Zealand Practitioners Research Articles

The Application of the Devil’s Advocacy Technique to Intelligence Analysis

Understanding evolving situations and predicting future events are significant challenges in the intelligence sphere. These necessitate advanced techniques for intelligence collection and robust evaluation procedures to enhance the accuracy of predictions. The Devil’s Advocacy technique can be employed to improve analysis procedures by challenging prevailing views and mitigating the risk of cognitive biases. This paper examines the effectiveness of the Devil’s Advocacy technique when applied to intelligence analysis, by evaluating its strengths, weaknesses, and applicability, through a comprehensive literature review and empirical research involving experienced practitioners in New Zealand. Previous studies examining the Devil’s Advocacy technique primarily focused on its contribution to decision-making on the final intelligence product and on the perceptions of the devil’s advocate. These are important, but this paper is also concerned with the analysts’ experience of practically applying the technique for intelligence analysis. This paper contends that the Devil’s Advocacy technique is an attractive complementary technique which is effective in specific situations. It also reveals that New Zealand intelligence practitioners define, perceive, and apply the Devil’s Advocacy technique differently across their organisations. It therefore argues that New Zealand practitioners may have an inconsistent understanding of the technique, indicating potential gaps in the training and education of New Zealand intelligence professionals. However, the inherently subjective nature of the technique itself could also be a contributing factor.

New Zealand (Aotearoa) clinicians' perspectives on the utility of the ICD-11 personality disorder diagnosis.

The ICD-11 has now taken effect and includes a new dimensional personality disorder (PD) diagnosis. The current study aimed to examine Aotearoa/New Zealand practitioners' perceptions of the clinical utility of the new PD system. A sample of 124 psychologists and psychiatrists completed a survey, applying the DSM-5 and ICD-11 PD diagnostic systems to a current patient, and completed clinical utility metrics on the DSM-5 and ICD-11 models. Additional open-ended questions further elicited clinicians' perceptions of the strengths, weaknesses and potential application issues of the ICD-11 PD diagnosis, and these responses were analysed through thematic analysis. Overall, the ICD-11 system was rated higher than the DSM-5 on all six clinical metrics, with no significant difference between psychologists' and psychiatrists' ratings. Five themes emerged: appreciation for an alternative to DSM-5, structural barriers preventing ICD-11 PD implementation, personal barriers to ICD-11 implementation, diagnoses viewed as low utility, clinician preference for formulation and cultural safety considerations for implementation of ICD-11 PD in Aotearoa/NZ. Overall, clinicians had positive opinions of the clinical utility of the ICD-11 PD diagnosis, although expressed some concerns about its implementation. The study expands upon initial evidence that mental health practitioners have generally positive perceptions of the ICD-11 PDs' clinical utility.

Implications of Siesmic Detailing on the Fire Performance of Post-Tensioned Timber Frames

Post-Tensioned Timber (PTT) frames have significant advantages over traditional timber frame systems especially where a low damage design and fast construction are desired. New Zealand practitioners designing timber structures for fire are accustomed to applying ambient design methods to an element cross-section reduced by a char depth based on a duration of Standard Fire exposure following NZS 3603 or AS/NZS 1720.4. The behaviour of PTT frames in fire remains a concern because this approach does not account for the actual mechanics of PTT connection and frame response under natural fires that will occur in the structure. This paper examines the individual and interdependent response of PTT connection components (tendon, dissipater, fasteners, etc) to fire. It is shown that the ambient analysis tool for PTT connections, the Modified Monolithic Beam Analogy, cannot be applied to the fire case by only using char reduced cross-sections of timber elements. This approach of combining ambient methodologies with reduced cross-sections does not account for the specific connection detailing, which result in unique damage in fire that may govern the structural response. The responses of two seismically detailed PTT connections are predicted using this approach and compared to a first principles assessment of connection behaviour to demonstrate that failure will occur earlier than otherwise predicted. Numerical thermal analyses of these two connections also qualitatively corroborate the damage that occurs. This investigation establishes that additional studies are required to understand the complex behaviour of these connections when exposed to fire before a design methodology can be developed.

