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Baugh, James Emory. "Regular Quantum Dynamics." Diss., Georgia Institute of Technology, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/4866.
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The ill-posed problem of quantizing space-time is replaced by a more determined and well-posed problem of regularizing quantum dynamics.
The problem is then to eliminate the Heisenberg singularity from quantum mechanics as economically as possible.
The concepts of regular and singular groups are explained and the Heisenberg singularity defined. This singularity infests not only the theory of space-time,
but also the Bose-Einstein statistics and the theory of the gauge fields and interactions. It is responsible for most of the infinities of present quantum field theory.
The key new conceptual step is to turn attention from observables to "dynamicals", the observable-valued-functions of time which actually enters into the Heisenberg dynamical equations. The dynamicals have separate algebras from the algebra and Lie algebra of the observables. This reconception allows for the possibility of clock-system entanglement that is missing from the usual singular dynamics, and implied by the concept of quantum space-time.
The dynamical Lie algebra and the resulting Lie group are regularized for an example system, the time-dependent isotropic harmonic oscillator of arbitrary finite dimension. The result is a quantize space-time, but also momentum-energy and every other dynamical variable in the theory. This method is readily extended to general dynamic quantum systems.
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Saganowski, Stanislaw. "Analysis of Social Group Dynamics." Thesis, Blekinge Tekniska Högskola, Sektionen för datavetenskap och kommunikation, 2011. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:bth-3232.
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The continuous interest in the social network area contributes to the fast development of this field. New possibilities of obtaining and storing data allows for more and more deeper analysis of the network in general, as well as groups and individuals within it. Especially interesting is studying the dynamics of changes in social groups over time. Having such knowledge ones may attempt to predict the future of the group, and then manage it properly in order to achieve presumed goals. Such ability would be a powerful tool in the hands of human resource managers, personnel recruitment, marketing, etc. The thesis presents a new method for exploring the evolution of social groups, called Group Evolution Discovery (GED). Next, the results of its use are provided together with comparison to two other algorithms in terms of accuracy, execution time, flexibility and ease of implementation. Moreover, the method was evaluated with various measures of user importance within a group. Obtained results suggest that GED is the best method for analyzing social group dynamics.
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Gregory, Katherine Mary. "An archaeology of group dynamics." Thesis, University College London (University of London), 1999. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.267578.
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Lerch, Brian A. "Theory of Social Group Dynamics." Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies / OhioLINK, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1558361571474294.
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Requeijo, Tiago C. "Modeling group dynamics of phototaxis /." May be available electronically:, 2007. http://proquest.umi.com/login?COPT=REJTPTU1MTUmSU5UPTAmVkVSPTI=&clientId=12498.
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Moura, Georgina Randsley de. "Subjective group dynamics : leadership and prototypicality." Thesis, University of Kent, 2003. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.404514.
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Wolf, Patricia K. W. "Group dynamics : effects of leadership style on cross-cultural group behavior /." The Ohio State University, 1986. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1487266691093613.
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Ward, Michelle Eluize. "A group dynamics perspective of the experiences of adult learners taking part in a learnership program." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/28975.
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The aim of this study was to explore, from a group dynamics perspective, the adult learners' experiences in a learnership program structured to include employed and unemployed learners. A secondary aim was to develop guidelines for practitioners regarding the implementation of learnerships that are structured to include employed and unemployed learners, taking into account the group dynamics at play. The case study played out within a pharmaceutical distribution company within South Africa. A qualitative, constructivist grounded theory method was used to analyse the data that were collected by means of questionnaires and focus groups. The data collected were transcribed and uploaded into Atlas.ti, which is a visual qualitative data analysis and theorybuilding software program that contributes to the management of qualitative data. It was used to complete a rigorous inductive-abductive analysis. The final code list contained 277 codes linked to 29 code families which in turn were linked to 8 super families. These super families were described and the experiences of the learners were then interpreted by means of a number of group dynamics theories and adult learning theories that were discussed in the preceding literature chapters. In the case study the exploration of the learners' experience indicated that certain group dynamics were not taken into consideration and this led to an emotionally burdened experience. If one considers the adult learning theory, these experiences could influence the learning effectiveness. The implementation of a learnership program taking the group dynamics into consideration prior to implementation thereof, could contribute towards a more successful learnership. Guidelines were given based on the conclusions of the research for example: - Ensure that all the relevant parties including management, supervisors, employed learners, unemployed learners, employed staff, SETA etc. strive towards the same goal right from the start.
- Integrate the employed and unemployed learners' rights from the start so that the unemployed learners are accepted as part of the system.
- Make it very clear to the employed staff that the unemployed learners are not a threat to their employment within the company as the unemployed learners have not been given a commitment that they will be employed after the learnership.
- Make sure that the training facilitators are well trained and equipped to deal with the group dynamics that can develop in the classroom environment so that they can contribute to the containment of emotions and to alert the company of the events.
- Ensure that change agents are available to monitor and manage these group dynamics.
- Explain the differences and similarities that might exist between the groups and assist the groups to realise their mutually dependent relationship.
Dissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 2010.
Human Resource Management
unrestricted
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Virili, Simone. "Group representations, algebraic dynamics and torsion theories." Doctoral thesis, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10803/284141.
