Success Factors Research Articles

Physical Fitness in the Armed Forces: A Comprehensive Study of International Assessment Practices

The aim of this study is to thoroughly examine the physical fitness assessment methods used in the armed forces of various countries and to evaluate the physical fitness criteria necessary for military personnel to maintain their operational capabilities and overall health. Within the scope of the research, physical fitness assessment tests used in the armed forces of 17 countries, including the United States, Germany, Australia, Austria, the Czech Republic, China, Finland, France, Georgia, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Israel, Sweden, Latvia, Russia, and Turkey, were examined. It was observed that the tests aim to determine the soldiers' muscle strength, aerobic capacity, endurance, and overall physical fitness status. Additionally, it was found that while the physical fitness test and evaluation criteria applied by these countries vary, their fundamental purposes in practice are similar. Research has shown that maintaining physical fitness levels results in increased resilience of soldiers against problems and difficulties they may face in combat conditions, contributing to operational success. In this context, it is of great importance for national armies to continue and enhance their physical fitness programs. Moreover, it is essential to systematically review and update physical fitness test evaluations in accordance with scientific advancements, which will contribute to varying operational requirements in the armies. In conclusion, maintaining and improving physical fitness levels is a critical factor for the operational success of soldiers. Therefore, it should be regularly monitored and enhanced. This research aims to emphasize the importance of physical fitness test evaluations applied in national armies and contribute to the development of related studies. By sharing the practices implemented, it aims to take significant steps internationally towards enhancing soldiers' physical capacities.

Comprehensive assessment of potential forestation land in China considering factors of vegetation resilience and top vegetation succession

China is currently the world’s largest carbon emitter and has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, which requires significant reductions in emissions and the removal of carbon dioxide removal. Precise and efficient forestation has become a key strategy to increase carbon sequestration and mitigate the effects of climate change. In order to obtain a high-accuracy distribution area of potential forestation land, a variety of influencing factors on potential forestation land were selected in this study, including vegetation factors and environmental factors. Combining the two models “law of the minimum factors (LMF)” and “equal weight classification (EWC)” predicts the spatial distribution pattern of potential forestation land in China. And, we calculated the available forestation area in each province and predicted future forest coverage. The results showed that the potential forestation area using the LMF method reached approximately 5.65 × 105 km2, and the potential forestation area using the EMC method reached approximately 4.95 × 105 km2. Combining the two models, the final potential forestation area in China was approximately 6.29 × 105 km2, of which approximately 1.02 × 105 km2 was evaluated as a high-confidence area. If all potential forestation land obtained from the two models was successfully planted, China’s forest coverage rate would reach nearly 26 %. Two newly introduced vegetation factors, namely vegetation resilience and top vegetation succession, were considered in this study to make the prediction results of potential forestation distribution more accurate and reasonable. In addition, the results obtained in this study can provide certain assistance for the specific implementation of national forestation policies, and can provide a reference for promoting forestation actions and achieving the goal of carbon neutrality.

Enhancing the journey to six sigma excellence: identifying critical success factors

Enhancing the journey to six sigma excellence: identifying critical success factors

School Characteristics and Interscholastic Tournament Success

Interscholastic sports are part of the educational mission of the schools. However, parents, athletes, and others seem to emphasize winning, causing success (or, at least, the possibility of success) to be the target of state policies to promote competitive balance, following from an egalitarian approach to the theory of distributive justice. For example, most states have divided schools into separate class tournaments based on school enrollment. Many have also attempted to counteract perceived advantages held by private (non-boundary) schools by using multipliers to artificially increase private schools’ enrollment. Some states compensate for poorer schools’ perceived disadvantages by artificially decreasing enrollment for those schools with a high percentage of the student body eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). To enact effective policies, however, it is helpful to know what school characteristics are linked with winning. This project is a case study examining high school boys’ basketball in Indiana with a basic research question of what school characteristics influence tournament success. The literature and many current state policies propose that being private, larger, urban, wealthier, and from certain regions of the state might all improve tournament success. Each is examined for its effects on winning a state championship and on a more-expansive measure of success based on how far in the tournament a team progresses using data collected for all entrants in the Indiana boys’ basketball tournament over a 26-year period. The relative size of the student body seems to be the most consistently important factor in tournament success across classes. Being a private school or being an urban school are only factors in success for the classes of smaller schools. The region of the state is not shown to be significant to success. Of particular note, though there has been an increase in state policies targeting an imbalance caused by economic factors, there has not yet been an empirical finding of a link between these economic factors and success. This study does find limited evidence of such a link as schools with a lower percentage of students eligible for NSLP are more successful in the tournament. These results can help refine the knowledge of what does and does not affect tournament success and can guide policy changes aimed at improving competitive balance.

