Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Grounded theory (Research methodology)'

The purpose of this three-essay dissertation was to expand knowledge and theory regarding soft systems methodologies (SSMs) and data visualization approaches in business, engineering, and other social sciences. The first essay depicts a bibliometric analysis study of the historic impacts of SSM from 1980-2018 on business, engineering, and other social sciences fields. This study found 285 articles that described or employed SSM for research and included outcomes such as top SSM authors, author citation impacts, common dissemination outlets, time-bound distribution of publications, and other relevant findings. This study provided a picture of who, what, why, when, and where SSM has had the greatest impact on academic thought and practice. The second essay presents research on the academic impact of Systemigrams, an associated data visualization approach, finding examples of conceptual or research development that employed Systemigrams to depict complex problem situations. Recommendations for improvement of designing these data visualizations to increase their field use resulted from this study. The final essay leverages a selection of the articles as use cases to produce a grounded theory study to identify phenomena that arose from the use of SSM for operations and firm strategy research. This study identified two broad themes including (i) scope, structure, and process challenges and (ii) performance and evaluation limitations. These themes were explained by six patterns that emerged from the publications. Each produced change recommendations for SSM process, practice, and reporting to support its continued viability and adoption in business and operations research.

Abstract : Since at least the 1980's, a growing number of companies have set up an ethics or a compliance program within their organization. However, in the field of study of business management, there is a paucity of research studies concerning these management systems. This observation warranted the present investigation of one company's compliance program. Compliance programs are set up so that individuals working within an organization observe the laws and regulations which pertain to their work. This study used a constructivist grounded theory methodology to examine the process by which a specific compliance program, that of Siemens Canada Limited, was implemented throughout its organization. In conformity with this methodology, instead of proceeding with the investigation in accordance to a particular theoretical framework, the study established a number of theoretical constructs used strictly as reference points. The study's research question was stated as: what are the characteristics of the process by which Siemens' compliance program integrated itself into the existing organizational structure and gained employee acceptance? Data consisted of documents produced by the company and of interviews done with twenty-four managers working for Siemens Canada Limited. The researcher used QSR-Nvivo computer assisted software to code transcripts and to help with analyzing interviews and documents. Triangulation was done by using a number of analysis techniques and by constantly comparing findings with extant theory. A descriptive model of the implementation process grounded in the experience of participants and in the contents of the documents emerged from the data. The process was called "Remolding"; remolding being the core category having emerged. This main process consisted of two sub-processes identified as "embedding" and "appraising." The investigation was able to provide a detailed account of the appraising process. It identified that employees appraised the compliance program according to three facets: the impact of the program on the employee's daily activities, the relationship employees have with the local compliance organization, and the relationship employees have with the corporate ethics identity. The study suggests that a company who is entertaining the idea of implementing a compliance program should consider all three facets. In particular, it suggests that any company interested in designing and implementing a compliance program should pay particular attention to its corporate ethics identity. This is because employee's acceptance of the program is influenced by their comparison of the company's ethics identity to their local ethics identity. Implications of the study suggest that personnel responsible for the development and organizational support of a compliance program should understand the appraisal process by which employees build their relationship with the program. The originality of this study is that it points emphatically that companies must pay special attention in developing a corporate ethics identify which is coherent, well documented and well explained.
Résumé : La présente recherche porte sur les systèmes de gestion connus sous l’appellation de « programme de conformité » et « programme d’éthique ». Plus particulièrement, elle étudie le processus par lequel un programme de conformité a été mis en place au sein d’une entreprise multinationale allemande œuvrant au Canada : Siemens Canada Limitée. Elle propose un modèle qui décrit le processus par lequel cette compagnie a implanté un programme de conformité au sein de son organisation. Dans le cadre de cette étude, un programme de conformité est conçu comme étant un système de gestion. Il s’agit donc d’un ensemble de processus, mis en place par une organisation, qui sont reliés ensemble et qui fonctionnent afin d’atteindre un même but. Dans le cas des programmes de conformité, ce but comporte deux volets : a) voir à ce que les individus travaillant au sein d’une organisation respectent les lois et règlements relatifs à leur travail, et b) énoncer un ensemble de normes d’ordre éthique et voir à ce qu’elles soient bien comprises au sein de l’organisation afin qu’elles puissent servir de guide lors de prises de décisions concernant des sujets possédant un enjeu d’ordre éthique. L’historique des programmes de conformité remonte, selon Head (1997), à la fin des années 1940. Initialement, les programmes tenaient surtout compte des lois antitrust et se développaient à mesure que de nouvelles dispositions légales étaient adoptées par les gouvernements. Toutefois, ils ont pris des caractéristiques plus contemporaines à partir des années 1980 suite à deux événements. Le premier était la mise en place d’un programme développé par un groupe réunissant de trente-deux entreprises réunies sous l’appellation de « Defense Industry Initiative on Business Ethics and Conduct » (DII). La justification de ce regroupement était de promouvoir un programme servant à convaincre le législateur qu’il était inopportun d’adopter de nouvelles réglementations puisque les compagnies avaient pris les mesures nécessaires afin d’assurer la conformité de leurs agissements avec les lois. La deuxième était l’introduction des « U.S. Federal Sentencing Guidelines » ; un ensemble de règles constituant une procédure uniforme servant à déterminer la peine à imposer aux organisations reconnues coupables d’un crime. Ces règles ont, en quelque sorte, incité les entreprises à adopter des programmes de conformité. Quant aux programmes d’éthique, leur historique remonte, selon Rasberry (2000) également aux deux mêmes développements mentionnés précédemment. Le premier département d’éthique au sein d’une entreprise aurait été mis sur pied vers 1985 par des compagnies du groupe DII. Les individus travaillant au sein de ces départements étaient désignés comme des « consultants en éthique ». La prolifération de ces départements a amené ces individus à fonder, en 1992, l’association connue à l’époque sous le nom de « Ethics Officer Association. » Les études portant sur les programmes de conformité ou les programmes d’éthique sont rares. Les quelques articles sur le sujet décrivent très peu leur fonctionnement ou comment ils ont réalisé leur mis en œuvre. Cette situation de disette documentaire s’explique par la réticence des compagnies à accueillir une étude de leur programme. Elles ne se sont pas à l’aise avec l’idée qu’un agent externe, sur qui elles n’ont aucun contrôle, effectue un examen de leurs opérations, surtout celles ayant un contenu délicat. Une exception à cette tendance générale est la compagnie Siemens qui a accepté de participer à la présente étude portant sur son programme de conformité. Le projet de recherche initialement proposé par le