...exploratory orientation whereas quantitative enquiry is usually designed to find relationships among variables. How does this difference in research orientation affect the data collection and data analysis methods used for the two types of educational enquiry? Illustrate your answer with examples. Distinctive features of much qualitative research are: • ‘It tends to adopt an exploratory orientation in research design.’ (Study Guide, p. 75) Research problem is not well-defined when data are being collected. Thus, research data tend to be unstructured. • Neither numerical data nor statistical analysis is central to the data analysis. ‘Instead, the aim is to document the character of perspectives and activities of the people in the study, and/or how they employ various discourses – why these discourses take the form that they do, and perhaps also what the implications or consequences are. (Study Guide, p. 76) Thus, the choice of approach will be influenced by theoretical ideas and the methodological philosophies. The first of these orientations is strongly influenced by interpretivism. This orientation may promote the use of relatively unstructured interviews where interviewees feel relaxed and able to reveal their genuine perspectives. The second orientation ‘is concerned with finding out what actually happens in a situation as against what people say happens – what people actually do rather than what they say they do.’ ‘This orientation assumes that...
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...This article from PPST Bulletin is made available on-line by Samanvaya (www.samanvaya.com). All the rights of the article rest with the authors and any enquiries and clarifications may be directed to them. These are made available in an as-is basis, please report any mistakes to knowledge@samanvaya.com. TOWARDS A NON-WESTERN PERSPECTIVE ON SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE I The available studies on the phenomenon and institution of science suffer from a curious limitation. It is as if all those who analyse the subject were overawed by the grandeur of modern science, and their studies were in the nature of tributes laid at the feet of this great saviour. All analysis starts from the assumption that modern science is a set of value-free theories that uniquely explain reality. After the scientists in the early 20th century started overhauling their theories in a big way, it was granted that the value-free theories of science that explain reality may do so only partially at a given time, but as science progresses, its theories explain more and more of reality and the process converges towards the ‘ultimate’, ‘unique’ law that explains everything. Committed to this idealist picture of a unique value free science, the philosophy of science is reduced to a set of attempts at finding the epistemological criterion, internal to science, that allows the scientist, unencumbered by any extraneous considerations, to choose the true theory out of a competing set; the sociology of science is reduced to...
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...Introduction to Design for (Cost Effective) Assembly and Manufacturing Source: David Stienstra (Rose-Hulman) Purpose Statement To provide an overview of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) techniques, which are used to minimize product cost through design and process improvements. Objectives Participants will understand: – Differences and Similarities between Design for Manufacturing and Design for Assembly – Describe how product design has a primary influence – Basic criteria for Part Minimization – Quantitative analysis of a design’s efficiency – Critique product designs for ease of assembly – The importance of involving production engineers in DFMA analysis Design for Assembly Definition: DFA is the method of design of the product for ease of assembly. ‘…Optimization of the part/system assembly’ DFA is a tool used to assist the design teams in the design of products that will transition to productions at a minimum cost, focusing on the number of parts, handling and ease of assembly. Design for Manufacturing Definition: DFM is the method of design for ease of manufacturing of the collection of parts that will form the product after assembly. ‘Optimization of the manufacturing process…’ DFA is a tool used to select the most cost effective material and process to be used in the production in the early stages of product design. Differences Design for Assembly (DFA) concerned only with reducing product assembly cost – minimizes...
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...September 2010 The Case of Value Based Communication—Epistemological and Methodological Reflections from a System Theoretical Perspective Victoria von Groddeck Key words: Abstract: The aim of this paper is to reflect the epistemological and methodological aspects of an communication empirical research study which analyzes the phenomenon of increased value communication within theory; form business organizations from a system theoretical perspective in the tradition of Niklas LUHMANN. analysis; Drawing on the theoretical term of observation it shows how a research perspective can be functional developed which opens up the scope for an empirical analysis of communication practices. This analysis; Niklas analysis focuses on the reconstruction of these practices by first understanding how these practices Luhmann; stabilize themselves and second by contrasting different practices to educe an understanding of organization different forms of observation of the relevant phenomenon and of the functions of these forms. studies; George Thus, this approach combines system theoretical epistemology, analytical research strategies, such Spencer-Brown; as form and functional analysis, and qualitative research methods, such as narrative interviews, system theory; participant observation and document analysis. value communication Table of Contents 1. System Theory and Empirical Research: Epistemological Preposition 2...
