1522 research outputs found
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Exploring the importance of Volunteerism in Irish Credit Unions.
Get PDFThe topic of volunteerism is one which attracts much discussion and interest. Recruiting and retaining competent volunteers is a key concern for all types of organisations,
especially credit unions. This study documents the role played by volunteers in credit unions, examining the motivations of the volunteer and considering the types of support required to maintain their involvement. Furthermore, the area of future governance development is considered and the means by which organisations can achieve such improvements.
The objectives of the study are to identify the procedures credit unions carry out to acquire new volunteers on to the board of directors, to identify whether volunteers understand their job to the best of their ability and to identify what training and orientation could be implemented for the benefit of the volunteer in carrying out their
responsibilities more efficiently.
The methodologies utilised in this study to gather data involved the use of qualitative semi structured interviews and mini case studies. The interviewees helped combine a
mix of legislation, governance and practical experience. The findings outcomes are aligned with much of what is already present in the literature.
The study concluded that acquiring new volunteers is becoming more challenging and new approaches are required. In the continuous mission for good governance and
volunteerism improvements, together with board structure development, change is needed in the credit unions’ approach of recruiting volunteers. Likewise, the levels of supervision and regulation have increased as a result of many different events and governance based cases. In particular, governance procedures and structures within
financial institutions need to be reviewed and improved accordingly, especially with regard to volunteer responsibilities on the board
Developing a relational capability construct for SME network marketing using cases and evidence from Irish and Finnish SMEs
Get PDFSME relational marketing and SME networks have been widely prescribed in the literature. Defined as a series of interactions between interconnected parties in a relationship, the network approach is a philosophy which relies on mutual cooperation, collaboration and the process of building trusting relationships. However, this thesis argues that the process through which individual actors interact and are connected in networks remains under-explored. With the evolution of relationship marketing and networks as a basis for SME marketing the researcher contends that a need exists to define the capabilities necessary to conduct relationship marketing successfully in a network context. This process and such capabilities are termed ‘relational capability’ and address a gap in the literature.
This thesis identifies the relational capability construct inclusive of its six dimensions; realisation dimension, assessment dimension, access to knowledge dimension, access to opportunity dimension, co-adaptation dimension and co-innovation dimension. The dimensions are defined and structured through the application of the Actor-Activity-Resource (AAR) model of networks as depicted by the International Marketing and Purchasing (IMP) group of researchers. The applicability of the AAR model in the structuring of the six dimensions of relational capability is justified due to its role as a descriptive tool designed to detail the three substance layers of an industrial relationship. Additionally, based on a comparison of alternatives, the theoretical lens selected to view this research is social exchange theory due to its focus on embeddedness, reciprocity, and its ability to embrace the social elements of relationships and networks. Therefore, the utilisation of the theoretical lens of social exchange theory enables the researcher to better understand the behaviour of individuals within a network setting.
Eight small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) were selected and analysed from both an Irish and Finnish context for the purpose of this study. The empirical research, from an Irish perspective, entailed an intervention case study approach to action the relational capability dimensions to assess theory fit to practice. Semi-structured interviews were employed in both an Irish and Finnish context. The research is interpretive, placing more concern with gaining an in-depth understanding of the participants in a network setting with the assumption that the view will be context and time specific (Wainwright, 1997). Through the power of the interpretive paradigm, the aim of this research is to illuminate new perspectives on established concepts such as SME relationship marketing and networks.
Overall findings support the appropriateness, applicability and potential of the conceptualisation, inclusive of its six dimensions, as a vehicle to enhance SME marketing. From an Irish perspective, realisation and assessment were low highlighting that misconceptions existed amongst the SMEs regarding the nature and dynamics of networks whereby they were viewed as a predominantly social structure.
Conversely, the Finnish participants viewed networks as interconnected business relationships continually operating in close collaboration with other stakeholders within their business. Regarding the access to knowledge and access to opportunity dimensions of the conceptualisation, findings highlighted that both the Finnish and
Irish SMEs had accessed valuable knowledge and opportunities through their networks of relationships. Consequently, as the study progressed, it was clear that the
Irish participants were starting to appreciate the value of operating through networks, and as such, their attitudes towards the network process improved. The disparities were significantly lower between the two contexts in terms of co-adaptation and coinnovation as all of the participants relied on relationships to facilitate such processes.
However, one of the major differences remaining between the Irish and Finnish participants is in their attitude towards their competitors. The Irish SMEs seemed to have very strong firm boundaries in place, an individualistic culture, whereby relationships with the outside world were limited by necessity in terms of sales and supplies.
