scholarly journals Investigating digital technological competencies amongst black Asian minority ethnic construction students in the UK

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Teslim Bamidele Balogun ◽  
Olukayode Olusola Awonuga ◽  
Rukaya Abowen-Dake
Keyword(s):  
Computer Literacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technological Competencies ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Future Work ◽  
It Skills ◽  
And Training ◽  
Minority Ethnic

Purpose This study aims to investigate digital technology (DT) competencies, training and awareness amongst Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) construction students in the UK. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a quantitative online survey to investigate both BAME Construction Undergraduates Graduate Students (CUGS) and staff studying on and teaching on Construction programmes. The investigation examined their opinions as to their own awareness of their competencies and training regarding DT. Findings Findings indicate that BAME CUGS were mostly “very proficient” in the use of basic DT, such as required to complete an authentic assessment that typifies a real-life scenario. For example, sending and receiving emails, Excel, Word, computer literacy/basic IT skills, browsing searching materials, PowerPoint, specialist IT skills, mobile devices, tablet and social media handles. However, findings revealed that training awareness and competencies in new DT is shallow, and BAME CUGS are probably not ready for the digitalised construction world. Respondents were mainly within the “probably aware” range, and very few were within the “definitely aware” range, on the Likert scale adopted. New DTs that fell within the “definitely aware” range are BIM, offsite construction and manufacturing, 3D printing, cloud computing and collaboration. Research limitations/implications It is acknowledged that expanding the sample size to other universities and exploring BAME industry professionals’ narratives could further enrich the discussion. However, these limitations did not impact the robust practical and theoretical implications provided to CUGS, Higher Education (HE)sectors, University staff and industry emerging from the analysis and findings achieved in the study. Still, it is being recommended for future work to consider. Originality/value The study provides valuable recommendations helpful to HE institutions, industry and government. Recommendations provided include a need to review and update the current curriculum, robust partnership between academia and industry, increase government funding, upskilling and training staff in the new DT.

Overseas nurses' experiences of equal opportunities in the NHS in England

2006 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 130-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Obrey Alexis ◽  
Vasso Vydelingum ◽  
Ian Robbins
Keyword(s):  
Equal Opportunity ◽  
Skill Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Career Opportunities ◽  
Van Manen ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Unequal Opportunities ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
And Training ◽  
Minority Ethnic

PurposeTo explore the experiences of overseas black and minority ethnic nurses in the National Health Service (NHS) in the south of England.MethodsSemi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted with 12 overseas black and minority ethnic nurses. All interviews were taped, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. All transcripts were read and re‐read to elicit general themes.FindingsQualitative data analysis was undertaken using Van Manen framework and this enabled a number of themes to be identified that were part of overseas black and minority ethnic nurses' experience, however, two main themes would be discussed in this study. Firstly, unequal opportunities in career advancement and secondly, unequal opportunities for skill development and training. Both themes affected overseas nurses chances of promotion in the NHS.Research limitation/implicationsThe study has identified a notably gap in the implementation of equal opportunity policies and suggests that a more transparent implementation of such policies is needed in the NHS in the UK where this study was conducted. Additionally, more research is needed to determine whether overseas nurses in other areas experience similar problems.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study could encourage managers to re‐examine their equal opportunity policies in the light of these findings. Although this study has explored overseas nurses experiences, the findings cannot be generalised to the wider population.Originality valueThe differences experienced by overseas nurses in relation to career opportunities and skill development and training.

scholarly journals The newly created Publicly Available Specification (PAS 141) for reusable electrical/electronic products

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 1135-1147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joao Quariguasi-Frota-Neto ◽  
Andrew Reade ◽  
Azadeh Dindarian ◽  
Andrew Gibson
Keyword(s):  
Necessary Conditions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Electronic Products ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Innovation ◽  
Scant Attention ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Comprehensive Framework ◽  
Future Work

