Practices and perceptions of German itinerant teachers in the field of visual impairment: Exploratory research focussing on three types of itinerant services

2020 ◽  
pp. 026461962097214
Author(s):  
Hisae Miyauchi ◽  
Wiebke Gewinn
Keyword(s):  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Dual Role ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
School Based ◽  
Itinerant Teachers ◽  
Scant Attention ◽  
Collaborative Skills

This study aimed to clarify the practices and perceptions of itinerant teachers of students with visual impairments (TVIs) in inclusive education following three different types (i.e., school-based, school-based single role, and centre-based), identifying the salient factors that enable them to fulfil their roles. To date, the majority of the existing research has focussed on centre-based itinerant TVIs, with scant attention paid to the other itinerant types. This study mitigates this lack of research. Designed as an exploratory study to provide a useful reference for future research, the study employed a qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews with nine German TVIs. The results showed more similarities than differences among the three types of TVIs in their daily tasks, needed qualities and skills, and overall perceptions of the job. Two crucial elements enabled these TVIs to work effectively: the existence of a large community of TVIs and TVIs possessing good ‘collaborative skills’. The school-based dual role seemed to provide much-needed emotional and technical support. Further investigations are needed on the factors that contribute to a good ‘team’ or a ‘community’ of TVIs and on the effectiveness of the school-based dual role.

scholarly journals Direct environmental impacts of solar power in two arid biomes: An initial investigation

2017 ◽  
Vol 113 (11/12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Justine Rudman ◽  
Paul Gauché ◽  
Karen J. Esler
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Solar Power ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Total Power ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Research Areas

According to recent national energy plans and policy documents, the number of renewable energy developments is expected to increase in South Africa, thus contributing to the diversification of the country’s energy system. Consequently, numerous solar power developments are being deployed in the sunny arid interior – areas generally represented by the Nama-Karoo and Savanna Biomes. These developments come with a range of novel environmental impacts, providing opportunities for multidimensional exploratory research. Here, a mixed-method approach was used to identify and investigate possible environmental impacts associated with two types of solar power plants: concentrating solar power and photovoltaic. Structured interviews conducted with experts and experienced professionals, together with observations from site visits generated complementary findings. In addition to the risk of cumulative ecological impacts associated with individual solar plant developments, landscape impacts of multiple power plants and the direct impact on avifauna were found to be the most significant environmental impacts. These direct impacts appear to be most significant during the construction stage, which represents an intensive 10% of the total power plant lifespan. This investigation provides an early, broad and informative perspective on the experienced and expected impacts of solar power in South African arid regions as well as insights to possible future research areas.

Inclusive Education for Students with Severe Disabilities

1997 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 133-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
June E Downing ◽  
Joanne Eichinger ◽  
Lllly J Williams
Keyword(s):  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Elementary School Principals ◽  
Severe Disabilities ◽  
Professional Role ◽  
General Educators ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Educational Programming ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Students With Severe Disabilities ◽  
Different Levels

Structured interviews were conducted with elementary school principals, general educators (k-6), and special educators at different levels of inclusive educational programming to determine perceptions toward inclusive education for learners with severe disabilities. Comments from the 27 participants were categorized according to the main questions asked during the interviews, with similar comments aggregated per category. Comparisons made by professional role and level of implementation regarding inclusive education revealed several concurring statements as well as some discrepancies. Differences in perception of inclusive education for students with severe disabilities across professional role and level of implementation of respondents are described. Implications for future research and inclusive educational practices are discussed.

scholarly journals BALANCED SCORECARD: PENTINGNYA PERSPEKTIF PROSES BISNIS INTERNAL STUDI EMPIRIS DI PONPES

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 169
Author(s):  
St. Dwiarso Utomo ◽  
Zaky Mahmuddah ◽  
Yulita Setiawanta
Keyword(s):  
Business Process ◽  
Balanced Scorecard ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Strategy Map ◽  
Process Perspective ◽  
Internal Business Process

The purpose of this research is to find an empirical evidence of implementation of internal business process perspective of Balanced Scorecard (BSC) in Assalaam Islamic Modern Boarding School Surakarta (AIMBS Surakarta). The research is case study. Qualitative research design is conducted using semi-structured interviews with 21 members from different stakeholders. The research findings showed that internal business process perspective of BSC and attributes in strategy map of BSC have been implemented well in AIMBS Surakarta. Besides, the research also found supporting factor of implementation of internal business process perspective of BSC in AIMBS Surakarta, namely: strong commitment from top management to adjust the change dan to improve the service to the stakeholders. The limitation of the research is that the research findings can not be generalized because of case study. For future research, the researcher can add the numbers of research object so that the generalization of research findings can be gained. Theoretically, it will give clearer description about the implementation of internal business processperspective of BSC in Islamic boarding schools.

scholarly journals Environmental Sustainability in the Follow-Up and Evaluation Stage of Logistics Services Purchasing: Perspectives from UK Shippers and 3PLs

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Witold Bahr ◽  
Edward Sweeney
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Service Levels ◽  
Logistics Services ◽  
Evaluation Stage

