Alignment Theory Research Articles

Teasing, Jokes and Directives in Cerito Mang Juhai Uncle Juhai stories: A discourse analysis of humorous texts in Palembang Malay

This paper discusses teasing, jokes and directives in ten written Uncle Juhai stories (Cerito Mang Juhai) in Palembang Malay in Indonesia. Palembang Malay is one of the local languages in Indonesia, hereafter referred to as Palembangnese. Uncle Juhai stories are popular texts in Palembang City and are widely read because they are published in one of the city’s major newspapers. The figure of Mang Juhai in particular is a popular mascot in Palembang [1]. This paper identifies distinct cultural-linguistic practices in the texts [2]. In highlighting these practices this research contributes to the limited literature in this area and raises interest and awareness across generations about Palembangnese humour and its role in Palembang society. This mixed-method study uses a discourse analysis approach [3] The transcripts were transcribed based on discourse transcription to show the location of laughter [4-7]. The texts were translated into English and examined by data notations and cultural explanations. The theory of affective face and affiliation alignment [8] informed the analysis. The results show practices that are distinctive to Palembangnese humour. The practices of kelakar (jokes), teasing and directives occur frequently in Uncle Juhai stories. This paper asserts these humorous practices help to make Palembangnese society more cohesive because the humour and directives in the Uncle Juhai stories also represent expressions of solidarity [8]. In addition, the results depict the association of humour and directives as a sequence pattern and show the relationship of solidarity, face, and politeness in Palembangnese. In Palembangnese, native speakers promote affective face (informality) rather than competence face (formality) in building relationships in daily conversations. This paper contributes insights into Palembangnese culture and society, promotes awareness of face in Palembangnese culture and shows how humour helps to maintain Palembangnese solidarity and traditions.

EFL Students' Suggestions for Enhancing the Constructive Alignment of the English Studies Program in response to the English Proficiency Outcome at the C1 Level

This study was conducted to investigate English Studies majored-students’ understanding of the constructive alignment and their suggestions to enhance the constructive alignment in the program in response to the English proficiency outcome at the C1 level. The study was designed qualitatively, employing structured-questionnaires and individual semi-structured interviews as collecting data instruments, which were mainly constructed from the Constructive Alignment theory of Biggs (2003). 34 senior students majoring in English Studies at a university in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam participated in the questionnaires. Among those participants, 5 students were recruited based on their perceptions on the theme to do the interviews. The findings indicated the high level of students’ understanding on the constructive alignment, and their proposed recommendations towards enhancing the constructive alignment in the program. From the findings, the study suggested some implications to boost the constructive alignment. Finally, at the end of the study, the limitations and the suggestions for further research were also discussed.

Performance assessment in education for sustainable development: A case study of the Qatar education system

Various studies show that sustainability and education are closely interdependent. Design and implementation of the right performance assessment for students’ skills acquisition and achievements is, therefore, critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This article presents an in-depth analysis of the Qatar education system (K-12 level), focusing on the current assessment approaches and remaining challenges that hinder the development and implementation of proper performance-assessment methods aligned with SDGs. Based on a proposed theoretical framework influenced by the constructive alignment theory, this article examines the current performance assessment practices in Qatar and recommends potential improvement avenues with respect to SDGs and education goals (EGs). Using this framework as an analytical tool, results reveal a lack of alignment between the assessment practices, educational goals, and the SDGs. This work shows that tailored, contextually proper, and progressive assessment strategies need to be developed to accurately evaluate and guide the twenty-first-century skills of the students toward the achievement of SDGs. Further findings of this article concern presentation and discussion of the locally relevant and consistent recommendations for performance assessment methodologies that must be redesigned to be compatible, aligned, and supporting the SDGs and EGs.

