Retention Of Members Research Articles

Developing a computational model to understand the contributions of social learning modes to task coordination in teams

AbstractThis paper reports on a computational model developed to study the effects of various modes of social learning on task coordination in teams through the mapping of distributed team competence, a significant aspect of efficient teamwork. The computational model emphasizes and operationalizes distinct modes of social learning, differentiated in terms of socialization opportunities. Simulation results demonstrate that computational models based on fundamental principles of social learning provide a robust approach to study task coordination in teams and can be used to explore ways to organize opportunities for social learning depending upon member retention, team structure, and the complexity of the design task.

Rhodopsin coexpression in UV photoreceptors of Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes

Differential rhodopsin gene expression within specialized R7 photoreceptor cells divides the retinas of Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes into distinct domains. The two species express the rhodopsin orthologs Aaop8 and Agop8, respectively, in a large subset of these R7 photoreceptors that function as ultraviolet receptors. We show here that a divergent subfamily of mosquito rhodopsins, Aaop10 and Agop10, is coexpressed in these R7 photoreceptors. The properties of the A. aegypti Aaop8 and Aaop10 rhodopsins were analyzed by creating transgenic Drosophila expressing these rhodopsins. Electroretinogram recordings, and spectral analysis of head extracts, obtained from the Aaop8 strain confirmed that Aaop8 is an ultraviolet-sensitive rhodopsin. Aaop10 was poorly expressed and capable of eliciting only small and slow light responses in Drosophila photoreceptors, and electroretinogram analysis suggested that it is a long-wavelength rhodopsin with a maximal sensitivity near 500 nm. Thus, coexpression of Aaop10 rhodopsin with Aaop8 rhodopsin has the potential to modify the spectral properties of mosquito ultraviolet receptors. Retention of Op10 rhodopsin family members in the genomes of Drosophila species suggests that this rhodopsin family may play a conserved role in insect vision.

Using Technology to Build and Manage a Two-Way Public Conversation on Transportation Issues

The Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) has pioneered a new approach to involving the public in transportation policy by using online surveying and survey panels. To broaden outreach to Washington State residents and improve public engagement with government, WSTC created the Ferry Riders’ Opinion Group (FROG) survey panel in 2007. WSTC, whose responsibilities include setting ferry fares and highway tolls, began by surveying ferry riders’ views on customer service, ferry fares, and fare policies. After discovering how eager ferry riders were to share ideas and opinions, WSTC created an online survey panel of ferry riders to listen and communicate with them about more detailed, focused topics such as ferry service levels, assessment of mode shift potential, and system investment priorities. In 2012 WSTC took this two-way, dynamic interaction with the public to the next step, launching the Voice of Washington State (VOWS) online survey statewide panel. The FROG and VOWS programs elicit citizen views on transportation policy and funding, generating unique data that WSTC then shares with state and local decision makers. These survey panels engage the silent majority in policy making in a manner never before offered. This paper describes the development of the FROG and VOWS survey panels, the recruitment and retention of panel members, and how survey results are analyzed and reported to decision makers and panel members. The many participants and the real and responsive policy changes resulting from the survey data demonstrate the success of these programs.

A process model of strategic network member acquisition and retention

As the number and nature of cooperative networks continue to expand, interest is growing on how networks effectively acquire new members as well as retain existing ones in a competitive environment...

