The Role of the Narrative in Values-Led Business

Many leaders of values-based organizations already possess the requisite passion for the core values of their respective organizations. The ability to have their organizations perform in a manner consistent with these values is critical to gain the authenticity necessary for their audiences in order to discern the value of what that particular organization offers. The inability to articulate this to all stakeholders — including the marketplace, investors, employees, and competitors — may increase the hazard of mortality for the organization. One characteristic that human beings do not share with any other creature on earth is the ability to relate complex narratives. Narratives in leadership are synonymous with storytelling in organizations. Narratives have a much broader connotation. Narratives are an ancient art form and have the ability to create a connection between the narrator and the audience. If related well, it can create a sense of community, hone a common focus, and provide a stimulus for change. Most organizations need to address a common problem of implementing leadership tools resulting in the best outcomes for decisions. Poor leadership will inevitably increase the likelihood of organizational failure. They need to implement mechanisms that will increase positive outcomes. This paper reviews examples of leadership under impossible odds. It will reveal the necessary foundational material to provide a solid background. Next, it will address the common elements of an effective narrative as well as the importance that authenticity plays in its reception. Lastly, the elements of narrative leadership and the power it can give to those leaders who learn how to use narratives effectively will be addressed. Examples will demonstrate how effective narratives used by leaders of values-based organizations can eliminate obstacles and help their organizations perform audaciously

Proposed Regulations Could Limit Access to Affordable Health Coverage for Workers' Children and Family Members

Outlines implications of how the health reform law's premium subsidies apply if employer-sponsored self-only coverage is affordable but family coverage is not. Suggests basing family members' eligibility and affordability on additional cost to employee

AN ERA OF CONFUSION: THE LAND GRANT RESEARCH AGENDA AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

The Land Grant College and University (LGCU) research system is in a state of confusion. Public research privatization, industry concentration, and balancing money and the Land Grant mission are issues LGCUs currently face. The ag-biotechnology revolution complicates these issues. This paper provides four mission related policy recommendations for the LGCU system. Keywords: Biotechnology, Land Grant Mission, ResearchBiotechnology, Land Grant Mission, Research, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies,

IDENTITY CRISIS: LAND GRANT RESEARCH IN THE BIOTECHNOLOGY ERA

"It is further the policy of the Congress to promote the efficient production, marketing, distribution, and utilization of products of the farm as essential to the health and welfare of our peoples and to promote a sound and prosperous agriculture and rural life...It shall be the object and duty of the State agricultural experiment stations...to conduct original and other researches, investigations, and experiments...including researches basic to the problems of agriculture in its broadest aspects, and such investigations as have for their purpose and development and improvement of the rural home and rural life and the maximum contribution by agriculture to the welfare of the consumer..." (The Hatch Act) Land Grant Colleges and Universities (LGCUs) are experiencing an identity crisis. This identity crisis is most evident in agricultural research, where privatization is raising questions about the public-good nature of agricultural research, where the delivery of product to the consumer as originally stated in the Hatch Act of 1887 is hampered by increasing protection of intellectual property, and where is there is no clear vision as to how 21st century agriculture is supposed to look. How can LGCUs maximize the contribution of agriculture to the improvement of rural life or consumer welfare if there is no clear vision?Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies,

Power system technologies for the manned Mars mission

The high impulse of electric propulsion makes it an attractive option for manned interplanetary missions such as a manned mission to Mars. This option is, however, dependent on the availability of high energy sources for propulsive power in addition to that required for the manned interplanetary transit vehicle. Two power system technologies are presented: nuclear and solar. The ion thruster technology for the interplanetary transit vehicle is described for a typical mission. The power management and distribution system components required for such a mission must be further developed beyond today's technology status. High voltage-high current technology advancements must be achieved. These advancements are described. In addition, large amounts of waste heat must be rejected to the space environment by the thermal management system. Advanced concepts such as the liquid droplet radiator are discussed as possible candidates for the manned Mars mission. These thermal management technologies have great potential for significant weight reductions over the more conventional systems

Electro-optical characterization of GaAs solar cells

The electro-optical characterization of gallium arsenide p/n solar cells is discussed. The objective is to identify and understand basic mechanisms which limit the performance of high efficiency gallium arsenide solar cells. The approach involves conducting photoresponse and temperature dependent current-voltage measurements, and interpretation of the data in terms of theory to determine key device parameters. Depth concentration profiles are also utilized in formulating a model to explain device performance

Effect of calcium fluoride additions on the sintering of magnesium oxide

The effect of additions of calcium fluoride on the sintering of a refractory grade magnesium oxide fired under reducing conditions was studied. Specimens were formed at very low pressures to simulate compaction achieved in the jolt-pack technique, and at higher pressures commonly encountered in · powder-pressing of ware. Specimens were fired in an induction furnace and held for pre-determined periods at temperatures ranging from 1300°C. to 1900°C. Shrinkage, bulk density, and grain growth factor were determined and presented as a function of composition and temperature