Purpose – In 2011, a governmental initiative driven by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills invited the British Standards Institute (BSI) to write and publish a publicly available specification (PAS) for the reuse of waste electrical and electronic equipment entitled PAS 141. The specification's ambitious goals, chief among them to reduce the amount of e-waste generated in the UK, has prompted debate as to whether they are realistic and the extent to which they can be influenced by the certification. The purpose of this paper is to propose a comprehensive framework that can be used in future research to enhance understanding of the mechanisms by which the introduction of PAS 141 certification could lead to the fulfillment of its goals, that is, successful uptake. The authors believe this framework can serve as a roadmap for those interested in the investigation of this novel certification and its effect on the market for reusable electrical and electronic products. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on interviews with reuse organizations and first hand experience as a participant in the steering group that elaborated the certification being investigated, i.e. PAS 141. Findings – It is uncertain whether PAS 141 will fulfill its promises, which are, in the view of the authors, rather ambitious, e.g. reduce e-waste. Furthermore, more research is needed to examine the effect that the introduction of the certification has on the materialization of its goals, and on the complex inter-relationship that exist between the goals and what the authors define as intermediary necessary conditions. Research limitations/implications – This is the first attempt the outline the research needs that arise from the introduction of PAS-141, and the authors believe that there are other equally important questions that are yet to be presented and examined. Practical implications – This paper proposes 28 hypotheses which will help future work to empirically establish: the possibility of PAS-141 attaining its goals and the main necessary conditions for that to happen. This information is pivotal to determine whether the certification is working and to pinpoint opportunities for improvement. Social implications – This works contributes to the understanding of the role of certification on the market of reused products, which employs a large number of people, and in particular, whose coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. Originality/value – Although certification in general has been widely investigated in prior research, scant attention has been paid to certification in the context of electronic products. To the best of the knowledge, this is the first paper of its kind, as it is the first to examine certification in that context.

“Give it a Try”: experiences of black, Asian and minority ethnic young men in a prison-based offender personality disorder service

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-26
Author(s):  
Stephanie Hunter ◽  
Eleanor Craig ◽  
Jake Shaw
Keyword(s):  
Personality Disorder ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Minority Ethnic ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose Within the current offender personality disorder (OPD) pathway in the UK, black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) populations are underrepresented. Fewer BAME offenders are engaging with services despite being proportionately identified for inclusion and referred on to the pathway. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study explored the experiences of 11 BAME men engaged in a prison-based OPD service for young offenders to identify the highlights and challenges of engagement within the service and to what extent they experienced a sense of inclusion/belonging. Findings Thematic analysis was used to identify three overarching themes and sub-themes. Why am I going to be an Outcast? describes the barriers to engagement encountered by the participants; and Give it a Try and Nothing but Respect describe the process of overcoming these barriers. Barriers revolved around the experiences of judgement, alienation and hopelessness. These were overcome through peer encouragement, developing relationships with staff and freedom to regulate levels of engagement. Practical implications Practice and policy implications are considered to support similar services in addressing the barriers to engagement faced by BAME individuals. Areas for future research are also recommended. Originality/value Currently, no research has directly explored the under-representation of young BAME offenders with emerging personality disorder in the OPD pathway. The findings provided an insight into some of the difficulties these young BAME offenders faced when accessing this service, alongside aspects which maintained their engagement.

scholarly journals Connections with nature for people living with dementia

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 142-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Chester Evans ◽  
Julie Barrett ◽  
Neil Mapes ◽  
June Hennell ◽  
Teresa Atkinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Dementia Care ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Outdoor Spaces ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Extra Care Housing

Purpose The benefits of “green dementia care”, whereby people living with dementia are supported to connect with nature, are increasingly being recognised. Evidence suggests that these benefits span physical, emotional and social spheres and can make a significant contribution towards quality of life. However, care settings often present specific challenges to promoting such connections due to a range of factors including risk-averse cultures and environmental limitations. The purpose of this paper is to report on a project that aims to explore the opportunities, benefits, barriers and enablers to interaction with nature for people living with dementia in residential care and extra care housing schemes in the UK. Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered from 144 responses to an online survey by managers/staff of extra care housing schemes and care homes in the UK. In depth-case studies were carried out at three care homes and three extra care housing schemes, involving interviews with residents, staff and family carers. Findings A wide variety of nature-based activities were reported, both outdoor and indoor. Positive benefits reported included improved mood, higher levels of social interaction and increased motivation for residents, and greater job satisfaction for staff. The design and layout of indoor and outdoor spaces is key, in addition to staff who feel enabled to promote connections with nature. Research limitations/implications This paper is based on a relatively small research project in which the participants were self-selecting and therefore not necessarily representative. Practical implications The paper makes some key recommendations for good practice in green dementia care in extra care housing and care homes. Social implications Outdoor activities can promote social interaction for people living with dementia in care settings. The authors’ findings are relevant to the recent policy focus on social prescribing. Originality/value The paper makes some key recommendations for good practice in green dementia care in extra care housing and care homes.

scholarly journals Effect of coronavirus disease 2019 on urological surgery services and training up to the peak of the pandemic in South East England

2020 ◽  
pp. 205141582097039
Author(s):  
Samuel Stephen Folkard ◽  
Paul Sturch ◽  
Tharani Mahesan ◽  
Stephen Garnett
Keyword(s):  
Standard Care ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Prostate Biopsies ◽  
Urological Surgery ◽  
National Guidance ◽  
South East England ◽  
The Uk ◽  
And Training

