Psychological principles of successful aging technologies: A mini-review

Based on resource-oriented conceptions of successful life-span development, we propose three principles for evaluating assistive technology: (a) net resource release; (b) person specificity, and (c) proximal versus distal frames of evaluation. We discuss how these general principles can aid the design and evaluation of assistive technology in adulthood and old age, and propose two technological strategies, one targeting sensorimotor and the other cognitive functioning. The sensorimotor strategy aims at releasing cognitive resources such as attention and working memory by reducing the cognitive demands of sensory or sensorimotor aspects of performance. The cognitive strategy attempts to provide adaptive and individualized cuing structures orienting the individual in time and space by providing prompts that connect properties of the environment to the individual's action goals. We argue that intelligent assistive technology continuously adjusts the balance between `environmental support' and `self-initiated processing' in person-specific and aging-sensitive ways, leading to enhanced allocation of cognitive resources. Furthermore, intelligent assistive technology may foster the generation of formerly latent cognitive resources by activating developmental reserves (plasticity). We conclude that `lifespan technology', if co-constructed by behavioral scientists, engineers, and aging individuals, offers great promise for improving both the transition from middle adulthood to old age and the degree of autonomy in old age in present and future generations. Copyright (C) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel

Developing a Methodology for Analyzing Educational Offerings Using Competency Descriptors

The United States Air Force needs to ensure its Airmen are receiving the best possible education so that they can perform their jobs as effectively as possible. One way to improve the evaluation and development of its Airmen is to incorporate the use of competencies to develop standards for performance and use competency-based education principles to improve the quality of education delivered to the Airmen. One of the educational centers of the United States Air Force is The Civil Engineer School. However, The Civil Engineer School needs a way to evaluate its current coursework on how well it develops competencies in Airmen and a way to create curriculums for future educational programs that focus on development of a particular competency profile. This research accomplishes both of those tasks by using the building block of competency models, descriptors. By deriving from the principles of competencies and competency-based education evaluation criteria, a methodology for determining competency development from a course is created by relating the coursework to the competency model’s descriptors. Once the descriptors have been related to coursework, an optimization tool can be used to develop curriculums based on a given competency The Civil Engineer School desires to develop. This research provides one such tool, using Microsoft Excel to determine the curriculum that meets the desired competency development in the shortest time using existing coursework or to build a new course that accomplishes the desired competency development in the shortest time using existing coursework

Exploring the use of a participative design in the early development of a predictive test : the importance of physician involvement

In this study, we contribute to the personalized medicine and health care management literature by developing and testing a new participative design approach. We propose that involving gastroenterologists in the development of a predictive test to assist them in their clinical decision-making process for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases will increase the likelihood of their acceptance of the innovation. Based on data obtained from 6 focus groups across Canada from a total of 28 physicians, analyses reveal that current tools do not enable discriminating between treatment options to find the best fit for each patient. Physicians expect a new predictive tool to have the capability of showing clear reliability and significant benefits for the patient, while being accessible in a timely manner that facilitates clinical decisions. Physicians also insist on their key role in the implementation process, hence confirming the relevance and importance of participative designs in personalized medicine

Creating The Conditions For Deeper Learning: Leadership Practices For Reframing 21st Century Education Systems

The convergence of advanced technologies, sociocultural trends and transformative shifts in global industries is accelerating the need for change in the American education system. Research and practice reveal promising developments in pedagogical approaches and a growing movement toward the implementation of deeper learning models. This phenomenological study examined the lived experiences and perceptions of superintendents leading dynamic shifts in public education to provide equitable access to deeper learning methodologies. The application of a dual framework supported the development of the study design and allowed for synthesis of the key components impacting system redesign. Data was elicited through semi-structured interviews to better understand the priorities and leadership practices of superintendents leading the vision for change in their schools and communities. Findings indicate the emergence of six themes with corresponding sub-themes defining specific factors for mobilizing these efforts. The results highlight promising aspects of community practice shaping collective efficacy and call for transparency related to equitable deeper learning outcomes for all students. The study provides recommendations for education leaders and policymakers on addressing the complexities of systemic change to empower learner-centered environments and transform school culture