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La tesis está organizada en doce capítulos, divididos en cinco partes. La Parte I comprende los primeros tres capítulos. En el Capítulo 1 damos una breve introducción a la teoría de las categorías y recordamos las técnicas de las teorías de torsión y de la localización de categorías de Grothendieck. Empezamos el Capítulo 2 introduciendo la categoría de los "casi-frames" y estudiamos algunas construcciones básicas en esta categoría; en la segunda parte del capítulo estudiamos las dimensiones de Krull y de Gabriel de los casi-frames. Usando el hecho que los retículos de sub-objectos de un objeto dado en una categoría de Grothendieck es un casi-frame, podemos re-definir las nociones clásicas de dimension de Krull y de Gabriel para estos objetos. En el Capítulo 3 damos una breve introducción a los grupos y módulos topológicos. En particular, enunciamos el Teorema de Dualidad de Pontryagin-Van Kampen y el Teorema de Inversión de Fourier; además damos una demostración completa de un caso particular del Teorema de Dualidad de Müller entre módulos discretos y estrictamente linealmente compactos. Le Parte II está dedicada al estudio de la entropía en un contexto categórico. En el Capítulo 4 introducimos la categoría de los semigroupos pre-normados y la categoría de las T-representaciones de un monoide T sobre una categoría dada. Entonces definimos y estudiamos una función de entropía en la categoría de las T-representaciones sobre la categoría de los semigrupos pre-normados, con mayor énfasis en el caso en que T es un grupo amenable. En el Capítulo 5 damos ejemplos de invariantes clásicos que se pueden obtener de forma funtorial usando la entropía de semigrupos pre-normados definida en el capítulo anterior. Finalmente en el Capítulo 6 demostramos un Teorema Puente que relaciona la entropía topológica de acciones sobre grupos localmente compactos abelianos con la entropía algebraica de la acción sobre el grupo dual. En la Parte III estudiamos el problema de la extensión de las funciones de longitud a clases de módulos sobre productos cruzados utilizando la entropía. En particular, en el Capítulo 7 demostramos un teorema que describe la estructura de todas las funciones de longitud de una categoría de Grothendieck con dimensión de Gabriel. En el Capítulo 8 definimos y estudiamos la L-entropía algebraica de un RfiG-módulo M por la izquierda, donde R en un anillo general, G en un grupo amenable numerable y L es una función de longitud. En la Parte IV aplicamos la teoría desarollada a lo largo de la tesis a algunas conjeturas clásicas de la teoría de representaciones de grupos: la \Surjunctivity Conjecture", la \L-Surjunctivity Conjecture", la \Stable Finiteness Conjecture" y la \Zero-Divisors Conjecture". En el Capítulo 9 describimos las conjeturas y algunas relaciones entre ellas, inducidas por la dualidad de Müller. En el Capítulo 10 nos centramos en el caso amenable de las conjeturas, utilizando la entropía topologica para demostrar la Surjunctivity Conjecture para grupos amenables. Además explotamos la L-entropía algebraica para estudiar una versión general de la Stable Finiteness Conjecture y de la Zero-Divisors Conjecture. En el Capítulo 11 nos centramos en el caso sóficio de la L-Surjunctivity Conjecture y de la Stable Finiteness Conjecture, reduciendo ambas conjeturas a un enunciado más general sobre endomorfismos de casi-frames. Esto nos permite extender los resultados conocidos hasta ahora sobre las dos conjeturas. La Parte V está dedicada al estudio de aproximaciones de modelos para el algebra homológica relativa. En particular, aplicamos las herramientas desarrolladas en los Capítulos 1 y 2 para generalizar y re-interpretar algunos resultados recientes de Chachólski, Neeman, Pitsch, y Scherer.The thesis is organized in twelve chapters divided in five parts. Part I encompasses the first three chapters and consists mainly of background material. In Chapter 1 we provide the necessary background in general category theory and we recall the machinery of torsion theories and localization of Grothendieck categories. We start Chapter 2 introducing the category of quasi-frame and we study the basic constructions in this category. In the second part of the chapter we study the Krull and the Gabriel dimension of quasi-frames. Using the fact that the poset of sub-objects of a given object in a Grothendieck category is a quasi-frame, we re-obtain the classical notions of Krull and Gabriel dimension for such objects. In Chapter 3 we provide the necessary background in topological groups and modules. In particular, we state the Pontryagin-Van Kampen Duality Theorem and the Fourier Inversion Theorem, furthermore we give a complete proof of a particular case of the Mülcer Duality Theorem between discrete and strictly linearly compact modules. Part II is devoted to the study of entropy in a categorical setting. In Chapter 4 we introduce the category of pre-normed semigroups and the category of left T-representations of a monoid T over a given category. Then, we introduce and study an entropy function in the category of left T-representations over the category of normed-semigroups, with particular emphasis on the case when T is an amenable group. Chapter 5 consist of a series of examples of classical invariants that can be obtained functorially using the entropy of pre-normed semigroups. Finally, in Chapter 6 we prove a Bridge Theorem that connects the topological entropy of actions on locally compact Abelian groups to the algebraic entropy of the action induced on the dual group. Part III is devoted to the study of length functions and to apply the machinery of entropy to extend length functions to crossed products. Indeed, in Chapter 7 we prove a general structure theorem for length functions of Grothendieck categories with Gabriel dimension. In Chapter 8 we define the algebraic L-entropy of a left RfiG-module M, where R is a general ring and G is a countable amenable group and L is a suitable length function. In Part IV we apply the theory developed in the three previous parts to some classical conjectures in group representations: the Surjunctivity Conjecture, the L-Surjunctivity Conjecture, the Stable Finiteness Conjecture and the Zero-Divisors Conjecture. Using the Müller Duality Theorem we can clarify some relations among these conjectures. In Chapter 10 we concentrate on the amenable case of the above conjectures. In particular, we show how to use topological entropy to prove the Surjunctivity Conjecture for amenable groups and we use the algebraic L-entropy to study (general versions of) the Stable Finiteness and the Zero-Divisors Conjectures. In Chapter 11 we concentrate on the sofic case of the L-Surjunctivity and of the Stable Finiteness Conjectures. In particular, we reduce both conjectures to a more general statement about endomorphisms of quasi-frames. This allows us to generalize the known results on both conjectures. Finally, Part V is devoted to the study of model approximations for relative homological algebra. In particular, we apply the machinery introduced in Chapters 1 and 2 to extend and reinterpret some recent results of Chachfiolski, Neeman, Pitsch, and Scherer.
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Lederman, Oren. "Hacking innovation - group dynamics in innovation teams." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/101790.
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Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Planning, Program in Media Arts and Sciences, 2015.This electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections.
Cataloged from student-submitted PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 95-101).
Innovative work is gradually shifting towards collaborative efforts by larger, multidisciplinary teams, making team efficacy an increasingly important field of study. Researchers in this field have mainly focused on laboratory experiments, which may not fully capture the complex situations that teams encounter in real life. The alternative, field studies, are difficult to maintain and often require significant time to produce results. In this thesis we propose a methodology that bridges the gap between these two settings -- the laboratory and the field. By combining a new, affordable electronic badge that captures vocalization data with an innovative setting -- the Hackathon -- we create a new environment for studying team performance. This methodology reduces the duration and maintenance burden of such studies, and offers new opportunities for examining the effects of interventions on teamwork. The preliminary results from our studies show a variety of individual and team behaviors that can be captured in Hackathons using badges, such as participation, the parity of contribution to group discussions, the level of turn taking, and the frequency and duration of meetings. In a Hackathon, we measure these behaviors throughout the entire life cycle of each team, observe how they change in response to different shocks, and study how well the team members collaborate and perform as a team.
by Oren Lederman.
S.M.
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Stott, Clifford John T. "The inter-group dynamics of crowd behaviour." Thesis, University of Exeter, 1996. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.307292.
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Grasselli, Nora Ilona. "MBA learning group dynamics : Structures and processes." Jouy-en Josas, HEC, 2008. http://www.theses.fr/2008EHEC0010.
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Cette thèse vise à explorer la dynamique de petits groupes d’apprentissage autogérés et non-hiérarchiques au sein d’un programme MBA. A travers un processus inspiré de la recherche-action et de la psychosociologie, cette recherche se focalise d’abord sur deux hypothèses de travail : l’impact de la iversité et la fonction des espaces sociaux dans ces groupes. Cependant, cette recherche a permis de mettre en évidence que la question centrale dans ces groupes d’apprentissage serait leur design : la division du travail appropriée, la gestion du temps, et l’allocation des rôles. Les analyses complémentaires concernant la division du travail et la gestion du temps montrent que ces éléments du design peuvent aussi fonctionner comme stratégies protectrices contre les difficultés possibles que ces groupes d’apprentissage rencontrent pendant leur fonctionnement. Ainsi, cette recherche met en avant l’importance d’un design adaptatif et ses liens aves les processus internes dans les petits groupes. Cette thèse met aussi en évidence l’importance de la démarche de recherche-action, du moins de son esprit, qui permet de découvrir des phénomènes subtils et imprévus et de répondre aux critiques formulées à l’encontre des MBA, stigmatisant la normalisation des apprentissages et des comportementsThis study explores the dynamics of small, non-hierarchical, self-managing learning groups in an MBA program. In the spirit of action research and psychosociology two initial working hypotheses, the impact of diversity on the groups and the use of social spaces, are examined. Nonetheless, it turns out that the central issue in the learning groups seems to be the groups’ design, e. G. The adequate division of labor, the management of time, and the allocation of roles. Further analyses on labor division and group time management show that these design features may also function as protective strategies against the possible difficulties the learning groups risk to encounter. Herewith this research puts forward the importance of adaptive group designs and their links with the internal processes in small groups. This study also emphasizes the value of action research for discovering subtle, unpredictable phenomena and for providing a possible response to the critiques addressed to the standardized learning and behaviors on MBA programs
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Govender, Kevashini. "Gender dynamics of a Parents Support Group." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/8036.
