Quality of life and productivity are two important measures in health outcomes that usually require the use of self-reported surveys for accurate assessment. Measuring health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has been established as an important field in the past century, and many psychometrically validated instruments exist for both general and specific population use. Another health measure that has attracted a significant amount of attention in recent years, although there is no gold standard, is that of workforce productivity. Most productivity studies measure the amount of work loss incurred by employees in the form of absenteeism and presenteeism. A new survey that combines questions from existing HRQOL and workforce productivity surveys, the Health-Related Quality of Life and Work Productivity Questionnaire (HQWP), was constructed and tested using a descriptive, cross-sectional study of faculty and staff at a major research university. As expected, HRQOL and work loss were found to be negatively correlated. In addition, staff were found to have statistically higher levels of absenteeism than faculty, but faculty had higher levels of presenteeism. Using multivariate regression models on several measures of productivity, including both absenteeism and presenteeism, we concluded that mental health measures were stronger predictors of productivity than physical health measures for our overall sample, as well as faculty and staff groups separately. In addition, those who work extra hours to make up for lost production had significantly lower social function scores compared to those who do not. Other statistical analyses performed include PCA factor analyses on presenteeism covariates. Lastly, we performed economics analyses on the cost savings that could be achieved through health management programs to reduce absenteeism and presenteeism levels. A better understanding of reasons for absenteeism and presenteeism could help inform targeted workplace programs to reduce employer indirect costs related to lost productivity. Moreover, such programs could reduce rates of turnover due to increased employee satisfaction, as well as improve both quantity and quality of life years.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Columbia University, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 472-498).

One of the more important economic activities in the Altiplano region is raising livestock, the exploitation of cattle, sheep, and llamas which are raised and adapted to the conditions surrounding this activity. Livestock production plays a fundamental role in the economy of farming families by providing them products such as meat, milk, cheese, fiber, skins, and other products that each translate into monetary revenues. The present study was carried out in the community of "Chama 6 de julio," Ingavi Province, Department of La Paz, about 83 km. (51.6 miles) outside of La Paz at an elevation of 3,792 m. (12,440 ft.) above sea level. The annual precipitation is 370 mm. (14.6 inches) and average annual temperature is 12° C (53.6° F). The set objectives of this investigative work were: To evaluate the economic behavior of the livestock production (cattle, sheep, and llamas) at the small ranchers 14 level. To quantify in monetary units the structure of costs and revenues of livestock activity. To carry out a socio-economic analysis of the activity. The statistic parameters used were: measures of means, deviations, and percentages. Techniques used for gathering information include the following: semi-structured interviews, dynamic polls, dialogues, conversations, key informants, and direct observation. In studying the costs and revenues of livestock activity the conventional model of fixed and variable costs was used. The method utilized to evaluate the activity is an adaptation of the economic evaluation expressed by the indicating gauges Cost-Benefit Relationship (RBC) and Annual Investment Profitability (RI). 42 families dedicated to agricultural and livestock activity were involved in the study. They were functionally classified according to the number of cattle that they have on their land, a classification that resulted in four groups. The first group contained families possessing from 4 to 6 cattle; the second, from 7 to 9; the third, from 10 to 12; and the fourth, the families with 13 to 15 cattle. Also, the number of samples for each class was calculated to be 5 families. As livestock activity is the most important for families in this community, these families have most of their money invested in their herds, investments ranging from 73% to 86% of all their active livestock investments. The other 14% to 27% of their investment is in the livestock infrastructure, tools, materials, and equipment. The amount of land possessed by families in this community ranges from 8 to 40 hectacres (19.8 to 98.8 acres). The meat (cattle, sheep, and llama) is the most important product for commercial purposes. Accordingly, families from class IV achieved the highest production with 812 kg. (180.7 lbs) per year, followed by classes III and II. The lowest annual amount came from families grouped into class I with only 235 kg. (518 lbs). Another product of utmost importance after meat is cheese for which the families of class IV were those that had the highest annual production with 476 units, with an average weight of 0.6 kg (1.3 lbs). They were followed by families in classes III and I. Finally, the families in class II achieved the smallest output with 337 units. 69% to 79% of the total production of meat and cheese is destined for market. The families consume only 10% to 31% of what is produced. Variable costs represent 87.25% of the total expenses. On the other hand, fixed costs amount to only 12.73% of the total. Labor represents the greatest expense, reaching an average of 71.17% of the total expense. Relative to gross annual revenue, families in class IV reached the highest average numbers with 7,996.00 Bs. (Bolivianos). The lowest gross annual revenues correspond to those in class I with only 3,124.00 Bs. Classes III and II occupy intermediate positions between both former classes. Comparing the sources of gross annual revenue, cattle meat occupies the greatest portion with 40.81%. This is followed by cheese production, lamb, and llama meat with 30.84%, 23.30%, and 2.17% respectively. At the same time, cattle meat and cheese provide these farming families with 71.65% of their total gross annual revenue. The net annual revenues are positive only for families in classes IV and III with numbers at 312.00 and 156.00 Bs. On the other hand, classes II and I have negative net revenues at -3,039.00 and -2,455.00 Bs. The indicative Cost-Benefit Relationship (RBC) shows viability of the activity for families from classes IV and III with figures of 1.04 and 1.02. It is not as viable for families in classes II and I with numbers at 0.62 and 0.50. Estimates provided by the annual investment profitability (RI) are only satisfactory for those in classes IV and III with percentages of 4.6% and 2.13%. Unsatisfactory percentages result for classes II and I with -35.45% and -49.31%. According to the results obtained for the four classes, livestock activity carried out by farming families does not provide an acceptable profitability, even for families that have greater numbers of livestock (more than 12 cattle). It would be much less profitable for the families that have smaller herds of livestock.

