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A 20th century 'vernacular landscape': the signifcance of allotments as a leisure experience
No full textMe, myself as a learning and development practitioner and my PhD research: Why am I doing this work-based study
No full textResearch Aim & Methodology Why am I concerned? This is a work-based and work-focused PhD, conducted in the Human Resources/Learning and Development Department of an Energy and Utilities Company, based in Dublin, Ireland. My action research evaluates and reflects on how the approach to training was introduced in the organisation, how well it worked and how it was improved over time. The basis of evaluating the training process is to develop a generic framework that could be used by others, both elsewhere in Veolia and beyond.Context The effectiveness of human resource development (HRD) programs is vital to the overall success of any organisation. However, current methods of evaluation have not been effective given the scale of the annual cost involved. As part of the organisations Continual Professional Development (CPD), the organisation recognised the need for a formalized approach that will impact on the quality, effectiveness and organisational development of its workforce.The focus of this research is to implement a comprehensive evaluation framework for training initiatives; evaluation should be enhanced to include detailed feedback from the trainees. The purpose is to determine the effectiveness of the learning programmes; to allow the organisation ensure learning is transferrable to the workplace
The Training Theatre Project: A collaboration between the University of Bolton and the Octagon Theatre Bolton
No full text"The Training Theatre" Palatine (HEA) 2010/11 The filmed documentary "The Training Theatre" is intended to be the primary mode of dissemination of this project. The report that accompanies it is intended to support the film and to enable the research team to expand on certain points and to provide a background to the work and to offer certain recommendations.The research team suggest that the film is approached before the written report and that it is read in the light of the documentary. It is not intended to be free standing as it were
Mechanical and corrosion resistance properties of TiO2 nanoparticles reinforced Ni coating by electrodeposition
No full textCoatings have been widely used in engineering and decoration to protect components and products and enhance their life span. Nickel (Ni) is one of the most important hard coatings. Improvement in its tribological and mechanical properties would greatly enhance its use in industry. Nanocomposite coatings of metals with various reinforced nanoparticles have been developed in last few decades. Titania (TiO2) exhibit excellent mechanical properties. It is believed that TiO2 incorporation in Ni matrix will improve the properties of Ni coatings significantly. The main purpose of the current work is to investigate the mechanical and anti-corrosion properties of the electroplated nickel nanocomposite with a small percentage of TiO2. The surface morphology of nanocomposite coating was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The hardness of the nanocoating was carried out using micromaterials nanoplatform. The sliding wear rate of the coating at room temperature in dry condition was assessed by a reciprocating ball-on-disk computer-controlled oscillating tribotester. The results showed the nanocomposite coatings have a smoother and more compact surface than the pure Ni layer and have higher hardness and lower wear rate than the pure Ni coating. The anti-corrosion property of nanocomposite coating was carried out in 3.5% NaCl and high concentrated 35% NaCl solution, respectively. The results also showed that the nanocomposite coating improves the corrosion resistance significantly. This present work reveals that incorporation of TiO2 in nickel nanocomposite coating can achieve improved corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of both hardness and wear resistance performances, and the improvement becomes stronger as the content of TiO2 is increased
The AP in the hospice setting: work-based learning.
No full textThis is the second in a series of 4 articles looking at end-of-life and palliative care, examining the introduction of assistant practitioners (APs) across a range of services through a foundation degree at the University of Bolton. The hospice development will be examined. Changes in attitude to care of the dying will be explored, in terms of the way in which the hospices challenged the notion that death was an inevitable failure; rather, dying is seen as a time when good quality care and support was more important than ever, enabling a good death.The AP's role within the hospice setting will be explored, in terms of the skills they have developed and now utilise and where they fit into the teams they have become part of. The new role is providing important continuity of care; some of the successes and challenges in this new setting are examined
The principle of parliamentary sovereignty
No full textIn this paper, I use Dworkin’s distinction between rules and principles to analyse the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty. I argue that, inherent in many conceptions of the doctrine, is an assumption that it operates in the conclusive manner of a Dworkinian rule. I then submit that the doctrine actually functions in the flexible way characteristic of a Dworkinian principle. In support of this contention, I argue that Acts of Parliament may be balanced against competing principles or statutes; that they possess the dimension of weight or importance; and that the degree to which they will be adhered in any particular case will be contingent upon the importance attributed to any competing principle or statute. I finish the paper with an evaluation of my arguments and an attempt to anticipate potential counter-arguments
The Olympic challenge of first year students: technology enabling and support completing 'the first lap'
No full textThe assistant practitioner in palliative and end of life care.
No full textThe importance of a well trained workforce to support the needs of those approaching the end of their life and the needs of their carers is readily acknowledged, yet relatively few healthcare professionals are specifically trained to manage palliative and end of life care. Access to suitable education is often patchy and many health and social care providers have difficulty accessing relevant education and training. This paper reflects on a Palliative and End of Life project for assistant practitioners being delivered in the North West of Englan
Melt dripping and flammability behavior of biodegradable natural fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composites
No full textThis work reports the fabrication of jute fibre-reinforced polypropylene (PP) and polylactic acid (PLA) composites using a novel patented nonwoven technology. The water absorption, physical, mechanical and flammability properties of these partially (jute/PP) and fully biodegradable (jute/PLA) composites have been studied and compared with similarly produced glass-fibre reinforced composites with a view to enabling their use in automotive applications. The fibre reinforcements in composites reduced the rate and propensity of burning compared to respective neat resins. There was no melt/flame dripping observed in any of the fibre-reinforced composites
Conformative and disruptive contributions in 'Skills for Life' classrooms
No full textThis study examines how adult numeracy students drew on their informal knowledge in their classrooms; using audio-recordings of naturally-occurring discussions as they worked together to solve mathematical problems. Analysis of the recordings not only reveals the knowledge which the participating students contributed to their discussions, but also illuminates how they responded to, and appeared to value, each other’s contributions. Although students were found frequently to share knowledge about curricular and examination requirements, they rarely shared knowledge about out-of-classroom numeracy practices, even when their learning activities gave them opportunities to do so. Drawing on Bourdieu’s notions of habitus and field, it is suggested that students’ reluctance to draw on their out-of-classroom practices is due to the historically-constituted values which they themselves place on different types of knowledge. A typology of conformative and disruptive knowledge contributions is proposed, which attempts to reconcile transformative ideals with the constraints of the contemporary classroom