Manchester Metropolitan University

About: Manchester Metropolitan University is a education organization based out in Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 5435 authors who have published 16202 publications receiving 442561 citations. The organization is also known as: Manchester Polytechnic & MMU.

Value of maturity models in performance measurement

Abstract: Over the last 20 years, the field of performance measurement (PM) has evolved from measurement to management. Investigations demonstrated the relevance of PM in management of organisations’ results. Although maturity model concept was widely used, the value of maturity models in PM has not been purposefully investigated. To address this gap, this research formulated three research questions: (1) How do maturity models in the field of performance measurement and management (PMM (2) research team adopted one of the available maturity models and facilitated self-assessments with the management teams of the same 12 companies. Results from both the studies were compared and high levels of congruence were identified. The analysis demonstrates that the maturity models with certain characteristics, promote organisational learning as well as enabling efficient and effective assessment of the performance management practices of the organisations.

Unsteady mixed convection flow from a rotating vertical cone with a magnetic field

Abstract: An analysis is developed to study the unsteady mixed convection flow over a vertical cone rotating in an ambient fluid with a time-dependent angular velocity in the presence of a magnetic field. The coupled nonlinear partial differential equations governing the flow have been solved numerically using an implicit finite-difference scheme. The local skin friction coefficients in the tangential and azimuthal directions and the local Nusselt number increase with the time when the angular velocity of the cone increases, but the reverse trend is observed for decreasing angular velocity. However, these are not mirror reflection of each other. The magnetic field reduces the skin friction coefficient in the tangential direction and also the Nusselt number, but it increases the skin friction coefficient in the azimuthal direction. The skin friction coefficients and the Nusselt number increase with the buoyancy force.

Understanding climate policy using participatory agent-based social simulation

Abstract: Integrated assessment models (IAMs) have been widely applied to questions of climate change policy--such as the effects of abating greenhouse gas emissions, balancing impacts, adaptation and mitigation costs, understanding processes of adaptation, and evaluating the potential for technological solutions. In almost all cases, the social dimensions of climate policy are poorly represented. Econometric models look for efficient optimal solutions. Decision making perspectives might reflect broadscale cultural theory, but not the diversity of cognitive models in practice. Technological change is often ignored or exogenous, and without understanding of stakeholder strategies for innovation and diffusion. Policy measures are proposed from idealised perspectives, with little understanding of the constraints of individual decision makers. We suggest a set of criteria for IAMs that can be used to evaluate the choice and structure of models with respect to their suitability for understanding key climate change debates. The criteria are discussed for three classes of models-- optimising econometric models, dynamic simulation models and a proposed agent-based strategy. A prototype agent-based IAM is reported to demonstrate the usefulness and power of the agent based approach and to indicate concretely how that approach meets the criteria for good IAMs and to complex social issues more generally.

Innovation in Open & Distance Learning: Successful Development of Online and Web-Based Learning.

Abstract: Creating the environment for innovation innovation in ODL -lessons from experience and research teachers and flexible learning in traditional university settings promoting innovation in traditional settings low-cost online teaching experimenting with systems structures for online learning selecting an environment flexible toolboxes - a solution for online resources? lifelong learning and generating new learning experiences campus re-engineering student recruitment and retention using networking tools to support online learning mentoring issues towards flexible learning and learner support online assessment professional development in online education.

Environmental correlates for tropical tree diversity and distribution patterns in Borneo

Abstract: Aim Identify environmental correlates for tropical tree diversity and composition. Location Borneo, Southeast Asia. Methods A GIS-environmental database with 5 arc minute ( c . 10 × 10 km) resolution was combined with tree inventory data. Tree diversity, phylogenetic diversity (PD) and the two main compositional gradients were determined for 46 tree inventories. Akaike’s information criterion and a data jackknifing procedure were used to select 50 explanatory models for diversity and composition gradients. The average of these models was used as our final diversity and compositional model. We applied Moran’s I to detect spatial autocorrelation of residuals. Results Tree diversity, PD and the two main compositional gradients in Borneo were all significantly correlated with the environment. Tree diversity correlated negatively with elevation, soil depth, soil coarseness (texture) and organic carbon content, whereas it correlated positively with soil C:N ratio, soil pH, moisture storage capacity and annual rainfall. Tree PD was correlated positively with elevation and temperature seasonality and was largely determined by gymnosperms. However, angiosperm PD also correlated positive with elevation. Compositional patterns were strongly correlated with elevation but soil texture, cation-exchange-capacity, C:N ratio, C and N content and drainage were also important next to rainfall seasonality and El Nino Southern Oscillation drought impact. Main conclusions Although elevation is the most important correlate for diversity and compositional gradients in Borneo, significant additional variability is explained by soil characteristics (texture, carbon content, pH, depth, drainage and nutrient status) and climate (annual rainfall, rainfall seasonality and droughts). The identified environmental correlates for diversity and composition gradients correspond to those found in other tropical regions of the world. Differences between the regions are mainly formed by differences in the relative importance of the environmental variables in explaining diversity and compositional gradients.