Australian Twin Registry: 30 Years of Progress

The Australian Twin Registry (ATR) is a national volunteer resource of twin pairs and higher-order multiples willing to consider participating in health, medical, and scientific research. The vision of the ATR is 'to realize the full potential of research involving twins to improve the health and well-being of all Australians'. The ATR has been funded continuously by the National Health and Medical Council for more than 30 years. Its core functions entail the recruitment and retention of twin members, the maintenance of an up-to-date database containing members' contact details and baseline information, and the promotion and provision of open access to researchers from all institutes in Australia, and their collaborators, in a fair and equitable manner. The ATR is administered by The University of Melbourne, which acts as custodian. Since the late 1970s the ATR has enrolled more than 40,000 twin pairs of all zygosities and facilitated more than 500 studies that have produced at least 700 peer-reviewed publications from classical twin studies, co-twin control studies, within-pair comparisons, twin family studies, longitudinal twin studies, randomized controlled trials, and epigenetics studies, as well as studies of issues specific to twins. New initiatives include: a Health and Life Style Questionnaire; data collection, management, and archiving using a secure online software program (The Ark); and the International Network of Twin Registries. The ATR's expertise and 30 years of experience in providing services to national and international twin studies has made it an important resource for research across a broad range of disciplines.

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Abstract Use Direct Mail to Attract Immediate Members Timing's Right to Encourage Gift Memberships Connecting With Members Make Online Message Boards Work for Your Association Stress Reduction Tips Identify Member Milestones Tech‐Savvy Tools Inexpensive and Free Technology Tools Member Retention Make Online Renewals a User‐friendly Experience Offer Additional Benefits 10 Ideas for Generating Ongoing Non‐dues Revenue Connecting With Members Move From LISTSERVs to an Integrated Online Community Membership Renewal Tips Recruitment Technique Offer Networking Events In Several Formats Member Recruitment Contests to Consider Create a Mission‐Specific Resource Center Just‐published Resource Draft a Help Letter Choose Your Marketing Words Carefully Direct Mail Appeals Low‐cost Ideas to Boost Direct Mail Results Member Retention How to Retain Inactive Members New Member Actions 10 Tips for Writing a New Member Welcome Letter Gaining Attention Get TV Coverage of Your Community Service Project Meetings Management Tips Appreciation Days Builds Community, Adds Value Member Recruitment Tip Google Analytics: How Are Members Using Your Website? Retention Measures Five Commonsense Ways to Boost Member Retention Mobile Technology Improve Your Conference With an App Effective Presentations Grab Audience's Attention Up Front Recruitment Strategies Member Recruitment: What Works the Best? November Webinars… Develop a Club for Your Award Winners Online Request Form Helps Garner Info Exercise Caution With Incentives, Telemarketing Member Renewal Procedures Enhance Your Membership Renewal System Member Benefits Sponsorships: Online and Interactive

Seeking Balance: The Importance of Environmental Conditions in Men and Women Faculty’s Well-being

Faculty retention is of increasing importance in the current economic climate. We examined the role of an institution’s environmental conditions (e.g., climate, collegiality, and administration) in faculty well-being (i.e., job satisfaction, intent to leave, emotional and physical health). Women reported significantly lower well-being and a more negative perception of all environmental conditions than men. Intriguingly, for both men and women, the more institutional support perceived by faculty members for work-life integration, the more positive their well-being. Policies that support work-life integration, often viewed as merely a “women’s issue,” may encourage the retention of both men and women faculty members.

Brand associations in the fitness segment of the sports industry in the United States: extending spectator sports branding conceptualisations and dimensions to participatory sports

The study advances brand association research into participatory sports (i.e. fitness) by examining health club related dimensions and extending research into the United States (US). Data were collected from health club members (n=148) at a branded US fitness facility. Factor and regression analyses used specified brand association dimensions and revealed a predictive model of brand loyalty. Findings and discussions will assist fitness managers in brand-building, marketing strategies and member retention.

