26199 research outputs found
Sort by
Data-Driven Agility: Assessing Agile Culture transformation in a technology organisation
Get PDFContext:
Gaining an understanding of the state of an organisation’s culture during Agile transformation is important because culture underpins all aspects of an organisation’s way of working and can indicate how successful the transformation has been.
Objective:
This paper explores the impact of Agile transformation on various dimensions of organisational culture over time within a technology organisation. Additionally, it demonstrates how datasets collected using the Pulse survey instrument, a tool for assessing an organisation’s culture, can be analysed to provide actionable insights to support organisations in their cultural transformation efforts.
Methods:
This paper employs a mixed research method to conduct a post-hoc analysis of the datasets obtained from a technology organisation that utilised the survey instrument in 2021 and 2022 to assess its transformation agenda. The collected data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. We also assess the internal reliability and validity of the instrument using Cronbach’s Alpha, Composite Reliability, factor loadings and Average Variance Extracted.
Results:
Results show that all the Alpha values of the instrument fall between 0.744 and 0.901, which are higher than the satisfactory value of 0.700, indicating acceptable to excellent reliability. After the intervention, the targeted cultural area, that is, Trust and Transparency (TT) improved significantly, and there was a general improvement across almost all areas. The organisation found the insights provided by the survey instrument aided their understanding of the change process.
Conclusion:
This study presents an analysis framework to support organisations using or seeking to use the Pulse survey instrument in their efforts to transform culture. The findings validate the use of statistical analysis and data-driven approaches to track shifts in various dimensions of organisational culture over time. The study concludes that targeted efforts on culture elements can lead to corresponding improvements in many areas including those not targeted, emphasising the interconnectedness of Agile culture elements
Spiral arms across stellar populations in hydrodynamical simulations
No full textThe majority of galaxies in the Local Universe are spiral galaxies. However, the formation and evolution of spiral arms is not well understood. Different theories explaining how spiral arms work give different predictions on their rotation and relative orientation between stellar populations. High-resolution hydrodynamical simulations with star formation are essential in providing predictions that can be compared with observations.
To better understand how spiral arms work, we analyse high-resolution simulations of an isolated disc galaxy. We quantify the presence of spiral arms adopting the method of the
local dimension, which was previously used in cosmological studies of filaments in the large scale structure of galaxies.
Using the local dimension, we study how the morphology of spiral arms differs between young and old stellar populations. In agreement with previous works, we find that the
spiral structure is most prominent in young stars and it weakens with growing age of stars. Despite this age dependence, both young and old populations show very similar patterns in the inner disc
Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment for older adults in the community: a commentary of a systematic review
Get PDFWith more than 11 million community-dwelling older adults in England and Wales, and one in four having two or more long-term conditions, the need to help older people to remain healthy and well is a priority. A comprehensive geriatric assessment is identified as a gold standard for improving outcomes for older adults in a hospital setting and is recommended for older adult inpatients. However, knowledge gaps remain on comprehensive geriatric assessment conducted in a community setting. This commentary critically appraises a systematic integrated review that synthesises the evidence for conducting a comprehensive geriatric assessment for older adults in a community setting on health outcomes, and the barriers and facilitators to implementation
AI²LM-HE Panel Session: Advancing Interactive & Immersive Learning Media in Higher Education – Insights from a Systematic Expert Review
No full textBuilding on the iLRN2024 panel "Interactive & Immersive Learning Media in Higher Education – XR and Beyond," this session explored advancements in immersive learning through
a Delphi expert review. The panel systematically gathered expert input on the challenges, opportunities, and best practices for integrating Interactive and Immersive Learning Media (ILM) in higher education. A multi-phase Delphi approach was used to extract, refine, and prioritize expert insights across key domains, including pedagogical integration, institutional adoption, interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical considerations, and technological challenges. Panelists presented findings from this process, discussing strategic visions for XR implementation, impactful design principles, and emerging trends shaping ILM. Attendees gained actionable insights for implementing immersive technologies in education, informed by a rigorous expert validation process
Effects of a structured ergonomic training on knowledge and utilization of ergonomics among bankers – A single-blind pragmatic randomized controlled trial
Get PDFBackground
Poor ergonomic knowledge and its utilization is a significant risk factor for work-related musculoskeletal disorders reported to be high among bankers. Empirical evidence of an effective structured ergonomic training intervention on the knowledge and utilization (KU) of ergonomics for this population is lacking.
