scholarly journals Explication of Tacit Knowledge in Higher Education Institutional Research through the Criteria of Professional Practice Action Research Approach: A Focus Group Case Study at an Australian University

10.28945/50 ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 043-058 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Sek Wong
2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gwyneth M Jolley

This article reports on the evaluation of an action research project designed to support workforce development in the promotion of healthy nutrition for older people. The evaluation methodology was grounded by the action research approach of the project and focused on case studies of the 10 partner organisations. Findings indicate that the Healthy Ageing—Nutrition Project has resulted in a large increase in awareness and knowledge about healthy ageing and nutrition in the case study organisations, and to a lesser extent, in the broader health and aged care sectors. For the case study organisations it seems likely that transformational change has been made through the project's work of building capacity, mediating and facilitating change and providing resources. Support at board and management level, as well as thoughtful development of the workforce, were critical success factors in bringing about organisational change. The main challenge was identified as time and resources needed. Follow-up evaluation of the health outcomes from nutritional assessment, screening and intervention should also be implemented in order to provide further evidence of the value of this effort.


2022 ◽  
pp. 427-441
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Oldham ◽  
Pamela Cowan ◽  
Richard Millwood ◽  
Glenn Strong ◽  
Nina Bresnihan ◽  
...  

In view of the current focus on computational thinking in schools, professional development is needed so that teachers can help students acquire the requisite skills. Enhancing teachers' confidence is one important aspect. This article describes a project which offers teachers a playful, supportive introduction to computer programming, using the language Scratch. The project, CTwins (“Coding Twins” or “Computational Thinking wins”), entails teachers working in pairs called ‘twins' to produce an artefact, by communicating and reflecting in an online environment. The theoretical framework uses research on pair programming and working in online communities. An evaluative action research approach in two cycles was undertaken, the first being a pilot. For each cycle, teachers completed surveys to measure confidence pre- and post-participation, posted to the online environment, and participated in a focus group. The article then outlines implementation of the CTwins strategy, presents the findings – teachers' confidence showed gains overall-– and discusses possibilities for future work.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Oldham ◽  
Pamela Cowan ◽  
Richard Millwood ◽  
Glenn Strong ◽  
Nina Bresnihan ◽  
...  

In view of the current focus on computational thinking in schools, professional development is needed so that teachers can help students acquire the requisite skills. Enhancing teachers' confidence is one important aspect. This article describes a project which offers teachers a playful, supportive introduction to computer programming, using the language Scratch. The project, CTwins (“Coding Twins” or “Computational Thinking wins”), entails teachers working in pairs called ‘twins' to produce an artefact, by communicating and reflecting in an online environment. The theoretical framework uses research on pair programming and working in online communities. An evaluative action research approach in two cycles was undertaken, the first being a pilot. For each cycle, teachers completed surveys to measure confidence pre- and post-participation, posted to the online environment, and participated in a focus group. The article then outlines implementation of the CTwins strategy, presents the findings – teachers' confidence showed gains overall-– and discusses possibilities for future work.


Author(s):  
Cristiane C. Gattaz ◽  
Roberto C. Bernardes ◽  
Paulo E. Cruvinel

This paper proposes a new methodology based on action research for the implementation of a business, system and technology model to assist and facilitate the collaborative use of resources and expertise, as well as to adjust one task force based on knowledge sharing and management. A case study is presented to illustrate the results of implementing the Digital Knowledge Ecosystem framework in a research and development (R&D) network of aerial application of pesticides for pest control, using the action research approach. Results include the properties of self-management, open innovation, self-organization of the institutionally linked groups and the adaptation of a new tool for collaboration, which can improve competitiveness. Its relevance may be measured by its benefits of capturing the sharing dynamics, processing and propagating information within the networks, allowing cooperation between organizations and measuring collective intelligence action and learning, as well as promoting survival such as minimum interaction rules, individual autonomy and organizational structure demand flexibility. Such arrangement proved to allow nonlinear methods replacing attempts at objectivity, linear thought and control, and the design of risks in social computing system. The conclusions showed the opportunity to apply such model to other sectors related to agriculture and innovation and observe the challenge regarding the managerial indicators for future command and control of existing R&D network knowledge management operations for future research.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juanjuan Wu ◽  
Bo Ra Joo ◽  
Ahmad Saquib Sina ◽  
Sanga Song ◽  
Claire Haesung Whang