chercheur à Siemens visait à évaluer l’efficacité de leur programme de conformité. Toutefois, après examen de documents fournis par la compagnie, il s’est avéré qu’elle avait déjà effectuée une telle démarcher. Répéter cet exercice n’aurait servi qu’à infirmer ou corroborer les données qu’elle avait déjà en main. Au cours de discussions subséquentes avec le gestionnaire responsable de la conformité, ce dernier indiqua que la compagnie ne rencontrait aucun problème de gestion avec son programme. Sans problème managérial apparent, il indiqua qu’il serait tout de même intéressé à ce que le chercheur lui trouve quelque chose, une caractéristique ou une information, que la compagnie ignore à propos de son programme de conformité. Cet état de fait fut le point de départ de la présente recherche. Dans un premier temps, le chercheur proposa à la compagnie que la recherche porte sur le développement du programme de conformité. Toutefois, en cours de l’étude, le chercheur a dû modifier sa question de recherche en sa forme définitive et qui s’énonce comme suit : quelles sont les caractéristiques du processus par lequel le programme de conformité développé par Siemens a été intégré dans la structure organisationnelle existante et a gagné l’acceptation des employés ? Pour répondre à cette question, la présente étude a été menée selon une orientation constructiviste, utilisant la méthodologie de la théorisation enracinée. Elle a examiné le processus par lequel un programme de conformité spécifique, celui de Siemens Canada Limitée, a été mis en œuvre à travers l’ensemble de son organisation. En conformité avec les préceptes de cette méthodologie, elle ne fut pas menée en concordance avec un cadre théorique précis. Elle a plutôt procédé en tenant compte de certains construits théoriques qui ressortaient de la littérature dans le domaine de l’éthique et de l’éthique des affaires. Ces construits ont été utilisés strictement en tant que points de référence et non pas en tant que cadre théorique. Les données colligées au cours de l’étude provenaient de documents produits par l’entreprise et aussi des entrevues réalisées avec vingt-quatre gestionnaires travaillant pour Siemens Canada Limitée. Le chercheur a utilisé le logiciel QSR-Nvivo afin d’effectuer le codage des documents examinés ainsi que les transcriptions des entrevues. Le logiciel a également servi lors de l’analyse de l’ensemble des données. Quant à la triangulation, celle-ci a été effectuée en recourant à un certain nombre de techniques d’analyse et en comparant les découvertes (terme utilisé ici à la place de « résultats » afin de conserver le caractère qualitatif de l’étude) avec la théorie existante contenue dans la littérature académique. La description du processus de mise en œuvre du programme de conformité fournie par le chercheur ne provient pas d’un modèle préconçu provenant de la littérature traitant soit de l’éthique des affaires, soit des programmes de conformité. Le vocabulaire utilisé pour décrire le processus correspond soit à des mots utilisés par les individus participant à l’étude, ou des mots choisis par le chercheur qu’il estimait pouvaient résumer les idées exprimées par les participants. Ainsi, le modèle descriptif et le vocabulaire utilisé pour l’expliquer émergent de l’analyse des données. Le modèle descriptif du processus de mise en œuvre du programme de conformité émerge de l’expérience des participants et du contenu des informations trouvées dans les documents. Le vocable utilisé pour désigner ce processus est celui de « remoulage » et représente la catégorie de base qui a émergé des données. Ce processus principal est composé de deux sous processus : le premier désigné comme étant de l'« embedding » (incrustation) et le second désigné comme « appraisal » (appréciation). Le processus de remoulage intègre un nouvel élément structurel, le programme de conformité, dans la structure organisationnelle déjà existante. Toutefois, la particularité de ce processus est de parvenir à transformer la fibre constitutive de la structure organisationnelle sans modifier la structure en tant que telle. En quelque sorte, le « moule » initial est préservé, mais en le « remoulant », avec l'apport du programme de conformité, la compagnie se transforme. Étant donné qu'il s'agit d'un remoulage par le biais d'un programme de conformité, le résultat de tout cet effort doit se manifester, d'une part, par l'adoption, par les employés, de l'identité éthique promue par la compagnie et, d'autre part, par leur utilisation efficiente et constante des outils et des procédures rattachés au programme. Ce résultat à deux volets est atteint à la condition que les deux sous processus, soit ceux d'« embedding » et d'« appraising », parviennent à persuader les individus à être favorablement disposé à agir de façon concordante. Dans le cas de Siemens Canada Limitée, le processus de remoulage implique trois groupes distincts d'acteurs : le personnel corporatif mondial situé en Allemagne, le personnel canadien rattaché spécifiquement à la fonction de la conformité et, finalement, les employés à qui le programme a été présenté et qui doivent suivre les nouvelles procédures. Le personnel corporatif mondial et le personnel canadien à la conformité sont les maîtres du sous-processus d'« embedding ». Le groupe corporatif mondial est impliqué au développement du programme, à sa transmission aux entités régionales, et à la surveillance de son déploiement. Toutefois, les données recueillies au cours de cette étude ne permettent pas de fournir une description plus détaillée de leur travail. Le groupe du personnel canadien à la conformité devait voir à la diffusion du programme à l'échelle du Canada. Il devait fournir une formation aux employés et fournir une rétroaction au niveau corporatif quant aux résultats. Dans leur cas également, les données ne permettent pas une description plus détaillée de leur travail. Le troisième groupe d'acteurs, les employés, est principalement impliqué dans le sous-processus d'« appraising ». Ce groupe est composé de gestionnaires et de personnel non managérial qui ont reçu la formation sur la conformité et a eu à appliquer les nouvelles procédures. La présente étude fournit une description détaillée du sous-processus « appraising ». Elle indique que les employés développent une appréciation du programme de conformité en considérant trois facettes. La première est en lien avec l'impact des changements apportés par le programme sur le quotidien vécu par les employés. À ce niveau, les employés apprécient le programme de conformité selon qu'il facilite leur travail ou qu'il le rend plus fastidieux. La deuxième facette est en lien avec la relation établie entre employés et le personnel rattaché à la conformité. À cet égard, les employés apprécient le programme de conformité selon le degré de collaboration et de confiance établi avec le personnel de conformité. La troisième facette identifiée est en lien avec l'identité éthique corporative. L'étude a identifié qu'une des composantes du programme de conformité est l'identité éthique corporative. Celle-ci est contenue et transmise par divers outils : tels que le code d'éthique, la déclaration de la mission de l'entreprise, la déclaration de la vision de l'entreprise, et autres. Or, les employés développent également une appréciation de cette identité éthique corporative par rapport à un référent particulier : l'identité éthique locale. L'étude indique que cette appréciation se fait selon deux ensembles de qualités. Le modèle décrit dans cette étude suggère qu'une société qui envisagerait de mettre en œuvre son propre programme de conformité devrait tenir compte des trois facettes du sous-processus « appraising ». L'étude suggère notamment que toute entreprise qui songe à développer un programme de conformité doit avoir un souci particulier quant à l'identité éthique de l'entreprise. Ceci est attribuable au fait que l'employé va s'identifier au programme de conformité et va l'accepter pourvu qu'il juge que l'identité éthique de l'entreprise et l'identité éthique locale s'accordent. Les découvertes de la présente étude devraient intéresser tout le personnel chargé de l'élaboration et le soutien organisationnel d'un programme de conformité. Ce personnel doit comprendre qu'une mise en œuvre réussie d'un programme de conformité n'est pas seulement conditionnelle à une bonne planification et à une bonne exécution. Elle est aussi dépendante des trois facettes contenues dans le sous-processus « appraising », tout particulièrement l'identité éthique corporative.

