Course Description In this course, we will explore the question of the actual and potential connections between democracy and education. Our focus of attention will be placed on a critical examination of democratic theory and its implications for the civic education roles and contributions of teachers, adult educators, community development practitioners, and community organizers. We will survey and deal critically with a range of competing conceptions of democracy, variously described as classical, republican, liberal, radical, marxist, neomarxist, pragmatist, feminist, populist, pluralist, postmodern, and/or participatory. Using narrative inquiry as a means for illuminating and interpreting contemporary practice, we will analyze the implications of different conceptions of democracy for the practical work of civic education.

Democracy and education.

Culture and Imperialism

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Qualitative Research in Information Systems

Speech Genres and Other Late Essays

(1991). Soft Systems Methodology in Action. European Journal of Information Systems: Vol. 1, No. 3, pp. 215-216.

https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1057%2Fejis.1991.37.pdf

Soft Systems Methodology in Action

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to explore the concept of information culture, and to demonstrate its utility when considering information management in organisations.Design/methodology/approach – Case studies were conducted of organisations with similar functions, located in regions likely to have different cultural dimensions.Findings – The findings show that different values and attitudes to information are influencing factors of the information culture in the organisations studied.Practical implications – Knowledge and understanding of the features of information culture will assist with addressing the challenges of organisational information management in this globalised age.Originality/value – This research adds to the body of knowledge about information culture, in particular national dimensions.

Information culture: exploration of differing values and attitudes to information in organisations

This paper reports on the research design and methods used to investigate the interactions of organisational culture, defined as encompassing layers of national, occupational and corporate culture, with information and its management. A central focus of the study was recordkeeping in organisations. Consideration is given to the key concepts involved, and the two theoretical frameworks which were used as analytical tools in the study are outlined – the information continuum model and Hofstede’s dimensions of national culture. Use of a case study methodology, analysis of the data collected and comparative analysis of findings are all discussed.

Investigating Information Culture: A Comparative Case Study Research Design and Methods

Purpose – Experiential learning incorporated into library and information science education in the form of a practical placement has long been accepted as important. However, it is not always possible for students to undertake a traditional internship because of constraints associated with the physical location of internship sites. The purpose of this paper is to explore virtual alternatives, in the context of digital curation.Design/methodology/approach – Surveys exploring the internship experience were conducted of students and supervisors, leading to the development of a pilot study. In addition, discussions were held with possible supervisors in a country with a small population, faced with the challenge of building capability in digital curation.Findings – The concept of a virtual internship is entirely appropriate given the focus on digital tools, information and systems in digital curation. A new dimension to the traditional internship experience is the potential for sharing expertise international...

/pdf/experiential-learning-and-international-collaboration-2r1dw79lf6.pdf

Experiential learning and international collaboration opportunities: virtual internships

The significance of organisational culture National culture The structural environment Occupational culture Corporate culture Assessing information culture Scenarios.

Organisational Culture for Information Managers

The open government paradigm relies on the provision and reuse of open government data (OGD) to improve transparency and create new sources of value. This study aims to progress understanding of OGD beyond a theoretical commentary by exploring the perceived sources of value of mashups (online services that combine diverse OGD), and to examine issues that impact on, and facilitate, the delivery of this value from an ‘insider’ perspective. Based on open-ended interviews with 17 individuals actively involved in OGD application design, use, and advocacy in New Zealand (ranked fourth in the 2013 Global Open Data Barometer) nine key sources of value were identified: Ease of discovery, improved data quality, bringing knowledge into relevant contexts, economic benefits, social benefits, cost reduction and efficiencies, predictive value, transparency, and ability to explore and play. Twelve barriers to delivering this value were found, ranging from change-related issues to problems relating to sustainability. Six facilitators were identified as helping to overcome these barriers and realise the value of OGD.

Gillian Oliver

Papers

Information culture: exploration of differing values and attitudes to information in organisations

Investigating Information Culture: A Comparative Case Study Research Design and Methods

Experiential learning and international collaboration opportunities: virtual internships

Organisational Culture for Information Managers

Value in the mash: exploring the benefits, barriers and enablers of open data apps