Enablers, challenges and relationships between research impact and theory generation

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary D. Holt ◽  
Jack Steven Goulding ◽  
Akintola Akintoye
Keyword(s):  
Research Impact ◽  
External Factors ◽  
Internal Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Context ◽  
Industry Engagement ◽  
Theory Generation ◽  
The Uk ◽  
A Minor ◽  
The University

Purpose – Perceptions drawn from the construction management research (CMR) community regarding research impact (RI) and its relationship to theory generation (TG) are examined. Investigative emphasis is on RI and TG enablers and challenges (within an academic context). The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative narrative data accrued from open-ended questions within a structured questionnaire survey are analysed using frequency, quantitative content analysis, and graphical methods. A model of the RI/TG interface is presented and discussed. Findings – Principal RI enablers are “facilitation” (industry engagement, time); while principal constraints include “internal factors” (the academic, the university) and “external factors” (collaboration, funding). Respective TG enablers are “resources” (competence, time, funding) and corresponding challenges include “external factors” (market forces, compliance). RI is considered a minor challenge to TG. Research limitations/implications – The study adds empirical evidence to the ongoing RI debate within the UK generally and with regard to the CMR discipline more specifically. Originality/value – RI research is relatively sparse, while the findings in regard to CMR are entirely novel.

Can you measure IT? The UK experience of TechQual+

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 32-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Hall ◽  
Jessica Stephens ◽  
Sarah Kennedy
Keyword(s):  
Data Protection ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Survey Tool ◽  
Technology Services ◽  
Protection Legislation ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University

Purpose – The University of York Library, part of its Information Directorate, has successfully run an annual user survey using LibQUAL+ since 2008. The tool has proven invaluable in understanding user needs and measuring improvements. The ability to benchmark performance has been well received by university senior managers. Following this positive experience, the Directorate piloted the TechQual+ survey to assess its technology services. TechQual+ is a total market-survey tool developed on the same principles as LibQUAL+. York was the first university in the UK to do this. The purpose of this paper is to reflect upon the experience and its relevance to information services. Design/methodology/approach – A team was established to co-ordinate the distribution of the survey, which was e-mailed to all university members. The survey was conducted over a period of three weeks in December 2011 using their web-based tool. The team worked with the survey providers to make amendments in order to comply with UK Data Protection legislation. Findings – The TechQual+ tool provided a rich set of data on the IT needs of University of York students and staff, including a wealth of comments. As the first use of the tool in the UK, a number of outcomes arose from the pilot: methods for running the survey in order to meet UK data protection requirements; feedback on the tool itself, with some questions not understood from a UK context; a rich set of results data, with some similarities (and several differences) to those available through LibQUAL+. Originality/value – The paper presents the first application of the TechQual+ survey in UK and discusses the issues faced when implementing it in a UK context. The case study will be of interest to libraries or converged services interested in assessing their IT provision.

Internal and external factors effect on the mobile pressure sensors’ performance

Sensor Review ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 405-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Semih Dalgin ◽  
Ahmet Özgür Dogru
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Sensor ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Pressure Sensors ◽  
External Factors ◽  
Sensor Data ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Internal Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal And External Factors ◽  
Mems Pressure Sensors

