Vol. 3, Issue 1 | April 2015
Researchers Quarterly
Research Centre
LSC Researchers Quarterly 3 (1) April 2015
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Research Centre
The LSC Researchers Quarterly is a publication of the LSC Group of Colleges. It aims to publish the LSC research and promote research training through reflective practice. Editor Dr Nandish Patel Research Degrees Programme Leader
Professor Don Harper, Director Research Degrees Programmes
Mr Sheku Fofanah
The LSC Researchers Quarterly is now into its second full year of publication. It has served to promote research supervision, academic writing and publishing for PhD researchers, directors of study and supervisors. Peer Support Networks (PSN) have proved to be successful in supporting PhD researchers, who have found expert support from peers and even made friends. A PSN is a very good example of „enhancement‟ methods to deliver research training; such pedagogic methods are extra to the formal required supervisory contact.
A new virtual PSN has been set up to support PhD researchers who cannot be at the Research Center and Eka‟s piece reports on the benefits she has derived from this virtual PSN, being based in Georgia, Tbilisi.
Dr Nandish V Patel Okopala Blessing is thinking beyond her PhD about her future career. She offers sound scholarly advise, based on theory of social networking ,on how to develop a professional network necessary to continue to research and deliver publications. This is a good example of a skill for your Professional Development Portfolio (PDP).
PhD Administration
LSC Research Centre Pocock House Campus 235 Southwark Bridge Road London SE1 6NP LSC is a division of St. Piran’s School (GB) Ltd.
LSC PhD Researchers have been remarkably successful in getting research published at conferences and in journal papers. Dadang Prasetyo Jatmiko is the exceptional epitome. He has had several papers accepted in top ranking journals. Congratulations Dedang!!
It is vital for your continued PhD registration that the AMR is completed. Begin it during the 10 month of the registration year and submit before the end of the registration year. The University RDC will not permit PhD students to remain on the programme when they have not completed the AMR.
Research ethics is important and we reprint Professor Scott Fleming‟s , Chair of University RDC, piece on research ethics for PhD researchers‟ LSC Researchers Quarterly 3 (1) April 2015 benefit.
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CEO Meeting 14 January 2015
Tim Andradi Tim Andradi, CEO, Mr Benny Abraham, Marketing Director and Mr Rajiv Gupta, Operations Director officiated at the CEO Meeting. Tim Andradi presented the LSC global educational strategy and the global presence of the LSC Group of Colleges. He urged supervisory teams to provide PhD students with a rich research experience that leads to successful completion of their PhD. Successful completions means new students can be recruited to give them the benefit of obtaining the PhD qualification at an affordable price, thereby widening access to higher education globally. Mr Rajiv Gupta covered attendance monitoring and UKVI regulations. Students are classified as immigrants by the UKVI it requires the LSC to strictly monitor their attendance. This means that all supervisors themselves need to hold the regular monthly supervision meetings. Professor Don Harper, Professor Eleri Jones, Dr Nandish V. Patel and Mr. Sheku Fofanah then met with the supervisors and directors of studies to update them and discuss problems, including students‟ progress – recording lack of progress to enable corrective action; MPhil – offer as alternative to weaker students; AMR – responsibility of supervisors; RDP – must be given priority. Feedback to PhD researchers– good quality and timely feedback; Attendance; PhD Completions; Supervision meetings on campus; Role of the Mock Viva; Supervision – evidence-based supervision to compose the thesis monthly. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed a glass of wine or two!! and buffet dinner, and made the most of the networking opportunity.
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SUPERVISION PREPARATION Preparation for supervision is critical for PhD researchers to succeed. This requires the supervisor and director of studies to keep proper track of the student‟s research project. To enable this, the Phd Progression Record details the milestones in the research project and can be used by supervisors to track progress. I am certain that colleagues will have their own ideas on how they prepare to supervise their research students. I welcome articles on your opinions on how to supervise, as well as articles on formal supervision pedagogy. Particularly, articles that address the problematical articulation of „quality‟ aspect of research supervision. Of course, supervision preparation also requires students to produce written work as evidence of progress and to enable supervisors and directors of studies to enable them to provide appropriate guidance. Such work includes ongoing drafting of the thesis chapters and the research instruments for data collection and analysis. It also includes the RDP, AMR and Ethical Approval form. Lack of progress on these matters will be recorded by the supervisor on the Record of Progress form at the monthly supervision meeting. Supervisors may submit an article on this interesting pedagogy and any other aspects of research supervision, including how your research students themselves should prepare for their supervisory meeting. Editor.
