Edinburgh Napier University

About: Edinburgh Napier University is a education organization based out in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 2665 authors who have published 6859 publications receiving 175272 citations.

Application of the grouping genetic algorithm to university course timetabling

Abstract: University Course Timetabling-Problems (UCTPs) involve the allocation of resources (such as rooms and timeslots) to all the events of a university, satisfying a set of hard-constraints and, as much as possible, some soft constraints. Here we work with a well-known version of the problem where there seems a strong case for considering these two goals as separate sub-problems. In particular we note that the satisfaction of hard constraints fits the standard definition of a grouping problem. As a result, a grouping genetic algorithm for finding feasible timetables for “hard” problem instances has been developed, with promising results.

Writing about listening: alternative discourses in rock journalism

Abstract: ‘Alternative’ publications challenge the conventional discourses of rock journalism. In particular, the dominant discourses of authenticity, masculinity and mythology might be countered by publications that emphasise historical and (sub)cultural framing, and that present radicalised ‘spaces of listening.’ Using Bourdieu’s field theory to identify autonomous and semi-autonomous sites for rock criticism, the paper compares how a fanzine (the Sound Projector) and what Frith has termed an ideological magazine (the Wire) construct their reviews. The findings suggest that, whilst there is no evidence for an absolute break with the dominant conventions of reviewing, there is a remarkable polyglottism in alternative music reviewing. The paper emphasises differing cultural and social practices in the multiple ways the publications write about music, and argues for the value of such polyglottism.

Quality service in the international hotel sector: A catalyst for strategic human resource development?

Abstract: This paper analyses the nature of, and relationship between, a quality service initiative and the concept of strategic human resource development. Hilton International is the case study used for this analysis. The principal finding is that the quality initiative is acting as a catalyst for a strategic approach to human resource development to emerge in the case organisation. However although many of the factors identified with the concept of strategic human resource development are evidenced, it is proposed that the standards set by academics in the field of human resource development may be too aspirational for the hotel sector.