Psykoterapia, masennus ja sisäinen tarina

Psychotherapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression, but not enough is known about the subjective meanings of therapy for human life. This study focuses on experiences of the effects of psychotherapy, thoughts about changes in depression and meanings of the therapy in the inner narratives of persons who sought psychotherapy for their depression. The study was based on interviews of 14 persons, who took part in the Helsinki Psychotherapy Study (HPS). Half of them took part in short-term solution-focused therapy and half in long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy. The sample included both women and men. Part of them had recovered from their depression by the end of therapy (BDI<10), part had not. Therapy was experienced to have effects on one s immediate feelings, thoughts and social actions. Some barriers were also connected to the therapy and the HPS research frame. The relief of depression was explained by enhanced understanding and perspective changes. Also the therapeutic alliance and factors not connected to therapy were seen to have influence on the experienced changes. The resumption of depression was regarded as the consequence of ill-fitting therapy or therapist, incompleteness of the therapy or other reasons not connected to the therapy itself. With the narrative analysis three interpretations were constructed concerning how the persons had sought for therapy, what was the image they had about themselves and their problems and what were their expectations for the therapy. The interpretations were summed up to the life historical, situational and moral inner narrative. Through the psychotherapy some inner narratives came true. In these cases psychotherapy reinforced the original inner narrative. In other cases psychotherapy did not meet the inner narrative of the person, neither had the narrative changed. For some persons the inner narrative got new forms during the therapy: the analyses showed that psychotherapy had reconstructed the persons conceptions about themselves and their problems, which led to changes in the expectations concerning the therapy. Key words: psychotherapy, depression, inner narrative, qualitative research, analysis of narrative, narrative analysis

Simulation design in information systems research: example of studying it value cocreation with NK model

As an emerging research method that has showed promising potential in several research disciplines, simulation received relatively few attention in information systems research. This paper illustrates a framework for employing simulation to study IT value cocreation. Although previous studies identified factors driving IT value cocreation, its underlying process remains unclear. Simulation can address this limitation through exploring such underlying process with computational experiments. The simulation framework in this paper is based on an extended NK model. Agent-based modeling is employed as the theoretical basis for the NK model extensions.

Emotional experience in psychotherapeutic interaction : Conversation analytical study on cognitive psychotherapy

The dissertation examines how emotional experiences are oriented to in the details of psychotherapeutic interaction. The data (57 audio recorded sessions) come from one therapist-patient dyad in cognitive psychotherapy. Conversation analysis is used as method. The dissertation consists of 4 original articles and a summary. The analyses explicate the therapist s practices of responding to the patient s affective expressions. Different types of affiliating responses are identified. It is shown that the affiliating responses are combined with, or build grounds for, more interpretive and challenging actions. The study also includes a case study of a session with strong misalignment between the therapist s and patient s orientations, showing how this misalignment is managed by the therapist. Moreover, through a longitudinal analysis of the transformation of a sequence type, the study suggests that therapeutic change processes can be located to sequential relations of actions. The practices found in this study are compared to earlier research on everyday talk and on medical encounters. It is suggested that in psychotherapeutic interaction, the generic norms of interaction considering affiliation and epistemic access, are modified for the purposes of therapeutic work. The study also shows that the practices of responding to emotional experience in psychotherapy can deviate from the everyday practices of affiliation. The results of the study are also discussed in terms of concepts arising from clinical theory. These include empathy, validation of emotion, therapeutic alliance, interpretation, challenging beliefs, and therapeutic change. The therapist s approach described in this study involves practical integration of different clinical theories. In general terms, the study suggests that in the details of interaction, psychotherapy recurrently performs a dual task of empathy and challenging in relation to the patient s ways of describing their experiences. Methodologically, the study discusses the problem of identifying actions in conversation analysis of psychotherapy and emotional interaction, and the possibility to apply conversation analysis in the study of therapeutic change.

