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1 – 10 of over 103000A random sample of UK veterinary practitioners was surveyed and interviewed on behalf of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Wellcome Library to identify key issues in…
Abstract
A random sample of UK veterinary practitioners was surveyed and interviewed on behalf of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Wellcome Library to identify key issues in veterinary information use (IU) and information seeking behaviour (ISB).1 A greater proportion of respondents used the Internet for veterinary information than used a veterinary library. However, conventional journals, textbooks and conferences were the main information sources used. Some variations in information source use by practice size and type and information type were identified. The majority of library users and non‐users wanted enhanced library access via the Internet, especially to full‐text journals.
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Vasiliki Ragazou and Ilias Karasavvidis
Software training is a new trend in software applications. A key problem with software training is that video tutorials are developed without considering the target audience…
Abstract
Purpose
Software training is a new trend in software applications. A key problem with software training is that video tutorials are developed without considering the target audience. Although video tutorials are popular, little attention is given to their design features. This study aims to investigate how two multimedia research principles, visual cueing (VC) and practice type, influence task performance, mental effort and motivation.
Design/methodology/approach
Three video tutorials on non-linear editing were viewed by 118 Computer Science undergraduate students with high information communication technology experience. To analyse the relationships between the research variables, a 2 (non-VC versus VC) × 2 (post-video viewing practice versus stepwise viewing-based practice (SVBP) mixed factorial design was used.
Findings
The results indicated that neither VC nor SVBP influenced task performance; however, both practice type conditions led to higher levels of motivation.
Research limitations/implications
The incorporation of VC and practice type in complex software training is less likely to be beneficial for domain experts. Future studies should record eye tracking data to capture learners’ behaviours whilst learning a software application. Moreover, practice targeted with immediate feedback should be incorporated as it enhances scaffolding.
Practical implications
Neither practice type was considered effective by experts. A practice strategy with user-controlled pausing (i.e. markers) could enhance retention by allowing users to practice tasks after locating the most relevant parts of the video tutorial.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by investigating two guidelines: VC and practice type in the context of complex software training targeting domain experts.
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Lawton Robert Burns, Jeff C. Goldsmith and Aditi Sen
Researchers recommend a reorganization of the medical profession into larger groups with a multispecialty mix. We analyze whether there is evidence for the superiority of these…
Abstract
Purpose
Researchers recommend a reorganization of the medical profession into larger groups with a multispecialty mix. We analyze whether there is evidence for the superiority of these models and if this organizational transformation is underway.
Design/Methodology Approach
We summarize the evidence on scale and scope economies in physician group practice, and then review the trends in physician group size and specialty mix to conduct survivorship tests of the most efficient models.
Findings
The distribution of physician groups exhibits two interesting tails. In the lower tail, a large percentage of physicians continue to practice in small, physician-owned practices. In the upper tail, there is a small but rapidly growing percentage of large groups that have been organized primarily by non-physician owners.
Research Limitations
While our analysis includes no original data, it does collate all known surveys of physician practice characteristics and group practice formation to provide a consistent picture of physician organization.
Research Implications
Our review suggests that scale and scope economies in physician practice are limited. This may explain why most physicians have retained their small practices.
Practical Implications
Larger, multispecialty groups have been primarily organized by non-physician owners in vertically integrated arrangements. There is little evidence supporting the efficiencies of such models and some concern they may pose anticompetitive threats.
Originality/Value
This is the first comprehensive review of the scale and scope economies of physician practice in nearly two decades. The research results do not appear to have changed much; nor has much changed in physician practice organization.
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Computer-aided/assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) supports qualitative and mixed methods researchers to organize, analyze, and explore data in a meaningful, and…
Abstract
Computer-aided/assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) supports qualitative and mixed methods researchers to organize, analyze, and explore data in a meaningful, and efficient, way. Successfully utilizing CAQDAS software can be challenging, particularly for the novice researcher. To assist all researchers 21 CAQDAS dilemmas are articulated. These relate to choosing, using, and getting started with the software, as well as writing about CAQDAS use. These dilemmas suggest there is no right way to use CAQDAS programs, rather the specific research project, along with researcher experience and philosophy, should drive the extent to which any project utilizes the extensive CAQDAS capabilities, while also encouraging the researcher(s) to drive their ideas and exploration beyond what they initially thought possible.