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of internal and external factors on the accuracy and consistency of the data provided by mobile-embedded micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) pressure sensors based on smartphones currently in use. Design/methodology/approach For this purpose, sensor type and smartphone model have been regarded as internal factors, whereas temperature, location and usage habits have been considered as external factors. These factors have been investigated by examining data sets provided by sensors from 14 different smartphones. In this context, internal factors have been analyzed by implementing accuracy assessment processes for three different smartphone models, whereas external factors have been evaluated by analyzing the line charts which present timely pressure changes. Findings The study outlined that the sensor data at different sources have different characteristics due to the affecting parameters. Even if the pressure sensors are used under similar circumstances, data of these sensors have inconsistencies because of the sensor drift originated by internal factors. This study concluded that it was not applicable to provide a common correction coefficient for pressure sensor data of each smartphone model. Therefore, relative data (pressure differences) should be taken into consideration rather than absolute data (pressure values) when developing mobile applications using sensor data. Research limitations/implications Results of this study can be used as the guideline for developing mobile applications using MEMS pressure sensors. One of the main finding of this paper is promoting the use of relative data (pressure differences) rather than absolute data (pressure values) when developing mobile applications using smartphone-embedded sensor data. This significant result was proved by examinations applied with in the study and can be applied by future research studies. Originality/value Existing studies mostly evaluate the use of MEMS pressure sensor data obtained from limited number of smartphone models. As each smartphone model has a specific technology, factors affecting the sensor performances should be identified and analyzed precisely in terms of smartphone models for providing extensive results. In this study, five smartphone models were used fractionally. In this context, they were used for examining the common effects of the factors, and detailed accuracy assessments were applied by using two high-tech smartphones in the market.

Building better customer relationships: case studies from Malta and the UK

2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 430-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Broady‐Preston ◽  
Joanna Felice ◽  
Susan Marshall
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Customer Relationships ◽  
Market Potential ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Basic Premise ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Good Communication ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the results of two surveys conducted at the University of Malta Library, 2003‐20044 and Lanchester Library, University of Coventry, 2005‐2006. Relationships between library staff and their customers are explored using a customer relationships management (CRM) framework.Design/methodology/approachFocus groups were used to ascertain customer and staff perceptions of the quality of library service and the existing nature of customer/librarian relationships.FindingsCRM was a useful framework for analysing the perceived worth of university libraries. In the contemporary competitive environment, librarians needed not only to ascertain and meet customer need, but to form active collaborations with their customers if the true market potential of academic libraries is to be realised. Good communication strategies are essential for CRM to be successful. Training for staff and customers in information skills and/or new systems is an essential element of a CRM approach.Research limitations/implicationsFurther large‐scale research is desirable to test the basic premise and the methodology employed in greater depth.Practical implicationsInvolving customers actively in the design and delivery of library services has positive benefits vis‐à‐vis the perceived worth and value of the service within the wider institution.Originality/valueDemonstrates the value of adopting a CRM strategy within university libraries.

Factors affecting the implementation of Web 2.0 applications in Omani academic libraries

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 332-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahma Al-Kharousi ◽  
Naeema H Jabur ◽  
Abdelmajed Bouazza ◽  
Nabhan Al-Harrasi
Keyword(s):  
Web 2.0 ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
External Factors ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Internal Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Policy Shift ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the different factors that affect using Web 2.0 applications in Omani academic libraries (OALs). Design/methodology/approach – In all, 29 interviews with directors and library staff of five OALs were conducted for the purpose of collecting data for the current research. Findings – The results indicated that there are nine internal factors and four external factors that affect using Web 2.0 applications in OALs. Internal factors include the low motivation of directors and library staff regarding using of Web 2.0 applications, lack of training and constant changes in the management structure. Meanwhile, the external factors are related to lack of policy and regulations and weakness and low speed of the internet. Practical implications – Most academic libraries in Oman have not yet adopted Web 2.0 applications to enhance their services. Therefore, this study intends to open insight into the state of Web 2.0 adoption in academic libraries and will help library managers to understand factors facing the use of Web 2.0 applications in their libraries, and this could signal a basis for policy shift in the internet infrastructure especially in the institutions of the higher education. Originality/value – This research is the first study in the field of Web 2.0 applications in OALs that investigates the factors affecting the use of Web 2.0 applications in academic libraries in general and in OALs specifically.

