Developing the researching professional

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-170
Author(s):  
Vanja Orlans

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.

Author(s):  
Cristina Tassorelli ◽  
Vincenzo Silani ◽  
Alessandro Padovani ◽  
Paolo Barone ◽  
Paolo Calabresi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has severely impacted the Italian healthcare system, underscoring a dramatic shortage of specialized doctors in many disciplines. The situation affected the activity of the residents in neurology, who were also offered the possibility of being formally hired before their training completion. Aims (1) To showcase examples of clinical and research activity of residents in neurology during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy and (2) to illustrate the point of view of Italian residents in neurology about the possibility of being hired before the completion of their residency program. Results Real-life reports from several areas in Lombardia—one of the Italian regions more affected by COVID-19—show that residents in neurology gave an outstanding demonstration of generosity, collaboration, reliability, and adaptation to the changing environment, while continuing their clinical training and research activities. A very small minority of the residents participated in the dedicated selections for being hired before completion of their training program. The large majority of them prioritized their training over the option of earlier employment. Conclusions Italian residents in neurology generously contributed to the healthcare management of the COVID-19 pandemic in many ways, while remaining determined to pursue their training. Neurology is a rapidly evolving clinical field due to continuous diagnostic and therapeutic progress. Stakeholders need to listen to the strong message conveyed by our residents in neurology and endeavor to provide them with the most adequate training, to ensure high quality of care and excellence in research in the future.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C. L. Downey ◽  
J. Bentley ◽  
H. Pandit

Abstract Background Time out of clinical training can impact medical trainees’ skills, competence and confidence. Periods of Out of Programme for Research (OOPR) are often much longer than other approved mechanisms for time of out training. The aim of this survey study was to explore the challenges of returning to clinical training following OOPR, and determine potential solutions. Methods All current integrated academic training (IAT) doctors at the University of Leeds (United Kingdom) and previous IAT trainees undertaking OOPR in the local region (West Yorkshire, United Kingdom)(n = 53) were invited to complete a multidisciplinary survey. Results The survey was completed by 33 participants (62% response rate). The most relevant challenges identified were completing the thesis whilst transitioning back to clinical work, the rapid transition between full-time research and clinical practice, a diminished confidence in clinical abilities and isolation from colleagues. Potential solutions included dedicated funds allocated for the renewal of lapsed skills, adequate notice of the clinical rotation to which trainees return, informing clinical supervisors about the OOPR trainee returning to practice and a mandatory return to standard clinical days. Conclusions Addressing these issues has the potential to improve the trainee experience and encourage future trainees to take time out of training for research activities.


2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 32-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Hall ◽  
Jessica Stephens ◽  
Sarah Kennedy

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.


Facilities ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 356-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucy Zarina Campbell

Purpose This paper aims to explore traditional FM research and potential trends. Design/methodology/approach This was an exploratory review of literature. Findings The main thrust of the argument in this paper is that FM research develops a more communicable and proven understanding of how to apply a wide spectrum of externally developed methods in unique FM settings as well as developing new methods. Second, a more robust FM knowledge base can inform designers, engineers and architects given that FMs are experts of design in use. Research limitations/implications This research focused on the UK, Europe, America and Australia. It does not represent a comprehensive/systematic review of the research activities occurring in FM globally. Practical implications Research traditionally focuses on hard FM; in contrast, FM outcomes are heavily dependent on the way end users interact with and use organisational services and equipment. This suggests that there is a gap between practice and research, and that intuitive and in-depth FM knowledge about end users has yet to be captured and formalised through research. Social implications Development of FM research requires uptake of contemporary research trends towards partnered research, working across disciplines. Originality/value Achieving a more robust FM knowledge base would help capture the wealth of knowledge that FMs have about buildings in use; this could then be used by FMs and also by designers to improve their products and services in disciplines like engineering and architecture.


2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary D. Holt ◽  
Jack Steven Goulding ◽  
Akintola Akintoye

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.


2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 430-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Broady‐Preston ◽  
Joanna Felice ◽  
Susan Marshall

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.


2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 378-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie Antcliff ◽  
Sue Baines ◽  
Elizabeth Gorb

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.


Author(s):  
Graham Allan ◽  
Janet Moffett ◽  
Peter J. Robertson

This paper describes work in progress to modernise the initial training arrangements for the career guidance profession in Scotland. In a process initiated by the University of the West of Scotland, the Quality Assurance Agency benchmark for the subject is under review. The outcomes of the process may have implications for the training of career advisers and guidance practitioners across the UK.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 224-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catrin Pedder Jones ◽  
Annemarie Lodder ◽  
Chris Papadopoulos

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.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 484-494
Author(s):  
Steve Lambert

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.


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