86 research outputs found
Combining card sorts and in-depth interviews
No full textMark N.K. Saunders INTRODUCTION Trust research invariably asks questions about sensitive issues, highlighting the need to build rapport and trust between the researcher and participant. It may also be necessary to ensure participants are not sensitized to the research focus on trust. This chapter outlines the use of a card sort, concurrent with an in-depth interview to help overcome these issues. The problem of obtaining valid and reliable information when asking questions about sensitive issues is not unique to trust research. Notwithstanding the problems associated with gaining access, or increased non-participation due to individuals expecting negative consequences, participants’ subsequent evasive answers or socially desirable responses can reduce the utility of data collected (Crowne and Marlowe, 1964). Participants’ concepts of what is sensitive are socially constructed and so what matters is whether a participant finds the research sensitive for whatever reason (Arksey and Knight, 1999). Where this occurs, participants may use their answers to protect themselves from potential harm or embarrassment, to present themselves in a positive light, or to please the researcher. This, in turn, may threaten the accuracy or interpretation of data collected (Dalton et al., 1997). Not surprisingly, this issue is recognized widely; most research methods texts emphasize the need to minimize such problems by ensuring the research topic is salient to the participant, explaining the benefits to her or him and emphasizing privacy and anonymity (for example Kvale and Brinkmann, 2009; Saunders et al., 2009b). Building on this and similar advice, research methods texts expound subsequently how,….</p
Closim, a simulation program on the closure of tidal basins
No full textThe program CLOSIM has been written to simulate the practice of the closure of tidal basins. It has not been the aim of the program to provide a new design application or to have any scientific value with respect to the results of the calculations. The simulations should rather give insight in the way closures take place, and in the problems that might be encountered when closing the connection between a tidal basin and the sea. In chapter 1, the user is introduced in the practice of the closure of tidal basins; the main phenomena of the subject are discussed. In the chapters 2 to 6, the calculations which have been done for the simulation program have been explained in detail. It should be kept in mind that most of the assumptions and calculations are based on rough estimations and do not give more than just an impression of the parameters and variables they deal with. The boundary conditions of the calculations and the way of schematizing them for the simulation program, have been considered in chapter 3. A lot of the geotechnical information presented has not been included in the program yet. Chapter 3 also covers the calculations of levels, flows and current velocities, of which the analytical derivation is presented in Appendix A. The calculation of the construction activities (decreasing the flow area) is dealt with in chapter 4. The complex geometrie calculations which translate a dumped volume of material into a dam advancement, have been described in Appendix B. The theory which has been applied to determine the loss of dam material (increasing the flow area), is explained in chapter 5 and Appendix C. Chapter 6 accounts for the scour at the end of the hottom protection, which can cause the bottom protection and eventually the structure itself to collapse. In chapter 7 general recommendations have been given for extension of the calculation procedures in future versions of the program.Civil Engineering and Geoscience
Is communications a strategic activity in UK Education?
Full text linkThis qualitative exploratory paper investigates whether communications/public relations is regarded by opinion formers in UK education as a strategic business activity or a tactical marketing tool. It is based upon depth interviews with 16 senior managers with strategic roles in UK higher or further education, or Government bodies, conducted between June and September 2004. The findings seem to suggest that communications/PR is ideally seen by leaders as a strategic function, but that there are limitations to this vision becoming a reality. The research goes on to offer initial conclusions on some of the issues surrounding perception, resource, and implementation of strategic communications/PR in UK education, with implications for practitioners considered
Chapter 7: When an orchestra misses its harmony (or how I learnt to work with my supervisors)
Full text linkThe chapter uses the metaphor of sonata form to describe the life of the author’s doctoral thesis. Her first year somewhat resembled the first movement of a sonata. Difficulties in understanding both her supervisors’ expectations and the standard of work required led to a dramatic coda in which a surprising piece of critique caused a significant drop in her confidence. Moving to her second year, she experienced a number of crashes, ranging from epistemology and research directions to working style. However, the introduction of a new voice, in the form of a third supervisor, restored some harmony to the PhD composition. Further discordance arose in the third year, but the author concludes that the journey provided some memorable counterpoints that trained her to become a skilled composer, conductor, and performer of knowledge. These counterpoints inspire her to offer a few useful lessons for current and future PhD students
Embedded Trust: The Analytical Approach in Vignettes, Laboratory Experiments and Surveys
No full textCase Study: 'Media climate change reporting and environmental disclosure patterns in the low-cost airline industry in the twenty first century.’
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Using systematic review methodology to examine the extant literature
No full textBook synopsis: As Human Resource Development (HRD) research has developed, a growing variety of quantitative and qualitative data collection procedures and analysis techniques have been adopted; research designs now include mono, multiple and mixed methods. This Handbook brings together the wealth of research methods experience gained by HRD researchers into one essential volume. Organised into four parts, the book explores conceptual issues, qualitative research methods, quantitative research methods and methodological challenges. It utilises the wealth of research experiences of leading HRD scholars to provide a range of insights highlighting what works, what does not work and associated challenges. Each chapter provides annotated further reading, allowing the reader to expand on the topics discussed
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