Showing papers by "Edith Cowan University published in 1996"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors measure service quality from the point of view of the customer using the SERVQUAL model and find that satisfaction with the academic service was closely related to dependability whereas satisfaction with administrative services was associated with good communication.
Abstract: Measures service quality from the point of view of the customer using the SERVQUAL model. The “customers” in this instance were a group of business students at an Australian university. Obtains service quality evaluations in relation to academic and administrative aspects of the educational service. Makes significant negative evaluations in relation to the quality of administrative services. Finds that satisfaction with the academic service was closely related to dependability whereas satisfaction with administrative services was associated with good communication.
240 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the design of a model reference adaptive controller with terminal sliding modes, while only input and output measurements are available, is discussed, and the equilibrium point is reached in a finite time.
Abstract: The design of a model reference adaptive controller with terminal sliding modes, while only input and output measurements are available, is discussed in this paper. In terminal sliding modes, the equilibrium point is reached in a finite time. By employing terminal sliding modes, the model reference adaptive controller enables the error dynamics to reach zero in a finite time. State variable filters are used to obtain differentiator-free controllers. Simulation results are presented to confirm the discussion.
216 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the interactive effects of MAS design and task uncertainty on managerial performance and found that under a high task uncertainty situation, the extent of use of broad scope MAS information led to effective managerial decisions and hence to improved managerial performance.
Abstract: This study examines the interactive effects of management accounting systems (MAS) design and task uncertainty on managerial performance. MAS design was defined in terms of the extent to which managers use broad scope MAS information. The responses of 42 managers, drawn from a cross-section of Australian manufacturing companies, to a questionnaire survey were analysed by using a multiple regression technique. The results showed that under a high task uncertainty situation, the extent of use of broad scope MAS information led to effective managerial decisions and hence to improved managerial performance. On the other hand, under low task uncertainty situations, the extent of use of broad scope MAS information led to information overload which was dysfunctional to managerial performance.
193 citations
TL;DR: This study is the first example of mapping a disease gene in endogamous Gypsy groups by locating a novel demyelinating neuropathy to a narrow interval on chromosome 8q24 and showing that the disease is caused by a single mutation whose origin predates the divergence of these groups.
Abstract: Founder effect and linkage disequilibrium have been successfully exploited to map single gene disorders1, and the study of isolated populations is emerging as a major approach to the investigation of genetically complex diseases2. In the search for genetic isolates ranging from Pacific islands to Middle East deserts, the 10 million Gypsies resident in Europe3 have largely escaped the attention of geneticists. Because of their geographical ubiquity, lack of written history and the presumed social and cultural nature of their isolation, Gypsies are construed as not meeting the criteria for a well defined founder population. Gypsy society has a complex structure with subdivisions and stratifications that are incomprehensible to the surrounding populations. Marginalization by the health care systems in most countries results in a lack of information on causes of morbidity and mortality and little is known about hereditary disorders or the population genetic characteristics of Gypsies. This study is the first example of mapping a disease gene in endogamous Gypsy groups. Using lod score analysis and linkage disequilibrium, we have located a novel demyelinating neuropathy to a narrow interval on chromosome 8q24. We show that the disease, occuring in Gypsy groups of different identity and history of migrations, is caused by a single mutation whose origin predates the divergence of these groups.
184 citations
TL;DR: Mean pairwise differences suggest that a demographic expansion occurred sequentially in the Middle East, through Turkey, to the rest of Europe (Bulgaria included), and would correspond to the arrival of anatomically modern humans in Europe.
