Generic & specific IT training: a process protocol model for construction

This paper considers the generic processes involved in structuring an information technology (IT) training strategy to meet a construction organization's business strategy. It identifies and discusses how generic and specific IT training needs can be affected by the availability and priority of resources, type of organizational infrastructure, degree of management commitment, and prevailing level of culture. It goes on to discuss the principles of the capability maturity model (CMM), developed at Carnegie Mellon University, and the concepts of the process protocol (PP), developed by Salford University. It builds upon these approaches to analyse the key sequential stages and links needed to satisfy (or close) the 'performance gap' between the business strategy and the IT training strategy. An IT training model is presented the remit of which can help managers assess the impact of IT training on their organization's business strategy

A process-driven IT training model for construction: core development issues

Information technology (IT) has often been cited as being able to create competitive advantage. However, the degree of leverage is often dependent upon several factors, not least the type and level of IT training provided, resources available, management commitment, and prevailing level of corporate culture. This paper introduces the generic processes involved in developing an IT training framework in order to support and deliver the business strategy, and presents findings in the form of a generic IT training model. This model identifies the sequential stages needed to commission and deploy IT training in a construction environment in the form of an implementation roadmap. This model was developped with two leading UK construction organizations. Findings have identified that seven core process phases should be considered before committing resources to training. Recommendations include identifying the core business benefits and matching these to the training outcomes, albeit cognisant of barriers such as lack of empowerment, organizational culture, resource limitations, and so on

Knowledge-based learning environments for construction

Developments in information technology have revolutionised the delivery of online learning to such an extent that interoperability, scalability, adaptability and mass-customisation are now becoming practical solutions for pan global delivery. However, whilst advocates of virtual learning environments, and advanced learning management systems often extol the virtues of e-learning per se, they often fail to articulate the limitations of such systems, especially concerning the 'personalisation' of the learning process and incompatibility with pedagogic needs. This paper presents an analysis of previous research in the field of knowledge based learning environments using the context of construction as an exemplar. A conceptual framework for developing a fully-customisable knowledge-based learning environment is proposed which uses knowledge objects linked to an object oriented database, the concept of which embraces interoperability, intelligent tutoring, shareability (learning content), and an intelligent interface to manage advanced learning object metadata

Intention and Negligence as Elements of Illegality : A Study of the 'personale Unrechtsauffassung'

textabstractBackground: Gastrointestinal endoscopy plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal disorders. When endoscopy is indicated during pregnancy, concerns about the effects on pregnancy outcome often arise. The aim of this study was to assess whether lower gastrointestinal endoscopies (LGEs) across all three trimesters of pregnancy affects pregnancy outcomes. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using Embase (including MEDLINE), Medline OvidSP, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web-of-Science, Google scholar and Pubmed. All original research articles from 1990 until May 2014 involving pregnant women who underwent LGE for any indication were included. Adverse pregnancy events like spontaneous abortion, preterm birth and fetal demise were assessed for a temporal and etiological relation with the LGE. Results: In total, 5514 references were screened by two independent reviewers. Eighty-two references met the inclusion criteria and were selected. Two retrospective, controlled studies, one uncontrolled study and 79 case reports were identified. In the three studies, birth outcomes did not differ between women undergoing LGE during pregnancy, compared to women that had an indication for LGE but in whom LGE was not performed because of pregnancy. In 79 case reports, 92 patients are described who underwent 100 LGE's during pregnancy. LGEs performed in all trimesters (n = 32, 39 and 29) were both temporally and etiologically related to 1, 3 and 2 adverse events, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the available literature, this review concludes that lower gastrointestinal endoscopy during pregnancy is of low risk for mother and child in all three trimesters of pregnancy