scholarly journals PILOT STUDY ON CHILDREN’S READING IN NAMIBIA: PITFALLS AND NEW STRATEGIES

Mousaion ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 2-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andree-Jeanne Tötemeyer ◽  
Emmarentia Kirchner ◽  
Susan Alexander
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Main Study ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Reading Levels ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Impact ◽  
New Strategies

The aim of this article is to report on a pilot study conducted in 2011 that preceded a main study undertaken in 2012, investigating the reading behaviour and preferences of Grade 6 Namibian students. The aims of the pilot study were to develop an easy to answer and reliable questionnaire; to enable emerging researchers to gain experience in data collection through small-scale sampling; and to test whether the instruments of data collection were covering the main aims of the study. The questionnaire was developed and tested three times on small groups before the pilot study. In all 226 students, both rural and urban, from three educational regions in Namibia were included in the pilot study. Vast differences in the students’ language ability and socio-economic situation were observed. The data analysis showed that the researchers underestimated the impact of the social desirability factor and the reading levels of the respondents. The questionnaire had to be drastically redesigned. Six further versions of the questionnaire were developed and tested before implementation in the main study. Careful reporting and recording of the pilot process ensured that a successful main study was conducted in 2012. While pilot studies are not frequently fully documented and reported on, it is argued that valuable lessons can be learnt from this honest report.

scholarly journals Undertaking Procedure-Based Assessment is Feasible in Clinical Practice

2009 ◽  
Vol 91 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
K James ◽  
K Cross ◽  
ME Lucarotti ◽  
AL Fowler ◽  
TA Cook
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Anterior Resection ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Right Hemicolectomy ◽  
Time Constraints ◽  
Main Study ◽  
Minimal Impact ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Colorectal Procedures

INTRODUCTION With the development of a new curriculum, workplace based assessments such as procedure-based assessment (PBA) are becoming increasingly common within surgical training. However, there have been concerns about the impact of these assessments on clinical practice. This study assessed the time taken to complete PBA forms to determine whether it is feasible in clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS PBAs for three colorectal procedures (anterior resection, right hemicolectomy and anal fistula) were undertaken by various trainers and trainees. A pilot study was performed to identify potential reasons for incomplete forms and procedural modifications subsequently applied in the main study. Times taken to complete the consenting and operative components of the forms were recorded. RESULTS Incomplete forms in the pilot were mainly attributable to time constraints. In the main study, all assessments were completed within 30 min. Assessment times increased with complexity of the procedure. Median times for completing the consenting and operative components in anterior resection were 13 min (range, 8–15 min) and 15 min (range, 10–18 min), respectively. CONCLUSIONS PBAs are feasible in clinical practice and are valued by trainees as a means of enabling focused feedback and targeted training. Commitment from trainers and trainees will be required but, with adequate planning, the assessment tool is effective with minimal impact on clinical practice.

The failure of non‐binding declarations to achieve university sustainability

2007 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.A. Bekessy ◽  
K. Samson ◽  
R.E. Clarkson
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institute Of Technology ◽  
University Leaders ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeThis paper aims to assess the impact and value of non‐binding agreements or declarations in achieving sustainability in universities.Design/methodology/approachA case study of Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University is presented, analysing the reasons for lack of progress towards sustainability and evaluating best ways forward. Using a timeline and analysis of historical records for the 12 years since RMIT first engaged in the sustainability agenda, major trends in the process of implementing policies are identified. Secondly, 15 semi‐structured interviews with university leaders and key sustainability stakeholders from across the university are analysed to provide insight into how and why the university has failed to achieve sustainability.FindingsNew implications for successfully achieving sustainability arise from these findings. Accountability is a key issue, as RMIT appears to reap benefits from being signatory to declarations without achieving genuine progress. To ensure that declarations are more than simply greenwash, universities must open themselves up to scrutiny of progress to determine whether commitments have been honoured.Practical implicationsRelying on small‐scale “club” activities establishing demonstrations and raising awareness is unlikely to lead to permanent change. The evidence of RMIT's engagement with sustainability shows that, for example, even when successful pilot studies are conducted, these initiatives may do little to affect the mainstream practices of a university unless certain conditions exist. Furthermore, given the on‐paper commitments institutions have made, and the role of the university in society, small‐scale and gradual changes in university practice are a far from adequate response to the urgent sustainability imperative.Originality/valueThe initial engagement of RMIT University with the sustainability agenda 12 years ago marked it as a world leader in sustainability best‐practice. Analysing how and why such a disappointing lack of action has resulted from such promising beginnings provides insight into future directions for implementing sustainability in universities. The paper argues that considering the key responsibility of universities in leading the sustainability agenda, a more systemic and serious response is required.

scholarly journals Mass Production of the Black Soldier Fly, Hermetia illucens (L.), (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) Reared on Three Manure Types

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chelsea D. Miranda ◽  
Jonathan A. Cammack ◽  
Jeffery K. Tomberlin
Keyword(s):  
Mass Production ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Swine Manure ◽  
Dairy Manure ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Black Soldier Fly ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Alfalfa Meal ◽  
The Impact

Recent interest in the mass production of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae has resulted in many studies being generated. However, a majority of the studies are benchtop, or small-scale, experiments. Results generated from such studies may not translate to large-scale/industrial production. The current study was conducted at a conventional large-scale (10,000 larvae/treatment fed seven kg) to determine the impact on selected life-history traits when BSF were fed seven kg of manure (swine, dairy, or poultry) or a control diet (Gainesville diet: 50% wheat bran, 30% alfalfa meal, and 20% corn). Results showed larvae fed dairy manure took one to two days longer to develop to prepupation, with lower survivorship (45%) compared to those fed poultry or swine manure (>70%). Furthermore, the maximum larval weight was reached on day six for those fed swine manure, while other treatments achieved the maximum weight on day seven. However, larvae fed swine manure averaged 150 mg, while those fed the other diets ranged between 175 and 200 mg. Data from this study may be valuable for the industrialization of BSF. Companies using a scale varying from previously published work, including this study, should conduct pilot studies to optimize their system prior to implementation.

Review of Key Stakeholders for an mHealth Pilot Study in Malawi Motivations and Expectations

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 51-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne O'Connor ◽  
Ciara Heavin ◽  
John O'Donoghue
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Post Trial ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Potential Use

The trial and evaluation of mobile health (mHealth) applications in society is necessary to explore the potential use and benefits of the solution post-trial. In recent years, there is a proliferation of mHealth projects developed and tested in the continent of Africa. The complexity of these projects means that there are typically many stakeholders who are integral to the success of the project. Yet, extant research falls short of capturing the motivations and expectations of multiple key stakeholders (i.e. direct and indirect users) in a single study towards participating in mHealth pilots. To address this gap in research a conceptual model is proposed and examined to explore the impact of motivations and expectations on both community health workers' (direct users) and caregivers' (indirect users) decision to participate in mHealth pilot studies. Findings reveal that both motivations and expectations positively impact decision making, i.e. their decision to participate in the study, with no significant differences emerging between these two groups of stakeholders.

scholarly journals Industry professionalisation of strata title managers: what are the implications for governance?

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika Altmann
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the rise of strata manager as a newly emergent profession and note their impact on the governance within medium and high density, strata titled housing such as flats, apartments, town-houses and CIDs. Design/methodology/approach – This research presents finding from a small scale, qualitative research project focused on the interaction between the owner committee of management and strata managers. Findings – The introduction mandatory certification is championed by industry bodies. The strata managers considered they already demonstrated valuable attributes desired by committees of management. These differed to the attributes targeted by the new training regime, and the attributes valued by the committees of management. Research limitations/implications – This is a small scale pilot study. A larger study will need to be undertaken to confirm these results. Practical implications – There is a disjunct between the training and what strata managers consider relevant to undertaking their duties. This has significance for the ongoing governance of these properties and industry professionalisation. The resilience of Australia’s densification policies will depend on how learning will translate into better governance outcomes for owners. Social implications – One in three people within Australia’s eastern states lives or owns property within strata titled complex (apartments, flats and townhouse developments). The increasing number of strata managers and professionalisation within their industry has the ability to impact an increasing number of people. Originality/value – The impact of this new profession, and their requirements in terms of expertise has not been fully considered within existing academic literature.

Anarchism, 1914-18

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Historical Analysis ◽  
World War ◽  
Cultural Resistance ◽  
Bolshevik Revolution ◽  
Wrong Side ◽  
The Social ◽  
The First World War ◽  
The Impact ◽  
First World ◽  
New Strategies

This volume provides examines anarchist responses to the First World War. The collection is divided into three sections. The first examines the interventionist debate, focusing on the acrimonious disputes between Peter Kropotkin and Errico Malatesta which split the anarchist movement in 1914. The second discusses the impact of the war and the Bolshevik revolution, presenting a historical analysis of German, Dutch, French and US movements and conceptual analysis of just war and intervention, prefiguration, nationalism, internationalism, transnationalism, anti-colonialism, pacifism and terrorism. The final section focuses on anti-militarism and discusses no-conscription campaigns, anti-war/anti-capitalist cultural resistance and ideas of memory and war myths, centring on the experiences of Herbert Read. The book discusses the impact of the war on anarchism by looking at the social, cultural and geo-political changes that the war hastened, promoting forms of socialism that marginalized anarchist ideas, but argues that even while the war destroyed many domestic movements it also contributed to a re-framing of anarchist ideas. The book shows how the bitter divisions about the war and the experience of being caught on the wrong side of the Bolshevik Revolution encouraged anarchists to reaffirm their deeply-held rejection of vanguard socialism and develop new strategies that drew on a plethora of anti-war activities. The currents of ideas that emerged from anarchism's apparent obsolescence were crystallised during the war.

scholarly journals Listening to ironically-enjoyed music: A self-regulatory perspective

2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 321-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annemieke J. M. van den Tol ◽  
Roger Giner-Sorolla
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Social Role ◽  
Social Benefit ◽  
Main Study ◽  
The Social ◽  
Regulatory Perspective ◽  
Regulatory Functions ◽  
Additional Role

This research examines adults’ reported motivations for listening to music that they enjoy ironically using Thematic Analysis. Based on the pilot study ( N = 96), ironically-enjoyed music was defined as “Music that is enjoyed because of being bad, despite being bad, or for different reasons than intended.” Many relevant self-regulatory functions of listening to music in general were relevant to ironically-enjoyed music in the main study ( N = 175). Ironic enjoyment of music also has unique characteristics: the additional role of mocking, ridiculing, and laughing at the music, and the social benefit that this provides. Music that was listened to “because of” its negative features had a variety of musical features, and the listening usually served functions unique to ironic enjoyment of music. When music was listened to “despite” negative qualities, the music itself was often described as having attractive rhythm, melody or lyrics, while the irony protected the listener from conflicting values associated with the music, helping the listener communicate to others that they did not identify with the music on a higher level. Unfamiliar music mainly played a social role, whereas familiar music related to nostalgia as well as most other functions.

scholarly journals Assessing the Graphic Questionnaire Used in Digital Literacy Training

10.28945/4302 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Socially Disadvantaged ◽  
Self Reports ◽  
Digital Skills ◽  
Literacy Training ◽  
The Impact