This thesis examines pupils’ justice conceptions regarding educational assessment. Due to the context-dependency of norms and values as well as of assessment, the study compares the justice conceptions of pupils in two different’socio-educational’ contexts: Sweden and Germany. The main interest of the study is to understand and to reconstruct pupils’ own relevance structures and what just assessment means from a pupils’ point of view. Here, the study aims to reach beyond the level of mere description by providing theoretical conceptualisations of pupils’ justice conceptions regarding assessment. Thus, the study´s methodological foundation is characterised by a combination of a context-sensitive comparative approach on the one hand, and on the other hand a pragmatist Grounded Theory approach. Data were mainly generated through focus group interviews with pupils attending the last year of the lower secondary level in the Swedish comprehensive school as well as in different school types in the German school system. In total, the sample consists of 95 pupils, who were interviewed in 21 focus group interviews. In addition, other sources of data were included, such as regulations and guidelines that supported a context-sensitive analysis of pupils’ conceptions. The theoretical conceptualisation that explains pupils’ justice conceptions is ‘meta-assessment’. ‘Meta-assessment’ refers to pupils’ evaluation of the assessment they experience in terms of justice and represents the shared, abductively derived and overlying analytical category regarding pupils’ conceptions. Pupils’ ‘meta-assessment’ is based on normative justice conceptions as well as on justice conceptions that are related to pupils’ situation and context-bound experiences with assessment. The first ones are about the ethico-moral character of pupils’ justice conceptions. The second shed light on the contextual conditions and consequences of the logics and practices underlying educational assessment as experienced by pupils on an everyday basis. This implies that just assessment from a pupils’ perspective needs to be understood in its wider contextual embedment; and in relation to teaching and learning in order to understand the complex interrelations of what just assessment ‘is’, and ‘should be’ from the perspective of those, who are mainly affected by it.

This qualitative study was successful in utilization of grounded theory methodology to ascertain nurses' decision-making processes following their awareness of having made a medical error, as well as how and/or if they corrected and reported the error. Significant literature documents the existence of medical errors; however, this unique study interviewed thirty nurses from adult intensive care units seeking to discover through a detailed interview process their individual stories and experiences, which were then analyzed for common themes. Common themes led to the development of a theoretical model of thought processes regarding error reporting when nurses made an error. Within this theoretical model are multiple processes that outline a shared, time-orientated sequence of events nurses encounter before, during, and after an error. One common theme was the error occurred during a busy day when they had been doing something unfamiliar. Each nurse expressed personal anguish at the realization she had made an error, she sought to understand why the error happened and what corrective action was needed. Whether the error was reported on or told about depended on each unit's expectation and what needed to be done to protect the patient. If there was no perceived patient harm, errors were not reported. Even for reported errors, no one followed-up with the nurses in this study. Nurses were left on their own to reflect on what had happened and to consider what could be done to prevent error recurrence. The overall impact of the process of and the recovery from the error led to learning from the error that persisted throughout her nursing career. Findings from this study illuminate the unique viewpoint of licensed nurses' experiences with errors and have the potential to influence how the prevention of, notification about and resolution of errors are dealt with in the clinical setting. Further research is needed to answer multiple questions that will contribute to nursing knowledge about error reporting activities and the means to continue to improve error-reporting rates.

This chapter presents a grounded-theory-oriented analysis of central discussions of the ICMLV symposium which tries to clarify which tertia comparationis the participants referred upon. In total, nine implicitly and seven explicitly used T.C. are presented. An additional analysis yields that a meaning-oriented understanding of culture was in majority used throughout the symposium.

Research evidence highlights regular physical activity (PA) as an increasingly important factor in the prevention of a variety of chronic diseases. Consequently, encouraging people to make PA related lifestyle changes is an everyday challenge faced by health professionals in primary and secondary health care settings. Although a number of intervention strategies have been developed and implemented, research evidence presents only limited support for their efficacy. While short-term changes may be achievable using current intervention strategies, long-term change (i.e. maintenance) appears much more difficult to achieve. Although many public health interventions are developed without explicit reference to theory, evidence suggests that the explicit use of theory will significantly improve the chances of effectiveness (Nutbeam & Harris, 2004). As no existing theoretical models are specifically intended to account for PA behaviour change, a number of pre-existing theoretical frameworks have been adopted to explain PA participation. This thesis reviews the existing body of theoretical literature in exercise psychology alongside conducting a systematic review (Study 1) of interventions based on the Transtheoretical Model (TTM). As a result, the theoretical depth or explanatory quality of existing models and theories is called into question, when applied to a PA context and specific phenomena such as long-term PA behaviour change. After reflecting on the debate surrounding different epistemological viewpoints and theoretical perspectives, applications of an alternative theory generating research approach (the Grounded Theory Methodology: GTM) are explored and evaluated. As a result, in light of the considerable epistemological debate that surrounds GTM, study 2 of this thesis focuses explicitly on methodological issues within exercise psychology. A critical review of applications of GTM within exercise psychology is conducted. Results reveal that many existing studies.demonstrate a poor understanding of GTM and/or fail to present an adequate account of the research process. Ultimately the results of study 2 provide valuable implications for study 3 of this thesis, which adopts GTM to develop an ecologically valid explanatory model of long-term PA behaviour change. Twenty-one adult participants (9 male, 12 female), aged between 38 and 62 years, were recruited from a countywide PA referral scheme. All participants had made long-term, positive changes to their PA habits. Participants contributed to 25 in-depth interviews. All sampling and analytical procedures were dictated by the key tenets of GTM and a constructivist theoretical stance. To assist with the GTM process, the software package QSR-NVivo was used throughout. A grounded theory of longterm PA behaviour change is presented in the form of a multidimensional explanatory model. The model identifies a number of observed cognitive processes, which appear central to PA behaviour change and maintenance. The underlying mechanisms responsible for these are also highlighted. Results are discussed with specific emphasis on literature surrounding value theories, core beliefs and the introduction of prominent clinical psychology and psychotherapy approaches within exercise psychology. Finally, implications for theory development and applied practice are highlighted and directions for future research suggested.

