Changes In Performance Outcomes Research Articles

Resilience, efficiency fluctuations, and regional heterogeneity in disaster: An empirical study on logistics

While resilience analysis can provide important insights into risk management strategies, research gaps exist in terms of logistics efficiency, regional economic environment, and spatial clustering patterns. Therefore, our study capitalizes on the dramatic variations in logistics activities among regions during COVID-19 to examine regional logistics resilience in the disaster and explore potential spatial clustering patterns. We measure regional logistics resilience through changes in performance outcomes, specifically efficiency fluctuation. To analyze spatial clustering patterns, (regional heterogeneity) presented by logistics efficiency, we propose a new multi-stage approach that integrates the data envelopment analysis with the K-medoids algorithm and analyzes data from the Chinese logistic industry. The results reveal that efficiency fluctuations exhibit distinct spatial distribution characteristics, with more pronounced negative fluctuations in areas of important logistics activities nodes and islands, and more widespread negative trends in coastal areas. Moreover, regions with high freight volumes and logistics specialization demonstrate a sustained high level and quality of logistics efficiency. Furthermore, consumption capacity and economic development appear to positively influence fluctuations in logistics efficiency. The findings hold implications for enhancing regional logistics resilience in the disaster and contribute valuable insights to regional logistics risk management.

Intra- and Inter-Organizational Determinants of Firm’s Pay Level Policy Change Over Time

In this study, we examine what determines the changes in the firm’s pay level policy decisions over time. More specifically, we propose a new model of dynamic relationships between the firm’s pay level and its internal and external determinants. Drawing from the performance feedback model in organizational learning research, we propose that the firm’s pay level decision changes depending on the (1) changes in its own performance over time, (2) changes in performance of its competing firms, (3) changes in pay levels of the competing firms, and (4) changes in labor market condition, or specifically the minimum wage increase. In so doing, we seek to advance our understanding of what determines the pay level decisions of a firm over time with references not only internally to its own performance history, but also externally to the changes in performance outcomes and pay level decisions of competing firms as well as the changes in labor market. Analyzing the longitudinal sample of 218 public hospitals in the State of California over 13 years, we propose this study to investigate how the firm’s pay level decision changes over time as the dynamic functions of the above key potential determinants.

Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation Delays Neuromuscular Fatigue Without Changes in Performance Outcomes During a Basketball Match Simulation Protocol.

Ansdell, P and Dekerle, J. Sodium bicarbonate supplementation delays neuromuscular fatigue without changes in performance outcomes during a basketball match simulation protocol. J Strength Cond Res 34(5): 1369-1375, 2020-To investigate the development of neuromuscular fatigue during a basketball game simulation and to ascertain whether sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) supplementation attenuates any neuromuscular fatigue that persists. Ten participants ingested 0.2 g·kg of NaHCO3 (or an equimolar placebo dosage of sodium chloride [NaCl]) 90 and 60 minutes before commencing a basketball game simulation (ALK-T vs. PLA-T). Maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) of the knee extensors and potentiated high- (100 Hz) and low- (10 Hz) frequency doublet twitches were recorded before and after each match quarter for both trials. In addition, 15-m sprint times and layup completion (%) were recorded during each quarter. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction, 100- and 10-Hz twitch forces declined progressively in both trials (p ≤ 0.05) with a less pronounced decrease in MVIC during ALK-T (p < 0.01). Both 100- and 10-Hz twitch forces were also significantly greater in ALK-T (p ≤ 0.05). Fifteen-meter sprint time increased over the course of both trials (∼2%, p < 0.01); however, no significant condition or time effect was found for layup completion (p > 0.05). A basketball simulation protocol induces a substantial amount of neuromuscular (reduction in knee extensor MVICs) and peripheral fatigue with a concomitant increase in 15-m sprint time over the protocol. NaHCO3 supplementation attenuated the rate of fatigue development by protecting contractile elements of the muscle fibers. This study provides coaches with information about the magnitude of fatigue induced by a simulated basketball game and provides evidence of the efficacy of NaHCO3 in attenuating fatigue.

Exercising at work and self‐reported work performance

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address the interplay of workplace exercising on self‐reported workplace performance.Design/methodology/approachA mixed methods design combined a randomised cross‐over trial with concurrent focus groups. Three workplaces (two private companies, one public service organisation) were purposefully selected for their provision of on‐site exercise facilities, size (&gt;250 employees) and large proportion of sedentary occupations. Two mood diary questionnaires were distributed to employees exercising on‐site only. Order of questionnaire completion was randomised: self‐selected exercise‐day (ExD) or no‐exercise day (NExD) first. Exercise specifics (duration, intensity, mode) and ExD mood (pre‐/post‐exercise) were recorded. On NExD, mood was measured early and late in the working day. A 15‐item work performance grid was completed at day‐ends. Three on‐site focus groups were held concurrently to explore performance‐related topics.FindingsAmong 201 volunteer respondents (67 per cent female, mean age 38.2 years), mood improved on ExD, pre‐to‐post exercise (all p&lt;0.01). Performance indicators were higher on ExD, versus NExD (all p&lt;0.01), independent of exercise specifics and workload. Positive changes in performance outcomes were almost exclusively linked to changes in mood. Inductive analysis of focus groups revealed 13 (of 17) themes exhibiting positive outcomes. Employee tolerance and resilience were central to the subjective findings.Research limitations/implicationsThe naturalistic, dual‐paradigm study demonstrated that workday exercise can improve white‐collar workers' mood and self‐reported performance on days when they exercise at work over days when they do not. There are clear implications not only for employee wellbeing, but also for competitive advantage and motivation by increasing opportunities for exercising at work.Originality/valueThis is one of the few studies that addresses the acute effects of exercise in the workplace in the same people. Self‐rated productivity effects attributable to exercising during the working day were strongly mediated by changes in mood. Statistical power is amplified within the cross‐over design.