bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seeing the wood for the trees: workplace learning evaluation
Authors: Griffin Richard
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to argue that workplace learning evaluation theory and practice is still an emergent field and that this creates a number of challenges for practitioners and researchers alike.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a descriptive paper based on a critical review of existing approaches and the research literature.

Findings

While programme evaluation has a long history, workplace learning evaluation is yet to establish itself as a distinct field. This has a number of consequences including the lack of a single or settled view on how workplace learning should be evaluated or what specific aspects of learning should be investigated.

Practical implications

The need to demonstrate a return on investment in organisational learning is as pressing as ever. To become more effective training evaluation methods need to be grounded in a theory. This article aims to provide an informed perspective on the current state of workplace evaluation along with insights into how evaluation can be placed on firmer theoretical foundations in order to produce robust findings in a practitioner friendly way.

Originality/value

This paper provides original insights into the development of workplace evaluation approaches and the challenges the field faces.
Synthesis, characterisation, curing reaction of aniline acetaldehyde condensate with epoxy resin
Authors: Maity Tithi , Samanta Bidhan , Banthia Ajit , Dalai Sudipta
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find a new curing agent for diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) resin and to check effectiveness of this new curing agent to obtain toughness and chemical resistance of cured epoxy.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, an investigation was carried out to synthesise, characterise and to study curing reaction of amine functional aniline acetaldehyde condensate (AFAAC) with DGEBA resin. AFAAC was first synthesised from the reaction of aniline and acetaldehyde in acid medium and characterised by FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR spectroscopic analyses, elemental analysis, concentration of primary and secondary amine analysis. Then equimolecular mixture of AFAAC and DGEBA was subjected to curing reaction and the reaction was followed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The kinetic studies of this curing reaction, mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of cured epoxy were also reported.

Findings

The DSC analysis showed the complete exotherms of effective curing reaction indicating the efficiency of AFAAC as curing agent for DGEBA resin. The kinetic studies revealed that the curing reaction was first order. Mechanical properties reflect the better fracture properties of cured matrix and TGA showed that the cured matrixes were stable up to around 238°C.

Research limitations/implications

The curing agent AFAAC has been synthesised by using aniline and acetaldehyde. By changing amine and aldehyde, other curing agents could be synthesised and the curing efficiency of these for epoxy resin could also be studied.

Originality/value

The method for curing study of epoxy resin (DGEBA) is novel and relevant as the cured products have high‐performance applications in protective coatings, adhesives for most substrates.
UV/VIS absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic study of some 3‐substituted derivatives of 4‐hydroxycoumarin
Authors: Bečić Ervina , Šober Miroslav , Imamović Belma , Završnik Davorka , Špirtović‐Halilović Selma
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test absorption characteristics of some newly synthesised 4‐hidroxycoumarins, containing phenyl‐prop‐2‐enoyl group at the 3‐position. Change in spectral characteristics in solvents of different polarity (chloroform and acetonitrile) was followed in regard to the influence of the substitution at the phenyl ring and influence of concentration H+ ions. Effectiveness of tested substances was compared with well‐known UV absorbers such as benzophenone‐3 and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (BMDM).

Design/methodology/approach

All the tested substances were dissolved in chloroform and acetonitrile, with 10‐3 mmol concentration range. The pH was adjusted using 0.1 mol/l HCl, glacial acetic acid, 0.1 mol/l NaOH (aqueous solution) and 0.1 mol/l NaOH (methanolic solution). Spectrophotometric measurement was recorded in the range of 200‐800 nm, using 1‐cm quartz cells.

Findings

The tested 4‐hydroxycoumarin derivatives showed good UV absorption properties in the range 280‐380 nm. Substitution on the phenyl ring changes the shape of the absorption maxima. The changes depend on the properties of the substituent as well as the acidity of the solution.

Research limitations/implications

Introducing an electron‐donating substituent on the phenyl‐prop‐2‐enoyl group can shift absorption maximums to longer wavelength. In addition, the variation in substituents on the synthesised substances and pH of the solution could also be studied.

Practical implications

The new compounds showed good UV absorption, making them potential candidates for many applications. The practical importance of the tested substances are derived from their stability, relatively easy synthesis and good UV absorption properties.