Shrewd alliances: mixed foraging associations between treeshrews,greater racket-tailed drongos and sparrowhawks on Great Nicobar Island, India

Mixed-species foraging associations may form to enhance feeding success or to avoid predators. We report the costs and consequences of an unusual foraging association between an endemic foliage gleaning tupaid (Nicobar treeshrew Tupaia nicobarica) and two species of birds; one an insectivorous commensal (greater racket-tailed drongo Dicrurus paradiseus) and the other a diurnal raptor and potential predator (Accipiter sp.). In an alliance driven, and perhaps engineered, by drongos, these species formed cohesive groups with predictable relationships. Treeshrew breeding pairs were found more frequently than solitary individuals with sparrowhawks and were more likely to tolerate sparrowhawks in the presence of drongos. Treeshrews maintained greater distances from sparrowhawks than drongos, and permitted the raptors to come closer when drongos were present. Treeshrew foraging rates declined in the presence of drongos; however, the latter may provide them predator avoidance benefits. The choice of the raptor to join the association is intriguing; particular environmental resource states may drive the evolution of such behavioural strategies. Although foraging benefits seem to be the primary driver of this association, predator avoidance also influences interactions, suggesting that strategies driving the formation of flocks may be complex and context dependent with varying benefits for different actors.

Strategies as Discursive Constructions: The Case of Airline Alliances

In this paper, we argue that by examining the discursive elements in strategy talk we can contribute to our understanding of the myriad of microprocesses and practices that make up strategies. We focus on airline alliances as a particularly illustrative case. Based on a critical discourse analysis of an extensive material of strategy talk on airline alliances, we point to five types of discursive practices that characterize strategizing in this context in 1995–2000: (1) problematization of traditional strategies; (2) rationalization, objectification and factualization of alliance benefits; (3) fixation of ambiguous independence concerns; (4) reframing of cooperation problems as ‘implementation’ issues; and (5) naturalization of alliance strategies. While we want to emphasize the context-specificity of these practices, we claim that similar types of discursive practices are also likely to be an inherent part of strategizing in other settings.

A Model for Creating Strategic Alliances. A Study of Inter-firm Cooperation in the North European ICT Sector

In this study, it is argued that the view on alliance creation presented in the current academic literature is limited, and that using a learning approach helps to explain the dynamic nature of alliance creation. The cases in this study suggest that a wealth of inefficiency elements can be found in alliance creation. These elements can further be divided into categories, which help explain the dynamics of alliance creation. The categories –combined with two models brought forward by the study– suggest that inefficiency can be avoided through learning during the creation process. Some elements are especially central to this argumentation. First, the elements related to the clarity and acceptance of the strategy of the company, the potential lack of an alliance strategy and the elements related to changes in the strategic context. Second, the elements related to the length of the alliance creation processes and the problems a long process entails. It is further suggested that the different inefficiency elements may create a situation, where the alliance creation process is –sequentially and successfully– followed to the end, but where the different inefficiencies create a situation where the results are not aligned with the strategic intent. The proposed solution is to monitor and assess the risk for inefficiency elements during the alliance creation process. The learning, which occurs during the alliance creation process as a result of the monitoring, can then lead to realignments in the process. This study proposes a model to mitigate the risk related to the inefficiencies. The model emphasizes creating an understanding of the other alliance partner’s business, creating a shared vision, using pilot cooperation and building trust within the process. An analytical approach to assessing the benefits of trust is also central in this view. The alliance creation approach suggested by this study, which emphasizes trust and pilot cooperation, is further critically reviewed against contracting as a way to create alliances.

Reacting to Complex Threats – the Securitization in the Speeches of Anders Fogh Rasmussen based on NATO´s New Strategic Concept

The purpose of this master´s thesis is to analyze how NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen is trying to justify the existence of the military alliance through the use of security arguments. I am puzzled by the question: why does NATO still exist – what is NATO’s raison d'être. The New Strategic Concept (2010) forms the base for his argumentation. This thesis focuses on the security argumentation of NATO which is examined by analyzing the speeches the Secretary General. The theoretical framework of this study is based on constructivist approach to international security examining the linguistic process of securitization. Issues become securitized after Anders Fogh Rasmussen names them as threats. This thesis focuses on the securitization process relating to NATO and analyses what issues Rasmussen raises to the security agenda. Research data consists of the speeches by Anders Fogh Rasmussen. They are analyzed through J.L. Austin’s speech act taxonomy and Chaïm Perelman’s argumentation theories. The thesis will concentrate on the formulation and articulation of these threats which are considered and coined as “new threats” in contemporary international relations. I am conducting this research through the use of securitization theory. This study illustrates that the threats are constructed by NATO’s member-states in unison, but the resolutions are sounded through Rasmussen’s official speeches and transcripts. . Based on the analysis it can be concluded that Rasmussen is giving reasons for the existence of NATO. This takes place by making use of speech acts and different rhetorical techniques. The results of the analysis indicate that NATO remains an essential organization for the West and the rest of the world according to the Secretary General.

