It’s complicated: a multi-method approach to broadening participation in STEM

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 349-361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie Gray Hardcastle ◽  
Stacie Furst-Holloway ◽  
Rachel Kallen ◽  
Farrah Jacquez
Keyword(s):  
Program Evaluation ◽  
Stereotype Threat ◽  
Longitudinal Analysis ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Women In Stem ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Broadening Participation

PurposeA lot is known about systemic barriers to broadening participation (BP) in STEM. Empirical research has demonstrated the existence and impact of implicit bias, stereotype threat, and micro-aggressions on a sense of belonging, organizational productivity and leadership opportunities. We also know that achieving greater participation of women and faculty of color in the STEM disciplines is complicated and depends on altering complex and multi-layered interactions between activities and actors. Further, because researcher and institutional goals vary as a function of target population and context, generalizable models can struggle in the face of larger BP efforts. Through the authors experience as an NSF ADVANCE-IT awardee, the authors believe that a dynamic, multi-scaled and organizational level approach is required to reflect the reciprocal dialogue among research questions, best practices, tailored applications and quantifiable goals. The authors describe several examples of research, programming activities and program evaluation that illustrate this approach. In particular, the authors describe both the programming successes and challenges, with the aim of helping others to avoid common mistakes by articulating very broad and, the authors’ hope, generalizable “lessons learned.” The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachTo better understand the barriers for women in STEM, the authors utilized an iterative methodology. Specifically, the authors conducted a social network analysis, an exit survey of departed faculty, longitudinal analysis of career trajectories and research productivity, and a survey on the interaction between values and climate.FindingsThe analyses suggest three strategies better retain women in STEM: improve women’s professional networks; re-aling policy documents and departmental practices to better reflect faculty values; and improve departmental climate.Practical implicationsThe pay-off for using this more complex research approach to triangulate onto specific challenges is that the interventions are more likely to be successful, with a longer-lasting impact.Originality/valueWith continuous institutional research, metric refinement, and program evaluation the authors are better able to develop targeted programming, policy reform, and changes in institutional practice. The interventions should result in permanent institutional and systemic change by integrating multi-method qualitative and quantitative research into BP practices, which the authors couple with longitudinal analysis that can quantify success of the authors’ efforts.

Appreciative inquiry's potential in program evaluation and research

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dana M. Griggs ◽  
Mindy Crain-Dorough
Keyword(s):  
Program Evaluation ◽  
Public Education ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Evaluation Tool ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Educational Partnership ◽  
Data Saturation ◽  
Applications Of Ai

PurposeThe purposes of this paper are to provide a description of AI and to document and compare two applications of AI, one in program evaluation and another in an applied research study.Design/methodology/approachFocus groups, interviews and observations were used to gather rich qualitative data which was used to detail Appreciative Inquiry's value in evaluation and research.FindingsAI aided the researcher in connecting with the participants and valuing what they shared. In both studies, the use of AI amassed information that answered the research questions, provided a rich description of the context and findings, and led to data saturation. The authors describe and compare experiences with two applications of AI: program evaluation and a research study. This paper contributes further understanding of the use of AI in public education institutions. The researchers also explore the efficacy of using AI in qualitative research and recommend its use for multiple purposes.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations occurred in the AI-Design Stage by using a positive viewpoint and because both program and partnership studied were new with limited data to use for designing a better future. So, the authors recommend a revisit of both studies through the same 4D Model.Practical implicationsThis manuscript shows that AI is useful for evaluation and research. It amplifies the participants' voices through favorite stories and successes. AI has many undiscovered uses.Social implicationsThrough the use of AI the authors can: improve theoretical perspectives; conduct research that yields more authentic data; enable participants to deeply reflect on their practice and feel empowered; and ultimately impact and improve the world.Originality/valueAI is presented as an evaluation tool for a high-school program and as a research approach identifying strengths and perceptions of an educational partnership. In both studies, AI crumbled the walls that are often erected by interviewees when expecting to justify or defend decisions and actions. This paper contributes further understanding of the use of AI in public education institutions.

Overcoming barriers to adoption of environmentally-friendly innovations through design and strategy

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Naor ◽  
Ednilson S. Bernardes ◽  
Cheryl T Druehl ◽  
Yoram Shiftan
Keyword(s):  
Environmentally Friendly ◽  
Service Design ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Barriers To Adoption ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Product Service ◽  
A Company