AN INTEGRATED MODEL OF DIGITAL MARKETING CURRICULUM DESIGN

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to detail an exploratory case study which highlights a process to modernize an undergraduate marketing curriculum by incorporating aspects of digital marketing and analytics in all courses. In comparison to most other university models that offer, at best, one course in digital marketing, this paper details a blueprint to infuse all courses in the marketing curriculum with marketing theory, digital marketing technical skills, and experiential learning activities. Based on constructive alignment theory, and with assistance of the ADDIE Model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation), the University was able to involve all stakeholders before updating the curriculum and hire and train faculty in a speedy manner to meet market needs. All marketing courses were modernized to incorporate experiential components (e.g., simulations, client projects, etc.) that reinforce relevant marketing theories and specific technical skills. Results show that by integrating digital marketing activities in all courses, graduating seniors developed not only skills but the ability to apply them and a current perspective of digital marketing and analytics that has made it possible for them to enter a career in digital marketing post graduation.

The development of interlanguage pragmatic markers in alignment with role relationships

Abstract Studies on the development of interlanguage pragmatic markers (PMs) have attracted increasing interest recently. However, little research is available on the PM dynamic development in alignment with English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) classroom contexts. Given the lacuna, this article, based on the Complexity and the Alignment theories, investigates how PMs develop and how aligning with film-situated un/equal role relationships influences development. The study with eight data collection points tracks 28 EFL learners’ PM production over around 1.5 year. Results revealed: (1) the employed PM functions fluctuated but developed from singular to multiple, with the interpersonal function use being regressive and the structural and the cognitive, progressive; (2) the PM development manifested a significant gain in aligning with the equal role relationships; and (3) different proficiency learners had dissimilar PM development. These findings corroborate the view of context-dependent dynamic development and provide strong evidence for aligning EFL learning with various role relationships.

“Leading” as a mode of interaction and communication in contemporary music performance-practice

In this paper, I discuss “leading” in the performance-practice of contemporary music. First, I take a brief view on the development of music from the second half of the 20th century until today to highlight some of the challenges of leading the contemporary music repertoire. I survey existing research on interaction, communication and leadership in ensemble playing and use this viewpoint to briefly explore aspects of leadership and other roles in playing in a contemporary chamber ensemble without a conductor. Finally, I describe my own practice of leading as a violinist through three case studies in the contemporary music repertoire. Based on Leman’s theory of expressive alignment and enactment processes (2016), I approach leading as a multimodal, crossmodal and multidirectional interactive process. I divide leading into temporal and expressive leading techniques that are used to communicate different temporal and expressive musical features. I argue that leading techniques must be practiced and embedded in body language as separate, instrument-specific playing techniques. In addition to leading techniques, I provide temporal, sensorimotor, acoustical, instrument-specific and socio-cultural aspects that affect leading practices.

An Active Inference Model of Collective Intelligence.

Collective intelligence, an emergent phenomenon in which a composite system of multiple interacting agents performs at levels greater than the sum of its parts, has long compelled research efforts in social and behavioral sciences. To date, however, formal models of collective intelligence have lacked a plausible mathematical description of the relationship between local-scale interactions between autonomous sub-system components (individuals) and global-scale behavior of the composite system (the collective). In this paper we use the Active Inference Formulation (AIF), a framework for explaining the behavior of any non-equilibrium steady state system at any scale, to posit a minimal agent-based model that simulates the relationship between local individual-level interaction and collective intelligence. We explore the effects of providing baseline AIF agents (Model 1) with specific cognitive capabilities: Theory of Mind (Model 2), Goal Alignment (Model 3), and Theory of Mind with Goal Alignment (Model 4). These stepwise transitions in sophistication of cognitive ability are motivated by the types of advancements plausibly required for an AIF agent to persist and flourish in an environment populated by other highly autonomous AIF agents, and have also recently been shown to map naturally to canonical steps in human cognitive ability. Illustrative results show that stepwise cognitive transitions increase system performance by providing complementary mechanisms for alignment between agents’ local and global optima. Alignment emerges endogenously from the dynamics of interacting AIF agents themselves, rather than being imposed exogenously by incentives to agents’ behaviors (contra existing computational models of collective intelligence) or top-down priors for collective behavior (contra existing multiscale simulations of AIF). These results shed light on the types of generic information-theoretic patterns conducive to collective intelligence in human and other complex adaptive systems.