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...© 2008 AGI-Information Management Consultants May be used for personal purporses only or by libraries associated to dandelon.com network. Culture, Leadership; I Organizations E d W By Robert J. House University of Pennsykmia Paul J. Hanges University of M-md Mansour Javidan University of Calgary Peter W. Dorfman New Mexico State University Vipin Gupta Grand Valley State University SAGE Publications Publisher InternationalEducational and Professional Thousand Oaks London New Delhi G CONTENTS Foreword Harry C. Triandis Preface Robert J. House PART I: Introduction Robert J. House 1. Illustrative Examples of GLOBE Findings Robert J. House Increased Globalization of Business The Increased Importance of Sensitivity to Cultural Differences Differing Views and Conceptualizations of Leadership An Illustration of Differences and Cultural Practices Differences in Leadership Practices Plan of This Book xv xxi 1 3 4 2. Overview of GLOBE Robert J. House Mansour Javidan Major Questions Concerning the Effects of Cultures on the Practice of Leadership The Need for Cross-Cultural Leadership Theory and Research The GLOBE Research Program Leader Behavior and Attributes Qualitative Research Construct Definitions of Leadership and Culture GLOBE Operational Definition of Culture The GLOBE Conceptual Model The Integrated Theory Two Fundamental Cross-Cultural Issues The GLOBE Questionnaire Scales Phase 2 Hypotheses Strengths of the GLOBE Research...
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...topic. The study includes administering a questionnaire online in seven countries (China, France, India, Italy, Japan, Russia, and the USA) to a total sample of 1102 respondents. The richness of this research relates to the possibility of an intercultural analysis of the results from seven countries. These results concern the differences in the relative importance of components of the consumer decision-making process in respect of the purchase of luxury and non-luxury goods; the relative importance of CoO for consumers making purchasing decisions relating to luxury goods; and the variation in consumers' decision-making criteria depending on the maturity of the luxury market. This research allows the authors to confirm, develop, and generalize results previously obtained in the exploratory phase of their work. They are interesting in terms of management recommendations for a company that wishes to expand internationally in a geographic area covered by the study, since the research found significant differences. The results of the research contribute also to the theoretical controversy concerning the importance of CoO in the consumer decision-making process. Keywords Country of origin; Luxury; International; Cross-cultural analysis; Consumer behavior 1. Introduction and objectives The effect of country of origin (CoO) on consumers' perceptions and purchasing intentions is a common theme in marketing research ( [Bloemer et al., 2009] and [Usunier, 2006]). This research aims to update...
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...in educational contexts have received a great deal of attention in the last decades. Work on identity and identity formation in educational settings has been carried out in relation to any of the various actors in the educational project (e.g., students, teachers, principals, parents) and at different units of analysis (e.g., individuals, teams, classrooms,...
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...reliability of train positioning and accuracy of the point of failure. The multi-sensor information synchronization is an important reason affecting the positioning accuracy. In order to ensure its correction and effectiveness of combination-location information fusion algorithm，as well as to compare and evaluate different fusion algorithms, research on the pretreatment method of the multi-sensor information is necessary. This paper takes the example of resonant voltage measurement with high reliability as the test program of compensation capacitor. To improve the extent of the precise location in point of failure as well as to improve the continuity and real-time of data feedback, finally this paper selects the GPS / DR / MM combination- orientation program to provide positioning information for the dynamic detection system, by comparing a variety of positioning systems. In order to get the most accurate output data, the paper use the adaptive federated Kalman filter algorithm to do the multi-sensor data fusion. Then the paper exchanges the positioning subsystem data and test subsystem data through Ethernet. Using the method of setting the discriminated threshold to discriminate and count the test results, and finally got the completion of the fault locating function. After that, by using electronic...
