Human resources strategy as a catalyst for the success of the competitive strategy: an analysis based on alignment

Competitive strategy is one of the key factors traditionally related to performance, but research explaining the mechanisms through which this strategy improves business results is scant. This study aims to shed light on this relationship by analysing human resources management (HRM) strategy as an essential tool for transforming business strategy into results. Focussing on two generic competitive strategies, we establish hypotheses on the need for alignment among four echelons: business strategy, HRM system objectives, HRM system capabilities and business performance. We test these hypotheses with structural equation modelling techniques using data provided by 204 industrial companies. The results show that to get the most out of a competitive strategy based on quality differentiation, HRM system objectives and capabilities must be focussed on quality. In the same way, a competitive strategy based on innovation differentiation requires HRM system objectives and capabilities focussed on flexibility to achieve the maximum impact on performance. In this second case, alignment is fundamental in low dynamic environments. This research not only provides additional evidence for the strategic relevance of the human resources function but also reveals the potential benefits of focussing on objectives and capabilities rather than on practices. Moreover, it shows that the role of HRM objectives and capabilities in the implementation of a competitive strategy can be shaped by factors beyond the company’s control, such as environmental dynamism

Human resources and manufacturing: where and when should they be aligned?

Purpose – The aim of this study is to analyse the effect that a horizontal fit between two functions (human resources and manufacturing) has on firm performance, distinguishing between fit in objectives and fit in achievements. Design/methodology/approach – This study uses 144 double surveys, addressed to two different respondents per company. Structural equations modelling was used to investigate the mediating role of fit in achievements in the relationship between fit in objectives and performance. Findings – The study provides evidence of the particular way in which the two components of horizontal fit that we distinguish (fit in objectives and fit in achievements) impact on performance: fit in objectives has an indirect effect on performance, which is fully mediated by the fit in achievements. The results also show that environmental dynamism has a significant impact on both the advantages and drawbacks of fit. Practical implications – By highlighting the importance of both levels of horizontal fit and distinguishing between them, this paper calls upon human resources (HR) and manufacturing managers to show a greater understanding of the key dimensions common to both areas. Originality/value – This study analyses horizontal fit by developing a framework of priorities in HR management (HRM) similar to that traditionally used in production management. In particular, it adapts the framework of production competence to the area of HRM to study the fit between the two functional strategies. This study also supports the value chain model proposed by Porter (1985)

El consumo televisivo de los futuros profesionales de la comunicación : usos y preferencias

En el presente trabajo analizamos el tipo y las formas de consumo televisivo que hacen los estudiantes universitarios españoles que cursan estudios relacionados con el área de la Comunicación. Los datos han sido obtenidos mediante la técnica del cuestionario. La muestra incluye 237 estudiantes de distintas universidades españolas.The purpose of this paper is to explore university students' views about TV services and to investigate their preferred means of accessing. This paper reports recent research about TV consumption made by a very specific target. Data were gathered from questionnaires. The sample comprised 237 expert students on Communication in Spain

Immediate Effects of Bilateral Sacroiliac Joint Manipulation on Plantar Pressure Distribution in Asymptomatic Participants

[EN] Objective: To investigate the immediate effects of manipulation of bilateral sacroiliac joints (SIJs) on the plantar pressure distribution in asymptomatic participants in the standing position. Design: Randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Participants: Sixty-two asymptomatic men and women (mean age, 20.66 – 2.56 years) randomly assigned to 2 groups. Interventions: The experimental group underwent mobilization without tension of the hips in the supine position and high-velocity, low-amplitude manipulation in the SIJs bilaterally. The control group underwent only mobilization, without tension of the hips in supine position. Outcome Measures: Pre- and postintervention outcomes measured by an assessor blinded to the treatment allocation of the participants included a baropodometric analysis performed by using a force platform. Baseline between-group differences were examined with a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. A chi-square test was used for categorical data. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to assess differences between groups, with the preintervention value as covariant (95% confidence level). Results: At baseline, no variables significantly differed between groups. Baropodometric analysis showed statistically significant differences in the location of the maximum pressure point in the experimental group ( p = 0.028). Pre- and postintervention analysis with ANCOVA showed statistically significant differences between both groups in the left hindfoot load percentage (interaction p = 0.0259; ANCOVA p = 0.0277), right foot load percentage (ANCOVA p = 0.0380), and surface of the right forefoot (interaction p = 0.0038). There was also a significant effect in the variables that analyze the entire foot (left foot: surface [interaction p = 0.0452], percentage of load [ANCOVA p = 0.0295]) and between both groups (right foot: weight [interaction p = 0.0070; ANCOVA p = 0.0296]). Conclusions: Sacroiliac joint manipulation applied bilaterally in asymptomatic persons resulted in immediate changes in load distribution on plantar support in the standing position. Study limitations and suggestions for future studies are discussed

