The purpose of this paper is to present new empirical data on the experiences of 120 teachers and professionals working with autistic children and young people across different…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present new empirical data on the experiences of 120 teachers and professionals working with autistic children and young people across different settings in Poland where autism research on inclusive education is scarce. It explores the relationship of inclusive education to the social and neurodiversity models of disability. It makes evidence-based recommendations for good practice and modelling and evaluating future education and inclusion practices.
Design/methodology/approach
It uses a survey approach involving a combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection and embeds practical findings in theory, including the relationship of inclusive education to the social and neurodiversity models of disability.
Findings
The findings include the barriers teachers and related professionals experience in facilitating inclusive teaching and learning and how the following would be useful to autistic students: opportunities to exercise responsibilities and take leadership roles; social as well as educational inclusion; provision of a safe environment; regular funded autism training in work time; and appropriate use of additional classroom teachers.
Research limitations/implications
A survey-based approach has limitations.
Practical implications
Opportunities to exercise responsibilities and take leadership roles; social as well as educational inclusion; provision of a safe environment; regular funded autism training in work time; and appropriate use of additional classroom teachers.
Social implications
This study can be useful in the development of social skills and communication, social and educational inclusion.
Originality/value
Polish teachers’ attitudes, experiences and support needs, including some previously overlooked issues, are related to the broader international context beyond Poland. Analysis of the findings is used to derive evidence-based recommendations for good practice and modelling, and evaluating future education and inclusion practices.
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Ileana Hamburg, Marion Hersh, Mihai Gavota and Miona Lazea
Internet technology and, in particular Web‐based services, have the potential to revolutionise approaches to learning. These new forms of learning could provide additional…
Abstract
Internet technology and, in particular Web‐based services, have the potential to revolutionise approaches to learning. These new forms of learning could provide additional educational opportunities for people with special needs to support their social integration and integration into the knowledge‐based economy. This paper starts with a short presentation on open Web‐based learning environments and knowledge forums followed by a discussion of some recent results on e‐learning and special needs users. Two examples of learning portals for supporting e‐learning forums developed within the European projects, EURO H 2000 and a DAAD German‐Romanian cooperation, are given. Ways of including users with special needs in projects on the design of learning materials and environments are also discussed.
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Short-term military simulations of scenarios or conditions that U.S. military personnel might meet are generally the largest, in terms of cost and personnel, of all operational…
Abstract
Short-term military simulations of scenarios or conditions that U.S. military personnel might meet are generally the largest, in terms of cost and personnel, of all operational training events. That at least six such exercises were scheduled for September 11, 2001 raises serious questions about whether or not the events of 9/11 were at least partially orchestrated by U.S. command.
In light of the aforementioned military exercises and the fact that the 9/11 Commission's Final Report barely mentions them, neither were they significantly discussed nor investigated during the hearings, this essay briefly explores four key questions that will hopefully stimulate further inquiries, investigations and perhaps subpoenas that will ultimately break the silence and force declassification of the information surrounding the war games.1.Has there been a high-level suppression of information about the military drills?2.Might the military drills have been a significant factor in the success of the attacks?3.Who was in charge of the military drills and what motives may have been operating for this person?4.In what way might Zacarias Moussaoui, the only person charged in the United States for the attacks, be a link that connects to the person in charge of the games to another tragedy that may have been “an inside job” – i.e. Senator Paul Wellstone's death, and how might Moussaoui connect all of this to the Pentagon?
Vittal S. Anantatmula and Shivraj Kanungo
Given that it is difficult to establish monetary benefits for KM initiatives, this paper aims to present a model that consists of a set of enablers and barriers for successful KM…
Abstract
Purpose
Given that it is difficult to establish monetary benefits for KM initiatives, this paper aims to present a model that consists of a set of enablers and barriers for successful KM implementation to obtain desired results. The contributions of the research effort should also support organizations in making decisions about improving organizational performance using KM initiatives, and understanding the directional relations among KM factors.
Design/methodology/approach
In the research study, using a literature review, the authors identify a set of enablers of and barriers to successful KM implementation. Using this set of factors, a questionnaire is developed by applying the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) methodology to determine the underlying relations among these factors and to develop strategies for the successful implementation of KM initiatives. As a result of the ISM methodology, the paper presents a model to show its findings.
