Human Capital and Predictive Analysis Podcast

Developing human capital is helpful as we implement new technologies and equipment in the business world. Whether one is projecting skilled trades or professional positions, understanding what your organization needs, how it will meet market changes, and its current resources are helpful in forecasting. 

 (An episode of a podcast I created to test out how to create one and use. Yes, I know I would give it a C- but I'm learning. 😬 I'm building an arts/actor’s CV. I used to do a lot of theater in the past and still do a few things here and there but am thinking about engaging in a little more acting, theater and other stuff for fun. I have been in and out of arts type stuff on the side so activities should be organized somewhere. I thought I would share this one that I found.)

Better Managing Interior Firefighting Risks (Volunteer Firefighting)

I'm writing on another site that raises awareness of firefighters and their needs. If you didn't know I'm a volunteer/PT firefighter when I'm in the Escanaba area. I try to find resources, grants, and other things when I'm not around and unable to take any calls. As I come across resources I put them on the site I built just for firgherfighters (btw it also helps me to keep learning so a double benefit. For example, after reading the study I now have a good idea how to systematically risk rank buildings. There really isn't much on the site and I have to link the domain so I will share at some other point.). Collecting newer research and then posting that for other firefighters.

If you like volunteering to help your community join one of these organizations because they are down nationally and resources are becoming more limited (Our does pretty well in terms of recruitment and we support multiple other departments). On the flip side, if your a business and want to donate to a great department let me know in the message to the right and I will point you to a great fire department. Tax deductible donation.

Better Managing Interior Firefighting Risks [Research Study]

Saving lives also means ensuring that firefighters are not taking undo risks when they are not necessary or at times not even helpful. Structure fires create specific risks when teams must do interior work. Proximity to fire, confined spaces, create dynamic environments where many things can go wrong. The study below helps bring forward a few ideas on how to better manage such risks. 

• Develop strong standard operating procedures (SOP and guidelines (SOGs) for risk management related to fire structures with abandoned, vacant and unoccupied structures. 
• Risk analysis prior to decision making on undertaking interior actions. 
• Interior attacks should be done when resources are available such as water, ventilation, lighting, rapid intervention teams, and accountability resources. 
• Use standard systems for identifying and marking vacant buildings based on risk factors.

Fire Service Fatalities in Interior Structure Firefighting

Campbell, R (2025). Fire Service Fatalities in Interior Structure Firefighting.NFPA Reseach. https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/fire-service-fatalities-in-interior-structure-firefighting

Network Density, Patents and Innovative Development (Cluster Theoretical Model)

Industry innovation helps push companies to adapt quickly as they seek to find global footing. In our theoretical model we are creating a rapid innovation system that can be designed to speed innovation in some arenas as well as and/or create hedged resilience for local communities in other arenas against market shifts. The general conceptions of both types are similar so at times the two can be focused into a single flexible system (a balance between impact and longevity). The manner of development of either focused or organic cluster development of particular interest.

(We are dealing with theoretical models so there are no guarantees but overall the principles of developing a cluster will give administrators an opportunity to better formalize the interconnected nature of local economies and how that understanding can lead to greater coordination for positive economic and social outcomes. In other words, the simple ability to see systematically the components of economic development offers more insights on how choices lead to greater outcomes. Theoretically anyway. 🤔)

This study helps highlight how relational and structural embeddings across inter-industry collaboration leads to higher levels of innovative performance (Shi & Xiao, 2024). The use of patents is one way in which we can measure advancements. It also indicates that network density impacts innovative capacity. For my own research purposes, one would think of the total network capacity on multiple levels. I would think the principles of knowledge sharing and collaboration could happen online, on ground, or socially. One might take a broader perception of network (At least that was the way it was in the initial model and still seems to make sense now.)

Research on the Impact of Inter-Industry Innovation Networks on Collaborative Innovation Performance: A Case Study of Strategic Emerging Industries.

Keep in mind that cluster development requires social and economic transactions that foster innovation cross-industry and potentially out of cluster to regional stakeholders (Vine concept in initial model 16 years ago). Thus, designing a cluster with proper network density, anchor business that can hedge cluster similarities, and working toward mutual goals may have an impact on speeding patents as representation of innovation (Patents being one common measurement of innovation. There are others.)

