Change management: The case of the elite sport performance team

The effective and efficient implementation of change is often required for both successful performance and management survival across a host of contemporary domains. However, although of major theoretical and practical significance, research to date has overlooked the application of change management (hereafter CM) knowledge to the elite sport performance team environment. Considering that the success of ‘off-field’ sports businesses are largely dependent on the performances of their ‘on-field’ team, this article explores the application of current CM theorizing to this specific setting and the challenges facing its utility. Accordingly, we identify the need and importance of developing theory specific to this area, with practical application in both sport and business, through examination of current knowledge and identification of the domain's unique, dynamic and contested properties. Markers of successful change are then suggested to guide initial enquiry before the article concludes with proposed lines of research which may act to provide a valid and comprehensive theoretical account of CM to optimize the research and practice of those working in the field

Culture change in elite sport performance teams: Examining and advancing effectiveness in the new era

Reflecting the importance of optimizing culture for elite teams, Fletcher and Arnold (2011) recently suggested the need for expertise in culture change. Acknowledging the dearth of literature on the specific process, however, the potential effectiveness of practitioners in this area is unknown. The present paper examines the activity's precise demands and the validity of understanding in sport psychology and organizational research to support its delivery. Recognizing that sport psychologists are being increasingly utilized by elite team management, initial evidence-based guidelines are presented. Finally, to stimulate the development of ecologically valid, practically meaningful knowledge, the paper identifies a number of future research directions

Occiput posterior position and intrapartum sonography

The occiput posterior position is reported to be the most common of all malpositions, and it may present as either straight (OP), left (LOP), or right (ROP). Diagnosis of OP position can be made at different times: during the third trimester, prior to the onset of labor, during the first stage of labor, while the fetus is transiting in the birth canal, and at birth. The time of diagnosis, though, is of different clinical significance, moving or not to a very specific management. Manual diagnosis of occiput posterior position either with abdominal palpation or vaginal examination is very subjective, prone to mistake, operator dependent, and made more difficult by caput and molding. Intrapartum ultrasonography has become a very reliable tool to hell the clinician to make a true diagnosis of malposition. The ultrasound probe may be used with different approach: transabdominal, suprapubical, transperineal, and transvaginal. The correct diagnosis of fetal head position as occiput posterior is imperative to be obtained in the management of any dystocia that may occur in the different stages of labor. Its knowledge will help the clinician to make the right decision at the right time, with the ultimate goal to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity