bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can we talk? Course management software and the construction of knowledge
Authors: Payne Carla R. , Reinhart Cornel J. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the question: how well do course management systems (CMS) support constructivist pedagogy; how well do they support conversation?Design/methodology/approachThis article reviews the basic pedagogical orientation of CMS as recently represented by analysts and proponents, while offering an analysis of the implications of these theoretical positions for learner activity within CMS. It compares CMS structural design for its capacity to support collaborative learning against inherent tendencies to fragmentation, individualization and learner isolation. Sampling a widely adopted CMS in use, the article analyzes how well CMSs fulfill the specifications for a progressive, collaborative, learner‐centered environment.FindingsDespite protestations to the contrary, this paper finds that the imperatives to manage discussions and count participation supersede pedagogy in most online courses. Curiously, despite the reemergence of the ideas of John Dewey and Lev Vygotsky, the CMS is more behaviorist than constructivist.Originality/valueAs a comprehensive and systematic consideration of the application of constructivist principles to course management systems at the tertiary level, this paper offers guidance to university administrators, faculty members and others involved in the educational process. The author's conclude that if the underlying, non‐neutral, behaviorist principles of the emerging CMS model are subjected to educators' analysis and thoughtful debate, perhaps it's not too late to build learning architecture that encourages student interaction and conversations; that cedes greater control to learners for integrated participation and constructed learning.
Intranet editors as corporate gatekeepers and agenda setters
Authors: Lehmuskallio Sari 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the decision‐making practices and processes related to gathering, selecting, and publishing of internal corporate news through intranets in large multinationals in Finland.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on eight semi‐structured interviews of intranet editors responsible for the corporate news on the intranet.FindingsIntranet editors are the main corporate gatekeepers and agenda setters making news publication decisions; i.e. determining what is important and newsworthy. These editors make decisions independently rather than collectively, thus news gathering is greatly affected by the networking and organizational skills of the individual editors. Companies prefer neutral news. Honesty and openness are principles that justify also the publication of “bad news.”Research limitations/implicationsThis study explored how intranet editors construct reality through shaping internal communication content. The study did not attempt to assess the effects or effectiveness of this communication. Similarly, although intranet's goals and purposes were assessed, the extent to which the intranet helps the company achieve its strategic goals was not analyzed in detail. Further, research is needed to explore these important issues.Practical implicationsThis paper offers practical examples of how large multinationals convey internal news through intranets. It highlights aspects that may help companies improve intranet's strategic value by enhancing internal communication through the intranet.Originality/valueThis paper reveals the power of individual editors in constructing reality for the organization. It also offers practitioners, researchers, teachers, and students a rare view into the real‐life processes and practices related to communication via intranets that can rarely be accessed and evaluated by outsiders.
Measuring work preferences
Authors: Gilbert G. Ronald , Sohi Ravipreet S. , McEachern Adriana G. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce a multidimensional work preference research instrument, and to relate scores on these dimensions with subjects' real world work choices.Design/methodology/approachRepeated samples of 1,002 and 975 adult subjects were used to identify 17 empirically derived constructs, using both EFA and CFA statistical applications. The CFA revealed measurement invariance among the predicted and measured constructs. The 17 validated constructs were culled from career development‐related psychology that has variously been identified with learning styles, work interests, work values, and temperament. Using a third sample of 590 subjects, MANOVA analyses of work preference scores were conducted with working adults, representing ten different types of work. When the scores on the 17 measures were compared with occupational choices made by the subjects, significant differences in outcomes were identified, indicating commonality within specific work types.Research limitations/implicationsBecause the work preference construct is relatively new and fluid, continuous research is needed to gain greater understanding of the construct and its characteristics. Additional sampling and tests for measurement invariance are indicated using cross‐national samples, as well as non‐English‐speaking languages. Samples from younger, pre‐career subjects in secondary schools and representing a wide array of demographic characteristics are also needed as the research progresses. In addition, more studies are needed to test for predictive validity, using other unobtrusive performance measures taken at different points in time.Practical implicationsMultiple measures embedded in one tool may prove useful aids to people when making career choice decisions that are associated with the selection of short‐term work placement, long‐term career occupations, and academic fields of study. The development of this tool will enable career development researchers to examine the relationships of psychological constructs identified with different fields of psychological measurement, and examine these constructs as they relate to classroom, organizational and cross‐national contexts.Originality/valueThe creation of a tool consisting of measures from multiple psychological fields for use in short‐term career planning, job placement, and enrichment is novel. When combined, the multiple constructs used in this instrument have been found to provide a constellation of useful indicators that are related to career choice and work placement decisions. The measures are also likely to be useful in cross‐national research contexts.