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Using a Parents Support Group run in Cape Town, South Africa, the study aims to illustrate how the psychodynamic model is inadequate in providing an understanding of the gender dynamics within this group. The study takes on an interpretive approach to explore this research problem and employs qualitative techniques, which were found to be most suitable. Data were collected through the use of field notes that documented the process of the Parents Support Group. This group consisted of ten females and one male participant, ranging from 34 to 45 years of age and who come from a lower socio-economic stratum. Furthermore, to elicit additional data and to capture the multi-layered experienees of participants, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five female and one male participant who were selected from the Parent Support Group. The field notes and the data acquired from the interviews were analyzed through the method of textual analysis, which elicited five key themes. It was found that although the psychoanalytic model was inadequate in explaining certain dynamics within the Parents Support Group, feminism and social constructionism models were able to highlight how gender was key in the dynamics at play within the group. This finding was vital in making recommendations about gender sensitivity and training concerning therapeutic interventions.
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Giraldo, Trujillo Luis Felipe. "Modeling and Analysis of Human Group Dynamics." The Ohio State University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1462450933.
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Strebel, Dale Joseph. "Student perceptions of group dynamics course effectiveness." Online version, 2001. http://www.uwstout.edu/lib/thesis/2001/2001strebeld.pdf.
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Pretorius, Louisa. "Comparative study between a two–group and a multi–group energy dynamics code / Louisa Pretorius." Thesis, North-West University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/4947.
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The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects and importance of different cross–section
representations and energy group structures for steady state and transient analysis. More
energy groups may be more accurate, but the calculation becomes much more expensive,
hence a balance between accuracy and calculation effort must be find.
This study is aimed at comparing a multi–group energy dynamics code, MGT (Multi–group
TINTE) with TINTE (TIme Dependent Neutronics and TEmperatures). TINTE’s original version
(version 204d) only distinguishes between two energy group structures, namely thermal and
fast region with a polynomial reconstruction of cross–sections pre–calculated as a function of
different conditions and temperatures. MGT is a TINTE derivative that has been developed,
allowing a variable number of broad energy groups.
The MGT code will be benchmarked against the OECD PBMR coupled neutronics/thermal
hydraulics transient benchmark: the PBMR–400 core design. This comparative study reveals
the variations in the results when using two different methods for cross–section generation and
multi–group energy structure. Inputs and results received from PBMR (Pty) Ltd. were used to
do the comparison.
A comparison was done between two–group TINTE and the equivalent two energy groups in
MGT as well as between 4, 6 and 8 energy groups in MGT with the different cross–section
generation methods, namely inline spectrum– and tabulated cross–section method. The
characteristics that are compared are reactor power, moderation– and maximum fuel
temperatures and k–effective (only steady state case).
This study revealed that a balance between accuracy and calculation effort can be met by
using a 4–group energy group structure. A larger part of the available increase in accuracy
can be obtained with 4–groups, at the cost of only a small increase in CPU time.
The changing of the group structures in the steady state case from 2 to 8 groups has a greater
influence on the variation in the results than the cross–section generation method that was used to obtain the results. In the case of a transient calculation, the cross–section generation
method has a greater influence on the variation in the results than on the steady state case
and has a similar effect to the number of energy groups.Thesis (M.Ing. (Nuclear Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.
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Moloi, Thandeka Princess. "An exploration of group dynamics in “stokvels” and its implications on the members’ mental health and psychological well-being." Thesis, University of Zululand, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10530/1092.
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A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree, Doctor of
Philosophy in Community Psychology in the Department of Psychology University of
Zululand, South Africa, 2011.Stokvels are social groups usually formed randomly by people who share a common bond such as relatives, neighbours, colleagues in the workplace or friends with a purpose of financially saving together on a monthly basis. This study aimed to explore the group dynamics in stokvels and its implications on the members’ mental health and psychological well-being. In this qualitative study, a non probability sampling technique was used and the participants were selected by means of a snowball sampling. The sample consisted of eight middle aged women between the ages of 35 and 45 from the townships in KwaZulu Natal. The inclusion criteria being that they were stokvel participants for over five years. Data was gathered through the use of semi-structured interviews to elicit the spoken experiences and narratives by individual members. The data collected was then analyzed according to the aim and objectives of the study using grounded theory, particularly the Straussian approach. The results of the study suggested that the group dynamics of fight or flight response, trust versus mistrust and dependence versus independence appear to be experienced at polar opposites. The latter further infers the ambivalent behavior that members engage with a view to succeed within the stokvels’ environments. The results also identified three themes, which revealed the members’ mental health and their psychological well-being as experienced within the stokvel environment; the empowering dimension, pathological dimension and the resilience demonstration dimension. The findings of the research also highlight and further contribute towards the advancement of the communal concepts of “ubuntu” and “we”ness inherent in the stokvek names.
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Roy, Rosanne. "Gender differences in the dynamics of group competition." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 2000. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/ftp03/NQ64658.pdf.
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Roy, Rosanne. "Gender differences in the dynamics of group competition." Thesis, McGill University, 1999. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=36697.
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The current study explored gender differences in groups of boys and girls in a limited resource context. Forty same-sex groups of four children from kindergarten and grade four were observed during sessions in which groups played first with two different toys and then two different games. The toy and game sessions were constructed so children had to negotiate for a scarce resource (attractive toy and game winner's certificate). In the case of one of the toys the end of a player's turn was obvious to group members (explicit turn-taking toy), in the case of the other toy the end of a turn was not obvious to group members (nonexplicit turn-taking toy). Resource use (time with toy), group variability in resource use, positive affect and self-report measures were collected. Results of the toy sessions revealed both genders were very similar on all the measures; however, girls were significantly more likely to have greater group variance in distributing the nonexplicit turn-taking toy. The two games, one competitive and one noncompetitive, involved players trying to reach a finish line. For the competitive game, only one player could win, but for the noncompetitive game all players could win. During both games, a player could potentially interfere with another player's goal to win. Resource use (interfering), group variability in resource use, positive affect and self-report measures were collected. Results of the game sessions revealed both genders were very similar on all measures, however, during the competitive game, girls were more likely to have greater group variance in interfering. The results are discussed in terms of considering aspects of the context when investigating gender differences in competition.