EXPLORING THE SCHOOL LEARNING EXPERIENCES OF INDIGENOUS STUDENTS IN EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS TO EDUCATIONAL CONTINUITY

This study explores the school learning experiences of Indigenous (Orang Asli) students who have successfully pursued higher education in Malaysian institutions. Employing a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design, the research involved five Orang Asli students from various tribes currently enrolled in higher education institutions. The study aimed to explore their school learning experiences, factors influencing their success, and suggestions for improving educational continuity among Orang Asli students. Findings revealed four main themes affecting the educational experiences and success of Orang Asli students: (1) Distance and transportation, (2) Local language and culture, (3) Academic, parental, and community support, and (4) Family economic status. The study found that distance and transportation challenges were mitigated through the provision of dormitories, while language and cultural barriers were addressed through teaching approaches sensitive to individual student needs. Academic support from schools, parental motivation, and financial assistance from various parties emerged as crucial factors in Orang Asli students' success in pursuing university education. Based on these findings, the study proposes several measures to enhance educational continuity for Orang Asli students, including constructing schools near Orang Asli settlements, improving teaching and learning methods, implementing more structured support programs at the university level, and enhancing financial aid systems. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Orang Asli students and the factors influencing their success in higher education, providing insights for developing more effective strategies to increase educational continuity within the Orang Asli community.

A Circular Economy Approach to Addressing Waste Management Challenges in Tamale’s Waste Management System

Ghana Tamale’s current waste management system is overwhelmed by the growing waste crisis, necessitating the exploration of Waste-to-Energy technologies (WtE) as an innovative solution. This study explores challenges and opportunities for integrating WtE technologies into Tamale’s existing waste management system. Qualitative research identified policy hurdles, financial constraints, social concerns, and institutional weaknesses as key barriers. Conversely, stakeholder collaboration, public education, and capacity building emerged as some success factors. A proposed implementation plan emphasizes feasibility studies, public engagement, public–private partnerships (PPPs), and technology selection based on waste composition. Additionally, a novel framework for WtE integration within a broader Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) system is presented. This framework incorporates waste sorting, recycling, WtE alternatives, and responsible management of residuals. Validation by key stakeholders confirmed the framework’s potential to improve waste management in Tamale. By overcoming identified challenges and implementing the proposed framework, Tamale can achieve environmental sustainability, energy generation, and progress towards UN SDGs 7, 11, and 12. This research offers valuable insights for policymakers and paves the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future for Tamale, potentially serving as a model for other developing cities.

Facilitating professional development in teacher learning groups: development and validation of the ‘value creation questionnaire’

ABSTRACT Increasingly, teacher learning groups (TLGs) are considered valuable for teachers’ professional development. In TLGs, (student) teachers and teacher educators learn collectively through social interactions regarding jointly experienced practice issues. However, collective learning in TLGs may not emerge spontaneously and requires facilitation to achieve desired collective learning outcomes. An important way to facilitate collective learning is creating awareness of the value this may bring. Therefore, the ‘Value Creation Questionnaire’ (VC-Q) is developed in the present study. It can map the value creation and initiate group discussions of TLGs. This article describes the validation of the questionnaire (n = 290) using successive confirmatory factor analyses, resulting in an instrument with good psychometric properties. The final version of the questionnaire contains 19 items, measuring five factors that match the original values of the Value Creation Framework: Immediate Value, Potential Value, Applied Value, Realised Value, and Reframed Value. The VC-Q is suitable for quantitative research to gain more insight into the conditional and outcome variables of social learning. Future research can broaden the individual perspective of the VC-Q and incorporate theoretical dimensions regarding the collective side of value creation.

The evolution of Internet of Things (IoT) research in business management: a systematic review of the literature

