Joint Problem Solving Research Articles

Don’t be afraid! Persuasive Practices in the Wild

Advisory service encounters evolve from providing expertise to joint problem-solving. Additionally, advisees depend on persuasion, which drives them to follow the advisor’s recommendations. However, advisors can be insufficiently equipped to persuade, resulting in advisees who are incapable of action or are unmotivated. Persuasive technology (PT) research proves that technology can motivate and enable people in single-user scenarios but pays limited attention to the natural realm of persuasion: the face-to-face conversation. This paper explores how persuasive technology transforms advice giving, a collaborative scenario involving an expert and a layperson. In such scenarios, IT does not act as a persuader but can provide affordances for persuasive practices, i.e., suggest new practices or enhance existing ones for convincing the advisee without deception or enforcement. We investigate the advisory practices in 24 real burglary prevention service encounters supported by IT. The paper shows the persuasive practices emerging through appropriation of the system, the tensions that govern the adoption or transformation of specific practices and routines and it confirms that studying the use and appropriation of technology uncovers organizational conflicts and tensions affecting such fundamental aspects as the advisor’s role and job description.

Physical education-related home–school collaboration: The experiences of parents of children with disabilities

In this hermeneutic phenomenological study, we describe the physical education (PE)-related home–school collaboration as experienced by parents of children with disabilities. We further explore which conditions parents experienced as either promoting or inhibiting the collaborative relationship and how they became involved in school activities to secure quality education in PE. The data consisted of 25 semi-structured interviews with parents of children with disabilities. Inductive thematic analysis generated five themes: (1) lack of PE-related information; (2) contradictory expectations; (3) competence and continuous systematic communication; (4) involvement in school-based activity; and (5) navigating the system. PE was often absent in the formal collaboration between home and school. The conditions emphasised as inhibiting collaboration were lack of information, contradictory expectations, conflict over resources and short-sighted planning. The promoting conditions were continuous systematic communication, trust in the competencies of the school personnel, and joint problem solving and collaboration among professionals. The study illuminates the ways in which parents informally involved themselves in their children’s education and their use of various strategies to promote participation and quality in PE.

Dynamics of Design Collaboration: BIM Models as Intermediary Digital Objects

Engineering and architectural design research has studied the uses of various kinds of artefacts and visual representations like sketches, drawings and design plans. The implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) creates a new constellation of instruments and calls for further reconceptualising of the collaborative design process. The paper presents analysis of BIM models as co-developed intermediary objects in the design. They function both as objects of joint problem solving and as a concrete but dynamic means for collaboration both virtually and in face-to-face meetings. We suggest that BIM models provide novel forms of ‘virtual materiality’: in design meetings BIM models provide a tangible means for designers’ collaboration. Versatile indexical use of 3D BIM models dominates discussion and problem solving in design meetings.

Questions of Changing Access

This paper explores the increasingly complex dynamic for conducting long-term critical ethnographic research in school settings. With ever-increasing neoliberal forms of knowledge prescribing school practice and policy, school leaders may not value the focus and duration of ethnographic studies. In a results-oriented climate of K–12 education, conducting school ethnographies may depend on administrators’ beliefs regarding the direct connection of the research to student achievement, the district's reputation, or a willingness to share in the stakes of the “public face” of research (Shulman, 1999). As researchers of culture and literacy, it is our contention that ethnographers have a valuable, sustaining role in school communities and that critical school ethnographies can be a tool for social justice as participants (researchers and school participants alike) can come together to engage in joint sense-making, problem solving, and social analysis of school practice and policy.

Collaboration in OSS Communities: Who Solves Whose Problems?

In open collaboration, an economically important form of organizing technology development in online communities, both producers and users, either firm or independent users, invest their resources to develop and share technological problems as well as solutions freely accessible to the public. Existing literature draws ambivalent conclusions about whether and how the different actors engage in joint problem solving. Given potential conflicts of interest and variance in problem types, in terms of who shares the problem and how much generative efforts a problem demands, we know little about the role and nature of joint problem solving in open collaboration. Taking a dynamic view towards knowledge collaboration, this paper uses granular data about problem solving in OpenStack, a large and successful open source software development community, to examine joint problem solving in open collaboration. We show that not all problem types channel participation in the same way. Both producers and users prefer firm user problems. Secondarily, they also focus more on generative problems unless they are independent users. Our findings contribute to the theoretical puzzle about whether and when open collaboration is actually about “collaboration” and informs managers about opportunities for greater joint problem solving.

Doing words together: assessing joint problem solving in a Scrabble task.