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having significant effects on health services globally, including on urological surgery for which the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) has provided national guidance. Kent, Surrey and Sussex (KSS) is one of the regions most affected by COVID-19 in the UK to date. Methods: An anonymous online survey of all KSS urology trainees was conducted. The primary outcome was to assess the effects on urology services, both malignant and benign, across the region in the acceleration phase and at the peak of the pandemic compared to standard care. The second was to quantify the effects on urology training, especially regarding operative exposure. Results: There were significant decreases in urological services provided at the peak of the pandemic across KSS compared to standard care ( p<0.0001). Only 22% of urology units were able to continue operating for low-risk cancer and to continue cystoscopy for two-week wait non-visible haematuria referrals in line with BAUS escalation guidelines. A third (33%) did not complete any prostate biopsies at the peak. The majority of urology units continued clinics by telephone. Urology trainees reported completing substantially fewer operating procedures and workplace-based assessments. A third (33%) had moved to consultant-only operating by the peak. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant changes to urological surgery services and training in KSS, with heterogeneity across the region. We suggest further work to quantify the effects nationally. Level of evidence: 4.

Is there anything special about lesson study in special schools?

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 301-316
Author(s):  
Sarah Seleznyov ◽  
Amelia Roberts ◽  
Rachel Walker ◽  
Sarah Watson ◽  
Melanie Hogan
Keyword(s):  
Lesson Study ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
School Leaders ◽  
Special School ◽  
Special Schools ◽  
Mainstream Teachers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

PurposeJapanese lesson study (LS) is a professional development (PD) approach in which teachers collaboratively plan a lesson, observe it being taught and then discuss what they have learned. LS's popularity as an approach to teacher PD in the UK is growing, and it is used in both special and mainstream settings. This study explores whether LS is perceived and operationalized in the same way across special and mainstream settings.Design/methodology/approachThis study arose as a result of collaboration between UCL Institute of Education academics (principle investigators) and three special school leaders using LS in their own schools (practitioner co-investigators), who together formed the research team. The team first explored the literature base for LS in special education. They then investigated special and mainstream schools using LS for teacher PD. Research tools included semi-structured interviews and an online survey. Participants were obtained through opportunistic sampling via the networks of schools available to the researchers.FindingsThere were several key differences between LS in special and mainstream settings. Special teachers felt LS had a more positive impact on subject knowledge than mainstream teachers, and this impact extended to support staff. Special teachers were more likely to carry out multiple research cycles than mainstream colleagues and to quickly build LS into the existing timetable. Mainstream teachers focused on individual pupils in LS to seek learning about pedagogy more generally, whereas general learning about pedagogy was seen as a secondary benefit to special teachers.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the limitations of the research is that participants are more positively inclined toward LS than the general population of their school, since those not interested in LS would be unlikely to take the time to engage with the research. It will be important to conduct more research into the use of LS in mainstream schools, as this study is one of very few exploring LS in this special context.Practical implicationsThe ease with which special schools can align LS to current practice due to greater flexibility of timetables and larger staff teams seems to result in a greater appreciation and “valuing” of the process in mainstream schools, where teachers seemed to feel their senior leadership teams had gone to extra lengths to enable LS to happen. LS seems to offer a framework within which senior leaders can prioritize such learning experiences for teachers, leading to positive benefits for pupils, teachers and the school, and is therefore a process worth considering both for special and mainstream school leaders.Originality/valueThe literature review found a limited number of studies of LS in a special educational needs and disability (SEND) context, all of which took place in the UK and focused on the impact of teacher participation in LS on teacher practice and pupil learning. All three studies show a positive impact and suggest that LS might have wider applications for both special schools and mainstream schools supporting SEND pupils. There has been no exploration of the different ways in which mainstream and special school teachers and pupils might experience or construct LS in their own contexts.

scholarly journals A Survey of Therapeutic Radiographers’ Knowledge, Practices, and Barriers in Delivering Health Behaviour Advice to Cancer Patients

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nickola D. Pallin ◽  
Rebecca J. Beeken ◽  
Kathy Pritchard Jones ◽  
Nick Woznitza ◽  
Abigail Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Health Behaviour ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Knowledge Resources ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Healthy Behaviour ◽  
And Training

Abstract Therapeutic radiographers (TRs) are well-placed to deliver advice to cancer patients; however, limited research exists on their practices in providing advice on healthy lifestyle behaviours. Through an online survey, this study aimed to explore TRs’ current practices, barriers, and facilitators around delivering healthy behaviour advice to cancer patients. An online survey was sent to 72 radiotherapy departments in the UK and 583 TRs responded to the survey. Findings showed that levels of enquiry and provision of advice on healthy behaviours were low, with less than 25% advising patients on physical activity, healthy eating, weight management, smoking cessation, and reducing alcohol intake as standard practice. Lack of knowledge, resources, and training were identified as barriers, in addition to perceived lack of patient interest and lack of time. TRs reported a strong desire to undergo training to enable them to deliver health behaviour advice to patients, with an identified preference for online training. Cancer patients look to healthcare professionals for advice on health behaviours, and TRs are well-placed to deliver this advice. The findings of this study provide insight into the areas that need addressing to enable TRs to support positive health behaviours among cancer patients.

