...Yin (2005) suggested that researchers should decide whether to do single-case or multiple-case studies and chose to keep the case holistic or have embedded sub-cases. This two-by-two combination can produce four basic designs for case studies. When selecting a case for a case study, researchers often use information-oriented sampling , as opposed to random sampling [3]. This is because an average case is often not the richest in information. Extreme or atypical cases reveal more information because they activate more basic mechanisms and more actors in the situation studied. In addition, from both an understanding-oriented and an action-oriented perspective, it is often more important to clarify the deeper causes behind a given problem and its consequences than to describe the symptoms of the problem and how frequently they occur. Random samples emphasizing representativeness will seldom be able to produce this kind of insight; it is more appropriate to select some few cases chosen for their validity. But this isnt always the case. Three types of information-oriented cases may be distinguished: Extreme or deviant cases Critical cases Paradigmatic cases. [edit]Critical case A critical case can be defined as having strategic importance in relation to the general problem. For example, an occupational medicine clinic wanted to investigate whether people working with organic solvents suffered brain damage. Instead of choosing a representative sample among all those enterprises...
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...Chapter 2: Research in Psychology Francine Shapiro/Critical Thinking Tested if eye movements have caused the change in her emotions During and after these eye movement sessions, their reactions to unpleasant thoughts faded away Their emotional flashbacks decreased dramatically Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: EMDR Critical Thinking: The process of assessing claims and making judgements on the basis of well supported evidence What am I being asked to believe or accept?- If EMDR reduces or eliminates anxiety related problems What evidence is available to support the assertion?- Experienced a reduction in her own emotional distress following certain kinds of eye movements Are there alternative ways of interpreting the evidence?- Dramatic effects might not have been due to EMDR but to people’s desire to overcome their problems or perhaps their desire to prove her right The ruling out process leads to the next step in critical thinking: conducting scientific research What additional evidence would help to evaluate the alternatives?- The ideal method for collecting further evidence would be to identify three groups of people with anxiety- related problems who were alike in every way except for the anxiety treatment they received What conclusions are most reasonable?- The research evidence collected so far hasn’t yet ruled out alternative explanations for the effects of EMDR Only reasonable conclusions EMDR remains a controversial treatment It seems to have...
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...A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE ARTICLE “THE CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS OF BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGEMENT” WRITTEN BY TRKMAN (2010) COHORT 5 (BSS001-6) TABLE OF CONTENTS Pg 1. Executive summary……………………………………………………….......3 2. Introduction……………………………………………………………….…....4 3. Importance of the Study……………………………………………………....5 * BPMs relevance & Importance to Information Systems……………...5 4. Research problems and significance………………………………….........6 5. Contributions and originality……………………………………………...….7 6. Theoretical arguments………………………………………………………..8 *The Contingency Theory……………………………………………...….8 * Dynamic Capabilities Theory:……………………………………..…….9 *Task Technology Fit………………………………………………..….….9 7. Research methods ……………………………………………………..….....9 *An outline of the methods used for the research study……..…......…9 *Description of methods…………………………………………….......10 *Analysing the Methods suitability for the study………………………10 8. Key Findings of the study ………………………………………………..…12 9. Research Limitations ……………………………………………………….13 10. Suggestions for future research……………………………………….….14 11. Conclusion…………………………………………………………………...15 12. References…………………………………………………………………..16 13. Appendix* EXECUTIVE SUMMARY According to Zairi’s (1997) definition, BPM...
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...THEORY OF CONSTRAINTS PROJECT TIME MANAGEMENT IN MULTIPLE, CONCURRENT PROJECTS: INVESTIGATION OF ASSUMPTIONS REGRADING HUMAN BEHAVIOUR DURING PROJECT PLANNING J. C. Kago1 and P. J. Viljoen2 1 Masters in Project Management, Department of Engineering and Technology Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 002, South Africa. 2 Formerly Department of Engineering and Technology Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 002, South Africa. ABSTRACT CCPM has attempted to account for certain human behaviour patterns during project planning and execution which other time management techniques neglect. CCPM gives this human behaviour as a major influence on amount of contingency provided in activity duration estimates. The human behaviours however are assumptions and justification of CCPM relies heavily on these assumptions. The problem is that we do not know if the human behaviours assumed are an important influence on contingencies provided in activity duration estimates during project planning. The main objective of this research is therefore to determine, using empirical data how stakeholders in the construction industry rate the influence of human behaviour on contingency provided in activity duration estimates. Other factors that influence contingency provided have been identified and their relative importance investigated. 1.1 Introduction As competition increases, organisations survival will be determined by their ability to make...
