scholarly journals Mental Practice in Music Memorization: An Ecological-Empirical Study

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolò Francesco Bernardi ◽  
Alexander Schories ◽  
Hans-Christian Jabusch ◽  
Barbara Colombo ◽  
Eckart Altenmüller
Keyword(s):  
Structural Analysis ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Mental Practice ◽  
Experimental Setup ◽  
Physical Practice ◽  
Music Learning ◽  
Piano Practice ◽  
Music Memorization ◽  
Performance Results ◽  
Practical Implications

The present study aims to systematically describe mental practice (MP) in music memorization, with regard to individual differences in the use of different MP strategies and their performance outcomes. Sixteen pianists were studied while they memorized piano pieces. Each subject memorized two pieces, either via MP or physical practice (PP). In order to keep the setting as ecologically valid as possible within the experimental setup, we allowed subjects to freely apply their preferred MP strategies with the exception of physically playing a real piano. Practice and performances were video documented and expert rated; practice strategies were reported in researcher-developed questionnaires. The use of MP alone led to successful music learning. MP combined with PP produced results that were indistinguishable from those following PP alone. Pitch imagery and structural analysis were associated with better post-MP performance. Results are discussed in the frame of expert memory theory (Chase & Simon, 1973; Chaffin, Logan, & Begosh, 2009) and practical implications for musicians are provided.

The effect of mental practice on music memorization

2021 ◽  
pp. 030573562199523
Author(s):  
Claudia Iorio ◽  
Elvira Brattico ◽  
Frederik Munk Larsen ◽  
Peter Vuust ◽  
Leonardo Bonetti
Keyword(s):  
Memory Performance ◽  
Mental Practice ◽  
Physical Workload ◽  
Instrumental Performance ◽  
Musical Piece ◽  
Performance Tasks ◽  
Music Practice ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Music Memorization

Mental practice (MP) in music refers to the ability to rehearse music in the mind without any muscular movements or acoustic feedback. While previous studies have shown effects of the combination of MP and physical practice (PP) on instrumental performance, here we aimed to assess MP and PP effects on memory abilities. During a 1-week music practice protocol, classical guitarists were asked to practise a new musical piece using either a combination of MP and PP or PP alone. We asked participants to perform the piece and notate it at 3 different times: Day 1 and Day 7 of the 1-week practice protocol and 10 days after its completion (follow-up session). Results showed that the combination of MP and PP improves both notation and performance tasks compared with PP alone. Furthermore, we observed a clearer difference in memory performance in the follow-up session as compared with that in Day 7. Our results show that musicians can use both MP and PP to improve long-term retention and to reduce physical workload and playing-related overuse injuries. Therefore, we encourage music educators to teach MP in the classrooms rather than letting students discover it in a serendipitous way.

Accessing offshoring advantages: what and how to offshore

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 262-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alona Mykhaylenko ◽  
Ágnes Motika ◽  
Brian Vejrum Waehrens ◽  
Dmitrij Slepniov
Keyword(s):  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Offshore Outsourcing ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Captive Offshoring ◽  
Performance Results ◽  
Governance Modes ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Do So

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to advance the understanding of factors that affect offshoring performance results. To do so, this paper focuses on the access to location-specific advantages, rather than solely on the properties of the offshoring company, its strategy or environment. Assuming that different levels of synergy may exist between particular offshoring strategic decisions (choosing offshore outsourcing or captive offshoring and the type of function) and different offshoring advantages, this work advocates that the actual fact of realization of certain offshoring advantages (getting or not getting access to them) is a more reliable predictor of offshoring success. Design/methodology/approach – A set of hypotheses derived from the extant literature is tested on the data from a quantitative survey of 1,143 Scandinavian firms. Findings – The paper demonstrates that different governance modes and types of offshored function indeed provide different levels of access to different types of location-specific offshoring advantages. This difference may help to explain the ambiguity of offshoring initiatives performance results. Research limitations/implications – Limitations of the work include using only the offshoring strategy elements and only their limited variety as factors potentially influencing access to offshoring advantages. Also, the findings are limited to Scandinavian companies. Originality/value – The paper introduces a new concept of access, which can help to more reliably predict performance outcomes of offshoring initiatives. Recommendations are also provided to practitioners dealing with offshoring initiatives.