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Saha, Sparsha. "Iran's Situations: Military Violence, Protests, and Group Dynamics." Thesis, Harvard University, 2014. http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:13065029.
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Iran is a country with a rich history of successful social movements and not so successful ones. The two most recent ones---1979 and 2009---set up a very unique puzzle that sheds some light not only on the factors of micro-variation (in levels of violence against protesters) within states over time, but also on the factors that drive variation within a protest wave---factors that are related to the design of a state's security system (for example, multiple security force actors that provide options for protest policing). Explaining variation across and within these two cases requires that we think about the ensuing potential for violent conflict as inter-group related. In order to predict violence on protesters in Iran, it is necessary to measure the level of representativeness in the military organization, which I disaggregate at the level of the security force actor (Basij/IRGC/Artesh), and consider this in relation to the composition of the protesting crowd. The more representative a security force body within the military, the less likely is the outbreak of violence in any given protest event if that body is involved. This is because representative entities are less likely to view crowds as part of a threatening other.Government
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Du, Juan. "Family and group dynamics in a Pastoralist Society." Thesis, University College London (University of London), 2017. http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/10024991/.
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How people survive and behave in different environment are some questions that Human Behavior Ecology seeks to answer. The choices that humans make in such conditions can either be considering parental and economical investments, or the pursuit of self or group interest. Using a Tibetan Pastoralist Society as a case study, this thesis explores how Tibetans adapt their behaviour to different contexts, from an evolutionary ecological, anthropological and demographic perspective. I start the thesis with a brief history and demographical presentation of how these Tibetan herders behave within and outside domestic life. The main analysis part starts from which gender get more parental care, by looking at duration of breastfeeding and the interbirth intervals. I find female-biased parental investment. Possible reasons are the high female workloads and the improved social status of women derived from the high economical contribution made by them. The next analysis focusing on how wealth flows, the fertility and the length of the trial time affects the stability of marriages. Then I examine the effects of kin on child well-being. Within domestic life, concepts like ‘Grandmother Hypothesis’ and ‘Mother Hypothesis’ are well-documented. While this research makes a contrary finding that it is the older male family members who are invested more in child caring than the females. The next analysis considers questions beyond domestic life by examining herders’ social networks. I investigate the motivations behind Tibetans who choose to herd in groups, and others who prefer to herd alone. Economic gift games are used to explore the cooperation strategy within villages, whether pastoralist prefer to share limited resources with their genetic relatives over others. The analysis concluded that stated social norms are slow to change, while actual individual behaviours appear to evolve faster, responding to recent social and political changes in the region.
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Dodd, Christopher. "Fashioning identity : group dynamics and the clothing consumer." Thesis, Glasgow Caledonian University, 2005. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.417872.
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Richardson, Christine, and Maggie Exon. "Managing discussion group dynamics in e-learning environments." School of Communication & Information, Nanyang Technological University, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/105260.
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This paper examines the challenges involved in understanding group dynamics when utilizing online teaching platforms, such as WebCT. When the student cohort involved is studying professionally oriented technical subjects, people who have prior knowledge of this professional area may exhibit be-haviors which overwhelm other students. In traditional face-to-face tutorial and workshop environments, teachers are able to interact with students, ensuring that they have a comfortable environment in which to contribute and learn. This may involve bringing them out of themselves when they appear intimidated and re-directing them when they threaten to dominate. Teachers can interpret body language and use their own body language and facial expressions as well as verbal comment to maintain a student-centered learning environment. It is much more difficult to influence the dynamics of online discussion. Our ex-perience at Curtin has shown that the potential for intimidation of students leading to their non-participation is stronger than in the classroom, especially when prior professional knowledge and experi-ence is involved. This outcome is opposite to expectations of web communication, usually believed to be an environment where people can overcome the constraints of their personality and participate in discus-sion more easily. Reasons this may occur will be examined together with techniques for ensuring that students are afforded an equitable learning environment.
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Peterson, Jeff R. "Polyfidelity and the Dynamics of Group Romantic Relationships." ScholarWorks, 2017. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/3254.
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Monogamy is considered the romantic norm for establishing family and kinship. Alternative relationships such as polyfidelity, that is, a group romantic relationship, often face prejudice and social stigma resulting in a greater need for mental health counseling services compared to those who are not stigmatized. Yet counselors and counselor educators lack both understanding and cultural competency for serving this population. The purpose of this study was to better understand the dynamics of a polyfidelity relationship, as well as how a counselor might better serve the needs of individuals engaged in this type of relationship. In this study, 14 participants described what it was like to be in a polyfidelitous relationship. A combined theoretical framework-based on relational cultural theory, social constructionism, and queer theory was used to reveal the challenges, as well as the strengths, of such a relationship. It was discovered that there are an exponential number of relationship combinations when introducing an additional member into an existing 2-person relationship. As a result the relational component in counseling becomes compounded. For example, a 3-person relationship has 4 unique relationships, a 4-person relationship has 11 unique relationships, and a 5-person relationship has 26 unique relationship combinations. In addition, members of group relationships often use their group dynamics to check and balance one another, resolve conflict, and better express aspects of each partner's personality. The implications for social change are multifold in both furthering mental health professional's understanding of alternative families, as well as identifying the advantages and pitfalls of engaging in a polyfidelitous relationship.
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Contillo, Adriano. "Renormalisation group improvement of the early universe dynamics." Doctoral thesis, SISSA, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11767/4673.
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Long, Yusen. "Diverse aspects of hyperbolic geometry and group dynamics." Electronic Thesis or Diss., université Paris-Saclay, 2024. http://www.theses.fr/2024UPASM016.
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Cette thèse explore divers sujets liés à la géométrie hyperbolique et à la dynamique de groupes, dans le but d'étudier l'interaction entre la géométrie et la théorie de groupes. Elle couvre un large éventail de disciplines mathématiques, telles que la géométrie convexe, l'analyse stochastique, la théorie ergodiques et géométriques de groupes, et la topologie en basses dimensions, et cætera. Comme résultats de recherche, la géométrie hyperbolique des corps convexes en dimension infinie est examinée en profondeur, et des tentatives sont faites pour développer la géométrie intégrale en dimension infinie d'un point de vue de l'analyse stochastique. L'étude des gros groupes de difféotopies, un sujet d'actualité en topologie en basses dimensions et en théorie géométrique de groupes, est entreprise avec une détermination complète de leur propriété de point fixe sur les compacts. La thèse étudie la connexité du bord de Gromov des graphes de courbes fins, un outil combinatoire utilisé dans l'étude des groupes d'homéomorphismes des surfaces de type fini. Enfin, la thèse clarifie également certains théorèmes folkloriques concernant les espaces hyperboliques au sens de Gromov et la dynamique des groupes moyennables sur ces espacesThis thesis explores diverse topics related to hyperbolic geometry and group dynamics, aiming to investigate the interplay between geometry and group theory. It covers a wide range of mathematical disciplines, such as convex geometry, stochastic analysis, ergodic and geometric group theory, and low-dimensional topology, etc. As research outcomes, the hyperbolic geometry of infinite-dimensional convex bodies is thoroughly examined, and attempts are made to develop integral geometry in infinite dimensions from a perspective of stochastic analysis. The study of big mapping class groups, a current focus in low-dimensional topology and geometric group theory, is undertaken with a complete determination of their fixed-point on compacta property. The thesis also clarifies certain folklore theorems regarding the Gromov hyperbolic spaces and the dynamics of amenable groups on them. Last but not the least, the thesis studies the connectivity of the Gromov boundary of fine curve graphs, a combinatorial tool employed in the study of the homeomorphism groups of surfaces of finite type
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Lai, Chun-hin Adrian, and 黎駿軒. "Mixing of a rosette buoyant jet group." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2009. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B44140514.