Doing words together: assessing joint problem solving in a Scrabble task Riccardo Fusaroli Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark Svend Ostergaard Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark Joanna Raczaszek-Leonardi University of Warsaw (UW) Johanne Bjorndahl Aarhus University, Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark Frederik Stjernfelt Copenhagen University Kristian Tyl´en Aarhus University, Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark Abstract: In this paper we test the effects of social interactions in embodied problem solving by employing a Scrabble-like setting. 28 pairs of participants had to generate as many words as possible from 2 balanced sets of 7 letters, which they could manipulate, either individually or collectively. Collaborating makes pairs significantly more productive (M=68.7 SD=16.7) than the best of the two individuals alone (M=63.3, SD=19): F(1,28)=5.66, p=.024, 2=.17. Two parameters have a significant impact on the efficacy of collaboration: i)Pairs, whose performance is more similar in individual trials, gain higher benefit from collaboration: R(1,27)=-0.51, R2=.26, p=.005. ii)Pairs having the collective condition first perform better: F(1,28)=8.55, p=.007, 2=.23. This points to collaboration catalysing optimal solution strategies which can be used in the successive individual trial.

A more reflective form of joint problem solving

This paper explores the emergence of joint problem solving in online environments where the participants work together but at different times and from different places. Collaborations of this sort have been referred to as loosely coupled collaborations. The focus is on venue which is the virtual substitute for physical copresence under these conditions. Venue is fundamentally a social construct. It functions to “localize” participation dynamics, communication and register, the creation and sharing of domain objects, and situation-dependent knowledge. Within venue, the reflective parts of joint problem solving become more prominent. Within venue, small teams of students align their views, coordinate their efforts, share their understanding and work, and jointly problem solve.

Joint planning and problem solving roles in supply chain collaboration

This research attempts to uncover joint planning and problem solving roles in developing culture in supply chain collaboration (SCC). This research views collaborative activities as internal and external focussed functional areas. The model is validated with industry data using PLS approach. Findings show that joint problem solving and measurement are critical in developing collaborative culture and executing effective planning; hence it affects core and non-core activities of collaboration. Joint planning at operation level is very important in culture development. This research contributes in developing collaborative culture and making SCC effective. Finally managerial insights and future scope are highlighted.

Becoming a team: Findings from a grounded theory study about living with CPAP

Untreated sleep apnoea incurs significant health costs. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a recognised, cost-effective treatment that can be challenging for users and about which there is limited evidence from the users’ perspective. Therefore, we aimed to explore experiences of living with this therapy from participants’ perspectives using constructionist grounded theory.Adult participants (n=16) were recruited through a main-centre respiratory service in New Zealand. We used semi-structured interviews, and data were analysed until theoretical saturation was reached.This paper reports the first of three main categories from the grounded theory: bargaining and balancing life with CPAP. The first category, becoming a team for good-sleep, emphasises that partners are not simply bystanders, but integral to using CPAP. Indeed, it was apparent that users and partners formed a team with the mutual goal of achieving a good sleep. Partners experienced and bore witness to consequences of untreated sleep apnoea, prompting the snorer to seek treatment. Joint problem-solving and decision-making facilitated successful therapy management. Conversely, un-collaborative partners hindered this process.Findings provide new insights that illustrate how CPAP may successfully be used at home and strategies for promoting effective sleep apnoea management. Therapy-users’ designated partners should be formally incorporated into the treatment process, including nurse-led and clinician clinic consults, to increase the probability of successful therapy management at home. Further research, including intervention studies, should explore the role of partners in successful positive airway pressure management and other long-term therapies.

Introduction of new mechanisms for lending to agricultural producers in the context of the formation of cooperative prerequisites for market infrastructure

Studies in the article, to encourage wider coverage of current issues of agricultural production cooperatives as one of the important legal forms of agricultural production. It was determined that the development of the cooperative movement is an important part of agrarian reforms in rural areas, makes it possible to take into account and meet the interests of each member cooperatives.We consider the shortcomings of legal provisions regarding the use of the mortgage institution. A schematic diagram of forming agricultural land market. Participation of international financial institutions in financing agricultural producers and the activities of credit unions in the area of microcredit.Mortgages are a necessary link in the infrastructure of the organization and functioning of the agricultural sector, the decisive influence which provides the regulatory framework of land reform. An important role in agricultural production credit with the credit unions by which simplifies percent obtain credit, especially for credit support in the form of collateral, reduced transaction costs and loan rate.It is proposed that the development of the credit system of agricultural producers on the security of land and other real estate in Ukraine need to create a specialized financial institution State Land (Mortgage) Bank, which is owned by the monopoly right to conduct transactions with agricultural land being withdrawn in case of non-repayment of credit provided borrower secured by land.It is proved that the problem of agricultural lending in Ukraine need to find alternative sources of funding. Especially important is the development of credit unions whose primary purpose is to improve the socio-economic condition of people who combined for joint problem solving. For this, credit unions have two main functions - to ensure regular saving people and provide loans to its members at relatively low interest rates.