Leadership where there’s a will

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (10) ◽  
pp. 29-31
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Energy Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Mental Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Time And Energy ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds personal impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – Willpower governs acts of leadership. It is a capability that has been found to be genetic, but which also is possible to develop by raised awareness, disciplined practice and extending one’s comfort zones by exposing oneself to challenges. Willpower is a mental capability, and if leaders develop their ability to focus on their time and energy management, and become more aware of their feelings, they may improve their willpower. Additionally, their energy balance matters: taking care of basics including paying attention to nutrition and to resting, as well as taking up some form of physical/mental practice may have a positive impact on a leader’s willpower. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Shared services: configurations, dynamics and performance

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Philipp Richter
Keyword(s):  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Shared Services ◽  
Senior Executives ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Configurational Approach ◽  
Operational Capabilities ◽  
Shared Service ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Corporate Support ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the configurations of shared service center (SSC) characteristics, their performance implications and the dynamics of SSC configurations during their implementation.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses the capability-based view and configurational approach to suggest a model that explains performance outcomes of shared service configurations. Survey data are analyzed with a cluster analysis to examine shared service configurations in distinct stages of implementation. Moreover, a lifecycle framework of shared service configurations is conceptualized.FindingsThis study considers shared service configurations as operational capabilities to run corporate support activities. The purpose is to examine the configurations of those capabilities, their performance implications and their dynamics during the shared service implementation.Practical implicationsThe findings help senior executives to effectively implement and transform shared services when deciding to renew corporates' support activities.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first that conceptually and empirically explores shared service configurations, performance and configurational dynamics.

Knowledge management for construction organisations: a research agenda

Kybernetes ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (9) ◽  
pp. 1778-1800 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vipula Sisirakumara Gunasekera ◽  
Siong-Choy Chong
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Political Influence ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
Project Planning ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Conversion ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper aims to review the knowledge management (KM) processes, knowledge conversion modes and critical success factors (CSFs) and contextualise them to the construction setting to guide effective KM implementation.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is conceptual in nature. It begins with a review of issues faced by construction organisations, which led them to consider implementing KM. This is followed by a comprehensive review of KM processes, knowledge conversion modes, KM CSFs and their application to the construction industry.FindingsBased on the socialisation, externalisation, combination and internalisation (SECI) model, the knowledge conversion modes are discussed, linking them to the KM processes of knowledge creation, sharing, storage and application. The KM CSFs identified from construction literature suggest that they can be categorised into two groups, namely, factors within organisational control (managerial influence, technological influence and resource influence) and factors beyond organisational control (social influence, political influence, environmental influence, economic influence, industry influence and construction technology influence). The resulting review is discussed in terms of how construction organisations can implement KM effectively to achieve the desired project performance outcomes in terms of time, cost and quality.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough this paper has made some theoretical contributions, a quantitative analysis will further reinforce its value both in theory and practice, particularly in terms of applying the KM processes and CSFs to different organisational, industry and country settings. A quantitative research is being carried out in the major construction sector in Sri Lanka to establish the relationships between the KM processes, knowledge conversion modes and KM CSFs with project performance outcomes, which will be reported in a subsequent publication.Practical implicationsAs the construction industry uses a considerable number of knowledge workers, implementing KM for project planning and execution is the key to sustaining the growth of construction organisations and industry, particularly when KM implementation is linked to project performance outcomes. Practical implications are provided in terms of what successful KM implementation entails.Social implicationsEffective KM implementation can serve as a conduit for construction organisations to build capacity and develop the ability to react quickly to social challenges brought about by different stakeholders, even before the project commences, so that the project performance outcomes will not be affected. Another social implication is the role played by project team members, in which efforts have to be put in place to facilitate the use of KM processes, so that teams can align project activities to the general good of their organisations.Originality/valueA comprehensive KM framework that guides the construction industry on KM implementation is long overdue. This research represents the first of such attempts to view KM from a wider perspective, both in terms of internal and external influences affecting construction organisations. Once the conceptual framework developed is validated, it is expected to bring enormous benefits to different stakeholders.