The purpose of the research described in this paper is to investigate the role played by the green agenda and sustainability in the follow-up and evaluation stage of the purchasing of logistics services. This stage is relatively under-explored in the extant academic literature. However, there is some evidence of a divergence between the perspectives of shippers and forwarders in this area. In this context, therefore, two carefully selected groups of UK-based supply chain management professionals—from shippers (i.e., manufacturers and retailers) and third-party logistics (3PLs)—were investigated using semi-structured interviews. The interviews were based on a data collection guide informed by the authors’ three overall research objectives. Data from the interviews were analysed using a combination of content analysis and grounded analysis. The findings suggest that, while shippers and 3PLs recognise a positive link between cost savings and the development of green initiatives, there is considerable room for improvement in this area in order to reorient the focus of the follow-up and evaluation stage from price and service levels towards sustainability. The authors’ exploratory research leads to the identification of a number of potentially fruitful areas for future research.

Sharia disclosures

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 237-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Che Azmi ◽  
Norazlin Ab Aziz ◽  
Normawati Non ◽  
Rusnah Muhamad
Keyword(s):  
Financial Statement ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Screening Methods ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Full Disclosure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose This paper aims to examine the reasons behind the low level of Sharia-related disclosures, particularly Sharia-compliant companies, to gain an understanding on how these companies disclose Sharia-related information in their annual reports, and how professional users of these reports search for such disclosures. Design/methodology/approach The study is an exploratory research based on structured interviews with individuals involved in the preparation of annual reports of Sharia-compliant companies and professional users of annual reports. Findings Most Sharia-compliant companies and professional users interviewed agree that the most relevant Sharia-related information is most commonly understood as the information found in the financial statement and its notes (accounting-related disclosures). Their responses indicate that there is a disjoint between the conventional disclosure practices on corporate social responsibility items and the Sharia-related information. Research limitations/implications The idea of full disclosure needs to be further understood from the perspectives of Sharia. This study provides insights into the types of Sharia-related information that are important for disclosure. Future research should focus on examining a larger number of companies and interviewing more professional users from different jurisdictions to generate more knowledge about the nature of Sharia information and its disclosure. Practical implications Users of the Sharia screening methods, especially regulators, such as the Securities Commission Malaysia should encourage the disclosure of the required aspects of Sharia in the annual reports of Sharia-compliant companies, as professional users are interested in this type of information. Originality/value This study offers insights into the reasons behind low Sharia disclosures in annual reports of Sharia-compliant companies.

Students’ Challenging Behavior in Phoenix Primary Schools, South Africa: Impact on Teachers

2021 ◽  
pp. 001312452110123
Author(s):  
Julie Shantone Rubbi Nunan ◽  
Sithabile Ntombela
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
School System ◽  
Challenging Behavior ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Teaching Profession ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Interpretative Approach

Students’ challenging behavior is impacting negatively on teachers’ wellbeing worldwide. Currently, teaching for some teachers in South African primary schools has become exhausting and daunting to say the least. Teachers feel that they have had enough degradation and are not receiving the respect they, as professionals, deserve. Students’ relentless rampages and their refusal to listen to teachers are pushing teachers to the near brink of mental breakdown. This article, which embraces a qualitative research design and draws on an interpretative approach, derives from a larger case study conducted at three primary schools in Phoenix. To determine “how does students’ challenging behavior impact on teachers,” semi-structured interviews were conducted with five teachers from each sample school ( N  = 15). Thematic analysis was used to classify data for this study. The systems theory applied portrays how behavior transferred from the home and environmental system, into the school system was impacting on teachers. Results indicate that teachers are unhappy and are awaiting their exit from the teaching profession. Furthermore, lack of collaboration between systems deters any amalgamated progress. Future research should concentrate on embracing constructive systems to reduce teachers’ mental and physical stresses in South African primary schools.

scholarly journals Adaptation of a school-based mental health literacy curriculum: from Canadian to English classrooms

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosie Mansfield ◽  
Neil Humphrey ◽  
Praveetha Patalay ◽  
Anna Moore ◽  
Emily Stapley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
School Context ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
English Classrooms ◽  
School Based ◽  
Pedagogic Practices

Abstract Background School-based mental health literacy (MHL) interventions are increasingly trialled outside of the country in which they were developed. However, there is a lack of published studies that qualitatively explore their cultural adaptation. This study investigated the reasons for adaptations made and suggested to a Canadian MHL curriculum (The Guide) within the English school context. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 school staff responsible for the planning and/or implementation of The Guide across three schools in the South East of England, as part of the Education for Wellbeing (EfW) feasibility study. Transcripts were analysed using a hybrid, deductive-inductive thematic analysis. Results Adaptations made and suggested included dropping and emphasising content, and adapting language, examples and references. Most adaptations were proactive and related to The Guide's implementation methods, including developing more interactive and student-led approaches. Staff Capacity and Expertise, Timetabling, and Accessibility of Resources were identified as logistical reasons for adaptations. Philosophical reasons included Consistency of Messages, Student Characteristics, Reducing Stigma and Empowering Students, National and Local Context, and Appropriate Pedagogic Practices. Conclusion Overall, recommendations were for immediately implementable lesson plans informed by teachers' knowledge about best pedagogic practices in England. Adequate training, attended by both senior leadership and those implementing, was also emphasised. While ensuring that the core components are clear, MHL interventions should be developed with a necessary level of flexibility to accommodate contextual characteristics. Future research should ensure that adaptations are captured through process and implementation evaluations conducted alongside efficacy trials.

