Heteroclinic Dynamics in Network Dynamical Systems with Higher-Order Interactions

Heteroclinic structures organize global features of dynamical systems. We analyze whether heteroclinic structures can arise in network dynamics with higher-order interactions which describe the nonlinear interactions between three or more units. We find that while commonly analyzed model equations such as network dynamics on undirected hypergraphs may be useful to describe local dynamics such as cluster synchronization, they give rise to obstructions that allow to design heteroclinic structures in phase space. By contrast, directed hypergraphs break the homogeneity and lead to vector fields that support heteroclinic structures.Comment: 38 pages, 4 Figure

A parametrisation method for high-order phase reduction in coupled oscillator networks

We present a novel method for high-order phase reduction in networks of weakly coupled oscillators and, more generally, perturbations of reducible normally hyperbolic (quasi-)periodic tori. Our method works by computing an asymptotic expansion for an embedding of the perturbed invariant torus, as well as for the reduced phase dynamics in local coordinates. Both can be determined to arbitrary degrees of accuracy, and we show that the phase dynamics may directly be obtained in normal form. We apply the method to predict remote synchronisation in a chain of coupled Stuart-Landau oscillators.Comment: 29 pages, 3 figure

Digitalization and its Impact on the Future Role of SCM Executives in Talent Management – An International Cross-Industry Delphi Study

In the field of supply chain management (SCM), attracting and developing appropriate talent is critical for achieving most SCM goals, as extensive skills are necessary to do the job properly. In order to ensure that future-proof talent can continue to emerge in this discipline, the role of SCM executives is extremely important. Although many studies have been conducted in the field of talent management (TM), the future role of SCM executives has been mostly neglected in research. The present empirical study addresses this gap, taking into consideration the fourth industrial revolution, as innovation in technology continues to drive significant changes in the SCM field. Aiming to investigate the extent to which increasing digitalization is influencing the future role of SCM executives, a Delphi study with 103 experts from industry, academics, and politics/associations was carried out. In order to identify meaningful topic clusters from the data, fuzzy c-means clustering was used. From an actor-network theory perspective, our results show that in some areas of TM, digitalization is leading to a strong fusion of SCM executives and digital technologies, as well as to a clear division of roles, in which either SCM leaders or technology will dominate in the future

Developing a national musculoskeletal core capabilities framework for first point of contact practitioners

Objective We aimed to support service transformation by developing a core capabilities framework for first contact practitioners working with people who have musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. Methods We conducted a modified three-round Delphi study with a multi-professional panel of 41 experts nominated through 18 national professional and patient organisations. Qualitative data from an open-ended question in round one was analysed using a thematic approach and combined with existing literature to shape a draft framework. Participants rated their agreement with each of the proposed 142 outcomes within 14 capabilities on a 10-point Likert scale in round two. The final round combined round two results with a wider online survey. Results Rounds two and three of the Delphi survey were completed by 37 and 27 participants respectively. 90 practitioners responded to the wider online survey. The final framework contains 105 outcomes within 14 capabilities, separated into 4 domains (Person-centred approaches; Assessment, investigation and diagnosis; Condition management, intervention and prevention; Service and professional development). Median agreement for all 105 outcomes was ≥ 9 on the 10-point Likert scale in the final round. Conclusion The framework outlines the core capabilities required for practitioners working as the first point of contact for people with MSK conditions. It provides a standard structure and language across professions; greater consistency and portability of MSK core capabilities. Agreement on each of the 105 outcomes was universally high amongst the expert panel and the framework is now being disseminated by Health Education England, NHS England and Skills for Health

Achieving Consensus in the Development of an Online Intervention Designed to Effectively Support Midwives in Work-Related Psychological Distress: Protocol for a Delphi Study