Findings
The research study findings help to identify important strategies for implementing KM successfully. Further, the study suggests methodologies for KM implementation.
Originality/value
Knowledge is recognized as a critical resource to gain and sustain competitive advantage in business. While many organizations employ knowledge management (KM) initiatives, research studies suggest that it is difficult to establish return on investment of such efforts; however, desired results can be obtained through successful implementation. The paper presents approaches to successful KM implementation.
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George Thomas Solomon, Nawaf Alabduljader and Ravi S. Ramani
Social entrepreneurship courses are among the fastest growing category of course offerings to entrepreneurship students (Brock and Kim, 2011) because both high growth potential…
Abstract
Purpose
Social entrepreneurship courses are among the fastest growing category of course offerings to entrepreneurship students (Brock and Kim, 2011) because both high growth potential- and steady growth-social ventures can create value and help solve social issues effectively and efficiently. As knowledge disseminators, entrepreneurship educators are in prime position to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities of students, which, in turn, increases their intentions to start a social venture and their ability to manage and grow their venture. Students gain an understanding about the role of entrepreneurship in addressing social opportunities, as well as knowledge related to starting, managing and growing social entrepreneurship ventures. This paper is divided into three parts. First, the authors broadly discuss the concept of social entrepreneurship. Second, the authors present an overview of the field of social entrepreneurship education (SEE) and its evolution. Finally, the authors supplement this review with an analytical examination of SEE, in which the authors present results of a cross-country analysis survey of over 200 entrepreneurship education programs in the USA and Canada. This paper aims to present information about: student enrollment in social entrepreneurship courses in comparison to other entrepreneurship courses; the frequency of offering social entrepreneurship courses and programs compared to other entrepreneurship courses and programs; and future trends in SEE. The results revealed a strong demand for social entrepreneurship from students, room for improvement in terms of the supply of course offerings, and a strong belief in the continued growth of social entrepreneurship. The authors conclude with suggestions about the future of SEE.
Design/methodology/approach
Analysis of secondary data derived from the oldest and most-frequently cited sources regarding entrepreneurship education in the USA and a novel data set examining entrepreneurship education in Canada. Both data sets were collected using an online self-report survey.
Findings
Demand for SEE continues to rise in both the USA and Canada. However, course and program offerings have not kept pace. Prominent trends in social entrepreneurship such as cross-campus programs and addressing the evolving demographics of students in higher education institutions need more attention.
Originality/value
A cross-cultural study of SEE that provides a high-level view of the state of the field today. In addition, the paper outlines the potential of the field of knowledge management for the future of SEE.
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Ann Dadich, Carmen Jarrett, Fiona Robards and David Bennett
The primary care sector is experiencing considerable change. How change and uncertainty are accommodated by the professional identity of medicine has not been examined. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The primary care sector is experiencing considerable change. How change and uncertainty are accommodated by the professional identity of medicine has not been examined. The purpose of this paper is to address the youth healthcare as an exemplar as this field is often a source of uncertainty for general practitioners (GPs).
Design/methodology/approach
Using heterogeneity sampling, 22 GPs participated in focus groups to explore perceptions of youth healthcare, factors that help and hinder it, and training needs. Analysis of the research material was guided by a theoretical model on professional identity.
Findings
GPs described tensions that challenged their professional identity – the challenges of working with young people and their complex issues, the extent to which youth healthcare sits within the purview of general practice, and the scope of training required. These tensions appeared to destabilise professional identity. Some participants had customised their identity by enriching understandings of and approach to general practice. Participants also reported work customisation as a way of managing the complex demands of the general practice role. Deepened insight appeared to bolster perceived capacity to support a complex patient cohort.
Research limitations/implications
Participants are not representative of the primary care sector – furthermore, the methodology limits the generalisability of the findings.
Practical implications
To bolster youth health, mere clinician training is insufficient. Youth health requires explicit support from governments and training providers to be incorporated into the healthcare landscape.
Originality/value
This study extends current research on professional identity by examining youth healthcare within the changing context of primary care.