scholarly journals Early- and mid-career transitions to research leadership in Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 74
Author(s):  
Linda Mtwisha ◽  
Jose Jackson ◽  
Alison Mitchel ◽  
Ama de-Graft Aikins ◽  
Harriet Kebirungi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Career Transitions ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Research Leadership ◽  
The Common ◽  
Transition Points ◽  
Survey Questionnaires

This article examines the early-and mid-career transition to research leadership in Africa. Much of the available African literature on research leadership indicate several challenges related to poor conceptualisations of career transitions and gaps in the availability of research training. Qualitative data were collected using individual interviews (n=24) and focus groups (n=27) to identify key transition points of early career researchers (ECRs) and mid-career researchers (MCRs) in selected African countries. The qualitative data was complemented with quantitative survey questionnaires (n=250) and a triangulation approach was adopted to analyse the results. The findings were themed into different categories describing the common career paths, stages and challenges of research leaders. The latter part of the findings present a discussion on development approaches to attract and retain researchers in African universities. By focusing on the African continent, this study contributes to the current body of literature on research leadership in the Global South.

scholarly journals Early- and mid-career transition to research leadership in Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 74
Author(s):  
Linda Mtwisha ◽  
Jose Jackson ◽  
Alison Mitchel ◽  
Ama de-Graft Aikins ◽  
Harriet Kebirungi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Career Transition ◽  
Early Career ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Research Leadership ◽  
The Common ◽  
Transition Points ◽  
Survey Questionnaires

This article examines the early-and mid-career transition to research leadership in Africa. Much of the available African literature on research leadership indicate several challenges related to poor conceptualisations of career transitions and gaps in the availability of research training. Qualitative data were collected using individual interviews (n=24) and focus groups (n=27) to identify key transition points of early career researchers (ECRs) and mid-career researchers (MCRs) in selected African countries. The qualitative data was complemented with quantitative survey questionnaires (n=250) and a triangulation approach was adopted to analyse the results. The findings were themed into different categories describing the common career paths, stages and challenges of research leaders. The latter part of the findings present a discussion on development approaches to attract and retain researchers in African universities. By focusing on the African continent, this study contributes to the current body of literature on research leadership in the Global South.

Local perspectives on confronting water scarcity

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-60
Author(s):  
Alfonso Andrés Cortez-Lara ◽  
José Luís Castro-Ruíz ◽  
Vicente Sánchez-Munguía
Keyword(s):  
Water Scarcity ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Common Pool Resources ◽  
Institutional Factors ◽  
Common Pool ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
The Social ◽  
Local Actors ◽  
The Common ◽  
Local Perspectives

This study examines the social and institutional factors that determine whether local actors in the region take local and binational actions to manage scarce and highly contested water resources, focusing in the Mexican portion of the Colorado River. Based on the common pool resources and institutional approaches, the research project analyzes qualitative data from individual interviews with local key informants as well as official documents. The results reveal: (1) the variety of institutional behaviors, actions, and strategies implemented at the local and binational level; and (2) how complementary perspectives contribute to sustainable water management. The findings of the study contribute to the common pool resources literature by showing the importance of the actors’ collaboration to address water scarcity in a context of rapidly changing conditions.

scholarly journals Positioning for success: building capacity in academic competencies for early-career researchers in sub-Saharan Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Merritt ◽  
H. Jack ◽  
W. Mangezi ◽  
D. Chibanda ◽  
M. Abas
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Capacity Building ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Training Experience ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Early Career Researchers ◽  
Academic Competencies ◽  
Sub Saharan

Background. Capacity building is essential in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to address the gap in skills to conduct and implement research. Capacity building must not only include scientific and technical knowledge, but also broader competencies, such as writing, disseminating research and achieving work–life balance. These skills are thought to promote long-term career success for researchers in high-income countries (HICs) but the availability of such training is limited in LMICs. Methods. This paper presents the contextualisation and implementation of the Academic Competencies Series (ACES). ACES is an early-career researcher development programme adapted from a UK university. Through consultation between HIC and LMIC partners, an innovative series of 10 workshops was designed covering themes of self-development, engagement and writing skills. ACES formed part of the African Mental Health Research Initiative (AMARI), a multi-national LMIC-led consortium to recruit, train, support and network early-career mental health researchers from four sub-Saharan African countries. Results. Of the 10 ACES modules, three were HIC-LMIC co-led, four led by HIC facilitators with LMIC training experience and three led by external consultants from HICs. Six workshops were delivered face to face and four by webinar. Course attendance was over 90% and the delivery cost was approximately US$4500 per researcher trained. Challenges of adaptation, attendance and technical issues are described for the first round of workshops. Conclusions. This paper indicates that a skills development series for early-career researchers can be contextualised and implemented in LMIC settings, and is feasible for co-delivery with local partners at relatively low cost.

scholarly journals A process for the development of a psychosocial educational programme to facilitate the reintegration of incarcerated women who had dumped babies and / or committed infanticide in Namibia