Transforming access: the role of data within service improvement to transform access to services
Authors: Taylor Julia R.A. , Shouls Susanna 
Published: February 2008

PurposeData have a critical role in supporting service improvement and this is particularly the case for service improvement to reduce waiting times. The purpose of this paper is to identify some of the barriers managers face in accessing and using data effectively for 18 weeks and then describes how a service improvement tool developed by the NHS Institute can help to overcome these.Design/methodology/approachA review of the core function of data to support service improvement processes and the development of a national tool to support the transformation of access with the National Health Service in England.FindingsThe review of the core function of data identified a range of barriers: access to data for service improvement; the appropriate use of data to analyse the dynamics of variation and therefore for decision making; and the capacity and capability to use data. The size and immediacy of the 18‐week challenge means that a national solution needs to focus on being practical and overcoming some of these barriers.Originality/valueA perspective of the reality of using data for service improvement and using it to transform access to health services.
How can we make improvement happen?
Authors: Crump Bernard 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore some of the key factors that trigger and drive improvement in the NHS and in health care more widely, and to suggest what practical steps can be taken to speed it up.Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines the varied improvement drivers that impact on health care organisations today – establishing a basic understanding of the different motivating factors behind each. Building on this, the paper explores the shared attributes of successful health care improvement practice and highlights the processes and tools that are helping many frontline NHS organisations achieve faster and better improvement locally.FindingsThere are many reasons that trigger improvement efforts in the health service and most have a valid role to play. But underpinning them all are four fundamental skill and knowledge sets: leadership; performance and metrics; the right tools and processes; and relationships. One important way to unlock the potential for faster improvement in patient care is for organisations and individuals to understand the profound relevance of these four areas to their own improvement work, and to know about the tools and techniques that are proven to help.Originality/valueThis paper helps address the broad and recognised need across the NHS and wider health service to build service improvement capacity, capability and will. It clarifies the priority areas where organisations, clinicians, health care professionals and improvers at all levels need to develop, and it offers practical steps to help ensure this happens.
The internet and potentialities of emancipatory change
Authors: Sikka Prem 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to encourage the academic community to disseminate and communicate information and knowledge beyond the academy and engage wider audiences.Design/methodology/approachTo use new mediums of communication to inform, galvanise and infuriate audiences and possibly try to render the familiar unfamiliar or show that even the technical and complex issues have social relevance and consequences.FindingsThe two blogs reproduced in this paper sought to communicate some aspects of accounting to a wider audience. In trying to reach a wider audience and communicate inconvenient facts some purity of ideas may be diluted, but the alternative is silence and vacation of public spaces to organised interests.Originality/valueThe article reproduces real life newspaper blogs to show that communication with a wider audience is possible.
Elements for sociology of profit
Authors: Breton Gaétan , Caron Marie‐Andrée 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to revisit the foundations of profit and then consider the central role of the profit in the society inspired by the accounting practice, through its influence in the social construction of the accountant's competency, and of the use accounting profession itself.Design/methodology/approachInspired largely by the sociology of the professions, this paper also borrows from classical economic theory to understand the contradictory role and functioning of the conventional notion of profit in the society.FindingsThe paper presents the accountant as the master and great academic of this convention, and the profit as constituting for him a key resource in establishing an undisputed consensus around his competency based on a social valorization. This sacralization originates from the emptying of the economic concept while referring constantly to it. Therefore, the meaning is noisy and then, can be manipulated.Originality/valueThe profit is the main product sell by the accounting profession and the accounting notion most widely discussed in the society. Therefore, to understand its social functioning is essential to understand the social role of accounting and the social statute of accountants.
