bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Challenges in designing student teaching evaluations in a business program
Authors: Chulkov Dmitriy V. , Van Alstine Jason 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThis article aims to present an empirical analysis of the effects of changes in the student teaching evaluation (STE) form in a business school.Design/methodology/approachThe authors discuss a case of STE re‐design in a business school that focused on improving the STE instrument. They utilize empirical data collected from students that completed both the original and the revised STE form in several semesters of undergraduate economics courses to examine the effect of changing the evaluation scale and the fashion in which written comments are solicited.FindingsThere are three results of interest to departments considering a change to student evaluation instruments. First, the authors find that a shift from a four‐point scale to a five‐point scale leads to a decrease in evaluation scores even after making an adjustment for scaling. Second, they find that students tend to give lower scores on comparison‐type questions that ask for a comparison of the instructor or the course to the student's entire college experience. A larger share of such comparison‐type questions may depress the mean scores on composite evaluations. Third, soliciting written feedback in a specific section of the form is an effective way to increase both the number of written comments and the size of each comment.Practical implicationsStudent teaching evaluations serve as an assessment instrument and are frequently used in faculty promotion decisions. A discussion of best practices in designing the STE is provided in order to caution the stakeholders of the problems that may arise and to guide academic institutions in the review of evaluation procedures.Originality/valueThe authors start with an example of STE re‐design and then analyze empirical data from several semesters. Analysis of the literature and empirical evidence leads to recommended best practices that make STE data more useful both as a summative measure for administrative decisions and as a formative measure used by faculty looking to improve their teaching skills and course design.
Web 2.0 integration into the graduate classroom
Authors: Calabrese Raymond L. 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to advance the preparation of prospective school administrator students by extending the Web 2.0 application of blogging to discover students' strengths and successful leadership experiences. During the blogging process, students reflected on and responded to appreciative inquiry (AI) blog posts that encouraged reflective responses highlighting and identifying their inherent leadership strengths and successful leadership experiences.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative case study model was used to explore the reflective blog contributions of prospective school administrators to discover patterns in the blogging data by grounding the study in an AI theoretical research perspective. A bounded case study delimited the scope of the study to participants who were: masters or doctoral students in a school administration preparation program at a large Midwestern United States research extensive university; and enrolled in four graduate administrative preparation classes taught using reflective blogging over three instructional quarters.FindingsThe Web 2.0 application of appreciative inquiry blogging: confirmed personal strengths and successful leadership experiences; bolstered a supportive learning environment; confirmed the students' history of successful leadership experiences; and increased social capital among students.Social implicationsFuture research using AI in Web 2.0 applications can influence the positive preparation of school administrators by preparing them to lead schools in an evolving digital world. Researchers may examine how an AI blogging Web 2.0 application contributes to changing personal perceptions of contemporary deficit views of schooling to what is possible in light of stakeholders' strengths.Originality/valueThe importance of integrating Web 2.0 applications into educational administrator preparation programs is critical in an age where elementary and secondary school students live in a Web 2.0 world and build social networks with peers throughout the globe. Moreover, the evolving global workplace demands fluency in Web 2.0 applications.
Examining culture and performance at different middle school level structures
Authors: Omar Gomez Martin , Marcoulides George A. , Heck Ronald H. 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to propose and test a model of school culture and examine data from schools in Southern California to identify educationally important aspects of teacher‐perceived cultural variables and how these perceptions differentially impact school performance in K‐8 and middle school structures.Design/methodology/approachData were collected using a sample of 628 teachers from 59 schools (17 K‐8 schools and 42 middle schools) in five different schools districts in Southern California. The proposed model was tested using structural equation modeling techniques.FindingsThe proposed model was determined to fit the data well. The theoretical and practical implications of the model concerning culture and school performance within the framework of educational management and school configuration are discussed.Originality/valueThis paper identifies educationally important aspects of teacher‐perceived cultural variables and how they impact school performance, and also it discusses the theoretical and practical implications of the proposed model.