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...In the social sciences and life sciences, a case study (or case report) is a descriptive, exploratory or explanatory analysis of a person, group or event. An explanatory case study is used to explore causation in order to find underlying principles.[1][2] Case studies may be prospective (in which criteria are established and cases fitting the criteria are included as they become available) or retrospective (in which criteria are established for selecting cases from historical records for inclusion in the study). Thomas[3] offers the following definition of case study: "Case studies are analyses of persons, events, decisions, periods, projects, policies, institutions, or other systems that are studied holistically by one or more methods. The case that is the subject of the inquiry will be an instance of a class of phenomena that provides an analytical frame — an object — within which the study is conducted and which the case illuminates and explicates." According to J. Creswell, data collection in a case study occurs over a "sustained period of time."[4] Another suggestion is that case study should be defined as a research strategy, an empirical inquiry that investigates a phenomenon within its real-life context. Case study research can mean single and multiple case studies, can include quantitative evidence, relies on multiple sources of evidence, and benefits from the prior development of theoretical propositions. Case studies should not be confused with qualitative research...
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...encyclopedic tone used on Wikipedia. (January 2012) In the social sciences and life sciences, a case study (or case report) is a descriptive, exploratory or explanatory analysis of a person, group or event. An explanatory case study is used to explore causation in order to find underlying principles.[1][2] Case studies may be prospective (in which criteria are established and cases fitting the criteria are included as they become available) or retrospective (in which criteria are established for selecting cases from historical records for inclusion in the study). Thomas[3] offers the following definition of case study: "Case studies are analyses of persons, events, decisions, periods, projects, policies, institutions, or other systems that are studied holistically by one or more methods. The case that is the subject of the inquiry will be an instance of a class of phenomena that provides an analytical frame — an object — within which the study is conducted and which the case illuminates and explicates." Another suggestion is that case study should be defined as a research strategy, an empirical inquiry that investigates a phenomenon within its real-life context. Case study research can mean single and multiple case studies, can include quantitative evidence, relies on multiple sources of evidence, and benefits from the prior development of theoretical propositions. Case studies should not be confused with qualitative research and they can be based on any mix of quantitative...
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...Title: Application of Cognitive Continuum theory to decision making by nurse managers Student Name: Institutional Affiliation: 10th October, 2014 Introduction Decision making may in this case be expressed as a route of selecting an alternative that is more likely to facilitate the achievement of organizational or individual goals (Bjork & Hamilton, 2011). The nursing practice has moved towards full evidence-based implementation of care which as a result enhanced the call for proper creation of decision within nursing. However, numerous nursing theories have been developed to support increased rational analysis and decision making in the nursing practice. The theory of cognitive continuum is in this case a vivid middle-range theory developed Hammond. The theory basically shows how judgment situations are linked to cognition. Additionally, six of the decision making modes which are based on the cognition and judgment, are described in the theory (Custers, 2013). The cognitive continue part of the theory shifts from suspicion to examination whereas the judgment varies from worse-planned to well-planned (Dhami & Thomson, 2012). Indeed, this study seeks to launch how the theory of cognitive continuum strategy may be useful in helping nurse managers make critical decisions. The paper includes the following sections: statement of the nurse manager decision making issue; and description of how the theory of cognitive continuum theory may be employed to determine the issue,...
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...Abstract Tourism research has evolved from the time when studies on tourism were based in other disciplines to become an academic research field of its own. Tourism critical theory is the pinnacle of that development. Today research in tourism is done using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. If the research is designed to prove a theory it takes the deductive strategy while on the other hand inductive strategy is used to generate theory. The developments are not only in the approaches and strategies but ar also found in the data collection tools and analysis techniques used to collect and interpret data. The study ended by concluding that there is no bad or wrong methodologies, each of the two methodologies studied has advantages and disadvantages, the choice of which methodology to use depends on the researchers views, assumptions as well as the study question. Introduction This study’s aim to discuss the concept of critical tourism theory as well as identifying and evaluating the different research methodologies used in tourism research. The study is divided into two main sections. The first section discusses critical and critical tourism theory tracing the development in tourism research over the years. The second section is based the research methodologies starting from the philosophies or assumption (positivism and interpretivism) that influence the choice of methodology used in any study. The section is further subdivided into two subsections (qualitative...