Abstract: Two hypervariable sequence segments in the control region of mitochondrial DNA were determined in samples of Bulgarians and Turks. The Turkish sample presented a higher degree of internal diversity, in terms of total number of variable nucleotides, as well as in the average pairwise nucleotide difference. Pairwise difference distributions were built for both samples, yielding smooth bell shapes in agreement with the Rogers and Harpending model. The Bulgarian and Turkish data were compared with several European and W. Asian Caucasoid populations (Basques, Tuscans, Sardinians, British, Middle Easterners and Indians). Mean pairwise differences suggest that a demographic expansion occurred sequentially in the Middle East, through Turkey, to the rest of Europe (Bulgaria included). Current mutation rate estimates date this expansion in times ranging between 50,000 and 100,000 years ago and, thus, would correspond to the arrival of anatomically modern humans in Europe. Sequence trees for segment I show that European and Middle Eastern sequences derived from the reference sequence. Coalescence times for segment I sequences agree with those predicted by pairwise distributions. Genetic trees were constructed between populations and revealed an extreme homogeneity between European samples.
156 citations
01 Jan 1996
TL;DR: Although language factors have long been recognized as having an important influence on mathematics learning, possible frameworks for researching the nature and extent of that influence have only been developed relatively recently as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Although language factors have long been recognised as having an important influence on mathematics learning, possible frameworks for researching the nature and extent of that influence have only been developed relatively recently. In this chapter the authors emphasise one of these frameworks, and summarise pertinent research findings which have implications for mathematics teaching and learning.
142 citations
TL;DR: Children's memory of the final occurrence of a repeated event was examined whereby each occurrence had the same underlying structure but included unpredictable variations in the specific instantiations of items across the series.
Abstract: Children's memory of the final occurrence of a repeated event was examined whereby each occurrence had the same underlying structure but included unpredictable variations in the specific instantiations of items across the series. The event was administered by the children's teachers at the kindergarten or school. The effects of repetition (single vs. repeated event), age (4-5 vs. 6-8-year-olds), retention interval (1 week vs. 6 weeks), and the frequency of specific instantiations of items were examined across 3 question types. Repetition increased the number of items recalled on a level that was common to all occurrences in response to general probes and reduced the likelihood that children would report details that did not occur in the event. However, repetition also reduced the number of correct responses about which instantiation was included in the occurrence and decreased the consistency of responses across repeated questioning. Most errors were intrusions of details from other occurrences; usually references to instantiations of items that had occurred frequently throughout the series. The younger children showed a poorer ability to discriminate between the occurrences than the older children, but age differences were less evident at the longer retention interval. The results are discussed in relation to current theories of memory and children's eyewitness testimony.
111 citations
TL;DR: All couples undergoing infertility treatment experienced life changes which included: lifestyle changes, various physical and emotional changes, and changes in their relationships, and there was a perceived loss of control over many aspects of their lives.
Abstract: If nurses are to work effectively with families in contemporary society, their practice activities must be appropriately informed. Families exposed to new technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) require care that is sensitive to their particular experience. Infertile couples have been the subject of a substantial body of research, however, most studies to date focus on the physiological effects of infertility and do not take into account the context in which the experience takes place, or the meanings that people assign to this experience. The purpose of this study was to examine in-depth the experience of couples undergoing IVF treatment for infertility. A phenomenological approach was adopted for the study. A purposive sample of six couples was selected for interview. Data were generated from taped interviews and the researcher's observational field notes. Data analysis was in accordance with the procedure outlined by Colaizzi (1978). Interview responses were categorized by examining the participants' transcripts and identifying significant statements and meanings. Themes which emerged from the statements were then identified, and cross-case comparisons were made to confirm or modify these themes. Four key themes emerged from the data: life changes; powerlessness; hope-disappointment cycle; and social isolation. All couples undergoing infertility treatment experienced life changes which included: lifestyle changes, various physical and emotional changes, and changes in their relationships. There was a perceived loss of control over many aspects of their lives. Couples also described a cycle, alternating feelings of hope and disappointment. Most of the couples reported feelings of social isolation associated with being infertile, that were intensified by having to deal with the inappropriate responses of others. Findings from this study will add to the knowledge base on infertility, and contribute to recommendations for improving the way nurses guide, counsel, and support infertile couples.