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Fonstad, Nils Olaya. "Understanding group dynamics in an electronic environment : an analysis of two electronic discussion groups." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/38141.
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Chang, Lilian Ya-Hui. "Group influences on individual learners' motivation : a study of group dynamics in EFL classrooms." Thesis, University of Warwick, 2006. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/4507/.
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Attention to how groups of students at university influence an individual learner's motivation within the group is the focus of this research. The uniqueness of this research lies in shifting the focus from an analysis of the individual's experience seen as being apart from the group to considering the individual's experience in relation to the social interactions within the group. This thesis begins with the examinations of the theoretical framework, including major issues in learning motivation and group dynamics, an area that has been gaining more and more attention in second language research. Then, it discusses the selection of a mixed methods approach, the employment of three research instruments (the classroom observation, the questionnaire, and the interview), and the research procedure. After presenting the findings from each research instrument, this study will integrate all the data and present key findings from the integration. Questionnaires were administered to 127 Taiwan university students from the Applied English Department of National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology (NKFUST). The results from the questionnaires show that there is a slight to moderate correlation between group processes (group cohesiveness and group norms) and students' level of motivation (self-efficacy and level of autonomy). A dozen students who participated in this study were asked to give further information during semi-structured in-depth interviews. During those interviews, several students commented that their classmates are indeed important to their learning, as being around more motivated classmates positively influences their own motivation and autonomy. Other relevant findings, such as what is a 'good' and 'bad' group, the importance of a mixed methods approach, and the role of culture aspects, will also be discussed.
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De, Jongh Leigh-Anne. "Imine-donor complexes with group 6 and group 11 transition metals : coordination and dynamics." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/2001.
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Thesis (MSc (Chemistry and Polymer Science))--Stellenbosch University, 2008.In this study the coordination of ligands with several coordination sites, 2-aminoazoles (2- amino-4-methylthiazole), 2-aminobenzothiazole, 2-aminobenzoimidazole and 2- aminothiazoline and a biguanidine (N-(2-methylphenyl)imidodicarbonimidic diamide) to soft metal centres [gold(I) (group 11), chromium(0) (group 6) and tungsten (0) (group 6)] was investigated. The aminoazoles have three coordination sites, an exocyclic amine nitrogen, an endocyclic imine nitrogen and an endocyclic thioether sulphur. The biguanidine ligand has three sites for deprotonation, one central amine and two imine nitrogens, and at least five sites available for nitrogen coordination.
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Roloff, Thomas Paul 1965. "The dynamics of group development and team decision making." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1994. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/34325.
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Fontbonne, Nicolas. "Individual and group learning dynamics in evolutionary collective robotics." Electronic Thesis or Diss., Sorbonne université, 2023. http://www.theses.fr/2023SORUS069.
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Avec leur prolifération dans l'industrie et la vie quotidienne, les robots sont désormais de plus en plus amenés à interagir entre eux. Cette thèse traite du problème de la coordination entre robots dans un contexte où ils doivent apprendre leur politique de contrôle de manière autonome. Ces politiques sont optimisées avec des algorithmes d'apprentissage automatique qui tirent parti d'une fonction de récompense pour augmenter progressivement les performances. La structure de cette fonction va influencer significativement la dynamique d'apprentissage et donc les comportements possibles des agents. Nous étudions d'abord les systèmes où les agents reçoivent individuellement une récompense locale adaptée à leurs actions et doivent converger vers un comportement collectif optimal. Nous introduisons un algorithme d'apprentissage évolutif distribué appelé Horizontal Information Transfer (HIT) qui s'attaque à ce problème particulier. Les agents interagissent en ligne dans leur environnement et doivent apprendre leur politique de contrôle avec un algorithme évolutif embarqué et un système d'échange de paramètres. Il a l'avantage de faire face aux capacités de calcul et de communication limitées des robots à faible coût, qui sont souvent utilisés dans la robotique en essaim. Nous analysons les caractéristiques et la dynamique d'apprentissage de cet algorithme sur une tâche de recherche de nourriture. Nous étudions ensuite des systèmes où la récompense est donnée globalement à toute l'équipe. Ainsi, cette évaluation ne représente pas nécessairement la performance de chaque agent et il peut être difficile de calculer une contribution individuelle. Nous introduisons un algorithme co-évolutif coopératif centralisé (CCEA) qui module le nombre de modifications des politiques des agents pour trouver un compromis entre la qualité de l'évaluation et la vitesse d'exécution. Cette modulation aide également à effectuer des tâches où l'amélioration des performances de l'équipe nécessite la mise à jour de plusieurs agents de manière synchronisée. Nous utilisons un problème de sélection de ressources multi-robot et un problème d'exploration multi-rover simulé pour fournir des validations expérimentales des algorithmes proposésWith their proliferation in industry and daily life, robots are now increasingly required to interact with each other. This thesis deals with the problem of coordination between robots in a context where they have to learn their control policy autonomously. These policies are optimized with machine learning algorithms that take advantage of a reward function to increase performance incrementally. The structure of this function will significantly influence the learning dynamics and, then, the possible behaviours of the agents. We first study systems where agents individually receive a local reward adapted to their actions and must converge towards an optimal collective behaviour. We introduce a distributed evolutionary learning algorithm called Horizontal Information Transfert (HIT) that tackles this particular issue. Agents interact on-line in their environment and must learn their control policy with an embedded evolutionary algorithm and a parameter exchange system. It has the advantage of coping with the limited computation and communication capabilities of low-cost robots, which are often used in swarm robotics. We analyze this algorithm's characteristics and learning dynamics on a foraging task. We then study systems where the reward is given globally to the entire team. Therefore, this evaluation does not necessarily represent each agent's performance, and it can be challenging to calculate an individual contribution. We introduce a centralized cooperative co-evolutionary algorithm (CCEA) that modulates the number of agents' policies modification to find a compromise between evaluation quality and execution speed. This modulation also helps in completing tasks where improving team performance requires multiple agents to update in a synchronized manner. We use a multi-robot resource selection problem and a simulated multi-rover exploration problem to provide experimental validations of the proposed algorithms
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Thompson, Nicholas Scott. "“The Friend Zone”- friendship moderates the impact of a web-based group dynamics application on group cohesion: a randomized trial." Thesis, Kansas State University, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/32580.
