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Conceptual Approach (conceptual + approach)
Selected AbstractsConceptual approaches for defining data, information, and knowledgeJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 4 2007Chaim Zins The field of Information Science is constantly changing. Therefore, information scientists are required to regularly review,and if necessary,redefine its fundamental building blocks. This article is one of a group of four articles, which resulted from a Critical Delphi study conducted in 2003,2005. The study, "Knowledge Map of Information Science," was aimed at exploring the foundations of information science. The international panel was composed of 57 leading scholars from 16 countries, who represent (almost) all the major subfields and important aspects of the field. This particular article documents 130 definitions of data, information, and knowledge formulated by 45 scholars, and maps the major conceptual approaches for defining these three key concepts. [source] Promoting design leadership through skills development programsDESIGN MANAGEMENT REVIEW, Issue 3 2002Alan Topalian Recognizing that design management is still in its formative stages, Alan Topalian has prepared a "brief" specifying a conceptual approach to lifting the profile and effectiveness of the discipline within the corporation. Going beyond current strategies, he discusses the audiences, content, methodologies, and desired outcomes of an education effort he believes should be broad-based, pragmatic, and hands-on. [source] Accountability and Inaction: NGOs and Resource Lodging in DevelopmentDEVELOPMENT AND CHANGE, Issue 2 2010Matthew Harsh ABSTRACT From the late 1980s, research on NGOs had a normative focus and was vulnerable to changing donor preoccupations. This article contributes a new conceptual approach, analysing the practices through which relationships and resources are translated into programmes and projects. The theoretical justification for this move combines the new ethnography of development practice with a re-agency approach to transactions across time and space. The study is based on data including thirty hours of video ethnography involving interviews and field visits with Kenyan NGOs in a variety of sectors. The analysis focuses on the problem of accountability that emerged through the interactions of donors and state corruption. We argue that NGOs operating in capital cities often provide organizational solutions to this problem. Depending on donor preferences, varying amounts of resources become ,lodged' or absorbed in ,capital NGOs' as they provide accounts of programmes that satisfy donors. However, no matter the donor preferences, capital NGOs provide accountability independently of increased action with communities or increased resources transferred to them. We conclude that the institutionalization of the NGO field as a well-grounded specialization depends in part on the degree to which researchers can sideline the stories generated in inter-organizational contexts such as workshops and policy meetings, and substitute understandings based on accounting practices, resource flows and social ties. [source] APPRAISING THE ETHOS OF EXPERIENTIAL NARRATIVES: KEY ASPECTS OF A METHODOLOGICAL CHALLENGEEDUCATIONAL THEORY, Issue 1 2009Carola Conle In this essay, Carola Conle and Michael deBeyer describe their efforts to find a conceptual approach and methodology for the appraisal of the ethos of experiential narratives presented in a particular curriculum context. The language of "implied authorship,""the patterning of desire," and "friendships offered and received," first introduced by Wayne Booth, is elaborated through data from narrative presentations given by local heroes to students. Appraisals seemed possible when a narrative could be placed on Booth's "scales of friendship" and when the rational qualities of experiential narratives were considered. In addition, data needed to be available in which students' experiential encounters with the narratives could be seen as occasions where, during such moments of encounter, feelings and desires were created, memories were activated, and events and actions in a narrative were vicariously experienced through those activated phenomena. The authors offer a potential framework for future appraisals. [source] Using a Geographic Information System to identify areas with potential for off-target pesticide exposureENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 8 2006Thomas G. Pfleeger Abstract In many countries, numerous tests are required as part of the risk assessment process before chemical registration to protect human health and the environment from unintended effects of chemical releases. Most of these tests are not based on ecological or environmental relevance but, rather, on consistent performance in the laboratory. A conceptual approach based on Geographic Information System (GIS) technology has been developed to identify areas that are vulnerable to nontarget chemical exposure. This GIS-based approach uses wind speed, frequency of those winds, pesticide application rates, and spatial location of agricultural crops to identify areas with the highest potential for pesticide exposure. A test scenario based on an