The effect of attribute alignability on brand evaluation in a competitive context: The moderating role of regulatory mode

AbstractBased on structural alignment and regulatory mode theories, this research examined how different regulatory modes (assessment and locomotion) affect attitude and purchase intention for a target brand when it is presented in nonalignable/alignable comparison contexts. According to the structural alignment theory, alignable attributes are comparable aspects across product alternatives (e.g., Popcorn A has calories equal to 20 peanuts while Popcorn B has calories equal to 10 peanuts) while nonalignable attributes are aspects that do not correspond to aspects in other options (e.g., Popcorn A has fiber while Popcorn B tastes a bit sweet). Study 1 employed locomotion mode and attribute alignability (alignable vs. nonalignable) as between‐subjects variables. Study 2 employed a single‐factor (regulatory mode: assessment vs. locomotion) design. Data were collected from Amazon's Mechanical Turk participant pool. Findings indicated that the match between regulatory mode and structural alignment of brand attributes affects consumer evaluation and behavioral intention. In Study 1, high locomotors evaluated the target product more favorably and tended to purchase the target brand more in a nonalignable comparison context but not in an alignable one. In Study 2, assessors preferred an alignable‐better brand more than locomotors did, whereas locomotors tended to prefer a nonalignable‐better brand more than assessors did. Implications are discussed related to the effects of regulatory mode and attribute alignability on consumer preference and brand strategies.

A study on office workplace modification during the COVID-19 pandemic in The Netherlands

PurposeTriggered by public concerns over office workplace safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study sheds light on the office workplace environment and aims to investigate how organisations respond to forces from the external environment (impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic) and how they modify their office workplace management strategically and operationally to suit the stakeholders’ needs and future development in the post COVID-19 period.Design/methodology/approachA desktop study was conducted to provide the framework for the in-depth interviews with five corporate real estate (CRE) managers and three workplace consultants. Thematic analysis including coding technique was adopted to analyse the qualitative data.FindingsThe findings show that during the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the intended and implemented office workplace modifications are mainly related to two types of risk control: administrative control and personal protection. At a strategic level, organisations react to the external forces by re-modelling their businesses and working towards re-orienting their CRE strategies, such as portfolio transformation, agile portfolio strategies and redesign of the office workplace, etc.Originality/valueThis is a topical and timely study that presents the general practice of office workplace modification during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the related CRE management (CREM) strategies developed for the new normal. The findings obtained through in-depth interviews have well supported the CREM strategic alignment theory. It is foreseen that office workplace management will encounter other challenges due to uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this study provide a practical lens to look at the future changes of office workplace environment.

En läroplansanalys om samstämmighet inom Lgr11

This article investigates in what way the Swedish compulsory school curriculum (Lgr11) addresses knowledge regarding Swedish national minorities. The aim is to study alignment within Lgr11 through a case of the theme national minorities. Research questions target alignment within syllabi and alignment between syllabi and the aim and guidelines in the curricula. Theories of alignment and curriculum theory formed the theory and methodology for the analysis, foregrounding similarities and differences in how Swedish national minorities are addressed in Lgr11. Results show numerous inconsistencies. Learning goals in curriculum and syllabus content are, for instance, not aligned, and differences exist within the syllabus between aim (syfte), central content (centralt innehåll) and the lower set measurable demands (kunskapskrav). This is problematic since earlier research demonstrated that measurable demands have out-conquered teaching content. These challenges for teacher’s interpretation of curricula and syllabus can affect the teaching content.

