, and helped to enable more effective use of resources in a rapidly changing health care environment. The process was valuable in allowing staff to consider and discuss the future, and in identifying strategic issues of the greatest importance to the program. Academic programs with similar mandates might find our report useful in guiding similar processes in their own organizations. PMID:29270061

[Strategies for improving care of oncologic patients: SHARE Project results].

PubMed

Reñones Crego, María de la Concepción; Fernández Pérez, Dolores; Vena Fernández, Carmen; Zamudio Sánchez, Antonio

2016-01-01

Cancer treatment is a major burden for the patient and its family that requires an individualized management by healthcare professionals. Nurses are in charge of coordinating care and are the closest healthcare professionals to patient and family; however, in Spain, there are not standard protocols yet for the management of oncology patients. The Spanish Oncology Nursing Society developed between 2012 and 2014 the SHARE project, with the aim of establishing strategies to improve quality of life and nursing care in oncology patients. It was developed in 3 phases. First, a literature search and review was performed to identify nursing strategies, interventions and tools to improve cancer patients' care. At the second stage, these interventions were agreed within a group of oncology nursing experts; and at the third phase, a different group of experts in oncology care categorized the interventions to identify the ones with highest priority and most feasible to be implemented. As a result, 3 strategic actions were identified to improve nursing care during cancer treatment: To provide a named nurse to carry out the follow up process by attending to the clinic or telephonic consultation, develop therapeutic education with adapted protocols for each tumor type and treatment and ensure specific training for nurses on the management of the cancer patients. Strategic actions proposed in this paper aim to improve cancer patients' healthcare and quality of life through the development of advanced nursing roles based on a higher level of autonomy, situating nurses as care coordinators to assure an holistic care in oncology patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

A research agenda to advance quality measurement and improvement.

PubMed

Leatherman, Sheila T; Hibbard, Judith H; McGlynn, Elizabeth A

2003-01-01

In developing a conceptual framework for the design of a national quality measurement and reporting system (NQMRS), the Strategic Framework Board (SFB) recommends that such a system be built on a strong evidence base. To identify critical gaps in the evidence needed for a fully functional NQMRS and to recommend a starting point for the development of a research agenda. Selective review of literature in quality of care measurement and reporting and identification of strategic issues that must be addressed. There is some limited evidence that measurement and reporting can improve quality. Substantial advances have been made in the science of measurement and reporting but important gaps remain, specifically in (1) measurement methods and tools, (2) uses of quality performance data, (3) organizational and cultural factors, (4) information and informatics, and (5) impact evaluation/research. To achieve a sustainable research agenda, three strategic issues will have to be addressed: (1) the policy rationale for the research agenda, (2) adequate levels of public-sector funding, and (3) sustainability in a rapidly changing environment.

Measurement of company effectiveness using analytic network process method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goran, Janjić; Zorana, Tanasić; Borut, Kosec

2017-07-01

The sustainable development of an organisation is monitored through the organisation's performance, which beforehand incorporates all stakeholders' requirements in its strategy. The strategic management concept enables organisations to monitor and evaluate their effectiveness along with efficiency by monitoring of the implementation of set strategic goals. In the process of monitoring and measuring effectiveness, an organisation can use multiple-criteria decision-making methods as help. This study uses the method of analytic network process (ANP) to define the weight factors of the mutual influences of all the important elements of an organisation's strategy. The calculation of an organisation's effectiveness is based on the weight factors and the degree of fulfilment of the goal values of the strategic map measures. New business conditions influence the changes in the importance of certain elements of an organisation's business in relation to competitive advantage on the market, and on the market, increasing emphasis is given to non-material resources in the process of selection of the organisation's most important measures.

Strategic Planning for Smart Leadership: Rethinking Your Organization's Collective Future through a Workbook-Based, Three-Level Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Austin, William J.

This book is a simple, user-friendly, and practical guide to strategic planning. Chapter 1 gives an introduction to and overview of strategic planning. Chapters 2 through 4 review strategic-planning theory, the current nature of planning theory, its emergence as organizational practice, organizational structure schemes, and the limitations of…

NASA Astrophysics Prioritizes Technology Development Funding for Strategic Missions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thronson, Harley A.; Pham, Bruce; Ganel, Opher

2017-01-01

The Cosmic Origins (COR) and Physics of the Cosmos (PCOS) Program Offices (POs) reside at NASA GSFC and implement priorities for the NASA HQ Astrophysics Division (APD). One major aspect of the POs’ activities is managing our Strategic Astrophysics Technology (SAT) program to mature technologies for future strategic missions. The Programs follow APD guidance on which missions are strategic, currently informed by the NRC’s 2010 Decadal Survey report, as well as APD’s Implementation Plan and the Astrophysics Roadmap.In preparation for the upcoming 2020 Decadal Survey, the APD has established Science and Technology Definition Teams (STDTs) to study four large-mission concepts: the Origins Space Telescope, Habitable Exoplanet Imaging Mission, Large UV/Optical/IR Surveyor, and X-ray Surveyor. The STDTs will develop the science case and design reference mission, assess technology development needs, and estimate the cost of their concept. A fifth team, the L3 Study Team (L3ST), was charged to study potential US contributions to ESA’s planned L3 gravitational-wave observatory.The POs use a rigorous and transparent process to solicit technology gaps from the scientific and technical communities, and prioritize those entries based on strategic alignment, expected impact, cross-cutting applicability, and urgency. Starting in 2016, the technology-gap assessments of the four STDTs and the L3ST are included in our process. Until a study team submits its final report, community-proposed changes to gaps submitted or adopted by a study team are forwarded to that study team for consideration.We discuss our technology development process, with strategic prioritization informing calls for SAT proposals and informing investment decisions. We also present results of this year’s technology gap prioritization and showcase our current portfolio of technology development projects. To date, 77 COR and 80 PCOS SAT proposals have been received, of which 18 COR and 22 PCOS projects were funded (PCOS awards starting in 2017 have yet to be announced). For more information, see the respective Program Annual Technology Reports under the technology tabs of the COR website at cor.gsfc.nasa.gov and the PCOS website at pcos.gsfc.nasa.gov.

The status of health librarianship and libraries in the Republic of Ireland (SHELLI): a mixed methods review to inform future strategy and sustainability.