No description available.

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1978 A61 / Master of Science

The goals of the dissertation studies were to allow for psychologists and educators to better understand the relationship between non-clinical narcissism and creativity, and to develop two promising creativity measures. The results confirmed the hypothesis that there would be a positive, moderate correlation between non-clinical narcissism and creativity. Consequently, this could allow for researchers to more fully understand the components of creativity, and support the need for creativity measures to better account for non-clinical narcissism. Two measures were introduced to consider creativity in terms of feelings and thoughts, and non-clinical narcissism attributes of past creative individuals. The Creativity Attributes List (CAL) and the Creative Individual Assessment (CIA) differ from previously established creativity measurements, which use the current impressions of the achievements of contemporary people as their criterion. There were 147 participants in a study that examined the two measures and the relationship between non-clinical narcissism and creativity. Additionally, the experimenter attempted to increase short-term creativity by exposing participants to photographs of paintings with unconventional shape designs that depict both the mindsets and art of creative persons; albeit, the results did not indicate a significant difference in the movement of creativity scores for either the experimental or control group. The double-blind experiment with 80 participants was conducted independently from the aforementioned studies. The Appendices include three papers that were based on the data collected from the psychometric studies and experiment. They were submitted to refereed psychology journals. The first paper pertains to emotional arousal and creativity, the second paper pertains to sleep deprivation in graduate school students, and the third paper explores variables that have a significant relationship with creativity in graduate students. There are graphs and tables in the Appendices that explain the MANOVA and correlation results of the CIA attributes that had a significant relationship to either the Khatena Torrance - Creative Perception Inventory Something About Myself measurement (KTCPI-SAM) and/or the Khatena - Morse Multitalent Perception Inventory Creative Imagination scale (KMMPI - CI). Additionally, tables in the Appendices present the results of multiple regression analyses performed on selected attributes from the CAL assessment and factor analyses of the measurements introduced in the studies.

This thesis analyzes how a decrease in the commuting time affects the region’s productivity and accessibility on the targeted area Jönköping, Vaggeryd and Värnamo. Numerous municipalities that surround the railway, within a one-hour time range have been included to determine whether an investment on the railway is efficient. The potential growth effects and productivity are measured in wages, and the accessibility is measured as population accessibility. The accessibility is calculated with an accessibility measure, also known The Potential of Opportunities. Additionally, the study includes four control variables. Out of these, four of the six variables proved to significantly influence the regions accessibility and productivity whereas multicollinearity is present in the remaining two. The study differentiates from other similar reports in such way that it investigates a brand new area, different municipalities and finally through the control variables that have not been explicitly used for this specific purpose. The investment is shown to have a substantial effect on the municipalities, especially the smaller ones close to the railway. Shorter time distances, better accessibility and increased productivity all contribute to economic growth and agglomeration.

