Diversity among executives is widely assumed to influence a firm's strategic decision processes, but empirical research on this linkage has been virtually nonexistent. To partially fill the void, we drew upon three separate studies to examine the impact of executive diversity on comprehensiveness of strategic decision‐making and extensiveness of strategic planning. Contrary to common assumptions of researchers and executives, our results suggest that executive diversity inhibits rather than promotes comprehensive examinations of current opportunities and threats, and inhibits rather than promotes extensive long‐range planning. In light of the cumulative research showing that firm performance is related to both comprehensiveness and extensiveness, our results provide evidence for an indirect connection between executive diversity and firm performance. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

BackgroundThis intervention aimed to ascertain whether a low-cost, accessible, physical activity and nutrition program could improve physical activity and nutrition behaviours of insufficiently active 60–70 year olds residing in Perth, Australia.MethodsA 6-month home-based randomised controlled trial was conducted on 478 older adults (intervention, n = 248; control, n = 230) of low to medium socioeconomic status. Both intervention and control groups completed postal questionnaires at baseline and post-program, but only the intervention participants received project materials. A modified fat and fibre questionnaire measured nutritional behaviours, whereas physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Generalised estimating equation models were used to assess the repeated outcomes over both time points.ResultsThe final sample consisted of 176 intervention participants and 199 controls (response rate 78.5%) with complete data. After controlling for demographic and other confounding factors, the intervention group demonstrated increased participation in strength exercise (p < 0.001), walking (p = 0.029) and vigorous activity (p = 0.015), together with significant reduction in mean sitting time (p < 0.001) relative to controls. Improvements in nutritional behaviours for the intervention group were also evident in terms of fat avoidance (p < 0.001), fat intake (p = 0.021) and prevalence of frequent fruit intake (p = 0.008).ConclusionsA minimal contact, low-cost and home-based physical activity program can positively influence seniors’ physical activity and nutrition behaviours.Trial registrationanzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12609000735257

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BackgroundAlong with reduced levels of physical activity, older Australian's mean energy consumption has increased. Now over 60% of older Australians are considered overweight or obese. This study aims to confirm if a low-cost, accessible physical activity and nutrition program can improve levels of physical activity and diet of insufficiently active 60-70 year-olds.Methods/DesignThis 12-month home-based randomised controlled trial (RCT) will consist of a nutrition and physical activity intervention for insufficiently active people aged 60 to 70 years from low to medium socio-economic areas. Six-hundred participants will be recruited from the Australian Federal Electoral Role and randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 300) and control (n = 300) groups. The study is based on the Social Cognitive Theory and Precede-Proceed Model, incorporating voluntary cooperation and self-efficacy. The intervention includes a specially designed booklet that provides participants with information and encourages dietary and physical activity goal setting. The booklet will be supported by an exercise chart, calendar, bi-monthly newsletters, resistance bands and pedometers, along with phone and email contact. Data will be collected over three time points: pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention and 6-months post-study.DiscussionThis trial will provide valuable information for community-based strategies to improve older adults' physical activity and dietary intake. The project will provide guidelines for appropriate sample recruitment, and the development, implementation and evaluation of a minimal intervention program, as well as information on minimising barriers to participation in similar programs.Trial RegistrationAustralian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12609000735257

Background: Chronic heart failure (CHF) prevalence is on the increase in the UK, with readmissions to hospital and length of stay remaining a significant problem both for patients and the NHS. The role of the clinical nurse specialist in the management of CHF patients has yielded positive results in a number of previous studies. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a transitional care service on readmissions and length of stay in hospital for patients with CHF. Design: A quasi-experimental design was used over a period of 18 weeks. The historical group (n=50) and the transitional care group (n=47) were compared. Method: The study was carried out in an acute hospital trust. A patient questionnaire was used as a post-intervention measure. Results: The number of readmissions was higher in the control group (14%; n=7) compared with the transitional care group (8.5%; n=4; P=0.526). Difference in length of stay for both groups almost achieved statistical significance (P=0.06). Patients gave positive feedback about the service. Conclusions: The results indicate that the introduction of the transitional care service did not reduce the number of readmissions. The length of stay, if anything, appeared to increase in the historical group when compared with the transitional group. Although it was clear that the two groups were different in important ways, causal effect cannot be attributed to the transitional care group as a result of these other differences. Results from the patient satisfaction questionnaires used in the transitional group did illustrate satisfaction with the discharge process and care received.

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