Group processes and interoperability: A longitudinal case study analysis of the UK’s civil contingency response to Covid-19

Our case study explored a Local Resilience Forum’s (LRF) civil contingency response to COVID-19 in the UK. We undertook 19 semi-structured ethnographic longitudinal interviews, between 25th March 2020 and 17th February 2021, with a Director of a Civil Contingencies Unit and a Chief Fire Officer who both played key roles within their LRF. Within these interviews, we focused on their strategic level decision-making and how their relationship with national government impacted on local processes and outcomes. Using a form of grounded theory, our data describes the chronological evolution of an increasingly effective localised approach toward outbreak control and a growing resilience in dealing with concurrent emergency incidents. However, we also highlight how national government organisations imposed central control on aspects of the response in ways that undermined or misaligned with local preparedness. Thus, during emergencies central governments can undermine the principle of subsidiarity and damage the ways in which LRFs can help scaffold local resilience. Our work contributes to the theoretical understanding of the social psychological factors that can shape the behaviour of responder agencies during a prolonged crisis. In particular, the implications of our analysis for advancing our conceptual understanding of strategic decision-making during emergencies are discussed.

Diverse Approaches to Creating and Using Causal Loop Diagrams in Public Health Research: Recommendations From a Scoping Review

Objectives: Complex systems thinking methods are increasingly called for and used as analytical lenses in public health research. The use of qualitative system mapping and in particular, causal loop diagrams (CLDs) is described as one promising method or tool. To our knowledge there are no published literature reviews that synthesize public health research regarding how CLDs are created and used.Methods: We conducted a scoping review to address this gap in the public health literature. Inclusion criteria included: 1) focused on public health research, 2) peer reviewed journal article, 3) described and/or created a CLD, and 4) published in English from January 2018 to March 2021. Twenty-three articles were selected from the search strategy.Results: CLDs were described as a new tool and were based upon primary and secondary data, researcher driven and group processes, and numerous data analysis methods and frameworks. Intended uses of CLDs ranged from illustrating complexity to informing policy and practice.Conclusion: From our learnings we propose nine recommendations for building knowledge and skill in creating and using CLDs for future public health research.

Defining diversity in groupwork: A relational exploration

One of the basic assumptions underlying all traditional definitions is that diversity is a characteristic of an individual or a group, which is a problematic to groupwork. This paper explores Phases 1 and 2 of a multi-method research project exploring groupworkers’ understandings of diversity and how their perceptions impact their approach to group processes, with implications for group practice advancement. The project consists of sequential phases following a mixed-methods design. In the initial phase, in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted individually with 24 groupworkers. While the second phase (phase two) consisted of 4 focus groups involving theoretical and criterion sampling strategies to interview experienced therapeutically-oriented groupworkers in Western and Eastern Canada. The analysis was guided by Glaser and Strauss’s (1967) constant comparative method involving open-coding, followed by axial coding, and concluded with selective coding. Groupworkers reported feeling overwhelmed and, in some cases, “paralyzed” by the complex diversity present in their groups. These findings suggest attention to group diversity renders it potentially more relevant and salient. We also found the levels and complexity of diversity increased as the reflection by groupworkers deepened. In keeping with the traditional aims of groupwork, attending to diversity goes beyond the group to include responses to diversity in the organizational and community contexts. Dialogue and change in organizational responses to diversity is important in the areas of organizational climate, allocation of resources, and agency policy and procedures. Accordingly, offering groupworkers and members tools to attend and navigate diversity in situ is a first step towards recognizing its presence and importance. A critical step in moving forward is to examine the nuances of diversity and move beyond thinking of diversity in terms of demographic variables.

