Using Q methodology in research with head and neck cancer patients as an ethical procedure

This article describes how nurses can use the Q methodology to include head and neck cancer patients in research. These patients are often excluded from participating in research based on temporary or permanent voiceless, disfigurement, or impaired communication. Q methodology is defined as the method for the study of subjectivity and related procedures seem to facilitate the participation of head and neck cancer patients. As so, this inclusive dimension should be taken into consideration in research project design also as an ethical aspect of the study, in particular when involving these patients or others in similar conditions.

From “blue sky” to real world research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to share reflective insights on three key questions of concern to critical diversity scholars: what influences play a part in framing a research project and the research questions, what determines the chosen methodology and what knowledge contributions do we want our research to make? Design/methodology/approach The paper, drawing on organisational ethnography, incorporates key fieldwork experiences to provide reflective insights on an innovative research project design conducted in multiple organisation sites. Findings The paper highlights the author’s learning from the conceptualisation of an innovative research project to the actual “doing” of what was proposed. It reflects on the unforeseen dilemmas that required continual adaptations be made because of the shifting demands of the research settings. Practical implications The paper is important as it provides the sharing of ideas into the influences that shaped a major piece of externally funded research and highlights a range of practical considerations if planning a critical diversity research project where negotiating access to organisations is required. Originality/value By reflecting on some important learning and insights into the crafting of an innovative research project and the challenges of enacting what was proposed, the paper is of value to post-doctoral and early career scholars and/or researchers interested in some insights into operationalising an organisational ethnographic methodology.

Operational challenges in collaborative research projects

Purpose Collaborative research projects are highly complex organizational settings with specific needs and inherent risks that can endanger project success if not managed well. The purpose of this paper is to enlarge the knowledge of operational challenges in collaborative research projects to improve both project and conflict management. Design/methodology/approach On the basis of the concept of systemic conflict, this study conducts a conflict analysis of a collaborative research project on food security to establish how multiple conflict drivers interact. Findings The results show that multiple conflict drivers affect the operation of collaborative research projects and the drivers also interact and do not function in isolation. The study also finds that the importance of some drivers differs when comparing project members’ perceptions with the number of interlinkages between drivers. A conflict map is provided to visualize the results. Research limitations/implications The empirical evidence provided in this study is limited because it relies on a single case study and on project members’ perceptions. Practical implications The research can help not only the research community and, in particular, project management but also funding bodies in dealing with the unpredictability of outcomes created by project dynamics. In addition, the results can feed into future research, project design and management strategies. Originality/value The study applies multidimensional conflict analysis to a field that is understudied.

Design for ageing well

This chapter discusses the collaborative research project ‘Design for Ageing that brought together stakeholders from academia and industry, to engage with active ageing participants in the co-design of smart functional clothing, with wearable electronics. The prime objective was to develop a functional clothing ‘layering system’ for participation in walking comprising; close-fitting body layer garments, with vital signs and activity monitoring, moisture management base layer styles, mid layer insulating garments, with warming devices, and outer layer protection, providing multi-modal user interfaces to facilitate outdoor healthy exercise, social engagement and enhanced well-being. Co-design methodology, new to clothing design, was adopted to help to explain complex terminologies and practices between both academic and industry stakeholders, including technologists in electronics, clothing/textiles, and gerontology. This collaborative research has contributed to training a new breed of cross-disciplinary academic researchers, in tried and tested co-design process with industry practitioners and end-users.

Enhancing Self-Reflective Practice and Conscious Service in the Helping Professions

This chapter highlights the results and the implications of research that was conducted with a group of mental health practitioners involved in an eight-week educational program designed to help establish and enhance self-reflective practice. The study elicited a number of emerging themes related to the benefits of self-reflective practice in the helping professions. The research project took place within the context of a professional setting; however, emphasis and value was placed upon the informal learning experiences of the participants. While there were a number of findings and recommendations obtained through this research project, the main focus for this chapter centers on the role of informal learning as an element of the research project design and ultimately as an integral component of self-reflective practice. The highlighted results include two elements of the findings related to curriculum design and effective facilitative strategies that might be helpful to adult educators involved in post-secondary education as well as continuing education and professional development activities with an emphasis on maximizing the benefits of informal learning.

Research Praxis from Design to Completion: A Review of Designing and Managing your Research Project - Core Knowledge for Social and Health Researchers

Thomas and Hodges (2010) have written a very practical and indeed a valuable book on how to do research project design and management applicable to a wide readership. The book will be of particular importance to young researchers who are aspiring to hone the art of research and project management from design to completion. For the experienced, it's a book to read and reflect on. Discussing the critical elements involved in research, Thomas and Hodges use consultative-advising-coaching, empathy-towards-researchers and experienced-based approaches to reveal important core knowledge in research as a career whilst laying out the ground rules for effective research design and management. The practicality and utility of this book will benefit many researchers.

Home for Elderly People Built by the Community with Structural Elements of Laminated Bamboo Guadua in a Rural Area of Colombia

In the past four years the research project "Design and construction of housing with structural elements of bamboo guadua laminated" was developed in order to show the potential of industrial use of this material and to increase its demand for housing construction. As a result of the research, in the village of Ibama in the municipality of Yacopi, Department of Cundinamarca, Colombia, a home for elderly people was built using structural elements of laminated bamboo guadua, with the participation of the community under the supervision of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia (National University of Colombia). This paper presents the steps followed: the architectural and structural design based on the experimental results of samples and elements, the manufacture process, the test of a part of the structure and the construction on site.