How prevalent is mental ill-health in the workplace – and how can employers help workers who are suffering?

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 4-7
Author(s):  
Zain Sikafi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Common Knowledge ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Significant Rise ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The Uk

Purpose This research was commissioned by Mynurva in October 2018. The independent, nationally representative survey was conducted among more than 2,000 UK adults to uncover the number of full-time workers who suffer from mental health problems, how many of them seek help for their issues, and the main barriers that hold them back from doing so. Design/methodology/approach A nationally representative sample of 2,003 adults in employment were surveyed about their mental health. Via an online survey, employees responding that they had experienced mental health problems were asked to respond further to a series of statements. Contingency tables were then produced, revealing what percentage of respondents agreed or disagreed with each statement that was presented to them. Findings Almost a third (32 per cent) of full-time employees have suffered from mental health problems in the workplace. More than one in three workers suffering from mental health symptoms have never sought any professional help, and at 42 per cent, male workers were more likely than female workers (32 per cent) not to seek help. In total, 44 per cent have never disclosed their issues to a manager at work. Of those struggling with their mental health, the authors found that 55 per cent of workers fear admitting their problems to a manager would hinder their chances of a promotion. A majority (59 per cent) also believe that if their mental health problems became common knowledge in the office, then it would negatively affect their relationships with colleagues. This figure rises to 71 per cent among workers of age 18-34. Confidentiality was cited as a key obstacle for employees, with 58 per cent worrying that their mental health problems would not remain confidential if they were to discuss them in the workplace. There was a significant rise among millennials, 68 per cent of which shared these sentiments. Originality/value The authors commissioned Opinium to conduct independent research in the UK.

scholarly journals Robots in special education: reasons for low uptake

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-69
Author(s):  
Maria Jose Galvez Trigo ◽  
Penelope Jane Standen ◽  
Sue Valerie Gray Cobb
Keyword(s):  
Special Education ◽  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Learning Activities ◽  
Autism Spectrum Conditions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the main reasons for low uptake of robots in special education (SE), obtained from an analysis of previous studies that used robots in the area, and from interviewing SE teachers about the topic. Design/methodology/approach An analysis of 18 studies that used robots in SE was performed, and the conclusions were complemented and compared with the feedback from interviewing 13 SE teachers from Spain and the UK about the reasons they believed caused the low uptake of robots in SE classrooms. Findings Five main reasons why SE schools do not normally use robots in their classrooms were identified: the inability to acquire the system due to its price or availability; its difficulty of use; the low range of activities offered; the limited ways of interaction offered; and the inability to use different robots with the same software. Originality/value Previous studies focussed on exploring the advantages of using robots to help children with autism spectrum conditions and learning disabilities. This study takes a step further and looks into the reasons why, despite the benefits shown, robots are rarely used in real-life settings after the relevant study ends. The authors also present a potential solution to the issues found: involving end users in the design and development of new systems using a user-centred design approach for all the components, including methods of interaction, learning activities and the most suitable type of robots.

Supporting higher education with social networks: trust and privacy vs perceived effectiveness

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenyang Wang ◽  
Ernest Tak Hei Lam ◽  
Mavis Man-wai Lung ◽  
Dickson K.W. Chiu
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
University Students ◽  
Peer Review ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Privacy Issues ◽  
And Training ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeSocial networks provide convenient communication and connection among people, and they have become essential in college students' lives. However, problems also come along with increasing concern about trust and privacy issues. This research attempts to investigate the trust and privacy perceptions of university students when using social networks for learning purposes.Design/methodology/approachThis paper investigated the differences in trust and privacy perceptions between undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students through an online survey with 96 subjects in Hong Kong. The authors used the Mann–Whitney U test to compare the differences between the responses provided by UG and PG subjects.FindingsThe authors found that both PG and UG students were generally satisfied with the use of social networking sites (SNSs) for learning. However, PG subjects used SNSs more for learning and were more willing to exchange with classmates than UG and PG perceived higher value of SNSs than UG students. The authors also found a relative lack of privacy awareness of UG students.Practical implicationsBased on the study’s findings, the authors made some recommendations about the application of SNSs for learning purposes. The authors also suggest universities provide more guidance and training to students on the privacy issues of SNSs.Originality/valueEven though some previous studies have focused on studying privacy and trust issues on SNSs, studies that aim at university students in the context of Asia–Pacific are rather limited, especially university students' own trust and privacy perceptions on using SNSs for learning purposes.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-02-2020-0042

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