Hybrid sales structures in the age of e-commerce

Sales organizations continue to exhibit meaningful changes in their structures during the e-commerce era. This article examines the impact of Internet technology on the evolution of sales organizations and identifies key components underpinning a successful hybrid sales structure. A comprehensive review of sales organization studies leads to the derivation of a hybrid sales structure model, as well as a series of key recommendations pertaining to the organization and sales performance. These findings establish a platform for further research into the hybrid sales structure. The transition from a reliance on traditional, outside sales forces to a concomitant use of inside sales personnel produces hybrid sales structures that can accommodate online buyer–seller interactions and also leverage technological advances in sales automation and business intelligence to boost sales performance.     

Associated biological and environmental factors of impaired executive function in preschool-aged children: A population-based study

Executive function (EF) is essential for academic achievement, successful work, and physical and mental health. Although evidence shows that several factors have been linked to EF, these results are mixed. This study aims to identify both biological and environmental variables associated with impaired EF in preschoolers. This study was a population-based cross-sectional study of healthy children aged 2–5 years from public and private schools in Chiang Mai, Thailand. EF was assessed using a parent report of the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Preschool (BRIEF-P). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to explore the biological and environmental factors relevant to impaired executive functioning. In a total of 1540 included children, 213 children (13.83%) were defined as impaired EF. We found that biological factors—male (odds ratio [OR], 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.04–1.91]), overweight/obesity (OR, 1.59, 95% CI [1.10–2.31]), less physical activity (OR, 1.77, 95% CI [1.10–2.84]), and environmental factors—low maternal education (OR, 1.61, 95% CI [1.13–2.31]), permissive parenting style (OR, 2.75, 95% CI [1.24–6.13]), and excessive screen exposure (OR, 1.66, 95% CI [1.15–2.41])—are associated with an increased risk of impaired EF. Adjusting modifiable factors, such as healthy weight status, positive parenting, appropriate screen time, and adequate physical activities, may be necessary for children to promote EF.