High performance management practices in owner-managed SMEs

Objectives: While there is extensive management and academic literature on the topic area of high performance management practices (HPPs) internationally, research on HPPs in the Australian context is limited. Furthermore, research on HPPs has focused predominantly on large organisations and is largely a new direction for research in SMEs. This study attempts to fill some of the gaps in existing studies by considering a wide range of HPPs in Australian SMEs, with particular focus on owner managed SMEs. The objective of this paper is to examine the extent and nature of HPPs in owner managed Australian SMEs and the impact of certain organisational characteristics on these practices. The research questions under examination include: What is the prevalence of HPPs in owner managed Australian SMEs?; and what is the impact of firm size, the presence of a HR manager, and the existence of a strategic plan on HPPs in SMEs? Prior work: Undertaking this research is justified on the basis of: there is a gap in the theory relating to HPPs in SMEs and in particular owner managed SMEs, owing to the fact that most studies on HPPs are based in large organisations; globalisation and the pace of economic change are forces that are driving the need for greater understanding of HPPs (Burke 2002); and there are high expectations for growth and performance of SMEs in the economic growth and development plans for the Asia Pacific and Australian region (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation 2002). Approach: A survey questionnaire was sent out to 4000 Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (35% response rate). A Dun and Bradstreet database was used and a stratified sample employed. A chi-square analysis was employed to determine whether there were significant differences in relation to high performance practices in small vs. medium organisations, SMEs with and without a HR manager; and organisations with and without a strategic plan. Results: The results of this study indicate that the overall picture regarding the incidence of high performance practices in Australian owner managed SMEs looks quite bleak. Significant positive relationships were found between demographic variables and HPPs in SMEs. Implications: Large firm solutions may not be appropriate. A more balanced approach to prescribing and researching management solutions in SMEs is needed; an approach with a greater emphasis on the SME sector. Value: This paper will provide an improved understanding of HPPs in Australian SMEs which will help the sector to better meet performance expectations

The role of a guide dog in the process of adjustment to visual impairment

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The Falcon Leadership Institute

The Falcon Leadership Institute was created to develop first-year students with the confidence, ability, and passion to be active and engaged leaders in their communities. With BGSU’s Center for Leadership, the Falcon Leadership Institute was created under the principles of servant and relational leadership. Through bi-weekly cohort meetings, readings about leadership theory, a self-guided service project, and compiling their own leadership theory, members of the Falcon Leadership Institute have spent the year developing themselves as leaders. Members of the Falcon Leadership Institute have accomplished much over the year, and many plan to stay involved in the program in some capacity in the future

Pigeon breeder's disease: the clinical spectrum and humoral response; an investigation of the nature and extent of extrinsic allergic alveolitis due to pigeon-derived antigens among pigeon fanciers continuing to pursue the pastime, with particular reference to early clinical and humoral-mediated responses following exposure

This thesis examines the relationships between the clinical manifestations of Pigeon Breeder's Disease among active pigeon fanciers, and the associated humoral responses to pigeon -derived antigens. Clinical data was obtained in questionnaire format from a large scale field study interviewing 100 pigeon fanciers. A wide range of skin tests were performed and serum antibodies were estimated by sensitive and quantitative radioimmunoassay techniques. Selected pigeon fanciers also underwent detailed pulmonary physiological assessments including monitoring of lung function after antigen challenge. In particular, immediate components of the condition both clinical and immunological have been investigated.Simple criteria have been formulated to categorise pigeon related clinical responses and a wider spectrum of Pigeon Breeder's Disease was identified. Modifications to the current classification are suggested to encompass -1) acute progressive disease - the typical acute hospital referred case2) acute recurrent disease - recurrent,febrile, alveolitis episodes but without short or medium term clinical deterioration. Affected persons continue active participation in the hobby and therefore this is probably more common than acute progressive disease with a prevalence of approximately 10% in the present studies. Self regulation of exposure is an important aspect.3) Immediate Response - consisting of 3 or more immediate symptoms; commonly recorded among pigeon fanciers, often with delayed symptoms forming an indistinct group that did not represent a specific clinical or immunological entity 4) chronic PBD - evidence was found suggesting that chronic respiratory symptoms are an important part of the clinical spectrum occurring in up to 20% of non -smokers.The pulmonary function data supported these clinical distinctions and lung permeability studies showed disturbed physiological integrity even where routine pulmonary function parameters were normal. This technique merits further investigation as a potentially sensitive indicator of physiological abnormality in extrinsic allergic alveolitis.Relationships between avian- specific IgG, exposure factors and clinical response have been extended. There was a progressive tendency towards an altered immune reactivity (immunisation) as certain parameters of exposure increased,but this did not correlate with a major likelihood for finding extrinsic allergic alveolitis. High antibody responders are a group determined by host immunological responsiveness. An intense IgG response correlated with the presence of Pigeon Breeder's Disease independently of exposure,and those having >60ug /ml serum IgG to pigeon globulin evident within 10 years of pigeon keeping were particularly likely to report acute Pigeon Breeder's Disease.The skin test data indicate that the humoral immune response routinely includes reaginic activity which relates to IgG antibody rather than IgE and such responses were associated with the presence of extrinsic allergic alveolitis independently of the late,6 hour,intradermal response.These studies redefine the clinical spectrum of Pigeon Breeder's Disease and establish that there is a dynamic interaction between exposure and symptoms constituting a self - regulation of the condition particularly relevant in those persons with acute recurrent disease. A close relationship between avian-specific IgG and Pigeon Breeder's Disease has been reaffirmed and shown to relate primarily to factors other than intensity of exposure,and to have a functional capability including reaginic activity. The findings favour an active role for antibody in the immunopathogenesis of Pigeons Breeder's Disease and it is postulated that avian- specific reaginic activity within the pulmonary compartment may initiate or enhance other immune events leading in susceptible persons to the disease entity of extrinsic allergic alveolitis

The effect of certain insecticides on the germination and growth of onions, I: Insecticides applied to the soil

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