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Perceived stress, perceived social support and subjective loneliness in parents of adolescents / adults with ASD
This study sought to examine Perceived Stress, Perceived Social Support and Subjective Loneliness in Parents of Adolescents / Adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Parents of children with ASD have reported elevated levels of stress. Effective social support can act as a buffer for parental stress. Studies have associated loneliness with depression and with poor mental and physical health. Effective social support may also have a role to play in mitigating loneliness. This study relied on a self-administered online questionnaire. Parents of adolescents / adults with ASD were contacted via the Parents Association of a south Dublin school for adolescents with ASD. There was shown to be a significant difference between Perceived Stress, Perceived Social Support and Subjective feelings of Loneliness of parents of adolescents / adults with ASD as against a Control Group. There was also shown to be correlation between perceived stress and subjective feelings of loneliness
Technology use with adult male Gaelic footballers. Do the positives outweigh the negatives?
Recent research has indicated an increased presence of technological tools such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Video Analysis and WhatsApp being used at club level Gaelic Football. Although Gaelic Football is among the most popular participatory sports in Ireland, research within the club context, particularly investigating the effect of technology on individuals and teams is currently lacking. The aim of this research was to begin to fill this void. Using a qualitative approach, five adult club Gaelic footballers were recorded in semi-structured interviews detailing their experiences of technology use with their Gaelic Football clubs. Transcripts of these interviews were analysed thematically and six key themes emerged. Technology use was found to have many benefits from a team perspective but also carried potential risks for individuals, with implications for coaches and teams intending to use technology discussed
Bridging the digital gap: Supporting the development of lecturer’s digital literacy capabilities. An exploratory case study
The importance of the digital literacy capabilities of educators has emerged as a key concept in Higher Education in recent years. Lecturers are at forefront of harnessing the potential of new technologies in education, and as such are under increasing pressure to develop their digital capabilities to meet the demand of these new learning spaces.
National policy recognises the challenges that they face, and there are many calls for the enhancement of educator’s digital literacy skills to develop their teaching practice and professional identity. In response to a need for an Irish digital literacy model, the National Digital Skills Framework was developed and mapped closely to the National Professional Development Framework.
This dissertation explores the suitability of the National Digital Skills Framework as a tool to support the implementation of a digital literacy programme of support for lecturers in an independent private, third level institution. Findings from a mixed-methods survey support the theory that there is scope for a boutique version of the framework to be mapped to the strategic, continuing professional development objectives of the college. In order to maximise its relevancy as a conceptual model, examples of situated digital practices were mapped to the six pillars of the framework to engender a deeper understanding of the relevance of digital literacy skills to participants.
While this case study revealed similar barriers to engagement with digital enhancement programmes as are found in the wider literature, there were positive indications that lecturing staff were willing to develop their digital skillsets. It also concludes that for any digital literary capacity building programme to be successful, there must be collaboration across all relevant departments, top-down institutional support and strong evidence of a sense of ownership for participants.Griffith Colleg
Impact of corporate governance on non-performing loans in Indian banking sector.
The aim of the current research is to study how Non performing Loans of Indian banks are influenced by the overall corporate governance structure of the organisation. To achieve this the primary part of the research focussed on interviewing the bank officials who are working in public and private sector banks and are involved in making the lending decisions. The data collected through semi-structured questionnaire was analysed thematically using Grounded Theory Method. The data was coded and various themes were recognized which examined various factors which influence the decision making process by the top management. These factors were performance management, risk management , audit, internal control and monitoring. These are the various components of corporate governance which have an impact on the credit risk of the banks. It was fond that it is the primary responsibility of the Top Management to establish firms’ risk appetite and timely review firm’s risk portfolio. Further management has to make sure that the employees are apprised of the firm’s risk culture. (Pinar Evrim, 2012, pg. 47). Banks having proper corporate governance structures in which employees are also given say and encouraged to participate can avoid fines and protect themselves from financial risk associated with misconduct. Strong risk culture which is incorporated in the overall processes can help in preservation of financial solvency and stability of operations in reference to the Indian banks. As the top Management is elected and reports to the Board of Directors it is crucial to examine their role in corporate governance process as well. To understand what factors guide the board of directors to effectively make key decisions like setting strategy , formulation of high-level objectives and broad based resource allocation the researcher further examines the effect of corporate governance measured by (Board Size, Ownership Concertation, Board Independence and separation of Chairman and CEO) on the non-preforming loans of Indian banking Industry for a period of 2014-2018 through multiple regression . Research indicates high percent in Ownership Concentration for public sector banks results in higher non-preforming loans. In case of private sector the relation is negative which means low percentage in ownership concertation leads to decrease in non-performing loans and further separation of CEO and Chairman also leads to lower non-performing loans. (Muhammad Ishfaq Ahmad ,etc., 2016,pp.39)
What did we learn from the dora case? Transference and countertransference in the dyadic relationship
Transference was discovered by Freud, through working with his patients. However, it took a failed case to recognize its power on the therapeutic relationship. In his famous Dora case, he didn’t recognize the transferences at play, and it led to his patient stopping therapy, as revenge. However, through this case Freud realized that the analyst plays a role, he is more than just a passive object. What he did not recognize at the time was his own unresolved countertransferential issues, which can become an obstacle in helping the suffering person. Today it is recognized that transference and countertransference are part of the therapeutic relationship, and are interconnected, inseparable. Some therapies, including humanistic therapies don’t work with transference, there is more emphasis placed on the therapist’s own countertransference, how to manage it, and how to learn about the patient
