The Motivating Role of Dissociative Outgroups in Encouraging Positive Consumer Behaviors

Previous research has found that people tend to avoid products or behaviors that are linked to dissociative reference groups. The present research demonstrates conditions under which consumers exhibit similar behaviors to dissociative out-group members in the domain of positive consumption behaviors. In particular, when a consumer learns that a dissociative out-group performs comparatively well on a positive behavior, the consumer is more likely to respond with positive intentions and actions when the setting is public (vs. private). The authors suggest that this occurs because learning of the successful performance of a dissociative out-group under public conditions threatens the consumer’s group image and activates the desire to present the group image in a positive light. The authors show that although group affirmation mitigates these effects, self-affirmation does not. They also examine the moderating role of the positivity of the behavior and the mediating role of group image motives. Taken together, the results highlight conditions under which communicating information about the behaviors of dissociative out-groups can be used to spur consumers to engage in positive actions

Process evaluation outcomes from a global child obesity prevention intervention

Background: While it is acknowledged that child obesity interventions should cover multiple ecological levels (downstream, midstream and upstream) to maximize their effectiveness, there is a lack of evaluation data to guide the development and implementation of such efforts. To commence addressing this knowledge gap, the present study provides process evaluation data relating to the experiences of groups implementing the EPODE approach to child obesity prevention in various locations around the world. The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate the barriers and facilitators to program implementation in program sites around the world to assist in developing strategies to enhance program outcomes. Methods: An online survey that included open-ended questions was distributed to the 25 EPODE programs in operation at the time of the survey (May 2012). The survey items asked respondents to comment on those aspects of program implementation that they found challenging and to suggest areas for future improvement. Eighteen programs representing 14 countries responded to the request to participate in the survey, yielding a 72% response rate. The responses were analyzed via the constant comparative method using NVivo qualitative data analysis software.Results: The main concerns of the various EPODE programs were their ability to secure ongoing funding and their access to evidence-based intervention methods and policy advice relating to relationships with third parties. These issues were in turn impacted by other factors, including (i) access to user-friendly information relating to the range of intervention strategies available and appropriate evaluation measures; (ii) assistance with building and maintaining stakeholder relationships; and (iii) assurance of the quality, independence, and transparency of policies and practices. Conclusions: The findings are facilitating the ongoing refinement of the EPODE approach. In particular, standardized and tailored information packages are being made available to advise program members of (i) the various evaluation methods and tools at their disposal and (ii) methods of acquiring private partner support. Overall, the study results relating to the types of issues encountered by program members are likely to be useful in guiding the future design and implementation of multi-level initiatives seeking to address other complex and intractable health-related problems

Improving sales performance in remote areas through online training

This insider action research focused on training intervention to improve the sales performance of employees located in remote sales outlets of our Company X, a distributor firm for a popular lifestyle footwear. Through action research, methods of inquiries, and systems analysis, our team identified the absence of formal training among sales associates from remote areas as a key factor affecting sales productivity. Hence, our team administered an online training program to sales associates located in our Mindanao stores, which occurred during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Through the use of the Kirkpatrick Model, we assessed the effectiveness of the online training. We applied the process framework of Lewin’s Change Model to manage organizational change through different phases of the process. Results revealed that training has improved employee knowledge (product and company) and skills (listening and problem-solving) which in turn, helped produce a positive impact on sales performance. This action research has significant implications for designing and evaluating sales training programs for the retail industry

Ensemble empirical mode decomposition of photoplethysmogram signals in biometric recognition

This research focuses on using photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals for biometric recognition. Specifically, the biometric traits studied are the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) and power spectral density (PSD) of the PPG signals. The classifiers used for testing the performance of the algorithm were K-nearest neighbors algorithm (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), and random forest (RF). Training, testing, and k-fold cross validation were done using data from public database. PPG was found to be suitable for biometric recognition, although with weakness that may be addressed through gathering and training of larger sets of data. © 2019 IEEE