Investigation of the wetting of PCBs with SnCu (HASL) and Snimm finishes by SnZnBiIn solders
Authors: Bukat Krystyna , Sitek Janusz , Koscielski Marek , Moser Zbigniew , Gasior Wladyslaw , Pstrus Janusz 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to establish why the wetting on PCBs with SnCu (HASL) and Snimm finishes in the presence of a flux is better than the wetting of those on a copper substrate. The practical aspect of the obtained results is the main goal of these investigations.Design/methodology/approachThe authors applied the wetting balance method for the wetting measurements at 230 and 250°C, in nitrogen atmosphere, in the presence of the ORM0 type flux. The PCBs with the SnCu (HASL) and Snimm finishes were investigated in the state “as received”. To establish the wetting properties of the SnCu (HASL) and Snimm finishes on the PCBs, wetted by the investigated SnZnBiIn alloys, the SEM and EDX analyses were performed.FindingsThe authors obtained very good wetting results of the PCBs with the SnCu and Snimm finishes, wetted by the SnZn7Bi3In4 alloys. By applying the SEM and EDX methods, it was possible to establish that the barrier layer which was created during the HASL process between the copper and the SnCu solder is efficient enough to protect the copper against the influence of the Zn atoms from the SnZn7Bi3In4 solder. This is the reason for an improvement of the wetting properties. An immersion tin finish does not create such barrier layer with the copper. It results in a worse wetting than for the SnCu finishes but a better one than that for the copper. Immersion tin dissolves in the alloys during the soldering and this process delays the reaction between the copper and the Zn atoms from the SnZn7Bi3In4 solder.Research limitations/implicationsIt is suggested that further studies are necessary for the confirmation of the practical application, but they should be limited to the reliability of the solder joint performance.Practical implicationsThe best wetting results of the PCBs with “tin finishes”, especially with SnCu, wetted by the SnZn7Bi3In4 alloy, at 230 and 250°C and in nitrogen atmosphere, suggest a possibility of a practical usage of the tin‐zinc‐bismuth‐indium alloys for soldering in electronics.Originality/valueThe wetting balance method combined with the SEM and EDX analyses were used as the quickest way to determine the mechanism of the better wettability properties in the case of the PCBs with the SnCu and Snimm finishes, wetted by the SnZn7Bi3In4 alloy, compared to those of the PCBs on the Cu substrate.
A new conformal coating adhesion test for electronic assemblies
Authors: Zou Ling , Hunt Chris 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a new test method (tape peel method) to evaluate conformal coating adhesion to electronic assemblies.Design/methodology/approachThe key issue for this method is the low cohesive force of conformal coatings, and hence selection of a supporting material to peel the coating from the substrate is critical. A suitable cloth material (35 per cent cotton +75 per cent polyester with 20 per cent open area) has been selected as a peel tape, and achieved the best bonding with coatings, and the smallest affect on the coating curing process. Using the tape, the peel force of the coating from the electronic assembly, can be measured quantitatively, and hence the adhesion performance of the conformal coating assessed.FindingsThe method was validated using different coating types, substrate materials (bare laminate with and without resist, copper clad laminate, and contaminated laminate material), assemblies and components. The results demonstrated that the tape peel test is a sensitive method for measuring coating adhesion on different materials found on PCB assemblies. Coating adhesion was found not to be effected by a wide range flux residues, but components and some resists presented a far greater coating challenge, with some coatings achieving very low adhesion values.Originality/valueThis new method for evaluating conformal coating adhesion to electronic assemblies will be of benefit to coating developers and users, and help to minimise adhesion failures in service. The test has been demonstrated to be sensitive to a number of process and material variables.
A novel high speed impact testing method for evaluating the low temperature effects of eutectic and lead‐free solder joints
Authors: Liu De‐Shin , Hsu Chang‐Lin , Kuo Chia‐Yuan , Huang Ya‐Ling , Lin Kwang‐Lung , Shen Geng‐Shin 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a novel high speed impact testing method for evaluating the effects of low temperatures on eutectic and lead‐free solder joints. Interfacial cracking failure of Sn‐based and Pb‐free solders at subzero temperatures is of significant concern for electronic assemblies that operate in harsh environments.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a newly designed low temperature control system coupled with an Instron micro‐impact testing machine, which offers a package level test for solder bumps, and that is used at subzero temperature ranges as low as −40°C. This study examined the failure characteristics of 63Sn‐37Pb (Sn37Pb) and 96.5Sn‐3Ag‐0.5Cu (SAC305) solder joints at temperatures ranging from room temperature (R.T.) to −40°C, and at impact speeds of 1 m/s.FindingsThree types of failure mode were identified: M1 interfacial fracture with no residual solder remaining on the pad (interfacial cracking); M2 interfacial fracture with residual solder persisting on the pad (mixed mode failure); and M3 solder ball fracture (bulk solder cracking). The experimental results indicated that the energy to peak load for both types of solders decreased significantly, by approximately 35 percent to 38 percent when the test temperature was reduced from R.T. to −40°C. In addition, the peak load of the Sn37Pb solder joint increased noticeably with a decreasing test temperature. However, the peak load of the SAC305 specimen remained virtually unchanged with a reduction in the temperature. The Sn37Pb solder joints failed in an M3 failure mode under all the considered testing temperatures. The SAC305 solder joints displayed both M1 and M2 failure modes at R.T.; however, they failed almost exclusively in M1 mode at the lowest test temperature of −40°C.Originality/valueThis paper presents a novel technique for evaluating high‐speed impact strength and energy absorbance of Sn‐based and Pb‐free solders at the chip level within a low temperature control system. To overcome the drawbacks experienced in other studies, this study focused specifically on cryo‐impact testing systems and the performed experimental steps to improve the accuracy of post‐test analysis.
