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1 – 10 of 907Despite Congressional and Presidential emphasis on reducing bundling and consolidation of defense contracts, recent studies cast doubt on whether such practices are problematic…
Abstract
Despite Congressional and Presidential emphasis on reducing bundling and consolidation of defense contracts, recent studies cast doubt on whether such practices are problematic for small contractors or the defense acquisition system. Those studies proposed that bundling and consolidation are generally positive tools to procure best value. This paper tests these propositions by examining relevant U.S. Department of the Navy (DON) contracts for Fiscal Year 2010, when Congress reported record bundling and consolidation in U.S. defense contracting. Specifically, the paper looks to performance of Navy and Marine Corps buying commands in meeting small business goals and other good-government objectives such as competition, performance-based acquisitions, preference for commercial suppliers, and support for the U.S. defense industrial base. The paper recommends improvements in targeted good-government practices as measures to reduce bundling and consolidation.
Roderick A. MacLeod and Elisha R.T. Chiware
Automation is pervading all areas of academic library work.Librarians must be adequately trained in order to exploit thenew technology. The literature recognizes that there…
Abstract
Automation is pervading all areas of academic library work. Librarians must be adequately trained in order to exploit the new technology. The literature recognizes that there are certain prerequisites for successful training. Libraries in developing countries face additional problems in the area of training for information technology. There are special circumstances at the University of Botswana Library. The University of Botswana Library automation training programmes aim to tackle these special circumstances and the problems unique to developing countries, and at the same time fulfil the recognized conditions needed for successful training. Gives a detailed outline of several University of Botswana Library automation training programmes.
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Paul Chapman, Mike James‐Moore, Michael Szczygiel and Diana Thompson
Internet based information and communication technology provides the opportunity for small firms to improve their competitiveness. This paper presents a methodology that responds…
Abstract
Internet based information and communication technology provides the opportunity for small firms to improve their competitiveness. This paper presents a methodology that responds to the needs of small firms whilst overcoming the constraints to their use of these technologies. Key features of this methodology are: provision of a turnkey package of hardware, software, installation and training for Internet connection and operation; identification of opportunities for integrating Internet ICT into business processes that will deliver performance improvement; ongoing IT and business support for a year. The effectiveness of this methodology was examined during its application in 21 SME automotive component suppliers in the West Midlands region of England. This exercise found that 90 per cent of firms continued to use their Internet based ICT capability after a year.
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Training is vital in all businesses. Philips have pioneered CBTcourses in their own training courses. CBT offers the advantages ofself‐study – classroom costs eliminated, students…
Abstract
Training is vital in all businesses. Philips have pioneered CBT courses in their own training courses. CBT offers the advantages of self‐study – classroom costs eliminated, students progress at own pace and training can be given when and where required. Philips can offer full design and project service for a complete tailor‐made course.
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This chapter focuses on a two-year, college–school partnership in which ELL parents became students who learned English and to tutor their own children. This program was part of a…
Abstract
This chapter focuses on a two-year, college–school partnership in which ELL parents became students who learned English and to tutor their own children. This program was part of a larger project piloting methods of students helping other students learn. It was conducted at three schools in an urban district: one elementary and two intermediate schools. The elementary school had three tutoring programs: reading, ESL and Parent Tutoring. One intermediate school developed a reading tutoring program and the other instituted cooperative learning. Topics addressed include: selecting schools, writing a grant proposal, working with district and school administrators and teachers, professional development, tutor training, and assessment. It gives an overview of the processes involved in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating the programs in this project. Results indicate the Parent Tutoring Program was successful both years. Recommendations for successful practices are specified for colleges, schools and funding agencies. They focus on eight themes: finances, administration, accountability, collaboration, communications, pedagogy, professional development, and research/evaluation. Target audiences for this chapter are: college and school teachers, college and school administrators, teacher-education faculty and students, policy makers and personnel at education-supporting non-profit organizations.
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Brianne W. Morettini, Kathryn McGinn Luet, Lisa J. Vernon-Dotson, Nina Nagib and Sharada Krishnamurthy
This chapter describes the development of a teacher leader preparation program that emerged from a partnership between a university and a local high-needs district. Using a…
Abstract
This chapter describes the development of a teacher leader preparation program that emerged from a partnership between a university and a local high-needs district. Using a sociocultural approach, researchers conducted a needs assessment for teachers in the district. Drawing on this data and extant literature, researchers designed a program aimed at increasing opportunities for distributed leadership. The Beginning Teacher Project is built around five signature features, including targeted professional development, ongoing dialog, turnkey training, instructional decision-making, and community engagement. The chapter traces the development of the program and describes the signature features in detail.
