The downside of singling out top performers

The downside of singling out top performersWhy symbolic awards for Employee of the Month may backfire Far from keeping up the good work, recipients of internal symbolic awards such as employee of the month or merit certificates perform worse after receiving the accolades, according to a recent international study. It’s not always that awardees lose the drive to perform after proving…

Light-activated solution kills infectious viruses and bacteria

Light-activated solution kills infectious viruses and bacteriaAntimicrobial molecules can be safely and easily applied to everything from protective face masks and fabrics to doorknobs and handrails A University of Alberta engineering researcher has developed an antimicrobial solution that kills infectious pathogens on contact with face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE). The substance can be sprayed on or used to…

Airports perform better when owned by private equity funds

Airports perform better when owned by private equity fundsAirports under public ownership have no incentive to improve customer experiences New research from the University of Alberta’s School of Business shows airports perform better – with improved customer service, fewer cancellations and delays, and more routes – when purchased by private investors. Canada’s major airports, which are operated by private, not-for-profit airport authorities with…

Promoting Canadian music today is as crucial as ever

Promoting Canadian music today is as crucial as everNegative reaction to the Online Streaming Act (Bill C-11) is perplexing, says music professor In the early 1990s, rock musician Bryan Adams became a lightning rod for what many people said was wrong with Canadian content rules. His international hit song, (Everything I Do) I Do It For You, didn’t adequately meet the definition of…

Satellite launch marks new milestone for made-in-Alberta space science

Satellite launch marks new milestone for made-in-Alberta space scienceSecond cube satellite built by student-led team will help scientists monitor wildfires In the world of space science, all eyes were on NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida recently for the launch of a rocket carrying three cube satellites made by University of Alberta students and their partners at Yukon University and Aurora College. One…

Futuristic technology could help protect soldiers in combat

Futuristic technology could help protect soldiers in combatCommunications system will provide vital information about troop health and situational awareness, even in the harshest conditions Ashwin Iyer knows he isn’t cut out for combat. But the electrical and computer engineering professor has long wanted to help keep Canadian soldiers safer on the battlefield, and he’s hoping his recent funding from the Department of…

Why the job you apply for might not be the one you get

Why the job you apply for might not be the one you getBoth employees and employers need to be prepared for rapidly evolving expectations You finally land your dream job. The posting described your qualifications so well it might as well have had your name on it. But when you arrive on day one, it feels like the ground has shifted beneath your feet. The dream job…
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