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Silvana Costantini, Jon G. Hall and Lucia Rapanotti
The paper aims to provide methodological support for hybrid project management, in which the discipline of predictive methodologies combines with the flexibility of adaptive ones…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to provide methodological support for hybrid project management, in which the discipline of predictive methodologies combines with the flexibility of adaptive ones. Specifically, the paper explores the extent complexity and volatility dimensions of organisational problems inform choices of PM methodologies both theoretically and in current practice, as a first step towards better methodological support for hybridisation.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper takes a mixed method approach, including both secondary research and primary research with practitioners. Primary research consists of a small scale survey (n = 31) followed by semi-structured interviews, with findings triangulated against secondary evidence.
Findings
The paper provides empirical insights on how complexity and volatility of organisational problems can inform hybrid project management practices. Specifically, it suggests a mapping between volatility and complexity dimensions and predictive and adaptive risk controls as a first step towards the systematisation of hybrid combinations in projects.
Research limitations/implications
Due to the small participant sample, the research results may lack generalisability.
Practical implications
The paper includes implications for the development of methodological support for setting up hybrid projects in practice.
Originality/value
The paper addresses a gap acknowledged both in the literature and by practitioners.
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Robyn Keast, Myrna Mandell and Kerry Brown
The three governance modes of state, market and network have long been recognized as key forms of social organization. However, the failure of these modes to solve complex public…
Abstract
The three governance modes of state, market and network have long been recognized as key forms of social organization. However, the failure of these modes to solve complex public problems has meant that new hybrid arrangements drawing on and mixing the strengths of each mode have come to the fore. This situation results in what is contended to be a “crowded” policy domain which may erode the potential for positive service delivery and programme outcomes. This paper argues that policy and decision-makers need to recognize the difference between these modes and select optimal mixes. The paper proceeds by tracing the evolution of the expanded mix. It sets out a coherent framework to aid decision-making and explores the challenges faced by governments in balancing the structural and operational mechanisms necessary to sustain the engagement of such a diverse set of players
This study investigates the perceived suitability of the international accounting standards among the Jordanian preparers, users and auditors. Multivariate analysis and…
Abstract
This study investigates the perceived suitability of the international accounting standards among the Jordanian preparers, users and auditors. Multivariate analysis and non‐parametric statistics are applied to test hypotheses. The t‐test was used to measure the suitability of IAS to the Jordanian environment. The results indicated that IASC is a neutral body and therefore is capable of producing neutral and relevant accounting standards that might be applied by developing countries. The ANOVA and the Chisquare tests were applied to test variation in the perceived suitability of IAS to the Jordanian environment. The results indicated that the type of audit firm, years of experience and type of experience affected the respondents’ views towards the suitability of IAS to Jordan. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the most influential factor affecting the adoption of IAS in Jordan. The results indicated that the local need for foreign investments and international audit firms were the most influential factors while local and foreign investors in addition to the international audit firms are the biggest beneficiaries of that adoption. Finally, this study found that no attempt had been made by the Jordanian regulators to benefit from the past experience of other developing countries. The respondents believed that in order to increase the reliability of Jordanian financial information IAS were quickly adopted without any discussion as to whether each IAS was suitable to the Jordanian context.