PubMed

Harrison, Janet; Creaser, Claire; Greenwood, Helen

2013-06-01

This paper summarises the main points of a review of the Status of Health Librarianship & Libraries in Ireland (SHELLI). The review was commissioned to gain a broad understanding of what was happening in practice in Ireland; acquire knowledge about international best practice, and to inform strategic plans to develop and sustain health libraries and librarianship in Ireland. A Mixed Methods approach was used: a literature review; an online survey distributed to health librarians; Semi structured interviews with key stakeholders; a focus group drawing participants from the survey. All evidence was triangulated. New roles for health librarians needed development and the changing educational needs of health librarians warranted attention. Increased collaboration across institutional boundaries needed more consideration, especially in relation to access to e-resources. Marketing of library services was crucial. Irish health library standards, needed to be updated and enforced and a proper evidence base established. The literature provided a number of examples of potentially useful initiatives. A strategic plan of action was drawn up in three areas: (i) to identify champions and promote visibility of health service libraries, (ii) to establish a body of evidence and (iii) to support service development and staff mentoring. © 2013 The authors. Health Information and Libraries Journal © 2013 Health Libraries Group.

Identifying competitive strategies to improve the performance of hospitals in a competitive environment.

PubMed

Chang, Chuan-Hui; Chiao, Yu-Ching; Tsai, Yafang

2017-11-21

This study is based on competitive dynamics theory, and discusses competitive actions (including their implementation requirements, strategic orientation, and action complexity) that influence hospitals' performance, while also meeting the requirements of Taiwan's "global budget" insurance payment policy. In order to investigate the possible actions of hospitals, the study was conducted in two stages. The first stage investigated the actions of hospitals from March 1 to May 31, 2009. Semi-structured questionnaires were used, which included in-depth interviews with senior supervisors of 10 medium- and large-scale hospitals in central Taiwan. This stage collected data related to the types of actions adopted by the hospitals in previous years. The second stage was based on the data collected from the first stage and on developed questionnaires, which were distributed from June 29 to November 1, 2009. The questionnaires were given to 20 superintendents, deputy superintendents, and supervisors responsible for the management of a hospital, and focused on medical centers and regional hospitals in central Taiwan in order to determine the types and number of competitive actions. First, the strategic orientation of an action has a significantly positive influence on subjective performance. Second, action complexity has a significantly positive influence on the subjective and the objective performance of a hospital. Third, the implementation requirements of actions do not have a significantly positive impact on the subjective or the objective performance of a hospital. Managers facing a competitive healthcare environment should adopt competitive strategies to improve the performance of the hospital.

Strategic Planning with Critical Success Factors and Future Scenarios: An Integrated Strategic Planning Framework

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-11-01

Implementing the Process by David Fogg [ Fogg 1994]. 6 Strategic goals typically reflect the primary goals of an organization or enterprise and imply a...method, such as the one described by Fogg in Team-Based Strategic Planning: A Com- plete Guide to Structuring, Facilitating, and Implementing the...Process, can provide ready recep- tors for non-CSF oriented information [ Fogg 1994]. If an organization is not adept at strategic planning, it is highly

The Strategic Planning (SWOT) Analysis Outcomes and Suggestions according to the Students and the Lecturers within the Distance Education System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yelken, Tugba Yanpar; Kilic, Figen; Ozdemir, Caner

2012-01-01

In recent years, strategic planning has become one of the subjects that many institutions work on to ensure the institutions' appropriate management based on realistic results. Therefore, this planning has to be taken into account and should provide planning direction on the bases of its results. Basically, the manager of strategic planning,…

Distinctive Competencies: Taming the Marine Corps-glomerate

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-01-01

strategic objectives, intentions , and designs of allies and adversaries alike. The post-Cold War replacement of threat-based forces by capabilities... intentions to remain engaged, implicitly exchanging a strategic paradigm centered on visible forward presence for one based on aloof power projection...by defense leaders to “adopt and adapt the lessons of the private sector,” it is worth considering private sector tools for strategic planning that

Linking quality and performance. Quality orientation can be a competitive strategy for health care providers.

PubMed

Rapert, M I; Babakus, E

1996-01-01

Many organizations are not convinced a quality orientation pays off and are looking for ways to link quality with performance. The authors' exploratory study found that a quality orientation is a differentiating factor between low-performing and high-performing general service hospitals. They also developed a quality scale to assess the performance implications of quality-based strategies in the health care industry. Successful health care organizations (1) develop a strategic quality orientation at the management level, (2) support the pursuit of quality at the contact level, and (3) monitor external customers' perceptions of quality.

Strategic and tactical aspect of the relations between the participants of ICP in high-rise construction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fedorov, Maksim; Matys, Elena; Kopytova, Anna

2018-03-01

Outlined the main trends in the development of the construction sector in the Russian Federation at the present stage of its development are identified problems and shortcomings of current investment in the construction industry. It is proved that to consider the investment and construction process should be in terms of the strategic and tactical aspects. It was established that, on the basis of the spirit and the participants of investment and construction process, the strategic aspect it should be focused primarily on the formation of financial resources (through various mechanisms) and to attract investors. A tactical aspect of the investment and construction process is focused on the choice of organizational form of the project and the rational use of resources generated by the investment in construction.

Strategic national stockpile: overview and ventilator assets.

PubMed

Malatino, Eileen M

2008-01-01

Acquiring a resupply of critical medical assets following a national emergency will be crucial to saving lives. The Strategic National Stockpile is a national repository of various medications, vaccines, antidotes, and medical/surgical equipment that would be used to augment federal, state, and local public health agencies in the event of a terrorist attack or other public health emergency. Portable ventilators are included in the stockpile Managed Inventory. These ventilators and the ancillary equipment needed for one adult or one pediatric patient are kitted in a durable case that is staged and ready for deployment. A state that requires these assets initiates a request for federal assistance through established guidelines. This paper provides an overview of the Strategic National Stockpile, the types of ventilators and ancillary equipment currently available, and the process for requesting these assets.

Rapid Cost Assessment of Space Mission Concepts Through Application of Complexity-Based Cost Indices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peterson, Craig E.; Cutts, James; Balint, Tibor; Hall, James B.

2008-01-01

This slide presentation reviews the development of a rapid cost assessment models for evaluation of exploration missions through the application of complexity based cost indices. In Fall of 2004, NASA began developing 13 documents, known as "strategic roadmaps," intended to outline a strategy for space exploration over the next 30 years. The Third Strategic Roadmap, The Strategic Roadmap for Solar System Exploration, focused on strategy for robotic exploration of the Solar System. Development of the Strategic Roadmap for Solar System Exploration led to the investigation of a large variety of missions. However, the necessity of planning around scientific inquiry and budgetary constraints made it necessary for the roadmap development team to evaluate potential missions not only for scientific return but also cost. Performing detailed cost studies for each of the large number of missions was impractical given the time constraints involved and lack of detailed mission studies; so a method of rapid cost assessment was developed by us to allow preliminary analysis. It has been noted that there is a strong correlation between complexity and cost and schedule of planetary missions. While these correlations were made after missions had been built and flown (successfully or otherwise), it seemed likely that a similar approach could provide at least some relative cost ranking. Cost estimation relationships (CERs) have been developed based on subsystem design choices. These CERs required more detailed information than available, forcing the team to adopt a more high level approach. Costing by analogy has been developed for small satellites, however, planetary exploration missions provide such varying spacecraft requirements that there is a lack of adequately comparable missions that can be used for analogy.