A review of stencil printing for microelectronic packaging
Authors: Kay Robert , Desmulliez Marc 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a detailed overview of the current stencil printing process for microelectronic packaging.Design/methodology/approachThis paper gives a thorough review of stencil printing for electronic packaging including the current state of the art.FindingsThis article explains the different stencil technologies and printing materials. It then examines the various factors that determine the outcome of a successful printing process, including printing parameters, materials, apparatus and squeegees. Relevant technical innovations in the art of stencil printing for microelectronics packaging are examined as each part of the printing process is explained.Originality/valueStencil printing is currently the cheapest and highest throughput technique to create the mechanical and electrically conductive connections between substrates, bare die, packaged chips and discrete components. As a result, this process is used extensively in the electronic packaging industry and therefore such a review paper should be of interest to a large selection of the electronics interconnect and assembly community.
Digital learning object repositories
Authors: Cervone H. Frank 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to provide an overview of the issues related to developing a digital repository for learning objects. Given the unique nature of digital learning objects, compared to other types of digital materials, several factors must be considered when establishing a learning object repository.Design/methodology/approachThe conclusions of the paper are drawn from a review of the current state of the learning object repository market.FindingsThe issues related to creating digital learning object repositories are, in some cases, significantly different from those in creating “traditional” digital repositories. Staffing, metadata, and use considerations must be carefully considered in this unique environment.Originality/valueThis paper fills a gap in the current literature by providing a general overview of the current state of software and related practices in the learning object repository area.
Matching music: clustering versus distinguishing records in a large database
Authors: Thornburg Gail , Oskins W. Michael 
Published: February 2012

PurposeDescribing musical pieces, whether sound recordings, scores, librettos, videos, has always involved cataloger interpretation and judgment. There is considerable variation in records created for exactly the same item. And there is never “proof” that two records which seem to describe the same item actually do. This paper aims to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachThis paper describes some of the challenges encountered in developing software for matching music records, and some approaches to making the software reliable.FindingsThe paper finds that matching can be used successfully to create GLIMIR clusters in the WorldCat database. Work is needed in several areas to complete the implementation, but intermediate results are promising.Originality/valueThis implementation will allow end‐user applications to collocate resources, to improve discovery and delivery in a complex bibliographic universe
A sex offender treatment group for men with intellectual disabilities in a community setting
Authors: Rose John , Rose David , Hawkins Cliff , Anderson Caitlin 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a rationale for the development of a community‐based group for men with intellectual disability who have been involved in sexually inappropriate behaviour but may not have been charged.Design/methodology/approachThe group was based on a cognitive behavioural model: group process and adaptations are briefly described. The group has been run on two occasions and preliminary data on outcome are provided.FindingsParticipants show a reduction in attitudes consistent with offending, an increase in sexual knowledge, and a more externallocusof control on completion of the group. One of the 12 men who attended was recorded as offending again within 18 months of group completion; however, three moved to less well supervised placements.Originality/valueIt is concluded that this style of treatment has some advantages over other models and may be more effective, yet further research is required.
A treatment component designed to enhance empathy in sex offenders with an intellectual disability
Authors: Michie Amanda M. , Lindsay William R. 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThis paper seeks to describe the introduction of a component designed to enhance empathy, to an established cognitive behavioural treatment program for sexual offenders with an intellectual disability.Design/methodology/approachThe treatment group received an empathy component and was compared with a control group. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed pre‐ and post‐treatment and at follow‐up using the interpersonal reactivity index which assesses fantasy; perspective taking; empathic concern and personal distress experienced due to others' misfortune.FindingsThere were no significant differences between treatment and control groups at baseline. For the treatment group, significant differences were identified between pre, post and three‐month follow‐up assessments indicating an increased empathy at post‐treatment assessment, the treatment group had significantly improved over the controls.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research could compare empathy measures and investigate specifically the relationship between what is taught in empathy programs and what is measured by empathy assessments. Difficulties with the study are discussed.Originality/valueThe empathy component appears to enhance empathic responses.
