Teaching outbreak investigation to undergraduate food technologists

2015 ◽  
Vol 117 (2) ◽  
pp. 766-778 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanne Karlsen ◽  
Lisbeth Mehli ◽  
Erik Wahl ◽  
Ragnhild Lyngved Staberg
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Outbreak Investigation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Module Design ◽  
Food Borne ◽  
Future Work

Purpose – Investigations of food-borne outbreaks are complex and require multidisciplinary collaboration. The purpose of this paper is to help food technologists face this challenge and be competent members of a multidisciplinary team, a study module on the investigation of a “real-life” food-borne outbreak was developed. Design/methodology/approach – The module design was based on the principles of inquiry-based learning with the purpose to motivate and activate students with challenging assignments. The didactic impact of the module was evaluated as a qualitative case study with questionnaires, reflection assignments and interviews of students and lecturers. Findings – A teaching module developed by an external professional taking part in the academic environment provides a learning environment well adapted to the curriculum, as well as bringing first-hand realism and enthusiasm into the classroom. The external lecturer’s dedication to the subject was appreciated by the students. A majority of the students believed that the outbreak investigation simulation play gave a better understanding of how food-borne outbreaks are investigated. A majority of the students 68 per cent (2011) and 82 per cent (2012) believed that what they learned in this module would be useful in a future work situation. Research limitations/implications – There are some limitations to the study, the most important one being the small sample size, and as the classes rarely exceeds 30 students, the use of a control group was not logistically feasible. Originality/value – Teaching food technologists to become knowledgeable professionals in this field will constitute a valuable contribution to the multidisciplinary food-borne outbreak investigation team. In turn, this may increase confidence among the general public in the food industry.

INSPIRE sustainability internships

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 452-469 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn Susan Hayles
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Student Body ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Life Context ◽  
The University

Purpose This paper aims to explore the outputs of an internship programme, one of a number of campus-based sustainability activities that have been introduced at the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, to encourage student-led campus-based greening initiatives. Design/methodology/approach A case study approach was undertaken, allowing the researcher to investigate the programme in its real-life context. The researcher used multiple sources of evidence to gain as holistic a picture as possible. Findings Interns report positive changes in their behaviours towards sustainability, s well as encouraging feedback on their experiential learning, the development of their soft skills and the creation of new knowledge. Moreover, students communicated perceived benefits for their future careers. The reported outcomes reflect mutually beneficial relationships for student and institution, for example, raising the profile of campus greening activities and supporting the University’s aim to embed sustainability throughout its campus, community and culture. Research limitations/implications The researcher recognises the limitations of the research, in particular, the small sample size, which has resulted primarily in qualitative results being presented. Practical implications Feedback from previous interns will be used to shape future internships. In particular, Institute of Sustainable Practice, Innovation and Resource Effectiveness (INSPIRE) will look for opportunities to work more closely with University operations, departments, faculties and alongside University staff, both academic and support staff. Social implications Following student feedback, INSPIRE will give students opportunities for wider involvement, including an opportunity to propose their own projects to shape future internships that meet the needs of student body on campus. Originality/value Despite being one case study from one institution, the research highlights the value of such programmes for other institutions.

The influence of homeschooling on entrepreneurial activities: a collective case study

2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 706-719 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Jeanne Pannone
Keyword(s):  
Locus Of Control ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Collective Case Study ◽  
Internal Locus Of Control ◽  
Entrepreneurial Characteristics ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how a homeschool education influences entrepreneurial characteristics and activity. Design/methodology/approach A collective case study design was used to investigate how a homeschool education influences entrepreneurial characteristics and activity. Findings From the participant interviews, surveys, and document analysis, three salient themes emerged. First, participants noted that their home education, at least in later years, was largely self-directed and that this independent, self-motivated type of learning impacted their subsequent entrepreneurial activities. Next, participants also related that they believed the alternative nature of their homeschooling education and its emphasis on being comfortable with being different influenced their entrepreneurial pathway. Finally, the third theme to surface was the idea that homeschooling helped develop an internal locus of control, a belief that is helpful in entrepreneurial undertakings. Research limitations/implications Research limitations included a lack of generalizability due to a small sample size and possible selection bias. Practical implications Despite these shortcomings, however, several implications exist. For example, the findings from this study show that homeschooling may be a viable alternative education method for parents looking to encourage entrepreneurial traits and activities in their children. Social implications Future areas of research were also identified, including a call to research the role locus of control plays in homeschooled students. Originality/value This study addresses an area that, to the knowledge of this researcher, is completely lacking from the research literature.

