Showing papers by "Nottingham Trent University published in 2000"

Internet Addiction - Time to be Taken Seriously?

Abstract: (2000). Internet Addiction - Time to be Taken Seriously? Addiction Research: Vol. 8, No. 5, pp. 413-418.

Using a life‐story approach in researching entrepreneurial learning: the development of a conceptual model and its implications in the design of learning experiences

Abstract: Summarises the conclusions from research which explores how people learn to start and grow high performing businesses. Seeks to understand better the ways in which individuals learn to act entrepreneurially and also suggests how this understanding might influence the design of more effective learning experiences. Proposes a conceptual model of entrepreneurial learning, and assesses its implications for designing entrepreneurship education and development programmes. Findings indicate that there would be benefits from designing development programmes for current and aspirant business owners with a greater emphasis on personal development, based upon the entrepreneurial learning model proposed in the article.

After Postpositivism? The Promises of Critical Realism

Abstract: This article argues that the current self-understanding of IR theory is misconceived and that it is time to move beyond the stagnant positivism/postpositivism debate. We argue that the attempt to occupy a middle ground compromise position between positivism and postpositivism is untenable because these two positions share much in common. In this sense a middle ground position between two problematic positions does not produce a less problematic position. What is needed is a metatheoretical analysis of the two extreme positions. We attempt to show how both positivism and postpositivism are embedded in a discourse of philosophical anti-realism. This anti-realism occurs as a result of what we call the post-Kantian-Humean “problem-field” of international relations from which most contemporary positivist, constructivist, and post-structuralist IR approaches stem. We then try to overcome this “problem-field” by means of radically reclaiming reality through a critical realist philosophy. Once outlined we try to show how this critical realist philosophy can help transcend some of the antinomies currently faced by IR scholars.

Understanding entrepreneurial learning: a question of how?

Abstract: The paper aims to stimulate debate among researchers and practitioners on the use of narrative methodology as a constructive means of inquiry in developing the understanding and the practice of entrepreneurship. It argues that narrative interpretation is a valid method in researching the human learning and cultural development of entrepreneurship. Drawing on the author’s fieldwork in researching entrepreneurial learning through life stories, it demonstrates the rich insights which can be gained from discursive life story research. A conceptual model of the significant themes in entrepreneurial learning is proposed for further development and application in education and research. The paper proposes that the “living theory” of entrepreneurship is a cultural, discursive resource which may be discovered and interpreted through the narrative medium.

Risk factors in adolescence: the case of gambling, videogame playing, and the internet.

Abstract: It has been noted that adolescents may be more susceptible to pathological gambling. Not only is it usually illegal, but it appears to be related to high levels of problem gambling and other delinquent activities such as illicit drug taking and alcohol abuse. This paper examines risk factors not only in adolescent gambling but also in videogame playing (which shares many similarities with gambling). There appear to be three main forms of adolescent gambling that have been widely researched. Adolescent gambling activities and general risk factors in adolescent gambling are provided. As well, the influence of technology on adolescents in the form of both videogames and the Internet are examined. It is argued that technologically advanced forms of gambling may be highly appealing to adolescents.

General fuzzy min-max neural network for clustering and classification

Abstract: This paper describes a general fuzzy min-max (GFMM) neural network which is a generalization and extension of the fuzzy min-max clustering and classification algorithms of Simpson (1992, 1993). The GFMM method combines supervised and unsupervised learning in a single training algorithm. The fusion of clustering and classification resulted in an algorithm that can be used as pure clustering, pure classification, or hybrid clustering classification. It exhibits a property of finding decision boundaries between classes while clustering patterns that cannot be said to belong to any of existing classes. Similarly to the original algorithms, the hyperbox fuzzy sets are used as a representation of clusters and classes. Learning is usually completed in a few passes and consists of placing and adjusting the hyperboxes in the pattern space; this is an expansion-contraction process. The classification results can be crisp or fuzzy. New data can be included without the need for retraining. While retaining all the interesting features of the original algorithms, a number of modifications to their definition have been made in order to accommodate fuzzy input patterns in the form of lower and upper bounds, combine the supervised and unsupervised learning, and improve the effectiveness of operations. A detailed account of the GFMM neural network, its comparison with the Simpson's fuzzy min-max neural networks, a set of examples, and an application to the leakage detection and identification in water distribution systems are given.

Relationship marketing in consumer markets – Rhetoric or reality?

