Cross-hierarchical interconnectivity: forms,mechanisms and transformation of leadership culture

Cross-hierarchical interconnectivity is a social process of transmission and alignment of previously separated pieces of knowledge from idiosyncratic contexts of individuals at different hierarchical levels in an organisation. This paper advocates that the management of interconnectivity can contribute to organisational competitiveness, especially in terms of adaptability, innovation, and cohesion. Based on the parameters of mode, actor's culture, time, direction, type of knowledge, and medium, a portfolio of interconnectivity is suggested and the core forms and mechanisms of interconnectivity, which are represented in the portfolio matrix, are discussed in depth. Finally, the specific culture of corporate executives and how it can be improved in order to encourage interconnectivity is analysed.     

Unterstützungsmechanismen für Mobile-Computing-Systeme

Zusammenfassung.   Die Integration mobiler Rechner in bestehende Netze erfordert eine umfassende Unterstützung. Die Hauptgründe dafür sind die Vielfalt der eingesetzten Technologien sowie fehlende Konzepte in den bestehenden Systemen. In diesem Artikel werden M?glichkeiten zur system- und anwendungsseitigen Unterstützung mobiler verteilter Systeme diskutiert. Nach einer kurzen Einführung in die Problemstellungen des Forschungsgebietes werden Ans?tze für eine systemseitige Unterstützung mobiler Anwendungen und Dienste anhand einer Softwareplattform beschrieben. Danach wird ein Modell zur Aufteilung mobiler Anwendungen vorgestellt, das verschiedene system- und anwendungsseitige Unterstützungsmechanismen integriert. Abschlie?end wird das Modell zu einem Ansatz auf Basis von Software-Komponenten verallgemeinert. Die Darstellung erfolgt anhand von Beispielsystemen, an deren Entwicklung die Autoren ma?geblich beteiligt waren und sind. Eingegangen am 31. Januar 2001 / Angenommen am 6. September 2001     

Familial dyslexia: genetic and medical findings in eleven three-generation families

In addition to providing information on the inheritance of dyslexia, the present study of eleven three-generation families has provided a unique opportunity to compare affected and unaffected family members at all ages. The data presented here are based on pedigree information, a questionnaire administered to all participating family members in relation to sex ratio, handedness, the severity of dyslexia by sex, pre- and perinatal complications, medical complications, years of education and earning ability, and a battery of standardized tests to define the presence or absence of dyslexia. The pattern of inheritance was consistent with the postulated autosomal dominant mode of inheritance and penetrance was found to be > 90 percent. Of 73 individuals determined to have a gene leading to dyslexia, seven were classified as obligate carriers and six as compensated adults who had no current symptoms or diagnostic evidence of dyslexia. The sex ratio (1.06) was not different from the expected ratio of 1.04. Left-handedness, major pre- and perinatal complications, and autoimmune disorders and allergy were not more common in dyslexics than non-dyslexics. The number of years of education and average income were similar in affected and unaffected family members. Compensated adults and obligate carriers were similar to unaffected family members in each of these parameters.     

REFORMING THE RUSSIAN HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM

An aperçu of the reform process in higher education in the Russian Federation is given. It begins with a statement of the objectives of reform and a listing of the laws and decrees concerning it promulgated in 1991, 1992, and 1993. Great weight has been placed on the setting of standards and the creation of mechanisms to enforce these standards. Also, efforts are being made to adapt certain higher education course programmes to regional needs. The article concludes with a short discussion of current problems.     

Coping with textbook controversies: From policy development to implementation

This article focuses on how schools can cope with today’s increasing number of textbook controversies. Educators should understand the concerns generated by textbook controversies, the importance of sound and useful policies in dealing with them, how effective policies are developed, and the responsibilities of superintendents, principals, teachers, librarians, and publishers in addressing controversies and implementing policies.