Exploring digital servitization trajectories within product–service–software space

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Hsuan ◽  
Marin Jovanovic ◽  
Diego Honorato Clemente
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Software Systems ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Ecosystem ◽  
Product Service ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Mapping Exercise

PurposeThis study shows various pathways manufacturers can take when embarking on digital servitization (DS) journeys. It builds on the DS and modularity literature to map the strategic trajectories of product–service–software (PSSw) configurations.Design/methodology/approachThe study is exploratory and based on the inductive theory building method. The empirical data were gathered through a workshop with focus groups of 15 servitization manufacturers (with 22 respondents), an on-site workshop (in-depth case study), semi-structured interviews, observations and document study of archival data.FindingsThe DS trajectories are idiosyncratic and dependent on design architectures of PSSw modules, balancing choices between standardization and innovation. The adoption of software systems depends on the maturity of the industry-specific digital ecosystem. Decomposition and integration of PSSw modules facilitate DS transition through business model modularity. Seven testable propositions are presented.Research limitations/implicationsWith the small sample size from different industries and one in-depth case study, generalizing the findings was not possible.Practical implicationsThe mapping exercise is powerful when top management from different functional departments can participate together to share their expertise and achieve consensus. It logs the “states” that the manufacturer undergoes over time.Originality/valueThe Digital Servitization Cube serves as a conceptual framework for manufacturers to systematically map and categorize their current and future PSSw strategies. It bridges the cross-disciplinary theoretical discussion in DS.

A critical evaluation of integrated care: a case study of the supported discharge service

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Louise Ware
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Integrated Care ◽  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Discharge Process ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the Supported Discharge Service as a case study of integrated care. The paper will critically evaluate integrated care with regard to patient outcomes, patient satisfaction and cost and productivity. Design/methodology/approach A retrospective mixed methods case study design was adopted utilising patient satisfaction questionnaires, therapy outcome measure and a performance dashboard to measure improvements in patient satisfaction, patient outcomes and cost and productivity. Findings Measured improvements were observed in the integrated discharge process and analysis of the findings demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in patient outcomes, high levels of patient satisfaction and improved productivity subsequently leading to financial savings. Research limitations/implications Due to convenience sampling, the small sample size and a short time frame when analysing patient outcomes, the generalisability of results is limited. Despite this, with integrated care being polymorphous the findings can be utilised to develop theoretical principles to make assertions about integration (Wikfeldt, 1993). Originality/value This paper draws on the importance of integration as the principal driver of reform within the healthcare system. Even though on a small scale, the case study provides evidence to support the use of integration to improve patient outcomes, patient satisfaction and financial savings.

scholarly journals The Effects of Teachers’ Training on Professional Development and Teaching Practice: A Case Study of Two Selected Colleges in Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 148-179
Author(s):  
Mohammad Jahangir Hossain Mojumder
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Small Samples ◽  
Formal Schooling ◽  
Problem Solving Skills

