Northern Illinois University

About: Northern Illinois University is a education organization based out in DeKalb, Illinois, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Large Hadron Collider & Population. The organization has 8818 authors who have published 20008 publications receiving 632341 citations. The organization is also known as: NIU.

Isometric, isotonic, and isokinetic torque variations in four muscle groups through a range of joint motion.

Abstract: The purpose of this investigation was to describe and examine variations in maximal torque produced by knee extension, knee flexion, elbow extension, and elbow flexion through a range of joint motion. Subjects were young, healthy men (n = 16) and women (n = 15). Torque was measured isometrically and isokinetically using a modified Cybex apparatus. Isotonic torque was calculated from a one-repetition maximum using a modified N-K device. Joint angles were monitored with an electrogoniometer. Torque-joint angle curves were constructed for both men and women for each muscle group. Isometric torque was highest, followed by isotonic and isokinetic torque. Torque declined with increasing isokinetic velocity. The angle of peak torque was found to be highly variable in individual subjects. Variations in torque curves were explained in terms of mechanical characteristics of the musculoskeletal system. Muscle group capability was generally found to be well matched to the mechanical requirements of the movement.

Stuck in the Middle: The Use and Interpretation of Mid-Points in Items on Questionnaires

Abstract: Likert-type scales are commonly used when assessing attitudes, personality characteristics, and other psychological variables. This study examined the effect of varying the number of response options on the same set of 28 attitudinal items. Participants answered items using either a 4-point scale (forced choice), a 5-point scale that included a "neither" mid-point, or a 4-point scale with an option of "no opinion" presented after the item. The questionnaire also included an item asking participants what they believe the midpoint in a scale indicated. As predicted, participants' interpretations of the midpoint varied widely with the most common responses being: "no opinion," "don't care," "unsure," "neutral," "equal/both," and "neither." The quantitative results showed that participants' levels of item endorsement varied based on the response options offered. For example, "neither" was chosen more often than "no opinion" on all of the items.

The Meaning and Origin of Trust in Buyer-Supplier Relationships

Abstract: INTRODUCTION Partnerships or alliances between suppliers and buyers are increasing in frequency and importance. Much evidence supports this statement. Lorange and Roos provide numerous examples of successful alliances in both Europe and the United States and suggest that strategic alliances will be the general business trend in the 1990s and beyond.[1] Blodgett demonstrates how partnerships can develop advantages to both parties involved in the relationship.[2] Scheuing argues that buyer-supplier partnering is the wave of the future.[3] Burt and Doyle provide examples of how partnering increases competitive advantages for both the supplier and the buyer.[4] Hendrick and Ellram conducted a major research study on the topic and concluded that supplier partnerships will continue to be an enduring major strategic purchasing initiative.[5] Why is attention to buyer-supplier alliances or partnerships increasing? Evidence indicates that alliances or partnerships increase a firm's competitive posture,[6] have an important role in reducing cycle time,[7] and enhance quality improvement efforts.[8] Regardless of the reasons given for partnering, many purchasing experts believe that partnering is a trend that will continue into the next century.[9] Because supplier-buyer alliances or partnerships are becoming more important, several studies have analyzed these relationships. Trust is inevitably mentioned as an important variable in the development and maintenance of relationships. For instance, Ellram determined the average ratings of factors leading to ineffective partnerships. Lack of trust was ranked by the buyers as the third highest out of 19 factors, while the supplier ranked lack of trust as the fourth highest factor.[10] Based on a series of studies, trust is seen as a critical component in buyer-supplier relationships.[11] The research on supplier-buyer relationships clearly indicates that trust is important, but is seldom addressed specifically. Accordingly, this article focuses on trust in buyer-supplier relationships. First, a definition of trust based on the current literature is presented. Second, practicing purchasing managers indicate what behaviors demonstrate trust and what behaviors erode trust. Third, the definition and list of behaviors is then compared. Fourth, the origins of trust are addressed. Specifically, the role of identity, image, and reputation is reviewed. Next, six managerial and research issues or questions about trust in buyer-supplier relationships are presented. And finally, managers' perspectives on these six issues are presented. A LITERATURE-BASED DEFINITION OF TRUST Although trust is frequently mentioned in discussions about buyer-supplier relationships, it is seldom defined. As one researcher stated, "Nobody probably understands what is meant by the word trust."[12] To better understand and discuss a concept, it must first be defined. Several researchers have made tentative attempt to define trust. Ring and VanDeVen state that two views on trust can be found in management and sociology literature: (a) a business view based on confidence or risk in the predictability of one's expectations, and (b) a view based on confidence in another's goodwill.[13] In the risk-based view of trust, parties hedge against uncertain states of nature, adverse selection, and ethical hazard through formal contractual means such as guarantees, insurance mechanisms, and laws. The second view of trust emphasizes faith in the moral integrity of others' goodwill. Hosmer thoroughly analyzed the definition of trust as it is used from various approaches in organizational theory and philosophy. He concludes that: Trust is the expectation by one person, group, or firm of ethically justifiable behavior - that is, morally correct decisions and actions based upon ethical principles of analysis - on the part of the other person, group or firm in a joint endeavor or economic exchange. …