Originality/value

The paper shows that the tested coumarins derivatives were new compounds with good UV absorption properties, making them good UV absorbers of commercial potential. The tested coumarins showed good UV absorption properties in the range 280‐380 nm, making them potential candidates for many applications.
Impacts of impregnation with Imersol Aqua to red colour tone of some softwoods and varnishes
Authors: Keskin Haken , Atar Musa
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the impacts of impregnation with Imersol Aqua to red colour tone (RCT) of some softwood materials and varnishes.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, test samples prepared from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris Lipsky), Oriental spruce (Picea orientalis Link) and Uludağ fir (Abies Bornmülleriana Mattf.), which met the requirements of ASTM D 358, were impregnated with Imersol Aqua by short‐term, medium‐term and long‐term immersion techniques in accordance with ASTM D 1413 and producer's definition. After impregnation, surfaces were coated by synthetic, acrylic, water‐based and polyurathane varnishes in accordance with ASTM D 3023 standards. RCT values of samples after varnishing process were determined in accordance with ASTM D 2244.

Findings

It was found that RCT was the highest in Scots pine, long‐term dipping and synthetic varnish, and the lowest in Uludağ fir, short‐term dipping and water‐borne varnish. Considering the interaction of wood type, period of impregnation and type of varnish, RCT was the highest in pine, short term of dipping and acrylic varnish and the lowest in Oriental spruce, short term of dipping and synthetic varnish. So, impregnation process, impregnation period and varnishes applied during tests showed increasing impact for RCT value of Scots pine, Oriental spruce and Uludağ fir woods. This result must be taken into care in manufacture of wooden furniture and construction elements where RCT is important.

Research limitations/implications

The endurance of the protective coating (such as varnish) to external effects is limited and the lifetime of the coating is determined by the type and the severity of the effects to which it is exposed.

Practical implications

The impact of varnish type, wood material type and impregnation chemical on RCT can determine the usefulness of the massive wood materials where RCT values are important.

Originality/value

It is conjectured that especially for the manufacturers and consumers in the furniture, construction and decoration sector, the data obtained in this study will contribute to the making up of the deficiencies in the understanding of the subject.
Development and optimisation of image analysis technique for fabric buckling evaluation
Authors: Domskienė Jurgita , Strazdienė Eugenija , Bekampienė Paule
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to optimise parameters of digital image analysis to investigate the deformation behaviour of woven sample and to detect the onset and variation of wrinkling that occurs due to bias‐tensioned fabric buckling.

Design/methodology/approach

Using models of predescribed shape, the relationship between the digitized gray scale intensities and wrinkles of the surface are analysed and conditions of specimen illumination and filtering procedures are chosen.

Findings

It is proposed to convert acquired images to binary to record the onset of buckling and to estimate critical buckling parameters of stretched woven samples. The threshold value is determined as mean value of approximated histogram of stretched specimen centre line. It is defined that profile curve and gray scale disperse presented by parameter CV can be used to obtain additional information and to compare behaviour of different samples during bias tension.

Research limitations/implications

Proposed image analysis technique allows detection of the onset of buckling wave formation and evaluation of surface waviness changes in woven samples different in colour and weave type tension. However, the behaviour of fabric samples with sharp multicoloured and complicated patterns cannot be assessed by gray scale imaging.

Originality/value

The proposed approach can be adjusted to investigate different wrinkling problems – buckling during simple shearing or picture frame test, seam puckering, draping.
On the performance of a mitt heating multilayer: a numerical study
Authors: Couto Sandra , Campos Joao B.L.M. , Mayor Tiago S.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the heat transfer on an alpine‐climbing mitt featuring an electrical heating multilayer, in order to provide information for the optimization of its thermal performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A numerical model was developed to simulate the heat transfer across an electrical‐heated alpine mitt. The model was used to study the heat losses as a function of the environmental conditions, to optimise the positioning of the heating elements, to determine the optimal power input to the heating system, to estimate the battery capacity requirements and to assess the effect of low‐emissivity surfaces.

Findings

The results show that: the heating elements assure approximately constant temperatures across the skin provided they are not more than 6‐7 mm apart; the use of low‐emissivity surfaces facing the skin can reduce the total heat loss by 8‐36 per cent (for air layer thicknesses in the range 10−3 to 10−2 m) and to increase the skin temperature during the transient operation of the heating multilayer; the heat losses from the mitt are practically independent of the chosen heating power; and a battery capacity of 4 A h assures active temperature regulation for more than 18‐23 h.