PurposeThis paper systematically reviews the evolution of Internet of Things (IoT) research in business and management over the past decade and a half. It synthesizes current knowledge, identifies major themes, gaps, and future opportunities to guide scholars on potential research directions within this exponentially growing domain.Design/methodology/approachA structured systematic literature review methodology filtered IoT publications across business/management journals using Scopus database. Detailed thematic and bibliometric analyses chronologically mapped the progress of peer-reviewed articles from 2005–2023. Both quantitative metrics and qualitative coding inductively revealed historical trends, topics, applications and research implications.FindingsAnalysis uncovered six primary IoT research themes - business models, technology, data, customers, organizations, and sustainability. Dominant focuses were found on technological enablers, business model innovation and customer experience transformations. While technical aspects are well-documented, strategic technology integrations and organizational change management require greater emphasis.Research limitations/implicationsFocus restricted to academic articles published in management journals risks missing relevant papers published in other fields. Screening process involved some subjectivity. Lacks geographic analysis of research contexts. The rapidly evolving nature of technology domain risks findings’ generalizability.Practical implicationsKey enablers and success factors that we identified may support managerial decision making when it comes to IoT adoption.Social implicationsWe discuss advancing IoT innovation through ethics and sustainability lenses and these may help ensure responsible adoption.Originality/valueThis analysis weaves together the extant literature and offers an evidence-based research agenda for management scholars by chronicling the state, evolution, influential factors, and future opportunities within IoT literature. It highlights major thematic shifts and priority gaps to address.

Facilitating and hindering factors in the treatment of persistent somatic symptoms in migrants: A scoping review

ObjectiveTo identify facilitating and hindering factors in the treatment of persistent somatic symptoms (PSS) in migrants in psychiatry and other health care settings in Western countries. MethodsA scoping literature review was conducted by searching PubMed and Embase, using combinations of search terms related to the treatment of PSS in migrants. Studies outside of the scope of current guidelines or limited to specific underlying diseases such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or consequences of torture were excluded. Two independent reviewers verified that the studies met the inclusion criteria, assessed the quality of the studies, and identified and categorized facilitating and hindering treatment factors. ResultsOf the 347 unique citations identified in the initial the search, 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies showed a wide variety in study design, interventions used, measurement instruments, and study quality. Common treatment adaptations related to: (a) translation and interpretation, (b) adaptation to lower educational levels, (c) culture-sensitive therapists and materials, (d) gender roles, (e) removal of practical barriers, (f) supportive treatment, and (g) nonverbal therapy forms. The most commonly mentioned influencing factors of treatment success related to: (a) body and experience-oriented treatment elements, (b) translation and communication, (c) cultural sensitivity, (d) group interaction, and (e) caring for one's own health. ConclusionThis review provides an overview of available research on treatment adaptations for PSS in migratory background patients. Potential facilitating and hindering factors for treatment success that may be useful for healthcare providers treating PSS in patients with a migratory background were identified.

Prioritization of Critical Success Factors in Industrial Waste Management by Environmental Engineers and Employees

Prioritization of Critical Success Factors in Industrial Waste Management by Environmental Engineers and Employees

Research on North American Office Furniture Industry based on STEEP Analysis Technology

In this paper, STEEP analysis technology is used to analyze the North American office furniture industry. First, the scope of the study is determined through introduction and industry scope. Secondly, the value chain, concentration, growth rate, technology, globalization, etc. are analyzed to understand the overall situation of the industry. Then, the competitiveness of the industry is analyzed by Porter's five forces model. At the same time, the financial ratio is used to analyze the profitability. Then, STEEP technology is used to analyze 12 factors of the industry, including society, technology, economy, and environment, to identify the key success factors of the industry. Finally, it is concluded that the North American office furniture industry has moderate competition, certain profitability and investment opportunities. This study can provide reference for relevant enterprises to formulate development strategies.

Supervisory performance in telework: the role of job demands, resources, and satisfaction with telework

IntroductionDigitalization and the pandemic have transformed work, increasing flexibility, and remote arrangements. A critical factor in these transformations' success is supervisors' competencies. Consequently, new tools for assessing supervisory performance are required, particularly considering subordinates' evaluations. This study investigates the role of three telework resources (structural support, telework readiness, and monitorization) and three demands (workload, isolation, and information overload) in predicting employees' evaluation of supervisors, with satisfaction with telework as a moderator.MethodsA survey among 322 Spanish teleworkers was conducted in July 2023. Specific scales for measuring Telework Supervisory Performance, as well as Telework Resources and Demands, were developed. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), correlations, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were conducted.ResultsOrganizational structural support positively correlates with subordinates' evaluation of their supervisor, while monitorization shows a negative relationship. Telework demands studied demonstrated no significant relationship with the outcome. Interaction effects between resources and satisfaction with telework increased the relationship with supervisor evaluations.DiscussionThis research shows that organizational support significantly enhances supervisor evaluations in remote work settings, particularly among satisfied teleworkers. The findings also reveal that high monitoring levels can negatively impact supervisor assessments. Conversely, job demands were not significantly linked to supervisor evaluations. Implications for workers and organizations are discussed.