Abstract: Relationship marketing (RM) was conceived as an approach to industrial and service markets, and was considered inappropriate in other marketing contexts. Recently, however, the domain of RM has been extended to incorporate innovative applications in mass consumer markets. Much has changed in a few short years. Recent applications of RM in consumer markets have been facilitated by developments in direct and database marketing within an increasingly competitive and fragmented marketplace. This paper presents a critical review of the history of RM in consumer markets, and incorporates important conceptual, practical, empirical and popular contributions. A number of critical issues which remain unresolved are identified in the paper. These form the basis of ten research propositions which are crucial to justifying and advancing the domain extension into consumer markets.

Using IT in the undergraduate classroom: should we replace the blackboard with PowerPoint

Abstract: Three studies were performed to investigate the efficacy of digital PowerPoint lecturing in undergraduate classrooms. In the first study, students’ opinion about PowerPoint lectures was surveyed after receiving all their lectures in one module in PowerPoint. Grades of one cohort were then compared with the grades of another taking the same test one year earlier. No significant differences were found. In another study, students received a mock test 1 week following: (1) an overhead lecture, (2) a PowerPoint lecture and (3) a PowerPoint lecture with lecture notes. There were no significant differences between the two PowerPoint lectures both of which resulted in higher grades than the overhead lecture. In the third study, two cohorts had two identical lectures, in a counterbalanced order, presented either with PowerPoint or by using overheads. The results revealed that the lecture difficulty, but not the method of lecturing, contributed to the grade differences on two mock tests. It is suggested that the efficacy of PowerPoint lecturing may be case specific rather than universal.

Biosilicification: the role of the organic matrix in structure control.

Abstract: Silicon (although never in the elemental form) is present in all living organisms and is required for the production of structural materials in single-celled organisms through to higher plants and animals. Hydrated amorphous silica is a mineral of infinite functionality and yet it is formed into structures with microscopic and macroscopic form. Research into the mechanisms controlling the process have highlighted proteins and proteoglycans as possible control molecules. Such molecules are suggested to play a critical role in the catalysis of silica polycondensation reactions and in structure direction. This article reviews information on silica form and function, silica condensation chemistry, the role of macromolecules in structure control and in vitro studies of silica formation using biomolecules extracted from biological silicas. An understanding of the mechanisms by which biological organisms regulate mineral formation will assist in our understanding of the essentiality of silicon to life processes and in the generation of new materials with specific form and function for industrial application in the 21st century.

On the Structure of Linear and Cyclic Codes over a Finite Chain Ring

Abstract: We generalise structure theorems of Calderbank and Sloane for linear and cyclic codes over ℤ pa to a finite chain ring. Our results are more detailed and do not use non-trivial results from Commutative Algebra.

The invisibility of skilled female migrants and gender relations in studies of skilled migration in Europe

Abstract: This paper examines the reasons for the invisibility of skilled female migrants in studies of skilled migration in Europe. The choice of research agendas has played a major part in rendering women invisible. The emphasis has generally been on transnational corporations, which, especially in their higher ranks, remain resolutely male-dominated. The presence of migrants in welfare sectors (i.e. education, health and social services), which are strongly feminised, has been ignored. Feminist research has also tended to obscure the role of skilled migrants in its emphasis on the unskilled. Theoretical and methodological developments in studies of migration have also made few inroads into our understanding of skilled migration.

Temporal patterning of competitive emotions: a critical review.

Abstract: An interactional model of stress that integrates current research on competitive affects and emphasizes the temporal dimensions of the stress process is forwarded. The literature reveals that the study of athletes' affective responses to competition has been narrowly focused on pre-competitive anxiety. Equivocal findings on temporal patterning of competitive anxiety suggest that a fundamental change in the empirical approach is needed because the current conceptualization of anxiety and other complex emotions is imprecise. The analysis of secondary emotions as patterns of discrete basic emotions, as suggested by differential emotions theorists, is proposed for consideration in future research. In this view, competitive anxiety is considered as a set of patterns of emotions rather than a unitary affect. The adoption of this approach could result in better operationalization of competitive anxiety as well as other secondary performance-related emotions. We propose that research on competitive affects should follow two parallel lines. The first should focus on the description of complex emotional states that reflect the idiosyncratic emotional experience and vocabulary of the athlete. The second should examine the sets of basic emotions experienced throughout competition, and focus on individual differences and factors determining those differences. The integration of the two approaches could lead to a better understanding of whether, how and why individuals differ in the interpretation of specific secondary emotions and their effect on performance. Moreover, it would permit the analysis of intra-individual variations in labelling secondary emotions with respect to different competitive contexts and temporal aspects.