Factors Affecting Knowledge Sharing in Strategic Alliances: The Role of Knowledge Sharing as Strategic Control Behavior among Multinational Enterprises

International strategic alliances (ISAs) have become increasingly important for the stability, growth, and long-term viability of modern business organizations. Alliance partnerships as inter-firm cooperative ventures represent an influential mechanism for asserting corporate strategic control among autonomous multinational enterprises. These different cooperative arrangements are made of equity investments or contractually-based partnerships. Different alliance forms represent different approaches that partner firms adopt to control their mutual dependence on the alliance and on other partners. Earlier research shows that the partner characteristics could provide an explanation for alliance strategic behavior and see alliances as alternative forms to markets or hierarchies for addressing specific strategic needs linked to partners’ characteristics and their subsequent strategic motives. These characteristics of the partners’ and subsequent strategic motives are analyzed as knowledge sharing factors and how these influence inter-firm control in alliances within the context of the focal-firm STMicroelectronics and its alliance partners Nokia, Ericsson and IBM. This study underline that as contracts are incomplete, they are therefore required to maintain mutual dependence based control mechanisms in addition to a contract. For example, mutual dependence based control mechanisms could be joint financial investments and the building of an ownership structure between the parties (e.g., JVs). However, the present study clarifies that subsequent inter-firm control is also exercised through inter-firm knowledge sharing. The present study contributes by presenting a dynamic interplay between competitive and cooperative rent seeking behavior. Such coopetition behavior describes the firm's strategic orientation to achieve a dynamic balance between competitive and cooperative strategies. This balance is seen in knowledge sharing based cooperation and competition behavior. Thus this study clarifies coopetition strategies by introducing the role of inter-firm cooperation and the competitive nature of knowledge sharing. Simultaneous cooperative and competitive behavior is also seen as synergetic rent-seeking behavior. Therefore, this study extends the perspective of previous studies on competitive and cooperative seeking behavior.

Misalignment as a Therapeutic Resource

The article reports conversation analysis of a single cognitive psychotherapy session in which an interactional misalignment between the therapist and the patient emerges, culminates, and is mitigated. Through this case study, the interactional practices lead- ing to a rupture in therapeutic alliance and the practices leading to its mending are explored. In the session the therapist pursues investigative orientation in relation to the patient’s experience under discussion, whereas the patient maintains orientation to “troubles-telling.” The diverging projects of the participants amount to overt misalign- ment. Eventually, the therapist brings the relationship of the patient and herself as a topic of conversation in ways which turn the misalignment into a resource of therapeu- tic work. The microanalysis of actual interactional patterns in this single case is linked to discussions of therapeutic alliance in psychotherapeutic literature.

An Empirical Analysis of Heterogeneity in IEEE 802.11 MAC Protocol Implementations and its Implications

Wireless LAN (WLAN) market consists of IEEE 802.11 MAC standard conformant devices (e.g., access points (APs), client adapters) from multiple vendors. Certain third party certifications such as those specified by the Wi-Fi alliance have been widely used by vendors to ensure basic conformance to the 802.11 standard, thus leading to the expectation that the available devices exhibit identical MAC level behavior. In this paper, however, we present what we believe to be the first ever set of experimental results that highlight the fact that WLAN devices from different vendors in the market can have heterogeneous MAC level behavior. Specifically, we demonstrate with examples and data that in certain cases, devices may not be conformant with the 802.11 standard while in other cases, they may differ in significant details that are not a part of mandatory specifications of the standard. We argue that heterogeneous MAC implementations can adversely impact WLAN operations leading to unfair bandwidth allocation, potential break-down of related MAC functionality and difficulties in provisioning the capacity of a WLAN. However, on the positive side, MAC level heterogeneity can be useful in applications such as vendor/model level device fingerprinting.

Innovative capabilities, entrepreneurial process and the dynamic growth of university spin-outs: A process-oriented study with evidence from China

This research aims to develop a conceptual framework in order to enquire into the dynamic growth process of University Spin-outs (hereafter referred to as USOs) in China, attempting to understand the capabilities configuration that are necessary for the dynamic growth. Based on the extant literature and empirical cases, this study attempts to address the question how do USOs in China build and configure the innovative capabilities to cope with the dynamic growth. This paper aims to contribute to the existing literature by providing a theoretical discussion of the USOs' dynamic entrepreneurial process, by investigating the interconnections between innovation problem-solving and the required configuration of innovative capabilities in four growth phases. Further, it presents a particular interest on the impact to the USOs' entrepreneurial innovation process by the integrative capabilities, in terms of knowledge integration, alliance, venture finance and venture governance. To date, studies that have investigated the dynamic development process of USOs in China and have recognized the heterogeneity of USOs in terms of capabilities that are required for rapid growth still remain sparse. Addressing this research gap will be of great interest to entrepreneurs, policy makers, and venture investors. ©2009 IEEE.