Objectives
This study sought to determine the effectiveness of a structured ergonomic training intervention on the KU of ergonomics principles among bankers in Nigeria.
Methods
This is a single-blind pragmatic randomized controlled trial with a cluster-randomization of 45 Nigerian bankers into intervention (structured ergonomic training - SET, n = 27) and control (placebo ergonomic training - PET, n = 18) groups. Ergonomic Knowledge/Utilization before (KU1) and after (KU2) training was assessed using a questionnaire developed through a two-step expert validation process. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially using independent and paired t-tests at α=0.05.
Results
At baseline, the participants’ variables of age (28.52 ± 2.89years vs 28.72 ± 3.34years), BMI (25.14 ± 3.75 kgm−2 vs 23.45 ± 3.51kgm−2), and KU1(2.96 ± 1.65 vs 2.56 ± 1.72) of both groups (SET vs PET) were comparable (p > 0.05). However, the KU2 (t = 6.70, p < 0.0001) and change in KU (t = 7.05, p < 0.0001) were significantly higher in SET (7.33 ± 1.33and 4.37 ± 1.69 respectively) than in PET (2.93 ± 2.34 and 0.47 ± 1.77 respectively).
Conclusion
This study finding revealed a low level of knowledge and utilization of ergonomic principles among Nigerian bankers and showed that structured ergonomic training protocol is effective in improving the knowledge and utilization of ergonomic principles among Nigerian bankers. A nationwide ergonomic training and evaluation using this training manual is recommended
Simulating Entrepreneurship: Developing Entrepreneurial Human Capital through Online Simulations
No full textThis case study explores how online simulations can act as innovative pedagogical tools for developing entrepreneurial competencies and human capital among international business students in a UK university. It also examines how simulation-based learning supports students’ sense-making and emerging entrepreneurial identities as part of competency development.Drawing on Human Capital Theory and a constructivist, abductive research approach, the study examines the extent to which the gamified platform SimVenture supports both action-oriented and growth-oriented competencies within entrepreneurship education. Qualitative data were collected through focus groups and thematically analysed in NVivo, using coding frequency analysis to identify patterns in competency development, and to capture students’ reflections on their learning, sense-making, and competency development within the simulation.
Findings indicate that SimVenture effectively supports the development of action-oriented competencies such as teamwork, risk-taking, self-efficacy, problem-solving, and planning. In contrast, growth-oriented competencies including creativity, persuasion, and networking were less evident, suggesting these require longer-term engagement and reflection beyond the immediate simulation experience. The study highlights the differential impact of simulations on entrepreneurial competency development and demonstrates how gamified, experiential tools can foster both skill acquisition and identity formation.
These findings underscore the pedagogical value of integrating digital simulations with approaches that promote reflective and sustainability-oriented entrepreneurial learning. For educators, the research offers practical insights into designing blended learning experiences that combine simulations with reflective and network-building activities to cultivate a broader range of entrepreneurial competencies. While the study is limited by its single case design and small cohort size, it provides a foundation for future longitudinal and cross-context research exploring the role of gamified simulations in fostering entrepreneurial learning and human capital development
Examining cognitive behavioral therapy interventions for unaccompanied minors: a systematic review and qualitative research synthesis
Get PDFBackground
This systematic review examined the evidence on effectiveness and acceptability of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions in improving quality of life (QoL) and psychological well-being of unaccompanied minors (UM).
Methods
PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ProQuest, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, and Open Dissertations databases were used to identify quantitative and qualitative studies. The Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tools were used for quality assessment. Narrative synthesis and qualitative research synthesis were carried out to collate the findings.
Results
18 studies were included. Two studies examined QoL, and five studies examined acceptability of interventions. Most quantitative studies (n = 10) were appraised as methodologically weak. Trauma-Focused CBT appears to have the most evidence demonstrating effectiveness in ameliorating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. Promising findings (i.e., increased mindfulness and psychological flexibility) were observed for third wave interventions but further replication is required.