103 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report on three projects and an accompanying critical research agenda designed to establish and evaluate a new pedagogy in Australian physical education based on the sport education curriculum model first published by Siedentop et al.
Abstract: We report on three projects and an accompanying critical research agenda designed to establish and evaluate a new pedagogy in Australian physical education based on the sport education curriculum model first published by Siedentop et al. [Siedentop, D., Mand, C. & Taggart, A. (1986) Physical Education: Teaching and Curriculum Strategies for Grades 5‐12 (Palo Alto, Mayfield]. The projects, involving over 80 schools throughout Australia, are set in a context featuring an amalgam of postmodern youth culture, governmental inquiries and reports and the continuing difficulties facing physical educators in their workplaces. Against a backdrop of subject marginatyia, the projects’ findings have lent support to the proposition that it is dysfunctional programme structures (rather that deficits in teaching skills) that are most to blame in denying teachers access to significant subject matter learning targets. Our work presents evidence that the student‐centred, extended‐unit sport education curriculum mod...
97 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a set of texts from the bibliotheque manicheenne of Narmouthis, en particulier du Codex grec de Mani conserve a Cologne, which permet d'evaluer la diffusion du manicheisme en Egypte a l'epoque romaine.
Abstract: L'etude des textes de la bibliotheque manicheenne (codex graves sur bois) de Narmouthis, en particulier du Codex grec de Mani conserve a Cologne, et de textes manicheens recemment mis au jour a Kellis, permet d'evaluer la diffusion du manicheisme en Egypte a l'epoque romaine et l'importance des communautes manicheennes a Narmouthis et surtout a Kellis
78 citations
TL;DR: Argues that because of the many inherent weaknesses of traditional empirical research, generative and case study approaches may be more useful methodologies for conducting research on quality management.
Abstract: Argues that because of the many inherent weaknesses of traditional empirical research, generative and case study approaches may be more useful methodologies for conducting research on quality management. Outlines ways in which the generative research model builds conceptual frameworks from the data provided by the target population itself in conjunction with a review of the literature, while the case study approach provides a much deeper and richer insight to the quality management practices of the company being investigated. Discusses the benefits and difficulties associated with case study research.
03 Jan 1996
TL;DR: The significance to the management of end-user computing of tolerating a high level of risk is discussed and the need for an end- user spreadsheet control model is established.
Abstract: Australian spreadsheet application developers and their development practices in the field were surveyed. The developer population was mainly of graduate level but otherwise varied. Their development practices exhibited a high level of risk with a very low level of managerial, IT department or auditor control. Few of the developers surveyed were aware of a spreadsheet control policy within their organisation and even less had a documented copy available to them. The applications in the study were of significant status and most were developed in relatively uncontrolled environments. Most applications were large and of moderate or high importance. The majority involved corporate rather than purely private data and the output of nearly one third was distributed beyond the organisation where it was developed. The developers usage of design, formula, input, output, review testing, documentation and security controls is reported together with developer opinions as to each control's appropriateness for their particular application. The significance to the management of end-user computing of tolerating a high level of risk is discussed and the need for an end-user spreadsheet control model is established. Suitable metrics to measure spreadsheet complexity, importance and developer expertise are required.
TL;DR: In this paper, a typology of approaches to introducing TQM and ISO is presented, and the authors apply the typology to data from a questionnaire survey of Western Australian organisations with ISO 9000 certification.
Abstract: This paper reports on research which explores the links between quality assurance, or certification of the quality system according to the ISO 9000 (AS 3900) series and the broader approach of Total Quality Management. The first part of the paper outlines a typology of approaches to introducing TQM and ISO. Some organisations see ISO 9000 as an end in itself while others consider it to be the first step towards TQM. Others may have TQM firmly in place prior to embarking on certification. The second part of the paper applies the typology to data from a questionnaire survey of Western Australian organisations with ISO 9000 certification. Empirical support for several of the groups in the typology is found in this analysis.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors consider patterns of distribution of a range of the biota including widespread dominants and local endemics in the temperate High Rainfall Zone (HRZ) of Western Australia.