Nowadays, demands are growing for outcome-based and transferable learning, particularly in higher education. Being the terminal formal schooling, it needs facilitation of pupils’ achievement of problem-solving skills for real-life by teachers. To this end, this qualitative research employs a case study approach, which is suitable to test an event with small samples, and a phenomenological method to analyze respondents’ perceptions and activities thematically and descriptively to assess changes. In-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and class observations are used to collect data from two selected colleges to examine the extent of professional development and methodological shift in teaching as effects of training to include active learning strategies for better learning outcomes. The data though reveals that the selected flagship training program offers a bunch of pedagogical methods (not need-based) to imbibe, yet reject the idea that the nationally arranged training remains a successful effort to increase trainees’ knowledge, skills, and polish attitudes except disseminating a few concepts superficially. Moreover, trainees lack the motivation to shift their teaching habits and are unconvinced that the application of these newly learned strategies will transform anything. Likewise, they are discontented about training contents and unenthusiastic in consort with unfavorable opinions about training procedures and trainers to some extent. Therefore, the results suggest limited or no significant professional development and modification in teaching practice, rather teachers continue conventional teacher-centered method, and the effort stays insufficient, extraneous, ‘fragmented’, and ‘intellectually superficial’. Additionally, at the colleges, large class size, inappropriate sitting arrangement, pervasive traditionality, absenteeism, and other analogous challenges limited them to change their practice. Considering all these, this study suggests that alternations should be initiated at a micro (teachers & college) and macro-level (training providers & policymakers) to offer tailor-made, autonomous, and need-based training. Last but not the least, this endeavor is limited by being entirely qualitative with a small sample size and not eliciting the views of any of the trainers and policymakers and which can be an indication of points of departure for future study.

Alternative transportation education: implementing an innovative module

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 157-176
Author(s):  
Kelly McKenna ◽  
Levi Altringer
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Active Transportation ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Student Survey ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Survey Responses

Purpose This study aims to investigate the Colorado state university (CSU) MOVES online, transportation module, which was implemented for the dual purpose of promoting alternative modes of transportation and while providing students with the information and skills necessary to comfortably and safely commute on and around campus without a personal motor vehicle. Design/methodology/approach This mixed methods research tests the effect of the CSU MOVES transportation module on students’ familiarity, comfortability and knowledgeability, the researchers investigate within- and across-group changes in student survey responses over time. Findings The educational transportation module had an immediate and significant impact on the students’ familiarity, comfortability and knowledgeability regarding alternative and active transportation methods and this effect lasted over the semester. In addition, participating students experienced much larger gains in their knowledgeability of safe active transportation practices. Research limitations/implications The CSU MOVES survey data was limited in multiple ways, including self-selection into participation and completion of the transportation module, as well as the small sample size and lack of an authentic control group. Originality/value Universities and colleges across the country are becoming critically aware of issues surrounding transportation on and around campus and CSU is one of the first universities to join together with the local community to implement a transportation education module. Transportation initiatives have been motivated by multiple factors such as the supply of and demand for parking on and around campuses, sustainability efforts to reduce carbon emissions associated with university operations and the promotion of student health through active lifestyle practices.

Financial support services for beekeepers: a case study of development interventions in Fiji's Northern Division

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordanna Hinton ◽  
Cooper Schouten ◽  
Kerrie Stimpson ◽  
David Lloyd
Keyword(s):  
Support Services ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Financial Support ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
The Pacific

PurposeThis paper analyses financial support services (loans and grants) from the perspective of beekeepers in Fiji's Northern Division.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-method, case study approach was used with key informant interviews, focus groups, semi-structured interviews and questionnaires.FindingsFinancial support was found to be an appropriate intervention. While beekeepers have access to loans, matching grants or small business grants to assist the establishment and growth of their activities, the appropriateness of these services varies based on the experience and skill of beekeepers. Capacity building was an important shortcoming in all financial services. It is recommended beekeeping clients undertake outcome-based, practical and/or mentorship-styled training to ensure beekeepers have the appropriate skills to maintain a viable enterprise.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was limited by a small sample size. Further research is needed to understand long-term impacts of financial support services and the availability and appropriateness of these within and between regions.Social implicationsRecommendations are provided to encourage effective financial support for beekeepers to improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of their activities. This can impact beekeepers' livelihoods by increasing household income and income security.Originality/valueThere is a paucity of literature on the effectiveness of financial interventions to support beekeeping enterprises. This is the first study to compare financial support services from the perspective of beekeepers in the Pacific region.