Shi, J., & Xiao, Z. (2024). Research on the Impact of Inter-Industry Innovation Networks on Collaborative Innovation Performance: A Case Study of Strategic Emerging Industries. Systems, 12(6), 211. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12060211

How Our Backgrounds Influence Decision Making (Corruption and Hate Thought Experiment)

Our backgrounds can have an impact on the way in which we view the world and how we see, act, and react to others (stimuli). The very way we think of issues is rooted deeply into our upbringing, symbolic anchors, social networks and patterns. Most of the time very good things come from such perceptions of the world but there are times when social networks and misperceptions can have a major impact on the environment. Because it is a deeply embedded way of thinking, only awareness and checks-in-balances can help minimize impact of poor thinking and decision making. On the flip side we can use moral failures to raise the stature of higher order thinking to strengthen the health of the whole. In our long running philosophical hypothetical thought experiment example for learning purposes and pontification we use open hate and corruption to highlight the concepts and will eventually move onto a positive result and the natural adapatations that occured (No specific race, locality, religious, locality, or politic in principles.)

You may want to read this article to understand how background impacts decision making.  

How Our Background Influences Our Decisions

In our running example, the way in which one understands and interprets information is based in filters. An improper filter can bias decision making to a point where defaults in justice performance and clear protection of misbehaviors can occur. Such behaviors may have existed in the past and may continue with little respect for the needs of the community. Good people and officials stood for what was right to create a pause, but victims were still stuck with the bill and those who exploited others rewarded in a flip of moral and legal essential root values. 

In our philosophical example, there were known clan-based behaviors through the misuse of official positions, open actions of bullying/aggression, and the rewarding and protecting of behaviors that would be illegal when comparing the social contracts and history of such ideals.  Retaliation of whistleblowers common and people openly talked of corruption and preferences. The subjectivity of law became increasingly apparent. Official complaints and reports ignored, and new victims created from the power of dehumanization mixed with lack of normal protections.

Eventually the community overcame some of the misbehaviors through mass reporting in a way corrupted officials could no longer deny (Some confused, some lied to, and some doing the wrong thing.). What was obvious to most people was ignored by decision makers intentionally. Investigations into corruption blocked and false investigations opened to further political, ideological, racial and religious misperceptions. Other cases in other areas were dropped due to open allegations of bias and misuse of positional authority for ideological and social purposes (It happens when one doesn't reflect on the bigger purpose of positions.) 

(The whole point of the example is to show grotesque behaviors normalized through poor thought patterns and false anchors. The example is meant to be a little over the top and that is one of the points that will become apparent for deeper understanding. )

On an individual level we can understand how our culture and symbolic understandings can impact what we see and understand in our environment through selective perceptions and ignoring of glaring facts (Monkey Business Illusion or as I think of it glass half full through mirrors that showcase those hidden symbolism. These might be analyzable the same as using public information could be used to uncover patterns of corruption. We might be able to analyze these actions, reactions, and choices from two different lines to understand collaboration as well as intent to harm by some. Likewise, to also show who steadfastly upheld their values, oaths, and integrity of their positions for promotion purposes.). 

We may also consider intentionally understanding other misperceptions and lines of logic to find that in which they are similar and different. Further, we can continue to challenge corruption until a higher moral order emerges. This is where checks and balances would be helpful. Finally, we can be more thoughtful in how we administrate our social contracts and how certain behaviors undermine our institutions. It is important to act with the highest amount of integrity to ensure such systems run into the future at their highest state because people rely on them. Our futures may rely on them. 

What do we learn?

1. Our backgrounds, self-perceptions, and social networks impact how we see the world and how we act toward others. Once one learns the skills needed to universalize values within a specific historical and legal perspective they will see something very different. Winning and getting people in trouble in the short run is a narrow tactical perspective (technicalities of law and corruption) while upholding the shared principles of society through our laws is a leadership founding principle perspective (a philosophers and true north perspective of the purpose of law).

2. It is important to think about how to support institutions through supporting their essential purpose and avoid misusing them for lower order values. That may include making sure only people who are qualified professionally (skill based) and morally are in positions of high authority. 

*This is a hypothetical thought experiment for philosophical exploration purposes so take with a grain of salt and feel free to bring forward comments and different perspectives.

Escanaba City Council Regular Meeting Thursday (May 1, 2025): Log James and Pathways.

Much of the discussion was on whether or not the park and city would benefit from a grant on expanding a trail down to the waterfront versus improving current sidewalks. There were some budgeting issues and long term costs that come into play. On a positive side there is a summer log jam event comming that helps create some branding for the area. Maybe a few more tourists that stay in hotels and frequent businesses. Escanaba Log Jam June 28th (Notice the theme of a logger as well as the tree in Gladstones new brand. I thought it was interesting. Could be an early sign of area branding. Time will tell if it sticks.)