Real estate planning for population health.

PubMed

McHugh, Margie

2014-11-01

Factors that health systems should consider when performing strategic assessments of their portfolios of ambulatory facilities include: Inventory. Location Facility condition. Service mix. Space use and capacity. Occupancy metrics. Strategic and economic opportunities.

An assessment of implementation and evaluation phases of strategic plans in Iranian hospitals.

PubMed

Sadeghifar, Jamil; Tofighi, Shahram; Roshani, Mohamad; Toulideh, Zahra; Mohsenpour, Seyedramezan; Jafari, Mehdi

2017-01-01

To assess the implementation and evaluation phases of strategic plans in selected hospitals. We conducted a cross-sectional study of implementation and evaluation of strategic plan in 24 hospitals in 2015, using a questionnaire which consisted of two separate sections for strategic implementation and strategic evaluation. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 18. Nearly one-third of hospitals claimed that they allocate their budget based on priorities and strategic goals. However, it turned out that although goals had been set, no formal announcements had been made. Most of the hospitals stated that they used measures when evaluating the plan. For hospital staff, clarifying the hospital's priorities was the most important advantage of a strategic plan. There is no clear definition for strategic management in Iranian hospitals, which results in chaotic implementation and control of strategic planning.

Relations between Young Students' Strategic Behaviours, Domain-Specific Self-Concept, and Performance in a Problem-Solving Situation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dermitzaki, Irini; Leondari, Angeliki; Goudas, Marios

2009-01-01

This study aimed at investigating the relations between students' strategic behaviour during problem solving, task performance and domain-specific self-concept. A total of 167 first- and second-graders were individually examined in tasks involving cubes assembly and in academic self-concept in mathematics. Students' cognitive, metacognitive, and…

Interindividual Differences in Learning Performance: The Effects of Age, Intelligence, and Strategic Task Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kliegel, Matthias; Altgassen, Mareike

2006-01-01

The present study investigated fluid and crystallized intelligence as well as strategic task approaches as potential sources of age-related differences in adult learning performance. Therefore, 45 young and 45 old adults were asked to learn pictured objects. Overall, young participants outperformed old participants in this learning test. However,…

Strategic Defense Initiative Organization adaptive structures program overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obal, Michael; Sater, Janet M.

In the currently envisioned architecture none of the Strategic Defense System (SDS) elements to be deployed will receive scheduled maintenance. Assessments of performance capability due to changes caused by the uncertain effects of environments will be difficult, at best. In addition, the system will have limited ability to adjust in order to maintain its required performance levels. The Materials and Structures Office of the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization (SDIO) has begun to address solutions to these potential difficulties via an adaptive structures technology program that combines health and environment monitoring with static and dynamic structural control. Conceivable system benefits include improved target tracking and hit-to-kill performance, on-orbit system health monitoring and reporting, and threat attack warning and assessment.

Avoiding revenue loss due to 'lesser of' contract clauses.

PubMed

Stodolak, Frederick; Gutierrez, Henry

2014-08-01

Finance managers seeking to avoid lost revenue attributable to lesser-of-charge-or-fixed-fee (lesser-of) clauses in their contracts should: Identify payer contracts that contain lesser-of clauses. Prepare lesser-of lost-revenue reports for non-bundled and bundled rates. For claims with covered charges below the bundled rate, identify service codes associated with the greatest proportion of total gross revenue and determine new, higher charge levels for those codes. Establish an approach for setting charges for non-bundled fee schedules to address lost-revenue-related issues. Incorporate changes into overall strategic or hospital zero-based pricing modeling and parameters.

Final Jurisdictional Environmental Planning Technical Report. Peacekeeper in Minuteman Silos, 90th Strategic Missile Wing, F. E. Warren Air Force Base. Volume 2. Section 6.0 through 10.0

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-01-01

QSALIfTY rN "PflD 3 Dist SL~ PREFACE The President has directed that the Air Force deploy the Peacekeeper missile system at a location near F.E...project construction. If selected, this agency should be established in 1984 prior to project-related inmigration. The responsible agency for...population as well as those unmet needs that, left unmet, will lead to major problems in the community’s well-being. This program should be implemented

Informational analysis involving application of complex information system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ciupak, Clébia; Vanti, Adolfo Alberto; Balloni, Antonio José; Espin, Rafael

The aim of the present research is performing an informal analysis for internal audit involving the application of complex information system based on fuzzy logic. The same has been applied in internal audit involving the integration of the accounting field into the information systems field. The technological advancements can provide improvements to the work performed by the internal audit. Thus we aim to find, in the complex information systems, priorities for the work of internal audit of a high importance Private Institution of Higher Education. The applied method is quali-quantitative, as from the definition of strategic linguistic variables it was possible to transform them into quantitative with the matrix intersection. By means of a case study, where data were collected via interview with the Administrative Pro-Rector, who takes part at the elaboration of the strategic planning of the institution, it was possible to infer analysis concerning points which must be prioritized at the internal audit work. We emphasize that the priorities were identified when processed in a system (of academic use). From the study we can conclude that, starting from these information systems, audit can identify priorities on its work program. Along with plans and strategic objectives of the enterprise, the internal auditor can define operational procedures to work in favor of the attainment of the objectives of the organization.

Cultivating strategic thinking skills.

PubMed

Shirey, Maria R

2012-06-01

This department highlights change management strategies that may be successful in strategically planning and executing organizational change initiatives. With the goal of presenting practical approaches helpful to nurse leaders advancing organizational change, content includes evidence-based projects, tools, and resources that mobilize and sustain organizational change initiatives. In this article, the author presents an overview of strategic leadership and offers approaches for cultivating strategic thinking skills.

Theater gateway closure: a strategic level barricade

DTIC Science & Technology

that at the strategic level the effects are based on the economic and diplomatic elements of the national power, affecting proportionally sustainment...Seven months of detrimental political implications, expensive effects on military operations, and strategic level barricades during 2011 and 2012 in...logistical planners at the strategic level can anticipate or mitigate the effects of a theater gateway closure on military operations. Through two

Financial analysis for the infusion alliance.