This study combined the use of a single case experimental design with replications with the use of a grounded theory approach in a study of treatment-seeking problem gamblers. The sample for the single case experimental design was a case series of nine men meeting DSM IV criteria (APA 1994) for pathological gambling. They primarily gambled in off-course bookmakers and on slot machines, and had self-reported histories of problem gambling of between four and eighteen years duration. A cognitive behavioural approach to treatment based on that of Sharpe and Tarrier (1993) was utilised. This treatment incorporated motivational interviewing, self-monitoring, stimulus control, cognitive restructuring, cue exposure and relapse prevention. The approach was ineffective for a majority of the clients, with drop-out prior to completion of treatment the outcome for six of the clients. The three clients who completed treatment all achieved clinically significant changes in gambling behaviour. Proposed links between depressed mood and gambling behaviour, and anxiety and gambling behaviour were not supported. The grounded theory approach was in two parts. The first study investigated the reported gambling experiences of treatment-seeking men who met DSM IV criteria (APA 1994) for pathological gambling. Clinical materials and session transcripts from the treatment study formed the initial material. A further four interviews with informants selected for theoretical sampling reasons provided provisional verification of the grounded theory. The grounded theory identified gambling as emotion management as the core category. The use of gambling for this purpose interacted with the costs of gambling and the individual's experience and perception of control of gambling to determine behaviour in the context of gambling related triggers. The second grounded theory study involved an analysis of the reported experiences of seven regular but non-problematic gamblers for confirmatory purposes. Similarities and differences between the problem and non-problem gamblers were identified. Three aspects of the reported experiences of the gamblers appeared to differentiate problematic and nonproblematic experiences. These were the extensive use of gambling to manage negative emotions, beliefs regarding winning money back and perception of control. The study addressed both theoretical and treatment issues in problem gambling. The proposal that arousal is a major motivating variable in gambling was supported (Anderson and Brown 1984). The proposal that the use of gambling to moderate negative emotional states is a feature of problem gambling (Jacobs 1985; McConaghy 1988) was supported. The view that misperception of randomness is a feature of problem gambling was supported (Ladouceur and Walker 1996). The importance of self-efficacy in efforts at moderating gambling (Bandura 1977) was supported. Clear benefits were identified of combining a single case experimental design with a grounded theory approach. The use of a grounded theory approach with a deviant sample for confirmatory purposes was also beneficial.

This study explores the processes and conditions surrounding long-term care decision-making and care management after traumatic brain injury. Grounded theory methodology and methods were used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of 51 participants in New South Wales, Australia. A grounded theory of care management was developed through constant comparison of data and cases and identified a social problem, a core social process, strategies, conditions and consequences. The basic social problem was the need for ongoing care, a problem which the person with brain injury and others managed collectively. Together, they determined an appropriate care location or living situation, configuration of carers and level of care. This study provides a framework for understanding preferred ways of living with care after brain injury. Increased autonomy was a desired outcome. Living alone and spending time alone were associated with increased autonomy and increased risk. A series of strategies and processes are suggested that allow professionals and family carers to gradually increase risk, and share responsibility for risk management. The findings have implications for health professional and legal practice, education, research and policy.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

During 2013, approximately 87,000 parents in the U.S. experienced the death of a child to drug overdose, however we do not know how the experience affected the bereaved parents. From a theoretical perspective of social constructivism and symbolic interaction, this grounded theory study explored the grief experience of eight parents to understand the social influence on the grief experience and on the meaning ascribed to the child’s death. Data collection and analysis were consistent with constructivist grounded theory methodology that identified the assumptions and opinions that influenced how parents made meaning of the child’s death, and how they integrated the deceased child into their life in a way that fostered a new purpose. The emergent theory stated, “The ability of the bereaved to transform following the drug overdose death of their child was indicated by a process that brought meaning to the death in a way that honored the decedent and through the discovery of a purpose that ensured a continued and heartfelt relationship with the decedent prevailed.” Based on this theory, the resolution of grief benefited when the bereaved thought that they were making meaningful contributions, often accomplished by a transformed identity and a new purpose that promoted a decrease in the rate of drug overdose death and a reduction in the social stigma common to drug overdose death. Proposed solutions called for guidelines to assist physicians in the prescribing of opiates, promoted the availability of Naloxone to first responders and family members who could potentially save a life, and revisions to the Good Samaritan Law throughout the U.S. to encourage more individuals to call 911 for help in overdose situations. Recommendations for future research were included.

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore what the core domain of research means to consultant radiographers in clinical practice and to identify the key factors that facilitate or hinder research activity by this staff group. Design: Grounded theory research methodology was employed. There were three phases to the study: • Literature review. • Electronic questionnaires to all those in consultant radiographer posts as identified by the Society and College of Radiographers consultant radiographer network. • Twenty five consultant radiographers invited for telephone interview. Results: Results indicate there are variations across clinical specialties as to the amount and level of research undertaken by consultant radiographers. The principal barriers revealed were: lack of time; excessive clinical workload; lack of skills and confidence to undertake research; poor research culture; and lack of support. The main facilitators noted were: dedicated time, research training and up-skilling; mutually beneficial collaborations; managerial understanding of the research domain of the role; and research focussed on clinical demand. Conclusion: Research is one of the four core domains of consultant allied health professional and nursing roles but, as yet, it is not fully embedded into those of all consultant radiographers. Many consultant radiographers appear to spend more of their time on the ‘clinical expert’ element of their role at the expense of the research domain. This research identified factors, from the consultant radiographers’ perspective, that both support and hinder research and suggests that, with ‘an intelligent overview’, some of barriers could be overcome. This study concludes that there is an urgent need for consultant radiographers to understand why research is one of the four core domains and to recognise the need to embed research into their clinical practice.

The current research used grounded theory methodology (GTM) to construct a conceptualization of personal knowledge within a knowledge management (KM) perspective. The need for the current research was based on the use of just two categories of knowledge, explicit and tacit, within KM literature to explain diverse characteristics of personal knowledge. The construct of tacit knowledge has often been explicated and debated in KM literature. The debate over tacit knowledge arose from the complex epistemological roots of tacit knowing and the construct of tacit knowledge popularized by organizational knowledge creation theory. The ongoing debate over tacit knowledge in KM literature has shed little light on personal knowledge within a KM perspective. The current research set aside the debate over tacit knowledge and pursued the construct of personal knowledge from the perspective of the knower using GTM. Thirty-seven interviews were conducted with fourteen participants. Interviews were audio recorded and coding was accomplished with the qualitative data analysis software MAXQDA.

A total of eight categories were identified. These were organized into two groups. The core category being overwhelmed represented the absence of personal knowledge. The categories questioning self, seeking help, and microthinking fit under being overwhelmed. Together these categories were inverse indicators because they all decreased as knowledge acquisition progressed. The core category being confident represented the presence of personal knowledge. The categories remembering, multitasking, and speed fit under being overwhelmed. Together these categories were direct indicators because they all increased as knowledge acquisition progressed.

Three significant conclusions were drawn from the current research. These conclusions led to the conceptualization of personal knowledge from a KM perspective. The first significant conclusion was the conceptualization of a process of knowing as Integrated Complexity: From Overwhelmed to Confident (ICOC). The second significant conclusion was personal knowing as first-person epistemology is a universally lived experience that includes commitments to internal and external requirements as well as a bias toward integration. The third significant conclusion was personal knowledge can be viewed as a complex adaptive system. Finally, the current research concluded that personal knowledge within a KM perspective is a complex adaptive system maintained through acts of first-person epistemology.

This thesis is a philosophical and empirical investigation into the problems and possibilities of sharing education. Beginning with the question, 'What is it possible to share in education?' there is consideration of a number of major philosophical, political and sociological issues including: the role of religion in education, the appropriate level of state control of education, the rights of parents to choose and the rights of children to be autonomous. It is acknowledged that problems exist with common education in certain forms, but it is argued that there is a case for common education in liberal democracies that is not necessarily confined to common schools but which engenders sharing, dialogue, openness and criticality. Using the evolving situation of separate and shared education in Northern Ireland, a grounded theory approach is employed to understand the problems and possibilities for sharing in collaborative education projects involving schools of different ethos. As a result of this study a deeper understanding is achieved of the basic .social processes experienced by teachers involved in sharing education, especially in relation to how the aims of sharing are framed (through 'fitting', 'guarding', 'widening horizons' and 'avoiding') and how the activity of sharing is managed (through 'learning', 'leading', 'bridging' and 'struggling'.) This thesis concludes by arguing that, even in contexts where separate schooling is dominant, boundaries become porous when pupils and teachers participate in shared activity. Sharing education can present many obstacles but, where attention is given to the social context of sharing education, and when the transformative potential of learning is nurtured, it can enhance teachers' professional development, widen the horizons of young people and contribute to the improvement of community relations.

