Unsubstantiated conclusions about the Family Star Plus as an outcome measure: a rebuttal to Sweet, Winter, Neeson and Connolly (2020)

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Good ◽  
Joy MacKeith
Keyword(s):  
Ordinal Data ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Outcomes Measures ◽  
The Family

Purpose The purpose of this article is to explain why Sweet et al.'s assertions are not well founded and raise unsubstantiated doubt over the use of the Family star Plus and the Outcomes Star suite of tools as outcomes measures. Design/methodology/approach Evidence is presented of flaws in the analysis, reporting and conclusions of an article published in this journal (Sweet et al., 2020). Findings Sweet et al. failed to mention a body of Outcomes Star validation work, including over 20 online reports and a manuscript they had seen of a now published article supporting the reliability and validity of the Family Star Plus (Good and MacKeith, 2020). There are significant issues with their methodology, presentation of results and conclusions including: reliance on statistical significance with a small sample size; use of statistics not intended for ordinal data and; and inappropriate conclusions from convergence with measures conceptually different to the Family Star Plus. Originality/value Evidence is presented that the Family Star Plus is a useful and valid outcome measure and that Sweet et al.’s conclusions can be attributed to issues with their methodology and interpretation.

scholarly journals Library orientation practices in special libraries

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 525-536
Author(s):  
Melissa Fraser-Arnott
Keyword(s):  
Information Needs ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Orientation Program ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Special Library ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Host Organization

Purpose The library orientation session is an important marketing tool because it offers the first opportunity for library staff to connect with new clients (Craft and Ballard-Thrower, 2011; Rhoades and Hartsell, 2008). This paper aims to explore library orientation practices in special libraries and information centers with the goal of surveying current practices and identifying guidance for successful orientation program design and delivery. Design/methodology/approach This study explored library orientation practices in special libraries and information services through an electronic survey. The survey questions were developed based on themes that emerged from case studies on library orientations from the academic library literature. These themes included reasons for library orientation program redesigns, the importance of partnerships in orientation design and delivery and the tools and techniques used in the delivery of orientation sessions. Findings The results revealed that library orientations are taking place in special libraries, but there is no consistent approach to library orientation delivery. Even within a single library, multiple approaches to library orientations are taken based on client availability, demand and information needs observations of library staff. Participants’ responses were analyzed to develop recommendations for special library orientations. These include developing partnerships (particularly with human resource departments), using technology strategically, considering the timing of orientations for new potential clients in relation to their start as new employees in the host organization, customizing library orientations based on client segment, engaging in ongoing outreach, and being flexible in design and delivery methods. Research limitations/implications This study represents a starting step in an exploration of library orientation practices in special libraries. The key limitation of this study was the low response rate leading to small sample size. A larger sample of special libraries would be needed to produce a quantitative analysis of the prevalence of practices with an acceptable degree of statistical significance. Alternately, smaller samples of special libraries organized by characteristics such as size or type (e.g. corporate libraries, law libraries and medical libraries) could be conducted to determine if distinctive trends exist within these special library types. Practical implications This study revealed information about key practices and challenges that can be used by special library practitioners seeking to implement or redesign a library orientation program in their library. Originality/value While academic and practitioner literature exists detailing library orientation activities in academic and school libraries, there are very few papers on special library orientations. This study fills a gap in the literature by investigating library orientation practices in special libraries and information centers.

Reluctant managers: Methodist ministers and management

2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 680-693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne Guerrier ◽  
Christopher Bond
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Body ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Language And Identity ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Size Limits ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a research from a study undertaken with Methodist circuit ministers in the UK and those that work closely with them. It considers in what way and to what extent ministers think of themselves as managers and to what extent and in what way they are expected to perform as managers by those they work with. Design/methodology/approach – The research that informs this paper was gathered through a qualitative study which involved in-depth semi-structured interviews with 22 participants both Methodist ministers and those who worked closely with them. Findings – The study shows that, whilst those who work with ministers typically do not problematize management and expect managers to be able to perform management tasks, the ministers themselves are ambiguous about or rejecting of the discourse of management. Research limitations/implications – The relatively small sample size limits generalizability. Practical implications – The study challenges trainers in this context and in other contexts where the “language” of management is contested or rejected to find a discourse of management which is acceptable. Originality/value – The study contributes to the small body of literature on management and the development of managers within religious organizations. It contributes to the literature on managerial identity and the importance of management language in becoming a manager by presenting an example where this language and identity is contested or rejected.

scholarly journals Competing paradigms of flood management in the Scottish/English borderlands