Practical implications

By enhancing the thermal performance of an electrical heating mitt, the use of low‐emissivity surfaces (facing the skin) can favour the thermal comfort perception of its user.

Originality/value

The influence of several parameters on the thermal performance of an electrical‐heated mitt is analysed and discussed. The findings are relevant for improving the performance of existing electrical heating garments.
System improvement through collective capacity building
Authors: Harris Alma
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline how collective capacity building is supporting system‐wide reform in one country. It seeks to outline the way in which professional learning communities within, between and across schools are creating an infrastructure for improving professional practice and raising standards.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is both descriptive and analytical. It draws on the international literature pertaining to system‐wide reform and the empirical evidence concerning professional learning.

Findings

The paper highlights some of the challenges in building the collective capacity for change throughout an entire system and reflects on progress to date. The paper concludes by arguing that despite the compelling case for collective capacity building, the real test is to make it happen.

Research limitations/implications

The professional learning communities (PLC) programme in Wales is gathering evidence about impact but as the programme is just completing its first year of implementation these findings are not yet available.

Originality/value

This paper adds to prior analyses and discussion of collective capacity building by providing a system‐wide perspective.
System alignment as a key strategy in building capacity for school transformation
Authors: Watterston Jim , Caldwell Brian
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review strategies to build capacity for school improvement in Australia. The focus is on public schools and strategies adopted for the system as a whole.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper traces developments from a national perspective and makes a case for the key contemporary policy shift that has provided the platform for a new era of educational reform. Two contrasting case studies are described in order to demonstrate the pathways embarked on by a large jurisdiction, namely the State of Victoria, which has led the nation in terms of devolved decision‐making for public schools, and second, a much smaller jurisdiction, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), which is introducing a range of reforms to give public schools much greater autonomy in order to achieve improved performance. The paper concludes with a “futures” view of how strategies may continue to evolve. Shifting the language from “improvement” to “transformation” is canvassed.

Findings

It is concluded that a key to success has been to align strategies among different levels of the school system: central, regional/district, school and classroom. The possibilities for moving beyond improvement to transformation are canvassed.

Originality/value

The value of the paper lies in its up‐to‐date account of system‐wide efforts to improve schools and a summary of evidence on their impact. The paper is of particular interest to school and school system leaders as well as those engaged in the study of educational policy and educational leadership.
The capacity to build organizational capacity in schools
Authors: King M. Bruce , Bouchard Kate
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Reformers, policymakers, and researchers have given considerable attention to organizational capacity in schools, especially in those schools that perpetuate or exacerbate achievement gaps among diverse student groups and reproduce social inequalities. There is an emerging consensus about key dimensions of school capacity and how they can help promote both equity and excellence in student learning. However, it is still not very clear how capacity building itself can be enhanced. This paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper addresses this critical disjuncture in the school reform literature through two main purposes: summarizing the key dimensions of school organizational capacity, and synthesizing the recent conceptual and empirical work on the important mechanisms of policies and programs to influence and support a school's organizational development. The authors' recent research and practice related to one such intervention, leadership coaching for school improvement, are critically discussed. The paper explores a hybrid approach to building capacity in schools where elements of both the bureaucracy and the learning community are present.

Findings

Different schools clearly need different kinds of support for teacher development and building their capacity. Policies need to be flexible enough to fit particular school contexts, and to allow for organizations to change in ways that support teacher development for improved practices that impact student learning. The work in the middle involves some sort of fluid hybrid of administrative control (instructional improvement must be the focus) and active, broad participation (in a learning community that advances the changes in instructional practices).

Originality/value

This paper addresses the lack of clear knowledge on how capacity building itself can be enhanced, by summarizing the key dimensions of school organizational capacity, and synthesizing the recent conceptual and empirical work on the important mechanisms of policies and programs to influence and support a school's organizational development. The paper provides an overview of the dimensions of school organizational capacity, discusses barriers to building capacity in schools, and argues for hybrid models that combine elements of both learning communities and bureaucracies.
System redesign for system capacity building
Authors: Hargreaves David H.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

A recent development in England is the emergence, under various names, of groups of schools working together in a variety of collaborative ways. Such diversification enjoys broad political support. In this paper, the author aims to argue that the trend is potentially a radical transformation of the school system as a whole. The concepts of coupling and capital are drawn on to show how these changes enhance capacity building at the level of the individual institution and, more importantly, at the system levels, both local and national.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses different conceptual schemes to throw light on the emerging phenomenon of partnerships between clusters of schools.

