Using Performance Analysis for Training in an Organization Implementing ISO‐9000 Manufacturing Practices; A Case Study

This case study extends previous research on the theory and practice of performance analysis by examining the application of one model, the Performance Analysis for Training (PAT) Model, in an organization that was implementing ISO‐9000 processes. The research questions focused on whether using the PAT Model produced the expected results and on the correspondence between the actual process used for the performance analysis and the process outlined in the PAT Model. The study findings revealed that the performance analysis produced the expected results and that the results were influenced by the three elements identified in the model's conceptual framework—organization characteristics, decision maker characteristics, and analyst characteristics—and their interactions. In addition, four adaptations to the PAT model were identified.     

The effect of physical contact on changes in fatigue markers following rugby union field-based training

Repeated physical contact in rugby union is thought to contribute to post-match fatigue; however, no evidence exists on the effect of contact activity during field-based training on fatigue responses. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of contact during training on fatigue markers in rugby union players. Twenty academy rugby union players participated in the cross-over study. The magnitude of change in upper- and lower-body neuromuscular function (NMF), whole blood creatine kinase concentration [CK] and perception of well-being was assessed pre-training (baseline), immediately and 24?h post-training following contact and non-contact, field-based training. Training load was measured using mean heart rate, session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) and microtechnology (Catapult Optimeye S5). The inclusion of contact during field-based training almost certainly increased mean heart rate (9.7; ±3.9%) and sRPE (42; ±29.2%) and resulted in likely and very likely greater decreases in upper-body NMF (?7.3; ±4.7% versus 2.7; ±5.9%) and perception of well-being (?8.0; ±4.8% versus ?3.4; ±2.2%) 24?h post-training, respectively, and almost certainly greater elevations in [CK] (88.2; ±40.7% versus 3.7; ±8%). The exclusion of contact from field-based training almost certainly increased running intensity (19.8; ±5%) and distance (27.5; ±5.3%), resulting in possibly greater decreases in lower-body NMF (?5.6; ±5.2% versus 2.3; ±2.4%). Practitioners should be aware of the different demands and fatigue responses of contact and non-contact, field-based training and can use this information to appropriately schedule such training in the weekly microcycle.     

Levels of social complexity and dimensions of peer experiences in youth sport

We assessed young adolescent female soccer players' perceptions of their peer group experiences. Data were collected via interviews with 34 girls from two youth soccer teams (M age = 13.0 years). Following inductive discovery analysis, data were subjected to an interpretive theoretical analysis guided by a model of peer experiences (Rubin, Bukowski, & Parker, 2006). Five categories of peer experiences were identified across three levels of social complexity. At the interaction level players integrated new members into the team and learned to interact with different types of people. At the relationship level players learned about managing peer conflict. At the group level a structure of leadership emerged and players learned to work together. Findings demonstrated interfaces between peer interactions, relationships, and group processes while also simplifying some apparently complex systems that characterized peer experiences on the teams studied.     

EPA glossaries: The struggle to define environmental terms

As the nation's principal environmental agency, the EPA is responsible for conveying a wide array of information to the American public. The agency utilizes glossaries, lexicons, dictionaries, and thesauri to define environmental terms, regulations, scientific concepts, and issues. However, the approach taken to defining environmental terms is challenging and there is often more than one definition for the same term. This article examines how the EPA defines environmental terms and how it can be difficult to choose the most appropriate definition or environmental term.