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 314-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Cook ◽  
John Forrester ◽  
Louise Bracken ◽  
Christopher Spray ◽  
Elizabeth Oughton
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Professional Community ◽  
Flood Management ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Regimes ◽  
The Government ◽  
Innovative Techniques ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how flood management practitioners rationalise the emergence of sustainable flood management. Key to this analysis are differences rooted in assumptions over what flood management is and should do. Design/methodology/approach – The popularity of natural flood management offers a case with which to explore how a dominant framing persists and how individuals at the government-public interface negotiate different visions of future flood management. The authors draw on the perceptions of flood experts, elucidating a deep hold amongst a professional community “grounded” in science and economics, but also their desire to innovate and become more open to innovative practices. Findings – The authors show how the idea of “sustainable” and “natural” flood management are understood by those doing flood management, which is with reference to pre-existing technical practices. Research limitations/implications – This paper explores the views of expert decision making, which suffers from challenges associated with small sample size. As such, the findings must be tempered, but with recognition for the influence of a small group of individuals who determine the nature of flood management in Scotland. Practical implications – The authors conclude that, in the context of this study, a technical framing persists by predetermining the criteria by which innovative techniques are judged. Originality/value – Broadly, these findings contribute to debates over the evolution of flood management regimes. This recognises the importance of events while also emphasising the preparations that shape the context and norms of the flood management community between events.

scholarly journals Why make the effort? Exploring recovery college engagement

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leanne Harper ◽  
Mick McKeown
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Mental Health Recovery ◽  
Valuable Contribution ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Whilst there is growing evidence to suggest that the recovery college (RC) environment supports students towards their mental health recovery (Meddings et al., 2015b), students’ initial motivations for engagement, alongside factors that may hinder or support attendance, have yet to be exclusively explored. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach All new RC students were invited to take part in a semi-structured interview three months following their enrolment. Four participants completed an interview which were later analysed using thematic analysis. Findings Four themes emerged within analysis: making the effort; being “too unwell”; friendly environment; and glad I came. These are discussed alongside the literature, and it is proposed that whilst there is a substantial struggle involved in engagement with a RC, likely related to mental health and social factors, the RC environment, peer support and support of the tutors helps students to overcome the impact of this. Research limitations/implications Due to the small sample size and exploratory stance of this study, additional research into the complexities around engagement with RCs is strongly recommended. Only students who had attended at least one RC course chose to participate in this study, therefore an under-researched population of non-attendees may provide a valuable contribution to further understanding. Originality/value This is one of the first studies to qualitatively explore factors which may support, or hinder, initial and ongoing engagement with a RC. It is proposed that a greater understanding of these important issues could be used to increase RC accessibility and inclusion.

scholarly journals Contemporary young motherhood: experiences of hostility

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 64-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barry Fearnley
Keyword(s):  
Young Women ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Narrative Approach ◽  
Young Mothers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Everyday Lives ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate the hostility many young women who are also mothers experience within their everyday lives.Design/methodology/approachThe paper will draw on qualitative research, incorporating a narrative approach, to illustrate the hostility many young mothers experience on a daily basis. The research design included a focus group, semi-structure interviews and participant observations.FindingsThe paper reports the findings of a study that explored the experiences of young women who are also mothers. The author presents the findings that indicate that many young women, who are also young mothers, experience hostile reactions and interactions as part of their everyday lives.Research limitations/implicationsThe small sample size means that this study cannot be generalised, but it does contribute to the growing body of qualitative evidence in relation to young mothers.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that there needs to be more recognition and acknowledgement of the hostility young women experience. Such hostility could have deleterious consequences on the young women, their parenting ability and also on the children.Originality/valueThis paper documents the experiences of young women who are also mothers and how they experience hostility as a daily occurrence. The hostility ranged from verbal to non-verbal and how they felt they were being treated, inferences about their sexuality to stereotyping.

Ethnically diverse workplaces in Irish hospitals

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (7) ◽  
pp. 1015-1029 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alicja Bobek ◽  
Camilla Devitt
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Ethnically Diverse ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Foreign Born ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hospital Managers ◽  
Communication Problems

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the ethnically diverse workplace in Irish hospitals by examining the perspectives of foreign- and Irish-born professionals and their managers. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured qualitative interviews with 30 health professionals (foreign- and Irish-born) and with hospital managers (Irish-born). All interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings The managers and professionals interviewed mostly perceived ethnically diverse workplaces as an asset. Health professionals also identified a number of challenges, including internal divisions based on ethnicity, language and communication problems and cultural differences. However, in general, discrimination on the basis of ethnicity was not highlighted by interviewees. Research limitations/implications While the qualitative design of the study allowed for an in-depth exploration of experiences in ethnically diverse workplaces in selected Irish hospitals, the relatively small sample size poses some limitations. The study brings to light the need for larger-scale survey-based research on the ethnically diverse workplace in Irish hospitals, which includes Irish- and foreign-born health professionals in the sample. Originality/value The study includes a variety of perspectives on experiences in ethnically diverse workplaces in Irish hospitals, including foreign-born health professionals, their Irish-born colleagues and hospital managers.