PurposeThe authors conducted an action research study with the aim of understanding current commercial offerings in modular designs in virtual environments and to explore modularity development based on consumer input for the purpose of personalizing three-dimensional (3D) virtual fashion stores.Design/methodology/approachThrough five phases of diagnosing, action planning, action taking, evaluating and specifying learning, the authors attempted to diagnose the current commercial offerings of modular designs in virtual spaces and to identify the right type and the number of modules and modular options for personalizing 3D virtual stores based on consumers' actual designs and focus group input. The authors then further conceptualized modules to serve as an example for developing modularity in 3D virtual reality (VR) stores.FindingsIn the diagnosing phase, the authors investigated the modularity structure of cocreating a retail store in two popular virtual worlds: Second Life and The Sims 4. In the evaluation phase, the authors identified modules and modular options for personalizing 3D virtual stores based on a content analysis of consumers' post-design focus group discussions. In the last phase (specifying learning), the authors conceptualized a total of nine modules and 38 modular options for personalizing 3D virtual stores, including style, price point, product category, color, presence of avatar, virtual product try-on, music, product recommendation and product customization.Originality/valueThe significance of this study lies in the pioneering methodological work of identifying, creating and visualizing 3D VR modular store options based on consumer input and in improving the authors’ understanding of current commercial offerings. This study also enriches design theories on cocreation systems. The authors’ suggested modules for personalizing 3D virtual stores could inspire future evidence-based designs to be readily used by VR retailers as well extend the application of mass customization theory from the realm of product development to retail environments.


2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 162-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne Hammad ◽  
Alice Alunni ◽  
Tamara Alkhas

This paper argues that an evidence-based approach to advocacy led by and targeting women could amplify women’s positioning in the political and economic realms. Participatory Action Research is examined as a process for mobilisation, coalition-building and evidence-based advocacy and action, through a case study of a multi-country British Council supported programme that incorporated an action research approach. 1 Drawing from the experiences and perceptions of its participants, it offers reflective insights into the theory and practice of action research and its empowerment potential. The findings confirm a widespread support for the use of Participatory Action Research as a starting point for stronger advocacy work, showing its positive transformative effects on individuals, groups and coalition. Participatory Action Research contributes to evidence-based advocacy that is more relevant and inclusive, and arguably empowering for women advocates.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 237
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Maugeri ◽  
Graziano Serragiotto

By beginning with an analysis of the linguistic policy in Japan, this case study maps the institutions that promote the Italian language and culture in the territory of Kansai, as well as examine the teaching of Italian at the Italian Cultural Institute in Osaka (IIC). The Osaka Institute represents the largest cultural and linguistic centre of Italian in Kansai. Hence, the aim of this investigation is to identify what type of Italian is taught at the IIC, how it is learned, as well as the main reasons that determine the decrease in Italian language students at the centre. By using the holistic Action Research approach, useful data was obtained for the registry analysis of the entities involved in the dissemination of Italian and of the teaching practices carried out in the IIC courses. Furthermore, the data acquired highlights how the prospects of the Italian language in Kansai are closely correlated with the effectiveness of the linguistic promotion of competent institutions, the renewal of the teaching operating models, and the modernization of teaching and evaluation practices.


Facilities ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (13/14) ◽  
pp. 913-926 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrika Uotila ◽  
Arto Saari ◽  
Juha-Matti Junnonen

Purpose Public authorities are required to organise new facilities to respond to changed user demands in terms of a public-owned school. The number of pupils attending the case study school will increase in the following years, as will the number of children attending a day nursery located on the present campus. In addition, the users of the campus have complained of building-related symptoms. This study aims to understand the municipal decision-making process in organising the school’s facilities, in particular, the factors used for decreasing uncertainty around a project. Design/methodology/approach This study is a case study undertaken through an action research approach. The researchers participated in the project planning meetings concerning the future activities to take place in the building. Findings Over a 13-month period, multiple stakeholders participated in the project planning meetings providing a deeper understanding of the space demands posed, current challenges and opportunities offered by the existing building. In addition, the alternative solutions generated were evaluated. The problem identification and information gathering periods lasted over nine months, which was far longer than predicted. Thus, generating alternative solutions and evaluation of the solutions also delayed. As the entire process was delayed substantially, the final decision on organising the facilities was not made during this research. Practical implications This research may be of practical value for a property owner and a project team for decision-making concerning changed facility demands. Originality/value This paper provides information about how public authorities are making decisions on facility organisation during conditions of uncertainty.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document