Conclusions
The literature is tainted by under-powered studies, lacking blinding, and follow-up assessments. Female UM remain largely underrepresented. This review calls for a drastic augmentation of high quality quantitative and qualitative research focusing on augmenting QoL and examining acceptability rather than merely aiming for psychological symptom reduction in UM to enhance overall well-being and functionality. The research protocol was registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42021293881)
How does the first index mode of birth in public or private hospitals predict subsequent births? A 16-year Australian population-based linked data study
Get PDFObjectives: In this descriptive study, we aimed to assess how the index mode of birth and subsequent birth modes vary over time for public and private hospital maternity care funding models. The second aim was to determine to what extent the index mode of birth predicts subsequent birth modes in general and whether this differs in public versus private hospital maternity care funding models. With our aim, we have an innovative approach, specifically the women’s life course approach, which is hypothesis-generating and can be assessed in future studies. Design, setting and participants: New South Wales population-linked data of low-risk women were analysed (2001–2016). Demographics and public/private care were recorded. Modes of the index birth and subsequent modes of second and third births (ie, spontaneous vaginal, instrumental vaginal elective/emergency caesarean birth) were registered. For those with 2 births and 3 births, 16 and 64 subsequent births patterns were created. Primary and secondary outcome measures: Trend of index modes of birth and subsequent modes of birth over time and the prediction of subsequent birth modes based on the index birth. These outcomes were stratified for the initial maternity care funding model. Results: In total, 172 041 low-risk nulliparous women were included in the initial cohort, 54.1% had a spontaneous index vaginal birth and 71% had their index birth in public hospitals. During the study period, 131 675 women had 2 births and 44 677 of these women had 3 births, respectively. Among women birthing in public hospitals, higher proportions of index and subsequent vaginal births were observed than in private hospitals, with fewer instrumental vaginal births and caesarean sections. Large differences were observed for birth patterns: vaginal-vaginal (public 55.8% vs private 36.8%) and vaginal-vaginal-vaginal (public 57.2% vs private 38.8%). Women with an index spontaneous vaginal birth showed a high probability (91.3%) of subsequent spontaneous vaginal births. When stratified by maternity care funding model, the probabilities were similar: 91.6% in public hospitals and 90.2% in private hospitals. Conclusions: Our study of low-risk Australian women (2001–2011) found that those giving birth in public hospitals had higher proportions of spontaneous vaginal births compared with private hospitals, where caesarean sections were more common. Women with an index spontaneous vaginal birth had a very high probability to have subsequent vaginal births. These findings suggest that index mode of birth may be a predictor for subsequent modes of birth
Behind the Screen: an exploratory study of factors influencing breast screening uptake in Lancashire (UK)
Get PDFBackground: Breast screening uptake has improved nationally to 62% in the UK, though regionally, engagement challenges remain in northern regions such as Lancashire (54-59%). It is important therefore to understand the barriers that women face, to enable appropriate person and community centred engagement in health screening behaviours.
Objectives: This study aimed to be the first mixed-method questionnaire exploration of women in Lancashire (UK) to explore attitudes, behaviour, awareness, barriers, and facilitators to breast screening.
Design: Cross-sectional cohort study.
Method: The Breast Cancer Fear Scale, modified Mammography Self Efficacy Scale and the General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire were included in the questionnaire alongside open-ended elements on breast screening behaviour and awareness. Registered female participants (n=50) were provided with digital-assistance or language interpretation where requested.
Results: Ethnicity, faith, and location all affected perceived levels of breast screening awareness, yet only age and faith influenced understanding of the process. Irrespective of protected characteristics, fear of breast cancer did not significantly vary between women. Racially minoritised women were less comfortable in removing clothing during screening. Participants reported barriers related to health awareness, patient experience, screening age and access to healthcare. Facilitators to address barriers were identified using a socio-ecological framework to identify key areas of development needed at an individual, interpersonal, organisational, community and public policy level.
Conclusion: Protected characteristics and geographical location significantly influence breast screening behaviour. Targeted person-centred health awareness, cultural competency and inclusive practice is needed to promote awareness, remove taboos, and open-up dialogue and acceptance of breast cancer screening in communities. Use of the socioecological model highlighted that the responsibility to reduce barriers to breast screening in Lancashire is collective from an individual to public policy level. Further patient-public involvement would ensure adequate demographic representation and effectively investigate differences between ethnic subgroups.
Patient or Public Contribution: This article captures the viewpoints of individuals with and without experience of the breast screening process in the UK. A small group of individuals of white and racially minoritised backgrounds were involved in the design of the study to ensure the suitability and acceptability of the tool