The question “What is the function of research for educational administration?” requires an answer at at least three different levels. First, at the technical level, its function…
Abstract
The question “What is the function of research for educational administration?” requires an answer at at least three different levels. First, at the technical level, its function is to provide the basis for rationalizing the means for the attainment of educational goals, i.e. for the development of technologies of education. Second, at the administrative level, it series the same function in relation to the goals of procuring and mobilizing resources. Third, in each of the above areas, it functions, or at least can function, to identify the objective consequences of adopting certain goals, and certain means of attaining those goals, for the larger structures in which these goals and means are embedded.
Melanie Carol Brooks and Gaetane Jean-Marie
The purpose of this paper is twofold: to discuss methodological challenges facing US scholars when conducting international research; and to present personal reflections as…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is twofold: to discuss methodological challenges facing US scholars when conducting international research; and to present personal reflections as educational leadership faculty in the USA conducting and publishing on research undertaken in Haiti and Thailand.
Design/methodology/approach
This study drew from educational leadership literature and personal experiences to identify methodological challenges to conducting and publishing international research in the field of educational leadership.
Findings
The methodological challenges facing international research – language, data, publication, and career incentives – should not be reasons to hinder scholars from conducting research in international contexts. Allowing methodological deterrents to impede international research limits US scholar engagement in global conversations and places the field of educational leadership in the USA at risk of a parochial and myopic future.
Originality/value
This paper explores the methodological reasons as to why US scholars are not engaging in international research and provides two vignettes of faculty research in international contexts. This discussion is valuable for faculty interested in or presently conducting research beyond US borders.
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Jean Hills and C. Gibson
Draws on the works of a number of authors to synthesize aconceptual framework (or, as we prefer, a linguistic‐conceptual system)within which to think about conceptual frameworks;…
Abstract
Draws on the works of a number of authors to synthesize a conceptual framework (or, as we prefer, a linguistic‐conceptual system) within which to think about conceptual frameworks; indicates within that system what conceptual frameworks “are”; describes within that system what it “is” that we do when we appropriate them; specifies within that system what it “is” which we do when we apply them; suggests ways in which thinking about conceptual frameworks in the manner indicated may contribute to the development of competence in their appropriation and skilful application; points out the ways in which that competence might be expected to contribute to increased problem‐solving effectiveness, and identifies several implications for instruction. Suggests that the “theory‐practice gap” arises as a partial consequence of our failure to conceptualize adequately the “nature” of conceptual frameworks and the manner in which their use can enhance effectiveness in the analysis and reformulation of unstructured problems.
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Discusses the design of job application forms, why they exist, andwhat they are designed to do. Offers a number of hints on filling inapplication forms, before turning to CVs and…
Abstract
Discusses the design of job application forms, why they exist, and what they are designed to do. Offers a number of hints on filling in application forms, before turning to CVs and suggesting what should and should not be included on a CV. Concludes that the “perfect” CV does not exist, but that it should be as up to date and concise as possible.
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Examines the interview process step by step. Looks at personal preparation and presentation, protocol, interview situations and content. Finally, lists key points to be aware of…
Abstract
Examines the interview process step by step. Looks at personal preparation and presentation, protocol, interview situations and content. Finally, lists key points to be aware of and things to avoid during an interview.
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Serves as an introduction to a regular future series of articles.Outlines the changes in the job market and the current situation, andsets the scene for librarians who are job…
Abstract
Serves as an introduction to a regular future series of articles. Outlines the changes in the job market and the current situation, and sets the scene for librarians who are job hunting or looking for a career change. Gives advice on strategies for career and personal development. There is an exercise which will be taken further in subsequent issues.
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Discusses various interview techniques and approaches. Offers anumber of suggestions, stressing that a genuine desire for the job isimportant. Gives reasons for conducting an…
Abstract
Discusses various interview techniques and approaches. Offers a number of suggestions, stressing that a genuine desire for the job is important. Gives reasons for conducting an interview; submits that not only does it offer the employer an opportunity to assess your suitability but also allows you to state what you have to offer and what you hope to gain from the job.
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Continues the series of articles giving advice on refining jobsearching procedures and techniques. Concentrates on letter writing,emphasizing the importance of job application…
Abstract
Continues the series of articles giving advice on refining job searching procedures and techniques. Concentrates on letter writing, emphasizing the importance of job application letters. Shows how to identify skills and present them to the best advantage. Deals with presentation, content, and pitfalls to avoid.
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Ian Ayenga Sammy, Joanne F. Paul, Harold Watson, Jean Williams-Johnson and Colin Bullard
Emergency medicine is a new specialty in the Caribbean. With the development of specialist training over the past 20 years, the issues of quality assurance and governance have…
Abstract
Purpose
Emergency medicine is a new specialty in the Caribbean. With the development of specialist training over the past 20 years, the issues of quality assurance and governance have become more prominent. The purpose of this paper is to explore the successes and challenges of implementing systems of quality assurance in this unique environment, highlighting issues peculiar to the Caribbean setting.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is a review of current practice in the emergency departments (ED) of the four major teaching hospitals of the University of the West Indies. Information was gathered through interviews with key stakeholders (including the respective ED residency directors, senior residents and senior nursing and administrative staff), review of departmental protocols and guidelines and reviews of current published and unpublished literature.
Findings
Examples of good practice were identified in all six components of the clinical governance framework (clinical audit, clinical effectiveness, research and development, openness, risk management and education and training). Challenges to implementation of quality management included an underdeveloped quality culture, inadequate data collection, poor incentives for improvement and high external pressures, including staff shortages, departmental crowding and lack of public empowerment.
Originality/value
This is the first published work on clinical governance and quality assurance in emergency medicine in the Caribbean. This paper gives an insight into the unique opportunities and challenges in the area of quality management and clinical governance in the developing world, and suggests ways forward with regard to more effective implementation of quality initiatives in under-resourced jurisdictions.
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One′s mindscape of educational administration as a field of studyand practice determines the kind and worth of knowledge that emerges andits use in practice. Mindscapes of the…
Abstract
One′s mindscape of educational administration as a field of study and practice determines the kind and worth of knowledge that emerges and its use in practice. Mindscapes of the “Neats” and the “Scruffies” are contrasted and evaluated for goodness of fit to the realities of practice. Concluding that the mindscape of the Scruffies fits better, implications are drawn for preparing school administrators and for enhancing critical reflection. Four levels of reflective practice are identified for attention and a model for informing professional practice comprising antecedents, theories of practice and professional practice episodes is presented.