PubMed

Perucca, Roxanne

2010-01-01

Providing high-quality, cost-efficient care is a major strategic initiative of every health care organization. Today's health care environment is transparent; very competitive; and focused upon providing exceptional service, safety, and quality. Establishing an infusion alliance facilitates the achievement of organizational strategic initiatives, that is, increases patient throughput, decreases length of stay, prevents the occurrence of infusion-related complications, enhances customer satisfaction, and provides greater cost-efficiency. This article will discuss how to develop a financial analysis that promotes value and enhances the financial outcomes of an infusion alliance.

Advancing LGBT Health at an Academic Medical Center: A Case Study.

PubMed

Yehia, Baligh R; Calder, Daniel; Flesch, Judd D; Hirsh, Rebecca L; Higginbotham, Eve; Tkacs, Nancy; Crawford, Beverley; Fishman, Neil

2015-12-01

Academic health centers are strategically positioned to impact the health of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) populations by advancing science, educating future generations of providers, and delivering integrated care that addresses the unique health needs of the LGBT community. This report describes the early experiences of the Penn Medicine Program for LGBT Health, highlighting the favorable environment that led to its creation, the mission and structure of the Program, strategic planning process used to set priorities and establish collaborations, and the reception and early successes of the Program.

Taking the pulse of strategic outsourcing relationships.

PubMed

Getz, Kenneth A; Lamberti, Mary Jo; Kaitin, Kenneth I

2014-10-01

Articles in peer-reviewed journals and the trade press presuppose that strategic outsourcing relationships have been formed to replace preexisting collaborative approaches with contract research organizations. They do not consider that large, fragmented pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies may be supporting competing and conflicting relationship models simultaneously. A recent Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development study quantifies actual strategic outsourcing practices among drug development companies and sheds new light on why these relationships may be failing. Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development conducted an in-depth assessment of 43 Phase II and III clinical studies completed since 2012 to examine the outsourcing relationships used by 9 major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to support key functional areas. Descriptive statistics were assessed and t tests were performed to characterize outsourcing practices by function and to determine differences in study performance between transactional and strategic outsourcing relationships. The results indicate that sponsor companies are using a variety of outsourcing relationship models to support their studies, mixing and matching the use of internal staff, and using traditional transactional and strategic outsourcing relationships simultaneously. Specifically, despite the fact that each sponsor company had entered into several strategic outsourcing relationships, in no instance did a single contract research organization manage all functional areas supporting an individual Phase II or III study. In addition, sponsor companies vary the types of outsourcing relationship models that they use on a study-by-study basis. The inability of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to consistently embrace and coordinate sourcing strategies is creating internal friction and inefficiency. As a result, the expected impact of strategic outsourcing relationships on drug development performance, quality, and cost remains elusive. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Patterns of Innovation in Alzheimer's Disease Drug Development: A Strategic Assessment Based on Technological Maturity.

PubMed

Beierlein, Jennifer M; McNamee, Laura M; Walsh, Michael J; Ledley, Fred D

2015-08-01

This article examines the current status of translational science for Alzheimer's disease (AD) drug discovery by using an analytical model of technology maturation. Previous studies using this model have demonstrated that nascent scientific insights and inventions generate few successful leads or new products until achieving a requisite level of maturity. This article assessed whether recent failures and successes in AD research follow patterns of innovation observed in other sectors. The bibliometric-based Technology Innovation Maturation Evaluation model was used to quantify the characteristic S-curve of growth for AD-related technologies, including acetylcholinesterase, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, B-amyloid, amyloid precursor protein, presenilin, amyloid precursor protein secretases, apolipoprotein E4, and transactive response DNA binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43). This model quantifies the accumulation of knowledge as a metric for technological maturity, and it identifies the point of initiation of an exponential growth stage and the point at which growth slows as the technology is established. In contrast to the long-established acetylcholinesterase and NMDA receptor technologies, we found that amyloid-related technologies reached the established point only after 2000, and that the more recent technologies (eg, TDP-43) have not yet approached this point. The first approvals for new molecular entities targeting acetylcholinesterase and the NMDA receptor occurred an average of 22 years after the respective technologies were established, with only memantine (which was phenotypically discovered) entering clinical trials before this point. In contrast, the 6 lead compounds targeting the formation of amyloid plaques that failed in Phase III trials between 2009 and 2014 all entered clinical trials before the respective target technologies were established. This analysis suggests that AD drug discovery has followed a predictable pattern of innovation in which technological maturity is an important determinant of success in development. Quantitative analysis indicates that the lag in emergence of new products, and the much-heralded clinical failures of recent years, should be viewed in the context of the ongoing maturation of AD-related technologies. Although these technologies were not sufficiently mature to generate successful products a decade ago, they may be now. Analytical models of translational science can inform basic and clinical research results as well as strategic development of new therapeutic products. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Five Critical Practices for Middle Grades Leadership: A Framework for School Improvement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nash, Ruth C.; Richardson, Yvette M.; Hodge, Patricia H.; Connell, Peggy H.; Green, Zebbra P.

2014-01-01

Based on current research, many students in the middle grades (6-8) have not performed at their highest academic levels. In 2011, more than one-half of eighth graders in 16 Southern states scored basic or below basic on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Alternatively, effective principal-leaders strategically demonstrated…

Strategic Pay Reform: A Student Outcomes-Based Evaluation of Denver's ProComp Teacher Pay Initiative

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldhaber, Dan; Walch, Joe

2012-01-01

Denver Public Schools utilizes one of the nation's highest profile alternative teacher compensation systems, and a key element of Denver's Professional Compensation System for Teachers (ProComp) is pay for performance. This study analyzes the student achievement implications of ProComp utilizing matched student- and teacher-level data from 2003 to…

Wiki and Digital Video Use in Strategic Interaction-Based Experiential EFL Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dehaan, Jonathan; Johnson, Neil H.; Yoshimura, Noriko; Kondo, Takako

2012-01-01

This paper details the use of a free and access-controlled wiki as the learning management system for a four-week teaching module designed to improve the oral communication skills of Japanese university EFL students. Students engaged in repeated experiential learning cycles of planning, doing, observing, and evaluating their performance of a role…

A KPI framework for process-based benchmarking of hospital information systems.

PubMed

Jahn, Franziska; Winter, Alfred

2011-01-01

Benchmarking is a major topic for monitoring, directing and elucidating the performance of hospital information systems (HIS). Current approaches neglect the outcome of the processes that are supported by the HIS and their contribution to the hospital's strategic goals. We suggest to benchmark HIS based on clinical documentation processes and their outcome. A framework consisting of a general process model and outcome criteria for clinical documentation processes is introduced.