The maternal metaphor: An exploration of Winnicott’s ‘holding’ and Bowlby’s ‘secure base’ in the therapeutic relationship
This paper is a theoretical study exploring Winnicott’s concept of ‘holding’ and Bowlby’s concept of ‘secure base’ and their implications for the therapeutic relationship. Particular attention is given to the parallel maternal metaphor in both providing a ‘holding’ environment and a ‘secure base’ in the role of a therapist. This paper further explores how Attachment Theory echoes and expands upon Winnicott’s work with a particular focus on John Bowlby’s work. Bowlby posits that the secure base provided by the mother in infancy mirrors the manner in which a therapist provides a secure base for clients to facilitate internal exploration. The secure base mirrors Winnicott’s concept of ‘holding’ which also facilitates exploration and ultimately, the move ‘towards independence’, both in early relationships and the therapeutic dyad. This paper includes an exploration of the research on these concepts and concludes with an examination of the convergences and divergences between Winnicott and Bowlby as theorists, both personally and professionally, and a critical examination of the implications for the use of both theories in practice. It is hoped that examining the parallel maternal metaphor within these theoretical frameworks will further illuminate the inner workings of the therapeutic relationship and ultimately, the primacy of human connection and relationship
Smartphone use and anxiety in college students: How social support and feelings of connectedness helps
A questionnaire was carried out on-line and in class to determine if rising anxiety levels amongst college students could be attributed to excessive smartphone use. Additionally, the study sought to explore if social support and levels of connectedness can positively impact mental health. One hundred and seven students (F=81, M=26) participated. The questionnaire employed a quantitative, cross-sectional design with opportunity and snowball sampling. Four scales were utilized; the 7-item Anxiety sub-scale from The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, The Multi-Dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, The Smartphone Addiction Scale and The Social Connectedness Scale. Gender, age (groups), full-time/part-time/day/evening attendance/undergraduate/postgraduate study were recorded. Results indicated there were no differences in anxiety levels based on age. High smartphone use did result in higher anxiety. High levels of social support failed to predict lower levels of anxiety. Results found a correlation between high levels of smartphone use and lower levels of connectedness
An investigation of employees retention practices and their impact on organisational performance in service sector - Case study on Circle K Ireland
The present research was performed to determine the impact of the employee retention strategies on the organisational performance of organisations in the service industry using the case study of Circle K service stations.
The study identified that employee retention was highly significant for Circle K. It was evident that the employee strategies implemented by Circle K such as work life balance policies, good work environment, training and support, career development opportunities, recognition by the manager or supervisor for the good work done by the employee, good relations between the senior managers and co-workers and flexible working time. Circle K had a good organisational image and its leadership motivated the employees. However, financial rewards were not given to employees who had done a good job. Job security was also not provided by Circle K to its employees. Competitive salary in the industry were not given to the Circle K employees.
The correlation analysis and the regression analysis showed that the employee retention strategies and organisational performance of Circle K had a strong and positive relationship with each other. In addition, the employee retention strategies of Circle K helped increase the business performance and organisational productivity of Circle K.
It was recommended in this research that Circle K must provide financial rewards for the good work done by its employees. It also has to provide job security to the employees. In addition, competitive salary in the industry must be provided to Circle K employees. The results of the research hold relevance only to Circle K
An exploration analysis of inclusive versus engineered workplace diversity in Ireland
Workplace diversity can be classified as one of the most significant trends in the business world. This research is an attempt to ascertain an exploration analysis of inclusive versus engineered workplace diversity, using Ireland as its case study. The study examined three objectives such as the type of workplace diversity being practiced in companies in Ireland, benefits attached to practicing either inclusive or engineered diversity or importance of practicing inclusive or engineered workplace diversity. These three objectives formed the basis of the research question and sub-questions. Probability sampling technique was used in selecting the sample size. Data was collected through the use of questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide. The data collected was entered into a computer application packages (SPSS) to quantitatively analyse the data both in terms of descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics include simple percentages while inferential statistics include correlation. The qualitative investigation adopted the use of semi-structured interview guide to elicit information from respondents which was interpreted for clarity and ease of understanding. The study revealed that the structure of workplace diversity being practiced in companies in Ireland is void of the academic or intellectual know-how. In furtherance, organisations in meeting their company mission statement and goals observe engineered workplace diversity instead of inclusive workplace diversity. Thus, this study in conclusion recommended that companies in Ireland need to educate and train managers to take diversity initiatives. Also, regardless of the role or title, employees need to commit to eliminating barriers in the workplace. The study also recommended that the assessment of cross-cultural training is needed on a regular basis by organisations
HR intrapreneurship and business strategy and their effects on innovation practices on IT multinationals
This academic research brings up concepts such as intrapreneurship, business strategy and
innovation to a multinational business environment, such concepts have been studied previously
in different settings, however, following the recommendation of other scholars this research
focuses in the information technology field.
Information technology is the fastest growing industry, hence the need for businesses within this
industry to find ways to innovate and improve processes, to achieve this goal they must do use of
every resource available and be willing to explore new strategies for the business.
This study collected quantitative data from HR professionals working for multinationals using an
online questionnaire as a data collection method, the research concluded that business strategy on
its own does little to innovation practices, instead it works through intrapreneurship enhancing the
innovation practices of a company.
The reader is shown the results of the research through charts and figures to aid the understanding
of the correlation of these variables as well as proper analysis of all the items involved