Developing the researching professional

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-170
Author(s):  
Vanja Orlans
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Training ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Assurance Agency ◽  
Doctoral Level ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Training And Research ◽  
Doctoral Work ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University ◽  
Counselling Psychology

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an overview and analysis of a professional doctorate that was designed specifically for the training of psychologists in the fields of counselling psychology and psychotherapy, namely, the Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy by Professional Studies (DCPsych). Design/methodology/approach – This programme has needed to combine the demands of different professional bodies for the development of a range of clinical competencies with the doctoral level demands of the university and of the UK Quality Assurance Agency in terms of adherence to a required set of doctoral level descriptors. Findings – The paper presents a critical review of a number of key areas that have needed to be addressed in both the design and delivery of this programme. It addresses in some detail the interface between clinical training and research activities, demonstrating how these can intertwine and mutually complement each other. Specific issues that are addressed in the paper include the articulation of relevant doctoral level descriptors, the teasing out of key areas that define doctoral level work and the complexities of putting some of these into practice within the DCPsych programme. Originality/value – In particular, the paper reflects on the issue of critical capability at doctoral level, the challenge of making a significant contribution to the practice field and the implications for candidates of journeying towards a position of authority as they develop their doctoral work. The paper concludes with the suggestion that what has been developed is an extremely interesting and innovative programme that is not for the faint hearted.

scholarly journals The Effects of COVID-19 on EFL Learners’ Anxiety at the University of Bisha

2021 ◽  
pp. 209-221
Author(s):  
Ghazwan Mohammed Saeed Mohammed ◽  
Badri Abdulhakim DM Mudhsh
Keyword(s):  
External Factors ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Internal Factors ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Learning Anxiety ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
The University

This study investigates the effects of COVID-19 on English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ anxiety at the University of Bisha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The differences between male and female learners and learners of the different study levels in terms of anxiety caused by COVID-19 were investigated. Moreover, the study sheds light on two factors which are the internal factors and external factors that increase learning anxiety during COVID-19 and the strategies used by the learners to decrease the negative effects of COVID-19 on learning anxiety. The data of the study were collected from 80 EFL learners (40 males and 40 females) at the University of Bisha. This study is considerable as it deals with something that is important in the learning and teaching processes these days. The study revealed that COVID-19 causes normal anxiety to the EFL learners at the University of Bisha. It was also revealed that there is no significant difference between the male and female learners in terms of anxiety caused by COVID-19 and external factors. There is a significant difference between them in terms of the internal factors and strategies used by the learners to decrease the negative effects of learning anxiety during COVID-19. Lastly, there was no significant difference between the learners of the different study levels in terms of anxiety, internal factors and external factors that increase negative learning anxiety and the strategies used by the learners to decrease the negative learning anxiety during COVID-19.

scholarly journals Developing your own graduate employees

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 378-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie Antcliff ◽  
Sue Baines ◽  
Elizabeth Gorb
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
Bachelor's Degree ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Support ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University ◽  
Ongoing Dialogue ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to offer an employer perspective on the value of degree apprenticeships (DAs) less than a year after the first apprentices commenced their studies for a bachelor’s degree in September 2015. Design/methodology/approach This case focusses on one of the first DAs in the UK. It draws on evidence from interviews with HR professionals responsible for the DA in two contrasting companies, an international PLC and a smaller, fast growing enterprise. Findings Both employers consider that the DA meets recruitment needs in ways that other options do not. They particularly value the ability of apprentices to make an immediate contribution in the workplace. For the smaller employer the university support structures are a significant advantage. Only the larger employer formally input into the curriculum prior to validation but both feel they can tailor content to suit their needs. Both see investing in the DA as excellent value for money. Practical implications The value of strong relationships, trust and ongoing dialogue between partners emerges as a key component in fulfilling the need of employers. Originality/value The DA model recasts employers as the purchasers of higher education and affords them a key role in developing provision tailored to their needs. Implications of this new model for employers, universities and learners are potentially profound and hard to predict. This case study is based on part of the early stage of a three-year research programme. It provides a unique, early insight into two employers’ rationales for engaging with the DA programme and their initial experiences.

Do predictors of mental health differ between home and international students studying in the UK?