Formal method for planning the machining of ship machine parts

При разработке технологии изготовления судовых машин, узлов и деталей используются типовые процессы-аналоги, либо описание опыта исполнителей. Известные зарубежные подходы также используют вариативный подход, основанный на типовых решениях, либо генеративный, который предусматривает как формализацию процесса проектирования, так и использование искусственного интеллекта. Как показано в статье одной из основных проблем формализации проектирования технологических процессов является невозможность однозначного представления геометрической конфигурации реальных деталей средствами современной классической геометрии. Для решения этой проблемы предлагается использовать геометрию неидеальных объектов, базисом которой является шестимерное пространство, объединяющее три линейных и три угловых измерения. Использование указанной геометрии позволило определить формальные связи между конструкцией детали и технологическим процессом её изготовления. В статье излагается разработанный авторами метод формального проектирования процессов обработки деталей на станках. Выявленные закономерности порождения геометрических конфигураций позволили разработать алгоритмы генерирования множества методов формообразования элементарных поверхностей. Также определены условия обеспечения сходимости алгоритма формирования комплектов технологических баз и последовательности их выполнения. Изложение материалов подтверждено рассмотрением процесса проектирования технологии обработки на примере реальной детали. When developing a technology for the manufacture of ship machines, units and parts, group processes are used, or a description of the experience of the performers. Well-known foreign approaches also use a variable approach based on standard solutions, or a generative one, which provides for both the formalization of the design process and the use of artificial intelligence. Main problem of formalizing the design of technological processes is the impossibility of an unambiguous representation of the geometric configuration of real parts by means of modern classical geometry. As a solution to this problem, it is proposed to use the geometry of non-ideal objects, the basis of which is a six-dimensional space that combines three linear and three angular dimensions. This geometry made it possible to determine the formal relationships between the design of the part and the technological process of its manufacture. Article describes the method developed by the authors for the formal design of the processing of parts on machine tools. Revealed patterns generation configurations of geometric made it possible to develop algorithms for formation a variety of methods for shaping elementary surfaces. Conditions for ensuring the convergence of algorithm for formation of sets of technological bases and the sequence of their implementation are determined. Presentation materials is confirmed by considering generating of technology using the example of a real part.

Developing a Shared Language to Describe the Age-Friendly Ecosystem

While multiple sectors—cities and communities, education, employment, health, and public health—have identified and implemented strategies to promote age-friendly systems, their efforts have mainly advanced in siloes. Each sector has met goals specific to its constituents, however, the major transformations required to realize systemic inclusivity and well-being among diverse groups of older adults remains indefinable. To begin to address this gap, we have engaged age-friendly sectors in a process of coordinated planning to define and operationalize an age-friendly ecosystem (AFE) that advances cross-sector and age-friendly solutions to meet the needs of all older adults. Our process borrows from Kania and Kramer (2011) who describe conditions to achieve substantial collective impact when coordinating efforts across sectors: a common agenda, shared measurement systems, mutually reinforcing activities, and continuous communication. In this presentation, we describe our stepwise process to set a common agenda, by engaging older adults and working with experts across sectors, to agree on a series of characteristics that define an AFE. Specifically, we surveyed older adults about their perceptions of an age-friendly ecosystem as well as conducted a review and analysis of relevant activities (i.e., policies, programs, and practices) associated with five age-friendly sectors. Next, activities were organized by common and defining characteristics. We then convened more than 40 international experts representing diverse age-friendly sectors to review and revise the AFE characteristics. Through structured and facilitated group processes, we worked with experts to identify and define six critical AFE characteristics as well as examples of corresponding activities.

How can learning effects be measured in Balint groups? Validation of a Balint group questionnaire in China