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how a company which developed an environmentally friendly innovation attempted to address diffusion issues. Specifically, the purpose is to describe the ways in which an electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure company, in partnership with a major car manufacturer, tried to address barriers to diffusion of an environmentally friendly innovation during the development stage to improve the likelihood of success and lessons learned from its failure. Design/methodology/approach – The authors explore a single instrumental case of an Israeli company that developed infrastructure for EVs in partnership with a major automaker. The authors collected data using a series of semi-structured interviews at the companies’ headquarters, through direct observation in the company, and through the examination of archival and secondary data sources. Findings – The authors find that the company tried to incorporate design features in both the product and organization to address key diffusion barriers identified through survey and consumer focus research. The study maps product/service design innovations for infrastructure that combined with multi-stage organizational diffusion strategies for EVs, were used to address both functional (usage, value, and risk) and psychological (tradition and image) barriers for mass-market adoption. Practical implications – The study provides insights on how to incorporate information about barriers to adoption into product/service design and on the development of organizational-level diffusion strategy to address changes of customer’s behavior required by certain innovative sustainable solutions. In addition, the authors speculate potential causes for more recent developments with the technology that can serve as a lesson for future projects. Originality/value – Past studies have advanced the knowledge about issues surrounding the adoption and diffusion of EVs. The study expands this stream of research by focussing on product/service and organizational strategy design and by illustrating, through an empirical exploratory case study, how a company attempted to overcome these obstacles. The authors advance various propositions and point out potential exciting avenues for future research on the dissemination of environmentally friendly innovations.

Herbert Simon’s bounded rationality

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matteo Cristofaro
Keyword(s):  
Bounded Rationality ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Management Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cross Fertilization ◽  
Made In

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the historical advancements attained on the bounded rationality concept in management research, considering the key influencing discoveries in related fields. Understanding the cross-fertilization that has occurred is the first step to go beyond the current knowledge on bounded rationality and to face its challenges. Design/methodology/approach The adopted method is historical. This research approach helps to explain the evolution of a widespread concept in a scientific field and, particularly, to identify the parallel influencing advancements made in related domains. Findings Investigation of the irrational forces of human reasoning is at the centre of today’s research agenda on rationality in organizations, claiming to be an extension of the original bounded rationality concept. In this regard, scholars should commit themselves to build a more holistic approach to the investigation of human rationality, conjointly applying socio-biological and behavioural perspectives to explain the real behaviour of people in organizations and society. This reconnection will also help to overcome the inner limits of some “fashion of the month” streams that have yet to demonstrate their contribution. Originality/value This is the first study that offers an overall historical evolution of the bounded rationality concept which considers both management research and developments in related fields. The historically educed lessons learned are at the basis of the concluding recommendations for future research.

A personal narrative on understanding and navigating transitional change: lessons learned by an accounting academic amidst COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christo Ackermann
Keyword(s):  
Work Performance ◽  
Personal Narrative ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Accounting Education ◽  
Academic Departments ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Transition Change ◽  
Change Response

Purpose This paper aims to present the personal narrative of an accounting academic, seeking to make sense of his transition change-response to online accounting education, through the thematic lens of the transition cycle of change. Design/methodology/approach The research approach falls under the umbrella term of autoethnography. An autoethnography is presented as a personal narrative that focused on a specific event in life. Findings The author found that gaining awareness of how resistance to change manifests itself in the early stages of transition allows us to move forward, rather than remaining “stuck in transition”. Furthermore, the author found that transition cycles can be looped; in other words, we find ourselves starting transition anew if circumstances change again. Thus, transition should not be seen as linear but cyclical. Practical implications This research could be useful to other accounting academics by fostering an awareness of individual change-responses during times of crisis, thereby enabling better self-management of change. For heads of accountancy academic departments, it is important to take note that change amidst crisis can sap morale and diminish work performance. The management of staff, and understanding their transition change-responses during crisis, is therefore critical to ensure that staff are navigated through change arising from crisis. Originality/value This paper answers the question what can we learn by understanding our transitional process of change by drawing on change theory? To this end, this paper presents and starts this conversation, through a personal narrative bringing to life the transitional change journey of an accounting academic during crisis. This study lays a foundation for further empirical and theoretical enquiry into accounting education change processes during crisis.

Bridging capability gaps in technology transfers within related offsets

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 640-661 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Margaretha Malm ◽  
Anna Fredriksson ◽  
Kerstin Johansen
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Explicit Knowledge ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Technology Transfers ◽  
Aircraft Manufacturing ◽  
The Individual

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how capability gaps can be identified and how they can be dealt with in aircraft technology transfers in future offset deals. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on lessons learned as identified from three case studies of technology transfers from Saab, a Swedish aircraft manufacturing company to South Africa, the Czech Republic, and India. Findings – The capability gap between sender and receiver has to be dealt with on two levels: on an organizational level; and on an individual level. It is proposed that the disseminative capacity constitutes the ability to assess the capability gap between the sender and receiver, and to convert this assessment to adaptations of the product and production process to include in an industrialization process. On the individual level, the capability-raising activities were connected to employees’ knowledge, personal development plans for the transfer of explicit knowledge, as well as on-the-job training to facilitate the exchange of tacit knowledge. Research limitations/implications – The research is based on case studies from one company. Therefore, it is necessary to confirm the proposed propositions through new case studies in other contexts as well as through survey-based research. Originality/value – The paper focusses on the context of offset and reports on actual experiences from a capability perspective of technology transfers within the aircraft manufacturing area. It proposes a structured way of identifying and bridging the capability gap within such transfers.