Rotorcraft-based emergency medical services in the Caribbean Basin

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, R. W.; Alton, L. R.

1987-01-01

There is a pressing need for improved health care in general and emergency health care in particular throughout the Caribbean Basin. The importance of rotorcraft as an integral part of the needed system of emergency medical care in the region was investigated. Many of the larger countries in the region currently have the needed infrastructure to implement a national system of rotorcraft-based emergency medical centers within their borders. By helping to establish a system of rotorcraft based health care centers in strategic locations in the Lesser Antilles, the U.S. can assist the islands of the region by demonstrating the concept and establishing a potential training site for the other larger countries of the region. There is sufficient demand for rotorcraft based emergency health care within the Lesser Antilles to locate one center on the island of Puerto Rico and another one of the southern-most islands. With the use of fixed wing aircraft or long range helicopters, the two rotorcraft based centers could provide the region with rapid and efficient emergency health care. The superior speed and range of the XV-15 Tilt Rotor aircraft make it an attractive possibility for emergency transport and rescue in this region.

Integrating Strategic and Operational Decision Making Using Data-Driven Dashboards: The Case of St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital.

PubMed

Jack Weiner; Balijepally, Venugopal; Tanniru, Mohan

2015-01-01

Hospitals have invested and continue to invest heavily in building information systems to support operations at various levels of administration. These systems generate a lot of data but fail to effectively convert these data into actionable information for decision makers. Such ineffectiveness often is attributed to a lack of alignment between strategic planning and information technology (IT) initiatives supporting operational goals. We present a case study that illustrates how the use of digital dashboards at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (SJMO) Hospital in Pontiac, Michigan, was instrumental in supporting such an alignment. Driven by a focus on key performance indicators (KPIs), dashboard applications also led to other tangible and intangible benefits. An ability to track KPIs over time and against established targets, with drill-down capabilities, allowed leadership to hold staff members accountable for achieving their performance targets. By displaying the dashboards in prominent locations (such as operational unit floors, the physicians' cafeteria, and nursing stations), SJMO ushered in transparency in the planning and monitoring processes. The need to develop KPI metrics and drive data collection efforts became ingrained in the work ethos of people at every level of the organization. Although IT-enabled dashboards have been instrumental in supporting this cultural transformation, the focus of investment was the ability of technology to make collective vision and action the responsibility of all stakeholders.

Using Naturalistic Data to Develop Simulator Scenarios

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-11-01

The establishment of large naturalistic driver data sets, most recently the Strategic : Highway Research Program 2 (SHRP2), provides unique opportunities to observe driver : behavior under real-world conditions. In order to better understand the rela...

National long range transportation plan

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-07-01

The NPS National Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) establishes a strategic framework for transportation investment service-wide over the next 20 years. It provides guidance to regional and park unit staff who make transportation investment and ma...

Strategic Planning and Management in Defense Systems Acquisition

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-04-30

Strategic planning, according to Dr. John Bryson (2010), offers many benefits to public-sector organizations:  Promotes strategic thinking, acting, and...planning in particular—and has proven its value (Barzelay & Campbell, 2003; Berman & West, 1998; Berry & Wechsler, 1995; Boyne & Gould-Williams, 2003...national survey. Public Administration Review, 55(2), 159–68. Boyne , G. A., & Gould-Williams, J. (2003). Planning and performance in public organizations

Strategic Planning and Management in Defense Systems Acquisition

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-10-01

to Dr. John Bryson (2010), offers many benefits to public-sector organizations: • Promotes strategic thinking, acting, and learning; • Improves...and with strategic planning in particular—and has proven its value (Barzelay & Campbell, 2003; Berman & West, 1998; Berry & Wechsler, 1995; Boyne ...national survey. Public Administration Review, 55(2), 159–68. Boyne , G. A., & Gould-Williams, J. (2003). Planning and performance in public organizations

An assessment of implementation and evaluation phases of strategic plans in Iranian hospitals

PubMed Central

Sadeghifar, Jamil; Tofighi, Shahram; Roshani, Mohamad; Toulideh, Zahra; Mohsenpour, Seyedramezan; Jafari, Mehdi

2017-01-01

Objectives: To assess the implementation and evaluation phases of strategic plans in selected hospitals. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of implementation and evaluation of strategic plan in 24 hospitals in 2015, using a questionnaire which consisted of two separate sections for strategic implementation and strategic evaluation. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 18. Results: Nearly one-third of hospitals claimed that they allocate their budget based on priorities and strategic goals. However, it turned out that although goals had been set, no formal announcements had been made. Most of the hospitals stated that they used measures when evaluating the plan. For hospital staff, clarifying the hospital’s priorities was the most important advantage of a strategic plan. Conclusion: There is no clear definition for strategic management in Iranian hospitals, which results in chaotic implementation and control of strategic planning. PMID:29085637

Strategic sensor locations of FPR bridge decks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Hwai-Chung; Warnemuende, Kraig; Yan, An; Mu, Bin

2003-07-01

Advanced fiber-reinforced polymer composite (FRP) has been increasingly used in bridge deck to replace concrete or steel. A FRP bridge deck can be designed to meet AASHTO HS-25 load requirements. FRP decks have many advantages over the conventional reinforced concrete or steel decks owing to their lightweight, high strength and corrosion resistance. However, such new deck system requires extensive monitoring to ensure its designed performance before its widespread acceptance by the bridge community. For inspection and evaluation purpose, a proper monitoring system consisting of various kinds of sensors installed in the FRP deck is critical. This paper provides a framework for designing an efficient monitoring system. The strategic sensor locations are identified based on the stress analysis of the FRP deck.

Uncertainties in building a strategic defense.

PubMed

Zraket, C A

1987-03-27

Building a strategic defense against nuclear ballistic missiles involves complex and uncertain functional, spatial, and temporal relations. Such a defensive system would evolve and grow over decades. It is too complex, dynamic, and interactive to be fully understood initially by design, analysis, and experiments. Uncertainties exist in the formulation of requirements and in the research and design of a defense architecture that can be implemented incrementally and be fully tested to operate reliably. The analysis and measurement of system survivability, performance, and cost-effectiveness are critical to this process. Similar complexities exist for an adversary's system that would suppress or use countermeasures against a missile defense. Problems and opportunities posed by these relations are described, with emphasis on the unique characteristics and vulnerabilities of space-based systems.

Predicting the performance of a strategic alliance: an analysis of the Community Clinical Oncology Program.

