This study investigates dominant patterns of snow variability and their relationship to large-scale climate circulations over the eastern half of the United States. Two snowfall variables -total seasonal snowfall (TSF) and number of snow days (NSD) -are examined. A principal components (PC) analysis is conducted on data from 124 snowfall stations. The leading mode of variability for both TSF and NSD is driven by the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). The secondary mode of variability for TSF is driven by the Pacific/North American pattern (PNA), while the secondary mode of variability for NSD is driven by a dipole pattern and is attributable to regional influences and noise. These patterns exhibit persistence, which provides prospects for seasonal predictions of snowfall variables. This research compliments and extends the work of Serreze et al. (1998), who performed a PC analysis of geopotential heights during the winter season and correlated the spatial patterns of the leading modes of variability with seasonal snowfall values.
Purpose
Team-based projects are being used at work in various industries and in education. This paper aims to share a training strategy that integrates training with casual games to effectively prepare individuals to perform better in team-based settings due to their acquisition of team skills combined with their knowledge of tools including a team charter, communication plan and conflict resolution plan.
Design/methodology/approach
A training module was developed, deployed and tested in a virtual classroom of an upper-level undergraduate business class to emulate real-world team experiences. In the study, 342 of the 631 participants enrolled chose to complete the optional training module, which included pre- and posttests followed by a perception survey. A quasi-experimental design was used to evaluate the impact of the training upon team skills including communication, conflict resolution and feelings of belonging.
Findings
The pre- and posttest results for trainees indicated a significant increase in team process and development knowledge, which included concepts such as communication, conflict resolution methods, roles, goal-setting and expectation-setting. Survey results indicated a correlation between completing the team training module and improved communication within teams, particularly for teams developing a communication plan in addition to a team charter and conflict resolution strategies.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the literature on preparing individuals for success in teams through training and education using interactive games, while equipping them with tools to contribute to favorable team dynamics and outcomes. The results are applicable to business, organizations and training settings that incorporate team-based projects in online, hybrid and face-to-face settings.
Sustainability strategies are being implemented in organizations as best practices demonstrate that these initiatives not only provide environmental and social benefits but also financial benefits (Nawaz & Koç, 2019). The problem addressed is that community-based human service organizations often rely upon their own vehicles or the personal vehicles of their employees to transport clients, but the skills and resources to apply and implement sustainable transportation best practices are lacking (Busko & Saltzman, 2021). The purpose is to demonstrate how the application of process mapping and systems approach can reduce fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions, and save time and financial costs which can, in turn, be used to improve the quality of life of those served by these organizations. The methodology is a qualitative grounded theory approach applied by conducting a textual analysis of conceptual approaches that could be applied to transportation in this industry. The results demonstrate that if human service organizations adopt process mapping and systems approach for their transportation, economic and environmental benefits can be achieved. The conclusion reviews the findings and recommendations. This research is relevant because small businesses and nonprofit organizations need to be lean to stay competitive and to provide the best services to their clients.
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