The Popularity Puzzle: A Deep Dive into Video Game Success Factors

In the digital age characterized by technological advancements, video games have risen to prominence as a leading form of global entertainment. Beyond their primary role as a source of amusement, they have seamlessly integrated into various aspects of our lives, from social interactions and education to mental well-being. However, despite their widespread influence, there exists a noticeable void in comprehensive research that delves into the determinants of a game's success and the evolving trends that shape the industry. This study embarked on a journey to bridge this gap. Utilizing regression analysis, we meticulously examined key parameters such as publishers, ratings, release dates, and game genres. Our systematic exploration of extensive video game datasets revealed intriguing patterns: certain game types, styles, and themes consistently resonate with audiences; there's a tangible correlation between game ratings and their commercial success; and historical data offers a glimpse into the potential future trajectories of popular games. Our findings indicate that specific game styles, such as adventure and indie genres, have a heightened popularity among users. A discernible relationship was observed between game ratings and indicators of success, emphasizing the pivotal role of user feedback in shaping a game's market performance. Additionally, by analyzing past trends, we've identified potential directions for the industry's evolution, hinting at a surge in narrative-driven and innovative gameplay mechanics in the coming years. These insights not only provide a comprehensive understanding of the current gaming landscape but also offer a roadmap for future developments, making this study invaluable for developers, analysts, and policymakers.

Korean human resource management as number one: lessons for the Asia Pacific

ABSTRACT Despite the devastation caused by Japanese colonial rule and over three years of the Korean War, the Korean economy has created the Miracle on the Han River over the past half-century, joining the ranks of advanced nations. Although it started with low-wage and labour-intensive industries, the accumulation and utilization of human capital have prepared companies like Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor, Naver and Coupang for a new leap forward. However, global issues such as the climate crisis and sustainability, the dual labour market, adversarial labour relations and low birth rates with rapid ageing are new challenges for Korean-style HRM. This is a collection of articles dealing with the question of Korean HRM as a success factor of Korean development and a seed for problems destabilizing the Korean economic perspective in the 21st century.

Graduate Student Resilience: Exploring Influential Success Factors in U.S. Graduate Education through Survey Analysis

Graduate education holds the potential to stimulate personal growth in individuals that leads to economically viable career opportunities. First-generation college students, underrepresented minorities (URM), and females often face unique obstacles that can undermine their progress in graduate programs. These obstacles may be more pervasive in fields where these students have lower enrollment, such as STEM graduate programs. The Graduate Student Success Survey+ (GSSS+) was broadly distributed to a national population of graduate students in the United States, with a particular focus on seeking the participation of students from universities that serve first-generation, URM, and female graduate students, capturing both STEM and non-STEM programs. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to test the survey’s validity and reliability, with 648 participants from 23 universities. A 7-factor, 40-item model was determined with the following subscales: mentor support, imposter phenomenon, financial support, microaggressions (race and gender), access and opportunity, resilience, and peer support. Item analysis revealed differences in students’ perceptions of their graduate school experiences based on gender identity, racial and ethnic groups, residency status, enrollment type, program type, and program area. Findings lead to recommendations related to financial support, mental health counseling, and access and opportunity, to enhance graduate student success.

The childcare director’s role in preventing burnout: a positive-psychological examination of the caregivers’ lived experience

ABSTRACT This study applied a positive-psychological approach to examining childcare directors’ role in maintaining the stability of their staff from the caregivers’ and directors’ points of view. Most of the childcare centers in Israel are characterized by high burnout and turnover of staff members. Nevertheless, some teams stay stable, and turnover is minimal. This study explored the factors using 30 semi-structured interviews with childcare center directors and caregivers regarding their occupational stability. Findings suggested that the sense of belonging to the childcare center was one source of stability. The director acted as a safe haven, maintaining the caregivers’ wellbeing. Other success factors are related mainly to their relations with other staff members, with the director, and with the children, and also to proper management that provides professional training and treats them with respect. The study’s contribution is fourfold. First, it gives voice to a population of women who work under difficult conditions for low pay. Second, it highlights the role of the childcare director in maintaining staff stability. Third, implementing its findings is relevant to creating and improving models of training and supervising early childhood educators. Fourth, studying anti-burnout factors can strengthen teams and provide the children with positive relationships with significant others.

