Mississippi State University

About: Mississippi State University is a education organization based out in Starkville, Mississippi, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Catfish. The organization has 14115 authors who have published 28594 publications receiving 700030 citations. The organization is also known as: The Mississippi State University of Agriculture and Applied Science & Mississippi State University of Agriculture and Applied Science.

The Modified Delphi Technique - A Rotational Modification

Abstract: This study describes and illustrates a modification of the Delphi technique that was designed to extend its applicability to large competency data sets The approach consisted of rotating sub-sets of a larger set of competencies through three sub-panels and then examining the viability of the approach The context of the study was the identification of competencies needed to update training requirements for 21st century plastering contractors Based on the outcomes of this study, the rotational approach represents a promising mechanism for extending the usefulness of the Delphi tool to larger data sets The findings also indicate that the factors that erode the validity and usefulness of traditional modified Delphi studies also negatively affect the rotational approach An obstacle facing many educators has been identifying an appropriate research methodology for developing curriculum when teaching vocational subjects This is especially true when a research topic is very broad and when new curricular areas are being developed In such situations there is often a large number of competencies to be evaluated by recognized experts in the content area A number of techniques have been used that are generally associated with the competency-based approach to curriculum development These include such tools as occupational analysis, DACUM (Developing a Curriculum), and the Delphi technique ( Finch & Crunkilton, 1989 ; Frykland, 1970 ; Miller, 1990 ; Rothwell & Kazanas, 1992 ) These techniques span a range of approaches from observing workers on the job to conducting meetings with workers to conducting analyses based on work previously conducted on related occupations ( Blank, 1982 ) Each technique has advantages and disadvantages, especially in dealing with diverse groups of experts involving relatively large data sets This manuscript describes a modification developed for use with the Delphi technique, which was selected for use in a curriculum competency study The Delphi technique was selected for use in this study due to its ability to obtain expert input from individuals who were widely dispersed geographically This technique has been used in a number of fields for long-range planning - including education, international affairs, transportation, leisure activities and the like ( McCampbell & Stewart, 1992 ) The Delphi survey technique was developed in the 1950s by two research scientists working at The Rand Corporation, Olaf Helmer and Norman Dalkey They developed the procedure as a tool for forecasting future events using a series of intensive questionnaires interspersed with controlled-opinion feedback ( Dalkey & Helmer,1993 ; McCampbell & Stewart, 1992 ; Weaver, 1971 ) Participants were solicited experts in the issues related to national defense such as forecasting probable bombing targets the Russian government might choose in the event of an attack on the United States ( Dalkey & Helmer, 1963 ) The Delphi begins with an open-ended questionnaire that is given to a panel of selected experts to solicit specific information about a subject or content area In subsequent rounds of the procedure, participants rate the relative importance of individual items and also make changes to the phrasing or substance of the items Through a series of rounds (typically three) the process is designed to yield consensus The modified Delphi technique is similar to the full Delphi in terms of procedure (ie, a series of rounds with selected experts) and intent (ie, to predict future events and to arrive at consensus) The major modification consists of beginning the process with a set of carefully selected items These pre-selected items may be drawn from various sources including related competency profiles, synthesized reviews of the literature, and interviews with selected content experts The primary advantages of this modification to the Delphi is that it (a) typically improves the initial round response rate, and (b) provides a solid grounding in previously developed work Additional advantages related to the use of the modified Delphi technique include reducing the effects of bias due to group interaction, assuring anonymity, and providing controlled feedback to participants ( Dalkey 1972a, 1972b, & Judd 1972 ) Brooks (1979) noted that three mailings are usually sufficient in order to arrive at consensus

An examination of perceived risk, information search and behavioral intentions in search, experience and credence services

Abstract: Though the marketing literature offers an abundance of research on the topics of perceived risk, information search, and purchase intentions, very few researchers have empirically examined these constructs in the context of services. This research explores the linkages among these three constructs when services are classified on the basis of search, experience, and credence attributes. Specific hypotheses are developed and tested. The results of this study indicate that perceived risk increases along a continuum from search to experience to credence service purchases. Other hypotheses relating to information search length, information sources, behavioral intentions, and service attributes, received moderate support. Finally, managerial implications of the study were provided, along with directions for future research.

A Three-Equation Eddy-Viscosity Model for Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes Simulations of Transitional Flow

Abstract: An eddy-viscosity turbulence model employing three additional transport equations is presented and applied to a number of transitional flow test cases. The model is based on the k- framework and represents a substantial refinement to a transition-sensitive model that has been previously documented in the open literature. The third transport equation is included to predict the magnitude of low-frequency velocity fluctuations in the pretransitional boundary layer that have been identified as the precursors to transition. The closure of model terms is based on a phenomenological (i.e., physics-based) rather than a purely empirical approach and the rationale for the forms of these terms is discussed. The model has been implemented into a commercial computational fluid dynamics code and applied to a number of relevant test cases, including flat plate boundary layers with and without applied pressure gradients, as well as a variety of airfoil test cases with different geometries, Reynolds numbers, freestream turbulence conditions, and angles of attack. The test cases demonstrate the ability of the model to successfully reproduce transitional flow behavior with a reasonable degree of accuracy, particularly in comparison with commonly used models that exhibit no capability of predicting laminar-toturbulent boundary layer development. While it is impossible to resolve all of the complex features of transitional and turbulent flows with a relatively simple Reynolds-averaged modeling approach, the results shown here demonstrate that the new model can provide a useful and practical tool for engineers addressing the simulation and prediction of transitional flow behavior in fluid systems. DOI: 10.1115/1.2979230

Corporate Entrepreneurship in Family Firms: A Family Perspective

Abstract: Entrepreneurship has been recognized as an important factor contributing to firm success. Despite the potential benefit of corporate entrepreneurship to sustain the family firm across generations, corporate entrepreneurship has been underresearched in the family firm literature. We investigate how generational involvement, willingness to change, and the ability to recognize technological opportunities impact corporate entrepreneurship in family firms. We also examine strategic planning in family firms as a facilitating process. Our findings suggest that willingness to change and technological opportunity recognition are positively related to corporate entrepreneurship in family firms. We further found strategic planning to significantly moderate the relationships between (1) generational involvement and (2) technological opportunity recognition and corporate entrepreneurship. These findings and implications for management and research are discussed.