Findings

As this is not an empirical research paper there are no findings as such.

Practical implications

The paper is concerned with new policy directions, some of which are consonant with developments already taking place in England's education system. The analysis is intended broadly to support these changes but also to improve their design and implementation.

Originality/value

The conceptual analysis is original and has implications both for a theoretical analysis of inter‐school partnerships and for the practical issues of how such partnerships might evolve.
CFD analysis of a PEM fuel cell for liquid dispersion at the interface of GDL‐GFC
Authors: Mahmud Hasan A.B. , Wahab M.A. , Guo S.M.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of analysis of the transport gases and liquid water between the gas diffusion layer (GDL) and gas flow channel (GFC) of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). These results are then used to describe the effects of the GDL‐GFC interfacial conditions on the general performance of PEMFCs.

Design/methodology/approach

This analysis utilizes finite element analysis commercial codes to illustrate the transport of fluids. The gas transport data obtained from the solution are compared with the established works of others. The liquid transport processes are modeled using the Darcy equation coupled with a saturation‐capillary pressure function (the Leverett function) and assuming no phase change. In addition, the boundary conditions for the liquid transport equation are varied in order to show the extent of non‐uniformities at the GDL‐GFC interface.

Findings

Analysis shows that water dispersion from the GDL‐GFC interface extends across the GDL to its other side, and eventually reduces the performance of the PEMFC.

Research limitations/implications

It is well known that CFD simulation of fuel cells is, in general, still facing significant challenges due to the limited understanding of the complex physical and chemical processes existing within the fuel cell. The model is now under further development to improve its capabilities and undergoing further validations.

Practical implications

The simulations can provide detailed information on some of the key fluid dynamics, physical and chemical/electro‐chemical processes that exist in liquid dispersion at the interface of GDL‐GFC in fuel cells which are critical for fuel cell design and optimization.

Originality/value

The simulation can be used to understand liquid dispersion at the interface of GDL‐GFC and provide and alternative to experimental investigations in order to improve the performance of fuel cell.
Boundary layer flow over a moving surface in a nanofluid beneath a uniform free stream
Authors: Mohd Rohni Azizah , Ahmad Syakila , Pop Ioan
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to theoretically investigate the steady two‐dimensional boundary‐layer flow past a moving semi‐infinite flat plate in a water‐based nanofluid containing three different types of nanoparticles: copper (cuprum) Cu, alumina (aluminium oxide) Al2O3, and titania (titanium dioxide) TiO2. The effects of moving parameter λ as well as solid volume fraction parameter φ on the flow and heat transfer characteristics are studied. Taking into account the rising demands of modern technology, including chemical production, power stations and microelectronics, there is a need to develop new types of fluids that will be more effective in terms of heat exchange performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A similarity transformation is used to reduce the governing partial differential equations to a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations which are then solved numerically using Keller‐box method.

Findings

There is a region of unique solutions for λ>0, however, multiple (dual) solutions exist for λc<λ≤0 and no solutions for λ<λc<0. A reverse flow is formed when λ<0.

Research limitations/implications

The solutions can be obtained up to a certain value of the moving parameter (critical value or turning point). The boundary layer separates from the plate beyond the turning point hence it is not possible to get the solution based on the boundary‐layer approximations after this point. To obtain further solutions, the full Navier‐Stokes equations have to be solved.

Originality/value

The present results are original and new for the boundary‐layer flow and heat transfer of a moving flat plate in a nanofluid. Therefore, this study would be important for the scientists and engineers in order to become familiar with the flow behaviour and properties of such nanofluids, and the way to predict the properties of this flow for the process equipments.
Heat and mass transfer by non‐Darcy free convection from a vertical cylinder embedded in porous media with a temperature‐dependent viscosity
Authors: Chamkha A.J. , EL‐Kabeir S.M.M. , Rashad A.M.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider heat and mass transfer by natural convection from a vertical cylinder in porous media for a temperature‐dependent fluid viscosity in the presence of radiation and chemical reaction effects.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing equations are transformed into non‐similar differential equations and then solved numerically by an efficient finite‐difference method.