Application of low hierarchy structures are becoming increasingly popular by enhancing job satisfaction and productivity of employees. On the other hand formation of hierarchy appears to be natural and beneficial in many cases. This study explores how low hierarchies could become and where the boundaries regarding job satisfaction lie as well as how these differ depending on formal position of employees. The inquiry is undertaken with a focus is on medium-sized companies in manufacturing industry in Germany where job satisfaction and productivity via such applications is vital. Extensive qualitative data was collected with a single-case approach; analysis was conducted qualitatively likewise. The lower limits of hierarchy are discovered to lie in various aspects mainly relating to supervision, recognition of good performance and promotion opportunities and to differ significantly with formal position. The study is believed to be unique and assist in shedding light into the area of beneficial and practical low hierarchy applications.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The primary objective of today's pig producer is to maximize profit received per unit of pig space provided in a given facility. There are certain management strategies that a farmer can implement to ensure this. The goals of such strategies include maximizing performance and implementing proper pig flow schedules and to make sure current facilities are performing at maximum capacities or are better utilized. Labour in South Africa is still relatively inexpensive, but time is money. Feeding and cleaning small pens are time consuming and expensive to maintain (more feeders and water nipples, gates, walls and heating). Proper management of facility space is vital to remain competitive in today's pig industry. The amount of floor and feeder space provided within an animal's environment could vastly influence pig performance and profitability. Crowding pigs has a negative effect on Average Daily Gain (ADG) and overall performance. Conversely, facility cost per pig increases as additional space is provided, therefore, in the interest of pen efficiency, the space that allows for maximum individual performance may not be optimal for maximizing profit. Factors such as cleaning and cleaning time also have an effect on profitability. Another concerning factor associated with maximizing performance and maintaining the pig flow of a facility is that of Body Weight (BW) variation. Having uniform pigs at 70 day, post-weaning has been a major goal to ensure maximum performance in finishers. Numerous contradictions regarding the growth of piglets post-weaning (especially the effect of group size and floor space allowance) still exist in literature. Also, in South Africa, the majority of pig producers still believe that individual litters or small groups of pigs in the growers perform better and are the most economical production method. Therefore, this trial was performed to investigate the raising of large groups (200-450 pigs/group) compared to small groups (10-20 pigs/group) on their performance until 70 days when they were moved to growers. Over a period of two years, data was collected on a commercial 1200 sow unit in the Western Cape, South Africa. Crossbred pigs (n=14657; Landrace x Large White; both gilts and barrows) weaned at 19 to 24 days with average weaning weight of 5.11 kg were randomly divided into different group sizes. Groups of 10, 20, 200 and 450 were grouped together and were all given the same feed ration. The groups were housed in different buildings naturally ventilated with no artificial heating and with solid flooring. Pelleted diets were formulated (Startrite followed after two weeks with Expresweaner) by Meadows Feed Mills (Paarl, Western Cape) for weaned piglets and fed to all the piglets. The animals received the diets and water ad lib. All the piglets were weighed before being placed into the different pens (initial weight). After 69 - 72 days the piglets were weighed again (final weight). The pigs were weighed as a group and not individually. The data was statistically analysed by determining averages and standard deviations for each house. The results of this trial clearly indicate that raising piglets in larger groups does not negatively affect the performance of the piglet in terms of ADG and mortality. In larger groups, the less time (labour time) spent cleaning and the fewer feeders needed, also results in lower production costs. In today's economical environment, the producer that can lower his production cost while maintaining production standards has a significant advantage. Therefore, it is believed that by grouping pigs in larger groups, labor time (in terms of cleaning) can be reduced, and will lower production cost without reducing production standards. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die hoofdoel van vandag se varkprodusente is om maksimum wins per eenheid vark spasie te maak. Daar is sekere produksietegnieke wat 'n produsent kan volg om dit te verseker. Die doel van die tegnieke is om te verseker dat maksimale produksienorme en doeltreffende vark vloei gehandhaaf word asook dat huidige fassiliteite optimum benut word. Arbeid is nog relatief goedkoop in Suid-Afrika (SA), maar tyd is geld. Die voeding en skoonmaak van klein hokke is tydrowend en duur om te onderhou (meer voerbakke, waternippels, hekke, mure en verhitting). Om koste-effektief te boer, moet goeie bestuur van oppervlakte toegepas word. Die hoeveelheid oppervlakte en voerspasie beskikbaar, het 'n groot invloed op die produksievermoë en winsgewendheid van die varkies. Om te veel varkies per area aan te hou, het 'n negatiewe effek op die Gemiddelde Daaglikse Toename (GOT) en algehele prestasie. Soos die vloerspasie per varkie vergroot, neem die produksiekoste ook toe en is die area wat benodig word om varkies maksimaal te laat produseer, nie altyd die winsgewenste nie. Skoonmaak en skoonmaaktyd het ook 'n invloed op winsgewendheid. Die ideaal is om uniforme varkies op 70 dae te produseer. 'n Variasie in gewig is rede tot kommer, aangesien dit die produksie in die groeiafdeling beïnvloed. Verskeie teenstrydighede aangaande die groei van varkies naspeen (veral die effek van goepgrootte en vloerspasie) bestaan steeds in die literatuur. In SA is die meeste produsente ook nog onder die indruk dat klein groepe varkies beter presteer as groot groepe en die mees ekonomiese metode is om te boer. Daarom is 'n proef geloods om vas te stel hoe die produksie verskil tussen klein groepe (10 - 20 varkies per groep) teenoor groot groepe (200 - 450 varkies per groep) tot 70 dae ouderdom wanneer hulle na die groeiafdeling skuif. Oor 'n periode van twee jaar is data gekollekteer op In kommersiële 1200 sog-eenheid in die Wes-Kaap, Suid-Afrika. Kruisgeteelde varke (n=14657; Landras x Groot Wit; beide beertjies en soggies) is gespeen tussen 19 en 24 dae, met 'n gemiddelde speen gewig van 5.11 kg en ewekansig verdeel in verskillende groepgroottes. Groepe van 10, 20, 200, en 450 varkies was saamgegroepeer en het almal dieselfde dieet ontvang. Die groepe is in verskillende geboue gehuisves en al die geboue het soliede vloere gehad en was natuurlik geventileerd met geen kunsmatige verhitting nie. 'n Verpilde dieet is deur Meadows Voermeule (Paarl, Wes-Kaap) geformuleer (Startrite vir twee weke en dan Expresweaner vir die res van die proef). Die varke het die dieet en water ad lib ontvang. AI die varkies is geweeg voordat hulle in die verskillende hokke geplaas is (aanvangsmassa). Na 69 - 72 dae is die varkies weer geweeg (eindmassa). Die varkies is as 'n goep en nie individueel geweeg nie. Die data is statisties verwerk deur gemiddeldes en standaard-afwykings vir elke huis te bepaal. Die resultate van hierdie proef het duidelik aangetoon dat die grootmaak van varkies in groter goepe nie die produksie van die varkies (i.t.v. GOT of mortaliteit) nadelig beïnvloed het nie. In groter goepe is minder tyd nodig om die hokke skoon te maak en is minder voerders nodig. Dit lei tot 'n verlaging in produksiekoste. Deesdae het die produsent wat sy produksie koste kan verlaag, sonder om produksiestandaarde in the boet, 'n aansienslike voorsprong. Die gevolgtrekking word dus gemaak dat deur varkies in groter groepe aan te hou, arbeid (in terme van skoonmaak) verminder kan word en dus kan produksiekoste verminder sonder dat produksie self afneem.

published_or_final_version / Business Administration / Master / Master of Business Administration