Synergy discusses a general problem in biology: The lack of an adequate language for formulating biologically specific problems. Written for an inquisitive reader who is not necessarily a professional in the area of movement studies, this book describes the recent progress in the control and coordination of human movement. The book begins with a brief history of movement studies and reviews the current central controversies in the area of control of movements with an emphasis on the equilibrium-point hypothesis. An operational definition of synergy is introduced and a method of analysis of synergies is described based on the uncontrolled manifold hypothesis. Further this method is used to characterize synergies in a variety of tasks including such common motor tasks as standing, pointing, reaching, standing-up, and manipulation of hand-held objects. Applications of this method to movements by persons with neurological disorders, persons with atypical development and healthy elderly persons are illustrated, as well as changes in motor synergies with practice. Possible neurophysiological mechanisms of synergies are also discussed with the focus on such conspicuous structures as the spinal cord, the cerebellum, the basal ganglia, and the cortex of the large hemispheres. A variety of models are discussed based on different computational and neurophysiological principles. Possible applications of the introduced definition of synergies to other areas such as perception and language are discussed.

The creation of synergy, which is often illustrated as the "2+2=5-effect", is a dominant motive as well as a key success factor for Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A). Inadequate expectations with respect to the synergistic potential can however easily result in an overrated acquisition price. If the planned synergies later fail to materialize, it will be increasingly hard for the acquiring firm to achieve positive value gains for its shareholders. It is therefore vital to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the synergistic potential of a planned M&A project. This issue was addressed with a doctoral thesis investigating the underlying drivers of synergy realization, in particular the concept of business relatedness which describes the similarity of firm attributes, such as product-market presence, resource configuration and supply channel types. Using a quantitative hypothesis-testing survey design, more than 300 M&A consultants worldwide have been invited to evaluate past M&A transactions with respect to their synergistic effects. In contrast to earlier studies, the relatedness of the merging firms is established as a multi-dimensional concept considering various attributes of business relatedness simultaneously. The degree of relatedness is measured using managerial perceptions which is a comparatively new measurement approach transferred from diversification research to the field of M&A. The individual dimensions of relatedness show a different effectiveness concerning synergy realization providing further support to recent contributions which advocate a multi-dimensional conceptualization of business relatedness. The study identifies dimensions of business relatedness and their underlying drivers which are particularly relevant to predictions concerning the synergistic potential. The research project thus makes a valuable contribution to clarify the impact of relatedness on M&A performance and provides important implications for practitioners regarding the eval

An essential reference for nursing students in developing and implementing the competencies necessary in caring for critically ill patients. Includes sample test questions relevant to the model that will assist nursing students in preparing for certification through AACN.

The comprehensive approach has been a new emerging phenomenon within the field of strategic studies, national security, and international defence. Former NATO secretary-general Rasmussen posited that this approach not only makes senseit is necessary. Yet with the rise of asymmetric warfare and the emergence of new constructs, the comprehensive approach is not supported by a necessary framework, model, or theory. Indeed, if the military alone is unable to solve the root cause of conflicts, then other elements of national and international power must collaborate more closely. In SynergyA Theoretical Model of Canadas Comprehensive Approach, author, senior lecturer and strategic management consultant Eric Dion proposes a theoretical model for this new approach: How can such an integrated decision-making model be constructed for the comprehensive approach? Where and when, who and with whom, what, how, why, and to what effect can such a model be employed? Synergy answers these questions with an integrated theoretical model constructed of six management dimensions: the situational context, the sociocultural, the organisational structure, the strategic policies, the systemic processes, and the synergy dynamics. Together, these six dimensions fundamentally represent what would be the basic constructs for a more integrated theoretical model of the comprehensive approach. Taking a strategic management perspective on the comprehensive approach can open new perspectives within the field of national security and defence, a field traditionally dominated by political science and international relations. In the end, synergy appears to better explain the complex dynamics at play within the comprehensive approach.

With acquisition activity running into the trillions of dollars, it continues to be a favorite for corporate growth strategy, but creating shareholder value remains the most elusive outcome of these corporate strategies—after decades of research and billions of dollars paid in advisory fees, why do these major decisions continue to destroy value? Building on his groundbreaking research first cited in Business Week, Mark L. Sirower explains how companies often pay too much—and predictably never realize the promises of increased performance and competitiveness—in their quest to acquire other companies. Armed with extensive evidence, Sirower destroys the popular notion that the acquisition premium represents potential value. He provides the first formal and functional definition for synergy -- the specific increases in performance beyond those already expected for companies to achieve independently. Sirower's refreshing nuts-and-bolts analysis of the fundamentals behind acquisition performance cuts sharply through the existing folklore surrounding failed acquisitions, such as lack of "strategic fit" or corporate culture problems, and gives managers the tools to avoid predictable losses in acquisition decisions. Using several detailed examples of recent major acquisitions and through his masterful integration and extension of techniques from finance and business strategy, Sirower reveals: -The unique business gamble that acquisitions represent -The managerial challenges already embedded in current stock prices -The competitive conditions that must be met and the organizational cornerstones that must be in place for any possibility of synergy -The precise Required Performance Improvements (RPIs) implicitly embedded in acquisition premiums and the reasons why these RPIs normally dwarf realistic performance gains -The seductiveness and danger of sophisticated valuation models so often used by advisers The Synergy Trap is the first exposé of its kind to prove that the tendency of managers to succumb to the "up the ante" philosophy in acquisitions often leads to disastrous ends for their shareholders. Sirower shows that companies must meticulously plan—and account for huge uncertainties—before deciding to enter the acquisition game. To date, Sirower's work is the most comprehensive and rigorous, yet practical, analysis of the drivers of acquisition performance. This definitive book will become required reading for managers, corporate directors, consultants, investors, bankers, and academics involved in the mergers and acquisitions arena.

This version is for distribution. Superior Synergy: Fantasy PFRPG Edition brings the concept of game mechanic synergy back into Pathfinder. The idea that some game mechanics (such as skills) are innately compatible with other game mechanics in ways that can influence the game without choosing additional elements (such as feats) to permit their use makes a comeback in a greatly expanded and revised way The book begins with the familiar (but altered, improved, and expanded) concept of skill synergy, but adds a lot more. Included are ways for feats to work together to create new effects, class abilities that share synergy effects, and even spell synergy. Also, you'll find ways to get all of these elements to come together in the form of craft synergy aspects you can add to certain items, making them special and unique. Find out what your Pathfinder game has been missing -- pick up Superior Synergy: Fantasy for the Pathfinder RPG.

This version is for distribution. Superior Synergy: Fantasy PFRPG Edition brings the concept of game mechanic synergy back into Pathfinder. The idea that some game mechanics (such as skills) are innately compatible with other game mechanics in ways that can influence the game without choosing additional elements (such as feats) to permit their use makes a comeback in a greatly expanded and revised way. The book begins with the familiar (but altered, improved, and expanded) concept of skill synergy, but adds a lot more. Included are ways for feats to work together to create new effects, class abilities that share synergy effects, and even spell synergy. Also, you'll find ways to get all of these elements to come together in the form of craft synergy aspects you can add to certain items, making them special and unique. Find out what your Pathfinder game has been missing -- pick up Superior Synergy: Fantasy for the Pathfinder RPG.