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.     

Creating open and lifelong learning institutions in higher education: a Namibian case-study

The paper explores the changing nature of the roles of universities in developing countries at the outset of the 21st century. It argues that, while remaining centres of academic excellence and creative thought, they must be prepared to add to these roles if they are likely to continue to attract public funding. They must become institutions which seek to provide their knowledge and academic expertise, which they create through much research and traditionally passed on through on-campus teaching, to a much wider community than could ever be reached in this way. This is the role of a university of open and lifelong learning. In previous generations univeristies have argued that they could only pass on their knowledge to the number of students they could accommodate in their classrooms. Modern ICT facilities make such restrictive criticism no longer viable. Universities can now, through distance learning techniques and open learning philosophies, reach out to the whole community in which they serve. This required not only new approaches to teaching and delivering their degrees and diplomas but also an acceptance that the most sophisticated concepts can be taught in formats and language that adults, however limited their formal education, can understand. The paper argues this is the role of the university and uses current debates and developments in the University of Namibia to illustrate how this transformation could take place.