Comparison of Common Ground Models for Human--Computer Dialogue

Common ground processes [26] can improve performance in communication tasks [72, 42, 43, 24], and understanding these processes will likely benefit human--computer dialogue interfaces. However, there are multiple proposed theories with different implications for interface design. Fusaroli and Tylén [40] achieved a direct comparison by designing two models: one based on alignment theory and the other based on complementarity theory that encapsulated interpersonal synergy and audience design. The current research used these models, extending them to differentiate between interpersonal synergy and audience design. Few studies have tested multiple common ground models against tasks representative of envisioned human--computer interaction (HCI) applications. We report on four such tests, which allowed examination of generalizability of findings. Results supported the complementarity models over the alignment model, and were suggestive of the audience design variant of complementarity, providing guidance for HCI design that differs from contemporary approaches.

Community voice in cross-sector alignment: concepts and strategies from a scoping review of the health collaboration literature

BackgroundHealth care access is an important driver of population health, and factors beyond health care also drive health outcomes. Recognizing the importance of the social determinants of health (SDOH), different actors in the health care, public health, and social service sectors are increasingly collaborating to improve health outcomes in communities. To support such collaboration, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation developed a cross-sector alignment theory of change. According to the cross-sector alignment theory of change, community voice is critical for helping collaboratives address community health needs. Yet research on health collaboratives offers mixed guidance on how community voice should be understood and which community voice strategies are most effective.MethodsThis study addresses a gap in the literature with a systematic scoping review of research on health-oriented cross-sector collaboration and community voice. By scanning key academic journals, searching three academic databases, and obtaining documents from across our professional networks, we identified 36 documents that address community voice in health collaboratives.ResultsThe review reveals several conceptions of community voice and a range of community voice strategies. We find that community voice strategies fall on a spectrum between two broad types of approaches: active and passive. These vary not only in the level of power shared between communities and collaborators, but also in the level of involvement required from the community, and this in turn has important implications for community collaboration strategies. We also find that while most strategies are discussed in the context of short-term collaboration, many also lend themselves to adoption in the context of sustainable collaboration and, ultimately, cross-sector alignment.ConclusionThis review provides a characterization and conceptualization of community voice in health-oriented collaborations that provides a new theoretical basis for future research. Passive and active community voice strategies can be studied in more detail for their expected impact on health outcomes and disparities. Increased attention to active community voice and the resources it requires can help practitioners achieve improved health outcomes and researchers understand the pathways to health improvement through collaboration.

The alignment of interstellar dust grains: thermal flipping and the Davis–Greenstein mechanism

ABSTRACT Interstellar dust grains are non-spherical and, in some environments, partially aligned along the direction of the interstellar magnetic field. Numerous alignment theories have been proposed, all of which examine the grain rotational dynamics. In 1999, Lazarian & Draine introduced the important concept of thermal flipping, in which internal relaxation processes induce the grain body to flip while its angular momentum remains fixed. Through detailed numerical simulations, we study the role of thermal flipping on the grain dynamics during periods of relatively slow rotation, known as ‘crossovers’, for the special case of a spheroidal grain with a non-uniform mass distribution. Lazarian & Draine proposed that rapid flipping during a crossover would lead to ‘thermal trapping’, in which a systematic torque, fixed relative to the grain body, would time average to zero, delaying spin-up to larger rotational speeds. We find that the time-averaged systematic torque is not zero during the crossover and that thermal trapping is not prevalent. As an application, we examine whether the classic Davis–Greenstein alignment mechanism is viable, for grains residing in the cold neutral medium and lacking superparamagnetic inclusions. We find that Davis–Greenstein alignment is not hindered by thermal trapping, but argue that it is, nevertheless, too inefficient to yield the alignment of large grains responsible for optical and infrared starlight polarization. Davis–Greenstein alignment of small grains could potentially contribute to the observed ultraviolet polarization. The theoretical and computational tools developed here can also be applied to analyses of alignment via radiative torques and rotational disruption of grains.