Findings

It is found that there are significant effects on the heat and mass transfer characteristics of the problem due to the variation of viscosity and radiation and chemical reaction effects.

Originality/value

The paper combines the effects of radiation, chemical reaction, non‐Darcy porous media effects along with the variation of viscosity with temperature.
Numerical reconstruction of 2D potential fields from discrete measurements
Authors: Irša J. , Galybin A.N.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider reconstructions of potential 2D fields from discrete measurements. Two potential processes are addressed, steady flow and heat conduction. In the first case, the flow speed and streamlines are determined from the discrete data on flow directions, in the second case, the temperature and flux are recovered from temperature measurements at discrete points.

Design/methodology/approach

The method employs the Trefftz element principle and the collocation. The domain is seen as a combination of elements, where the solution is sought as a linear holomorphic function a priori satisfying the governing equations. Continuity of piecewise holomorphic functions is imposed at collocation points located on the element interfaces. These form the first group of equations. The second group of equations is formed by addressing the measured data, therefore the matrix coefficients may reflect experimental errors. In the case of fluid flow, all equations are homogeneous, therefore one normalising equation is added, which provides existence of a non‐trivial solution. The system is over‐determined; it is solved by the least squares method.

Findings

For the heat flow problem, the determination of heat flux is unique, while for the fluid flow, the determined streamlines are unique and the determination of speed contains one free multiplicative positive constant. Several examples are presented to illustrate the methods and investigate their efficiency and sensitivity to noisy data.

Research limitations/implications

The approach can be applied to other 2D potential problems.

Originality/value

The paper studies two novel formulations of the reconstruction problem for 2D potential fields. It is shown that the suggested numerical method is able to deal directly with discrete experimental data.
Non‐similar solution for rotating flow over an exponentially stretching surface
Authors: Javed T. , Sajid M. , Abbas Z. , Ali N.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper looks into the rotating flow of an incompressible viscous fluid over an exponentially stretching continuous surface. The flow is governed by non‐linear partial differential equations. A non‐similar solution is developed after transforming the governing equations using two different numerical techniques namely Keller‐box and shooting methods. The influence of the non‐dimensional local rotating parameter Ω on the velocity fields and skin friction coefficients is analyzed and discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors have used the well‐known numerical methods, Keller‐box and shooting.

Findings

It is observed that for the increase in the rotation velocity of the frame there is a reduction in the boundary layer thickness and an increase in the drag force at the surface.

Originality/value

The present study is concerned with the boundary layer flow of a rotating viscous fluid over an exponentially stretching sheet. Numerical solutions are found. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first investigation of the topic.
Initial investigation of Hong Kong post‐secondary students’ learning patterns
Authors: Law Dennis C.S. , Meyer Jan H.F.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to report the initial analyses of relationships between various components of the learning patterns exhibited by a group of 1,572 post‐secondary students in Hong Kong as operationalized via the Inventory of Learning Styles (ILS), a quantitative instrument developed by Vermunt originally for the Dutch higher education context.

Design/methodology/approach

The ILS was adapted and translated into Chinese for the new response‐context. After validation of the ILS scales (results reported in another paper), the possible direct, indirect, or spurious effects among the learning constructs operationalized by these scales were explored using a general theoretical model proposed by Richardson, according to the exhibited statistical significance and magnitude of the beta weights derived from multiple regression analyses.

Findings

Empirical support was found in this new Chinese response‐context for the theoretical model that underpins the ILS. In particular, the findings confirm the central explanatory role of regulation strategies in students’ learning patterns, as originally hypothesized by Vermunt.

Originality/value

The present study contributes to the ILS literature by expanding the application of the instrument to a new Chinese response‐context. It is also believed to be the first attempt to adapt Richardson's general theoretical model to analyse the relationships between the ILS components.
Quality as a gap analysis of college students' expectations
Authors: Jo Jackson Mary , Helms Marilyn M. , Ahmadi Mohammad
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to address students' expectations of classroom pedagogy. It suggests that meeting students' specific expectations of teaching, one of the core educational processes, could impact the perception of the overall quality of the educational experience.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was administered to 372 first‐year college students addressing their expectations regarding the use of various instructional pedagogies within the classroom and their desired or ideal classroom environment. A gap analysis was conducted between students' responses of the expected and the actual classroom environment.