Segmenting consumers for food defense communication strategies

2009 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 365-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis Degeneffe ◽  
Jean Kinsey ◽  
Thomas Stinson ◽  
Koel Ghosh
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Hurricane Katrina ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Terrorist Attack ◽  
Communication Strategies ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Private Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

PurposeIn the light of lessons learned from recent disasters (The London subway bombings, and Hurricane Katrina), it has become increasingly clear that supply chain partners as well as government agencies need to be prepared to communicate effectively to consumers and customers before, during and after a disaster. Effective communication can minimize confusion and harm to company reputations, to consumers, the economy and the nation. Incorporating consistent communications into supply chain management (SCM) plans used by all parties in the supply chain will enhance competitiveness of the whole chain and speed recovery from potentially disastrous events. Findings from a national survey of consumer's attitudes about terrorism provide information about the development of targeted and effective communications.Design/methodology/approachBased on a survey of more than 4,000 US consumers, this study used “predictive segmentation” which consists of a canonical factor analysis relating general consumer attitudes and values to their more specific fears and concerns about terrorism. A clustering of consumers then identifies six diverse consumer segments providing a framework for the development of communication strategies.FindingsResults from this study demonstrate that people can be grouped based on their general attitudes and values in such a way that their diversity can be captured in a simple framework of segments each reflecting striking differences in the level of concern over potential terrorist attacks.Practical implicationsGuidance is offered for the development of communication strategies based on the information needs and media behavior of each consumer segment to mitigate the impact of a potential terrorist attack or catastrophic food safety breaches. It provides practical and logical extension of former studies that suggest incorporating consumers, attitudes into SCM and business continuity plans.Originality/valueThis study leverages a common and proven marketing research approach – segmentation – used in private industry for the marketing of goods and service. It applies this method to defining segments of consumers based on their attitudes and concerns about terrorism that will be useful in supply chain communication management.

Learners’ perceptions on online library resources at Namibian College of Open Learning

2018 ◽  
Vol 119 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 597-606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Matheus ◽  
Ruth Abankwah
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Distance Learners ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Open Learning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Resource Center ◽  
Online Library

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the learners’ perceptions on the use of online resources at the Namibian College of Open Learning (NAMCOL) Yetu Yama Resource Center.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a mixed methods research approach which was also used by other researchers such as Hamutumwa (2014). It enabled the researchers to delve into the topic under study by conducting a survey using self-administered questionnaires to collect data from learners, and a semi-structured interview guide, to collect data from the Librarian, the Director and tutors. The target population for the study was Grade 12 distance learners registered with NAMCOL for the academic year 2016, librarians and tutors. Convenient sampling was used to select 200 Grade 12 distance NAMCOL learners: one Director, one Librarian and five tutors were purposeful selected as they manage the Yetu Yama Resource Centre. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to generate descriptive data, while qualitative data were manually analysed using content analysis. This approach enabled the researcher to identify key themes which emerged from the interviews.FindingsAlmost all the learners (159) opted for printed materials. The challenges experienced by learners included slow internet, as indicated by 78 (39 per cent); limited facilities, 60 (30 per cent); and inability to find relevant information, 46 (23 per cent), coupled with lack of proper guidance on the use of e-resources as indicated by 16 (8 per cent) learners.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was limited to Yetu Yama Resource Center. The results cannot be generalised to all distance learners in Namibia.Practical implicationsThe results of this study could guide librarians in Namibia when planning and/or upgrading e-resources.Social implicationsOnce the learners are equipped with the required skills, they will make optimum use of the e-resources which are provided by NAMCOL.Originality/valueThis is the first study to be conducted at NAMCOL, and it is hoped that the results will be applied to other tertiary institutions which offer distance education in Namibia.