Dr Arvind Upadhyay, Director of Studies (Left)
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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RETURN, PRICE TO EARNINGS RATIO, PRICE TO BOOK VALUE RATIO, SIZE AND BETA IN DIFFERENT DATA PERIOD Dadang Prasetyo Jatmiko Abstract This study uses five variables in which each of these variables were taken from 100 randomly selected companies from around 344 companies listed in Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) in order to understand the relationship between price to earnings ratio (PER), price to book value ratio (PBV), size (log) and beta as independent variables with variable returns as dependent variable. The period of the data used is from 2010 to 2012 for the four independent variables and from 2009 until
2011 for the dependent variable. In the return of 2009 there is one variable that is statistically proven to correlate with the return. The independent variable is the price to earnings ratio (PER), but the notation of PER is negative. However, the return of 2010 According to the table above, it appears that for the fault tolerance of 5%, none of the independent variables that are statistically proven separately correlated with returns. As for a return in 2011, returns variable is statistically shown to correlate with a beta variable with a significance level of 0.007 and with a coefficient of 0.333. Pearson correlation analysis was also performed on Panel Data, but none of the independent variables are statistically proven to have a relationship with the return. Furthermore,
seen also how the relationship between the variables PER, PBV, log size and beta with multiple returns in a model as well as the relationship between PER, PBV, size and beta with the expected return. Keywords: beta, PER, PBV, size. JEL Classification: G12, G13, G14. Prasetyo D (2015) Investment Management and Financial Innovations, Volume 12, Issue 1, 2015.
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University of South Wales Prifysgol DeCymru
Mazen Joureih This is to certify that Mazen Joureih has been awarded the Best Student Paper
'A Matter of Leaming: How Human Resource Training and Development Practices Affect Higher Education Service Performance‘
By the Emerging Themes in Business 2014 Research Conference
University of South Wales City Campus Usk Way Newport NP202BP Friday 2nd May 2015 Professor Andrew Thomas Head of South Wales Business School
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A CONCEPTUAL MODEL OF FACTORS AFFECTING E-COMMERCE ADOPTION BY SME OWNER/MANAGERS IN JORDAN Mohammad Alrousan , st20024308@cardiffmet.ac.uk, Eleri Jones , ejones@cardiffmet.ac.uk Cardiff Metropolitan University Abstract SMEs have become an important element in economic growth, particularly in developing countries. Since the Internet revolution, Internet usage in business environment (ecommerce) has changed the way of doing business in SMEs. It is well known that ecommerce is essential for SMEs in enhancing their competitiveness, productivity, efficiency, access to global markets and cost reduction. Despite such benefits, it has been reported that SMEs in developing countries, such as Jordan, have been slow to adopt ecommerce. This highlights the need to understand the factors influencing/inhibiting ecommerce adoption by SMEs owners/managers in Jordan and determining their level of adoption of the Internet. This paper reviews the background, strengths and weaknesses of the major models and theories relevant to technology adoption: Technology Acceptance Model (TAM); Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA); Technology-Organization Environment (TOE); Diffusion of Innovation (DoI) and Hofstedeâ€&#x;s Cultural Dimensions. Also, the literature review shows the most common sequences in level of e-commerce adoption in SMEs: Rao Model; Daniel Model; PriceWaterhouseCoopers Model; Rayport and Jaworski Model; Lefebvrea et al. Model and Leadership Typologies for Staged Technology Adoption). On the bases of these theories and models a conceptual framework for SMEsâ€&#x; e-commerce adoption level in Jordan is suggested. This conceptual framework can be tested empirically for SMEs in Jordan as well as other Arab countries. Keywords: e-commerce, SMEs, Adoption , Technology Acceptance model , Theory of Reasoned Action model, Diffusion of innovation model, Technology-Organization- Environment model, Hofstede, e-commerce levels.
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Preparing a Research Degree Proposal (RDP) - Ethical Approval and Risk Assessment Professor Scott Fleming University Director of Research and Graduate Studies Chair, Research Degrees Committee Cardiff Metropolitan University The Research Degree Proposal (RDP) sets out an intended direction of travel for a programme of research. There are two relatively brief sections of around 200 words each that require some thought to be given to 'ethical approval' and to 'risk assessment' - see Research Degree Proposal Guidance Notes for the Completion of the Form. The section on ethical approval is concerned primarily with an identification of the key themes and issues that will arise or are foreseeable possibilities. Full consideration of them occurs in a separate process and requires the completion of the Application for Ethics Approval form. For the RDP, though, it is sufficient merely to indicate that good practice in research ethics has been formed part of the planning of the research. An important point of departure for this task is voluntary informed consent (VIC) - a cornerstone of research ethics governance. Most projects will address VIC very transparently, but for those that do not, a rationale will be expected (see Fleming, 2013). In dealing with VIC some thought should be given to harm, anonymity, data protection, and so on. There may also be particular concerns about research that is sensitive, and may lead to 'guilty knowledge' or even 'dirty hands', as well as other matters linked to vulnerable populations, the law of the land, and the codes of conduct of subject associations and/or professional bodies. Crucially, though, this part of the RDP requires more than just confirmation of compliance with Cardiff Metropolitan University's principles and procedures for research ethics. As an aside, if you’re looking for somewhere to start on this aspect of the RDP, Roger Homan’s (1991) book, The Ethics of Social Research, remains as relevant now as it was when it was published