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 80
Author(s):  
Ndempavali Sumpi ◽  
Hans Justus Amukugo
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Correctional Facility ◽  
Incarcerated Women ◽  
Educational Programme ◽  
Situational Analysis ◽  
Phase 3 ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Analysis Phase ◽  
Experiences Of Women

The aim of this paper is to describe the steps/process used to develop a psychosocial educational programme to facilitate the reintegration of incarcerated women who had dumped babies and / or committed infanticide in Namibia. This process was done in four phases namely Phase 1, was carried out to explore and describe the lived experiences of women who had dumped and / or committed infanticide. The researcher used in-depth unstructured individual interviews for data collection and data was analysed by using Tech’s method of qualitative data analysis. Phase 2, focuses on the conceptualisation framework guided the development of a psychosocial educational programme that facilitated the reintegration process of women who had dumped and / or committed infanticide. The educational programme included the activities suggested in the survey list of Dickoff et al. (1968); namely, agent, recipient, context, dynamics, procedures, and terminus. Phase 3, focused on the development of a psychosocial educational programme to facilitate the reintegration process of women who had dumped their babies and / or committed infanticide. The survey list of Dickoff et al. (1968) was adopted as a reasoning map in the construction of the development of a psychosocial educational programme, as well as the findings of the situational analysis of this study. And Phase 4, focused on the implementation and evaluation of the psychosocial educational programme that was developed to facilitate the reintegration of incarcerated women who had dumped babies and / or committed infanticide. A three-day training workshop was held at the Oluno Correctional Facility to conduct the educational programme. The educational programme was evaluated in order to validate whether the programme interventions were likely to bring about the desired change among the participants.A process for the development of a psychosocial educational programme to facilitate the reintegration of incarcerated women who had dumped babies and / or committed infanticide in Namibia

Leading Sustainable CSR Efforts: A Case of Sneha Opportunity School by NLCIL

2021 ◽  
pp. 097468622110070
Author(s):  
R Vikraman ◽  
Shulagna Sarkar ◽  
K Vishnukumar ◽  
A Selvarasu
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
The Self ◽  
Responsible Leadership ◽  
Time Activity ◽  
Individual Interviews

CSR is not a new practice and has been existing since ages; yet the role of a leader in driving responsible and sustainable CSR efforts is crucial. CSR is not just one-time activity and holds a high responsibility in ensuring the self-sustenance of the effort. There are very few organisations which guides its CSR efforts being sustainable. NLC India limited is one such organisation which believes in sustainable CSR efforts. The article explains the role of responsible leadership in being the drive behind enabling need based sustainable CSR efforts. The article shares the case of Sneha Opportunity School (SOS) at Neyveli, which is successful in its effort with the visionary leaders exhibiting responsible leadership over the years. Qualitative data has been collected using individual interviews of various stakeholders of the CSR initiative of SOS. The qualitative data shares perspectives on responsible leadership and SOS operations. The article also presents a model of responsible leadership in organisations leading to sustainable CSR efforts.

Understanding the Effects of Mindfulness Meditation Combined With Aromatherapy, to Enhance the Wellbeing of MCAST ICS Lecturers: A Narrative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-39
Author(s):  
Nadia Cauchi
Keyword(s):  
Narrative Analysis ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Work And Family ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Narrative Study ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Inquiry Approach ◽  
The Common ◽  
Mindful Meditation ◽  
The Individual

This study looks at the effects of the combined practice of mindful meditation and aromatherapy on the wellbeing of MCAST ICS lecturers, potentially providing resources that can help them deal with various stressors. Each practice is supported with literature underlining its effects towards a holistic wellbeing. The researcher uses a qualitative narrative inquiry approach to draw meaning and understanding out of the participants’ experiences. Three MCAST ICS lecturers participated in this study. Their background in health care enables them to relate better with the benefits of mindful meditation and aromatherapy. The research design of this study consists of four stages; a pre-session held with the three participants, weekly mindful meditation sessions for six weeks, individual interviews with each participant, followed by a focus group. Three of the six sessions included aromatherapy and a mindful journal was kept throughout the sessions. The analysis format could either develop as an analysis of narrative or narrative of analysis. In this study both formats were used, however, due to the word count limit only the analysis of narrative is seen. The researcher elicited whole segments from the individual transcripts to develop various themes. To examine the data for the emergent themes the researcher chose to use thematic narrative analysis as it focuses on the ‘told’ (Riessman 2008). In this case the ‘told’ is what helped identify the common patterns found across the narratives. As themes started to emerge, whenever possible the researcher used the MAXQDA software to facilitate the process. Mindful meditation was found to lead to a series of events that enhance self-awareness, thus enhancing holistic wellbeing and positively effecting the individual’s approach towards work and family. This can be achieved because mindful meditation has the potential to enhance one’s social skills, soft skills, and emotional intelligence. Furthermore, combining aromatherapy with mindful meditation was found to positively enhance one’s experience. However, it was not the only decisive factor since the ambience was also an influencer.

