scholarly journals The Science Policy Script, Revised

Minerva ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Hofmänner ◽  
Elisio Macamo
Keyword(s):  
Science Policy ◽  
Recent Trend ◽  
Evaluation Criteria ◽  
Policy Instruments ◽  
Development Cooperation ◽  
Scientific Cooperation ◽  
Point Of Entry ◽  
Emerging And Developing Countries ◽  
International Scientific Cooperation

AbstractThe paper considers the notion of Science Policy from a postcolonial perspective. It examines the theoretical implications of the recent trend to include emerging and developing countries in international Science Policies by way of the case study of Switzerland. This country’s new international science policy instruments and measures have challenged the classical distinction between international scientific cooperation and development cooperation, with consequences on standards and evaluation criteria. The analysis reveals that the underlying assumptions of the concept of Science Policy perpetuate traditional asymmetries in the global political economy of science. The paper suggests that the present legacy of Science Policy institutions and practices needs to be transformed to reflect an increasingly diverse spectrum of scientific purposes and traditions. It offers a revised set of foundational assumptions on Science Policy and, more broadly, proposes a fresh point of entry for the field of Science & Technology Studies (STS) to contribute to the Science Policy discourse.

scholarly journals Appraising psychotherapy case studies in practice-based evidence: introducing Case Study Evaluation-tool (CaSE)

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Greta Kaluzeviciute
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Evaluation Criteria ◽  
Internal Validity ◽  
Knowledge Generation ◽  
Evaluation Tool ◽  
Third Way ◽  
Study Evaluation ◽  
Essential Components ◽  
Randomised Controlled

AbstractSystematic case studies are often placed at the low end of evidence-based practice (EBP) due to lack of critical appraisal. This paper seeks to attend to this research gap by introducing a novel Case Study Evaluation-tool (CaSE). First, issues around knowledge generation and validity are assessed in both EBP and practice-based evidence (PBE) paradigms. Although systematic case studies are more aligned with PBE paradigm, the paper argues for a complimentary, third way approach between the two paradigms and their ‘exemplary’ methodologies: case studies and randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Second, the paper argues that all forms of research can produce ‘valid evidence’ but the validity itself needs to be assessed against each specific research method and purpose. Existing appraisal tools for qualitative research (JBI, CASP, ETQS) are shown to have limited relevance for the appraisal of systematic case studies through a comparative tool assessment. Third, the paper develops purpose-oriented evaluation criteria for systematic case studies through CaSE Checklist for Essential Components in Systematic Case Studies and CaSE Purpose-based Evaluative Framework for Systematic Case Studies. The checklist approach aids reviewers in assessing the presence or absence of essential case study components (internal validity). The framework approach aims to assess the effectiveness of each case against its set out research objectives and aims (external validity), based on different systematic case study purposes in psychotherapy. Finally, the paper demonstrates the application of the tool with a case example and notes further research trajectories for the development of CaSE tool.

Application of failure mode and effects analysis to reduce microplastic emissions

2021 ◽  
pp. 0734242X2110031
Author(s):  
Ana Pires ◽  
Paula Sobral
Keyword(s):  
Failure Mode ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Policy Instruments ◽  
Effect Analysis ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Heuristic Technique ◽  
Single Use ◽  
Regulatory Measures ◽  
Plastic Products

A complete understanding of the occurrence of microplastics and the methods to eliminate their sources is an urgent necessity to minimize the pollution caused by microplastics. The use of plastics in any form releases microplastics to the environment. Existing policy instruments are insufficient to address microplastics pollution and regulatory measures have focussed only on the microbeads and single-use plastics. Fees on the use of plastic products may possibly reduce their usage, but effective management of plastic products at their end-of-life is lacking. Therefore, in this study, the microplastic–failure mode and effect analysis (MP–FMEA) methodology, which is a semi-qualitative approach capable of identifying the causes and proposing solutions for the issue of microplastics pollution, has been proposed. The innovative feature of MP–FMEA is that it has a pre-defined failure mode, that is, the release of microplastics to air, water and soil (depending on the process) or the occurrence of microplastics in the final product. Moreover, a theoretical recycling plant case study was used to demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of this method. The results revealed that MP–FMEA is an easy and heuristic technique to understand the failure-effect-causes and solutions for reduction of microplastics and can be applied by researchers working in different domains apart from those relating to microplastics. Future studies can include the evaluation of the use of MP–FMEA methodology along with quantitative methods for effective reduction in the release of microplastics.

scholarly journals Moving from Niche to Norm: Lessons from Food Waste Initiatives