Ajuste estatal sin equilibrio político : la gestión de López Murphy como ministro de economía de la Alianza en marzo de 2001

Resumen: Este trabajo intenta abordar desde la perspectiva de la historia política la corta gestión, de apenas diecisiete días, de López Murphy como Ministro de Economía de la Alianza en marzo de 2001 como un caso de estudio del “triángulo de gobierno” de Matus. Para esto, primero señalaremos la conformación inicial de los equilibrios políticos de la Alianza, explicando por qué se designó como primer Ministro de Economía a Machinea, enfatizando los delicados compromisos sobre los cuales debió actuar, así como su progresivo agotamiento. Luego, analizaremos cómo su reemplazo por López Murphy generó un profundo cambio de alianzas políticas, generando diversos tipos de enfrentamientos y reagrupamientos, que debilitaban la opción que representaba López Murphy. Igualmente, y a pesar de las resistencias iníciales, veremos que López Murphy decidió llevar a cabo un descomunal ajuste estatal, sin miramientos por las condiciones políticas para aplicarlo. Finalmente, nos dedicaremos a plantear el fin de la gestión de López Murphy y el cambio de condiciones que generó su reemplazo por Cavallo, cambio sobre el cual la Alianza hizo depender su suerte política.

La influencia de Diego Abad de Santillán en la conformación de una red intelectual libertaria latinoamericana, 1920-1930

Resumen: El anarquismo encontró en el internacionalismo un elemento esencial para la unión del movimiento libertario, pues consideraba que una alianza universal se lograría sólo atravesando las fronteras. Fueron numerosos los pensadores ácratas que buscaron cumplir este objetivo y que, desde su papel de teóricos-militantes, no sólo contribuyeron a la conformación del universo intelectual anarquista en Buenos Aires en las primeras décadas del siglo XX sino que, a través de su rol de agentes activos en el proceso de gestación, recepción y circulación de ideas, intentaron relacionar el anarquismo local con el latinoamericano y el europeo. Dentro de este grupo se destacó, entre los años 1920 y 1930, Diego Abad de Santillán quien, tanto en su papel de teórico como de militante, periodista, escritor, editor y traductor, constituyó una pieza fundamental para el engranaje intelectual libertario desplegado entre Europa y América Latina, e integró el conjunto de pensadores que lideraron el anarquismo argentino. Al cruzar ambos movimientos, no sólo actuó como nexo sino que también buscó representar, y dar respuestas, a los múltiples y variados intereses de la clase trabajadora.

Fenomenología del quehacer mágico: su evolución en la literatura caballeresca castellana

Integran este número de la revista ponencias presentadas en Studia Hispanica Medievalia VIII: Actas de las IX Jornadas Internacionales de Literatura Española Medieval, 2008, y de Homenaje al Quinto Centenario de Amadis de Gaula

Sarmiento y su visión militar

Resumen: Las grandes naciones se construyen a partir de la visión alentadora de un grupo de hombres, que en la comprensión cabal de la realidad son capaces de encontrar las soluciones necesarias. Para el estadista ningún asunto puede reconocerse sin su relación con el otro y todos adquieren importancia en tanto puedan contribuir al desarrollo nacional y el bienestar ciudadano. En Sarmiento, la educación habría de ser el origen, y su realización, el instrumento inapelable en la construcción de un estado moderno. En este esquema las instituciones aparecen como los pilares sobre los que se apoya la verdadera esencia del espíritu nacional, y el único sostén legítimo del Estado; de allí la preocupación por su consolidación. A la organización de la política, de la justicia y de la administración en general, Sarmiento sumó un interés medular en torno al fortalecimiento del Ejército y la Armada, que tuvo como punto de partida las guerras civiles argentinas, continuidad con la experiencia adquirida en los Estados Unidos y su afirmación tras las consecuencias de la guerra con el Paraguay. Esta investigación aborda los aspectos más profundos de su pensamiento castrense, materializado en obra a partir de un agudo trabajo de organización desarrollado a lo largo de sus servicios militares, y en la presidencia de la Nación con la adquisición de modernos armamentos y la creación de las primeras escuelas para oficiales.