Content Analysis as a Best Practice in Technical Communication Research

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 267-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Thayer ◽  
Mary Evans ◽  
Alicia McBride ◽  
Matt Queen ◽  
Jan Spyridakis
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Technical Communication ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Empirical Method ◽  
Communication Research ◽  
Analysis Methodology ◽  
Technical Communicators ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
Communication Practices

Content analysis is a powerful empirical method for analyzing text, a method that technical communicators can use on the job and in their research. Content analysis can expose hidden connections among concepts, reveal relationships among ideas that initially seem unconnected, and inform the decision-making processes associated with many technical communication practices. In this article, we explain the basics of content analysis methodology and dispel common misconceptions, report on a content analysis case study, reveal the most important objectives associated with conducting high quality content analyses, and summarize the implications of content analysis as a tool for technical communicators and researchers.

The impact of the Combined Code in Greek soft law

2015 ◽  
Vol 57 (5) ◽  
pp. 445-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michail Nerantzidis ◽  
John Filos ◽  
Anastasios Tsamis ◽  
Maria-Eleni Agoraki
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Soft Law ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Average Percentage ◽  
Analysis Methodology ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Specific Number

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent of Combined code (2010) impact in the Greek soft law (SEV code, 2011) and the adoption of an overlapping set (between the two codes) of best practice provisions in Greece. Design/methodology/approach – Content analysis was conducted to examine the similarities between the UK’s Combined code (2010) and the Greek SEV code (2011). Moreover, a sample of 219 Greek listed companies’ annual reports was analyzed, and their compliance with a specific number of provisions was evaluated. Findings – Through analyzing the content of both codes, it was found that from the total 64 provisions of the SEV code (2011), 45 were matched to at least one of the Combined codes (2010). From these 45 provisions, 26 were characterized as “in spirit” influence and 19 as “in letter”. Based on this evidence, 22 overlapping practices were selected to investigate the compliance and a quite low rate was revealed, an average percentage of 30.46 per cent. These findings indicate that while exogenous forces trigger the development and adoption of a code in Greece, in line with the UK’s, the endogenous forces tend to avoid the compliance with that “exogenous practices”. Moreover, the results support the idea that the Greek national code should be reshaped to fit the different country’s characteristics. Research limitations/implications – The research limitations are associated with the content analysis methodology, as well as the reliability of corporate governance (CG)statements. Originality/value – This study contributes to understanding in a more comprehensive manner the impact of Combined Code (2010) in Greek soft law. More specifically, based on a previous case study, this paper extends the seven analyzed factors of Koutoupis’ (2012) research to the total CG provisions of both codes. However, it goes further and develops a coding scheme to rate the level of compliance of the overlapping provisions.

Legally Minded Technical Communicators: A Case Study of a Legal Writing Course

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 393-414
Author(s):  
Godwin Y. Agboka
Keyword(s):  
Technical Communication ◽  
Professional Communication ◽  
Legal Literacy ◽  
Legal Writing ◽  
Writing Course ◽  
Technical Communicators ◽  
The Law ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Technical And Professional Communication

Understanding the law and its impact on the practice of technical communication has been an important scholarly thread in technical and professional communication (TPC) for more than two decades. Technical communicators recognize the impact of their work on stakeholders as well as the potential liability issues associated with composing technical communication documents. While this scholarship is widespread, relatively few pedagogical resources are available to prepare students for success in a litigious world or to guide instructors in teaching legal writing. This article offers a case study of a legal writing course that prepares TPC students to develop legal literacy and succeed in the workplace.

Have we compromised too much? A critical analysis of nutrition policy in Australia 2007–2018

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Brandon I ◽  
Phillip Baker ◽  
Mark Lawrence
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Nutrition Policy ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Documentary Analysis ◽  
Government Documents ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Poor Nutrition

Abstract Objective: A comprehensive nutrition policy containing a broad package of cross-sector and synergistic policy actions is required to attenuate the systemic drivers of poor nutrition. The current study aims to critically analyse trends in the scope of federal nutrition policy actions in Australia between 2007 and 2018 by: (1) describing the changes in nutrition policy actions, benchmarked against an international best-practice policy framework and (2) investigating how and why the scope of these policy actions have changed over time by examining the decision-making processes that led to the establishment of Australia’s Healthy Food Partnership (the Partnership). Design: Qualitative case study involving documentary analysis and key-informant interviews. Australian federal government documents (n 10) were analysed against the NOURISHING framework. Key informants (n 6) were interviewed and asked about the Partnership’s decision-making and establishment processes. Setting: Australia. Participants: Executive Committee (the Partnership’s governing body) and working group members. Results: From 2007 to 2018, the scope of Australian national nutrition policy has fluctuated from evidence-informed recommendations for a comprehensive policy to the mostly discrete policy actions of the Partnership. Themes of ‘pragmatism and compromise’, ‘actor relationships and lobbying’ and ‘political context’ were critical drivers for establishing the Partnership. Conclusion: The narrowing of Australian nutrition policy reflects a response to political expediency and compromise. This political dynamic highlights a dilemma facing nutrition policy advocates: should (and if so, how) a balance be sought between the aspirational but possibly unrealistic goals, and the limited but likely deliverable outcomes during policy-making processes? These findings have relevance for developing a future comprehensive national nutrition policy.

