The educational scorecard: The Start of our Journey

Against a backdrop of public sector cuts, increasing university fees and high youth unemployment, we are facing challenges in Higher Education to demonstrate the value of our courses. Assessing the value of learning, however, is not straight forward. This paper reports on a study of evaluation processes on a post-graduate, professionally accredited diploma delivered at a selection of post 1992 universities. The driver for the study was a concern that current evaluation processes do not fully demonstrate the value of the course nor take into account the needs of multiple stakeholders. The project included benchmarking University evaluation processes and conducting a dialogue with stakeholders. The study adopted a qualitative management research approach, involving: a review of current practice, comparison with a sample of equivalent courses, and consultation (in the form of focus groups and semi-structured interviews) with a sample of students and employers. The paper discusses findings and proposes recommendations for future evaluation procedures in the design of an ‘educational scorecard’ for the course. Kaplan and Norton’s ‘balanced scorecard (1996) concept was adapted to provide a mechanism to represent and balance the needs of different stakeholder groups in the education process. We argue that we cannot truly assess accountability and comparability without engaging a range of stakeholders, not only in soliciting their views on the outcome of the learning but also in the design and implementation of evaluation processes. The ‘educational scorecard’ presented in this paper is developed specifically for the post-graduate diploma in Human Resource Management (PDHRM) at Leeds Metropolitan University and the report concludes with some initial reflections on the benefits of adopting the scorecard methodology The proposed model is flexible and may be adapted for other HE institutions and courses

Theta Graph Designs

We solve the design spectrum problem for all theta graphs with 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 edges

An Air Mission Planning Algorithm for a Theater Level Combat Model

This thesis describes the development of an air mission planning algorithm for the Joint Staffs Future Theater Level Model FTLM. The overall problem scope was to develop an algorithm to handle major factors bearing on the combat mission planning problem while providing hook-ups for the FTLM architecture. Other aspects of the problem included finding the appropriate level of detail, developing a fast solving technique, and attempting to use existing data. The problem was handled by using some ideas from existing aircraft allocation algorithms and by adding some new techniques. The proposed air mission planning algorithm supplies the optimum degree of force for campaign objectives by using a linear program LP to allocate the optimum number and type of aircraft and munitions against each target. The LP takes advantage of the force multiplying effects of mass and mutual support through its use of strike packages with SEAD and air-to-air escort. Additionally, a decision tree algorithm determines the best plan in light of the uncertainties of weather and weather forecasts. This air mission planning-algorithm omits many of the details in the actual aircraft tasking process, but provides fast, nearly optimal solutions which should approximate real world tasking results

When Music Row Becomes Wall Street: Creators\u27 Interests in Copyright Transactions

This Essay will integrate current events as well as recent and ongoing litigation to emphasize the everchanging landscape of copyright transactions and creators’ rights as a whole. It will specifically explore this problem by first discussing some of the more recently involved parties in these copyright transactions: private equity funds. Next, it will discuss some of the opportunities and implications for creators in these transactions, including several high-profile examples of recent transactions in both publishing and recordings. Then, the potential solutions for creators in the spheres of both statutory policy and business dealings will be explored. While discussing potential solutions, this Essay will spotlight some of the emerging issues surrounding categorizing “works made for hire” and “joint works” before examining termination rights and shorter assignment periods. Before concluding, this Essay will then consider some potential regulations for private equity funds. This Essay will finish by introducing contractual changes that could specifically allow record labels and creators to contract around the current copyright provisions for creators to retain their masters or attain better re-recording clauses

The Value of an HR Professional Group for Organizational Learning

This paper reports on the value of the HR Professional Group at NHS Digital. A partnership between an academic researcher and an HR practitioner was adopted to bring together organizational knowledge with extant research. The study examined the lived experiences of members of the HR Professional Group in relation to social learning activities. Thirteen interviews were conducted with members of the HR Professional Group. A thematic analysis was undertaken on the resultant narratives. Three key themes emerged from the analysis. These were: strategic direction and ownership; professional identity and knowledge sharing; reflection and transfer of learning. The findings suggest professional groups offer a means of developing an expert learning community through the integration of research, practice, reflection, and knowledge sharing. By offering development beyond current job roles it contributes to talent development within the organization. Drawing on the findings, a model is proposed for professional groups which offers both development for the existing groups at NHS Digital and a template for HRD practitioners wishing to develop professional learning communities in their organizations. The proposed outcomes relate both to action for the organization and a contribution to knowledge in this field

Role of hydrogen in hydrogen-induced layer exfoliation of germanium

The role of hydrogen in the exfoliation of Ge is studied using cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and multiple-internal transmission mode Fourier-transform infrared absorption spectroscopy and compared with the mechanism in silicon. A qualitative model for the physical and chemical action of hydrogen in the exfoliation of these materials is presented, in which H-implantation creates damage states that store hydrogen and create nucleation sites for the formation of micro-cracks. These micro-cracks are chemically stabilized by hydrogen passivation, and upon annealing serve as collection points for molecular hydrogen. Upon further heating, the molecular hydrogen trapped in these cracks exerts pressure on the internal surfaces causing the cracks to extend and coalesce. When this process occurs in the presence of a handle substrate that provides rigidity to the thin film, the coalescence of these cracks leads to cooperative thin film exfoliation. In addition to clarifying the mechanism of H-induced exfoliation of single-crystal thin Ge films, the vibrational study helps to identify the states of hydrogen in heavily damaged Ge. Such information has practical importance for the optimization of H-induced layer transfer as a technological tool for materials integration with these materials systems

(0,1)-Matrices with No Half–Half Submatrix of Ones

AbstractWe consider the minimum number of zeroes in a 2m× 2n(0,1)-matrixMthat contains nom×nsubmatrix of ones. We show that this number, denoted byf(m,n), is at least 2n+m+ 1 form≤n. We determine exactly when this bound is sharp and determine the extremal matrices in these cases. For anym, the bound is sharp forn=mand for all but finitely manyn>m. A general upper bound due to Gentry,f(m,n) ≤ 2m+ 2n−gcd(m,n) + 1, is also derived. Our problem is a special case of the well-known Zarankiewicz problem

Space shuttle sortie payload crew safety and systems compatibility criteria. Volume 2: Crew safety design and verification criteria

For abstract, see N75-13438