What is a Mixed-tenure Community? Views from New Zealand Practitioners and Implications for Researchers

ABSTRACT Building mixed-tenure communities is increasingly promoted as a way to increase housing supply and improve community outcomes. However, communities described as mixed-tenure vary greatly. The lack of a common understanding of mixed-tenure communities presents a challenge to researchers seeking to evaluate their effects. We identify a range of views from New Zealand stakeholders as to what tenures are present in a mixed-tenure community, what proportion of mixed-tenure communities is public housing, how the different tenures are integrated, where public housing is placed, and how housing is designed. We propose ways to clarify discussions about mixed-tenure communities, and priorities for research.

Clinical practice preferences of Australian and New Zealand practitioners in the implant management of the edentulous mandible

Introduction: Mandibular edentulism remains a widespread health burden with a variety of available treatment modalities, but without an accepted single best practice approach. The purpose of the present study was to survey clinical practice preferences of Australian and New Zealand practitioners in the management of patients with edentulous mandibles with a specific focus on the use of dental implants.Materials and Methods: A questionnaire comprising thirty questions was developed and administered online via a unique web link sent to all known Australian and New Zealand general dental and specialist professional membership bodies.Results: Responses received from the members of five of the ten membership bodies constituted 7.35% overall response rate. Respondents who had undertaken implant training and were involved in implant treatment of the edentulous mandible totaled 65.5%. The pattern of referral to specialists for surgical implant placement varied according to the type of prosthesis being constructed. Of 111 respondents, 72% preferred two implants for mandibular implant overdentures (MIODs), whereas 97% of 98 respondents preferred four or more implants for a mandibular fixed complete implant denture. The main reasons for choosing MIOD instead of fixed complete implant denture were cost, patient preference, and available jaw bone.Conclusions: The highest level of education in implant dentistry varied significantly between respondents and was potentially reflected in the wide variety of reported treatment approaches. Even within a specific implant prosthesis type, there was no universally accepted modality of management. Future research should focus on alternative survey strategies for obtaining important data representative of the total practicing population.

Seismic assessment and improvement of unreinforced stone masonry buildings

Following the 2010/2011 Canterbury earthquakes considerable effort was applied to the task of developing industry guidance for the seismic assessment, repair and strengthening of unreinforced masonry buildings. The recently updated “Section 10” of NZSEE 2006 is one of the primary outputs from these efforts, in which a minor amount of information is introduced regarding vintage stone unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings. Further information is presented herein to extend the resources readily available to New Zealand practitioners regarding load-bearing stone URM buildings via a literature review of the traditional European approach to this topic and its applicability to the New Zealand stone URM building stock.
 An informative background to typical stone URM construction is presented, including population, geometric, structural and material characteristics. The European seismic vulnerability assessment procedure is then reported, explaining each step in sequence of assessment by means of preliminary inspection (photographic, geometric, structural and crack pattern surveys) and investigation techniques, concluding with details of seismic improvement interventions. The challenge in selecting the appropriate intervention for each existing URM structure is associated with reconciling the differences between heritage conservation and engineering perspectives to reinstating the original structural strength. Traditional and modern techniques are discussed herein with the goal of preserving heritage values and ensuring occupant safety. A collection of Annexes are provided that summarise the presented information in terms of on-site testing, failure mechanisms and seismic improvement.

Lack of outcome research on New Zealand care and protection family group conference

Despite the popularity of the New Zealand care and protection family group conference (FGC) and its success in strengthening families, there is no evidence to show that the conference achieves its other desired outcome of protecting children from abuse and neglect. This evidence can only be obtained through evaluative research. For the FGC to maintain its credibility, the critical need for evaluative research in the New Zealand care and protection FGC needs to be addressed. Most of the other countries that have adopted the FGC have undertaken evaluative studies. New Zealand practitioners and researchers can draw from international evaluation studies and develop appropriate research designs and methodologies to evaluate New Zealand’s care and protection FGC.

