Dissertations and databases: The historian as software engineer

This article argues that historians have always been closer to programmers than has perhaps been recognized, and that historical software projects undertaken within the framework of the traditional third‐year dissertation are useful training not just for the potential historian, but also for the potential software engineer

A comparative case study of appreciative inquiries in one organization: implications for practice

Eight different sites in a large, Canadian urban school district engaged in an appreciative inquiry into “what do we know about learning”. Data collected over the following year indicate that four of the sites experienced transformational changes, two sites had incremental changes and two showed little or no change. This paper describes the AI intervention in detail and then explores differences in each site that may explain differences in level of change. The level of positive affect and ratings of success of the AI Summits at each site showed no meaningful relationship to change outcomes. Level of change did appear to be related to how generative the inquiries were, how well the Discovery phase was managed and the quality of Design statements that came out of the summits. Other factors exogenous to the design of the AI also appeared to play a role. These included relations between teachers and principals, credibility of local change agents, passionate and engaged leadership, and linkage to pre-existing, shared concerns. Recommendations for AI practice are given.Appreciative Inquiry Summit; Collective Dream; Transformation; Case Study

Craft globally, Blame locally: How Global Neo-Liberal Development Cartographies Obfuscate Social injustices Against the Poor in Sub-Saharan Africa

For over two decades now, Sub-Saharan Africa has been superimposed in a coercive and contradictory neo-liberal development economism agenda. According to this paradigm, markets and not states are the fundamental determinants of distributive justice and human flourishing through the promotion of economic growth that is believed to trickle down to the poor in due time. Despite the global intellectual criticism of this neo-liberal development economics orthodox of measuring development and wellbeing in terms of market induced economic growth, autocratic states in Sub-Saharan Africa that have accumulated un-dimensional growth continue to be applauded as role models on poverty reduction, wellbeing and social justice by donors and global development institutions such as the World Bank and international monetary fund (IMF). This is basically because they have wholly embraced the implementation of the anti-pro-poor neo-liberal structural adjustment tool kit. This study uses a critical hermeneutics methodology to expose the distortions embedded in neo-liberal gross domestic product (GDP) growth cartographies and how these disguise the social injustices against the poor in Sub- Saharan Africa with particular reference to Uganda. The study contends that in measuring development and wellbeing, human rights and social justice must take precedence over economic efficiency and GDP growth for that matter

Effects of the use of electronic human resource management (E-HRM) within human resource management (HRM) functions at universities

Objective This study set out to examine the effect of e-hrm systems in assisting human resource practitioners to execute their duties and responsibilities. Prior In comparison to developed economies of the world, information technology adoption in sub-Saharan Africa has not been without certain glitches. Some of the factors that are responsible for these include poor need identification, sustainable funding, and insufficient skills. Besides these factors, there is also the issue of change management and users sticking to what they already know. Although, the above factors seem negative, there is strong evidence that information systems such as electronic human resource management present benefits to an organization. Approach To achieve this, a dual research approach was utilized. Literature assisted immensely in both the development of the conceptual framework upon which the study hinged as well as in the development of the questionnaire items. The study also made use of an interview checklist to guide the participants. Results/implications The findings reveal a mix of responses that indicate that while there are gains in adopting ehrm systems, it is wiser to consider supporting resources as well as articulate the needs of the university better before any investment is made

Defendant\u27s Exhibit 072: Sam Sheppard Bay View Hospital Records

Sam Sheppard\u27s medical records from Bay View Hospital after murder. Describes Sam Sheppard\u27s injuries and pain from thehttps://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/defendant_exhibits_2000/1005/thumbnail.jp

An Ecological Study of the Distribution of Animals on Mt. LeConte and Along LeConte Creek

In this discussion we have tried to show the ecological distribution of the animals of Mount LeConte and along LeConte Creek, by first giving a brief description of the Great Smoky Mountains in general, its vegetation, and a number of animals that are known to be present in their various habitats. A more detailed description of LeConte Creek has been attempted, and the area has been zoned according to the kind of vegetation that appears to be dominant. A detailed discussion of the methods and technique are given to enable the reader to surmise the immensity of the problem attacked. The animals peculiar to the various zones have been discussed briefly. The animal dominant in the Balsam Zone seems to be the Red-gilled salamander, Plethodon jordani; that of the Birch Zone, a snail, the species not determined; that of the Transitional Zone, a large semi-aquatic drab-colored salamander, Desmognathus sp.; and that of the Chestnut Zone, snails, most of which are of the genus Helix. As a whole, the animals of LeConte are scarce compared to those of the lower altitudes, but in general a great number exist in their various habitats

Socioeconomic Implications of Examination Fraud and Assessment Irregularities in South Africa’s Higher Education Sector: A Futuristic View

This paper, based on scholarly as well as documentary evidence, intends to highlight thesocioeconomic implications of fraud and assessment irregularities in South Africa’s higher education. Highereducation institutions serve nation building purposes and as such it is expected that what they produceshould be of high standard in order to further this purpose. Lately, owing to the rise in assessmentmalpractices across South African institutions of higher learning, calls have been made by business andsociety for ways to deal with this. This paper asks a few questions related to what constitutes fraud andassessment irregularities and the sources of these. The paper also points out what these portend for highereducation in South Africa while at the same suggesting some recommendations. This paper contributes to theliterature on the growing concerns of educators and researchers regarding high levels of examinationmalpractice and assessment irregularities within higher education sector globally, but in particular SouthAfrica

Used Bookstore as a Vehicle for Improved Learning and Development: The Case of a South African Tertiary Institution

In South Africa, the capability of tertiary institutions to provide the best possible education to its students is hindered by financial difficulties. Determining how to make a place of learning more accessible takes decent consideration for the needs and wants of students as well as management. Most South African tertiary institutions have large numbers of students who are faced with challenges of learning. A major challenge that this study highlights is that of the short supply of and access to both prescribed and recommended textbooks. Short supply refers to the library not acquiring enough support texts that go round, while access refers to the lack of funds by the student to own a prescribed or recommended text book. The study sample was derived from the business faculty of a South African university of technology. In order to get a representative sample, 300 business students were randomly chosen. Out of this number, only 157 usable questionnaires were returned. The results indicated, amongst others, that the majority of the participants come from less fortunate backgrounds and as a result sought support from several sources for their studies. This is a strong indication that given the cheaper cost of textbooks, these students will favor a secondhand book store. This study explored the possible contribution to teaching, learning and academic development by a used book store. The findings indicated that a used bookstore would provide enormous support to student learning and development. This paper’s significance stems from its originality given that it is the first time that attention is paid to this serious issue of teaching and learning challenges in this regard

Whistle-blown into nothingness: The Boeing Story

Its a Book review. Check out full PDF instea

Leadership Effectiveness, Truth Commissions and Democratization in Africa

This paper explores the significance of transformational and political leadership in strengthening the capacities of truth commissions as effective mechanisms for democratization in transitional polities. First, the paper sets out to trace some of the conflicting goals and political compromises that attend to the establishment of truth commissions in Africa as well as lack of political will on the part of political leadership. The paper then identifies and discusses major problems that confront the institutionalization of truth commissions as veritable instruments of post-conflict transformation and democratic consolidation in the continent. Drawing insights from South Africa, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria, the paper argues that national reconciliation processes in Africa are characterized by a paradigm shift from the primary concern of leadership choices to those of justice, truth-seeking, granting of amnesty and forgiveness. In conclusion, the paper stresses the role of transformative leadership as crucial to enhancing the capacities of truth commissions in consolidating democracy in post-conflict states