Bank ownership and capital buffers: How internal control is affected by external governance

Using a sample of almost 300 European banks, we show that the concentration of ownership leads to larger capital buffers, consistent with theories of interest alignment and the charter value theory. Mixed empirical findings of previous literature suggest that external factors may affect the disciplinary role of controlling owners. In this paper, we demonstrate that the stabilizing impact of concentrated ownership is weaker when the level of regulatory discipline is higher. We also observe a weaker stabilizing impact when the level of market discipline is higher, while this effect seems to be less robust. Moreover, we find evidence for the too-big-to-fail phenomenon, since the stabilizing impact of ownership concentration on capital buffers is significantly weaker for systemically important institutions. Our findings indicate that bank owners are aware of the risk of losing charter value when external monitoring is lower and underline that internal governance of banks should not be discussed in isolation from external governance factors.

Lifting the lid on the black box of corporate real estate decision-making; dealing with surplus property

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the variables that influence corporate real estate (CRE) decision-making and gauge their relative importance to each other, thereby understanding the consequent challenges/implications for CRE managers (CREM’s). Design/methodology/approach Interviews were undertaken with experienced CREM’s using the causal network elicitation technique to create decision networks for the variables they considered for the specifically defined scenario: dealing with surplus property from a change of business strategy. These networks illustrate the complexity of the mental representations required for the realignment of the CRE portfolio. The key variables are more extensive than alignment theory suggests, namely, financial stakeholders. Additional variables identified include risk, lease accounting, costs, financial analysis, business metrics and motivational drivers. The latter indicates the importance of self-esteem and peer recognition for CREM’s and financial benefits for the C-suite. Accordingly strategy alignment needs to incorporate CRE both in terms of strategy creation and implementation. Findings These networks illustrate the complexity of the mental representations required for the realignment of the CRE portfolio. The key variables are more extensive than alignment theory suggests, namely, financial stakeholders. Additional variables identified include risk, lease accounting, costs, financial analysis, business metrics and motivational drivers. The latter indicates the importance of self-esteem and peer recognition for CREM’s and financial benefits for the C-suite. Accordingly, strategy alignment needs to incorporate CRE both in terms of strategy creation and implementation. Originality/value This research appears to be the first that looks in detail at the mental representations used by decision-makers while making CRE decisions.

Observational Evidence for Rotational Desorption of Complex Molecules by Radiative Torques from Orion BN/KL

Abstract Complex organic molecules (COMs) are believed to form in the ice mantle of dust grains and are released to the gas by thermal sublimation when grain mantles are heated to temperatures of T d ≳ 100 K . However, some COMs are detected in regions with temperatures below 100 K. Recently, a new mechanism of rotational desorption due to centrifugal stress induced by radiative torques (RATs) was proposed by Hoang & Tram (2020) that can desorb COMs at low temperatures. In this paper, we report observational evidence for rotational desorption of COMs toward the nearest massive star-forming region, Orion BN/KL. We compare the abundance of three representative COMs that have very high binding energy computed by the rotational desorption mechanism with observations by ALMA, and demonstrate that the rotational desorption mechanism can explain the existence of such COMs. We also analyze the polarization data from SOFIA/HAWC+ and JCMT/SCUBA-2 and find that the polarization degree at far-infrared/submillimeter decreases with increasing the grain temperature for T d ≳ 71 K . This is consistent with the theoretical prediction using the RAT alignment theory and Radiative Torque Disruption mechanism. Such an anticorrelation between dust polarization and dust temperature supports the rotational disruption as well as rotational desorption mechanism of COMs induced by RATs.