This thesis presents a Constructivist Grounded Theory study that explores the impact that life science specific intermediaries have on knowledge exchange and commercialisation. Many of the life science intermediaries (LSIs) that operate to bridge the divide between industry and academia receive public funding, and many have come and gone. It is important for us to better understand the reasons behind this turnover and how we can develop LSIs that have staying power. The research explores what LSIs are and the different ways they can impact on knowledge exchange and commercialisation. The study engaged 22 different LSIs sites from the UK, Holland and France. These 22 different LSIs have been placed into five different Case intermediary models, moreover, 30 interviews were conducted, informal observations were collected and field notes also known as memos were taken throughout the research process. Through the use of Constructivist Grounded Theory five theoretical concepts emerged, these included the following: that a LSI needed to have commercialisation targets, those with KEC objectives embedded had more chance of gaining further funding, and they require sufficient time and that funding resources are adequate and they should employ staff from both academia and industry within the LSI. A theoretical framework model that can be used to help design and develop a high functioning LSI is presented. Discussions with policy decision makers and the expectations from a range of stakeholders feed into this framework model. The theory development adds to the knowledge on innovation intermediaries and in particular the sectoral systems of innovation (SSI) which allows for a more focused approach on innovation intermediaries from a single sector viewpoint. Furthermore, the study feeds into more recent research on the reason why intermediaries fail.

Introduction: Community coalitions with public health-related missions are formal, semi-permanent, action-oriented partnerships comprised of community members, representatives of government agencies, policymakers, and academic partners. Despite their potential to promote sustainable change, coalitions have had mixed success in effecting long-term improvements in community health. There is a need to assist them in developing strategies for improving and sustaining their functionality. The purpose of this study was to improve understanding of the elements of coalition success and sustainability that are vital to health-related community-based participatory research. Methods: Although the literature describes coalition functions for effecting sustainable programs and policies, most research reports on individual programs only, rather than looking at the breadth of community coalitions and the commonalities that contribute to their effectiveness. Semi-structured interviews (N = 42) with academic and community partners followed by a grounded theory analysis of the data address this gap and provide theoretical underpinnings of factors sustaining coalition effectiveness. Results: Seven domains emerged: (1) Characteristics related to coalition structure and processes; (2) Partner characteristics, e.g., diversity, patience, flexibility, expertise; (3) Community characteristics, e.g., capacity, ownership; (4) Partnership dynamics and synergy; (5) Tangible benefits; (6) Available resources, and; (7) Project characteristics. In all, 70 elements representing these categories influenced coalition effectiveness over time. Discussion: Sustained effectiveness means continual improvement, ongoing development of skills and structures to support positive change, and expanded program or policy activities that benefit stakeholders. Whereas community researchers have yet to reach consensus on the universal elements of sustainability, this study expands knowledge of the factors contributing to coalition effectiveness beyond initial project implementation.

This research study explored the theoretical underpinnings of implementing government reform in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), specifically focusing on a management philosophy called Faster, Better, Cheaper (FBC). It is situated within the broader context of Government reform efforts that attempt to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of government organizations in their delivery of products and services to the public. This study employed the Grounded Theory qualitative research methodology that concentrates on a central phenomenon and generates a theory from a category or construct-oriented approach. The objective is to generate a substantive-level theory that describes the practice of FBC within NASA and is grounded in the data collected from the organization. The following research questions guided this study: 1.What is the meaning of Faster, Better, Cheaper for Public Professionals in the NASA organizational environment? 2.What are the interrelationships between concepts of faster, better, and cheaper? 3.How does the technical and cultural structure of NASA influence the implementation of Faster, Better, Cheaper? 4.What are the required workforce capabilities to perform Faster, Better, Cheaper in NASA? The theoretical sample for this study consisted of interviews scheduled with NASA personnel involved in Faster, Better, Cheaper projects. NASA documents and reports were analyzed to saturate the initial 29 provisional categories. A representation of the phenomenon of FBC was developed following the data analysis, including causal conditions, strategies, environmental conditions and context, and consequences. Several findings addressed the meaning of FBC, the interrelationships between the concepts, the impact of organizational infrastructure, and required workforce capabilities. Topics for future research are the nature of risk in public organizations, tools for aligning and measuring public policy alignment and implementation, leadership of public sector teams, and generalizing the findings to other organizations.
Ph. D.

Objectives. The empirical qualitative study explored Older People’s (over 65 years of age) perceptions of psychological change and the processes by which these occurred. It also aimed to add to understanding of the barriers to therapeutic change. Subsequently, a systematic review of the current literature pertaining to older people’s attachment styles, and how attachment is measured within this population, was conducted. This scrutinised the literature regarding role of attachment (as a trans-diagnostic construct) in old age, as this may influence their change processes. Design. As the empirical study was exploratory, it adopted a Grounded Theory methodology, influenced by the constructivist perspective as described in Charmaz (2014). Data was obtained via semi-structured interviews, with the later interview schedule grounded in emergent codes and memos of earlier interviews. Literature pertaining to older people, attachment, and how attachment is measured, was obtained from a systematic review. Method. Twelve participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview, following discharge from an Older Peoples Psychological Therapy Service, for the empirical project. Participants were aged 65 years or over and had received varying models of therapy over varying durations. Those reporting improvement, or no change, as a result of receiving psychological therapy, were approached to participate. Through detailed analysis, a tentative model of older people’s psychological change processes was constructed. This model was further checked by some participants for quality control. Subsequently the systematic review explored a key theme of attachment (as suggested by the categories highlighted in the empirical project). Literature regarding attachment, older people and how attachment is measured within this population, was obtained through a systematic search through major databases, compared against a checklist, constructed for this review, with all analysis prorated by qualified clinical psychologists supervising this study. Results. Interview transcriptions were analysed in line with a constructivist perspective of grounded theory. A non-linear model of psychological change, grounded in the data, was constructed. The main concepts of the model were Age as Context, Seeking Help and Entering the Therapeutic Environment, Building a Therapeutic Relationship, Developing a New Understanding, Therapeutic Changes and Post Therapy Reflections and Commitments of Continuation. In addition, some similar processes were highlighted across different therapeutic modalities, thus supporting trans-theoretical models of psychological change. In addition, the model highlighted a theme of models of relationships having continuity through the lifespan (as evidenced in the concepts of Seeking Help and Building a Therapeutic Relationship). This echoed the trans-therapeutic concept of attachment. Therefore, a systematic review of attachment in older people was conducted. Overall the quality of the literature pertaining to attachment, older people and how attachment is measured within this population was poor. There was a paucity of evidence of minimisation of bias reported in either design or analysis. Conclusions. The empirical project demonstrated the process of psychological change in older people is non-linear in nature. Some constructs of change were similar to those found in the adult literature, but there were also some constructs relating specifically to ageing, and the theoretical developmental stage of old age. This supports suggestions that age specific constructs should be held in mind when working therapeutically with older people. The systematic review found research exploring attachment in older people is a growing field of research, but one which is still in its infancy compared to other clinical populations. In addition, several studies had serious methodological issues and therefore readers are encouraged to interpret their results with caution.