Findings

For eight of the 15 pedagogies, 25 percent or more of the students had a significant gap (greater than or equal to two) between their expected and actual classroom. The largest gap occurred in accessing the internet from class (34 percent) followed by the use of videos or DVDs (33 percent) and outside classroom assignments (30 percent).

Research limitations/implications

A broader sample could be explored as well as how classroom environment impacts learning.

Practical implications

This paper explores the impact of the expectations of one aspect of a student's educational experience, the pedagogies used in the classroom, and considers the impact on the perception of overall quality.

Originality/value

Awareness of the gap between expectations of ideal classroom pedagogies and the actual learning environment is useful for educators to consider as they plan courses. Information on pedagogies to be used, presented early in the course, is suggested as a way to manage the gap.
An analysis of learning levels within and between a degree and a diploma
Authors: Warring Susan
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse how learning levels differ within and between degrees and diplomas with specific application to the Bachelor of Applied Business Studies degree and the New Zealand Diploma of Business, which are delivered at a New Zealand polytechnic.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review and content analysis of National Qualifications Frameworks was conducted to analyse how learning levels differ within and between degrees and diplomas with specific application to the Bachelor of Applied Business Studies degree and the New Zealand Diploma of Business which are offered at a New Zealand polytechnic.

Findings

A literature review and content analysis of National Qualifications Frameworks reveals that learning levels are differentiated by level of complexity, degree of abstraction, depth in a major subject, research competency, learner autonomy and responsibility, relative demand placed on students and increasing complexity and unpredictability of operational context. This analysis failed to find any difference in learning level between Bachelor of Applied Business Studies and New Zealand Diploma of Business papers nominally at the same level on the New Zealand National Qualifications Framework. The degree comprises a portion of papers at a higher learning level than the diploma and it is at this level that the difference is realised.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should investigate learning level differences between disciplines, qualifications and institutions.

Practical implications

This paper provides a framework on which to base course design, delivery and assessment of the Bachelor of Applied Business Studies degree and the New Zealand Diploma of Business and credit transfer between them.

Originality/value

This case study addresses the increasingly important issue of the compatibility of learning levels between different qualifications. As many economies acknowledge the necessity for increasingly skilled workforces, credit transfer to enable seamless transfer between qualifications is becoming a focus in seeking to facilitate lifelong learning. There are few studies that focus on National Qualifications level descriptors and the implications for different qualification types.
From blaming to learning: re‐framing organisational learning from adverse incidents
Authors: Gray Dee , Williams Sion
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss and present research findings from a proof of concept pilot, set up to test whether a teaching intervention which incorporated a dual reporting and learning approach from adverse incidents, could contribute towards individual and organisational approaches to patient safety.

Design/methodology/approach

The study formed part of a series of six iterative action research cycles involving the collaboration of students (all National Health Service (NHS) staff) in the co‐creation of knowledge and materials relating to understanding and learning from adverse incidents. This fifth qualitative study involved (n=20) anaesthetists who participated in a two phase teaching intervention (n=20 first phase, n=10 second phase) which was premised on transformative learning, value placed on learning from adverse incidents and reframing the learning experience.

Findings

An evaluation of the teaching intervention demonstrated that how students learned from adverse incidents, in addition to being provided with opportunities to transform negative experiences through re‐framing learning, was significant in breaking out of practices which had become routine; propositional knowledge on learning from adverse incidents, along with the provision of a safe learning environment in which to challenge assumptions about learning from adverse incidents, were significant factors in the re‐framing process. The testing of a simulated dual learning/reporting system was indicated as a useful mechanism with which to reinforce a positive learning culture, to report and learn from adverse incidents and to introduce new approaches which might otherwise have been lost.

Practical implications

The use of a “re‐framed learning approach” and identification of additional leverage points (values placed on learning and effects of dual reporting and learning) will be of significant worth to those working in the field of individual and organisational learning generally, and of value specifically to those whose concern is the need to learn from adverse incidents.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to individual and organisational learning by looking at a specific part of the learning system associated specifically with adverse incidents.
From crisis to success: three case studies in organizational learning
Authors: Mitki Yoram , Herstein Ram
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Radical changes and increasing competition in the global economy and markets lead enterprises to change their business policy and activities. This process demands the creation of effective organizational learning mechanisms. This paper seeks to illustrate how three service organizations designed and utilized organizational learning mechanisms to introduce a successful, new corporate brand.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology was based on interviews and hard data collection. These techniques were found most appropriate for learning and understanding in‐depth organizational transformation processes.