incident in Idaho (USA) was used to identify the relative magnitude of risk from off-target movement of herbicides to plants in the conterminous United States. This analysis indicated that the western portion of the Corn Belt, the central California valley, southeastern Washington, the Willamette Valley of Oregon, and agricultural areas bordering the Great Lakes are among those areas in the United States that appear to have the greatest potential for off-target movement of herbicides via drift. Agricultural areas, such as the Mississippi River Valley and the southeastern United States, appears to have less potential, possibly due to lower average wind speeds. Ecological risk assessments developed for pesticide registration would be improved by using response data from species common to high-risk areas instead of extrapolating test data from species unrelated to those areas with the highest potential for exposure. [source] A double structure generalized plasticity model for expansive materialsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL AND ANALYTICAL METHODS IN GEOMECHANICS, Issue 8 2005Marcelo Sánchez Abstract The constitutive model presented in this work is built on a conceptual approach for unsaturated expansive soils in which the fundamental characteristic is the explicit consideration of two pore levels. The distinction between the macro- and microstructure provides the opportunity to take into account the dominant phenomena that affect the behaviour of each structural level and the main interactions between them. The microstructure is associated with the active clay minerals, while the macrostructure accounts for the larger-scale structure of the material. The model has been formulated considering concepts of classical and generalized plasticity theories. The generalized stress,strain rate equations are derived within a framework of multidissipative materials, which provides a consistent and formal approach when there are several sources of energy dissipation. The model is formulated in the space of stresses, suction and temperature; and has been implemented in a finite element code. The approach has been applied to explaining and reproducing the behaviour of expansive soils in a variety of problems for which experimental data are available. Three application cases are presented in this paper. Of particular interest is the modelling of an accidental overheating, that took place in a large-scale heating test. This test allows the capabilities of the model to be checked when a complex thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) path is followed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Segmenting youth voting behaviour through trusting,distrusting relationships: a conceptual approachINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NONPROFIT & VOLUNTARY SECTOR MARKETING, Issue 3 2004Janine Dermody This paper reviews current evidence on the declining political engagement of British youth. What emerges is that causes of their political disaffection are manifold and complex, but trust, distrust and cynicism feature strongly. Traditional approaches to trust and distrust fail to recognise this complexity; consequently this paper offers a more sophisticated conceptual framework that examines trust and distrust as separate but linked dimensions, as advocated by Lewicki, McAllister and Bies.[Lewicki, R. J., McAllister D. J. and Bies R. J. (1998) ,Trust and distrust: New relationships and realities', Academy of Management Review, Vol. 23, No. 3, pp. 438,458.] From the analysis four segments of ,voter' types are identified. By segmenting voters in this way, marketers can design strategies to help increase young people's trust and reduce their distrust, thereby increasing their propensity to vote in future elections. A synopsis of marketing aims to stimulate the ,youth vote' is presented along with areas for further research. Copyright © 2004 Henry Stewart Publications [source] Conundrums in mixed woody,herbaceous plant systemsJOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY, Issue 11 2003Joanna I. House Abstract Aims To identify approaches to improve our understanding of, and predictive capability for, mixed tree,grass systems. Elucidation of the interactions, dynamics and determinants, and identification of robust generalizations that can be broadly applied to tree,grass systems would benefit ecological theory, modelling and land management. Methods A series of workshops brought together scientific expertise to review theory, data availability, modelling approaches and key questions. Location Ecosystems characterized by mixtures of herbaceous and woody plant life-forms, often termed ,savannas', range from open grasslands with few woody plants, to woodlands or forests with a grass layer. These ecosystems represent a substantial portion of the terrestrial biosphere, an important wildlife habitat, and a major resource for provision of livestock, fuel wood and other products. Results Although many concepts and principles developed for grassland and forest systems are relevant to these dual life-form communities, the novel, complex, nonlinear behaviour of mixed tree,grass systems cannot be accounted for by simply studying or modelling woody and herbaceous components