BACKGROUND: The development of an online intervention designed to effectively support midwives in work-related psychological distress will be challenging due to the ethical, practical, and therapeutic issues surrounding its design. Related literature suggests that midwives may require an anonymous, confidential, and therapeutic platform that facilitates amnesty and nonpunitive approaches to remedy ill health. However, it is unclear which requirements may be most salient to midwifery populations. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to describe the design of a Delphi study, intended to achieve expert consensus on the needs of midwives in work-related psychological distress who may be supported via an online intervention. This protocol may also serve as a research framework for similar studies to be modeled upon. METHODS: A heterogeneous sample of at least thirty experts on psychological well-being and distress associated with midwifery work will be recruited. Their opinions regarding the development of an online intervention designed to support midwives in work-related psychological distress will be collected through 2 rounds of questioning, via the Delphi Technique. When 60% (≥18, assuming the minimum is 30) of panelists score within 2 adjacent points on a 7-point scale, consensus will be acknowledged. This Delphi study protocol will invite both qualitative and quantitative outcomes. RESULTS: This study is currently in development. It is financially supported by a full-time scholarship at the Centre for Technology Enabled Health Research at Coventry University (Coventry, UK). The implementation of this Delphi study is anticipated to occur during the autumn of 2015. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study will direct the development of an online intervention designed to support midwives in work-related psychological distress, summarize expert driven consensus, and direct future research

Understanding the failure to understand New Product Development failures: Mitigating the uncertainty associated with innovating new products by combining scenario planning and forecasting

In this paper we show that New Product Development (NPD) is subject to fundamental uncertainty that is both epistemic and ontic in nature. We argue that this uncertainty cannot be mitigated using forecasting techniques exclusively, because these are most useful in circumstances characteristic of probabilistic risk, as distinct from non-probabilistic uncertainty. We show that the mitigation of uncertainty in relation to NPD requires techniques able to take account of the socio-economic factors that can combine to cause present assumptions about future demand conditions to be incorrect. This can be achieved through an Intuitive Logics (IL) scenario planning process designed specifically to mitigate uncertainty associated with NPD by incorporating insights from both quantitative modelling alongside consideration of political, social, technological and legal factors, as-well-as stakeholder motivations that are central to successful NPD. In this paper we therefore achieve three objectives: 1) identify the aspects of the current IL process salient to mitigating the uncertainty of NPD; 2) show how advances in diffusion modelling can be used to identify the social-network and contagion effects that lead to a product's full diffusion; and 3) show how the IL process can be further enhanced to facilitate detailed consideration of the factors enabling and inhibiting initial market-acceptance, and then the forecasted full diffusion of a considered new product. We provide a step-by-step guide to the implementation of this adapted IL scenario planning process designed specifically to mitigate uncertainty in relation to NP

Purchasing and supply management (PSM) competencies: Current and future requirements

Purchasing & Supply Management (PSM) competencies are the individual-level foundations of organisational PSM performance. In light of recent developments in the workplace and the external environment, the question of what PSM competencies are needed now, as well as in the future, becomes one of increasing importance. Analysing qualitative data from 46 interviews from 16 companies, this paper identifies what current and future competencies are required by PSM professionals, categorizes PSM competencies according to the framework established by Tassabehji and Moorhouse (2008) and establishes how these competency requirements have changed over the last ten years. The most important current competencies required by PSM professionals are negotiation, communication and relationship management (e.g. ‘Interpersonal communication’), strategy and analytics (e.g. ‘Strategic thinking’), as well as professional knowledge requirements (e.g. ‘Basic knowledge on PSM role & processes’). When looking at future requirements, competencies in the areas of sustainability and digitisation were identified as becoming increasingly important. Overall, 17 competencies in addition to those shown in Tassabehji and Moorhouse (2008) were identified. The most prominent new competency areas are related to digitisation (e.g. ‘eProcurement Technology’, ‘Automation’), innovation (e.g. ‘Innovative sourcing’) and sustainability. The interviewees also identified 11 new competencies within the interpersonal skills cluster, most of them at the intersection between competencies and traits (e.g. ‘Deal with Ambiguity’, ‘Curiosity’, ‘Passion’)