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This paper introduces a semi-automated method for extracting the associations among components of a complex engineering project by mining transcripts of design discussions about the engineered artifact. We contribute a novel method for deriving network data from communication data. This method uses relational text analysis to construct networks representing associations among designed pieces of the artifact. Our analysis shows that association networks extracted with this method correlate highly with those extracted by humans, and those constructed based on expert interviews. This method can help scholars and practitioners understand the nature and evolution of the relationship between tasks and components, and the successful execution of complex projects. The association networks produced by our method can be used to reveal key properties of the project and may suggest the coordination required among project members. Collaboration technologies could potentially take advantage of these networks to infer gaps in actual coordination, discover changes in dependencies among team members as they emerge, and suggest appropriate courses of action to managers and people whose work is related. 

This article initially examines the mechanics of the established option pricing method (OPM) backsolve (OBS). It then quickly moves to a critical analysis of the more recently developed double backsolve (DBS) method, which certain practitioners have proposed as an alternative to OBS. We review the literature cited to support DBS and find it does not, in fact, support its use. In addition, we note some inconsistencies in the current use of DBS. We conclude that until better arguments are proffered or superior methods are developed, practitioners should continue to use OBS, and reviewers should continue to reject valuations relying on DBS.

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Combining nursing and athletic training clinical experiences can serve to better prepare the health care student for future team work with other disciplines and a diverse patient population. International service-learning courses can enhance the undergraduate student experience while also serving those most in need. Athletic Training and Nursing students at the University of Southern Maine blend together as an interdisciplinary group to participate in a community based health care initiative to rural citizens in the Dominican Republic. This unique experience assists students to better understand their role as global citizens, introduces cultural competency, and affords the student the opportunity to better identify both the background of the patients they treat, and the differing health care providers they work alongside. A review of literature suggests that incorporating both cultural competency and service learning into existing educational programs increases affective learning and personal development. Service-learning via groupwork benefits students, faculty and the communities involved, enabling students to gain insight into other populations and/or cultures with which they lack familiarity. There are both advantages and disadvantages to integrating cultural competency and service learning into undergraduate programs.