Background Balint groups aim to reflect doctor-patient relationships on the basis of personal cases. This study reports the validation of a questionnaire aimed at the identification of learning processes among Balint group participants in China. Methods This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted during Balint group sessions in Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai. A heterogeneous sample of different professional groups was intended to adequately capture the reality of Balint work in China. After a Balint group session, the participants were asked to complete the Mandarin version of the Balint group session questionnaire (BGQ-C) and the group questionnaire (GQ), an internationally validated instrument to assess central dimensions of therapeutic relationships during group processes. Results Questionnaires from n = 806 participants from 55 Chinese Balint groups, predominantly comprising individuals with a medical background, were analyzed. Most participants were female (74.6%), and the average age was 34.2 years old (SD = 9.4). The results indicated good to very good reliability (Cronbach’s α = .70 to .86; retest rs = .430 to .697). The verification of the construct validity of the BGQ-C showed satisfying convergent (rs = .465 to .574) and discriminant validity (rs = -.117 to -.209). The model was tested with a confirmatory factor analysis of a three-factor model (standardized root mean square residual = .025; comparative fit index = .977; Tucker-Lewis index = .971). The 3 empirically identified scales resulted in good model fit with the theoretical dimensions of Balint work postulated in the literature: “reflection of transference dynamics in the doctor-patient relationship”, “emotional and cognitive learning” and “case mirroring in the dynamic of the group”. Due to the high correlations between the factors, a single-factor model was possible. A group comparison between the German and Chinese samples showed different loadings across cultures. Conclusions The BGQ-C is a quick-to-complete, item-based measuring instrument that allows the relevant dimensions of Balint group work to be recorded. This study suggests good psychometric properties of the Chinese version. Nevertheless, it must be assumed that the composition of constructs in the two countries is different.

Values, motivational orientation and team cohesion amongst youth soccer players

There is a close link between moral education and sports activities. A well-organized sport can be an excellent means of transferring positive values to children and adolescents, which can influence motivation and group processes. This study aimed to analyse (a) the relationships between social, personal and individualistic values, motivational orientation and team cohesion amongst young soccer players and (b) compare differences in these variables between players competing in different age categories. Our participant sample comprised 401 male soccer players of Spanish teams (mean age = 14.64 years) competing in official competitive leagues, of five age categories, Under-10 years to Under-19. All participants responded to three instruments: the Values Scale for Positive Adolescent Development, the Perception of Success Questionnaire and the Group Environment Questionnaire. Correlation and regression, and analysis of differences between categories were performed. The results confirm that personal values are mainly related to task orientation, and individualistic values to ego orientation. The values of responsibility, integrity and honesty were the best predictors of task orientation, and social recognition and hedonism predict ego orientation. Honesty and responsibility were the main predictors of both task and social cohesion. Younger players showed a higher level of social values, task orientation and social cohesion, while older players show higher individualistic values and ego orientation. Implications for research or practice are discussed.

Drawing as an Academic Dialogue Tool for Developing Digital Learning Designs in Higher Education

This paper reports on how drawing as an academic dialogue tool was explored as a crucial actor for driving design processes among humanistic master’s students targeting their digital learning designs for online and blended learning contexts. The paper builds on a previous study that investigated students’ use of self-produced visualisations during the digital design process. Although the study did not deal with visualisation and students were not trained to draw, the participants made extensive but unacknowledged use of visualisations. In the present study, a new group of students from the same master’s programme were taught how to draw as a central component of the design process in order to investigate how this might expand their use of visual facilitation and drawing techniques to drive collaborative processes, design decisions and theoretical reflections. As design practices enter new interdisciplinary domains, in this case digital learning design, the aim was to explore how humanistic students can act as digital designers by adapting different design approaches and visual methods in particular. Likewise, the study offers an investigation of how students perceive these ways of working in an academic context. The empirical data, including teaching observations, students’ visual productions and interviews with 27 students from nine groups after completing the course, were drawn primarily from an explorative case study in which master’s students developed digital learning designs to solve a problem framed by an external stakeholder. Students’ ways of producing visualisations in the different phases of their design process were analysed in terms of four design genres (explorative, investigative, explanatory and persuasive). The sociomaterial analysis traced how drawings and drawing activities unfolded during collaborative group processes which supported the development of digital learning designs. The findings confirmed the potential of drawing as a means for developing ideas, collaborating in different design phases and presenting and discussing design ideas with peers, target groups and external stakeholders. Furthermore, the findings revealed that drawing activities became a significant pedagogical consideration in the students’ digital learning design and data collection process, where students balanced the interplay between initial analogue drawings and digital prototyping, testing their design concepts with target groups. The findings also showed that students perceived drawing and visual facilitation as practical tools but lacked an academic terminology for articulating these processes. The study suggests a need for substantial change to fully acknowledge the potential of drawing as an academic dialogue tool on the level with academic reading and writing when developing digital artefacts.