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This is the first of two consecutive articles taken largely from a PhD thesis. As m uch as possible I use the words of the women themselves. Briefly describes the scope, limitations and method of the research. Then considers respondents’ attitudes and perceptions concerning working behaviour. Summarises respondents’ evidence which overwhelmingly identifies the double burden as the main barrier to women’s career progression in LIS. There are two issues: one is the daily routine of domestic duties and the extra demands on time, and the other is the emotional strain that accompanies caring responsibilities, that fall to most women, in some form, at some time in their lives. The logistical problems faced by women who find that a large proportion of their time is constantly consumed by domestic and caring duties are considerable. Furthermore, the worry and guilt consume inner resources which may be needed at work.

This is the second of two consecutive articles taken largely from a PhD thesis. As much as possible it uses the words of the women themselves. It reports respondents’ attitudes and perceptions concerning working behaviour among a sample of UK women.

The Computers in Teaching Initiative (CTI) is a programme funded by the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) of the Higher Education Funding Councils of the UK with, as its name implies, the purpose of encouraging wider use of computer‐aided methods in university teaching. There are a number of centres which have been set up to disseminate information about the available training packages in specific subject areas. The Centre at Loughborough is concerned with the field of Library and Information Studies (LIS) and is known as CTILIS (Computers in Teaching Initiative Centre for Library and Information Studies).

Describes women′s position in libraries and in the Western workforce at large. Outlines the changing nature of the labour pool as it is affected by demographic changes and the demand for skills. Describes the social and attitudinal changes taking place, the role of feminism and the importance of image. Suggests that the latest developments in management style present libraries with the opportunity to make the most of their women employees and to provide a better service. Finally, suggests that social attitudes of men and women change male and female roles at work and in the family.

The purpose of this case study is to describe a simulation-based assessment designed to assure student readiness for a first full-time clinical experience in an entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program that transitioned to mixed-mode instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A cohort of 40 second-year physical therapy students whose content delivery mode, assessment methods and curricular sequence deviated from the curricular plan participated in a new assessment using standardized patients. The assessment was developed to preferentially address the knowledge, skills, abilities and professional behaviors (KSAs) that were typically assessed with other methods before the pandemic.

The assessment was useful in identifying students who required additional learning experiences to meet expected levels of competence before transition to a first full-time clinical experience. It also identified KSAs that needed to be strengthened within the entire cohort of students.

This case study provides an example of feasible implementation of an assessment of student readiness for clinical education that may guide future development of standardized assessments in health profession education (HPE) programs that have or plan to transition to mixed-mode content delivery.

This case study highlights the need and process for developing and implementing additional assessments in HPE programs when planned changes or unexpected variations in curriculum delivery occur. This evidence-based assessment preferentially addresses the affective domain of learning and includes competency standards that have recently been developed for physical therapy education in the USA.

This paper aims to present and summarise the arguments for and against the ISO 18404 standard and the perceived advantages and disadvantages of implementing it.

A qualitative interview approach was utilised by interviewing a panel of leading academics and practitioners familiar with Lean Six Sigma.

The results indicate that Lean Six Sigma professionals have conflicting opinions on ISO 18404. An overwhelming majority of the panel questioned the “quality” of the standard and whether it is “fit for purpose”, while others see the advantages of a common standard in helping continuous improvement deployment.

As the standard has not been widely adopted, there were limited examples on ISO 18404 discussion in the literature. Much of the current literature focuses on the theoretical application of the standard, with sparse practical examples providing case study deployment. Also, the interviews were short and at a high level. There is an opportunity for further study and analysis. It was difficult to find qualified interviewees who were familiar with the standard. A very real constraint when conducting research into ISO 18404 is to obtain a balanced view of the standard from those who have a vested interest in its continuation and evolution, or not.

The paper provides a resource for people to obtain insight into the value or non-value add of a standard in Lean Six Sigma and the appropriate details of such a standard. These results can form the basis of a case for the implementation of the standard for those organisations currently trying to decide whether to implement it or not.