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Abstract Follow the Two‐person Rule Career Advancement Advice Hold Regular Progress Report Meetings Sponsorship Opportunities Customize Your Sponsorship Options Replace Your Membership Program with Annual Giving Growing Your Membership Use ‘Thank You’ Calls to Ask For Referrals Chapter Development University Helps Enthused Alumni Start New Chapters Upgrade Options Offer a Membership Upgrade Option: Bundle Benefits Renewal Efforts Remove Roadblocks to Renewal Cut Your Phone Time Why Do Your Members Join? Don't Forget That Thought Writing Tips PR Opportunities Make New Officers' Inductions Official Member Retention Tips Three Commonsense Ways to Keep Your Members Retention Efforts Publications Help Build Member Relations Growing Your Membership Museum Reaches All‐Time Membership High Build Awareness, Increase Value Radio Exposure Adds Value to Membership Barter Your Way On to the Airwaves ‘Induct’ New Members Into Your Organization Four Easy Steps for Starting a Speaker's Bureau Check Out Our Updated Website Member Satisfaction Disgruntled Member — What Should You Do? Reaching Out to Gain Members Giving Gift Memberships Draws Perks for Museum Members Put Your Plan in Writing Use Your Professional Staff for Membership Retention Success Are You Planning Your Next Fiscal Year's Goals? Promote Next Year's Convention at This Year's Event Member Loyalty Bring Deserved Attention to Your Tenured Members Member Benefits Membership Benefits — How Often and What Kind

OBAYA (obesity and adverse health outcomes in young adults): feasibility of a population-based multiethnic cohort study using electronic medical records

BackgroundAlthough obesity is a risk factor for many chronic diseases, we have only limited knowledge of the magnitude of these associations in young adults. A multiethnic cohort of young adults was established to close current knowledge gaps; cohort demographics, cohort retention, and the potential influence of migration bias were investigated.MethodsFor this population-based cross-sectional study, demographics, and measured weight and height were extracted from electronic medical records of 1,929,470 patients aged 20 to 39 years enrolled in two integrated health plans in California from 2007 to 2009.ResultsThe cohort included about 84.4% of Kaiser Permanente California members in this age group who had a medical encounter during the study period and represented about 18.2% of the underlying population in the same age group in California. The age distribution of the cohort was relatively comparable to the underlying population in California Census 2010 population, but the proportion of women and ethnic/racial minorities was slightly higher. The three-year retention rate was 68.4%.ConclusionThese data suggest the feasibility of our study for medium-term follow-up based on sufficient membership retention rates. While nationwide 6% of young adults are extremely obese, we know little to adequately quantify the health burden attributable to obesity, especially extreme obesity, in this age group. This cohort of young adults provides a unique opportunity to investigate associations of obesity-related factors and risk of cancer in a large multiethnic population.

Impact of Individual Personality on Turnover Intention

The study is conducted to examine the main effects of personality of faculty members of technical educational institutes of India on their turnover intentions. Five antecedents of personality were identified using Personality Big-Five Factors ( Goldberg, 1981 ). 13-item instrument was generated using Turnover Intention Scale and Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI). Questionnaire was designed and administered online to collect data from sample of 261 faculty members using non-probabilistic convenience sampling method. Principal component analysis with varimax rotation was used to determine construct validity and Cronbach’s coefficient alpha to determine the scale internal consistency. Regression analysis was used to determine the causal relationship between the antecedents of personality and turnover intention. The results revealed that both extraversion and agreeableness has inverse significant impact on turnover intention. The study suggest management should adopt appropriate strategies and enhance human resource practices that lead to positive personality traits which lead to increased retention of faculty members.

Spatial aspects of member retention, participation and co‐creation in tourism settings