Walking the path of treatable traits in interstitial lung diseases

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are complex and heterogeneous diseases. The use of traditional diagnostic classification in ILD can lead to suboptimal management, which is worsened by not considering the molecular pathways, biological complexity, and disease phenotypes. The identification of specific "treatable traits" in ILDs, which are clinically relevant and modifiable disease characteristics, may improve patient's outcomes. Treatable traits in ILDs may be classified into four different domains (pulmonary, aetiological, comorbidities, and lifestyle), which will facilitate identification of related assessment tools, treatment options, and expected benefits. A multidisciplinary care team model is a potential way to implement a "treatable traits" strategy into clinical practice with the aim of improving patients' outcomes. Multidisciplinary models of care, international registries, and the use of artificial intelligence may facilitate the implementation of the "treatable traits" approach into clinical practice. Prospective studies are needed to test potential therapies for a variety of treatable traits to further advance care of patients with ILD

Business competitiveness: building and applying the 3Cs and the Strategic Change Matrix across COVID-19

This India-wide, empirical, point-in-time, global literature-supported, quantitative study involves 232 leading management consulting firm (MCF) consultants and contracting client firm (CF) perspectives. It relationally builds a structural MCF-CF 3Cs model that links MCF competencies into MCF-CF capabilities systems and then into CF business competitiveness. The 3Cs model can be visually and numerically presented as a CF three-dimensional positioning within the strategic change matrix. Future pathways towards a new optimal strategic future CF position can then be strategic change matrix mapped. A contribution towards Management-Consulting-Theory is presented as one that likely follows and embodies the MCF-CF 3Cs model processes

Bridging Web 4.0 and Education 4.0 For Next Generation User Training in ERP Adoption

This study addresses the critical issue of user comprehension and application within the sphere of cloudbased Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, a recurrent challenge exacerbated by the intricate nature of these systems. To bridge the existing gaps in training methodologies, a novel paradigm that synergizes Web 4.0 and Education 4.0 modules with traditional ERP systems is proposed. This innovative framework ushers in a paradigm shift in ERP adoption strategies, promising a marked enhancement in user interaction and efficiency. Rigorous qualitative evaluations, conducted with expert panels and potential end-users, provided robust validation of the framework's transformative potential in the realm of user training for ERP systems. This pioneering approach not only makes a substantial academic contribution by reframing the perception of ERP systems but also holds a significant practical value in ameliorating the user experience with cloud-based ERP systems. In essence, the adoption of a Web 4.0-oriented approach in user training heralds a revolutionary shift in ERP adoption strategies, setting a solid foundation for future explorations in this domain

Delivering competitiveness across management consulting firm and client firm boundaries

This study helps frame management consulting theory. It establishes the management consulting firm's networked competencies systems as mechanisms advancing a contracting client firm's operational capabilities, while also optimizting its business deliverables systems. This strategic 'management consulting firm' to 'client firm' relationship focuses into enhancing client firm sustainable (competetive) business positioning

Marketing accountability and marketing automation: evidence from Portugal

Purpose: The present study seeks to outline the role of marketing automation (MA) in measuring the return on marketing activities and the challenges associated with reaching accountability in marketing. Design/methodology/approach: To investigate the objective of the study, the authors adopted a qualitative approach, conducting an exploratory study among ten key informants located in Portugal. Findings: Based on the results of the qualitative analysis, a conceptual framework is proposed, which includes both strategic- and operational-level factors with the goal of creating a value-based agenda. In this agenda, executives such as the Chief Marketing Officer emerge as value creators, fostering business scalability, and further arguments are provided to justify budget allocation to MA activities. Originality/value: Through careful research of the elements that characterize the phenomenon under study, the present paper ultimately contributes to a better understanding of MA and accountability within the current business paradigm