Pt. 1. Service Based Evaluation. Effective communication within and between services is important in the development of multi-disciplinary collaboration, effective service delivery and satisfactory patient treatment. The primary aim of this study was to audit assessment letter content across three therapy disciplines within Ayrshire and Arran Consulting and Clinical Psychology Services (CCPS). A secondary aim was to audit content within the three therapy disciplines. The overall aim was to ascertain service implications based on the current letter standard. A random sample of sixty letters were audited, twenty written by Clinical Psychologists, twenty by Counselling Psychologists and a further twenty by CBT Psychotherapists. The results suggested overall content inclusion was of a high standard. However, there were some inclusion gaps in specific information pertaining to the themes of case complexity, reason for seeking assistance, previous psychiatric and medical history, maintaining factors and estimated treatment length. It was concluded that training should be conducted across the service to further develop communication within these areas.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Ohio State University, 2005.
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This thesis evaluates a novel methodology for the user testing of digitally mediated human-animal interactions. The proposed method includes the structural analysis of video observations following a Grounded Theory approach. Complemented with more subjective human observations, this methodology aims to initiate a more informed iterative design and research process in which the animal’s experience with a playful artefact is analysed and reflected upon. The research involves the user testing of a prototype for an independently developed tablet game designed for cats and humans. With a focus on the user experience of the cat, the data analysis of this study results in new insights in the behaviour of the cat while interacting with the game. These outcomes are subsequently concluded in the form of design iterations that can help to improve the prototype. This study demonstrates how a new methodology can provide an initial focus on the perceptions and experience of the animal and lead to valuable insights that can advance the design of a digital artefact intended for animal use. Further research in this new area of interaction design can benefit from this study by expanding the theoretical framework and methodologies to different contexts and settings with the integration of playful technological artefacts and other animals that are known to engage in natural play.

Specialist Early Intervention (E.I.) services are becoming increasingly accepted as the most effective way of working with people experiencing first episode psychosis. Although there have been a wealth of studies looking at the clinical outcomes of E.I. services, there remains relatively little research on the subjective experiences of recovery following a first episode of psychosis (FEP). This study explored the individual’s experiences of recovery following a first episode of psychosis, in the context of a specialist E. I. Service. Grounded Theory methodology was employed to explore the individual experiences of people involved with an E.I. service. A total of 9 individuals selected from a group of E.I. service users approaching the end of their care were interviewed. Data from the transcribed interviews were analysed using Grounded Theory methodology, where themes emerged from the coding process. The study identified 7 key themes: Build Up of experiences, Awareness, Acceptance, Shame, Family and Friends, Loss and Re-building. Themes were often expressed as continuums and all appeared to overlap. This study provided an initial understanding of the predominant experiences of recovery following FEP for E.I. service-users. Future research might consider the experiences of those in other service settings.

The research is a small-scale study of the potential benefits of Child Psychotherapy assessment of Looked After Children in transition, for the child and for the professional network caring for the child where the child psychotherapist-researcher is part of the network working together to plan for the child’s long-term future. The assessments aim to bring specific understanding of the child’s emotional state and emotional needs, of his perception of what has happened in his life and of the ways in which his development has been influenced by these external events and perceptions. The assessments also explore the potential for the work to help the child make sense of his history and of himself and the assessments aim to be a distinct and essential part of the overarching assessment process which informs preparation of the children and their prospective carers for permanent alternative placement. Four latency-aged children in transition were assessed in an inner-city community-based Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service by the clinician-researcher. using Standard child psychotherapy techniques were used with some adaptations of technique to address the children’s transitional status. The assessment framework included in-depth interviews with social workers and foster carers and information from schools. Process recordings of the assessment sessions are the primary data in this enquiry and these are analysed using an adapted version of Grounded Theory methodology. The depth and complexity of the children’s experiences and their internal worlds is strikingly revealed by the assessments, in new and compelling detail. All of the assessments were highly significant in shaping short and long-term provision for the children. The outcome of the study strongly supports the inclusion of child psychotherapy assessment as part of an integrated, multi-disciplinary assessment process for all children in transition. The method of assessment and of analysis of data transfers well to a range of Looked After Children in transition in the study as well as providing an effective basis from which to communicate clearly and effectively across interdisciplinary boundaries: making possible a more truly representative, responsive and integrated map for the future.

Problem: Showrooming phenomenon refers to the customer behavior of physically experiencing the product in a physical store before purchasing it from online stores. It is becoming increasingly prevalent today and has attracted the interest of academia. However, the majority of the existing studies explored this phenomenon from the perspective of retailers. The concern for different retailers’ gain and loss in showrooming process caused debate on how to define and interpret this phenomenon. Moreover, there are few existing studies that investigating this behavior from the consumers’ lens.  There seems to be a need for research focused on the customers’ showrooming experience and understand this phenomenon from their lens.   Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore what is showrooming phenomenon from customer’s perspective through investigating customers' personal showrooming experience in order to shed more light on the positive side of showrooming.   Method: Based on a social constructionism philosophy, this qualitative study utilizes a grounded theory strategy. In order to gather data through grounded theory method, in-depth interviews and a grounded analysis have been conducted. The analysis is conducted in three steps. First, in initial coding, codes and concepts are identified. Second, in axial coding, concepts are grouped into categories. Finally, in selective coding, categories are connected and grouped based on the intrinsic relationship between different categories. Also, the paradigm is built in these final step.   Conclusions: This study builds the paradigm model of showrooming phenomenon through exploring the experiences of showroomers. In the paradigm, the different conditions in the process are identified, including the core phenomenon, causal condition, contextual condition, intervening condition, action, consequences. Through building the model, this study explores the incentives and consequences of showroomers, the different influential factors during showrooming process, and the interpretations and perceptions from customer’s perspective.

The aim of this study was to produce a grounded theory to describe the experiences of international students living in the UK and studying in a British university, and to understand and explain their behavioural responses to those experiences. Eighteen postgraduate international students were interviewed at a university in the south-west of England and the data was analysed using classic grounded theory methodology. The theory proposes that international students’ two biggest concerns are in regard to their English language skills and their detachment from home students. Students felt that their language skills were inadequate and they perceived themselves to be disadvantaged because of having to operate in a second language. They felt ignored when they attempted to reach out to home students and as a result they turned to co-nationals and recreated their home environment. International students were surprised at the size of the challenge they faced when they took up their studies and had to work hard to bridge the gap that existed between their academic and sociocultural skills and those needed in the UK. International students provided emotional, practical and academic support to each other but the academic support they offered to each other was not always good quality. International students engaged in a process of identity change during their stay in the UK which reflected the multiple and changing nature of their identities and during which they gained the skills they needed to be academically successful.

