Learning From Complexity: Effects Of Prior Accidents And Incidents On Airlines' Learning

Using data on accidents and incidents experienced by U.S. commercial airlines from 1983 to 1997, we investigated variation in firm learning by examining whether firms learn more from errors with heterogeneous or homogeneous causes. We measured learning by a reduction in airline accident and incident rates, while controlling for other factors related to accidents and incidents. Our results show that heterogeneity is generally better for learning, as prior heterogeneity in the causes of errors decreases subsequent accident rates, producing a deeper, broader search for causality than simple explanations like >blame the pilot.> The benefits of heterogeneity, however, apply mainly to specialist airlines. Generalist airlines learn, instead, from outside factors such as the experience of others and general improvements in technology. These results suggest a theory of learning across organizational forms: complex forms benefit from simple information, and simple forms benefit from complex information. The implications of our study for learning theories and work on organizational errors are discussed.Business Administratio

Magnetic properties of microtektites Semiannual status report, 1 Jan. - 31 Jun. 1969

Magnetic susceptibility, magnetization, and Curie constants for normal and bottle-green microtektites found in deep-sea sediment core

Properties of nonaqueous electrolytes First quarterly report, 20 Jun. - 19 Sep. 1966

Solvent purification and water content determined by gas chromatography for nonaqueous electrolyte

Operational experience with VAWT blades

The structural performance of 17 meter diameter wind turbine rotors is discussed. Test results for typical steady and vibratory stress measurements are summarized along with predicted values of stress based on a quasi-static finite element model

Overview of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT)

A survey is presented of the practices which were applied for designing VAWT blades. An attempt is made to discuss strengths and weaknesses of the existing procedures. Discussion is provided on planned or suggested future work in developing improved design tools