scholarly journals Balanced Scorecard: Learning and Growth Perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (02) ◽  
Author(s):  
St. Dwiarso Utomo ◽  
Zaky Machmuddah ◽  
Yulita Setiawanta
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Balanced Scorecard ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Boarding School ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Strategy Map

The purpose of the research is to find an empirical evidence concerning the implementation of learning and growth perspective of Balanced Scorecard (BSC) in Assalaam Islamic Modern Boarding School Surakarta (AIMBSS) and to find factors supporting and being handicap of implementation of learning and growth perspective of BSC. The research will widen the object scope being able to be approached by BSC. It is a case study research. Qualitative research design is conducted using semi-structured interviews with 12 respondents from different stakeholders. Research findings showed that principally learning and growth perspective of BSC and attributes in strategy map of BSC have been implemented well in some levels of management in AIMBSS. Besides, the research found supporting factors of implementation of learning and growth perspective of BSC in AIMBSS, namely: strong commitment from management to adapt the change and most of employees are ready to adjust themselves with the change. Meanwhile, handicapped factor of implementation of learning and growth perspective of BSC in AIMBSS is resistant from certain employees. It causes the effectivity of system. For future research, it is suggested to add the number of research object so that the generalization of the research findings can be gained.

Examining the Characteristics of Academic Entrepreneurs: The Case of Malaysian Technology Driven University

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahamat Ahamat ◽  
◽  
Amiruddin Amiruddin ◽  
Mohamad Sharif ◽  
Sabri Sabri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Future Research ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Government Interventions ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
Innovative Products ◽  
Lead Technology ◽  
Networking Technology ◽  
Opportunity Creation

With resources of MYR 564 million being invested on research and development in 2020 by the Malaysia government, it is crucial for Malaysian universities to develop an entrepreneurial ecosystem among academia. This is more significant among technical driven universities. The aim of this study is to examine the various factors that lead technology researchers to recognise and create opportunities. The case study is derived from one of Malaysia’s technology driven universities. This research adopts a qualitative method in which the data were collected from nine lecturers and researchers who were actively involved in creating innovative products and services. Semi-structured interviews and observational methods were employed with six of the respondents. In this study, an exploratory research is selected to ask open questions, in order to find out the challenges and processes of academia in shaping entrepreneurial characteristics. Qualified respondents that is directly involved in the subject of study is selected. These participants are selected academics and researchers from technology management and engineering academic backgrounds. The findings show that networking was used to get resources, and opportunities were from the policy or government interventions and events such as seminars and conferences. Most of the respondents indicate that events are great opportunities to connect with the industry and external parties. Through extensive networking, technology researchers can build various programs for new researchers so that they realize the importance of opportunities, especially in the field of technology, as it is now booming. The implication of this study reflects the university’s effort that can be viewed from the case, where self-efficacy and risk taking can be further promoted among academics who are moving from research to business venture. For the study to be conducted in the future, the researcher suggests the need to obtain a better understanding of conditions of uncertainty which shape opportunity creation and the scope of the research must be extended to other aspects. Future research should also include other institutions to see clearly the role of opportunity creation and the challenges faced by them.

scholarly journals Mapping domain characteristics influencing Analytics initiatives: The example of Supply Chain Analytics

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
Tino Herden
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Research Collaboration ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: Analytics research is increasingly divided by the domains Analytics is applied to. Literature offers little understanding whether aspects such as success factors, barriers and management of Analytics must be investigated domain-specific, while the execution of Analytics initiatives is similar across domains and similar issues occur. This article investigates characteristics of the execution of Analytics initiatives that are distinct in domains and can guide future research collaboration and focus. The research was conducted on the example of Logistics and Supply Chain Management and the respective domain-specific Analytics subfield of Supply Chain Analytics. The field of Logistics and Supply Chain Management has been recognized as early adopter of Analytics but has retracted to a midfield position comparing different domains.Design/methodology/approach: This research uses Grounded Theory based on 12 semi-structured Interviews creating a map of domain characteristics based of the paradigm scheme of Strauss and Corbin.Findings: A total of 34 characteristics of Analytics initiatives that distinguish domains in the execution of initiatives were identified, which are mapped and explained. As a blueprint for further research, the domain-specifics of Logistics and Supply Chain Management are presented and discussed.Originality/value: The results of this research stimulates cross domain research on Analytics issues and prompt research on the identified characteristics with broader understanding of the impact on Analytics initiatives. The also describe the status-quo of Analytics. Further, results help managers control the environment of initiatives and design more successful initiatives.

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