The use and effectiveness of the eLib subject gateways: a preliminary investigation

Internet subject gateways were set up under the Electronic Libraries Programme (eLib) in order to address some of the problems of searching the Internet which have been identified by information professionals, i.e. locating relevant, good quality information. This preliminary study examines the extent to which academics in two universities use three eLib subject gateways (EEVL, OMNI and SOSIG). The results are generally encouraging for the eLib programme, but it is necessary for the gateways to be more effectively promoted. The study also found that academics do not have the same misgivings about the general search engines as the information professionals and seem to use them more readily than the gateways

Self-Organizing Networks in Complex Infrastructure Projects

While significant importance is given to establishing formal organizational and contractual hierarchies, existing project management techniques neglect the management of self-organizing networks in large-infrastructure projects. We offer a case-specific illustration of self-organization using network theory as an investigative lens. The findings have shown that these networks exhibit a high degree of sparseness, short path lengths, and clustering in dense “functional” communities around highly connected actors, thus demonstrating the small-world topology observed in diverse real-world self-organized networks. The study underlines the need for these non-contractual functions and roles to be identified and sponsored, allowing the self-organizing network the space and capacity to evolve

Socio-Economic Effects of the Tied Cottage System in British Agriculture: Farmers Survey, 1974

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.The aims of this study were to: identify the range of factors operating in the tied cottage system and the way these interact; to obtain first-hand information from farmers and farm workers about the satisfactory and unsatisfactory features of the system; to assess the value of the tied cottage in both socio-economic and narrowly economic terms.Main Topics:Attitudinal/Behavioural Questions The Tied Cottage: the stock of cottages on the farm; number, changes, occupiers, condition of stock, constraints imposed by law. Economics of cottage stock; income from rents and subsidies, outgoings for rates and maintenance, comparative and subjective capital value. Farmers were asked for their assessment of need for tied cottages and if they had any experience of legal or financial problems. The Farm: mix of enterprise, range and structure of jobs, management style (professionalism and education of farmers), organisation of labour (delegation, use of casual and part-time workers, involvement of farmer in farm work, dependence on key workers, conditions of employment provided), recruitment and retention of labour, involvement of farmer in community activities. Background Variables Age, sex, age finished full-time education, qualifications. Farm: type, location (rural/urban, high vs low housing pressure), size, tenure, crop acreage, number of livestock, miles to nearest shopping centre

Longitudinal Survey of Adoptive Parents, 2015-2017

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.The Longitudinal Survey of Adoptive Parents, 2015-2017 is one of the elements of the evaluation of the Adoption Support Fund (ASF) commissioned by the Department for Education. The ASF is an important initiative introduced in 2015 aimed at enabling adopted children and their families to access therapeutic support. The approach to the evaluation was a mixed methods, outcome and process evaluation. The aim of the survey was to learn about adoptive families’ experiences of using the Adoption Support Fund and to evaluate the impact of the therapeutic interventions that they have been able to access using the fund. During the application to the ASF parents were approached to complete the questionnaire. The baseline survey was open for 1 year. 7 months after the completion of the baseline survey parents were sent the follow-up survey to complete. A range of validated scales and other questions were used to measure child development, parent’s wellbeing and family functioning at baseline and at follow-up in order to investigate the level of need and change over time. The following scales and questions were used in the evaluation: the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire; the Brief Assessment Checklist; the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale; the Carer Questionnaire; questions about aggressive behaviour; questions providing background information about the child and the family. More information about this evaluation programme can be found on the Gov.uk Evaluation of the Adoption Support Fund webpage. Main Topics:The main topics covered by this study are child behaviour, development and wellbeing, family functioning, parental efficacy, and parent-child attachment, and parental wellbeing

Worker Participation in Management: a Survey of the Attitudes of British Rail Employees, 1970

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes of British Rail employees to various aspects of worker participation in management decision-making. In addition, current levels of participatory activity were assessed. The relationship between expressed needs, aspirations and reported behaviour in the area of worker participation was also examined.Main Topics:Attitudinal/Behavioural Questions Occupation: work conditions, routine/variety, nature of supervision, responsibility, time spent away/on own, overtime, bonus schemes, promotion prospects, job satisfaction, possibility for improvement, future plans. Opinions on: supervisors, representatives, unions and managers are investigated in detail. Indices of authority, responsibility, information seeking, perceived influence over job-related decisions, union activity, operating autonomy and power aspirations. Background Variables Age, sex, marital status, place of birth, household composition, age on leaving school. Occupation: grade, department, area station

An annotated bibliography of policy relevant research into the elderly

SIGLELD:4520.88(IOR--905) / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

A contingency approach to multi-national research

SIGLEUuStB Koeln(38)-861100545 / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB - Technische InformationsbibliothekDEGerman