The relational capability construct and its six dimensions represent the theoretical contribution to knowledge for this research. The relational capability construct identifies the process of SME network activity, research which has not previously been undertaken. From a managerial perspective, findings from the study support the view that the relational capability construct is one way of addressing the resource/time pressure on SME marketing practitioners through providing them with marketing route-ways through their existing and potential networks. In terms of SME network policy, key implications and recommendations are offered. The researcher recommends that ensuring a full understanding of industrial networks and its dimensions be at the core of any Irish network/entrepreneurship programme to guarantee the maximum derivation of benefits. Additionally, the researcher recommends that academic institute employ a collaborative style model in Ireland to enable the academic institutes to play a more active role in the operations of the Irish
SME and create a more positive attitude towards partnership/collaboration
An Introduction to FlexRay as an Industrial Network
Get PDFThe FlexRay Protocol was developed by the FlexRay consortium which was started when BMW and DaimlerChrysler worked together to create a new network scheme that would suit their current and future needs. They were soon joined by other companies such as Bosch and Phillips [1]. FlexRay is set to become widely used in the automotive industry where it will replace or support existing networking schemes such as CAN. It has already been implemented by BMW in the 2006 X5 [2]. This paper will introduce the key features of the FlexRay protocol and where relevant it will be compared it to CAN and the existing Fieldbus technologies such as PROFIBUS and Foundation Fieldbus
Partition Functions of Classical Heisenberg Spin Chains with Arbitrary and Different Exchange
Get PDFThe classical Heisenberg model has been effective in modelling exchange interactions in molecular magnets. In this model, the partition function is important as it allows the calculation of the magnetization and susceptibility. For an ensemble of N-spin sites, this typically involves integrals in 2N dimensions. Here, for two-, three- and four-spin nearest neighbour open linear
Heisenberg chains these integrals are reduced to sums of known functions, using a result due to Gegenbauer. For the case of the three- and four-spin chains, the sums are equivalent in form to the results of Joyce. The general result for an N-spin chain is also obtained
An IMS Learning Design Meta-Model for Learners with Autsim
Get PDFThis study investigates the Instructional Management System (IMS) Learning Design (LD) specification (IMS-LD), which was originally published by experts in the Open University of the Netherlands (OUNL). Our project aims to produce an IMS meta-model, which can provide for special learning styles, and satisfy learners’ special needs during the learning process. Our research has produced an IMS lesson or Unit of Learning (UoL) to support learners with autism. Young learners with autism have special learning needs and characteristics that educational software must respond to. Certain IMS-LD features (Property and Condition) and services (for example, Monitoring) have been adopted to enhance a suitable dynamic learning design. The IMS-LD uses XHTML technology to develop an appropriate learning interface and content.
IMS-LD based open source software tools have already been developed by members of research projects, e.g., Alfanet, UNFOLD and Developing for Learning Design (D4LD), in the recent decade. The present investigation has used some of these software tools to develop the online learning material.
The IMS-LD based prototypes have been analysed, designed and implemented to help investigate the potential of this recent specification, the IMS Learning Design. Web technologies have been adopted in the prototypes, e.g., Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and JavaScript. Further web technologies are used also to enhance learning effectiveness, e.g., Flash and audio.
A software-based ‘learning scenario’ was designed, developed and then evaluated by an expert user group. Data was collected and analysed, and results indicate that the IMSLD lessons could be suitable for learners with special needs and autism. The prototype lessons provide individual learning with personal learning interfaces and materials.
This investigation is a novel one, as the IMS Learning Design specification is not yet widely adopted in the eLearning industry. Our study indicates some advantages and disadvantages, in applying its meta-model approach, in special education software design
The allure of certainty: Identities, religious others and the ambiguity of modernity
Get PDFThis paper seeks to explore the inter-connections between a 'crisis' of identities brought about by modernity and the significance of religion as a reaction to this crisis
Employers' Views on Disability Policy and the Employment of People with Mental Health Problems in the South East of Ireland
Get PDFThere has been increased clinical and policy interest in the relationship between employment and mental health, in terms of the well-being of populations in general, and of people with psychological and psychiatric problems in particular. The Irish Mental Health Commission (2005) advocates a recovery model for delivering mental health services, in which open employment plays a central part. Therefore, the views of employers on policy and services which they see helping or hindering the employment of people with mental health problems are significant for the successful implementation of a recovery based model of service delivery. This study explores employers’ views on equal status employment policy and the support available for businesses in Ireland as these issues relate to the employment issues that confront them with regard to people with mental health problems. The research design consisted of a mixed method approach, utilising a questionnaire, focus groups and individual interviews to collect data from a range of employers (N=403) in the South East of Ireland. Statistical analysis was conducted through entry of quantitative data into SPSS Version 13. Data derived from focus groups and individual interviews were entered into computer aided qualitative data analysis software, ‘NVivo 7’, and were analysed using a seven stage coding framework approach. Findings from this study indicated that a large number of employers initially underestimate the prevalence of mental health problems within their workforce due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of mental health issues. Employers express a negative attitude towards their obligations under employment equality legislation. They feel that it acts as a barrier to the employment of people with mental health problems. Available information on current employment support initiatives is seen as poor. This has a negative impact on the willingness of employers to engage with support initiatives for people with mental health problems in the workplace