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...------------------------------------------------- You will be required to reflect on your adolescence and conduct a critical analysis of your development. This assignment should be 4 pages. This assignment covers chapters 6 – 8 of the textbook. This requires you to read ahead of where we may be currently in the readings. ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- * ------------------------------------------------- Cover page/Title page - Include a title page (see example on Blackboard) that contains the page number, running head, title of essay, student author full name, Department of Behavioral Sciences, Winston-Salem State University and the course number and name. * ------------------------------------------------- Follow APA guideline and refer to the syllabus for writing guidelines. Submit APA style checklist with paper. (1) Download and save the APA checklist, (2) after the document opens, click on fill & sign (on the right) and use the tools at the top (check mark, etc) to complete the form (3) click save as to save and submit the document along with your paper via Bb. ------------------------------------------------- * ------------------------------------------------- Briefly describe yourself using any or all of the following areas (i.e., age, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, religious and/or spiritual convictions, personality –...
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...Thick Cylinder Experiment Dr P Wardle p.wardle@staffs.ac.uk MECH60454 Advanced Engineering Analysis MECH60500 Stress Analysis DL Laboratory Assignment THICK-WALLED CYLINDER Apparatus SM1011– Thick Cylinder (TQ Education and Training Ltd) Thick Cylinder Experiment Dr P Wardle p.wardle@staffs.ac.uk 1. Description of the Cylinder This laboratory exercise enables the student to investigate the distribution of radial and hoop stresses and strains throughout the walls of a thick- walled cylinder under internal pressure and to compare experimental results with the theoretical Lamé predictions. The experiment aims to teach students about: Stress and Strain distributions in the walls of a thick cylinder under internal pressure. How to predict the stress and strain in thick cylinder. The use of strain gauges in mechanical design. Shear stress in thick cylinders. The cylinder is made from aluminium alloy in two halves cemented together. One face of the joint has an eccentric shallow groove containing ten strain gauges at carefully determined radii and orientation. These measure radial and hoop strains from which the corresponding stresses are calculated. The groove is completely filled with jointing cement. Additional strain gauges on the inner and outer walls enable the measurement of longitudinal and circumferential strains. A digital display on the front of the apparatus shows the strains measured at each gauge. The cylinder...
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...Abstract: Most research on marketing practices, and improved sales turnover was related to big firms. In this study, based on the theoretical framework, a model was developed to investigate the effect of marketing practices on sales turnover in small firms. The findings show that the three components of marketing practices are related positively to business performance in terms of sales turnover of small firms. The further analysis also confirmed that customer orientation and competitor orientation are strong predictors of small firm performance. The findings of this study confirm that effective marketing practices also apply to small firms. Key words: Marketing practices, Sales turnover, SBE’s. Introduction Small Business Enterprises are a major contributor to Ghanaian economy. For a very long time, SBEs sector accounted for a large portion of the total number of business in the Ghanaian economy. Small businesses are considered as a sub sector of SMEs in Ghana, along with micro size enterprises operates in various industrial sectors and contributes not only in greater production but also in employment and provides self employment opportunities. In this study small businesses from SME sector is on focus which operate with 3 to 50 full/part time employee .Since small business play an important role in the Ghanaian economy, it is therefore crucial to develop an understanding of why organizations are successful and why they fail in Ghanaian business context...