Communication, Cooperation, and Competition

2021 ◽  
pp. 148-167
Author(s):  
Sam von Gillern
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Video Games ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Literacy Practices ◽  
Oral Communication ◽  
Written Language ◽  
Written Communication ◽  
Cooperation And Competition ◽  
Analysis Methodology ◽  
Communication Practices

While scholars have examined various ways that video games can promote learning and influence communication, limited research has examined the literacy and communication practices of esports teams. This study utilizes a content analysis methodology to examine the literacy and communication patterns of two esports teams who competitively play the popular video game Rocket League, a soccer-like game in which players control vehicles and try to hit a ball into their opponents' goal. Findings demonstrate that the esports teams utilize both oral and written communication in a variety of ways in their esports endeavors. The primary types of oral communication the teams used related to strategy, encouragement, and general commentary, and the primary types of written language included pre-game schedules, in-game and post-game chat, and post-game stats. Ultimately, this study demonstrates how esports teams engage in communication and literacy practices as they cooperate with their teammates and compete against their opponents.

Characterizing Coordination in Humanitarian Supply Chains

2019 ◽  
pp. 263-276
Author(s):  
Juan David Suarez ◽  
Mateo Pachón Rincón ◽  
Carlos Osorio Ramirez
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Supply Chain Strategy ◽  
Humanitarian Supply Chains ◽  
Analysis Methodology ◽  
Humanitarian Supply Chain

Coordination has been reported as a main issue in humanitarian supply chain. Although it is recognized as a potential driver for efficiency, it is not broadly studied in real cases. This chapter presents a case study for humanitarian supply chain. Using Lambert's framework for SCM, humanitarian supply chain is characterized identifying its structure, business processes, and management components. Once humanitarian supply chain is understood, a short review is performed to identify how coordination is being integrated into humanitarian supply chains body of literature, and principles, techniques, and technologies applied for coordination in humanities supply chain are identified. Finally, using content analysis methodology, coordination issues are mapped through humanitarian actors in Colombia by understanding the supply chain strategy of three principal actors for Colombian humanitarian supply chain.

scholarly journals From Toddler to Teen: Growth of an Open Data Ecosystem

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maximilian Heimstädt
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Open Government ◽  
Open Government Data ◽  
Government Data ◽  
Data Ecosystem ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Depth Interviews

Abstract: In this paper, the authors conceptualize Open Data ecosystems byanalysing the major stakeholders in the UK. The conceptualization is basedon a review of popular Open Data definitions and business ecosystemtheories, which are applied to qualitative empirical data. The work isinformed by a combination of discourse analysis and a content analysis ofin-depth interviews, undertaken during the summer of 2013. Drawing on theUK as a best practice example, the authors examine a set of structuralbusiness ecosystem properties: circular flow of resources, sustainability,demand that encourages supply, and dependence developing between suppliers,intermediaries, and users. The authors identify that gaps and shortcomingsremain. Most prominently, demand is not yet fully encouraging supply andactors have yet to experience fully mutual interdependence.Keywords: Open Data, Ecosystem, Open Government Data, Case Study, UnitedKingdom

scholarly journals ‘Diz-me como ages, dir-te-ei quem és’: João Couto e a génese do Museu -Biblioteca Condes de Castro de Guimarães, em Cascais

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Mota Almeida
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Primary Sources ◽  
Doctoral Thesis ◽  
Cultural Institution ◽  
Analysis Methodology ◽  
The Social ◽  
History Of ◽  
Local Root

This paper summarizes part of the research developed under the Doctoral Thesis in Museology. It focuses on the 'case study' of a local root museum process: Museu – Biblioteca Condes de Castro Guimarães, the sole institution museum in Cascais for half a century. Based on the epistemological field on Socio-museology research, upon primary sources, secondary and complementary bibliography, we tried to comprehend how the main founders of this institution thought, perceived and established the museological function at its origins. The research was developed in two complementary orientations: on one hand we studied the thoughts and actions of the museum curator João Couto through the content analysis methodology of their scholarly previously published texts. In parallel, we studied the history of the museum starting from the 1930s until the 1940s. This allowed us to perceive that, very early, the social and educational functions were present and continued to be developed over the decades that followed. We demonstrate the relevance of the curator’s work in the the construction of a cultural institution, engaging in social, cultural, and educational pioneering practices to benefit the community, and that we believe influenced the work of Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, in Lisbon. Key-words: Museology; Socio-museology; Education; Local Museums; Community.