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Ahamed Saleel C., Asif Afzal, Irfan Anjum Badruddin, T.M. Yunus Khan, Sarfaraz Kamangar, Mostafa Abdelmohimen, Manzoore Elahi M. Soudagar and H. Fayaz
The characteristics of fluid motions in micro-channel are strong fluid-wall surface interactions, high surface to volume ratio, extremely low Reynolds number laminar flow, surface…
Abstract
Purpose
The characteristics of fluid motions in micro-channel are strong fluid-wall surface interactions, high surface to volume ratio, extremely low Reynolds number laminar flow, surface roughness and wall surface or zeta potential. Due to zeta potential, an electrical double layer (EDL) is formed in the vicinity of the wall surface, namely, the stern layer (layer of immobile ions) and diffuse layer (layer of mobile ions). Hence, its competent designs demand more efficient micro-scale mixing mechanisms. This paper aims to therefore carry out numerical investigations of electro osmotic flow and mixing in a constricted microchannel by modifying the existing immersed boundary method.
Design/methodology/approach
The numerical solution of electro-osmotic flow is obtained by linking Navier–Stokes equation with Poisson and Nernst–Planck equation for electric field and transportation of ion, respectively. Fluids with different concentrations enter the microchannel and its mixing along its way is simulated by solving the governing equation specified for the concentration field. Both the electro-osmotic effects and channel constriction constitute a hybrid mixing technique, a combination of passive and active methods. In microchannels, the chief factors affecting the mixing efficiency were studied efficiently from results obtained numerically.
Findings
The results indicate that the mixing efficiency is influenced with a change in zeta potential (ζ), number of triangular obstacles, EDL thickness (λ). Mixing efficiency decreases with an increment in external electric field strength (Ex), Peclet number (Pe) and Reynolds number (Re). Mixing efficiency is increased from 28.2 to 50.2% with an increase in the number of triangular obstacles from 1 to 5. As the value of Re and Pe is decreased, the overall percentage increase in the mixing efficiency is 56.4% for the case of a mixing micro-channel constricted with five triangular obstacles. It is also vivid that as the EDL overlaps in the micro-channel, the mixing efficiency is 52.7% for the given zeta potential, Re and Pe values. The findings of this study may be useful in biomedical, biotechnological, drug delivery applications, cooling of microchips and deoxyribonucleic acid hybridization.
Originality/value
The process of mixing in microchannels is widely studied due to its application in various microfluidic devices like micro electromechanical systems and lab-on-a-chip devices. Hence, its competent designs demand more efficient micro-scale mixing mechanisms. The present study carries out numerical investigations by modifying the existing immersed boundary method, on pressure-driven electro osmotic flow and mixing in a constricted microchannel using the varied number of triangular obstacles by using a modified immersed boundary method. In microchannels, the theory of EDL combined with pressure-driven flow elucidates the electro-osmotic flow.
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The importance of real estate’s sustainability rating has increased significantly. Studies undertaken in 2007 and 2016 show that, at acquisition, the rating rose from 7th to 3rd…
Abstract
Purpose
The importance of real estate’s sustainability rating has increased significantly. Studies undertaken in 2007 and 2016 show that, at acquisition, the rating rose from 7th to 3rd most important attribute. This shift in priorities parallels the RICS embracing the 10 principles of the UN Global Compact (RICS, 2015). However, while sustainability value premia appear common in some international markets, the picture is mixed and drivers and mechanisms lack empirical investigation. The literature reveals potential barriers to investors fulfilling both sustainability and financial objectives. The purpose of this study is explore these potential barriers.
Design/methodology/approach
Focus groups with real estate fund managers, sustainability managers and acquisitions surveyors are undertaken to explore the adoption and implementation of environmental sustainability policies. This reveals a series of barriers to implementation and these are then explored in greater depth through a series of interviews with fund managers. This layered, qualitative approach is designed to provide detailed knowledge of practical and conceptual sustainability issues within the UK real estate market.
Findings
Key drivers underpinning the adoption of sustainability policies are revealed and barriers to implementation are found to relate to data on investment performance, valuation methodologies and prohibitive capex. Further, the heterogeneous, opaque and slow-moving nature of the market is prohibitive and intervention is encouraged to overcome the lack of financial viability that hinders improvements.
Originality/value
Research is dominated by highly aggregated quantitative data on sustainability within commercial real estate markets. The qualitative approach used here adds new insights and value to the understanding of the embeddedness of sustainability in real estate investment decision-making.
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