PubMed Central

Kaluzny, A D; Lacey, L M; Warnecke, R; Hynes, D M; Morrissey, J; Ford, L; Sondik, E

1993-01-01

OBJECTIVE. This study is designed to examine the effects of environment and structure of the Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) on performance as measured by patient accrual to National Cancer Institute (NCI)-approved treatment protocols. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING. Data and analysis are part of a larger evaluation of the NCI Community Clinical Oncology Program during its second funding cycle, June 1987-May 1990. Data, taken from primary and secondary sources, included a survey of selected informants in CCOPs and research bases, CCOP grant applications, CCOP annual progress reports, and site visits to a subsample of CCOPs (N = 20) and research bases (N = 5). Accrual data were obtained from NCI records. STUDY DESIGN. Analysis involved three complementary sets of factors: the local health care resources environment available to the CCOP, the larger policy environment as reflected by the relationship of the CCOP to selected research bases and the NCI, and the operational structure of the CCOP itself. A hierarchical model examined the separate and cumulative effects of local and policy environment and structure on performance. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS. Other things equal, the primary predictors of treatment accrual were: (1) the larger policy environment, as measured by the attendance of nurses at research base meetings; and (2) operational structure, as measured by the number and character of components within participating CCOPs and the number of hours per week worked by data managers. These factors explained 73 percent of the total variance in accrual performance. CONCLUSIONS. Findings suggest criteria for selecting the types of organizations to participate in the alliance, as well as for establishing guidelines for managing such alliances. A future challenge is to determine the extent to which factors predicting accrual to cancer treatment clinical trials are equally important as predictors of accrual to cancer prevention and control trials. PMID:8514498

State of Tennessee strategic highway safety plan

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-08-01

The State of Tennessee's Strategic Highway Safety Plan was developed by the Tennessee Strategic Highway Safety Committee with the goal of reaching a 10% fatality rate reduction, based on CY 2002 data, by the end of CY 2008, with a projected saving of...

Managing Uncertainty: Thinking and Planning Strategically.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lorenzo, Albert L.

1993-01-01

Argues that rapid change and tight resources demand reality-based planning, rather than planning models that ignore internal and external customers or emphasize process over product. Describes the Strategic Guidance Model (SGM) which provides colleges with strategic visioning, organizational assessment, environmental scanning, quality improvement,…

Investigating Ongoing Strategic Behaviour of Students with Mild Mental Retardation: Implementation and Relations to Performance in a Problem-Solving Situation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dermitzaki, Irini; Stavroussi, Panayiota; Bandi, Maria; Nisiotou, Ioulia

2008-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent students with mild mental retardation exhibit strategic behaviour during problem solving and to investigate the relationships between the ongoing behaviours examined and the students' respective performance. Eleven students with non-organic mild mental retardation participated in the study.…

Effects of a Strategic Intervention with iPad Practice on the Multiplication Fact Performance of Fifth-Grade Students with Learning Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ok, Min Wook; Bryant, Diane Pedrotty

2016-01-01

This study investigated the effects of explicit, strategic intervention with iPad application practice on the multiplication fact performance and strategy use of elementary students with learning disabilities (LD) using a single-case, multiple probe design across participants. Four fifth-grade students with LD received 15 1:1 intervention sessions…

The strategic plan for combating antimicrobial resistance in Gulf Cooperation Council States.

PubMed

Balkhy, Hanan H; Assiri, Abdullah M; Mousa, Haifa Al; Al-Abri, Seif S; Al-Katheeri, Huda; Alansari, Huda; Abdulrazzaq, Najiba M; Aidara-Kane, Awa; Pittet, Didier

2016-01-01

The Gulf Cooperation Council Center for Infection Control (GCC-IC) has placed the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on the top of its agenda for the past four years. The board members have developed the initial draft for the GCC strategic plan for combating AMR in 2014. The strategic plan stems from the WHO mandate to combat AMR at all levels. The need for engaging a large number of stakeholders has prompted the GCC-IC to engage a wider core of professionals in finalizing the plan. A multi-disciplinary group of more than 40 experts were then identified. And a workshop was conducted in Riyadh January 2015 and included, for the first time, representation of relevant ministries and agencies as well as international experts in the field. Participants worked over a period of two and a half days in different groups. International experts shared the global experiences and challenges in addressing human, food, animal, and environmental aspects of controlling AMR. Participants were then divided into 4 groups each to address the human, animal, microbiological and diagnostic, or the environmental aspect of AMR. At the end of the workshop, the strategic plan was revised and endorsed by all participants. The GCC-IC board members then approved it as the strategic plan for AMR. The document produced here is the first GCC strategic plan addressing AMR, which shall be adopted by GCC countries to develop country-based plans and related key performance indicators (KPIs). It is now the role of each country to identify the body that will be accountable for implementing the plan at the country level. Copyright © 2016 King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assessment and improvement of the Italian healthcare system: first evidence from a pilot national performance evaluation system.

PubMed

Nuti, Sabina; Seghieri, Chiara; Vainieri, Milena; Zett, Silvia

2012-01-01

The Italian National Health System (NHS), established in 1978, follows a model similar to the Beveridge model developed by the British NHS (Beveridge 1942; Musgrove 2000). Like the British NHS, healthcare coverage for the Italian population is provided and financed by the government through taxes. Universal coverage provides uniform healthcare access to citizens and is the characteristic usually considered the added value of a welfare system financed by tax revenues. Nonetheless, in Italy the strong policy of decentralization, which has been taking place since the early 1990s, has gradually shifted powers from the state to the 21 Italian regions. Consequently, the state now retains limited supervisory control and continues to have overall responsibility for the NHS in order to ensure uniform and essential levels of health services across the country. In this context, it has become essential, both for the ministry and for regions, to adopt a common performance evaluation system (PES). This article reports the definition, implementation, and first evidences of a pilot PES at a national level. It shows how this PES can be viewed as a strategic tool supporting the Ministry of Health (MoH) in ensuring uniform levels of care for the population and assisting regional managers to evaluate performance in benchmarking. Finally, lessons for other health systems, based on the Italian experience, are provided.

The challenges of strategic purchasing of healthcare services in Iran Health Insurance Organization: a qualitative study.