This is a portfolio of research work completed during my three years of training on the PsychD in Psychotherapeutic and Counselling Psychology at the University of Surrey. It comprises a literature review and two research reports. The literature review explores some of the conceptual and empirical links between mindfulness and attachment. The first research report is a qualitative enquiry into how therapists and clients experience joint mindfulness practice within therapy sessions, and identifies themes and superordinate themes relating to this experience. The second research report employs a qualitative methodology to understand how therapists bring mindfulness to the therapeutic relationship, and presents a theory of the processes through which this is achieved.

Background In Sweden, 20% of female patients have reported lifetime experiences of abuse in any health care setting. Corresponding prevalence among male patients is estimated to be 8%. Many patients report that they currently suffer from these experiences. Few empirical studies have been conducted to understand what contributes to the occurrence of abuse in health care. Objectives To understand what factors contribute to female patients’ experiences of abuse in health care. Design Constructivist grounded theory approach. Settings Women's clinic at a county hospital in the south of Sweden. Participants Twelve female patients who all had reported experiences of abuse in health care in an earlier questionnaire study. Methods In-depth interviews. Results The analysis resulted in the core category, the patient loses power struggles, building on four categories: the patient's vulnerability, the patient's competence, staff's use of domination techniques, and structural limitations. Participants described how their sensitivity and dependency could make them vulnerable to staff's domination techniques. The participants’ claim for power and the protection of their autonomy, through their competence as patients, could catalyze power struggles. Conclusions Central to the participants’ stories was that their experiences of abuse in health care were preceded by lost power struggles, mainly through staff's use of domination techniques. For staff it could be important to become aware of the existence and consequences of such domination techniques. The results indicate a need for a clinical climate in which patients are allowed to use their competence.

Funding Agencies|Swedish Research Council|2009-2380|

Empirical educational research enjoys a methodological and theoretical debate that is characterized by a number of unresolved and lively debated controversies. This compilation thesis is an attempt to contribute to this debate using the toolbox of philosophy of science. The thesis consists of an introductory chapter and four essays. In the introductory chapter I identify three methodological and theoretical controversies that are discussed within the field of educational research. These are: 1) the controversy concerning the scientific status of educational research; 2) the controversy between cognitive and sociocultural theories of learning; and, 3) the controversy between realist and constructionist interpretations of theories of learning. I provide in the essays a critical assessment of the claims behind each of these controversies, and argue for an alternative reconstruction of these issues. In Essay I, I criticize a view about the interpretation of human action, labeled in the text as interpretivism. This view posits a sharp separation between the natural and social sciences, to the effect that the methods of the latter cannot be applied to the former. The first controversy seems to rest on this position. As I argue, the arguments in support of interpretivism are contradicted by actual research practice. I conclude that the interpretivistic claims lack support and that the general separation claim appears as problematic. A further debate has fueled the first controversy, that is, the supposed distinction between qualitative and quantitative methods. In Essay II, I argue against this distinction. More specifically, I discuss the concept of empirical support in the context of qualitative methods (for short, qualitative support). I provide arguments that although there are two specific and non-trivial properties of qualitative support, there is no methodological separation between quantitative and qualitative methods concerning empirical support. Considered together, the first two essays indicate two points of methodological continuity between educational research and other scientific practices (such as the natural sciences). I therefore conclude that the controversy concerning the scientific status of educational research rests in large part on unjustified claims. Essay III focuses on the second controversy. In this article I argue that Suárez’ inferential approach to the concept of scientific representation can be used as an account of scientific representation in learning, regardless of whether learning is understood as a cognitive or social phenomenon. The third controversy is discussed in Essay IV. Here, I discuss some ontological aspects of the framework of the actor-network theory. Reflecting on the use of this framework in the research field of Networked Learning, I argue that the assumption of an ontology of relations provides the solution for two puzzles about the ontology of networks. The relevance of my argument for the third controversy is that it suggests a point of connection between constructionist and realist interpretations of the ontology of learning. The last two essays suggest two points of continuities between theoretical frameworks that have been and still are argued to be incompatible.

At the time of the doctoral defense, the following paper was unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 2: Manuscript.

This study details a phenomenographic and grounded theory investigation aimed at generating new knowledge of an under-researched area, namely that of parental choice of early childhood education and care services. Given the complexity and range of choice of early childhood services, and the diversity of family situations, research eliciting parent conceptions of their choices of early childhood services is both necessary and timely. Findings from this study may be used to inform early childhood professionals by expanding their awareness of the variation that exists in the way that parents conceptualise early childhood services and make choices for young children. This study addresses both the dilemmas of individual parents in conceptualising and choosing services for their children and the implications of their individual decisions in aggregate. Single in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 parents from the local area of Boyne Island, Central Queensland, Australia. The sample of parents comprised mothers only, although mothers and fathers were invited initially to join the study. The parents were drawn from the four local early childhood education and care (ECEC) services that operate in this area. In the first stage of the analysis, a phenomenographic framework was used to develop an outcome space to describe the eight parent conceptions of ECEC services. These categories describe the way parents see ECEC services as: Demographically convenient, Safe, secure and hygienic, Providing a routine, Caring and nurturing, Having trained and qualified staff, Valuing parents and keeping them informed, Preparing for further learning, Providing socialisation. These eight categories of description are understood and distinguished in terms of three dimensions, those being physical, personnel and personal. The physical dimension refers to the location and availability of services catering to the needs of the family. The personnel dimension refers to how ECEC services are judged according to the personnel who work within that environment. The personal dimension refers to how the ECEC service is judged according to how the individual children and their family are catered for and responded to within the environment. In the second stage of analysis, an orthodox grounded theory approach was used to explore how parents understood their choice of ECEC services for their young children. This later analysis found that parent choice is influenced by: Relationship with child; Influence of significant others; Understandings of childhood; Maximising the child's potential. The grounded theory that developed as a result of this stage of analysis was that parents make complex and pragmatic choices within social contexts. An understanding of the relationships between parent conceptions and the influences that they consider when choosing ECEC services was used to develop a model. This model demonstrates the complexities of choice of service juxtaposed with parent conceptions of ECEC services. Tensions for parents and their choice of service arose when their conceptions of ECEC services were compromised. Therefore, central to the model presented is the understanding that the ECEC services were located within a specific societal context and as such, any one, or combination of, the dimensions of conceptions of service, impact upon choice.