Collaborative academic/practitioner research in project management
Authors: Walker Derek H.T. , Cicmil Svetlana , Thomas Janice , Anbari Frank , Bredillet Christophe 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide of a review of the theory and models underlying project management (PM) research degrees that encourage reflective learning.Design/methodology/approachReview of the literature and reflection on the practice of being actively involved in conducting and supervising academic research and disseminating academic output. The paper argues the case for the potential usefulness of reflective academic research to PM practitioners. It also highlights theoretical drivers of and barriers to reflective academic research by PM practitioners.FindingsA reflective learning approach to research can drive practical results though it requires a great deal of commitment and support by both academic and industry partners.Practical implicationsThis paper suggests how PM practitioners can engage in academic research that has practical outcomes and how to be more effective at disseminating these research outcomes.Originality/valueAdvanced academic degrees, in particular those completed by PM practitioners, can validate a valuable source of innovative ideas and approaches that should be more quickly absorbed into the PM profession's sources of knowledge. The value of this paper is to critically review and facilitate a reduced adaptation time for implementation of useful reflective academic research to industry.
Emotional intelligence and occupational stress among professional staff in New Zealand
Authors: King Michelle , Gardner Dianne 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe aim of the study was to test the relationship of emotional intelligence (EI) to the appraisal, coping and outcomes of workplace demands.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was used to collect data. Respondents included 157 professional staff including salaried staff, line managers, senior managers, managing directors and chief executive officers.FindingsEmotional intelligence was found to comprise three factors: emotional self management (ESM), the ability to understand others' emotions (UOE) and the use of emotions in decision making.Research limitations/implicationsThe study employed a cross‐sectional self‐report design from which it is not possible to infer causal relationships among variables. The sample comprised professionals employed within New Zealand and it remains to be seen whether the findings can be replicated in other organizational and occupational groups and in other countries and cultures.Practical implicationsEmotional self management and understanding others' emotions appear to play an important role in managing work‐related stress. Current research supports the notion that EI is learned and can be developed. If this is confirmed then there may be justification for developing an individual's ability to manage emotional reactions to stressful situations in order to reduce negative affective outcomes.Originality/valueAspects of EI are relevant to work‐related stress in that appropriate skills in managing emotional reactions may help to build adaptive responses to work‐related demands.
Outcomes from a randomized controlled trial of a multi‐component alcohol use preventive intervention for urban youth: Project Northland Chicago
Authors: Komro Kelli A. , Perry Cheryl L. , Veblen‐Mortenson Sara , Farbakhsh Kian , Toomey Traci L. , Stigler Melissa H. , Jones‐Webb Rhonda , Kugler Kari C. , Pasch Keryn E. , Williams Carolyn L. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTAims  The goal of this group‐randomized trial was to test the effectiveness of an adapted alcohol use preventive intervention for urban, low‐income and multi‐ethnic settings.Design and setting  Sixty‐one public schools in Chicago were recruited to participate, were grouped into neighborhood study units and assigned randomly to intervention or ‘delayed program’ control condition.Participants  The study sample (n = 5812 students) was primarily African American, Hispanic and low‐income.Intervention  Students, beginning in sixth grade (age 12 years), received 3 years of intervention strategies (curricula, family interventions, youth‐led community service projects, community organizing).Measurements  Students participated in yearly classroom‐based surveys to measure their alcohol use and related risk and protective factors. Additional evaluation components included a parent survey, a community leader survey and alcohol purchase attempts.Findings  Overall, the intervention, compared with a control condition receiving ‘prevention as usual’, was not effective in reducing alcohol use, drug use or any hypothesized mediating variables (i.e. related risk and protective factors). There was a non‐significant trend (P = 0.066) that suggested the ability to purchase alcohol by young‐appearing buyers was reduced in the intervention communities compared to the control communities, but this could be due to chance. Secondary outcome analyses to assess the effects of each intervention component indicated that the home‐based programs were associated with reduced alcohol, marijuana and tobacco use combined (P = 0.01), with alcohol use alone approaching statistical significance (P = 0.06).Conclusions  Study results indicate the importance of conducting evaluations of previously validated programs in contexts that differ from the original study sample. Also, the findings highlight the need for further research with urban, low‐income adolescents from different ethnic backgrounds to identify effective methods to prevent and reduce alcohol use.