Symmetric Stable Laws and Stable‐Like Jump‐Diffusions

Abstract: Asymptotic expansions are obtained for finite-dimensional symmetric stable distributions. They are used to prove the existence of continuous transition probability densities of stable and stable-like jump-diffusions, and to construct local multiplicative asymptotics and global two-sided estimates for these densities. As a consequence, the distribution of the first passage times for stable jump-diffusions is estimated and the integral test for the limsup behaviour of their sample paths as $t\to 0$ is provided. 1991 Mathematics Subject Classification: 60E07, 60G17, 60J35, 47D07.

A knowledge‐focused perspective on the diffusion and adoption of complex information technologies: the BPR example

Abstract: This paper presents a knowledge-focused perspective for the development of a model to explain the diffusion and adoption of complex integrating technologies. Business process re-engineering (BPR) is used as the example to illustrate the model. However, while BPR is used to illustrate our argument, the model that is developed is relevant to understanding the innovation processes surrounding any complex IT-based innovation. It is argued that the strength of this diffusion model is that it focuses not on the spread of particular technological artifacts (whether it is BPR or any other IT-based innovation), but on the spread of the ideas and knowledge underpinning the technology. In particular, the model draws attention to the ways in which technology suppliers commodify knowledge and present ‘packaged’ solutions. This creates problems for potential users who need to unpack this knowledge and integrate it with existing organizational knowledge. The diffusion and adoption of innovations is thus seen as a process of integrating knowledge across disparate communities. Such knowledge integration, however, is difficult. This can help to explain the apparent contradiction between the limited success rate of BPR and its widespread diffusion among western firms.

Human resource development in small organizations

Abstract: The paper draws on case‐study research into human resource development (HRD) within three small organizations in the north‐west of England. It positions the investigations within an overall framework of doctoral research, defines how the term small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) has been used, and summarizes the research design. The main content of the paper discusses the characteristics and values of SMEs in general and explores how these might influence the HRD policies and practices developed by them. A comparison of an HRD model typically found in small organizations with one typically engendered through the adoption of the Investors in People standard is presented. Findings and conclusions about HRD in the three case‐study organizations are reported to include a description and comparison of the three cases’ own HRD models. The paper concludes with some suggestions for further research.

Simulating the performance of rainwater collection and reuse systems using behavioural models

Abstract: The collection of rainwater from roofs and its storage and subsequent use make a significant saving in the use of potable water. The capacity of the rainwater store is important because it affects both system and initial costs. The investigation concentrates upon the use of behavioural models to simulate the performance of rainwater collectors. The input data, in time series form, is used to simulate the mass flows through the model, and will be based upon time intervals of a minute, an hour, a day or a month. A preliminary mapping exercise is described that evaluates the accuracy of behavioural models for the sizing of rainwater collection systems using different time intervals and different reservoir operating rules applied to a range of reservoir capacities and collection areas. The preliminary analysis indicated that the yield after spillage (YAS) reservoir operating algorithm based on a hourly time interval could be used as a standard against which other models could be compared and calibrated. The d...

On the Hamming distance of linear codes over a finite chain ring

Abstract: Let R be a finite chain ring (e.g., a Galois ring), K its residue field, and C a linear code over R. We prove that d(C), the Hamming distance of C, is d((~C~:~/spl alpha/~)~), where (C:/spl alpha/) is a submodule quotient, /spl alpha/ is a certain element of R, and denotes the canonical projection to K. These two codes also have the same set of minimal codeword supports. We explicitly construct a generator matrix/polynomial of (~C~:~/spl alpha/~)~ from the generator matrix/polynomials of C. We show that in general d(C)/spl les/d(C~) with equality for free codes (i.e., for free R-submodules of R/sup n/) and in particular for Hensel lifts of cyclic codes over K. Most of the codes over rings described in the literature fall into this class. We characterize minimum distance separable (MDS) codes over R and prove several analogs of properties of MDS codes over finite fields. We compute the Hamming weight enumerator of a free MDS code over R.