independently. A more robust understanding requires addressing three fundamental conundrums: (1) The ,treeness' conundrum. What controls the relative abundance of woody and herbaceous plants for a given set of conditions at given site? (2) The coexistence conundrum. How do the life-forms interact with each other? Is a given woody,herbaceous ratio dynamically stable and persistent under a particular set of conditions? (3) The net primary productivity (NPP) conundrum. How does NPP of the woody vegetation, the herbaceous vegetation, and the total ecosystem (woody + herbaceous) change with changes in the tree,grass ratio? Tests of the theory and conceptual models of determinants of mixed woody,herbaceous systems have been largely site- or region-specific and have seldom been broadly or quantitatively evaluated. Cross-site syntheses based on data and modelling are required to address the conundrums and identify emerging patterns, yet, there are very few data sets for which either biomass or NPP have been quantified for both the woody and the herbaceous components of tree,grass systems. Furthermore, there are few cross-site comparisons spanning the diverse array of woody,herbaceous mixtures. Hence, initial synthesis studies should focus on compiling and standardizing a global data base which could be (1) explored to ascertain if robust generalizations and consistent patterns exist; and (2) used to evaluate the performance of savanna simulation models over a range of woody,herbaceous mixtures. Savanna structure and productivity are the result of complex and dynamic interactions between climate, soils and disturbances, notably fire and herbivory. Such factors are difficult to isolate or experimentally manipulate in order to evaluate their impacts at spatial and temporal scales appropriate for assessing ecosystem dynamics. These factors can, however, be evaluated with simulation models. Existing savanna models vary markedly with respect to their conceptual approach, their data requirements and the extent to which they incorporate mechanistic processes. Model intercomparisons can elucidate those approaches most suitable for various research questions and management applications. Conclusion Theoretical and conceptual advances could be achieved by considering a broad continuum of grass,shrub,tree combinations using data meta-analysis techniques and modelling. [source] Managing innovation through social architecture, learning, and competencies: a new conceptual approachKNOWLEDGE AND PROCESS MANAGEMENT: THE JOURNAL OF CORPORATE TRANSFORMATION, Issue 3 2006Peter Murray Traditional innovative narratives are presented in a structured, almost prescribed, fashion in the innovation literature. This structural approach treats knowledge as a commodity that can be easily developed and shared. In this paper we argue the opposite, suggesting that developing competencies is fundamentally linked to socially constructed innovative practices and processes developed over time as the organisation evolves and learns new ways. We suggest that the latter is better reflected by a processual view of knowledge management; how it evolves, how it leads to innovation. While the innovation literature is familiar with the importance of learning and knowledge practices, we contend that the learning routines themselves are not practised in a systematic fashion. We argue that innovation is seldom of a breakthrough type. Instead, we call for an integrative approach that combines social processes with learning and innovation. Socially crafted routines we suggest lead to greater innovative outcomes and effectiveness. This paper explores and investigates these ideas by matching different contexts to processes. The paper develops a theoretical framework which indicates the integrative and interactive forces required for successful innovation implementation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Review article: a conceptual approach to understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer development in Barrett's oesophagusALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 8 2001R. F. Souza Oesophageal adenocarcinoma is one of the most deadly human malignancies. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been established as a strong risk factor for oesophageal adenocarcinoma, and more than 40% of adult Americans experience regular GERD symptoms. GERD can be complicated by oesophagitis, and by replacement of oesophageal squamous mucosa with metaplastic, intestinal-type epithelium (Barrett's oesophagus) that is predisposed to malignancy. Cancers in Barrett's oesophagus arise through a sequence of genetic alterations which endow unlimited proliferative capacity upon the cells by affecting components of the cell cycle clock apparatus,the pivotal molecular machinery in the cell nucleus that controls whether a cell will proliferate, differentiate, become quiescent or die. This report describes how the genetic abnormalities that have been recognized in Barrett's oesophagus might promote carcinogenesis through effects on the cell cycle clock machinery. The goal of this review is to provide the clinician with a useful conceptual basis for evaluating studies on the molecular mechanisms underlying the progression from metaplasia to