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Master of Public HealthDepartment of Kinesiology
Brandon Irwin
Purpose: Face-to-face group dynamics-based (GDB) programs have been shown to be effective in promoting group cohesion and physical activity (PA). Recent evidence suggests that GDB principles can be successfully translated to web-based applications to impact group cohesion. The social nature of such applications allows for interactions to occur between friends and strangers alike, potentially moderating the effects of such GDB applications. Optimal group composition within GDB web applications has yet to be determined. The present study examines the moderating effects of group composition in a GDB application on group cohesion and PA. Methods: Participants (n = 166) were randomized into same-sex pairs and then randomly assigned to an experimental condition: stranger (no app), stranger (using app), friend (using app) or individual control. Participants in all conditions performed two sets of planking exercises. In between sets, those in partnered conditions interacted with their partner using a GDB social media app, where they participated in a series of team-building activities. The main dependent variables were group cohesion and physical activity, calculated as the total persistence during Block 2, controlling for Block 1 persistence. Results: Results indicate that the group integration dimensions of cohesion were higher in groups that used the application than those that did not (GI-T: p= .001; GI-S: p= .004). Friends that used the app reported greater cohesion across all dimensions than strangers that did the same (ATG-T: p= .006; ATG-S: p= .003; GI-T: p= .001; GI-S: p< .001). There was also a significant difference in PA (p=.004) between the two app-using conditions. However, there was no significant difference in PA between app using conditions and strangers that did not use the app (p= .495). Conclusions: Group cohesion can be enhanced through the use of an online GDB application. Using an online GDB application with a friend is associated with higher levels of cohesion. Further research is necessary to identify effective online GDB applications for impacting physical activity and cohesion in field settings.
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Ali, Md Shahjahan. "Mixing of a non-buoyant multiple jet group in crossflow." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2003. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B29485587.
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Williams, David A. "The effects of small group dynamics on group decision making : an investigation of alternate groupthink models." Thesis, University of Hertfordshire, 2000. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.340042.
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Ozaki, Junichi. "Dynamical quantum effects in cluster dynamics of Fermi systems." 京都大学 (Kyoto University), 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/2433/199083.
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Grebner, Dawn M. Bradley David L. "Individual killer whale vocal variation during intra-group behavioral dynamics." [University Park, Pa.] : Pennsylvania State University, 2009. http://etda.libraries.psu.edu/theses/approved/WorldWideIndex/ETD-4405/index.html.
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DOMMATA, SANDEEP KUMAR GOUD, and SAMARA CHANDRA HASON KONAGALA. "IMPACT OF GROUP DYNAMICS ON TEAMS WORKING IN SOFTWARE ENGINEERING." Thesis, Blekinge Tekniska Högskola, Institutionen för programvaruteknik, 2014. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:bth-4696.
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Context: Group dynamics play an important role in software projects. All of the existing software engineering methodologies (like Rational Unified Process, Microsoft Solutions Framework, Agile, etc.) use the concept of the teamwork and emphasize the necessity to manage them in order to organize the business processes in the best way. The application of group dynamic techniques is aimed at improvement of teamwork management to make it more efficient. The implementation of group dynamic techniques has an impact on teams working in software engineering and it also faces some challenges for industry such as lack of resources and preparation. Both need additional investigation which regard to the actual practiced situation in industry. Objectives: The given work is devoted to identification of group dynamics techniques and their impact on teams in the context of industrial software development projects. The objectives of the research is to identify the existing and in an industrial context, actually used group dynamics techniques in software engineering as well as their impact and methods of its evaluation. Since the application of group dynamics techniques is not a trivial task, we also identify those challenges and corresponding mitigation strategies. Methods: The basic methods applied during the research conduction are systematic literature review and survey. Literature review was used in order to collect the data on group dynamics techniques, their impact and implementation challenges. The survey and additional interviews with the practitioners from the software development companies were done with the purpose to find out which of the techniques are applied in practice. Results: Based on the data from systematic literature review we identified group dynamics techniques such as equalizing participation, electronic communication, conflict resolution, summarizing, whole and small group discussions, brainstorming, etc. The discovered impacts include team performance and cohesiveness, staff satisfaction and communication quality, software quality, reasonable decision-making and knowledge sharing. The possible challenges of group dynamics techniques implementation are company’s limited resources, lack of leadership and preparation, over-dominating of some team members and cultural diversity. The survey provided us with additional information about the importance of mentioned group dynamics techniques and their impact on team performance and cohesiveness, job satisfaction and software quality. Conclusions: We conclude that group dynamics techniques in software development projects influence the performance and cohesiveness of the teamwork as well as the quality of the software solutions and products. The possible challenges can be overcome by promotion of open communication and trust among team members, and additional psychological preparation and training of facilitator. The research discovered a slight difference in the literature review and survey results. In particular we found out that, some group dynamics techniques are overestimated in literature, while the others are undervalued. Also the survey results helped to identify the techniques such as small group discussion, conflict resolution and many more were used by the teams of definite size, which was not possible to discover in the SLR for example large teams pay much attention to feedback and electronic communication The obtained results can be used by software engineering practitioners in order to organize and rearrange their teamwork, which can positively affect team performance and project success.SANDEEP KUMAR GOUD DOMMATA: +91-9848783435
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Way, Alison Andrea. "Synthesis, reactivity and solution dynamics of some group 10 compounds." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1997. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk3/ftp04/mq22422.pdf.
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Signorini, P. "The dynamics of mixed group work in British higher education." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 2011. http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/13632/.
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This study examines culturally diverse groups, teams formed by home students and international students completing group tasks in Higher Education, referred to as mixed groups. This investigation differs from previous studies, and hence contributes to the existing knowledge in the field, in that it combines observational data and the use of Activity Theory as an analytical framework for furthering our understanding of group dynamics and task completion of mixed groups. This research addresses four research questions: what are students' experiences of mixed group work? What are the group dynamics in mixed groups? How do students mediate during mixed group work? What factors influences task completion in mixed groups? The study is based upon two group case studies, consisting of a non-assessed written group task and an assessed group presentation. Both case studies involved postgraduate students within the same British university. Qualitative analysis of observation and interview data revealed that students had different experiences of their group work, even among co-workers. Few group interactions were related to discussing cultural issues, highlighting the limitations that mixed group work may have in fostering internationalisation. The group dynamics described include students' interactions around: achieving a common understanding of the task, sanctioning members and conflicts regarding tool use. Both home and international students mediated in task completion in the following ways: a) acting as sources of knowledge, b) helping other members to understand the activity, and c) helping others use and learn about artefacts required in the completion of the group task and other university activities. Factors that appeared to influence mixed group work (MGW) included international students' self confidence in their spoken English, familiarity, students' positioning of self and other colleagues, expected roles, task and assessment design, and students' engagement in clarification during task completion. Some of these findings are consistent with existing literature. Finally, Activity Theory (AT) as an analytical framework was found to be useful.
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Harden, Samantha M. "Group Dynamics in Physical Activity Promotion: Research, Theory & Practice." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/38690.