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Nikolaos Vlachakis, Athanassios Mihiotis, Costas P Pappis and Ioannis N Lagoudis
– The purpose of this paper is to focus on shipyard supply chains in order to identify the processes that take place and evaluate the risks associated with suppliers.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus on shipyard supply chains in order to identify the processes that take place and evaluate the risks associated with suppliers.
Design/methodology/approach
For this analysis two methodologies are applied. The first is the understand, document, simplify, optimize, where the first two steps are used for analysing the processes and the documentation of the best practices, which take place in the daily operations. The second tool is Kraljic’s matrix, which is applied for the identification of supplier selection and associated risks.
Findings
The analysis shows that strategic co-operations between shipyards suppliers are essential for improved supply chain performance since supplier improvement in terms of lead times and product quality are achieved. It is also seen that the shipyard supply chain performance can be improved by adjusting the best practices to the needs dictated each time by the project’s specifications.
Practical implications
The findings provide valuable insights for practitioners, as well as academicians, policy makers and also integrate supplier selection under the supply chain. Managers can acquire reliable information about those suppliers who exhibit best practice.
Originality/value
A number of key processes and best practices have been identified, which are essential for the upstream and downstream coordination of the shipyard supply chain. The present work is an approach to evaluating the risks associated with the shipyard’s suppliers and assists in benchmarking their risk profile.
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Priscilla Prutzman, Elizabeth Roberts, Tara Fishler and Tricia Jones
Restorative practice programs in the USA and Western elementary and secondary schools have been the focus of intensive, large scale field research that reports positive impacts on…
Abstract
Purpose
Restorative practice programs in the USA and Western elementary and secondary schools have been the focus of intensive, large scale field research that reports positive impacts on school climate, pro-social student behavior and aggressive behavior. This paper aims to contribute to a gap in the research by reporting a case study of transformation of an urban middle school in a multi-year implementation of restorative practices.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper reports how Creative Response to Conflict (CRC) supported the transformation of Middle School 217, in Queens, NY, from a school with one of the highest suspension rates in New York City to a model restorative school. CRC’s model, which incorporates the themes of cooperation, communication, affirmation, conflict resolution, mediation, problem-solving, bias awareness, bullying prevention and intervention, social-emotional learning and restorative practices, helped shift the perspective and practice of the entire school community from punitive to restorative.
Findings
Implementation of a full school advisory program using restorative circles for all meetings and classes and development of a 100% respect program committing all school community members to dignified and respectful treatment aided the transformation. Key to MS 217’s success was the collaboration of multiple non-profit organizations for provision of peer mediation training, after-school follow-up work, staff coaching and preventative cyberbullying training through the Social Media-tors! Program.
Research limitations/implications
Challenges to the restorative practices implementation are reviewed with attention to the implementation online during COVID-19.
Originality/value
Next steps in the program post-COVID are articulated as a best practice model for other schools interested in adopting MS 217’s commitment, creativity and community-building to become a model restorative school.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine how the policy of massification as a characteristic of the higher education system influences the quality of education? and what higher…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine how the policy of massification as a characteristic of the higher education system influences the quality of education? and what higher education model can the authors adopt to reconcile flow and quality?
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology adopted is based on a questionnaire survey of a population of young graduates divided between graduates with a conventional license and LMD license, either in the process of preparing for a diploma or in unemployment or work. But also, the qualitative dimension which, although secondary in this survey, the authors mobilized it through the analysis of open questions relating to the perceptions and representations that young graduates have of their situations.
Findings
The higher education reforms are perceived differently by higher education actors. The results found show that university massification has had the opposite effect by training graduates doomed to unemployment and expatriation.
Research limitations/implications
The sample for this study is very limited, the results of this finding cannot be generalized to the entire university student as a whole.
Originality/value
This study emphasizes the duality of flow and quality in higher education. The authors have shown the different perceptions of stakeholders in higher education and that despite the multiple reforms of this system the authors still cannot find the best model.
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