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...Where are we now and where are we going? Lynn M. Shore ⁎, Beth G. Chung-Herrera, Michelle A. Dean, Karen Holcombe Ehrhart, Don I. Jung, Amy E. Randel, Gangaram Singh Institute for Inclusiveness and Diversity in Organizations, Department of Management, College of Business Administration, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, USA a r t i c l e i n f o Keywords: Diversity Inclusiveness a b s t r a c t A great deal of research has focused on workforce diversity. Despite an increasing number of studies, few consistent conclusions have yet to be reached about the antecedents and outcomes of diversity. Likewise, research on different dimensions of diversity (e.g., age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and culture) has mostly evolved independently. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to examine each of these dimensions of diversity to describe common themes across dimensions and to develop an integrative model of diversity. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. While the term “workforce diversity” is commonly used in scholarly articles as well as in the popular press, the focus and scope of the research is both varied and broad. Until recently, most studies have focused on a single dimension of diversity (e.g., age, sex, race) in a domestic, typically U.S. context. In a world of globalization populated by boundaryless and virtual organizations, it is time to revisit the old theories of diversity and to...
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...spirit in the public sector, or at least expectations of its coming. Some say that such a spirit is already here. Others aver we are witnessing only the tip of change. The world wide globalization process supported by stronger orientations towards open markets, open highways of information, growing levels of organizational learning and interdisciplinarity in the social sciences have also made their impact on the study of our bureaucracies. Yet by all definitions public administration in the beginning of the 2000s still lacks the sense of identity that other fields of the social sciences has long since obtained. In other words, the Have you looked outside lately at the world of government and administration? Have you noticed a strange scent in the air indicating the arrival of a new spirit in the public sector? Some people say it is already here. Others say we have only witnessed the edge of the change. Yet by all definitions public administration at the beginning of the 2000s is looking for its way forward. Today, it is already much different from what it used to be forty, thirty, and even twenty or ten years ago. In the coming years it is going to be even more different. field is looking back and down into its individuality, searching for orientations and signs that can direct it on its way forward. Today, public administration is already very different from what it used to be forty, thirty, and even twenty or ten years ago. In the coming years it is going to be even more different...
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...Author’s version of: Case, J. M. (2008). Alienation and engagement: Development of an alternative theoretical framework for understanding student learning. Higher Education, 55(3), 321 - 332. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10734-007-9057-5 Alienation and engagement: Development of an alternative theoretical framework for understanding student learning Jennifer M. Case Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town Abstract In this paper it is suggested that the themes of alienation and engagement offer a productive alternative perspective for characterising the student experience of learning in higher education, compared to current dominant perspectives such as that offered by approaches to learning and related concepts. A conceptual and historical background of the concept of alienation is presented, followed by an overview of some contemporary perspectives. Drawing on this literature, a framework is then developed for characterising student learning. It comprises three categories, referring to the alienation resulting from 1. entering the higher education community, 2. fitting into the higher education community, and 3. staying in the higher education community. Each category has an associated set of theoretical tools that can be drawn upon in analysing this aspect of the student experience. Keywords: alienation, engagement, student learning, tertiary education, approaches to learning Address for correspondence: Dr J Case, Department of...
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...Scientific criticism to Geert Hofstede’s research Cross-cultural issues in European Human Resource Management Contents Abstract 2 Introduction 2 Hofstede’s findings 2 Hofstede’s Framework of Cultures 3 Power Distance (PD) 3 Individualism - Collectivism (IC) 3 Masculinity - Femininity (MF) 4 Uncertainty Avoidance (UA) 4 Long/short term orientation (LTO) 5 Some aspects of Hofstede’s model having provoked scientific criticism 5 Methodological issues 6 Cultural Homogeneity 7 National Divisions 7 Number and bipolarity of dimensions 7 Out-dated concept 8 Political Influences 9 Conclusion 9 References 10 Abstract The high level of multiculturalism in the field of business indicates to raise awareness about cultural understanding. Researches in that line major refer to Greert Hofstede, who analyzes dynamics of cross-cultural groups and organizations. Undoubtedly, his model is as widely cited as criticized, because it is well-known pioneering research of national culture differences and their consequences. In this short paper, I am going to examine Hofstede’s findings and the reason why his work faces criticism. Introduction Culture in business has been of utmost interest for the last two decades, and with increasing national diversity in nowadays business environment, culture itself is regarded as an important dimension. The beginning of a pilot study in that sphere refers to the Dutch social psychologist Greert Hofstede and his...
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