PubMed

Gorji, Hasan Abolghasem; Mousavi, Sayyed Masoud Shajari Pour; Shojaei, Ali; Keshavarzi, Anahita; Zare, Hossein

2018-02-01

Strategic purchasing in healthcare services is a key component in improving health system performance, and it has been one of the most important issues in health system reform around the world, especially Europe in the last decade. Iran health system and insurance, although sometimes considered the issue of strategic purchasing goals, has not been made possible to achieve or even to implement, due to the associated problems. To determine the associated problems of strategic purchasing in the Iran Health Insurance Organization (IHIO). This study is a qualitative study, and framework analysis which was conducted in Iran in 2014-15. The participants in this study were 34 individuals from decision-makers and executives in the IHIO purchasing process, and university experts who have been chosen purposefully. This study conducted frame analysis, by using MAXQDA 10. The findings included associated problems of IHIO strategic purchasing in 12 themes and 65 subthemes. The themes included: Laws and regulations for purchasing, Organization of purchasing, Qualified and authorized providers, Right type of services, Right type of contracts, Target groups for purchasing, Resources allocation, financing and pricing system, Purchasing as improving performance and quality, Purchasing as shaping the market and competition, Purchasing as health progress state of people and society, Guided purchasing and stewardship of government, Structure of decision-making process in the health and welfare ministries. The findings of this study showed associated problems in IHIO strategic purchasing. To achieve strategic purchasing goals in Iran, identification of all issues and factors of the total insurers and health system sets which affect strategic purchasing is essential.

Progress Toward Overset-Grid Moving Body Capability for USM3D Unstructured Flow Solver

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pandyna, Mohagna J.; Frink, Neal T.; Noack, Ralph W.

2005-01-01

A static and dynamic Chimera overset-grid capability is added to an established NASA tetrahedral unstructured parallel Navier-Stokes flow solver, USM3D. Modifications to the solver primarily consist of a few strategic calls to the Donor interpolation Receptor Transaction library (DiRTlib) to facilitate communication of solution information between various grids. The assembly of multiple overlapping grids into a single-zone composite grid is performed by the Structured, Unstructured and Generalized Grid AssembleR (SUGGAR) code. Several test cases are presented to verify the implementation, assess overset-grid solution accuracy and convergence relative to single-grid solutions, and demonstrate the prescribed relative grid motion capability.

Flight performance measurement utilizing a figure of merit (FOM)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mosier, Kathleen L.; Zacharias, Greg L.

1993-01-01

One of the goals of the NASA Strategic Behavior/Workload Management Program is to develop standardized procedures for constructing figures of merit (FOMs) that describe minimal criteria for flight task performance, as well as summarize overall performance quality. Such a measure could be utilized for evaluating flight crew performance, for assessing the effectiveness of new equipment or technological innovations, or for measuring performance at a particular airport. In this report, we describe the initial phases in the creation of a FOM to be employed in examining crew performance in NASA-Ames Air Ground Compatibility and Strategic Behavior/Workload Management programs.

Strategic behavior, workload, and performance in task scheduling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moray, Neville; Dessouky, Mohamed I.; Kijowski, Brian A.; Adapathya, Ravi

1991-01-01

Scheduling theory is proposed as a normative model for strategic behavior when operators are confronted by several tasks, all of which should be completed within a fixed time span, and when they are free to choose the order in which the tasks should be done. Three experiments are described to investigate the effect of knowing the correct scheduling rule on the efficiency of performance, subjective workload, and choice of strategy under different conditions of time pressure. The most potent effects are from time pressure. The reasons for the weak effect of knowing the rules are discussed, and implications for strategic behavior, displays, and decision aids are indicated.

Evaluating and selecting an information system, Part 1.

PubMed

Neal, T

1993-01-01

Initial steps in the process of evaluating and selecting a computerized information system for the pharmacy department are described. The first step in the selection process is to establish a steering committee and a project committee. The steering committee oversees the project, providing policy guidance, making major decisions, and allocating budgeted expenditures. The project committee conducts the departmental needs assessment, identifies system requirements, performs day-to-day functions, evaluates vendor proposals, trains personnel, and implements the system chosen. The second step is the assessment of needs in terms of personnel, workload, physical layout, and operating requirements. The needs assessment should be based on the department's mission statement and strategic plan. The third step is the development of a request for information (RFI) and a request for proposal (RFP). The RFI is a document designed for gathering preliminary information from a wide range of vendors; this general information is used in deciding whether to send the RFP to a given vendor. The RFP requests more detailed information and gives the purchaser's exact specifications for a system; the RFP also includes contractual information. To help ensure project success, many institutions turn to computer consultants for guidance. The initial steps in selecting a computerized pharmacy information system are establishing computerization committees, conducting a needs assessment, and writing an RFI and an RFP. A crucial early decision is whether to seek a consultant's expertise.

A qualitative study of Canada's experience with the implementation of electronic health information technology.

PubMed

Rozenblum, Ronen; Jang, Yeona; Zimlichman, Eyal; Salzberg, Claudia; Tamblyn, Melissa; Buckeridge, David; Forster, Alan; Bates, David W; Tamblyn, Robyn

2011-03-22

In 2001, Canada Health Infoway unveiled a plan to implement a national system of interoperable electronic health records. This government-funded corporation introduced a novel model for interprovincial/territorial collaboration to establish core aspects of a national framework. Despite this $1.6 billion initiative, Canada continues to lag behind other Western countries in adopting electronic health records. We conducted a study to identify the success of different aspects of the Canadian plan and ways to improve the adoption of electronic health records. We used a case study approach to assess the 10-year history of Canada's e-health plan. National reports and documents were reviewed, and structured interviews were conducted with 29 key stakeholders representing national and provincial organizations responsible for establishing policy and strategic direction for health information technology. Using grounded theory, we analyzed transcripts of the interviews to identify themes and their relationships. Key stakeholders identified funding, national standards, patient registries and digital imaging as important achievements of the e-health plan. Lack of an e-health policy, inadequate involvement of clinicians, failure to establish a business case for using electronic health records, a focus on national rather than regional interoperability, and inflexibility in approach were seen as barriers to adoption of the plan. To accelerate adoption of electronic health records and timely return on investment, an e-health policy needs to be tightly aligned with the major strategic directions of health care reform. Adoption needs to be actively fostered through a bottom-up, clinical-needs-first approach, a national policy for investment in electronic health records, and financial incentives based on patient outcomes that can be achieved with electronic health records.