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...January 13, 2014. Individual assignment. This assignment is partly based on the attached article published in The Australian on April 26, 2012 entitled “Poor bear brunt of ‘nanny taxes’” by Adam Creighton and a paper written by Sam Oldfield on August 7, 2013, “Cigarette Tax Hike Defies Economic Logic.” Please read the articles carefully before attempting the questions. You will be required to demonstrate your understanding of economic concepts taught in the unit and relate them to the cases in the articles. This assignment is designed to encourage you to think about the applications of economic concepts learned in this unit to real world scenarios. Based on the attached Rubric, your assignment will be graded on your use of appropriate economic theory and concepts, clarity of exposition and overall quality of your answers. Your answers should follow “Guide to assignment writing and referencing”, available at this link: http://www.deakin.edu.au/currentstudents/assets/resources/study-support/study-skills/assignref.pdf. Answer all questions. Limit the total word count of your assignment to less than 3,000 words. Depth is encouraged over breadth: that is, it is more important that you demonstrate you understand a concept fully, rather than talk about 3 related concepts only cursorily. You are encouraged to use diagrams/examples in your answers when appropriate. 40 marks. Allocation as indicated next to the question. Your score on this assignment contributes towards 40% of your final...
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...assumptions about what constitutes 'valid' research and which research method(s) is/are appropriate for the development of knowledge in a given study. In order to conduct and evaluate any research, it is therefore important to know what these assumptions are. This chapter discusses the philosophical assumptions and also the design strategies underpinning this research study. Common philosophical assumptions were reviewed and presented; the interpretive paradigm was identified for the framework of the study. In addition, the chapter discusses the research methodologies, and design used in the study including strategies, instruments, and data collection and analysis methods, while explaining the stages and processes involved in the study. The research design for this study is a descriptive and interpretive case study that is analysed through qualitative methods. Questionnaires were used to evaluate participants’ WebCT skills (before the course starts) and to determine their levels of satisfaction in the course (at the end of the case study). A descriptive statistical method was used to analyze the student satisfaction survey. Participant observation, face-to-face interviews, focus-group interviews, questionnaires, and member checking were used as data collection methods. Furthermore, the justification for each of the data collection methods used in the study was discussed. Finally, in order to ensure trustworthiness of the research, appropriate criteria for qualitative research were discussed...
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...CMM 801: Journalism and Communication Theory Academic Essay Writing An essay is best approached as an intellectual argument that develops from the ideas, issues, theories, concepts, methodologies, etc., you have been taught within the module for which it is the final assessment. It is most important therefore – even as you begin and then progress through the module – that you are clear about the fundamental perspectives, values and assumptions underpinning the course’s main themes and topics as they are being presented to you in lectures and seminars. Remember no theory or perspective has the whole picture. All accounts of the world are partial and biased from a particular understanding of how we are human and what society is. Such-and-such a view is only the case under certain conditions. A prime purpose for an essay is to critique particular ideas, pointing out how explanation A might be more useful and valid than B in these circumstances. In the conclusion of your essay, on the other hand, you might want to point out that in other contexts (social, cultural, eras, etc.) there may be other factors that need to be considered. Do these limit or question the weight of claims you have made in the development of your current argument? Key questions before you embark on writing your essay • Have you identified clearly the key issue the essay question wants scrutinised? • Have you checked the command word in the question – e.g. explain means give details about why...