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The use of group dynamics principles such as group goal-setting, distinctiveness and cohesion has been the basis of a burgeoning area of physical activity (PA) promotion. Recent reviews of literature suggest that these interventions are robust and increase PA in a wide variety of populations. Still, a number of questions remain unanswered in the areas of theory development, intervention implementation, and translation of research into practice. This dissertation includes a series of manuscripts that focus on research, theory, and practice of group dynamics interventions intended to promote PA. Within research, a systematic review of literature explores group dynamics-based PA interventions in terms of generalizability (through RE-AIM evaluation) and the degree to which the interventions use research techniques that are more pragmatic (reflect typical practice) or more explanatory (testing under optimal conditions). This exploration is based on an initial review of 17 interventions that employ group dynamics strategies to increase PA, fitness, and/or adherence. The results suggest that this body of literature includes a range of pragmatic and explanatory trials, but still has gaps in reporting related to external validity. Embedded within the context of a PA promotion program for minority women, the second manuscript addresses a theory-based questionâ to what degree do group-interaction variables (cooperation, communication, and competition) differentially predict group cohesion over time. The results suggest that friendly competition is the strongest and most consistent predictor of different dimensions of group cohesion while task and socially related communication are consistent predictors of task and socially related cohesion, respectively. Two manuscripts are included in addressing the use of group dynamics principles within practice settings. The first practice manuscript details a small pilot study in which obese, limited income women successfully (p<0.05) limited gestational weight gain to the Institute of Medicine (2009) recommendation of 11-20 pounds. This study attempted to integrate a group dynamics approach into a group visit model for pregnant women. The quantitative findings were promising, but qualitative findings indicated a number of difficulties in implementation. The purpose of the final manuscript was to determine the attributes of the program agents consider when deciding to adopt a PA and fruit and vegetable promotion program and their understanding of key strategies related to group dynamics theory. Delivery agents were able to identify key underlying principles and propose adaptations that align with those principles.Ph. D.
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Johansson-Hidén, Birgitta. "Analyzing talk in the workplace group : dynamics, dominance and coherence /." Göteborg : Dept. of Psychology, Göteborg University, 1998. http://bvbr.bib-bvb.de:8991/F?func=service&doc_library=BVB01&doc_number=008433265&line_number=0001&func_code=DB_RECORDS&service_type=MEDIA.
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Smith, Cathleen J. "Predicting Performance: Finding the Link Between Grades and Group Dynamics." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/144966.
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Sung, Kieun. "A study on rebel group dynamics and third party intervention." Diss., University of Iowa, 2015. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/1913.
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This study analyzes the relationship between inter rebel group dynamics and rebel biased third party interventions. Concerning the considerable amount of multiparty civil conflicts and internationalized civil conflicts, prior studies largely overlook the cause and effect of inter rebel dynamics in terms of third party interventions. I delve into two related research questions; How do inter rebel dynamics influence a third party’s decision to intervene in a multiparty civil conflict? What kinds of rebel group interactions are facilitated by such third party interventions?
Existing rebel group interaction patterns play a key role in determining conflict process and, influence third party’s decision to intervene. I predict that a cooperative interaction pattern between rebel groups generates an intervention enriched environment for the rebel groups, due to the increased likelihood of successful intervention and the decreased cost of war. The third party’s involvement in ongoing multiple party civil conflict generates a change in bargaining structure between rebels in terms of number of bargainers and distribution of capabilities. I predict a conditional effect of rebel biased interventions on inter rebel dynamics; while forceful intervention boosts cooperation between rebels, weak intervention fuels competition between them.
To test my theoretical conjectures, the interlocking relationship between rebels’ interactions and rebel biased interventions has been empirically estimated on a large-N framework. The estimated results strongly confirm my theoretical predictions that rebel cooperation encourages rebel biased interventions and, that increased cooperation and competition is dependent upon third party’s commitment.
Overall, my findings highlight a distinctive process of multiparty civil conflicts in terms of third party interventions and rebel group dynamics. My first findings regarding rebel biased interventions, expand the existing intervention literature by focusing on rebel group dynamics in multiparty civil conflicts. The empirical evidence showing boosted competition and cooperation caused by intervention, can be linked to studies that discuss the correlation between interventions and conflict terminations. For the policy community, this project suggests that the success of intervention lies in the third party’s measure of intervention.
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Cheng, Lin. "Modelling airport passenger group dynamics using an agent-based method." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2014. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/72999/1/Lin_Cheng_Thesis.pdf.
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This thesis investigates the influence of passenger group dynamics on passengers' behaviour in an international airport. A simulation model is built to analyse passengers' behaviour during airport departure processes and during an emergency event. Results from the model showed that passengers' group dynamics have significant influences on the performance and utilisation of airport services. The agent-based model also provides a convenient way to investigate the effectiveness of space design and service allocations, which may contribute to the enhancement of passenger airport experiences.
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Cruciani, Caterina <1981>. "Three essays on group dynamics, other-regarding preferences and cooperation." Doctoral thesis, Università Ca' Foscari Venezia, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10579/3014.
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La tesi affronta dinamiche di preferenze altruistiche in contesti informali, in cui non sia possibile creare vincoli formali tra gli individui. Il primo articolo indaga con un esperimento se i gruppi risultino più egoisti degli individui nel consumo di una risorsa rinnovabile, partendo dall’evidenza empirica sulla minore disponibilità degli individui in gruppi a fornire aiuto (bystander effect). Gli altri due articoli affrontano due diverse idee di similarità per valutare il ruolo della similarità percepita nello stabilirsi di fiducia e cooperazione. Il secondo articolo introduce un esperimento basato sul trust game, in cui viene introdotta la possibilità di selezionare il partner per valutare se questa abbia un effetto positivo sulle preferenze altruistiche in contesti informali. Nel terzo articolo la similarità tra agenti si dimostra determinante per la cooperazione, in un ambiente di simulazione in cui gli agenti possono liberamente unirsi e lasciare gruppi informali.This thesis addresses dynamics of other-regarding preferences emerging in informal contexts, where clear commitments among individuals are not possible. The first paper tests experimentally if groups remain more self interested than individuals when consuming a renewable resource, building on the empirical evidence on the bystander effect. The other two papers build on two different ideas of similarity to address whether perceived similarity can be a driver of trust or cooperation. An experimental analysis introduces partner selection in a trust game to check whether other-regarding preferences in informal environments benefit from this feature, while at the same time controlling for similarity as a driver of increased trust, following on the literature of minimal group paradigm and in-group out-group bias. In the third paper similarity is shown to be a successful driver of increased cooperation in a simulation environment, when individuals may freely join and leave informal groups.
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Georgeton, Gus Konstantinos. "Group contribution equations of state for complex fluid mixtures." Diss., Georgia Institute of Technology, 1987. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/11772.
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Strauss, Michele. "Causes of dysfunctional behaviour within self-directed work teams : a case study / M. Strauss." Thesis, North-West University, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/1051.
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The key to production effectiveness lies in the optimal utilisation of the organisations own
employees. This has been accomplished by changing the power structure within organisations
with the introduction of self-directed work teams. In addition to carrying out the work,
SDWT members make decisions that are traditionally the jurisdiction of first line supervisors.
This method of management and work planning can lead to added stress and behaviour not
anticipated from employees. This behaviour, if not addressed, may have a debilitating effect
on the team's performance and therefore on the organisations' bottom line. To address this
behaviour, the specific causes must first be identified. The pressure within the teams of a gold
mine is increased due to the fact that one day's loss of production can cost hundreds of
thousands of rand.