[This Proceedings paper was revised and published in the 2019 issue of the journal Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology, Volume 16] Aim/Purpose: To capture digital training experiences, the paper introduces a novel data collection method – a graphic questionnaire. It aims to demonstrate the opportunities and limitations of this tool for collecting feedback from socially disadvantaged participants of digital literacy training about their progress. Background: In training of digital skills for disadvantaged audiences through informal educational interventions, it is important to get sufficient knowledge on factors that lead to their progress in the course of training. There are many tools to measure the achievements of formal education participants, but assessing the effectiveness of informal digital skills training is researched less. The paper introduces a small-scale case study of the training programme aimed at the developing of reading and digital skills among the participants from three socially disadvantaged groups – people with hearing impairments, children from low income families, and elderly persons. The impact of the training on participants was evaluated using different tools, including a short graphic questionnaire to capture the perceptions of the participants after each training. Methodology: We performed a thematic analysis of graphic questionnaires collected after each training session to determine how the students perceived their progress in developing literacy and digital skills. Contribution The findings of the paper can assist in designing assessment of digital literacy programmes that focus not only on final results, but also on the process of gaining digital skills and important factors that facilitate progress. Findings: The graphic questionnaire allowed the researchers to get insights into the perception of acquired skills and progressive achievements of the participants through rich self-reports of attitudes, knowledge gained, and activities during training sessions. However, the graphic questionnaire format did not allow the collection of data about social interaction and cooperation that could be important in learning. Recommendations for Practitioners: Graphic questionnaires are useful and easy-to-use tools for getting rich contextual information about the attitudes, behaviour, and acquisition of knowledge in digital literacy training. They can be used in applied assessments of digital literacy training in various settings. Their simplicity can appeal to respondents; however, in the long-run interest of respondents in continuing self-reports should be sustained by additional measures. Recommendations for Researchers: Researcher may explore the variety of simple and attractive research instruments, such as “honeycomb” questionnaires and similar, to facilitate data collection and saturate feedback with significant perception of personal experiences in gaining digital literacy skills. Impact on Society: Designing effective digital literacy programmes, including engaging self-assessment methods and tools, aimed at socially disadvantaged people will contribute to their digital inclusion and to solving the issues of digital divide. Future Research: Exploration of diverse research methods and expanding the research toolset in assessing digital literacy training could advance our understanding of important processes and factors in gaining digital skills.

scholarly journals The Impact of Financial Inclusion on Financial Inclusion through Social Empowerment through in Nanded District

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3S) ◽  
pp. 265-272
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Human Development ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Research Paper ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
The Social ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Social Empowerment

In the present research work, the researcher tried to study the consequence of financial inclusion on social empowerment. The social empowerment is one of the essential indicators of human development. The social empowerment is achieved through its different parameter. The researcher made an attempt to analyze the relevance of financial inclusion in the context of social empowerment. For this purpose, researcher selected the sample size of 400 households both equally from rural and urban part of Nanded district. It is observed that there is significant difference in the level of social empowerment in rural and urban part of Nanded district. The findings, conclusions and suggestions are presented at the end of research paper

scholarly journals Students’ experiences with the use of a social annotation tool to improve learning in flipped classrooms

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cor Suhre ◽  
Koos Winnips ◽  
Vincent De Boer ◽  
Pablo Valdivia ◽  
Hans Beldhuis
Keyword(s):  
Deep Level ◽  
Student Experiences ◽  
Annotation Tool ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Student Activities ◽  
Course Content ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Annotation ◽  
Flipped Classrooms ◽  
The Impact

To support the development and dissemination of more activating educational practices, pilot studies were launched on the use of the social annotation tool Perusall. During 2016-2017 several  managers of higher education course units worked with Perusall in classes of a size varying from 10 to more than hundred students. To assess the usefulness and effectiveness of Perusall we focused on two related aspects (1) perception by students of Perusall as an appropriate tool to support the processing of the study texts and (2) the impact of student engagement in Perusall on students’ examination results. Student experiences were evaluated by means of online questionnaires about several aspects concerning to the adoption of Perusall and log data about student activities in the Perusall platform. The results of the study show that engagement in deep level processing of course content depends on three critical factors: the transparency of annotation assignments, the perceived ease of working in Perusall and teachers’ use of students’ annotations to discuss the course content during lectures. The study further shows that students receive better examination results the more they engage in the annotation assignments.

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