Systems thinking and practice for action research

This chapter offers some grounding in systems thinking and practice for doing action research. There are different traditions within systems thinking and practice which, if appreciated, can become part of the repertoire for practice by action researchers. After exploring some of these lineages the differences between systemic and systematic thinking and practice are elucidated – these are the two adjectives that come from the word 'system', but they describe quite different understandings and practices. These differences are associated with epistemological awareness and distinguishing systemic action research from action research. Finally, some advantages for action research practice from engaging with systems thinking and practice are discussed

Commentary on Family-Directed Structural Therapy: Ten Years of Building on Family Strengths

This is an original and ground-breaking article because the authors have operationalized important concepts in family-centered thinking and practice, developed assessment tools that can be used for testing the validity of these concepts and then collected data from control and treatment groups of families in four very different service areas. Nevertheless, the use of \u27structural family therapy\u27 in the title and design of instruments without grounding this research in the non-linear systems assumptions that are the hallmark of the literature on structural family therapy, obscures some of the theoretical and practice problems that are faced in family treatment today

Business Intelligence Approach In A Business Performance Context

Subordinated to performance management, Business Intelligence approaches help firms to optimize business performance. Key performance indicators will be added to the multidimensional model grounding the performance perspectives. With respect to the Business Intelligence value chain, a theoretical approach was introduced and a practice example, based on Microsoft SQL Server specific services, for the customer perspective was implemented.business intelligence, performance management, key performance indicators

Are you down to earth?

The practice of grounding, or “earthing” has been gaining popularity in the last few decades as a holistic approach to prevention and treatment in broad scopes of practice. The exercise reflects the early human experience of frequent and direct contact with the earth’s surface. The current, limited available data perceives and theorizes health improvements including decreased inflammation, enhanced perfusion, sleep restoration, lowered blood pressure, enhanced muscle recovery, and decreased cortisol levels. When implementing any new health practice into one’s routine, it is crucial to be well informed. This review can help individuals better ascertain if grounding could improve their health and provide practical methods to begin the practice

Boundary element formulation for the analysis of transferred potentials in electrical installations

[Abstract] In this work we present a BEM numerical formulation for the analysis of a common problem in electrical engineering practice, that is, the existence of transferred earth potentials in a grounding installation [IEEE Guide for safety in AC substation grounding (2000)]. The transfer of potentials between the grounding area to outside points by buried conductors, such as communication or signal circuits, neutral wires, pipes, rails, or metallic fences, may produce serious safety problems [Comput Methods Appl Mech Eng, 174 (1999) p. 73]. Thus, in this paper we summarize the BE numerical approach and we present a new technique for the transferred potential analysis. Finally, we show some examples by using the geometry of real grounding systems.Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología; DPI2001-055

Working with Memory in the Archaeology of Modern Conflict

The aim of this article is to situate archaeological approaches to modern conflicts within a framework of conflict memory and commemoration. A critical appreciation of historical archaeology as a commemorative practice requires a firm grounding in memory theory, specifically the formation and contestation of memory narratives. This article offers a detailed analysis of the relevant theories and demonstrates their applicability in the contested archaeology of the Nazi era in Berlin. On the basis of this critique I argue that archaeological work on contested sites offers a unique and powerful forum for socially engaged interdisciplinary research

The evolution of experiential learning: Tracing lines of research in the JEE

This essay introduces a collection of past articles from the Journal of Experiential Education (JEE) focused on the concept of experiential learning. It outlines the historical trajectory of the concept beginning with human relations training practices beginning in 1946, as it came to be understood as a naturally occurring psychological process and a grounding for pedagogical reforms. The eight articles included in the issue reflect the way JEE authors have contended with problems arising from the concept’s departure from its origins in practice. We suggest that experiential learning’s evolution into a general theory was accomplished by decoupling it from its roots in a particular social practice and ideology, and then focusing on the concept’s technical problems. It is now important for researchers to revisit assumptions underpinning current theory and practice, situate research on experiential learning in wider practical and scholarly traditions, and develop new vocabularies concerning the relationship between experience and learning in educational programs