Learning organization attributes and organizational performance : is there a relationship in church congregations?

Includes bibliographical references (pages [104]-107).The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship, if any, between learning organization (LO) attributes and organizational performance. This effort is part of a greater call to test the LO/organizational performance link in varied types of organizations. This relationship has been examined in for-profit as well as nonprofit venues. However, this study focused on a specific subset of the nonprofit sector: churches. This study also addressed an ongoing problem: the shrinking market share of mainline denominations in the U.S. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is a part of this trend, slipping from being the fifth largest denomination in 2001 to seventh largest in 2005. This study supports the findings of other studies that suggest a link between LO attributes and organizational performance. All bivariate correlation coefficients between DLOQ measures and performance measures were positive. For average weekly attendance and senior pastor tenure, all correlation coefficients (bivariate and multiple regression) were statistically significant. Although the relationships reported here were not as strong as in previous studies, there is evidence that churches, specifically ELCA congregations, exhibit LO attributes and that those attributes are positively correlated with performance as measured by average weekly attendance. In addition, senior pastor tenure and LO attributes together are correlated to average weekly attendance. An additional analysis also confirmed that there are significant differences between growing and declining congregations regarding LO attributes, senior pastor tenure, and average giving per attendee.Ed.D. (Doctor of Education

Review of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for the Treatment of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Objective To review the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Data Souces Literature was accessed via MEDLINE (1950–February 2009) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1960–2009) using the medical subject heading terms omega-3 fatty acids and attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity. Additional references were found by searching bibliographic references of resulting citations. Study Selection and Data Extraction All English-language, placebo controlled publications identified were analyzed for significance. Studies relevant to the objective were used, including eight studies evaluating the use of omega-3 fatty acid in the treatment of children with symptoms of ADHD. Data Synthesis Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation has been found to have variable efficacy in the treatment of patients with ADHD. Of the eight studies evaluated, three demonstrated no significant improvements in any evaluation criteria, with five studies reporting positive effects in at least one outcome measure. All positive efficacy studies included concomitant supplementation with omega-6 fatty acids. No clinically significant adverse effects were identified in the reviewed studies. Conclusions Based on the available data, current fatty acid supplementation techniques do not appear to be a consistant method of controlling ADHD symptoms. Without better evidence to determine the true value of fatty acids in the treatment of ADHD, omega-3 fatty acid use should be isolated to adjuvant supplementation or used in patients unable or unwilling to take stimulant medications. If recommended, there does not appear to be clinically significant adverse events associated with omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and this would be a safe treatment modality