Why do HE Students Drop Out? A test of Tinto's model

Abstract: This study examined Tinto's (1975) model of student attrition, which suggests that student's dropout decisions are social and academic worlds. The model was tested with path analysis using LISREL8 software (Joreskog & Sorbom, 1993a) using maximum likelihood estimation. Findings were that the model does not provide an acceptable description of the data. The findings were based on a global test of the model as a whole, as well as tests of individual paths within the model. Prior investigations into the model have been largely supportive, and reasons are considered for the disparity between previous and current findings. It is suggested that Tinto's perspective may not be the most appropriate for attrition research. Instead it is contended that interactionist and ethnographic approaches may result in a more appropriate theoretical framework.

Limits of IT-driven knowledge management initiatives for interactive innovation processes: towards a community-based approach

Abstract: This paper begins with a critical review of the literature on Knowledge Management (KM), arguing that its focus on IT-based tools limits its potential for encouraging the knowledge sharing that is crucial to interactive innovation processes. Interactive innovation processes depend on the integration of knowledge across disparate social communities and require the exploration (creation) of knowledge, rather than simply the improved exploration of knowledge. Knowledge exploration depends on shared understanding, which is difficult where those involved are from different cultural and disciplinary bad grounds. In these situations, knowledge has to be continuously negotiated through interactive social networking processes. These processes are under-emphasised in most of the KM literature. Two cases of interactive innovation processes are presented. The contrast between these two cases leads to the development of two alternative approaches to KM: the community approach emphasises dialogue occurring through networks (which may be IT-enabled) while the cognitive approach emphasises linear information flows. It is argued that, at least in terms of encouraging interactive innovation processes, the community model is superior.

Doing ‘Boards‐in‐Action’ Research — an ethnographic approach for the capture and analysis of directors’ and senior managers’ interactive routines

Abstract: This paper is the first of two papers which will introduce a research approach where groups of directors and senior managers have, not only been observed, but also captured interacting with each other on audio tape recordings. It represents a move from asking board members questions during interviews to seeing and hearing them interactively perform in the boardroom (and elsewhere) over a period of time. When we undertake such ethnographic research what we primarily see is directors and senior managers talking to each other. We suggest that through a close study of their talk-based interpersonal routines, a detailed account of their skills and how factors such as knowledge or know-how and experience are deployed to influence boardroom process is possible. In this first paper our objective is limited to: making a case for a focus upon talk-based interpersonal routines in the boardroom/top management team (TMT); an introductory outline of our theoretical and analytical infrastructure drawn from sociology and; reproducing one illustrative extract of directors’ talk to show what this data ‘looks like’. We conclude by outlining an emerging alternative avenue for developing boards/TMTs in a grounded and reflective fashion.

Factors influencing learning in European learning oriented organisations: issues for management

Abstract: This paper reports on one aspect of a European Union‐funded research project, focusing in exploring factors that influence lifelong learning. Influencing factors were categorised as those that inhibit and those that support a learning orientation. Research findings suggest that the same factors could have both supportive and inhibiting influence, highlighting the complexity and subjectivity of investigating the influence of HRD practices and other organisational features on perceptions of learning. The paper also identifies key issues for management – that is, how to manage these factors to further encourage, promote, capture and act on the wide range of learning opportunities apparent in work organisations. It is argued that identifying such factors within an organisation is an important step in enabling managers and other HRD practitioners to recognise how learning might be hindered or helped within that context, before considering strategies and practices to better manage and cope with these influences.

Skilled International Migration: The Experience of Nurses in the UK

Abstract: HARDILL I. and MACDONALD S. (2000) Skilled international migration: the experience of nurses in the UK, Reg. Studies 34, 681-692. This paper reports on a study of the most feminized of professions, nursing. Current shortages of nurses within the UK National Health Service (NHS) have resulted in the recruitment of increasing numbers of overseas-qualified nurses. The study is based on the biographies of overseas-qualified nurses, obtained through in-depth interviews carried out in one case study hospital. Using these personal narratives, this paper illuminates the complex interweaving of economic and non-economic factors involved in migration decisions. Most nurses migrated as solos, experienced downward occupational mobility, and are used as a temporary stop-gap to fill labour shortages. HARDILL I. et MACDONALD S. (2000) La migration internationale des ouvriers qualifies: etude de cas des infirmieres britanniques, Reg. Studies 34, 681-692. Cet article fait un compte-rendu d'une etude de la profession la pl...