Many customers today belong to a number of different membership programs. Memberships have been applied in different ways in tourism settings since the 1970s. Gradually memberships have developed from merely rewarding loyal or frequent customers into building long‐term relationships generating mutual value. Membership programs are of increasing importance as competitive marketing tools. Membership bases are often geographically dispersed as membership organizations attract members living in various locations. This study focuses on member behaviours as interactions within a membership relationship. The influence of distance on member behaviours such as retention, participation, and co‐creation is studied. A survey of 755 members was conducted at a major Swedish nonprofit tourist attraction. Findings indicate that member behaviours such as supporting, visiting, use of member information channels, recruiting new members, performing volunteer work, sense of doing something good, and to get appreciation of member work show significant differences depending on how far away members live. Further studies of members are needed to find ways of developing memberships as strategic resources and especially member interactions as important innovative elements in performance and competition in tourism settings.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Retention of Entry-level Faculty Members in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine retention rates of entry-level physician faculty members in obstetrics and gynecology. Study Design Ongoing data were collected by the Association of American Medical Colleges between 1981 and 2009 for full-time, entry-level assistant professors to determine whether they remained at their original departments, switched to another school, or left academia. Retention curves and 5- and 10-year retention rates at their original department and for academia were determined. Results The number of entry-level faculty members per year increased significantly for women and those faculty members in general obstetrics and gynecology. Retention rates at the original departments improved for all disciplines in recent years (2000-09), regardless of sex. Among those faculty members who left their original department, faculty members in general obstetrics/gynecology were more likely than subspecialists to leave academia. Conclusion Growth in the number of entry-level physician faculty members was accompanied by higher retention rates at their original departments only in recent years.

Rethinking Tenure in Dental Education

In the midst of changes in the environment of academic dentistry over the past two decades, reform of traditional tenure is one way for dental schools to respond to these changes while maintaining scholarly, evidence-based learning environments. Challenges facing academic dentistry today and in the future include a crisis in workforce capacity, difficulty attracting recent graduates into academic positions, overburdened faculty members with limited time for scholarly activity, loss of tenured faculty members due to retirement, and a potentially diminished voice for dental schools within the parent university. The purpose of this opinion article is to suggest ways to reform the current tenure system in dental education as a means of improving recruitment and retention of new faculty members while maintaining or increasing scholarly activity within dental schools.

Understanding the Importance of Organizational Resources to Explain Organizational Problems: Evidence from Nonprofit Sport Clubs in Germany

Nonprofit sport clubs experience organizational problems regarding the recruitment and retention of members, volunteers, and coaches, and the financial situation of the club. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of different types of organizational resources on the severity of organizational problems. A theoretical framework based on the concept of organizational capacity is presented, which explains the influence of human, financial, infrastructure, and cultural resources on organizational problems. The empirical evaluation is undertaken using data from a nationwide online survey of nonprofit sport clubs in Germany (n = 19,345). The regression results show that human resources (women on the board, secondary volunteers, etc.), financial resources (Herfindahl index), infrastructure resources (own facilities, and public facilities), and cultural resources (e.g., strategic policy, formation policy, value of conviviality, and variety of sports) are significant determinants of organizational problems. The findings of this study have implications for the management of voluntary sport organizations.

Population Characteristics of AFS Membership: Special Focus on the Millennial Generation of Fisheries Professionals

ABSTRACTThe survival of scientific societies depends on recruitment and retention of members. The importance of this strategy is underscored by the impending retirement of the Baby Boomer generation. Recent trends indicate alarming declines in many scientific societies—including the American Fisheries Society (AFS)—particularly as students transition into young professionals. Despite increased efforts to incentivize membership, overall membership losses continue to accrue annually. In order to address this issue, AFS needs to know more about the motivations of and perceived challenges that may limit the next generation of scientists. We describe an informal survey of student and young professional AFS members that was discussed during the plenary session of the 2010 AFS annual meeting. Ten questions were posed to students and young professionals to identify factors related to recruitment and retention of AFS membership, describe potential future challenges, and provide views on the direction of AFS and the fisheries profession. We relate these results to additional research on how the “Millennial generation” (those born after 1980) will change the workplace. By identifying common themes, we hope AFS members and governance at multiple levels will use this information in planning recruitment and retention initiatives aimed at the next generation of fisheries professionals.