carcinoma in Barrett's oesophagus. [source] A Disparity of Esteem: Relative Group Status in Northern Ireland after the Belfast AgreementPOLITICAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 1 2007Roger Mac Ginty Using the case of a deeply divided society (Northern Ireland) in the aftermath of a major peace accord, this article combines two methodological approaches to assess the public reception of the peace accord and its impact on intergroup competition. The social psychological concept of esteem (central to social identity theory) and time-series data are used to assess intergroup relations between Protestant-unionists and Catholic-nationalists in Northern Ireland in the wake of the 1998 peace accord. By illustrating the disparity of esteem between the two main politico-religious groups, the article indicates early settlement weakness. Moreover, it suggests a conceptual approach that may be applicable to the study of intergroup competitions in other divided societies. [source] Twenty Years After (Deconstructivism): An Interview with Bernard TschumiARCHITECTURAL DESIGN, Issue 1 2009Michele Costanzo Abstract Michele Costanzo interviews Bernard Tschumi about his work and his vision of the changing field of contemporary design research. How do the younger generation of students receive Tschumi's seminal theoretical works? Is a lack of time merely the current scapegoat for a more considered conceptual approach? How does Tschumi view the proliferation of architectural fetishes in the urban landscape? How is his own theoretical landscape shifting? Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Reconstructing child welfare through participatory and child-centred professional practice: a conceptual approach,CHILD & FAMILY SOCIAL WORK, Issue 2 2008Heather D'Cruz ABSTRACT The ,child' in child welfare/protection is seen as a dependent waif and an object of interest, on whose behalf adults speak and act. An alternative perspective has argued for child-centredness, and includes concepts of child liberation, rights and citizenship. Policymakers and practitioners who may accept the underlying principles may be concerned about the appropriateness and applicability of such principles in relation to practice with children and their parents in child welfare/protection cases. This paper discusses a conceptual framework for research that aims to explore participatory and child-centred professional practice by critically evaluating and developing, for professional practice, the practical meanings of ,participatory' and ,children as citizens'. We do not present research outcomes based on empirical data; instead, we present our conceptual framework as the first stage of research in progress into participatory and child-centred professional practice. [source] Personality and Self-Regulation: Trait and Information-Processing PerspectivesJOURNAL OF PERSONALITY, Issue 6 2006Rick H. Hoyle ABSTRACT This article introduces the special issue of Journal of Personality on personality and self-regulation. The goal of the issue is to illustrate and inspire research that integrates personality and process-oriented accounts of self-regulation. The article begins by discussing the trait perspective on self-regulation,distinguishing between temperament and personality accounts,and the information-processing perspective. Three approaches to integrating these perspectives are then presented. These range from methodological approaches, in which constructs representing the two perspectives are examined in integrated statistical models, to conceptual approaches, in which the two perspectives are unified in a holistic theoretical model of self-regulation. The article concludes with an overview of the special issue contributions, which are organized in four sections: broad, integrative models of personality and self-regulation; models that examine the developmental origins of self-regulation and self-regulatory styles; focused programs of research that concern specific aspects or applications of self-regulation; and strategies for increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of self-regulation. [source] Conceptual approaches for defining data, information, and knowledgeJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 4 2007Chaim Zins The field of Information Science is constantly changing. Therefore, information scientists are required to regularly review,and if necessary,redefine its fundamental building blocks. This article is one of a group of four articles, which resulted from a Critical Delphi study conducted in 2003,2005. The study, "Knowledge Map of Information Science," was aimed at exploring the foundations of information science. The international panel was composed of 57 leading scholars from 16 countries, who represent (almost) all the major subfields and important aspects of the field. This particular article documents 130 definitions of data, information, and knowledge formulated by 45 scholars, and maps the major conceptual approaches for defining these three key concepts. [source] Phenotypic plasticity: Functional and conceptual approachesAMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2005David P. Crews No abstract is available for this article. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||