Computer-Aided Self-Access Language Learning: Views of Indonesian, Malaysian & New Zealand Practitioners

Our synthesis of up-to-date research literature and our own professional work in computer-aided language learning (CALL) and self-access language learning (SALL) have led us to propose a 5- point computer-aided self-access language learning (or CASA-LL) framework that combines the best of both worlds as it were, in terms of e-course development and online English language teaching and learning. Based on this framework, we set out to elicit the opinions of e-course developers and online learning managers who focus on English language teaching and learning through virtual environments and platforms. In this study, we report primarily on the asynchronous interview data we collected from senior course developers and online learning managers who are working in the tertiary education sector in Indonesia, Malaysia and New Zealand. Results from open-ended narrative interviews with these experts suggest that our CASA- LL framework is a positive step ahead for both computer-aided language learning (CALL) and self-access language learning (SALL). Nevertheless, our research participants also told us that there are many obstacles that they need to overcome to make certain that English language teaching and learning in virtual environments and platforms fully subscribe to the five key criteria that we have outlined in the CASA-LL framework.

Adopting innovative procurement techniques

PurposeAlthough public‐private partnerships (PPPs) have been used internationally, the New Zealand Government has only recently started to consider using PPPs to deliver public assets and services. However, there is uncertainty about whether the New Zealand Government should actively enter into PPP arrangements. The government lacks a robust decision‐making tool for assisting with choosing alternative procurement methods. PPPs are seen as risky, but innovative procurement options, with obstacles to overcome before they use can become common place. Nervousness about the use of PPPs requires the New Zealand Government to have a thorough understanding of the drivers and obstacles, and also to understand the applicability of international PPP experience to New Zealand. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the drivers and obstacles for adopting PPPs in New Zealand and provide details on how these obstacles might be overcome by using innovative country‐specific solutions.Design/methodology/approachSemi‐structured interviews with senior industry players and round table discussions are the research methods used.FindingsThe research found that the drivers for PPP adoption include acceleration of infrastructure provision, better risk allocation, whole of life cost savings, improved quality of services, access additional revenue sources, benefits for local economic and social development, and improved project scrutiny. The results show that the drivers appear to be more than securing private financing for public infrastructure. Greater efficiency in the use of resources has been emphasised by New Zealand practitioners. With regard to the apparent obstacles, research showed these to be: political, social and legal risks, unfavourable economic and commercial conditions, high transaction costs and lengthy lead time, problems related to the public sector and problems with the private sector. Possible solutions to these obstacles are derived from national and international research and assessed for their applicability to New Zealand.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper presents discussion on the concerns expressed by the New Zealand industry about PPPs at strategic, institutional, and industry level. The identified obstacles and suggested solutions provide some initial guidance on how to proceed with PPP implementation in New Zealand. More research needs to be done to understand the various key facets identified here (e.g. tendering process, contractual arrangement, and risk allocation) and their wider effects. The research is based on interviews with a limited number of senior industry respondents, along with the general results of three industry round table discussions. Therefore, follow‐on interviews need to be conducted with private sector partners, sponsors and funding bodies, in order to gain a wider view of the issues under investigation.Originality/valueThe findings of the research are of assistance to decision makers in both the public and private sectors in New Zealand. By understanding the drivers and obstacles for PPP adoption, and posing solutions to these obstacles, the New Zealand construction industry might be in a better position to adopt PPP schemes.

Professional competition and cooperation in the digital age: A pilot study of New Zealand practitioners

From early on, competition between professions has been identified as a major factor in the process of developing public relations as a profession. This paper updates consideration of the influence of inter-profession disputes by examining the interplay between public relations and advertising in the digital age. It attempts to assess how new technologies, especially social media, affect the relationships between them, with particular reference to two aspects: whether social media increases, or decreases, professional cooperation (or competition); and who takes charge in the new communication environment. In researching these issues, which form an important part of the professionalization process of public relations, the paper examined documents and online publications, and undertook interviews and a survey of public relations practitioners in New Zealand. The findings suggest that the responding public relations practitioners were not able to take advantage of the social technology in order to leverage their professional status and improve their position within the organization. In addition, it seems that while advertising and public relations are still looking for ways to benefit from social media, both are still in a process of adaptation.

Celebrity or athlete? New Zealand advertising practitioners' views on their use as endorsers

Substantial literature exists researching effective celebrity endorser characteristics, and a growing body of literature investigates the specifics of professional athlete endorsements. However, there has been little focus on selection from the advertising practitioner's perspective; research that does exist is limited to the United States and British markets. This research among New Zealand advertising agencies found that celebrities/athletes are used primarily to achieve' cut through' and that their use is generally thought to be effective provided there is a tight fit between celebrity/athlete, brand and message. Interestingly, for New Zealand practitioners, the risk of negative publicity and hiring costs were the most important factors in the endorsement decision.

