Speech pathology in Australia in the year 2010: A case study of a profession

Within a context of change from recent tertiary institution amalgamations practicing speech pathologists responded to a survey in which they were asked to predict whether individual events would happen and to show their preference for such occurrences. Of the 35 items presented, 28 indicated agreement by respondents between preference and prediction. There were only seven items where there was any conflict between prediction and preference. This would seem to indicate a profession that has a perceived high level of control over the preparation of it preservice undergraduates. There was a renewed plea for more inservice education, specialisation and a career path that takes into account higher degrees.     

Relative age effect: implications for effective practice

Physical and psychological differences related to birthdate amongst athletes of the same selection year have been characterised as the “relative age effects” (RAEs). RAEs have been identified in a variety of sports, both at youth and adult level, and are linked with dropout of athletes and a reduction of the talent pool. This study examined the existence, mechanisms and possible solutions to RAEs using qualitative methodology. Seven experts in the field of talent identification and development were interviewed. Inductive analysis of the data showed that, while there was mixed evidence for the existence of RAEs across sports, the eradication of RAEs was attributed to controllable features of the development environment. The factors reported included the structure of “categories” used to group athletes within the sport (e.g. age, weight, size, skills), recognition and prioritisation of long-term development over “short term win focus.” Education of relevant parties (e.g. coaches, scouts, clubs) about RAEs and the nature of “talent” within a long-term context was suggested, along with careful consideration of the structure of the development environment (e.g. delayed selection, provision for late developers, focus on skills not results, use of challenge). Implications for research and practice are discussed.     

Go with the flow—a conceptual framework for supply relations in the era of the extended enterprise

The paper analyses the changes that an extended enterprise model of firms introduces into supply relations. After outlining the nature and characteristics of extended enterprises and the evolving nature of supply relations, the paper suggests a tool for supply network policy makers and a practical benchmarking tool for sectoral supply network management. It introduces the idea of value streams and flows and illustrates with empirical evidence from West Lothian, Scotland how and why supply networks are conduits of value and knowledge. The paper suggests how the value flow benchmarking tool may be used to approach decisions on the use of e-procurement and concludes with suggestions for further research.     

Evaluating Examination Results

Problem‐solving teams (PST) play an important role with regard to organizational performance in restructured schools. The concepts of team‐work and team effectiveness are examined and related to functions of problem‐solving teams. A case study of a successful PST provides a framework for the development of propositions on effective PSTs which may be subject to testing.