Findings

Two main research findings can be noted. The first is that there are various mechanisms of learning organizations that can improve organizational performance and reputation. The second is that any organizational learning mechanism should be based on the on‐going active involvement of internal stakeholders (employees) both as individuals and as teams.

Originality/value

This paper provides a unique understanding of three dimensions of organizational learning (cognitive, structural and procedural) and their impact on designing a new corporate brand strategy. The research, conducted in three different service organizations, gives new significance to the notion of collaboration
Collaborative teaching and learning: overcoming the digital divide?
Authors: Chelliah John , Clarke Elizabeth
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to examine pedagogical issues in higher education as a result of the shift to a social networking society where Web 2.0 collaborative technologies increase user creativity, contributing to unique forms of communication and community building that support a “social constructivism”. In this context, it is becoming clear that traditional pedagogical models cannot be sustained into the future. Engaging the digital generation of students in a learning process that emphasizes creation of skill sets that match views on twenty‐first‐century learning skills (problem solving, self‐regulated learning, collaboration, sharing ideas, focus on learning etc.) as well as views on 21st‐century employability skills (communication, collaboration, creativity, leadership and technology proficiency, etc.) is the new imperative. This paper seeks to identify related pedagogical challenges and to provide some recommendations for higher education institutions towards tackling these challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review of the opportunities presented by emerging Web 2.0 technologies and critical assessment of the challenges in addressing the transformation of pedagogical needs is the approach taken in this paper.

Findings

Emerging Web 2.0 technologies are pervading higher education and have the potential to trigger learning innovation and enhance teaching and learning. However, technologies are and remain tools and cannot by themselves generate innovation, nor realize many educators' vision for technology to improve education. Technology by itself cannot change the nature of classroom instruction unless educators are able to evaluate and integrate the use of that technology into the curriculum. Changes such as addressing organizational and cultural factors that reflect the whole institution governance community's combined efforts to create a new and all embracing concept for higher education are also necessary. By identifying and addressing those dimensions of organizational development which are most affected by drivers and directions of change, higher education can remain relevant in the future.

Originality/value

The paper provides a theoretical analysis in relation to the pedagogical role of social technologies in teaching and learning, with concern for the contrast between generational differences in relation to perceptions of learning and teaching and the limitations of technology.
Antecedents and consequences of social media utilization in college teaching: a proposed model with mixed‐methods investigation
Authors: Cao Yingxia , Hong Paul
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the antecedents and consequences of social media utilization in teaching by college faculty.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on literature review, the author's observations, and qualitative and quantitative information reported by 249 full‐time and part‐time faculty members.

Findings

There are four antecedent factors for social media utilization in teaching: faculty personal social media involvement and personal readiness; external pressures from peers, supervisors, students and their employment; expected benefits; and perceived risks. Two factors are important to assess the consequences of social media utilization in teaching: perceived student satisfaction and student learning outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

Data were obtained from only one university. This paper includes only simple statistical analysis, although structural equation analysis is more appropriate for testing the model.

Practical implications

The established social media utilization model suggests that the key to solving problems related to social media utilization in teaching is to address faculty's concerns and convince them about the benefits of social media utilization with examples and sound outcomes.

Originality/value

This study draws on both past publications and first‐hand research; it establishes a social media utilization model about the antecedents and consequences of social media utilization in teaching, and has both qualitative and quantitative data to support the model.
A social networked learning adoption model for higher education institutions in developing countries
Authors: Maleko Munguatosha Godfrey , Birevu Muyinda Paul , Thaddeus Lubega Jude
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a model for adopting social networked learning in higher institutions of learning in developing countries of Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed methods research methodology involving survey and interviews was adopted in the collection of data for building the model. The model was theoretically underpinned by the Technology Acceptance Model and the social constructivist learning theory, and was built and validated using structural equation modelling and Delphi techniques respectively.