The effectiveness of Prisoners Addressing Substance Related Offending (P‐ASRO) programme: evaluating the pre and post treatment psychometric outcomes in an adult male Category C prison
Authors: Crane Mark A.J. , Blud Linda 
Published: February 2012

PurposeOffending behaviour interventions that adhere to the now well‐known principles of “What Works” can be effective in reducing recidivism. The field is dominated by a programmed approach, in which facilitators adhere to a manual designed to target specific criminogenic needs and risks in different groups of offenders. This study aims to explore the short‐term impact of the Prisoners Addressing Substance Related Offending (P‐ASRO) programme, a cognitive‐behavioural intervention addressing offending related to substance misuse and targeting those with low‐medium dependency. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the impact of P‐ASRO in key areas targeted by the programme.Design/methodology/approachA non‐experimental fixed design examined differences between the pre‐ and post‐intervention measures of prisoners (n=81) who had completed the P‐ASRO programme between April 2006 and March 2007.FindingsThe majority of offenders in the sample fell into the high‐dependency need group. Nevertheless, there were significant differences between all of the pre‐ and post‐measures, with large effect sizes reported. Prisoners were found to be less impulsive, to have increased their problem‐solving ability, to have developed a greater internal locus of control and were more motivated toward taking action.Research limitations/implicationsCaution needs to be taken in relation to the conclusions that can be drawn due to the nature of the data used (anonymised archival data) which do not allow for the control of certain key variables.Originality/valueThe findings add to the research on prison interventions and lend some support to the suitability of this intervention for offenders with substance use problems, regardless of severity of substance dependency.
“Everybody's Business” – engaging the independent sector. An action research project in Lancashire
Authors: Simic Paul , Newton Steve , Wareing Dave , Campbell Barbara , Hill Marie 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate key organisational processes in managing “safeguarding” in relation to the independent sector, the local authority delivery arm for care.Design/methodology/approachThe methods employed were a telephone survey (one in five random sample of all residential and domiciliary providers in a local authority area) and follow up focus groups (n=2) of local authority staff and independent sector domiciliary and residential providers, in an action research framework. The survey was developed through expert members of a multi‐agency Project Reference Group.FindingsThree survey domains (on “information”, “training” and “support and advice”) indicated high satisfaction, but “experience of investigations'” low rating raised questions for further exploration and were followed up in detail in the focus groups selected from providers with experience of safeguarding alerts. A number of issues were raised for local policy and for safeguarding more broadly.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper only assesses one local authority area. A more balanced systems approach is needed to manage safeguarding.Originality/valueThe involvement of the independent sector in safeguarding is under‐researched and the development of processes that encourage a research culture and a systems approach are exemplified.
The strange deaths of section 47
Authors: Hewitt David 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the Law Commission's recommendations concerning the power of removal contained in section 47 of the National Assistance Act 1948. That provision applies to certain people who are seriously ill, living in squalor, or not receiving proper care and it enables them to be taken to hospital or a care home and detained there.Design/methodology/approachThe Law Commission's final report on adult social care law was considered and compared with earlier Commission publications that addressed this issue, and also with other sources (such as a paper published by the Department of Health in 2000).FindingsThe Law Commission calls for the repeal of section 47, because it is hard to interpret, difficult to implement and seems to breach the European Convention on Human Rights. The Commission says other provisions, such as those in environmental health legislation, the Mental Health Act 1983, and the Mental Capacity Act 2005, provide a more appropriate means of caring for people in distress and that more information is needed before a decision can be taken as to what, if anything, should replace section 47. Some of these criticisms, and also the call for more information, were made by the Department of Health.Originality/valueThe Law Commission's findings and recommendations concerning section 47 have not otherwise been widely reported, nor has much been done to analyse their development or antecedence. The paper also offers a modest critique of this aspect of the Commission's report.
Managing suspected misuse of direct payments: messages for practice from the High Court
Authors: Mitchell Ed 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the practical implications of a recent High Court ruling about the legality of a council's response to concerns that direct payments were being misused.Design/methodology/approachThis is a review of a reported High Court decision.FindingsThe High Court upheld a council's unilateral response to its genuine concerns about misuse of direct payments but this was an extreme case. Normally, a far more inclusive approach to direct payments decision making is required.Originality/valueThis paper provides an interpretation of the judgment for practical application.