The effects of task characteristics and sub-unit structure on dimensions of information processing

Using survey responses from 1300 full-time employees in the Australian Telecommunications Industry, this paper explores the relative effects of task characteristics and sub-unit structure on aspects of information processing. Results of multiple regressions revealed that task characteristics have a greater impact on amounts and timeliness of information. In contrast, structural characteristics have greater effects on the degree of openness and accuracy of information. More specifically: (a) variety and task analyzability were found to increase the amount and timeliness of information; (b) greater sub-unit size tends to reduce openness and accuracy of information, while greater participation and formalization tend to increase these. Further scrutiny of these effects revealed that (a) the impact of structural characteristics on information accuracy and openness (i.e., section-level information processing) were strongly moderated by sub-unit size and (b) the effects of task characteristics on amounts and timeliness of information (i.e., individual-level information processing) were strongly moderated by the nature of the job, as strong differences between administrative, managerial, technical, and engineering positions were discovered in this regard.     

Interactions of perinatal depression versus anxiety and infants' early temperament trajectories

This study examines the interplay between maternal depression/anxiety and infant temperament's developmental trajectory in 1687 Swedish-speaking mother–infant dyads from Uppsala County (2009–2019), Sweden. The sample includes a high proportion of university-educated individuals and a low share of foreign-born participants. Maternal depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale during gestational weeks 17 and 32 and postpartum at week 6. Multinomial regression explored associations between maternal variables and infant temperament trajectories at 6 weeks, 12 months, and 18 months. Prenatal anxiety is associated with the high-rising infant difficult temperament trajectory, while prenatal depression/anhedonia is associated with the stable-medium trajectory, attenuated postpartum. Associations between infant temperament and maternal mood depended on timing (pre/postpartum) and symptom type (depression/anhedonia vs. anxiety).     

Accounting for Students’ Schemes in the Development of a Graphical Process for Solving Polynomial Inequalities in Instrumented Activity

This paper provides an instrumental account of precalculus students’ graphical process for solving polynomial inequalities. It is carried out in terms of the students’ instrumental schemes as mediated by handheld graphing calculators and in cooperation with their classmates in a classroom setting. The ethnographic narrative relays an instrumental sociogenetic account of mathematical knowledge construction and foregrounds a progressive evolution of mathematical knowledge from the concrete to the abstract phase.     

Approximate synthesis of four-bar linkages

Formulas are presented for obtaining the characteristics of a four-bar linkage, designed to generate an arbitrary function approximately over a finite range. A number of methods of varying degrees of accuracy and complexity have been developed, enabling a designer to select the one best suited to his requirements.     

Children's Increased Emotional Egocentricity Compared to Adults Is Mediated by Age‐Related Differences in Conflict Processing

This study investigated the cognitive mechanisms underlying age‐related differences in emotional egocentricity bias (EEB) between children (aged 7–12 years, n = 30) and adults (aged 20–30 years, n = 30) using a novel paradigm of visuogustatory stimulation to induce pleasant and unpleasant emotions. Both children and adults showed an EBB, but that of children was larger. The EEB did not correlate with other measures of egocentricity. Crucially, the developmental differences in EEB were mediated by age‐related changes in conflict processing and not visual perspective taking, response inhibition, or processing speed. This indicates that different types of egocentricity develop independently of one another and that the increased ability to overcome EEB can be explained by age‐related improvements in conflict processing.     

Implementing an ROI Measurement Process at Dell Computer

This return-on-investment (ROI) evaluation study determined the business impact of the sales negotiation training course to Dell Computer Corporation. The specific metrics used include profit margin and margin attainment percentage, units sold and attainment percentage, total revenue and attainment percentage. The study applied a five-step ROI measurement process used at Dell Computer. The process steps include Plan-Develop-Analyze-Communicate-Leverage. Using this process, this particular case study involved 57 participants who attended the Dell Situational Negotiation course and an equivalent control group. To collect data, the corporate sales information database was used to compare pre- and post-training metrics for both training and control groups. A cost benefit analysis was also conducted to determine ROI of the training. Among the key findings of the study are:

• •These results have to be communicated to executive and management staffs for them to recommend the training to those who have not yet attended.
• •Coaching and reinforcement efforts for the course have to be stepped up so that these improvements can be sustained.
• •Due to the significant results of this study, the course should be included in development plans of sales representatives, account executives, sales managers, and regional sales managers.
• •It is suggested that a follow-up study be done to identify specific negotiation skills and tools that are being used on the job.