Challenges and complexities of developing mentors’ practice: insights from new mentors

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 329-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Gardiner ◽  
Nina Weisling
Keyword(s):  
Professional Learning ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
First Year ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Sense Of Efficacy ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Axial Coding ◽  
Complex Relationships

Purpose Induction mentoring for early career teachers is a complex practice, requiring knowledge and skills distinct from teaching. However, more is known anecdotally than empirically about the challenges new mentors face and the type of support they need as they transition from teacher to induction mentor. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study investigated how nine first-year mentors developed, conceptualized and enacted their mentoring practice by asking, what supports/inhibits new mentors’ professional learning and practice? Are there patterns of struggle/challenge that new mentors face? Primary data sources included three 45–60-minute structured, individual interviews across each mentor’s first year. Data analysis was inductive, involving open and axial coding. Findings Mentors struggled to navigate multiple complex relationships with administrators, teachers and students. The quality of these relationships impacted their sense of efficacy and mentoring ability. Despite receiving what mentors perceived as effective professional development (PD), all mentors found it difficult to apply knowledge in practice. Mentors also experienced a steep and varied learning curve and identified supports that enhanced their knowledge and situated application of new teacher-centered mentoring. Originality/value Despite increases in mentoring programs, there is a lack of research addressing new mentors’ needs and development. This study makes a contribution by identifying new mentors’ needs and challenges and by providing recommendations for situated, responsive, and ongoing PD.

scholarly journals State-induced Famine in Eritrea: Persecution and Crime against Humanity

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bahlbi Y. Malk
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Court ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Humanitarian Crisis ◽  
International Borders ◽  
The Common ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The One ◽  
The Right ◽  
Mass Starvation ◽  
Causes Of Deaths

Famine remains one of the major causes of deaths and displacements in the Sub-Saharan African countries where people have continuously been compelled to cross international borders in search of livelihood securities. There is no question that the continent has been exposed to erratic rainfalls, crop failures and droughts, but contemporary famine has less to do with natural-related crop failures and much to do with poor governance. The author argues that state’s premeditated action, inaction and incompetency to respond to insecurity and threats are largely responsible for African famines. Due to historical misperception of African famine and oversimplification of refugees’ motives from Africa, however, food-based persecution has not been a common subject of research. Besides, the absence of drought does not necessary mean the absence of famine either, because the aforementioned factors frequently cause it to happen even in the middle of plenty. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore how government’s action or inaction can lead to famine in the absence or presence of drought which in return forces people to escape from drastically deteriorating conditions of existence by flight. The goal of this paper is mainly to challenge the common perception that famine as being the drought-induced outcome of humanitarian crisis in Africa and refugees as being victims of the natural circumstance. Thus, this paper argues that a government that deprives its citizens of the basic necessity such as the right to food is as dangerous as the one that persecutes its citizens on the five Convention grounds. Hence, taking Eritrea as a case example, this article discusses chronic food insecurity and mass starvation as a state-induced disaster, which I believe should be considered a crime against humanity under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

scholarly journals Finland’s Africa Strategy

2021 ◽  
pp. 32-37
Author(s):  
Elena Boldyreva ◽  
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Foreign Policy ◽  
Foreign Affairs ◽  
The European Union ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Economic Relations ◽  
Northern Country ◽  
Common Interests ◽  
The Common

The article analyzes Finland’s strategy towards Africa. The relevance of this topic does not raise doubts in the light of the growing interest not only of Finland, but also of the European Union as a whole in Africa, especially the countries of the Sahel. Finland’s strategy was adopted almost simultaneously with the EU’s strategy and can be considered as an integral part of it. The article analyzes the publicly available documents of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, which are relevant both to the policy of this northern country in relation to the continent as a whole and to individual African countries. The aim of the strategy is to set realistic but ambitious goals for Finland’s policy towards Africa, based on the common interests of Finland and African countries, to define the main directions of Finland’s policy towards Africa and to define concrete actions to achieve them. In addition, it is necessary to pay special attention to strengthening political and economic relations and expand cooperation in various forms. Thus, the research carried out can be useful for a better understanding of one of the most important directions of Finnish foreign policy today.

scholarly journals Qualitative Methods Used to Generate Questionnaire Items: A Systematic Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laetitia Ricci ◽  
Jean-Baptiste Lanfranchi ◽  
Fabienne Lemetayer ◽  
Christine Rotonda ◽  
Francis Guillemin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Item Generation ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Data Content ◽  
Collection Methods ◽  
Qualitative Data Collection

A systematic review of articles using qualitative methods to generate questionnaire items identified in MEDLINE and PsycINFO from 2000 to 2014 was carried out. Articles were analyzed for (a) year of publication and journal domain, (b) qualitative data collection methods, (c) method of data content analysis, (d) professional experts’ input in item generation, and (e) debriefing of the newly developed items. In total, 371 articles were included and results showed (a) an acceleration of published articles, (b) individual interviews and focus groups were common ways of generating items and no emergent approach was identified, (c) the content analysis was usually not described (43% of articles), (d) experts were involved in eliciting concepts in less than a third of articles, (e) 61% of articles involved a step of further submission of newly developed items to the population of interest. This review showed an insufficient reporting of qualitative methods used to generate new questionnaires despite previous recommendations.

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