Information Asymmetry, Ownership Structure and Cost of Equity Capital: The Formation for Open Innovation

Our study aims to investigate how information asymmetry and ownership structure affect cost of equity capital. For that purpose, we collected 246 issuers over 4 years for a total of 984 observations. By using panel data processing, we found that the information asymmetry we proxied through Price non-Synchronization and trading volume had an effect on the cost of equity capital. Our results also confirmed both Agency Theory and Pecking Order Theory. Both theories are in line with the conditions of the stock market in Indonesia. In addition, we found that institutional and foreign ownership structures also had an effect on the cost of equity capital. Furthermore, our results also confirmed Interest Alignment Theory and Entrenchment Theory. Our research is expected to contribute to the debate on the existence of information asymmetry and ownership structures in relation to the cost of equity capital. We also hope that it will be a valuable input for investors in considering their investment. Moreover, from the results of this study, investors can also consider foreign ownership or institutional ownership in determining their investment. In addition, stock market regulators in Indonesia can develop approaches to minimize information asymmetry and encourage foreign investors to invest in Indonesia.

Design of a Pharmacy Curriculum on Patient Centered Communication Skills.

For delivering high quality pharmaceutical care pharmacy students need to develop the competences for patient centered communication. The aim of the article is to describe how a curriculum on patient centered communication can be designed for a pharmacy program. General educational principles for curriculum design are based on the theories of constructive alignment, self-directed learning and the self-determination theory. Other principles are paying systematic and explicit attention to skills development, learning skills in the context of the pharmacy practice and using a well-balanced system for the assessment of students’ performance. Effective educational methods for teaching communication skills are small group training sessions preferably with (simulation) patients, preceded by lectures or e-learning modules. For (formative or summative) assessment different methods can be used. The Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) is preferred for summative assessment of communication competence. The principles and educational methods are illustrated with examples from the curriculum of the master Pharmacy program of Utrecht University (The Netherlands). The topics ‘pharmaceutical consultations on prescription medicine,’ ‘pharmaceutical consultations on self-care medication’ and ‘clinical medication reviews’ are described in detail. Finally, lessons learned are shared.

Understanding Polarized Dust Emission from ρ Ophiuchi A in Light of Grain Alignment and Disruption by Radiative Torques

Abstract The alignment of dust grains with the ambient magnetic field produces polarization of starlight as well as thermal dust emission. Using the archival SOFIA/HAWC+ polarimetric data observed toward the ρ Ophiuchus (Oph) A cloud hosted by a B star at 89 and 154 μm, we find that the fractional polarization of thermal dust emission first increases with the grain temperature and then decreases once the grain temperature exceeds ≃25–32 K. The latter trend differs from the prediction of the popular RAdiative Torques (RATs) alignment theory, which implies a monotonic increase of the polarization fraction with the grain temperature. We perform numerical modeling of polarized dust emission for the ρ Oph-A cloud and calculate the degree of dust polarization by simultaneously considering the dust grain alignment and rotational disruption by RATs. Our modeling results could successfully reproduce both the rising and declining trends of the observational data. Moreover, we show that the alignment of only silicate grains or a mixture of silicate–carbon grains within a composite structure can reproduce the observational trends, assuming that all dust grains follow a power-law size distribution. Although there are a number of simplifications and limitations to our modeling, our results suggest grains in the ρ Oph-A cloud have a composite structure, and the grain size distribution has a steeper slope than the standard size distribution for the interstellar medium. Combination of SOFIA/HAWC+ data with JCMT observations 450 and 850 μm would be useful to test the proposed scenario based on grain alignment and disruption by RATs.

Legalizing Street Vending in Los Angeles: Reframing a Movement during the Fourth Wave of Feminism

Street vending was criminalized in the city of Los Angeles since the 1930s. The Los Angeles Street Vendor Campaign (LASVC) utilized several framing tactics over the last several years in order to mobilize participants to decriminalize and legalize the profession of street vending. This article applies frame alignment theory to illustrate how the LASVC reached its goals. This case study utilizes qualitative interviews of key players in the LASVC movement and a content analysis of LASVC’S Facebook page to document their push toward decriminalization over the course of 1 year. The LASVC transformed their narrative from issues of immigration and labor rights and reframed street vending as a women’s justice issue. By doing so, the LASVC extended the boundaries of their frames to incorporate the voices of women of color whose online and on-the-ground efforts to mobilize a larger population manifested during an era of the fourth wave feminism.