Evaluation of surveillance methods for an epidemiological study of contact lens related microbial keratitis

To evaluate surveillance methods in a pilot epidemiological study of contact lens related microbial keratitis (MK) cases identified by ophthalmic practitioners in Australia and New Zealand between May and August 2003 inclusive. Twelve ophthalmologists and 55 optometrists from rural and metropolitan locations were sent a study information pack with postal reporting forms. After 2 months, practitioners were emailed a link to a website for Internet reporting. After 4 months, practitioners were prompted by email and then by telephone if a response was not received. Passive response rates were the rate of returns after posting information and emailing the website link. Active response rates included personalized email and telephone follow-up. Ten cases of MK were identified by optometrists and five by ophthalmologists. The passive response rates were 79% and 58% for the first and second reporting periods, respectively. There was a lower response rate in the second reporting period compared to the first (P = 0.02). With active surveillance the response rate increased to 97% and 96%. A large proportion of optometrists (62%) and ophthalmologists (55%) used the website for at least one reporting period. Internet reporting was used by all New Zealand practitioners (5/5). A surveillance study to estimate the incidence of contact lens related MK in Australia and New Zealand is feasible and acceptable. Internet-based reporting offers a reliable, rapid and cost-effective means of running a large scale, international surveillance study. Active surveillance methods are necessary to enhance reporting rates.

Integrated mental health care: practitioners' perspectives.

Integrated mental health care (IMHC) is a community-based model that considers the patient and informal carers to be the major contributors to stable recovery from severe mental health problems. This study investigates the implementation of IMHC by 35 New Zealand practitioners 1 year after being trained in the model. It also explores their experiences and perceptions regarding the model. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered by combining a questionnaire survey with in-depth interviews. Few of the trainees had been able to implement the model as much as they would have liked. A primary barrier to implementation was created by the resource constraints that impede most innovative community care initiatives even when demonstrated to be more cost-effective than traditional hospital-based approaches. Concerns particular to IMHC included issues relating to flexibility, time-intensiveness and applicability to New Zealand. Many practitioners found some of the specific intervention strategies and the clear overall structure of the model useful. Its psychosocial emphasis had a positive impact on many practitioners' beliefs about the causes and prognosis of severe mental health problems. Participants offer a range of recommendations as to how IMHC might be applied and adapted. Consultation with staff, consumers, families and Maori, as well as a strengthening of the psychosocial components, are recommended.

3rd U.S. - Japan workshop on the improvement of building structural design and construction practices, 29 July-1 August 1988 Tokyo, Japan

The workshop was held in Tokyo immediately prior to 9th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering. Two previous workshops have been held in 1984 and 1986 both with an emphasis on seismic building design and construction practices. New Zealand and China were invited to participate in the 3rd Workshop which was attended by 17 U.S. and 23 Japanese representatives. I was privileged to attend the third workshop which was organised by the Japan Structural Consultants Association. 21 papers were presented covering building seismic analysis and design, and comparison of design codes and practices. The conference concluded with a working session which allowed a useful exchange of information. In the notes below I have summarized several items of particular interest to New Zealand practitioners.

Pharmaceutical promotion in New Zealand.

AbstractPharmaceutical companies currently spend over $17 million annually in New Zealand promoting their products with the aim of increasing sales and therefore profits. Although the industry has a code regulating advertising, the code is both weak and voluntary and is routinely violated. Increasingly, pharmaceutical companies are funding medical conferences, continuing medical education and clinical trials. While these activities sometimes contribute to furthering practitioners' education, often they are merely promotional exercises. The companies have also taken to promoting their products through the public media. Detailers' expenses account for over 60 per cent of all promotional spending, but their activities are not subject to any regulation. Advertisements in journals routinely leave out significant prescribing information and also violate provisions of the industry's code. Although the industry claims that the information transmitted in advertising helps promote better prescribing there is disturbing evidence that New Zealand practitioners are overly dependent on the pharmaceutical industry for information about medicines and that this dependence has led to less appropriate prescribing. Reforms to the promotional practices are unlikely to come from either the medical profession or the government. The most hopeful avenue of reform lies in the growing consumer movement, both within New Zealand and internationally.