Applied Research

Fantasies of Truth and Change: Applying Qualitative Research to ‘improve’ Education

by John Schostak

This is a pre-publication copy of a paper published in: Education and Educators Journa, Vol. 17 2000/2001l. The journal is published annually by the School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang.

The Polish LFS: A Rotating Panel with Attrition

by Francesco Pastore

Co-authored with M. Socha.
Ekonomia Journal, 2004, 15(3): 3-24.

Started in May 1992, the Polish Labour Force Survey (PLFS) is one of the most important data sources to study the... more Started in May 1992, the Polish Labour Force Survey (PLFS) is one of the most important data sources to study the labour market dynamics in Eastern Europe. It is a typical rotating panel with a 2-2-2 rotation scheme. Similar to any other longitudinal survey, panel attrition, also due to measurement errors, is one the main shortcomings of the PLFS. This paper contributes to the analysis of panel attrition in longitudinal survey data in three ways. First, it shows that albeit limited at about 6.5%, attrition in the PLFS is systematic. Second, it shows that panel attrition can cause biased estimates of transitions in the labour market, giving the fake impression of low numerical flexibility. Third, it studies the determinants of attrition. A logistic estimate of the probability of panel selection across the November 1995 and November 1996 rounds of the survey shows that the probability of failing to match consecutive observations is higher among young highly educated men residing in the lowest unemployment regions of the country. Further problems might arise because of unobservables. This is suggestive of the need to take the due caveats when analysing information coming from rotating panels.

A content Analysis of Applied Research Projects Completed from 1999-2005 at Texas State University in the Masters of Public Administration Program

by Texas State PA Applied Research Projects

Ilo, Saidat, "A content Analysis of Applied Research Projects Completed from 1999-2005 at Texas State University in the Masters of Public Administration Program" (2005). Applied Research Projects, Texas State University-San Marcos. Paper 11.
http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/11

Purpose
The purpose of this research project is three fold. The first purpose is to review the literature that... more Purpose
The purpose of this research project is three fold. The first purpose is to review the literature that addresses the problems associated with research in public administration and the quality of methodology in public administration using criteria from the literature. Second the educational pedagogy used to supervise the Applied Research Projects (ARPs) at Texas State University is examined. Finally, the actual Texas State ARPs from 1999-2005 are described.

Method
The analysis of ARPs is completed using content analysis. Content analysis is used because it involves a direct examination of the documents. Content analysis has been the methodology of choice for critiquing public administration research (see Perry and Kraemer (1986), Houston and Delevan (1990), Adams and White (1994), McCurdy and Cleary (1984), Gute (1999), Almaguel (1997), Nall (1994), and Beck (1993)).

Findings
When comparing Texas State Applied Research Project to the previous authors (Gute1999 and Almaguel 1997) the ARPs have similarities as well as a few differences. Some of the major similarities are that the ARPs do have clearly stated purposes and use conceptual frameworks. Some of the major differences are the average size of the ARPs have decreased. Also, the ARPs from 1999-2005 focus more on state government than local or national government as shown by the previous two authors. The remaining findings are discussed in the conclusion chapter of this research.

Research Self-efficacy of Lecturers in Non-University Higher Education

by Didi M.E. Griffioen

In press at Innovation in Education and Teaching International, co-authored with Uulkje de Jong, for more information: D.M.E.Griffioen@hva.nl

During the last decade, the relationship between university and non-university higher education institutions has... more During the last decade, the relationship between university and non-university higher education institutions has changed. As a contribution to the knowledge economy, non-university higher education institutions are expected to educate their students in research activities. Previously, teaching was the main responsibility of lecturers in non-university higher education, while research hardly played a role. This paper is about the belief of lecturers in non-university higher education in their own research ability (research self-efficacy). In a survey study conducted among Dutch lecturers (N=790), the research self-efficacy has been measured. A Structural Equation Model shows the effects of personal aspects, mastery experience, and organisational context on the research self-efficacy of lecturers. Research self-efficacy is also modelled in relation to lecturers’ need to work on professional development in research skills. Results show that research self-efficacy is mostly affected by aspects of mastery experience, in which the context is similar to the given task. Implications are discussed.

Key words: lecturers; research efficacy; non-university; higher
vocational education.

Understanding the Challenges and Rewards of Social-Ecological Research in China

by Brian E Robinson

Society and Natural Resources (in press), with J Van Den Hoek, J Baumgartner, E Doucet-Beer, T Hildebrant & J Zinda.

Interest in collaborative research on Chinese social and ecological systems has grown dramatically in recent decades.... more Interest in collaborative research on Chinese social and ecological systems has grown dramatically in recent decades. While international researchers are giving increased attention to China, foreign scholars, especially those new to China, are often unsure of the best way to find collaborators, garner sponsorship and pursue research goals. Understanding research incentives for Chinese scientists, the culture of relationships, research topic sensitivity, and data access limitations are some of the challenges commonly experienced by foreign scholars in China. In this article we identify potential hurdles and offer remedies when possible so that foreign scholars can more readily adapt to China’s scholarly environment and improve the prospect for mutually beneficial collaboration.

Forecasting Principles

by J Armstrong

Co-authored with Kesten C. Green and Andreas Graefe. Working paper. Published in M. Lovric, International Encyclopedia on Statistical Science (2010).

Forecasting strategies are numerous and diverse, but only some are successful. We investigated various forecasting... more Forecasting strategies are numerous and diverse, but only some are successful. We investigated various forecasting methods and evaluated their success and found that certain principles in forecasting, or strategies that have proven to be successful, are in contradiction with general assumptions about the qualities of successful forecasting methods.