scholarly journals The content analysis methodology. Uses and applications in communication research on Spanish-speaking countries

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Valeriano Piñeiro-Naval
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Sampling Method ◽  
Spanish Language ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Communication Research ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Intercoder Reliability ◽  
Analysis Methodology ◽  
Content Analysis Method ◽  
Spanish Universities

Based on a conceptual review of the content analysis research method, this article identifies meta-research studies that confirm the relevance of this technique in the atomised field of communication sciences. In light of the empirical evidence, this study is based on an analysis of 262 papers that use this tool and were published in major Spanish-language journals between 2013 and 2017. At instrumental level, bibliometric exploration is combined with content analysis itself, considering 18 categories, such as authorship, funding, sampling method and reporting of intercoder reliability. The results indicate that there is a steady annual growth in the number of papers produced by researchers affiliated to Spanish universities. These papers have more than two authors on average and often lack additional financial resources. As for the implementation of the content analysis method, it is generally applied to non-probabilistic samples and does not involve any intercoder reliability assessment and reporting. A series of recommendations are offered for researchers in Spain and in Latin America to meet international standards.

Housing Inflation: Policy Guidelines from Shariah Perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-81
Author(s):  
Azrul Azlan Iskandar Mirza ◽  
Asmaddy Haris ◽  
Ainulashikin Marzuki ◽  
Ummi Salwa Ahmad Bustamam ◽  
Hamdi Hakiem Mudasir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Housing Prices ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Housing Price ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Control Element ◽  
Recent Issue ◽  
Analysis Methodology ◽  
The Government ◽  
Developing And Developed Countries

The soaring housing prices in Malaysia is not a recent issue. It is a global phenomenon especially in developing and developed countries, driven by factors including land price, location, construction materials cost, demand, and speculation. This issue demands immediate attention as it affects the younger generation, most of whom could not afford to buy their own house. The government has taken many initiatives and introduced regulations to ensure that housing prices are within the affordable range. This article aims to introduce a housing price control element from the Shariah perspective, as an alternative solution for all parties involved in this issue. It adopts content analysis methodology on policy from Shariah approved sources.

IMAGE OF THE REPUBLIC OF MORDOVIA IN THE MEDIA VOLGA FEDERAL DISTRICT (BASED ON CONTENT ANALYSIS OF NEWS PUBLICATIONS)

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 44-52
Author(s):  
LARISA ZAITSEVA ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Information Content ◽  
Federal District ◽  
Information Space ◽  
Political News ◽  
Social Sphere ◽  
The Media ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Number Of Publications

The territorial image is formed both purposefully by the subjects of image-making, and spontaneously-based on the influence of information content published in various media. The purpose of the research is to analyze the image of the Republic of Mordovia in the information space of the Volga Federal district. The image of the territory formed by external target audiences by means of news materials is studied using the method of case study and content analysis of publications: “Volga news”, “Federal Press” news of the PFD, “Pravda PFD”. The authors conclude that modern reality is perceived through the prism of the information field created by mass media. The media creates images filled with certain data, facts, colored by emotions, on the basis of which representations, opinions, judgments, and assessments are subsequently formed. The media play a significant role in shaping the territorial image, especially for external target audiences who are not familiar with the region and do not have their own assessment knowledge and experience. Most of the information content about the Republic in the studied media is related to the main thematic blocks: politics, economy, social sphere, culture (art, sports). Moreover, if in the publications “Volga news” and “Pravda PFD” mention of the region prevails in the economic block, then in the publications “Federal Press” and “Nezavisimaya Gazeta” - in the political one. The Volga news publication significantly dominates the rest in terms of the number of publications about Mordovia. The content of publications is mostly positive and neutral related to the issues of economic development of the territory and the preparation and holding of the world football championship. Pravda PFD mentions the Republic in the context of news from neighboring territories, most of the publications date back to 2018, but here the context is related to the Republic's positions among the regions of the PFD in various ratings. The publication “Federal-Press” forms a generally reflective image of the territory, focusing on the negative aspects of regional life. “Nezavisimaya Gazeta”, giving priority to political news, maintains a neutral and reflective context of publications, paying attention to the key problems of the territory. Thus, the desired image of the region is counter-dictated to the image broadcast by the media through various information channels, so it is necessary to constantly monitor the information space and timely correction of the broadcast materials.

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