Leadership development: A lever for system-wide educational change

The continuous poor performance of South Africa’s learners is detrimental to its developing economy. The need for education change prompted two universities to initiate a system-wide change strategy in a poorly performing school district. The leverage for change was leadership development, involving school principals and district officials. The global impetus for driving leadership development is based on the positive association between high-quality leadership and effective schools. The change strategy was a three year leadership development intervention programme. An evaluative case study was used to investigate the experiences of the participants during the implementation of the programme. Research methods included individual interviews, observation, and a survey by means of a questionnaire. Using systems theory as a theoretical framework, various disconnections were identified in the school district. These disconnections concern the interrelationships between the educational leaders which hinder organisational learning. Changing the culture of the school district through system-wide collaboration could be the key to systemic improvements. Strategies such as collective capacity building, joint problem-solving, networking and system leadership, might provide the essential ‘glue’ for strengthening the interconnections within the school district. Keywords: collective capacity building; district officials; education change; educational leadership; leadership development; principals; school district; system leadership; system-wide change

Incorporating Outcomes from Collaborative Processes into Government Decision Making: A Case Study from Low Water Response Planning in Ontario, Canada

Collaborative approaches are increasingly being used by governments in western countries to address complex environmental policy problems. These approaches often bring together diverse actors in settings that allow for joint problem solving. However, the effectiveness of collaboration can be undermined if governments choose to ignore the outcomes of collaboration in their decision making processes. In this paper we report findings from a study of a drought-based collaborative process. We evaluate the extent to which the provincial government in Ontario, Canada, used recommendations from collaborative groups in its Low Water Response program. Interviews, document analysis and personal observations provided the data for a qualitative, multi-case study analysis. Three cases were chosen where collaborative teams made decisions designed to balance ecological and economic water issues during drought. The Institutional Analysis and Development framework provided a conceptual foundation for evaluating the extent to which collaborative outcomes were used by government. Even though the provincial government did not accept the most important decision made by collaborative teams (to declare severe drought), participants were generally satisfied with outcomes achieved through collaboration, especially social and environmental outcomes. Challenges revealed through the study included insufficient capacity, lack of clear program requirements, and issues inherent with low water.

Joint problem solving and organizational learning capacity in new product innovation

There is a growing need for firms to acquire knowledge externally, but the process has become increasingly complicated. This article studies the mediating roles of the three process dimensions of organizational learning capacity (OLC), namely, knowledge acquisition, transformation, and application capabilities, in the context of a joint problem solving (JPS) arrangement with external collaborators for new product innovation. They employed the structural equation modelling method and analyse a sample of 331 high‐tech manufacturers in China. Their results supported a conceptual model that shows (i) JPS exerts a positive impact on knowledge acquisition and transformation capabilities; (ii) these two capabilities promote knowledge application capacity; (iii) knowledge acquisition alone, and the combination of application and transformation capabilities, mediate the effect of JPS on both innovation efficacy and efficiency. Knowledge acquisition and application capabilities also jointly mediate the effect of JPS on innovation efficacy. They added to the existing literature by highlighting the need to consider the mediating roles of different OLC dimensions and the external context of JPS for learning capacity acquisition. Our model provides a practical framework for managers to better understand and influence OLC dimensions to improve innovation when engaging in JPS.

Granular computing: from granularity optimization to multi-granularity joint problem solving

Human beings solve problems in different granularity worlds and shift from one granularity world to another quickly. It reflects human beings’ intelligence in problem solving to some extent. In the era of big data, some new problems are emerging in real life. For example, traditional big data processing models always compute from raw data, failing to consider the granularity feature of human. Thus, they are hard to solve the 3 V characteristics of big data. Granular computing (GrC) combines the multi-granularity thinking pattern of human intelligence with problem solving mode to deal with big data. Based on the related notions and characteristics of GrC, this paper reviews the previous studies of GrC in three progressive levels: granularity optimization, granularity conversion and multi-granularity joint problem solving. Then we proposed the diagram for relationship among three basic modes of GrC. Furthermore, the feasibility of GrC for big data processing is analyzed. Some research prospects of granular computing are given.