The research investigates the role of Knowledge Management (KM) in supporting innovation and learning in the construction industry. The Construction industry is complex in nature and notoriously fragmented suffering high losses in productivity. Being a substantial part of the national economy, the construction industry greatly influences the country's GDP (Gross Domestic Product). Innovation has lately been regarded as the key to improve its productivity and to change traditional and fundamental thinking that has plagued the industry for a long time leading to new and more rational philosophies. The research demonstrates that KM may act as an enabler of such innovation by facilitating organisational learning. The research is carried out in two phases. In Phase 1, the research employs grounded theory methodology to develop and map out the current state of knowledge related activities being undertaken in two leading Australian construction organisations. This results in the development of a model, the main depiction of which is a segregation between three crucial components (people, process & technology) of an organisation required to successfully carry out the construction work. It also helps identify the gap between the organisation's internal and external knowledge sources that restricts the pull of knowledge from external knowledge sources. The culture of the organisation is considered to provide this resistance. An improvement in this state through KM is the main objective of the research which is realised in Phase 2. Soft System Methodology (SSM) is utilised as a KM tool to achieve this objective in this phase. As one of the systems approaches, it has the capacity to make sense of intricate systems like const ruction where a complex interaction between people, process and technology occurs all the time. A mission critical business process of pre-tendering of a leading Australian construction contractor organisation is selected to carry out the SSM investigation that resulted in four SSM case studies. This investigation helps explain how KM initiatives through SSM improve the integration of people, process and technology; increasing the capacity of the organisation to pull external knowledge and improve its own internal knowledge bank. All these improvements help an organisation to transform itself into a learning organisation that could continually innovate.

Neuroscience is a relatively small and emerging clinical pharmacy specialism focusing on drug therapy for neurological disease. Against a professional momentum for specialist practice within pharmacy, there is paucity both of relevant research, and a clearly defined role for specialist pharmacy practice in neuroscience. A qualitative research study was undertaken, using constructivist grounded theory method, to explore how hospital based pharmacists practicing in neuroscience define and develop their role and specialism. Data were concurrently generated and analysed, through verbatim transcription of telephone interviews with fourteen pharmacists. Data analysis resulted in the identification of three processes: (1) Acquiring and utilising knowledge in practice; (2) Gatekeeping access to drug therapies; (3) Integrating into the neuroscience service. The key findings within each process are: (1) Pharmacists utilise different forms of knowledge and there can be barriers to gaining knowledge. Pharmacists identify strengths in their breadth of clinical knowledge and holistic consideration of patients’ drug therapy. (2) Pharmacists act as barriers to drug therapy but also act to expedite and secure access to drug therapy. (3) Pharmacists act as an organisational nexus between pharmacy and neuroscience services and identify the importance in practice of forming working relationships within neuroscience services, underpinned by trust. The study identified a basic social process: Maintaining an overview of drug therapy for patients with neurological disease. This process conceptualises the tensions experienced by the pharmacists between their role as near-patient facing clinical specialists, but also as pharmacist generalists. The study findings have implications for supporting pharmacy practice in neuroscience.

In project or program planning, a Gantt or PERT chart is usually employed as a graphical representation of schedule for activities. Planners utilize this chart in performing analyses such as the Critical Path Method (CPM) and Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT). Very little effort, however, has been devoted to the formulation of activity networks, which is the initial step before aforementioned analyses. This research addresses this problem by developing a systematic methodology to aid in the identification and rapid structuring of a system of activities.

The theoretical foundation of the methodology is based on Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM). It consists of seven basic steps: (l) identifying the activities in the set; (2) identifying the set of relation statements; (3)identifying the initial input; (4) establishing a transitive inference mechanism based upon previous responses; (5) generating a logical combination of relationships based on previous responses; (6) storing the relationship for each pair of activities in a relation matrix; and (7) outputting the relationships in the form of a simplified Gantt chart.

The merits of applying this methodology include (1) efficiency in activity structuring and (2) avoidance of illogical and inconsistent sequential relationship specifications. A "Business Appreciation" example is used in illustrating the application of this methodology. It reveals that 85% of a total of 120 possible sequential activity relationships can be deduced without asking for information from the user. In general, over 57% of the sequential relationships can be inferred without input by the user.

Master of Urban and Regional Planning

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2004.
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This study examined the notion of respect in the college classroom. While pedagogical researchers had previously studied the phenomenon, each found challenges in defining it. Moreover, communication scholars do not examine respect as a primary pedagogical factor with learning implications. Focus groups provided venues for topic-specific discussion necessary for better understanding the diversity of students' worldviews regarding respect in the college classroom. Grounded theory allowed for searching theoretical relevance of the phenomenon through constant comparison with categorical identification. The most practical contributions of this research identifies as several major notions including, the importance of relationships within the process, student self-esteem, and global-classroom respect. In addition, implications emerged from the data as learning, motivation, and environment. One other practical contribution exists as a respect communication model for the college classroom. Further, examining students' worldviews of respect in the classroom provides benefits for pedagogical scholars, students, and instructors.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Kentucky, 2009.
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Thesis(Ph.D.)--Case Western Reserve University, 2010
Title from PDF (viewed on 2010-01-28) Department of Social Welfare Includes abstract Includes bibliographical references and appendices Available online via the OhioLINK ETD Center

Introduction Patients with intestinal failure (IF) develop problems of malabsorption and malnutrition associated with short bowel syndrome (SBS). Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) became available to treat these patients since the 1970s. There is a paucity of qualitative research on patients’ experiences in the UK. The study aim was to generate theory that explains the experiences of adults living with HPN and complex medication regimens. Method The grounded theory methodology was used to explore the experiences and to generate theory about this health intervention. Twelve participants were interviewed. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The joint process of data collection and analysis followed the principles of constant comparative approach. Results The core categories of stoma care and HPN treatment were supported by the subcategories of maintaining stoma output, access to toilets, maintaining HPN infusion routine, access to technical help to set up HPN infusion, and general health changes. Strategy used to manage living with loss was demonstrated by the subcategory of maintaining daily activities and social interactions. Discussion The theory of living with loss suggests that patients with a stoma receiving HPN experience the sense of loss at home and in social situations. Opportunities for professional practice development are detailed along with implications for future research. Conclusions The findings resonate with the Kubler-Ross Model of the five stages of grief (Kubler-Ross, 1970). The theory of living with loss was generated by the use of the grounded theory methodology. This study identified opportunities for changes and improvement in clinical practice.

This portfolio contains my doctoral research, clinical work and reflections on my journey of personal and professional development during my training as a counselling psychologist. In the initial introduction, I briefly offer some information about my personal history, my philosophical world view and highlight some important learning experiences. The introduction is followed by my therapeutic practice dossier which offers an overview of each of my 3 training placements, encompassing almost 500 hours of clinical practice. My 3 clinical placements across my 4 years of training consist of working one year at a University student counselling centre, one in IAPT services and two years in primary care as part of a Community Mental Health Team (CMHT). In my first year I had the opportunity to work using the person-centred model. In my second placement in IAPT I worked using brief psychodynamic therapy and in my final two years I employed a more integrative approach with a strong emphasis on traditional and third wave CBT. A number of anonymised case studies together with placement reports and agreements can be found in the signposted digital appendices. My research dossier begins with a brief introduction to three self-contained projects; a literature review and two qualitative studies. My literature review attempts to disseminate the literature regarding the differences between religious and secular individuals on psychological health and well-being. The second project draws on Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore how Atheist clients experience psychotherapy. My final research project attempts to explore how religious fundamentalists exit their religion and abandon their religious beliefs. The final part of the portfolio includes a reflective paper on my identity development as a counselling psychologist. This piece of work includes key learning experiences and anonymised case studies which are interweaven with reflections on the four pillars of my professional training; Clinical, research, academic and personal and professional development.