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 224-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catrin Pedder Jones ◽  
Annemarie Lodder ◽  
Chris Papadopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
International Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
General Mental Health ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University

Purpose Previous research has found that international students can experience poor mental health, low levels of life satisfaction, self-esteem and high levels of loneliness when studying in a foreign country. No study has directly compared these between international and home students studying in the UK. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach A total of 247 students completed an online survey at the University of Bedfordshire. Findings The hypothesis that international students experience higher loneliness, lower self-esteem, lower life satisfaction and poorer general mental health than home students was rejected. Home students had significantly lower self-esteem, life satisfaction and general mental health scores. Black ethnicity and home student status significantly predicted general mental health and self-esteem in regression analyses. The predictive utility of home student status was maintained when other variables were controlled for in regression models. Originality/value This research suggests that the UK universities should ensure that both home and international students are adequately supported for their mental health.

scholarly journals The convergence of National Professional Qualifications in educational leadership and master’s level study

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 484-494
Author(s):  
Steve Lambert
Keyword(s):  
Educational Leadership ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Master's Level ◽  
Professional Networks ◽  
Professional Qualification ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University

Purpose In 2017 the UK Government decided that the suite of National Professional Qualifications (National Professional Qualifications for Middle Leadership, National Professional Qualifications for Senior Leadership and National Professional Qualifications for Headship) needs to be updated in order to ensure they remained relevant to the changing shape of the educational landscape, particularly through the expansion of multi-academy trusts (MATs). At the same time, the Government proposed a new National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership aimed at the CEOs of MATs. The purpose of this paper is to explore the way in which the new National Professional Qualification (NPQ) programmes are having master’s level criteria embedded into them to facilitate a seamless progression into the master’s level study. Design/methodology/approach The paper combines desk research with reflections on the experience of developing the new NPQ programme within higher education institutions (HEIs) and considers the implications of this upon current and emerging HEI practice and research into educational leadership. Findings There were a number of key issues highlighted by the paper. Notably, the process of embedding academic criteria into a training programme, which was not used to support the notion of critical reflection. Also, the associated mechanisms of accreditation, existing professional networks and the upskilling of staff delivering the NPQ programme, and a professionally oriented interface between the university, employer and deliverer of the training. Originality/value This paper provides an original perspective involving the embedding of master’s level criteria into professional qualifications in the field of educational leadership.

scholarly journals Investigative decision-making: interviews with detectives

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 88-107
Author(s):  
Elpiniki Spanoudaki ◽  
Maria Ioannou ◽  
John Synnott ◽  
Calli Tzani-Pepelasi ◽  
Ntaniella Roumpini Pylarinou
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Naturalistic Inquiry ◽  
Naturalistic Decision Making ◽  
Internal Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Decision Making Model

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore investigative decision-making processes in the context of major crimes as experienced by the law enforcement agents.Design/methodology/approachEpisodic interviews were conducted with six agents from medium-sized police forces in the UK. Following the framework of naturalistic inquiry, qualitative content analysis took place with the assistance of Atlas.ti software. To ensure the validity of findings, the within method triangulation was preferred, by additionally analysing the interview transcripts with Alceste.FindingsFindings from this study revealed a variety of internal factors at play, shaping the decision-making course into an act of balancing various desired goals. Detectives appear to assess a situation based on their experiences confirming that the naturalistic decision-making model may assist in understanding investigative decision-making.Research limitations/implicationsDue to the busy schedule of law enforcement agents the number of participants was limited and availability difficult; therefore, this study can be thought of as a pilot study that will inspire researchers to use the same method for in-depth understanding of investigative decision-making.Practical implicationsResults captured the ill-defined goals in the police environment and provided ways of decreasing their impact on investigative decision-making thus should help detectives to understand their decision-making limitations and strengths.Social implicationsThis project will enhance the psychological understanding of investigative decision-making.Originality/valueThis project assists in understanding the psychological aspect of investigative decision-making during police duty and provides the opportunity to law enforcement agents to re-evaluate situations in order to improve the investigative decision-making process; while adds to existing literature.

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