scholarly journals Case Study Investigations and Design-Build Proposal near Gisenyi, Rwanda

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Alice McIntosh

This research evaluates architectural responses to peacebuilding and modernization in Rwanda since the 1994 genocide. It proposes a collection of case studies and analyzes the effectiveness of architectural methods that respond to specific programs while maintaining a sensitivity to the political and cultural climate. It identifies the conceptual and practical logic behind design through the selection of local material, empowering unskilled workers, responding to the context, and establishing a positive relationship with members of the community. As an additional frame of reference, this research analyzes the design-build pedagogy at the University of Florida School of Architecture to understand practical implication in Rwanda. These projects collectively serve as a reference for proposing a small-scale design-build initiative with local Rwandan members of a pottery and dance cooperative in Gisenyi, Rwanda, where the University of Florida Arts in Medicine Program has identified a need for improving and building upon the existing facilities. 

Author(s):  
Melissa L. Johnson ◽  
Laura Pasquini ◽  
Michelle R. Rodems

This case study, an honors first year seminar from the University of Florida, USA, demonstrates the benefits and challenges of these developments in education. The case expands the definition of formal, informal, and online learning communities in the context of a first year seminar.


Author(s):  
Steven Lindberg ◽  
Matthew I. Campbell

Abstract Individual engineering design projects face different challenges depending on their scale. Instead of dealing with problems of complex multidisciplinary systems, small scale design must overcome issues of limited resources. The philosophy of agile software development has been highly successful in addressing similar issues in the software engineering realm over the past two decades. Through the design and prototyping of a low-budget desktop stereolithography printer, the application of agile principles to engineering design process is explored. The printer’s design is discussed in detail to provide examples of successes and failures when these agile principles are put into practice. The paper concludes with a discussion of how agile principles could be leveraged in engineering design. The approach taken in this paper is more of a longitudinal study of a single design process over a twelve-month period as opposed to rigorous experiments that engage multiple users in short design scenarios. Nonetheless, this case study demonstrates how the application of agile principles can inform, improve, and complement traditional engineering design processes.


1978 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 189-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Arden Colette ◽  
G. Brian Wall

Increased vegetable production for the fresh market often has been suggested as an agricultural alternative that will improve the income situation of small-scale farmers. Because vegetable production is an intensive activity and high incomes per acre are possible, it has political appeal as a quick solution to the low income levels generally associated with small farm operations. This study was developed from the small farm program of the University of Florida, which has concentrated on the northern and panhandle areas of Florida. Trials conducted by the Vegetable Crops Department of the University of Florida in 1974 and 1975 indicate that by variation of the planting season and control of insects and diseases, vegetables can be produced during periods of the year when the north Florida area has not historically competed in the fresh vegetable market.


2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 40-58
Author(s):  
Tone Strangeland Kaufman

Making the case that Christian discipleship in the Scandinavian movement Korsvei (CrossRoad Movement, abbreviated CRM) is enacted and understood as a new old spirituality, this article asks why the CRM is considered relevant by an increasing number of people, including youth. This small scale research is designed as a case study of the CRM based on document analysis of the spirituality of the movement in dialogue with Diana Butler Bass’ research on practicing or pilgrimage congregations in the US context and in light of the concepts subjectivization and retraditionalization. It draws on Paul Heelas and Linda Woodhead’s work The Spiritual Revolution, yet questions their conclusion that traditional religion is giving way to holistic spirituality. The present article rather argues that a cultural climate of subjectivization also within the Christian context in Norway has led to the negotiation of tradition and to old spiritual practices being approached in a new way, here called retraditionalization. It further suggests that the new old spirituality of the CRM might be considered a resource for youth ministry in a time when an emphasis on spiritual practice and communities has entered the curriculum of youth ministry.


Author(s):  
D.I. Igbinomwanhia ◽  
E.G. Abuya

The small-scale fabrication industry is of great importance to developing an economy. In the last two decades governments and private agencies in Nigeria have demonstrated great concerns in developing the Small Scale Industries through policy formulation and support for agencies created with a view to developing the industry. But such concerns have not yielded any good results. There are therefore some salient problems bedeviling this sector. The work presented in this paper is a study of the constraints to the growth of the small scale fabrication industry in Nigeria using Benin metropolis as a case study. Structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data and interviews were also conducted. The data collected were then analyzed and the constraints to the growth of the industry were identified. The results obtained from the study showed that non awareness of government policies; inadequate technology, inadequate educational training and lack of finance are the major constraints to the development of the small scale design and fabrication industry in Nigeria. Recommendations are made for overcoming these constraints.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 55-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiang Chang ◽  
Jianhua Liu

Abstract Purpose To develop and test a mission-oriented and multi-dimensional benchmarking method for a small scale university aiming for internationally first-class basic research. Design/methodology/approach An individualized evidence-based assessment scheme was employed to benchmark ShanghaiTech University against selected top research institutions, focusing on research impact and competitiveness at the institutional and disciplinary levels. Topic maps opposing ShanghaiTech and corresponding top institutions were produced for the main research disciplines of ShanghaiTech. This provides opportunities for further exploration of strengths and weakness. Findings This study establishes a preliminary framework for assessing the mission of the university. It further provides assessment principles, assessment questions, and indicators. Analytical methods and data sources were tested and proved to be applicable and efficient. Research limitations To better fit the selective research focuses of this university, its schema of research disciplines needs to be re-organized and benchmarking targets should include disciplinary top institutions and not necessarily those universities leading overall rankings. Current reliance on research articles and certain databases may neglect important research output types. Practical implications This study provides a working framework and practical methods for mission-oriented, individual, and multi-dimensional benchmarking that ShanghaiTech decided to use for periodical assessments. It also offers a working reference for other institutions to adapt. Further needs are identified so that ShanghaiTech can tackle them for future benchmarking. Originality/value This is an effort to develop a mission-oriented, individually designed, systematically structured, and multi-dimensional assessment methodology which differs from often used composite indices.


Author(s):  
Sharon Haar ◽  

"How do we engage and envision “bottom-up” social change in the context of the academic design studio? What does it look like, and how is it taught? This paper shares a novel research-based studio engaged with large-scale projects in the city of Detroit that diverges from the small-scale, often design-build projects most often undertaken in community- based practice in the academy. Framed by the context of a research-intensive academic institution—the University of Michigan—the pedagogy asks how can we educate students in the potential for social impact and capacity-building at scale? In parallel, how can we leverage the research capacities of a large student body to advance the study of affordable housing and neighborhood development in the context of a city such as Detroit?"


Author(s):  
Catherine Franc ◽  
Annie Morton

The provision of effective feedback is challenging and remains a much-criticised element of the Higher Education (HE) student experience. This case study examines innovative approaches to providing feedback for modern foreign language assessment, based upon a small scale study at the University of Manchester (UoM). We identify problematic areas in current practice, and propose creative solutions not only to help staff produce clear, useful feedback in a sustainable way, but also to raise student’s awareness and guide them in how to make the most of our provision, in turn becoming efficient language learners.


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