TL;DR: A total of 1,729 children in South Africa, Iceland, Poland, Australia, the U.S.A. rated 20 events in terms of how upsetting they are, placing the loss of parent at the top and a new baby sibling at the bottom.
Abstract: A total of 1,729 children (2nd-9th grades) in South Africa, Iceland, Poland, Australia, the U.K., and the U.S.A. rated 20 events in terms of how upsetting they are. Save in Poland, the ratings were in close agreement (r, .85-.97), placing the loss of parent at the top and a new baby sibling at the bottom. In Poland, the baby's arrival led the list. Even so, what was seen as quite upsetting fell everywhere in the same two categories--experiences that threaten one's sense of security and those that occasion personal denigration and embarrassment.
TL;DR: In this article, the taxonomy, distribution, ecology and climate of Banksia (Proteaceae) were used to study the biogeography of the sixty endemic species in southwestern Australia and a case was made for resurrecting the Lesueur and Stirling phytogeographic districts, together with separating the West (east portion of the southern node) from the East Eyre district.
Abstract: Comprehensive new data bases on the taxonomy, distribution, ecology and climate of Banksia (Proteaceae) were used to study the biogeography of the sixty endemic species in southwestern Australia. They occur at the wettest coastal tip, with up to 1.5 m rainfall p.a., 1500 km along the north coast, 1000 km along the south coast and up to 450 km inland to the desert margin, with as low as 0.2 m rainfall p.a. The largest areas (sum of 30´ lat.×30´ long. grid cells) containing banksias were under much more arid climates than those with highest species density. Species density was usually lowest at the climatic extremes. Two nodes of species richness and ten floristic groups, each with a characteristic climate, landscape, vegetation and soil types and suite of indicator and endemic species, were recognized. A case is made for resurrecting the Lesueur (northern node) and Stirling (west portion of the southern node) phytogeographic districts, together with separating the West (east portion of the southern node) from the East Eyre district. These species-rich areas coincide with nutrient impoverished sands and laterite associated with dissected uplands having low, highly sclerophyllous vegetation. The distribution of strongly serotinous species and those with persistent florets is consistent with greater reliance on fire for creating suitable recruitment conditions with increasing aridity. The distribution of needle-leaved species is only partly explained by their superior drought tolerance. A preliminary transplant trial with two Banksia species showed that their distribution was only partly restricted by their current climatic profile.
TL;DR: A number of dimensions of effective interactive learning with telematics are suggested: (a) collaboration, (b) generative learning, (c) contextual engagement, (d) personal autonomy, and (e) motivation.
Abstract: Increasingly, telematics is being used for distance education in Australia. Two forms of telematics, audiographics and live interactive television, are described. Audiographics involves two telecommunications links, one which connects computers via modems and a second link which provides an audioconferencing medium through a normal telephone connection. Live interactive television involves the combination of a one-way television signal with a toll-free callback telephone enabling students to communicate directly with the teacher during program transmission. Research and evaluation studies indicate that the interactivity currently implemented via telematics is minimal and that it does not support higher-order cognition among students. In light of our investigations and contemporary cognitive learning theory, a number of dimensions of effective interactive learning with telematics are suggested: (a) collaboration, (b) generative learning, (c) contextual engagement, (d) personal autonomy, and (e) motivation.
TL;DR: In this paper, the place of mental models in the process of knowledge construction and in particular, the relationship between mental models and computer models in that process is discussed, and it is suggested that children use a spreadsheet to build their own computer models.
Abstract: This paper is concerned with the place of mental models in the process of knowledge construction and in particular, the relationship between mental models and computer models in that process. It identifies what is meant by mental models and outlines why they might be seen to be central to the process of acquiring knowledge. In this context, the second part of the paper analyses and discusses children's use of a spreadsheet to build their own computer models. It is suggested that the process of building models on a computer may provide direct support to the cognitive processes of constructing mental models, although the relationship is not straight forward.