“Oh, You Didn't Think Just the Devil Writes Songs, Do Ya?” Music in American Evangelical Culture Today

This article explores the evangelical soundscape that has expanded beyond traditional church venues and camp meetings to penetrate mainstream popular culture. The author examines the role music plays within the evangelical subculture, focusing on the recruitment and retention of members. She argues that music is key in identity articulations among conservative evangelicals, who struggle to construct a distinctive religious identity in the face of religious-cultural pluralism and secularism.

Multi-Institutional Study of Women and Underrepresented Minority Faculty Members in Academic Pharmacy

To examine trends in the numbers of women and underrepresented minority (URM) pharmacy faculty members over the last 20 years, and determine factors influencing women faculty members' pursuit and retention of an academic pharmacy career. Twenty-year trends in women and URM pharmacy faculty representation were examined. Women faculty members from 9 public colleges and schools of pharmacy were surveyed regarding demographics, job satisfaction, and their academic pharmacy career, and relationships between demographics and satisfaction were analyzed. The number of women faculty members more than doubled between 1989 and 2009 (from 20.7% to 45.5%), while the number of URM pharmacy faculty members increased only slightly over the same time period. One hundred fifteen women faculty members completed the survey instrument and indicated they were generally satisfied with their jobs. The academic rank of professor, being a nonpharmacy practice faculty member, being tenured/tenure track, and having children were associated with significantly lower satisfaction with fringe benefits. Women faculty members who were tempted to leave academia for other pharmacy sectors had significantly lower salary satisfaction and overall job satisfaction, and were more likely to indicate their expectations of academia did not match their experiences (p<0.05). The significant increase in the number of women pharmacy faculty members over the last 20 years may be due to the increased number of female pharmacy graduates and to women faculty members' satisfaction with their careers. Lessons learned through this multi-institutional study and review may be applicable to initiatives to improve recruitment and retention of URM pharmacy faculty members.

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Abstract Level Options Offer a Membership Upgrade Option Recruitment and Retention Thoughts on Getting Former Members to Rejoin Build Conference Attendance Develop Themed Recruitment Programs Retaining, Recruiting Methods Seasonal Promotions Encourage Joining, Renewing Promotional Ideas Get the Most Out of Your Swag Top Promotional Products Grab Members' Attention Engage Members at All Levels of the Organization December Webinars Gauging Member Feedback Text Polling — Is it Right for You? Sound Advice for Addressing Member Groups Key Strategies Have Botanical Garden's Membership Growing Motivational Idea Get Existing Members to Mentor New Recruits Evaluation Procedures Membership Audit Boosts Membership Communications Tool Influence Members With Word‐of‐mouth Marketing Asking for Word of Mouth Buzz — OK or Not? Word of Mouth Marketing 101 Extend Your Subscription By a Month — For Free! Enable Members‐helping‐Members Programs Member Retention Idea Maximize Usefulness of E‐mail Signature Lines Recruitment Event Music, Margaritas, Sunsets on the Terrace Offer Midweek Break Subliminal Messaging More Inviting to Prospective Members Ideas Worth Considering Host a Membership 101 Event New Technology How Membership Organizations Can Use Google+ Targeted Recruitment Events to Reach Younger Members Should Lapsed Members Pay More to Renew? Sound Retention Measures Set Quantifiable Goals for Member Visits Communication Tools Revamp Your Nonprofit's Newsletter for Effectiveness Viral Videos Can Increase Membership

4-H Membership Recruitment/Retention Problems: A Meta-Analysis of Possible Causes and Solutions

As the largest youth organization in the United States, the opportunity for 4-H to be a positive influence on America’s youth has never been greater. 4-H not only has a mandate to serve the needs and interests of young people today, but to provide a life experience that will enrich their lives and enable them to succeed in whatever path they so choose. 4-H has struggled with recruitment and member retention of certain age groups, especially teenage members. Researchers have sought to determine why youth do not join or drop out of 4-H. This article reviews that literature and summarizes the findings and possible solutions to this important issue. 4-H programs have found simple and innovative methods to retain 4-H members.