A qualitative study of Canada’s experience with the implementation of electronic health information technology

PubMed Central

Rozenblum, Ronen; Jang, Yeona; Zimlichman, Eyal; Salzberg, Claudia; Tamblyn, Melissa; Buckeridge, David; Forster, Alan; Bates, David W.; Tamblyn, Robyn

2011-01-01

Background In 2001, Canada Health Infoway unveiled a plan to implement a national system of interoperable electronic health records. This government-funded corporation introduced a novel model for interprovincial/territorial collaboration to establish core aspects of a national framework. Despite this $1.6 billion initiative, Canada continues to lag behind other Western countries in adopting electronic health records. We conducted a study to identify the success of different aspects of the Canadian plan and ways to improve the adoption of electronic health records. Methods We used a case study approach to assess the 10-year history of Canada’s e-health plan. National reports and documents were reviewed, and structured interviews were conducted with 29 key stakeholders representing national and provincial organizations responsible for establishing policy and strategic direction for health information technology. Using grounded theory, we analyzed transcripts of the interviews to identify themes and their relationships. Results Key stakeholders identified funding, national standards, patient registries and digital imaging as important achievements of the e-health plan. Lack of an e-health policy, inadequate involvement of clinicians, failure to establish a business case for using electronic health records, a focus on national rather than regional interoperability, and inflexibility in approach were seen as barriers to adoption of the plan. Interpretation To accelerate adoption of electronic health records and timely return on investment, an e-health policy needs to be tightly aligned with the major strategic directions of health care reform. Adoption needs to be actively fostered through a bottom-up, clinical-needs-first approach, a national policy for investment in electronic health records, and financial incentives based on patient outcomes that can be achieved with electronic health records. PMID:21343262

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response; HHS Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise implementation plan for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. Notice.

PubMed

2007-04-23

The United States faces serious public health threats from the deliberate use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD)--chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN)--by hostile States or terrorists, and from naturally emerging infectious diseases that have a potential to cause illness on a scale that could adversely impact national security. Effective strategies to prevent, mitigate, and treat the consequences of CBRN threats is an integral component of our national security strategy. To that end, the United States must be able to rapidly develop, stockpile, and deploy effective medical countermeasures to protect the American people. The HHS Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise (PHEMCE) has taken a holistic, end-to-end approach that considers multiple aspects of the medical countermeasures mission including research, development, acquisition, storage, maintenance, deployment, and guidance for utilization. Phase one of this approach established the HHS PHEMCE Strategy for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Threats (HHS PHEMCE Strategy). The HHS PHEMCE Strategy, published in the Federal Register on March 20, 2007, described a framework of strategic policy goals and objectives for identifying medical countermeasure requirements and establishing priorities for medical countermeasure evaluation, development and acquisition. These strategic policy goals and objectives were used to establish the Four Pillars upon which this HHS Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise Implementation Plan (HHS PHEMCE Implementation Plan) is based. The HHS PHEMCE Implementation Plan considers the full spectrum of medical countermeasures-related activities, including research, development, acquisition, storage/maintenance, deployment, and utilization. The HHS PHEMCE Implementation Plan is consistent with the President's Biodefense for the 21st Century and is aligned with the National Strategy for Medical Countermeasures against Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission: Systems Engineering Challenges on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Havens, Glen G.

2007-01-01

MRO project is a system of systems requiring system engineering team to architect, design, integrate, test, and operate these systems at each level of the project. The challenge of system engineering mission objectives into a single mission architecture that can be integrated tested, launched, and operated. Systems engineering must translate high-level requirements into integrated mission design. Systems engineering challenges were overcome utilizing a combination by creative designs built into MRO's flight and ground systems: a) Design of sophisticated spacecraft targeting and data management capabilities b) Establishment of a strong operations team organization; c) Implementation of robust operational processes; and d) Development of strategic ground tools. The MRO system has met the challenge of its driving requirements: a) MRO began its two-year primary science phase on November 7, 2006, and by July 2007, met it minimum requirement to collect 15 Tbits of data after only eight months of operations. Currently we have collected 22 Tbits. b) Based on current performance, mission data return could return 70 Tbits of data by the end of the primary science phase in 2008.

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data.

PubMed

Spelman, Tim; Gray, Orla; Lucas, Robyn; Butzkueven, Helmut

2015-12-09

This report describes a novel Stata-based application of trigonometric regression modelling to 55 years of multiple sclerosis relapse data from 46 clinical centers across 20 countries located in both hemispheres. Central to the success of this method was the strategic use of plot analysis to guide and corroborate the statistical regression modelling. Initial plot analysis was necessary for establishing realistic hypotheses regarding the presence and structural form of seasonal and latitudinal influences on relapse probability and then testing the performance of the resultant models. Trigonometric regression was then necessary to quantify these relationships, adjust for important confounders and provide a measure of certainty as to how plausible these associations were. Synchronization of graphing techniques with regression modelling permitted a systematic refinement of models until best-fit convergence was achieved, enabling novel inferences to be made regarding the independent influence of both season and latitude in predicting relapse onset timing in MS. These methods have the potential for application across other complex disease and epidemiological phenomena suspected or known to vary systematically with season and/or geographic location.

A Knowledge-Base for Rehabilitation of Airfield Concrete Pavements

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-01-01

pavement engineer is located at a Major Command which oversees the operation of several Air Force bases. The five largest commands are the Strategic Air... Strategic Air Command (SAC) pavement engineer at Offutt AFB, NE 1980 - 1982: COE Materials & Concrete Division (MRD) Laboratory engineer 1976 - 1980...LaFrenz TITLE OR POSITION: Strategic Air Command Pavement Engineer PHONE: MAIL ADDRESS: HQ SAC/DEM Offutt AFB, NE YEARS IN CURRENT ASSIGNMENT: 2 EXPERIENCE

High-level PC-based laser system modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, Michael S.

1991-05-01

Since the inception of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) there have been a multitude of comparison studies done in an attempt to evaluate the effectiveness and relative sizes of complementary, and sometimes competitive, laser weapon systems. It became more and more apparent that what the systems analyst needed was not only a fast, but a cost effective way to perform high-level trade studies. In the present investigation, a general procedure is presented for the development of PC-based algorithmic systems models for laser systems. This procedure points out all of the major issues that should be addressed in the design and development of such a model. Issues addressed include defining the problem to be modeled, defining a strategy for development, and finally, effective use of the model once developed. Being a general procedure, it will allow a systems analyst to develop a model to meet specific needs. To illustrate this method of model development, a description of the Strategic Defense Simulation - Design To (SDS-DT) model developed and used by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) is presented. SDS-DT is a menu-driven, fast executing, PC-based program that can be used to either calculate performance, weight, volume, and cost values for a particular design or, alternatively, to run parametrics on particular system parameters to perhaps optimize a design.

Strategic Frameworks for Human Performance and Human Systems Integration: Spotlight on General Systems Performance Theory and Nonlinear Causal Resource Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-12-14

Robotics Research Institute Auditorium Riverbend Campus, Fort Worth, TX Report Documentation Page Form ApprovedOMB No. 0704-0188 Public reporting burden...for HP and HSI. Format Participants were presented with information on frameworks and the benefits they can have in support of the various roles... benefit from understanding human performance. She concluded with the objectives of the workshop: 1. Evaluate strategic frameworks for representing