TL;DR: While the main focus of the study was on residents' behaviour following an environmental manipulation, anecdotal observations of staff members interactions with residents indicated that they felt less rushed and were more tolerant of residents' behaviours following the intervention.
Abstract: This study was designed to determine whether a change from a task-oriented care approach to a client-oriented care approach affects (a) the level of agitation and (b) 24-hour sleep in residents suffering from dementia in a nursing home The levels of dementia and sleep of 33 nursing home residents were measured four times over 12 weeks (twice before and twice after the change in care approach) using the Cohen-Mansfield agitation inventory and the dementia mood assessment scale Verbal agitation levels significantly decreased 6 to 8 weeks following the change, whereas more infrequent agitated behaviours, which were classified as ‘other’, significantly increased Daytime sleep increased initially after the change but then returned to baseline levels after 6 weeks While the main focus of the study was on residents ‘behaviour following an environmental manipulation, anecdotal observations of staff members interactions with residents indicated that they felt less rushed and were more tolerant of residents’ behaviour following the intervention
TL;DR: In this article, a simple theoretical derivation for obtaining the Johnson thermal noise formula using window-limited Fourier transforms is presented in detail for the first time, utilizing the well-known energy theorems.
Abstract: A simple theoretical derivation for obtaining the Johnson thermal noise formula using window-limited Fourier transforms is presented in detail for the first time, utilizing the well-known energy theorems. In the literature, a diverse range of alternative methods already exist, and the pedagogical value of the Fourier transform approach illustrates useful mathematical principles, taught at the undergraduate level, naturally highlighting a number of physical assumptions that are not always clearly dealt with. We also proceed to survey a number of misconceptions, problems, surprises, and conundrums concerning thermal noise.
TL;DR: It is argued that policy development can best be understood as a political activity, which is not necessarily scientific, and that policy advocates can match their strategies to the stages of the process, and thus raise the probability that the advocated policy will be adopted.
Abstract: A key question in addiction studies is why do governments not readily adopt policies that research shows to be effective in reducing harm? In this paper, it is argued that policy development can best be understood as a political activity, which is not necessarily scientific. A descriptive model of policy analysis is illustrated by case examples from alcohol and tobacco policy arenas. By understanding policy development as a process, it is suggested that policy advocates can match their strategies to the stages of the process, and thus raise the probability that the advocated policy will be adopted.
TL;DR: This study investigated the experience of transferring to adult health care from the perspective of adolescents with CF and their parents, seeing the adult hospital as the most appropriate place to provide care for adolescents or young adults with CF.
TL;DR: Encouraging understanding of the mother's perspective values the uniqueness of each experience and allows nurses to assess, acknowledge and reinforce a mother's perceptions of success.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The Enhanced Areal Interpolation method introduced by Flowerdew, Green, and Kehris, which is essentially an application of the EM Algorithm, postulates a more sophisticated statistical model and makes use of ancillary information available on the target regions.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated auditors' perceptions of the importance of certain factors which may determine inherent risk, and found that auditors attach greater importance to high risk variables than to low risk variables in their evaluation of inherent risk.