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 7667
Author(s):  
Lusine H. Aramyan ◽  
Gonne Beekman ◽  
Joris Galama ◽  
Sandra van der Haar ◽  
Maarten Visscher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Waste ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Food System ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Policy Instruments ◽  
Transition Process ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Success Traits

For a transition to a circular economy to take place, behavioural change from people who are part of the transition is a key requirement. However, this change often does not occur by itself. For systemic behavioural change, policy instruments that incentivise behaviour supporting circular food systems play a key role. These instruments need to be aligned with the environment in which the behaviour takes place. In this study, we scrutinise a case study with five initiatives on the reduction of food loss and waste (FLW) contributing to a circular food system, to understand how specific, well-targeted combinations of instruments as well as other contextual and personal factors can fuel the transition to a circular economy and the reduction of FLW. All the initiatives are taking place under the umbrella of the Dutch initiative “United against food waste” (STV). We use a behavioural change perspective to assess how initiatives that support circular food systems arise and how they can be further supported. Based on the case-study analysis, we arrive at five common success traits and barriers, and five key needs for upscaling. We conclude that motivated, inspiring frontrunners are of key importance in the initial phase of a transition process. However, once a niche initiative is ready to be scaled up, the enabling environment becomes increasingly important.

Handling uncertainty in bioenergy policy design – A case study analysis of UK and German bioelectricity policy instruments

2015 ◽  
Vol 79 ◽  
pp. 64-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Purkus ◽  
Mirjam Röder ◽  
Erik Gawel ◽  
Daniela Thrän ◽  
Patricia Thornley
Keyword(s):  
Policy Design ◽  
Policy Instruments ◽  
Study Analysis ◽  
Case Study Analysis

Innovative market-based policy instruments for waste management: A case study on shredder residues in Belgium

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (10) ◽  
pp. 886-893 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maarten Dubois ◽  
Rob Hoogmartens ◽  
Steven Van Passel ◽  
Karel Van Acker ◽  
Ive Vanderreydt
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Policy Instruments

Compulsory Science Policy: Enhancing Gender Equality In Education? A Case Study Of Academic Achievement In Uganda

2021 ◽  
pp. 183-194
Author(s):  
Joyce Ayikoru Asiimwe
Keyword(s):  
Science Policy ◽  
Policy Design ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Physical Sciences ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Equality In Education ◽  
Depth Interviews

This paper communicates the results of a diagnostic evaluation of the performance of boys and girls in physical sciences at Ordinary level in Uganda after the adoption of the compulsory science policy. The objectives of the study were twofold: to examine the academic performance of boys and girls in the Uganda National Examinations from 2007 to 2010, and to highlight key factors that continue to influence the achievement of students, especially girls in sciences. Data was obtained from five co-educational secondary schools using documentary reviews, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The results revealed that the performance of both boys and girls have further declined after the implementation of the compulsory science policy. However, in comparison to the boys, girls in co-educational schools were still more likely to be among the poorest performers in sciences. This was attributed to a number of factors, key among them being girls' self-concept in sciences, and teachers' perception of girls' abilities in sciences. These findings reiterate the need to mainstream gender into both policy design and implementation.

A multi-attribute approach to select the best method for repairing river bridge columns

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mitra Salmaninezhad ◽  
S. Mahmood Jazayeri Moghaddas
Keyword(s):  
Evaluation Criteria ◽  
Bridge Columns ◽  
Pier Scour ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Accuracy And Precision ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Multi Attribute Decision Making ◽  
Weighing Method

PurposePier scour is one of the main causes of damage to the columns of the river bridges. It is essential to select the best method among various repair methods based on different evaluation indices. However, there is no procedure for ranking these repair methods based on their attributes. The present study seeks to set an approach for this ranking.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, a multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) model is presented for ranking the repair techniques, in which alternatives are examined using the most important evaluation criteria. In addition, a combination of entropy and eigenvector methods has been proposed for weighting these attributes. A case study is then used to demonstrate the applicability and the validity of the method.FindingsThe execution of the model using two multi-criteria methods yielded similar results, which confirms its accuracy and precision. Moreover, the research findings showed the consistency of the objective and subjective weighting methods and the conformity of the weights obtained for the attributes from the combination of these methods to the nature of the problem.Originality/valueThe selection of the proper method for repairing the bridge columns plays an essential role in success of the bridge restoration. The proposed model introduces an approach for ranking repair methods and selecting the best one that has not been presented so far. Also, the weighing method for attributes is an innovative method for ranking restoration methods that has been proven in a case study.

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