The objective of the research was to determine what causes certain dysfunctional behaviours
in self-directed work teams, and the effect this has on the workplace and performance. A
qualitative study was done whereby a single group of subjects was obtained. This group
consisted of 40 subjects (N=40). Three different work groups were part of the case study.
These groups were observed in the workplace, the group's interactions with other members in
the group were observed, and the group's interactions with leadership figures were observed,
and finally individual members participated in unstructured interviews in order to identify the
experience of members in the work groups and also to discover what elements contributed to
the dysfunctional behaviour identified in the workplace.
Data from interviews was used to develop major groupings, or general classifications of
broad categories of themes, where a theme is a recurrent topic of discussion or often mentioned
key factor with regards to behaviour. Information was also gathered by observing
individuals in their places of work.
The results showed that the factors, which were most frequently sited, were the issues of
contradictory demands and control (leadership). Another factor considered important by all
role players was relationships. Other influences identified, but of less importance, were
support, trust and communication, cultural diversity, role clarity and finally, individual needs.
By way of conclusion, recommendations for future research are made.Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.
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Gordon, Peter Rob. "A study of group psychotherapy : an empirical study of the whole group /." Connect to thesis, 2001. http://repository.unimelb.edu.au/10187/2878.
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The view regarding social units as entities in their own right disappeared from scientific consideration in the mid-twentieth century as much for political and ideological reasons as scientific ones. Yet group psychotherapy rediscovered these ideas. The problem to re-establish them scientifically is lack of empirical methodology for investigating whole groups.The study integrated theories of groups as psychic entities from sociology, social psychology and group psychotherapy to form hypotheses about therapeutic groups" functioning. Four dimensions of whole-group function were derived: Structure, Cognitive Organisation, Affect, and Action Coherence. An observational instrument, the "Group Function Record," was developed, categories defined for each dimension and a procedure established to rate minute-by-minute group function from videotaped psychotherapy groups. Therapists" Interventions were also recorded. The instrument treats the group as the object of study and quality of collective functioning is rated irrespective of members present or their roles. Reliability was established and ratings were made of one latency and four adolescent yearlong groups.
Results substantiated an eight-phase developmental sequence derived from the group development literature and outlined a theory of group formation. The most challenging, but creative state was found to be when the group is whole with all members in communication, though it is unstable and often managed by breaking into subgroups. A linear relation existed showing that the smaller the group, the better it functions. Groups also function best with one or two members missing, but more absentees threaten the group’s existence. More highly organized groups are more stable, but tend to destabilize when they become self-reflective. Homeostatic self-correcting tendencies and a close relationship between affective and action changes were evident. Change towards unpleasurable affect is associated with change from cooperation to conflict and vice versa. Crises tend to be precipitated by affective change, but correct themselves within the next minute or two. The effects of Therapists" Interventions towards members, the group or both were analyzed. Group interventions initially tend to reduce functionality, followed by improvement after several minutes; member interventions have inconsistent effects; interventions to group and members in the same minute tend to produce immediate improved function.
The findings and their implications for therapeutic goals and technique with adolescents are discussed in relation to the theoretical background. Considerable merit is found in the collective mentality theories, many of whose postulates are validated. Indications for therapeutic technique are outlined from the findings. The method provides a different view of group process posing new questions and suggesting simple techniques are therapeutically potent. Further avenues of research are suggested.
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Postma, Cornelia. "Leierskap as groepdinamiese proses met verwysing na die rol van studenteleiers aan tersiêre instellings / Cornelia Postma." Thesis, North-West University, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/437.
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Role theory is generally presented as a way of describing human interactions. Role
dynamics describes the psychosocial phenomenon in terms of the various roles and
role components being played and actively manipulated as a part of interpersonal
interactions. The concept of role offers a general unit of interaction involving a
complex of behaviour, expectation, and overt or covert consensual agreement.
Therefore, roles can be thought of as expectations one has about social behaviour
and as functions or positions.
Groups are fundamental to human behaviour - without them individuals would have
great difficulty surviving. People thrive on the interdependent relationships they find in
groups. In some groups you participate as a leader, while in others you assume the
role of follower. In many ways, the groups you have chosen to join reflect your
interests and what motivates you. Group dynamics refers to the interactions within a
group that characterize the group. The dynamics of the group can be fostered through
good leadership as well, and the processes involved are most effective when they
facilitate the group toward meeting its goal.
The concept of leadership is a central building block of the conventional wisdom of
organization and management. The definition of leadership leads to a variety of
possibilities, which leads to the conclusion that the definition of leadership should
depend on the purposes to be Served by the definition. One complex definition that
has evolved, delineates effective leadership as the interaction among members of a
group that initiates and maintains improved expectations and the competence of the
group to solve problems or to attain goals.
A general weakness of higher education has been its inability or unwillingness to
make constructive and consistent use of student leadership as an advocate for the
institution. From the perspective of student leadership, the fact that student advocacy
is rarely utilized to its full potential represents a significant missed opportunity among
our nation's universities. If the potential for leadership among these students were
systematically cultivated, a new and powerful voice could be created that would go far
in helping universities explain their missions and needs to lawmakers, the media and
the voting public.
Little research has been reported on student organizations. Literature involving
student organizations dealt with the role organizations play in student involvement and
student development. Reported research on the use of organization development in
university student organizations described new practices, programmes and
techniques for working with student organizations but did not reflect attempts to
measure the effectiveness of interventions.
This research provides readers with additional opportunities to explore the
characteristics of effective groups and leaders and the leadership process. It is
intended to move student leaders beyond the theory of leadership and closer to the
world of practice and application.
The major objectives of the study are:
0 How effectively and autonomously do student councils function as groups at
tertiary institutions and how prepared are the members of the student councils to
assume the leadership role?
Are there statistical significant differences between biographical variables and the
variables of group effectiveness, autonomy and leadership?
Is there a relationship between group effectiveness, autonomy and leadership?
The research study is divided into a theoretical and empirical framework. Various
aspects of role theory, groups and leadership outline the theoretical basis. The
empirical study is carried out by way of a questionnaire and the data is analysed
according to specific statistical methods. The empirical study was conducted amongst
members of student councils at different tertiary institutions in South Africa.
The major findings of the study supported the set of research objectives and were the
following:
Group effectiveness
It has been determined that most student councils at tertiary institutions in the study
population are aware of their mission, are satisfied with achieving their goals, take
possession, communicate openly and honest with members and have clear roles and
norms.
Autonomy
Most of the student councils at tertiary institutions in the study population have
satisfactory autonomy regarding work methods, work scheduling and work criteria.
Leadership
Student councils at tertiary institutions in the study population are prepared to assume
their leadership roles.
Differences between biographical variables and group effectiveness,
autonomy and leadership
Perceivable differences between gender and leadership in the student councils at
tertiary institutions in the study population exist but are of no statistical significance.
The relationship between the subvariables of group effectiveness, autonomy
and leadership
It has been determined that there is a relationship between the subvariables of group
effectiveness and autonomy. No practical statistic significance relationships have
been determined between leadership and autonomy for the study population.
Further research on leadership as a process of group dynamics is recommended.Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.