Meta‐analysis of depression and substance use and impairment among intravenous drug users (IDUs)
Authors: Conner Kenneth R. , Pinquart Martin , Duberstein Paul R. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTAims  To evaluate, among intravenous drug users (IDUs), the hypothesized positive association of depression with substance‐related behaviors including concurrent drug use and impairment, future drug use and impairment, alcohol use and impairment, needle sharing and substance use treatment participation, and to identify moderators of these associations.Design  Meta‐analysis of reports on IDUs published in English in peer‐reviewed journals since 1986 that contained data on depression and substance use outcome(s) with no restrictions on range of depression scores to select the sample.Setting  Fifty‐five reports containing 55 samples met criteria, including 42 (76%) samples from clinical venues and 13 (24%) that were community‐based.Participants  Mean age was 34.3 (standard deviation = 4.5) years, comprising approximately 68% men and 43% white, non‐Hispanic subjects.Measurements  Depression was assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D) and other validated scales or diagnostic interviews. The Addiction Severity Index was the most frequently used measure of substance‐related outcomes.Findings  A priori hypotheses pertaining to depression and the substance‐related variables were supported, with the exception of the predicted association of depression and future drug use and impairment. Effect sizes were small. Moderating effects of gender were identified, including greater associations of depression with substance use treatment participation and needle sharing among women and a greater association of depression with future drug use and impairment among men. Effect sizes of moderators were large.Conclusions  Depression is associated with several substance‐related behaviors, and select associations are stronger according to gender. Prospective associations of depression with future drug use and impairment are not immediately evident, but could be examined in subsequent research.
Drug abuse in Vietnam: a critical review of the literature and implications for future research
Authors: Nguyen Van T. , Scannapieco Maria 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTAims  To provide an overall picture of drug abuse in Vietnam, its prevalence, correlates and patterns.Methods  Studies addressing the drug abuse problem in Vietnam are reviewed. Attention is paid to studies conducted from 1993 onwards. The reviewed studies were collected from both refereed and non‐refereed sources.Results  Drug abuse is rising sharply in Vietnam: almost threefold over the past 10 years. From a predominantly rural‐mountainous phenomenon, illicit drug abuse spread rapidly to urban areas. Meanwhile, the average age of drug users has declined and more women have been engaging in drug consumption. At the same time, heroin has replaced opium as the most preferred drug in the country's illicit drug market, especially among young users in urban areas. At the national level, the second main route of drug administration, injecting, has exceeded smoking and taken precedence in the country's drug abuse culture, especially among heroin users.Conclusion  Drug abuse in Vietnam has changed radically over the past decade, which has implications for the national and international community and requires further research to fill the knowledge gap and to inform intervention policy for better drug control policy.
Geometric modelling of fades migration: theoretical development of f acies successions and local unconformities
Authors: Cant Douglas J. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTGeometric analysis shows that the angle of migration of coastal sedimentary facies is a function of the relative sea‐level change and the thickness of sediment deposited or eroded. The angle of facies migration compared to the slopes on the sediment surface determines the degree of facies preservation and stratigraphic relationships to the surrounding facies.Vertical facies successions generated by radial migration of environments show a great deal of variety because the sediment surface in both marine and non‐marine areas is concave‐up. Both regressive and transgressive sequences with non‐erosive marine‐nonmarine contacts can be generated. Transgression at a slightly lower angle can form a ravinement surface cut on non‐marine deposits with onlapping barrier sands or shallow marine deposits. Regression with relative sea‐level drop generates a minor erosion surface with baselapping isolated shoreline deposits. Disequilibrium conditions occur when sea level varies at a rate exceeding the ability of the system to supply or redistribute sediment, with resulting changes in surficial slopes.Onlapping and downlapping stratal relationships across erosion surfaces result because of differences in slopes between marine and non‐marine environments. These discontinuities are generally less than one degree, but could possibly be recognized on high quality multichannel seismic lines. Most of these discontinuities are probably not regionally extensive enough to be regarded as sequence boundaries. Tectonic tilting or differential subsidence of strata during depositional hiatuses is necessary to generate true regional unconformities or sequence boundaries.Where facies climb with respect to horizontal, erosion surfaces produced only by this migration may cut across lithostratigraphic units at higher angles, up to 3 or 4 degrees. Low‐angle erosion surfaces relevant to the scales of sequence stratigraphic studies may result only from facies migration, even during a period of relative sea‐level rise.