scholarly journals Usage of e-journals in French business schools

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 258-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Leduc ◽  
Joachim Schöpfel
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Schools ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative Survey ◽  
Usage Patterns ◽  
Log File

Purpose – The paper of this paper is to explore the usage patterns of e-journals in French business schools. Design/methodology/approach – The paper exploits COUNTER-compliant usage statistics from a nationwide usage study with data from journal collections of an international academic publisher. Findings – With regard to online collections, the usage appears to be relatively intensive, especially when compared to usage statistics from universities in the same fields. This result may reflect an emerging research activity in business schools and a projected and required international orientation. However, the study also reveals important differences between schools, a fact that should not be overestimated because of the small sample size, even if the sample is a representative of French business schools. Research limitations/implications – The paper uses empirical data from a national usage study to identify specific patterns in business schools. It does not integrate qualitative survey data or deep log file analysis. Originality/value – Very few studies provide empirical evidence of e-journal usage in business schools. The paper enhances the knowledge on usage in specific environments in higher education. This is the first usage study with French business schools.

Victims’ experiences and satisfaction with a family justice center

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 241-251
Author(s):  
Heather Melton
Keyword(s):  
Help Seeking ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Legal Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Family ◽  
Housing Services ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Multiple Services

Purpose The family justice center (FJC) model centralizes social and legal services available to intimate partner abuse (IPA) victims in order to facilitate their help-seeking and improve their experiences and the response to IPA. Little, yet promising, research has highlighted the effectiveness of this model. The purpose of this paper is to explore experiences of victims of IPA at one FJC. Design/methodology/approach In total, 24 respondents who utilized a FJC in a western county in the USA were interviewed using a survey that included both descriptive quantitative and qualitative questions. Descriptive analysis was performed on the quantitative portion and content analysis on the qualitative portion. Findings Most of the respondents used the FJC multiple times and for multiple services. Most were referred by a shelter or a hotline. The most common services used were housing services, followed by counseling. Overall, these respondents felt supported by FJC staff and were satisfied. However, some of the respondents who did indicate satisfaction in the quantitative portion of the survey expressed concerns in the qualitative portion. Research limitations/implications The study is limited by a small sample size; however, it has implications for recruitment, outreach and training as well as methodological implications for how FJCs should be evaluated. Originality/value This paper adds to the scant literature on FJCs and the FJC model.

Visual perceptions of snack packages among preschool children

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 385-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle R. Nelson ◽  
Brittany R.L. Duff ◽  
Regina Ahn
Keyword(s):  
Preschool Children ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Point Of Purchase ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Preoperational Stage

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the perceptions of the visual packaging of snacks and nutrition knowledge among preschool children. Packages serve as persuasive media at the point of purchase. Design/methodology/approach – In this paper 13 interviews with four-year-olds were conducted. Children sorted seven snacks that implied fruit into categories based on perceptions of fun, taste, parent’s choice and “nutrition”. Children also drew trees with food that would make them healthy or not healthy. Findings – Children attended to the package elements more than the product. All children selected the character fruit snack as their preferred choice; however, perceptions for fun and taste varied among snacks. Perceptions of healthiness showed evidence of heuristics (e.g. sugar = bad; fruit = good). Some children were able to understand that their parents’ choices may be different from their own. Research limitations/implications – Because of the small sample size, it is not possible to generalize results to all children. Children seemed to understand that the character may not convey “healthy” or “taste”, but they still chose the snack with a character. Practical implications – Children as young as four can understand nutrition heuristics and may/may not use those heuristics in product preferences. Social implications – Children may be able to reason about their own preferences and others’ preferences at a preoperational stage of development. Originality/value – Previous research indicates that older children are attracted by characters. The findings show that younger children also prefer characters but may be capable of disentangling the various associations of “characters”.

Modelling SME e-commerce with IMAES

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier A. Sanchez-Torres ◽  
Fernando Juarez-Acosta
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Detailed Examination ◽  
Integrated Model ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Final Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Medium Enterprises

PurposeThere are several studies about the adoption of e-commerce for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) that separately, and in a dispersed manner, examine different theoretical approaches. The purpose of this paper is to unify a set of variables to form an integrated model of measurement of the adoption of e-commerce for SMEs.Design/methodology/discussionBased on an extensive review of empirical studies focused on the adoption of e-commerce in SMEs, a grouped and integrated model of e-commerce among SMEs was constructed. It was built upon the methodology of psychometrics and was subsequently statistically tested for reliability and validity. A broad study has not been carried out. Thus, the small sample size does not allow the estimation of this model’s predictability.FindingsThis paper proposes a final model, comprising 14 variables (82 items), grouping the significant effects of e-commerce adoption.Originality/valueThis tool is feasible, offering an initial model enabling detailed examination of variables affecting the adoption of e-commerce in SMEs. It contributes significantly to the development of this line of research.

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