Mental Practice Combined With Physical Practice to Enhance Upper Extremity Functional Ability Poststroke: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 51-61
Author(s):  
Anas R. Alashram ◽  
Giuseppe Annino ◽  
Mohammed Al-qtaishat ◽  
Elvira Padua
Keyword(s):  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Functional Ability ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Mental Practice ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Physical Practice ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Stroke Population ◽  
Treatment Dosage

Background: Upper extremity deficits are one of the most common impairments in individuals with stroke. Mental practice is exercised cognitively in the absence of the physical trials. The effects of the combination of mental and physical practice remain unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effects of combined physical practice and mental practice on the upper extremity functional ability poststroke, to identify which stroke population is most likely to benefit from the intervention, and to determine the effective treatment dosage. Methods: We searched in the PubMed, SCOPUS, National Rehabilitation Information REHABDATA, PEDro, and Web of Science until February 2020. Randomized clinical trials examined the effects of combined physical practice and mental practice on the upper extremity functional ability in people with a stroke. The risk of bias was evaluated and the effect sizes were calculated. Results: Nine studies met our inclusion criteria. In total, 230 stroke survivors were included in this analysis (mean age: 60.84 years). This review found that combining physical practice and mental practice has beneficial effects in improving the upper extremity functional ability poststroke. Conclusion: Combining physical practice and mental practice improves the upper extremity functional ability poststroke, this improvement can extend for 3 months after the treatment intervention. We propose that using 30 to 60 min of physical practice followed by 30 min of mental practice, 2 to 3 times weekly for 6 to 10 weeks, may give meaningful effects in individuals with stroke.

The Efficacy of Combined Physical and Mental Practice in the Learning of a Foot-Sequence Task after Stroke: A Case Report

2004 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip L. Jackson ◽  
Julien Doyon ◽  
Carol L. Richards ◽  
Francine Malouin
Keyword(s):  
Response Time ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Response Times ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Mental Practice ◽  
Physical Practice ◽  
Average Response Time ◽  
Additional Improvement ◽  
Study Setting

Objective. To investigate the effect of mental practice on the learning of a sequential task for the lower limb in a patient with a hemiparesis resulting from a stroke. Design. A single-case study. Setting. Research laboratory of a university-affiliated rehabilitation center. Patient. A right-handed 38-year-old man who had suffered a left hemorrhagic subcortical stroke 4 months prior. Intervention. The patient practiced a serial response time task with the lower limb in 3 distinct training phases over a period of 5 weeks: 2 weeks of physical practice, 1 week of combined physical and mental practice, and then 2 weeks of mental practice alone. Main Outcome Measures. Performance on the task measured through errors and response times. Imagery abilities measured through questionnaires. Results . The patient’s average response time improved significantly during the 1st 5 days of physical practice (26%) but then failed to show further improvement during the following week of physical practice. The combination of mental and physical practice during the 3rd week yielded additional improvement (10.3%), whereas the following 2 weeks of mental practice resulted in a marginal increase in performance (2.2%). Conclusion. The findings show that mental practice, when combined with physical practice, can improve the performance of a sequential motor skill in people who had a stroke, and suggest that mental practice could play a role in the retention of newly acquired abilities.

Measuring capacity to perform across local government services – managers' perceptions

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Björk ◽  
Stefan Szücs ◽  
Annika Härenstam
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Public Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organizational Capacity ◽  
Organizational Structures ◽  
Service Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Capacity Measure ◽  
Performance Results ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This study aims at developing a measure that can be used to evaluate organizational capacity to perform across local government jurisdictions, using operational managers' own assessments. Design/methodology/approach – The “management matters” literature that links organizational capacity to service performance is far from reaching any consensus on how to operationalize organizational capacity. In this study, over 400 operational managers were asked, at two different time points and in thirty different local government departments, about what opportunities they have to fulfill their responsibilities and about their perceptions of service performance. The data are factor analyzed, and the proportion of higher level variance of the resulting capacity measure is explored. Findings – Organizational capacity to perform represents a consistent measure that covers essential aspects of the managerial assignment and is empirically distinct, yet positively related to the managers' perceptions of service performance. Results further show that up to 12 percent of the variance in organizational capacity to perform can be attributed to the organization in which managers work. Practical implications – A service-neutral measure of organizational capacity to perform should be useful to strategic managers in organizations as guidance for resource allocation, and for the design of solid organizational structures and support systems for operational managers. Originality/value – Recent public management research indicates that rationalistic management models are often inadequately grounded in the day-to-day practices of operative managerial work. The construct of organizational capacity to perform presented in this study could be a valuable instrument that can bridge this strategic-operational disconnect and provide an insider perspective of the organizational prerequisites that underpin any public service achievement.

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