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...University of Wollongong Research Online Faculty of Business - Accounting & Finance Working Papers 2006 Faculty of Business The Critique of Accounting Theory M. Gaffikin University of Wollongong, gaffikin@uow.edu.au Publication Details This working paper was originally published as Gaffikin, M, The Critique of Accounting Theory, Accounting & Finance Working Paper 06/25, School of Accounting & Finance, University of Wollongong, 2006. Research Online is the open access institutional repository for the University of Wollongong. For further information contact the UOW Library: research-pubs@uow.edu.au 06/25 University of Wollongong School of Accounting & Finance The Critique of Accounting Theory Working Papers Series Michael Gaffikin School of Accounting & Finance University of Wollongong Wollongong NSW 2522 Australia Tel +61 (2) 4221 3718 Fax +61 (2) 4221 4297 eMail george@uow.edu.au www.uow.edu.au/commerce/accy/ The Critique of Accounting Theory Michael Gaffikin* School of Accounting and Finance, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522 In previous papers (Gaffikin 2005a, 2005b, 2005c, 2006) the discussion has examined accounting as a science, with attempts to employ a scientific methodology; as a purely technical expression of economic theory, heavily dominated by research in finance; and as part of “law”, albeit law (regulation) heavily influenced by dominant economic and political ideology. That discussion revealed that all these perspectives...
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...Table of Contents Introduction…………………….………………………………………………………………….3 Review of literature………... …………………………………………………………………….3 Framework...............................................................................................................................…... 6 Hypothesis…….. …….……….………………………………………………………………….. 6 Research questions……. …….……………………………………………………………….…...6 Methods…………………….…………………………………………………………………..…4 Design …………………………………..………………………………………………….7 Intervention ……………..……………………………..………………………………….. 7 Sample/Setting …………………….…………………………..……………………………7 Power analysis …………………………………..…………….……………………………8 Instrumentation ...............................................................................................................…...8 Data collection ……………………………………..………….……………………………8 Statistics and data analysis …………………………………………………………….…...9 Expected results …………………………………………………………………………………..9 References cited………………………………………………………………………………….10 Appendix A………………………………………………………………………………………13 Appendix B………………………………………………………………………………………14 Appendix C………………………………………………………………………………………15 Appendix D………………………………………………………………………………………16 Ventilator associated pneumonia and chlorhexidine use in the traumatic brain injured patient Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP), is defined as, a nosocomial pneumonia that develops more than 48 hours following endotrachial intubation and mechanical...
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...MKTG303 Marketing Strategy Analysis and Decisions Assessment Guide Session 1, 2015 Department of Marketing and Management ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW Assessment 1 (A1) Case Study: Individual Assessment (30%) The case facilitates the discussion of marketing problems in real situations. Each student is to individually conduct a case study analysis during the semester. You should read these cases carefully and come to class prepared to provide constructive input as the class works together to address the issues of the case. 1. Practice Cases (Not assessable but required for class discussion) There will be two practice case studies to be prepared before the relevant class and discussed during class. Participation in these cases is important and will greatly assist you in understanding how to prepare the three assessable cases. Practice Case 1: Discussion Week 2- Seminar 4 - Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc: Energy Beverages– Kerin & Peterson page 105. Case Questions: 1. How would you characterise the energy beverage category, competitors, consumers, channels, and DPSG’s category participation in late 2007? 2. Does your characterisation bode well for a new energy beverage brand introduction generally and for Dr Pepper Snapple Group, in particular? 3. What target consumer market should be chosen for a new energy beverage brand? 4. What product should be introduced and how should it be positioned/differentiated? 5. Through which channel(s) should a new energy beverage brand...
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...Alternative theories of methodology are far more useful for gaining an understanding of society today than those used by positivists and interpretivists. To what extent do sociological arguments support this view of social research (33 Marks?) Positivism is a philosophy of science and a theory of methodology which suggests that social behaviour should be researched according to the principles of natural science, whereas interpretivism is an alternative to the positivist scientific tradition, interpretivists argue society cannot be studied in the same way as objects in natural interactions. However alternative theories of methodologies e.g.: Realism, Feminism, social constructionism and methodological cosmopolitanism are said to be better useful ways for gaining an understanding of society today then positivists and interpretivists. Positivism is a philosophy of science and a theory of methodology which suggests that social behaviour should be researched according to the principles of natural science. For example Comte a positivists who first used the word ‘sociology’, argued that sociology should be based on the methodology of the natural sciences. As this would result in positive science society and would reveal invariable laws and could use the research to control and improve society. Positivists assumptions on the subject matter is that people are the subjects of social forces beyond their control, for example Durkheim (1874) tried to establish sociology as a distinct...
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