Plasma enhanced terahertz rectification and noise in InGaAs HEMTs

In this work we explore high frequency collective phenomena present in InGaAs HEMTs which lead to a peak in the current noise spectrum and enhance their DC response to THz signals, thus originating a resonance in the rectification of AC signals. These phenomena have been evidenced in recent experiments, in which THz detection as a result of plasma wave resonances has been demonstrated. In this paper, by means of Monte Carlo simulations, the noise spectra and the AC to DC rectification properties of the devices have been calculated and linked to the properties of the plasma oscillations within two distinct parts of the source-gate region: the capped and the recessed sections of the channel.ROOTHz (FP7-243845

Objective evaluation of static and dynamic behavior of different toric silicone-hydrogel contact lenses

The present study aimed to estimate how orientation position, recovery time, and contact lens decentration, associated with visual performance, may vary on several designs of the most recent toric silicone-hydrogel toric contact lenses in two-time different momentsS

Editorial innovation on social networks of the #CoronavirusFactCheck Alliance Hispanic verifiers: contents and vision of those responsible

Trabajo realizado y financiado en el marco del proyecto de I+D+i “Impacto de la desinformación en el periodismo: contenidos, rutinas profesionales y audiencias (DESINFOPER)”. PID2019-108956RB-I00 (Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación de España). Septiembre 2020-Septiembre 2023.Introducción: Este trabajo explora el uso de las redes sociales por medios hispanos de la #CoronavirusFactCheck Alliance de la International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) ante la pandemia de la Covid-19 como herramientas para generar contenidos multimedia o interactivos innovadores con los que llegar a nuevos públicos y aumentar su visibilidad. Metodología: Mediante la observación y el análisis de los canales en red se identifican casos relevantes de adaptación de contenidos y se catalogan prácticas innovadoras. Y, a través de entrevistas en profundidad a sus promotores, se determina si esta producción se plantea como estrategia editorial y se recogen percepciones sobre limitaciones, posibilidades y proyectos futuros de contenidos innovadores en red. Resultados: Al margen de la presencia generalizada en Twitter y Facebook, las mayores innovaciones se dan sobre contenidos audiovisuales y sonoros, que van desde resúmenes y curación de contenidos a lo explicativo. Se realizan a través de redes como YouTube, Instagram e incluso TikTok, Twitch y canales de podcasting, empleando narrativas adaptadas a estos canales. Conclusiones: En el marco de determinada estrategia o de forma táctica, más allá de informar, los verificadores buscan formar y movilizar a las audiencias en la lucha contra la infodemia con formatos atractivos, comprensibles y viralizables desde los propios canales donde fluye la desinformación. Si bien algunos cuentan con recursos limitados, participar en la IFCN abre nuevas oportunidades para la innovación editorial.Introduction: This work explores the use of social networks by the hispanic platforms of the #CoronavirusFactCheck Alliance of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) in the Covid-19 pandemic, as tools to generate innovative multimedia or interactive content with which to reach new audiences and expand their visibility. Methodology: By observing and analyzing network channels, we identified relevant cases of adapted digital content and we catalog innovative practices. And through in-depth interviews with its promoters, we determine if this production is considered as an editorial strategy and we collect their perceptions about limitations, possibilities and future projects of online innovative content. Results: Apart from the generalized presence on Twitter and Facebook, the greatest innovations are materialized in videos and podcasts, ranging from summaries and curation of content to explanatory. They are carried out through networks such as YouTube, Instagram and even TikTok, Twitch and podcasting channels, using narratives adapted to these channels. Conclusions: These practices, developed within the framework of a certain strategy or tactically, seek in addition to informing, training and mobilizing audiences in the fight against the infodemic with attractive, understandable and viralizable formats from the same channels where disinformation flows. Although some verifiers have limited resources, joining IFCN opens up new opportunities for editorial innovation.Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN) PID2019-108956RB-I0

Diseño de un enfriador por aire de tiro inducido con tubos aleteados para el enfriamiento de etanol

En el presente trabajo se diseñó un enfriador por aire de tiro inducido para efectuar el enfriamiento de una corriente de etanol. También se efectuó un estudio de sensibilidad para evaluar la influencia que presenta el incremento de tanto la temperatura del aire ambiente como la temperatura de entrada del etanol sobre tres parámetros de diseño. La relación porcentual entre el área proyectada por el ventilador y el área frontal (f) tuvo un valor de 43,13 %, el cual es superior al 40 % por lo que se establece que el diseño realizado es efectivo. La caída de presión total calculada para la corriente de etanol fue de 3 785,64 Pa, la cual no sobrepasa el límite máximo permisible establecido por el proceso (10 000 Pa). La potencia calculada de cada uno de los motores acoplados a los ventiladores alcanzó un valor de 897 W. Se sugiere operar a la menor temperatura posible del aire de entrada, y que la temperatura de alimentación del etanol al equipo se conserve en el valor establecido por el proceso (80 ºC) para que el parámetro f se mantenga superior al 40 %, y la potencia del motor no se incremente hasta alcanzar valores elevado