 

Who is Most Likely to Volunteer and Donate?: Supporting Mexican Orphans July 19th Event

Corazon de Vida is an interesting organization that helps children of Mexico by funding and managing orphanages. Learn about Corazon de Vida Organization. Mexican orphanages struggle with support so when you have groups to help that is awesome! The vast majority of people I have met, and prefer to associate with, are kind and want the best for children. It doesn't matter what language they speak, where they are from, or what country they reside. 

I also used to go down and help the orphans in the past and would like to do more of that in the future. It is on my mind more these days because I think when we get older, we want to do good things for people. I do have a fund-raising page for a few years in case you want to contribute (That money goes directly to the organization automatically).  Little Fundraiser Page  Little Fundraiser Page

The other day I was discussing with a friend (not specifically about this organization) how nice it would be if someone could come up with a few hundred thousand dollars a year to fund an orphanage and also raise educational money to provide a level of age-appropriate business education curriculum. Maybe also offer short term internships at the orphanage for nurses, professors, students, etc.. (I do think this organization does have some of those internship opportunities).

The upcoming fundraising event in Orange County on July 19th, 2025. I may or may not be around to come so need to hold on before I get a ticket. They may sell out by then. It would be nice to attend. If you’re interested the information is below. Perhaps you are the type who likes to volunteer and donate? I'm sure they would love the help. 

You may want to read out this study on who is most likely to volunteer. It discusses extraversion, agreeableness, assertive, kind, etc.  Personality traits linked to willingness to volunteer or donate

La Noche Blanca 7/19/2025 Corazon de Vida Events

Greed, Corruption and Hate as a Hypothetical Thought Experiment

We have been using a long run theoretical discussion on the influence of hate and corruption in decision making when checks and balances are not sufficient. In our example, misbehaviors in the wrong environment created a chain of events that highlighted some weaknesses associated with commitment to supportable moral values.  The specific race, religion, or politic doesn't matter as much as there is an imbalance between those who are considered in-group "The Clan" and out-group members.

In our theory model, greed was a major incentive in the use of employment and social connections to exploit others for personal and collective gain. Victims were harmed by multiple poor actors as a result of the passive acceptance of hate and active acceptance of social/financial corruption in some social-work circles. Grotesque behaviors appeared normalized while more pro-social behaviors were frowned upon.

(In these thought experiment there is a general goal to look at things from unique perspectives. Different players and actors will have different perceptions based on anchored symbolism and in many ways how they see themselves and the world around them. There is a general belief that certain values should underline all of those perspectives as a way to frame good and bad choices.)

Keep in mind this is just an example for theoretical hypothetical thought experiment pontification purposes in an effort to explore the possibilities of defaults as well dip into where those defaults may start. The principles do not have a specific locality, race, religion or politic because they can be applied in general where similar factors are found. Where in-group members make choices to advantage themselves at the cost of the community, or who hold distorted beliefs that derail institutional functionality, then we should seek to understand.

The behaviors initiated by the perpetrators were based in greed, prior history of such greed, a pattern of bullying and preference in outcomes which normalized such behaviors through social learning/expectation setting. Why would such a thing happen with no backstops? The answer appears to be very complex but as we explore we also define the edges of the concept and better ways to minimize its impact on others and future generations (There are some human capital and economic issues intermingled so there are reasons to explore. There are some indications there are deeper implications for social and economic interaction patterns that influence total system health.)

According to this study, 

Greed provides higher outcomes, mixed evolutionary, and lower psychological outcomes. Greed: What Is It Good for?

In our learning example there were financial and social incentives to engage in hate and corruption. There were less financial and social values for standing for one's oaths and pro-social values. Clear differences between profession of belief and actualized behaviors (moral conscious misalignment). It is an indication of environmental protections and normalization of corruption and hate in some circles. Later it was found that there were other victims that could have been shielded from harm if whistleblowers were not retaliated against aggressively (Short term need to appease in-group members with long term impacts on others.).

A question of how to avoid in the future has not been fully answered but we have learned about hate and corruption as influenced by greed. We have gained some insight into how such groups form and why they act with immunity and impunity. The simple process of looking at studies helps to understand the nature of such issues creates greater knowledge and awareness. It is meant to be a general perception so as to understand underlining principles and best ways to support institutional health (In our example we make the assumption that corruption and hate can undermine our institutions and shared values.)

*Theoretical philosophical example for learning so take with a grain of salt. We can write the ending anyway we want so we can always have a positive ending. Since it is meant for discussuin feel free to leave a comment.

Hoyer K, Zeelenberg M, Breugelmans SM. Greed: What Is It Good for? Pers Soc Psychol Bull. 2024 Apr;50(4):597-612. doi: 10.1177/01461672221140355. Epub 2022 Dec 28. PMID: 36575964; PMCID: PMC10903135.