Mitarbeiterbefragungen per Internet oder Papier? Der Einfluss von Anonymität, Freiwilligkeit und Alter auf das Antwortverhalten [Employee surveys via Internet or paper? The influence of anonymity, voluntariness and age on answering behavior].

by Ulf-Dietrich Reips

Co-authored by Franek, L., published 2004 in Wirtschaftspsychologie, 6(1), 67-83.

Politicization of research and the relevance of geography: some experiences and reflections for an ongoing debate

by loopmans maarten

Sustainability and politics of scholarship in policy-oriented research: analysing neighbourhoods in Belgium, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom

by loopmans maarten

Feasibility of micro quantity internal cooling (MQuIC) of cutting tools

by Samved Bhatnagar

"Publisher: Michigan Technological University, 2007", "ISBN 1109830718, 9781109830712", "Length 230 pages"

Machining of space age materials like Ti-6Al-4V is associated with thermally activated wear mechanisms which lead to... more Machining of space age materials like Ti-6Al-4V is associated with thermally activated wear mechanisms which lead to rapid tool failure and considerable machine downtime. The high strength and low thermal conductivity of Ti-6Al-4V can reduce tool-life to less than a minute at high cutting speeds, further adding to the per-unit cost. A new concept, Micro Quantity Internal Cooling (MQuIC) is proposed in this research to extend the tool-life and/or enable higher cutting speeds, while machining materials such as Ti-6Al-4V. The concept involves introducing flow (water) in a micro-duct placed inside the tool and close to the cutting edge, thus bringing the cooling source close to the heat source (chip-contact area). Two different techniques are utilized in developing and applying the proposed concept. The first uses finite element analyses (structural and thermal) to evaluate the impact on the structural strength of the tool due to the micro-duct and to examine the effect of flow on tool temperatures. These analyses lead to an experimental setup-specific analyses, in order to converge on the final operating parameters. Physical testing employing coolant consumption of less than 5% of the current industry standard has proven the viability of the concept by demonstrating a 100-200% increase in the tool-life. The testing also proves the application of the MQuIC concept to enable higher cutting speeds than the current industry standard for machining Ti-6Al-4V. Further, a lab based technique with a focus on commercial realization has been developed to fabricate tools based on this concept. The developed tools have been successfully tested to validate their performance. A few other concepts for further reducing tool temperatures and extend the benefits of MQuIC are also presented in this dissertation. Conclusions drawn from this research are used to recommend possible future work to further enhance the MQuIC performance during real time machining of difficult to machine materials.

Micro Quantity Internal Cooling (MQUIC™) of Cutting Tools for Increased Productivity While Machining Ti-6Al-4V

by Samved Bhatnagar

"Co-authored with William J. Endres", "Published in ASME 2010 International Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference (MSEC2010) "

Machining of space age materials like Ti-6Al-4V is associated with thermally activated wear mechanisms which lead to... more Machining of space age materials like Ti-6Al-4V is associated with thermally activated wear mechanisms which lead to rapid tool failure and increased machine downtime. The high strength and low thermal conductivity of Ti-6Al-4V can reduce tool-life significantly at high cutting speeds adding drastically to the per-unit cost. A new concept, Micro Quantity Internal Cooling (MQUICTM) has been developed to extend the tool-life and/or enable higher cutting speeds while machining Ti-6Al-4V. The concept involves introducing flow (coolant) in a micro-duct placed inside the tool and close to the cutting edge, thus bringing the cooling source close to the heat source (chip-contact area). In this research, experiments have been conducted to compare the performance (wear rates) of cutting tools using the MQUICTM concept with those run under dry or flood conditions. Further, two levels of feed and cutting speed are selected for the experiments so as to be able to investigate the combined effect of parameters on tool performance. Physical testing employing coolant consumption of less than 5% of typical flood coolant rates proves the viability of the concept by demonstrating wear rates of 1/3 to 1/2 those of flood cooling. The testing also proves the application of the MQUICTM concept to enable higher cutting speeds than the current industry standard for machining Ti-6Al-4V. This paper presents the experimental setup, methodology and results obtained while testing the feasibility of the concept.

Investigación básica y aplicada en Psicología: Tres modelos de desarrollo.

by German Gutierrez

[Basic and applied research in psychology: Three models of development]

Gutiérrez, G. (2010). Revista Colombiana de Psicología, 19, 125-132.

The Political Thought of Sol Tax: the Principles of non-assimilation and self-government in action anthropology.

by Joshua Smith

Is research an untapped resource in the library and information profession?

by Sarah McNicol

LA SCIENCE POUR LE DÉVELOPPEMENT EST-ELLE UNE SCIENCE PUBLIQUE?

by Rigas Arvanitis

Arvanitis, Rigas (1996) 'La science pour le développement est-elle une science publique ?', in R. Waast (ed), Les sciences au Sud. Etat des lieux. (Paris: Editions de l'ORSTOM): 175-85.

Management Research Ethics

by John Oliver

La science pour le développement est-elle une science publique?(1996). Les sciences hors d'Occident au 20ème siècle= 20th century sciences: beyond the …

by Rigas Arvanitis

Assessment, Change, and Complexity

by Philip Salem

Salem, P. J. (2002). Assessment, change, and complexity. Management Communication Quarterly, 15, 438-446.

Rowe, N., 2007. A discussion on research and appraisal - Journal of the College of Operating Department Practice. Technic-London, 3 (11), pp. 16-19.

by Nicholas Rowe

Guía práctica para la evaluación de procesos participativos

by Melissa Pomeroy