Influence of phosphate and boron addition to mixed liquid fertilizer on the growth and yield of red chili cultivated in the subsoil layer

This study assesses the impact of adding phosphate and boron in a mixed liquid fertilizer (MLF) on the growth and yield of red chili plants cultivated in a subsoil environment. The experiment was conducted to comprehend how these nutrients affect the performance of red chili plants, particularly when cultivated in less ideal conditions such as subsoil, a remnant of excavation for brick production. The research was carried out at the Ciparanje Garden of the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran. The research design employed a Randomized Completely Block Design with the following treatments: A = Control (degraded soil without fertilizer), B = 0% MLF + 1 NPK, C = 0.25% MLF + 1 NPK, D = 0.50% MLF + 1 NPK, E = 0.75% MLF + 1 NPK, F = 1.00% MLF + 1 NPK, G = 0.5% MLF + 3/4 NPK, H = 0.5% MLF + 1/2 NPK, I = 0.5% MLF + 1/4 NPK, J = 0.5% MLF + 0 NPK, and K = 1 NPK in normal soil. The results revealed that the addition of phosphate and boron in MLF significantly influenced the growth and yield of red chili in subsoil conditions. The recommended MLF concentration was 0.75%, alongside the standard NPK dose. These findings provide crucial insights for the development of more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices, especially in challenging soil conditions like subsoil, where nutrient availability can be a determining factor for agricultural success.

Developing Future Teachers’ Creativity as a Crucial Element of Systemic Work in the Neuropedagogical Environment

The article highlights the crucial role of creativity as a fundamental trait for today’s educators. It is vital for devising innovative solutions, developing new educational technologies and engaging students in meaningful learning experiences. As the world evolves rapidly, teachers must be responsive to these changes. Creativity helps teachers address challenges during the educational process and foster student participation. Today’s students are more independent and seek involvement rather than passively receiving information. Creative teachers are, therefore, better equipped to create environments that promote independent work and innovation. Creativity is a critical success factor, enabling individuals to generate ideas and solve problems. Teachers should focus on enhancing students’ creative skills to help them thrive in the future. Simultaneously, a structured approach within the neuropedagogical environment can help nurture creative skills in future teachers. This process must be holistic, incorporating a range of methods and techniques. Such an approach will equip future teachers to teach effectively and mentor students in today’s world. Thus, the article defines creativity as a vital aspect of pedagogical practice and examines strategies for enhancing creative skills among future teachers within the neuropedagogical environment.

Internationalization of Companies: a Systematic Literature Review Supported by Bibliometric Analysis

Objective: Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the internationalization of companies (IE) over the past three decades, exploring topics ranging from alliance strategies to mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Theoretical Framework: Over the past decades, the study of internationalization has gained importance with the reduction of border barriers. Hamel (1991) highlighted the role of international strategic alliances in promoting competition and learning. Multinational companies from emerging markets have become relevant, and early international expansion has driven competitiveness and innovation. Method: The methodology combines Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and Bibliometric Analysis (BA), using VOSviewer 1.6.20 software to explore networks of co-authorship, co-citation, and co-occurrence in 246 articles published between 1991 and 2023. Results and Discussion: The results revealed challenges in internationalization, such as selecting suitable partners and mitigating risks. Understanding the factors of success or failure is crucial. Opportunities include consistent product strategies that enhance global competitiveness and strategic collaborations, such as international alliances and joint ventures, which promote learning and innovation. Organizational learning offers a sustainable competitive advantage. Implications of the Research: The practical and theoretical implications discussed provide insights into how the results may influence practices in the field of alliances within a globalized business environment. Originality/Value: This study adopts an interdisciplinary approach, highlighting the importance of contextual, cultural, institutional, and economic factors in understanding the complexities of international strategic alliances.

The Influence Of Teachers Confidence On Teaching And Learning Process In School

Discussion aims to examine the effect of teacher self-confidence on the teaching and learning process in schools. Teacher self-confidence is a key factor in educational success, because confident teachers tend to be more effective in conveying subject matter and motivating students to learn better. Teachers who have a high level of self-confidence tend to be more courageous in taking initiatives, being creative in presenting material, and more prepared to face challenges in managing the classroom. In addition, teacher self-confidence also has a positive impact on student motivation, where students tend to be more motivated to learn and participate actively in the learning process. Even so, there are several factors that can affect the level of teacher confidence, such as level of education and teaching experience. Teachers with higher formal education and more extensive teaching experience tend to have more confidence in dealing with complex classroom situations. In the context of improving the education system provide valuable information for schools and educational institutions to improve teacher competence and help increase their self-confidence. Professional training and development can be an effective strategy to increase teacher self-confidence, so that it can have a positive impact on the quality of the teaching and learning process in schools. In addition, an interactive approach between teachers and students and a supportive educational environment can also play an important role in increasing teacher confidence and the overall quality of learning .