Employees\u2019 Perceptions of Social Norms as a Result of Implementing the Participatory Approach at Supervisor Level: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose A multifaceted implementation strategy was targeted at supervisors to encourage them to apply a participatory approach (PA) in dealing with employees’ work functioning problems due to health concerns. This paper assesses the effect on employees’ perceived social norms regarding the use of the PA to deal with work functioning problems. Methods Three organizations participated in a cluster randomized controlled trial, with randomization at the department level. Supervisors in the PA intervention departments received the implementation strategy consisting of a working group meeting, supervisor training, and optional coaching. Supervisors in the control departments received written information about the PA only. In two of the organizations, employees were invited to complete surveys at baseline and at 6-month follow-up. The primary outcome was perceived social norms regarding the use of the PA to deal with work functioning problems. Secondary measures included attitudes and self-efficacy, and intention regarding joint problem solving, and sick leave data. Effects were analyzed using multilevel analyses to account for nesting of cases. Results At baseline, 273 employees participated in the survey, with follow-up analyses of 174 employees. There were no statistically significant group effects on employee outcome measures. The intervention group showed a larger reduction in mean sick days (from 4.6 to 2.4 days) versus the control group (from 3.8 to 3.6 days), but this difference did not reach statistical significance (p > .05). Conclusion The multifaceted strategy to implement the participatory approach for supervisors did not show effects on outcomes at the employee level. To gain significant effects at the employee level, may require that an implementation strategy not only targets management and supervisors, but also employees themselves.Trial registration: NTR3733.

Global technology development by colocating R&D and manufacturing: the case of Swedish manufacturing MNEs

In this study we analyze the role of colocation between research and development (R&D) and manufacturing for global technology development by multinational enterprises (MNEs). The extant literature suggests that the main strategic role of colocated R&D units is to locally adapt existing products and processes. However, data from 146 foreign R&D units of Sweden’s 17 largest manufacturing MNEs in 2013 show that they instead mainly develop new technology, not only for the local and regional markets, but to a large extent for the global market. A likely explanation is that colocation positively contributes to joint problem-solving and transfer of tacit knowledge between production and R&D personnel, all of which is necessary in new product development, especially in industries characterized by complex products and systems and rapid technological change. A theoretical implication is that depending on industry characteristics, internal cross-functional linkages between R&D and manufacturing can be more critical than external supply- and demand-side factors when it comes to influence where R&D units are located globally.

Parental Guidance and Children's Executive Function: Working Memory and Planning as Moderators During Joint Problem-Solving

Cognitive aspects of children's executive function (EF) were examined as moderators of the effectiveness of parental guidance on children's learning. Thirty-two 5-year-old children and their parents were observed during joint problem-solving. Forms of guidance geared towards cognitive assistance were coded as directive or elaborative, and children's responses were recorded. Children were then assessed on an independent version of the same task. A parent-rated composite of working memory and planning was used as a measure of EF. Directive guidance by parents was associated with more child errors during the joint activity, whereas elaborative guidance was associated with better performance. Parent-rated EF moderated the relation, such that the relation between elaborative guidance and better performance was only significant for children with low EF. During the independent task, EF again moderated the relation between parent guidance and children's performance, such that children with low EF did worse when parents had provided more directive guidance; for children with high EF, directive guidance was associated with better independent performance. These findings suggest that the extent to which children's performance relates to different forms of parents' guidance varies, and elaborative assistance may be more helpful for children with low EF. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

From Reluctant Online Contributor to Mentor: Facilitating Student Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Online

From Reluctant Online Contributor to Mentor: Facilitating Student Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Online

Моделирование процесса дыхания человека: концептуальная и математическая постановки

The article is devoted to the main aspects of the development of a mathematical model of the human respiratory system taking into account the effects of environmental factors. The proposed model is a submodel of "meso-level" multilayered mathematical model of the evolution of functional disorders of the human body. The conceptual and mathematical formulations of the problem are discussed. The breathing is considered as a set of synchronized processes of gas dynamics, deformation of the porous medium and diffusion. The results of the calculation of the air flow characteristics during quiet breathing and forced breath in the first four generations of large airways were obtained by using software ANSYS Fluent. Further development of the model involves the joint problem solving of changes in lung configuration and in gasdynamic processes in the human airway.

Provider and relational determinants of customer solution performance

Given the increased use of business-to-business customer solutions, it is important to understand what factors may influence solution performance. Although the literature has addressed a wide number of areas related to customer solutions, there is limited knowledge on the specific issue of customer solution performance. This study contributes to the emerging value co-creation literature by investigating the influence of solution provider determinants and relational interactions between the provider and client on customer solution performance. The findings from an empirical study of a sample of high-tech companies in China reveal that the provider's adaptiveness, customer emphasis, and cross-functional coordination are positively related to customer solution performance. In addition, relational interactions of joint problem solving and conflict management play a positive role in enhancing solution performance. These findings offer important theoretical and managerial implications for the management of customer solutions.