Abstract: In March 1995, the APB in the UK issued its Statements of Auditing Standards 300 (SAS 300): «Accounting and Internal Control Systems and Audit Risk Assessment». The standard identifies inherent risk as one of the three components of audit risk; inherent risk being defined as «the susceptibility of an account balance or class of transactions to material mis-statement». If the inherent risk is low, less substantive testing is required, with possible resultant savings in staff time and audit costs. It is thus beneficial for audit firms (and clients) to assess adequately the inherent risk element of an audit assignment to ensure that audits are carried out as efficiently and effectively as possible. This research project focuses on inherent risk and using a questionnaire survey investigates 100 auditors' perceptions of the importance of certain factors which may determine inherent risk. The findings of the study suggest that the variables identified in the literature as being closely associated with inherent risk factors are regarded in a similar fashion by auditors; variables such as bonus schemes tied to management earnings, a high turnover rate in top management personnel, a company reputation for taking unusual business risks and a history of material errors are believed to be the major determinants of inherent risk. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the findings of this study suggest that auditors attach greater importance to high risk variables than to low risk variables in their evaluation of inherent risk. Finally, the evidence revealed that auditors had difficulty in distinguishing between inherent risk and control risk factors.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that the causes and solutions to ethical dilemmas can often be found in a theory based on integration of models of moral reasoning, decision schema, value congruence and corporate decision structures.
Abstract: Quality of work life affects the quality of life. By applying amoral paradigms in decision making managers of business enterprises can cause a poor quality work life and reduce the quality of life. The explanation and prediction of ethical/unethical business behaviour should not always be attributed to individual managers, as it may result from strong culture and decision making systems. It is argued that the causes and the solutions to ethical dilemmas can often be found in a theory based on integration of models of moral reasoning, decision schema, value congruence and corporate decision structures. The impact of exclusion of moral principles from the decision making process is illustrated by way of a case study.
TL;DR: The authors reviewed the psychological research evidence on the efficacy of punishment, and considered alternatives to present trends in Australia and overseas towards an increased reliance on punishment as a primary response to crime, and discussed the circumstances under which punishment has positive and detrimental effects.
Abstract: In view of recent trends in Australia and overseas towards an increased reliance on punishment as a primary response to crime, this paper reviews the psychological research evidence on the efficacy of punishment, and considers alternatives to present trends. It discusses the circumstances under which punishment has positive and detrimental effects, and the limited ability of the justice system to deliver punishment in a manner which might achieve the goals of rehabilitation and deterrence against reoffence.
TL;DR: The authors investigated the verbal interactions of students (about 10-years old) when working in cooperative groups structured on ability (either homogeneous and heterogeneous) using simulation and word processing software.
Abstract: Whilst cooperative group learning using computers undoubtedly encourages students' verbal interactions, few studies have focused upon the nature of these interactions. Many researchers have suggested there is a need to know how students interact with each other particularly in relation to group structures, tasks and software types. This study was undertaken to investigate the verbal interactions of students (about 10-years old) when working in cooperative groups structured on ability (either homogeneous and heterogeneous) using simulation and word processing software. It was found that the largest element of students' talk when working in cooperative groups of either structure was cognitively oriented; that students situated in homogeneous groups are likely to produce more socially oriented talk than those in heterogeneous groups; that students working with word processing rather than simulation software are likely to produce more socially oriented and off-task talk; and those using simulation software are more likely to use talk indicative of higher-order cognitive processing. In general, this study found that task, software and to a lesser extent, group structure, influenced the interactions of students working in cooperative groups with CAL.
01 Jan 1996
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the distance education phenomenon in relation to several key variables: the nature and purposes of both mathematics and distance teaching; the current and potential roles of computer technology in the flexible delivery process; and the particular implications of these factors in relation with interactions between so-called developed and developing countries.
Abstract: Distance modes of teaching and learning have proved to be increasingly popular, worldwide, during the last three decades of this century, especially in the areas of mathematics and mathematics education. This chapter critically examines the distance education phenomenon in relation to several key variables: the nature and purposes of both mathematics and distance teaching; the current and potential roles of computer technology in the flexible delivery process; and the particular implications of these factors in relation to interactions between so-called ‘developed’ and ‘developing’ countries. Case studies of current practice are presented to exemplify several of these key issues in relation to course development and delivery. Finally, a framework for future discussion is provided in the form of eight possibly contentious propositions which call for stronger theoretical and practical relationships to be developed between educators in the fields of distance education, mathematics and mathematics education.