Telephone follow-up for cataract surgery: feasibility and patient satisfaction study

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 407-416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy J.S.L. Hoffman ◽  
Lucia Pelosini
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Cataract Surgery ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Randomised Study ◽  
Risk Patients

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of telephone follow-up (TFU) after uncomplicated cataract surgery in low-risk patients and patient satisfaction with this alternative clinical pathway. Design/methodology/approach – Prospective, non-randomised cohort study. A ten-point subjective ophthalmic assessment questionnaire and a six-point patient satisfaction questionnaire were administered to patients following routine cataract surgery at two to three weeks post-procedure. All patients were offered a further clinic review if required. Exclusion criteria comprised ophthalmic co-morbidities, hearing/language impairment and high risk of post-operative complications. Patient notes were retrospectively reviewed over the study period to ensure no additional emergency attendances took place. Findings – Over three months, 50 eyes of 50 patients (mean age: 80; age range 60-91; 66 per cent second eye surgery) underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery received a TFU at 12-24 days (mean: 16 days) post-operatively. Subjective visual acuity was graded as good by 92 per cent of patients; 72 per cent patients reported no pain and 20 per cent reported mild occasional grittiness. Patient satisfaction was graded 8.9 out of 10; 81.6 per cent defined TFU as convenient and 75.5 per cent of patients preferred TFU to routine outpatient review. No additional visits were required. Research limitations/implications – Non-randomised with no control group; small sample size. One patient was unable to be contacted. Practical implications – Post-operative TFU can be suitably targeted to low-risk patients following uncomplicated cataract surgery. This study demonstrated a high patient satisfaction. A larger, randomised study is in progress to assess this further. Originality/value – This is the first study reporting TFU results and patient satisfaction to the usual alternative two-week outpatient review.

Evaluation of a resilience intervention for Filipino displaced survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 346-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Regina Hechanova ◽  
Pierce S. Docena ◽  
Liane Peña Alampay ◽  
Avegale Acosta ◽  
Emma E. Porio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Adaptive Coping ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Super Typhoon ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Resilience Intervention

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of a community-based resilience intervention for Filipino displaced survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan. Design/methodology/approach The researchers used a quasi-experimental and mixed-method design comparing a treatment group with a control group across three time periods: before, immediately after, and six months after the intervention. Findings Results showed significant improvements in survivors’ anxiety scores and resilience scores compared to those who did not undergo the program. However, although there was an increase in adaptive coping of participants immediately after the program, there was a reduction in adaptive coping behaviors for all groups six months after the program. Focus group discussions revealed this might be due to significant environmental challenges among displaced survivors. Research limitations/implications A limitation of the study was the lack of randomization and a small sample size due to attrition. Practical implications The study highlights the positive effects of culturally adapted group interventions. Social implications The results suggest the importance of a systemic approach to enabling the recovery of displaced survivors in developing countries. Originality/value This study provides evidence for a resilience intervention developed in a low-middle income country in Southeast Asia.

scholarly journals “Dangerous conversations”: a case study involving language

2015 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 439-451
Author(s):  
Iolo Madoc-Jones ◽  
Dawn Jones ◽  
Odette Parry ◽  
Sarah Dubberley
Keyword(s):  
Service Providers ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Minority Group ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Power Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Language Choices ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Diversity Issues

Purpose – Drawing on the approach of Bourdieu (1977, 1986), and using language as an exemplar, the purpose of this paper is to engage in a “dangerous conversation” to explore how and why issues of diversity were mobilised, ignored and leveraged in one particular service context. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative research exploring the language choices of 25 service users who had been processed through the criminal Justice System in Wales in the last five years. Findings – The argument is made that in some service contexts, a habitus obtains that renders reflexivity about diversity issues problematic and predicates against the critical reflection necessary to promote anti-oppressive practice. Research limitations/implications – Small sample size, not generalisable. Practical implications – The authors intend the paper to encourage greater reflection on instances when diversity issues are raised and to render simplistic any attempt to invalidate claims of discrimination. Social implications – Encourage dialogue about claims of discrimination and greater reflection by service providers about the legitimacy of such claims. Originality/value – Anti-oppressive theorising has, for the most part, constructed minority group members as passive victims within hierarchical power relationships. While acknowledging how power is unequally distributed, the paper challenges hierarchical models which designate minority group members as bereft of power.

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