Findings

Adoption of social networked learning in developing countries of Africa requires self efficacy, reliable technical and administrative support, infrastructure, system interactivity, adequate budgeting and accountability, and a flexible organisational culture.

Practical implications

The model provides a framework for integrating social software tools with the traditional learning systems of developing countries of Africa. This has a positive outcome of providing social constructivist information and communication technology (ICT) supported learning at low or no cost.

Social implications

The model has the potential to encourage formation of communities of practice to encourage development of social learning and a student‐centered pedagogy.

Originality/value

The novelty of this research lies in the extension of the traditional technology acceptance models with constructs for proper budgeting and accountability and organisational culture. Time and other resources need to be devoted to developing social networked learning and the model takes this into account.
The lived experience of learners' use of new media in distance teaching and learning
Authors: Andrews Trish , Tynan Belinda , James Rosalind
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to report on a recent study that investigated the distance learner's voice in relationship to their “lived experiences” of the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), including new media, for teaching and learning. The study reported on here sought to understand how distance learners are using new technology for teaching and learning in a world that increasingly uses and relies on these technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study took a phenomenological approach to investigating the students' experiences with ICTs. Participants were purposively selected to represent a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as a diverse range of distance learning experiences. A number of strategies for collecting the student voice were utilised, including the Day Experience Method (DEM), Charting the Week's Activities (CWA) and focus group discussions.

Findings

The study found that learners vary widely in their use of new media. However, there is emerging evidence that distance learners of all ages are beginning to appropriate new media to support a more mobile and connected learning experience.

Originality/value

These findings suggest that students' learning preferences are changing. This study provides the basis for further studies in this area and the need for institutions to consider how these changing preferences might be considered in relation to policy and practice in the provision of education for distance learners.
The new media and the acceleration of medical education
Authors: Hess James , Shrum Kayse
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Medical education in the USA has historically been designed around social and economic conditions within the medical community, contributing to a fluctuating emphasis on the number of medical schools, as well as the methods by which medicine has been taught, and ultimately leading to a shortage in the physician supply. This paper aims to describe the current status of medical education training, including the tracing of its origins, and to articulate the ability of new media to accelerate and restructure the physician preparation process.

Design/methodology/approach

The application of new media requires a rethinking of long‐held assumptions regarding the medical education process. Medical school faculty must be willing to develop new curriculum models, integrating new media technologies to facilitate varied learning modalities. Likewise, clinicians and basic scientists in medical schools must determine the most appropriate information needed by a practicing physician and make that information available via new media platforms.

Findings

The utilization of new media presents the opportunity to both accelerate and restructure the medical education and training process. The development of teaching and learning modalities via new media can positively impact the physician supply problem by transforming medical education to a competency and evidence‐based curriculum in an accelerated format.

Originality/value

The impending health consequences of a physician shortage have crystallized the need to begin immediately to expand the physician supply. In order to meet the health needs of a growing and aging population, it is imperative that the methods of medical education be altered to accelerate and improve the physician preparation process. This restructuring of the medical education curriculum is dependent on the utilization of new media to leverage the digital literacy of today's medical students.
Bleak horizon: a survey on new books on higher education
Authors: Marien Michael
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The article seeks to provide an overview of 55 recent books (2009‐2011) on higher education, with special emphasis on the authoritative overview edited Altbach et al., American Higher Education in the Twenty‐First Century (Johns Hopkins, 3rd Edition, June 2011, 511 pp.).

Design/methodology/approach

Books are grouped in nine categories: Global trends, Losing autonomy, Faculty, Students, Finance, Digitization, Curriculum, Diversity, and Moving forward. A concluding Coda discusses an important new paradigm of four types of scholarship, proposed in the seminal 1990 report on Scholarship Reconsidered, and the two types of scholarship that continue to be badly lacking in the academy, to the detriment of the world, the nation, and higher education itself.

Findings

American higher education is undergoing many changes and stresses, and all of the books considered here point to a “bleak horizon” in various ways, in part caused by the outdated structure of higher education. Altbach issues a timely call for a new “sense of academic mission,” which is discussed in the Coda.

Originality/value

This uniquely broad and up‐to‐date “frontier frame” overview, enabled by the GlobalForesightBooks.org web site on current affairs books, emphases the many perspectives on higher education, provides a broad frame to appreciate current thinking, and encourages more synthesis that seriously addresses the “Knowledge for What?” question.