Measurements over distributed high performance computing and storage systems

A strawman proposal is given for a framework for presenting a common set of metrics for supercomputers, workstations, file servers, mass storage systems, and the networks that interconnect them. Production control and database systems are also included. Though other applications and third part software systems are not addressed, it is important to measure them as well

Adoption of managerial innovations: effect of adoption rationales on the adoption process

The aim of the research is to explore the complex phenomenon of the adoption of managerial innovations by organisations, with an attempt to identify relationships between various elements of this process. Four case studies were compiled using interview data from selected managers. The data provided a means of subjecting the rationales that Sturdy (2004) posited for the adoption of managerial innovations to empirical inquiry. The study also seeks to explore how the identified rationales may relate to two main characteristics of the subsequent adoption process, namely, the timing of adoption in the life cycle of the innovation and how long the adoption process takes. To our knowledge, this study represents the first empirical exploration of the adoption rationales posited by Sturdy and their subsequent impact on the adoption process. The findings of the study will be of value to academics interested studying the adoption of managerial innovations and also practising managers who must make adoption decisions and manage the adoption process. It is recognised that the study is exploratory in nature and suggestions for further research are proposed

Suez: A Crisis of British Identity Interrogating the narrative of British strength in the press coverage during the 1956 Suez Crisis

The Suez Crisis in 1956 has been identified as a critical turning point for Britain as the global spheres of powers shifted after the war. Although the crisis marks a deterioration of Britain’s geopolitical reputation during the 20th Century, it is not clear that the British population was aware of the severity of the crisis as it unfolded. An interrogation of the newspaper coverage of this event shows that the British were clinging on to a lingering sense of power that was rooted in their declining empire. This collective sense of identity obscured the serious implications of Britain’s military failure in the Suez Crisis

Calling for Versatility

Life at Ivorydale amidst a pleasant scene of factory activity is energetic, interesting and extremely satisfactory. An experimental kitchen and an experimental household laundry comprise the laboratories of the Home Economics Department of the Proctor and Gamble Company. I am in charge of the activities here, where my official designation, if anyone ever got around to giving it, would probably be assistant director

Cleaning Up the Mess: the Economic, Environmental, and Cultural Impact of U.S. Military Base Closures on Surrounding Communities

Today, many military bases have become financial burdens on the federal government, as the military’s needs and systems have changed drastically since the end of the Cold War. The federal government has discovered it can save a significant amount of money by shutting down unnecessary installations and shifting the work to ongoing bases. The federal government can also make money by selling the land of former military bases to surrounding communities or private companies

Cleaning Up the Mess: The Economic, Environmental, and Cultural Impact of U.S. Military Base Closures on Surrounding

Military base closings, and the numerous laws and regulations that apply to them, have a great impact on neighboring communities. This comment addresses the economic, environmental, and cultural effects of military base closures, both domestic and overseas, and offers some ideas for the future. Section I tells the stories of two former military bases, one in America and one overseas, and an American military base currently in the process of closing. Section II details the economic effects of military base closure under BRAC, while looking at the process itself in more detail. Section III examines the environmental effects, arising from both preparation for closure and use after the transfer. Section IV looks at the cultural effects of base closures. Finally, Section V analyzes what is likely to happen in the future in this area and offers some solutions to the problems under current law

Perceptions of Selected Elementary School Principal\u27 Leadership Behavior by Selected Experienced, Effective Elementary School Teachers in Minnesota

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of selected elementary school principals\u27 leadership behavior held by selected experienced, effective elementary school teachers in Minnesota. Understanding the views and needs of these teachers should help principals increase their leadership effectiveness and thus positively affect the performance and morale of such teachers. Thirty-three experienced, effective teachers were asked to respond to the Leader Behavior Description Questionnaire-Form XII (LBDQ-12) by rating their principals\u27 actual leadership behavior and their perceptions of ideal leadership behavior of principals. Resulting data were statistically treated by the jt-test for repeated measures for significant differences at the .05 level. Five teachers working with principals whose leadership behavior approximated what the teachers perceived as ideal leadership behavior (congruent situations) and five teachers working with principals whose leadership behavior deviated significantly from what the teachers considered ideal (disparate situations) were interviewed. The interview data were reported verbatim, and generalizations were formulated. Findings showed that there were statistically significant differences on every subscale of the LBDQ-12 between what the thirty- three teachers perceived as actual and ideal leadership behavior. The congruent group reported that their principals were visible in their schools, available to consult with teachers, considerate, involved teachers in decision making, and respected the autonomy of teachers. However, this group generally perceived their principals as having inadequate knowledge of curriculum. The disparate group reported that their principals were unavailable or unwilling to consult with teachers, inconsiderate, unwilling to involve teachers in decision making, and uninformed about curriculum. All teachers interviewed indicated that they valued autonomy and expected to have a voice in decisions related to their work. Needs for specific expressions of appreciation from principals and for more and better communication with principals were uniformly expressed by the teachers. Conclusions drawn from the results were that the teachers surveyed were generally not satisfied with the leadership behavior of their principals. The teachers in congruent situations appeared to view their principals\u27 leadership behavior more positively than did the teachers in disparate situations. All teachers interviewed valued principals who were adept at the leadership behavior measured by the LBDQ-12

The line of Grace: principles of road aesthetics in design of the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway, NC and VA (1934-87) is considered to be one of America's most beautiful roads. However, very little is known about the origins of its physical design or of public response to it. The hypothesis of the research is that the design of the BRP is based upon the eighteenth century aesthetic theory of William Hogarth and Edmund Burke. Hogarth's concept of the serpentine "Line of Grace" and Burke's theory that beauty is connected with emotion and motion are reviewed in conjunction with the BRP design. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to research the hypothesis. Qualitative methods included secondary and primary sources, including elite interviews of persons associated with the early design of the BRP and archival research of design documents and memoranda. Quantitative methods included a pilot and public survey to determine if current public experience of the parkway is consistent with Hogarth's and Burke's theories.Results indicated that the BRP appears to embody many of the aesthetic principles of Hogarth and Burke. The motor road's spiral curves express the three dimensional characteristics of Hogarth's serpentine "Line of Grace ". The parkway landscape reflects the principles of variety espoused by Hogarth and Burke. A direct link to Hogarth and Burke was not found -that is the BRP was not consciously designed according to their theories. However, links to the eighteenth century theories were found in the designers' education and apprenticeship.Survey results indicate that public response to the BRP design is very positive. The public response particularly supported Burke's concept that a feeling of calmness, or relaxation, is associated with positive perception of landscape scenery