Gender diversity and management aspirations in public sector workplaces in Denmark

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 465-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vibeke Lehmann Nielsen ◽  
Mikkel Bo Madsen
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Gender Diversity ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Occupational Setting ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Female Employees ◽  
Mixed Gender

Purpose This paper aims to explore the relationship between workplace gender diversity among peers and management aspirations among male and female employees. It focuses on whether gender diversity influences men and women’s management aspirations. Design/methodology/approach The study builds on cross-sectional survey data from the Danish public sector. Findings Results shows that in mixed-gender workplaces, male employees are less likely to express management aspirations than male employees in mono-gender workplaces, but female employees in mixed-gender workplaces express management aspirations to the same – low – degree as female employees in mono-gender workplaces. All in all, the findings show that gender differences in career aspirations are not just a matter of individual preferences and/or macro-structural factors but also a matter of factors at organizational level. The findings suggest both positive and negative implications of gender diversity, and hence problematize a – rather common – simplistic celebration of gender diversity. First of all, gender diversity seems to counteract the fertilization of rigid stereotypes of men and hence prevents some men from being pushed into management positions and a career ladder they perhaps do not want to be placed at in the first place. Research limitations/implications Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further. Practical implications The findings seem to identify that the challenge of secure a large and qualified pool of potential managers might be even extra challeging for managers in gender-diverse organisations. Originality/value A more nuanced view of the implications of gender diversity based on a basic argument of gender-asymmetry. Furthermore, the study are build on a unique dataset that allows to study the implications of gender diversity across a wide range of occupational setting and hence control for occupation specific characteristics.

Factors influencing tourist visitation in marine tourism: lessons learned from FRI Aquarium Penang, Malaysia

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salmi Mohd Isa ◽  
Lizana Ramli
Keyword(s):  
Word Of Mouth ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Destination Image ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Survey Period ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Marine Tourism ◽  
Alternative Sources

Purpose – To establish tourist visitation to new tourism areas is in most cases dependent on tourists' behavior. Indeed, tourist visitation is considered among the primary components of the marine tourism operation. Such behavior is usually enacted in the form of destination awareness, destination image and motivation. Word of mouth is likely to influence tourist to visit. The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that may influence tourists to visit marine tourist destinations. Design/methodology/approach – The study has utilized self-administered questionnaire survey and the target population are the visitors that came to FRI Aquarium. The survey period was from August 2012 to September 2012. Total of 179 responses were collected during this period. Findings – This study demonstrates that destination awareness, motivation and WOM are factors that influence the tourist to visit the FRI Aquarium. Interestingly, destination image however, has shown insignificant relationship with tourist visitation. WOM also found to be has a full mediating effect for awareness towards tourist visitation. For example, before visit, visitor may require some information beforehand and word of mouth is a direct medium to transfer the information. A key implication for FRI Aquarium is that it might be wise to assess such variables for their marketing strategies. Research limitations/implications – First, the sample was obtained from one marine aquarium in Malaysia. The comparative studies between aquariums are important to understand if there are any similarities and differences. It would be better to conduct the survey in other local aquariums such as the Underwater World, Langkawi and the KL Aquaria, Kuala Lumpur. Second, a longitudinal study is relevant to further investigate the factors that will influence the visitor visitation. Thus, future study should gather data from those who had visited the aquarium several times. This approach might improve the destination image results, which in this study shows insignificant relationship. That said, acknowledgements of these limitations also suggest a new direction of future research. Practical implications – FRI Aquarium is suggested to create more awareness to the public by placing an advertisement via mainstream and social media. Hence, FRI Aquarium is suggested to design environmentally marine life oriented educational programs in order to motivate and encourage more visitors to visit the place. Originality/value – In sum, this paper conjectures that an understanding of factors that influence the tourist to visit the marine tourism destination are worthy of additional research. Consequently, the findings help to understand how these factors can provide alternative sources of marketing to attract the long-term economic sustainability of the FRI Aquarium in marine tourism.

Embedding the ethos of codes of ethics into corporate South Africa: current status

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mercy Mpinganjira ◽  
Mornay Roberts-Lombard ◽  
Greg Wood ◽  
Göran Svensson
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Codes Of Ethics ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Corporate Ethics ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Business Managers ◽  
Staff Support ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This study aims to examine and describe ways that organisations in corporate South Africa try to embed ethos of corporate codes of ethics in their organisations. Design/methodology/approach The study followed a quantitative research approach. The target population was the top 500 companies operating in the corporate sector by revenue. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 222 company secretaries and heads/managers responsible for ethics in the companies. Findings The findings show that the majority of companies have regulations that can help promote ethics ethos. The most prevalent artefact in the area of regulation was found to be conduct of ethical audits. Training was found to be the most prevalent artefact under staff support. Research limitations/implications The study was limited to large organisations in South Africa. The findings can thus not be generalised to include small- and medium- sized businesses which make up the largest segment of all businesses in South Africa. Practical implications The research provides information that can be used to compare companies operating in different contexts on practices that help promote corporate ethics quality. It provides business managers with information that they can use to evaluate and benchmark their companies on practices that help promote the ethos of corporate codes of ethics. Originality/value The study is the first of its kind to examine how organisations go about institutionalising codes of ethics in South Africa. The findings can be used by all sectors of South African business as a point of reference in their efforts aimed at embedding the ethos of ethics in their respective organisations.

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