“…researchers should treat research participants as though they were their close friends…” first. It is also engagingly written and conceptually sophisticated. Consideration of risk assessment is linked to research ethics. Simply, it is based on anticipation of the things that might go wrong, how likely those eventualities are, and what can be put in place to limit the damage caused by them. Generally, researchers are very good at recognizing the risks to participants in empirical studies, and the principle of 'McFee's Friends' guides research conduct. That is to say, researchers should treat research participants as though they were their close friends (McFee 2010). In contrast, researchers are generally less skilled at anticipating the risks to themselves, to other persons who are not participants, and in particular to the risks to a project as a whole. For instance, what if access to an expected research context or environment becomes impossible? What are the implications of being unable to recruit sufficient participants? How would the proposed research be affected by the resignation of the main 'gatekeeper' who has granted permission for an organisation to be the focus of the research when it has started? This section of the RDP should make clear the contingency planning should these risks become realities. (Incidentally, including this bracketed sentence, the present paragraph about risk assessment has 213 words - slightly more than the approximate amount expected in the RDP.) The consideration of research ethics and the risks associated with a project are all part of the planning of a well-managed project. These sections of the RDP just enable the applicant to make the careful thinking explicit. References Fleming, S. (2013) Social research in sport (and beyond) – Notes on exceptions to informed consent. Research Ethics 9 (1): 32-43. Homan, R. (1991) The Ethics of Social Research. London: Longman. McFee, G. (2010) Ethics, knowledge and truth in sports research: An epistemology of sport. London: Routledge. 8
LSC Researchers Quarterly 3 (1) April 2015
EUROPEAN BANKING: TRENDS AND CHALLENGES Dr Ricardo Gouveia Research Supervisor, London School of Commerce
Dr Ricardo Gouveia is an Associate Editor for the current volume of Knowledge Management: An International Journal and a reviewer for the same journal. He has had extensive executive experience in corporate banking and finance in Europe and globally. He is also the Director of the LSC Special Interest Group in Banking
European banking activity is fundamentally based on retail and business banking. Although there has been an increase in the capital base in recent years, the fact is that the ROE is still behind US counterparts due to balance cleaning still in progress in EU27 as noted by Roland Berger (2014). In corporate and investment banking segments, which generated in 2013 a ROE barely covering the cost of capital, the available alternative strategic options are, amongst others: to become market risk effective business units, to point at a cost-effective business operation or, in alternative, to assume a hybrid strategic position. In terms of retail and business banking, the Nordic and CEE are geographies clearly more profitable than the European Union average. On the other side of the spectrum, the economic problems in Italy have hurt profitability whereas the rebound in Iberia, especially in Spain, is experiencing new dynamics which, hopefully, will impact positively on the balance of the banks, in the near future. Amongst the key tasks of retail banking is redefinition of the role of retail branches. It is obvious that the sector will not progress into a branchless business model as noted by Cap Gemini (2013). However, there is a consensus that number of branches will steadily decline and, at the same time, the sector will have to cope with the digital revolution, which will disrupt the traditional branch based business model. Apparently, new competitors (GAFA)(1) will emerge adding additional pressure on the existing market players. In conclusion, a number interesting research topics may emerge either in the corporate and investment banking segments, where it will be captivating to research on how banks, in face of the economic uncertainties prevailing in Europe, strategically position their own corporate and investment units. On the other hand, it will be appealing to research how retail and business banking units will deal with the pressures digital disruption will cause to their business models. (1)
GAFA – Google, Amazon, Facebook and Apple References Cap Gemini. (2014) Trends in Retail Banking Channels: Opportunities in a Changing Landscape Key emerging technology trends that are changing the way banks do business. Available from: http://www.capgemini.com/resource-fileaccess/resource/pdf/trends_in_retail_banking_channels_opportunities_in_a_changing_landscape.pdf. [Accessed: March 2nd 2014]. Roland Berger. (2014). The state of the European Banking Industry. Available from 9 http://www.rolandberger.de/media/pdf/Roland_Berger_State_of_European_Banking_Industry_20140721.pdf. nd [Accessed: March 2 2015]. LSC Researchers Quarterly 4 (1) April 2015
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UNDERSTANDING ROLE OF PERCEPTION AND INTERPRETATION IN COMMUNICATION Dr Arvind Upadhyay Research Fellow and Director of Studies
Therefore, avoid stereotyping and avoid aspects of behaviour, which are influenced by appearance, age, gender and dress sense, because this may result in communication discrimination. A point about age is that we tend to relate more easily to people of similar age. Interpretation in Non-Verbal Communication (NVC)
NVC is communication in a mode that does not involve words. It involves decoding meaning through behaviours such as facial expressions, limb gestures and body postures. NVC is an integral part of effective communication. It is not what we hear; it is also what we see that influences the nature and meaning of communication. When the verbal message is inconsistent with the non-verbal message, the non-verbal message is believed, and listeners discount the verbal component. NVC is often called a „relationship languageâ€&#x;. This is how we communicate trust, boredom, submission, dislike Communication is exchanging ideas, facts and and friendship without having to indicate these feelings with other people so that they feelings openly or directly. In our communication understand you as you mean to be understood with other people the message about our feelings and vice versa. So, communication is a two way and attitudes come only 7% from the words we process between the sender and the receiver use, 38% from our voice tone and 55% from involving the transmission of information and body language. exchange of meaning at least between two people. It involves coding, a process in which the sender of the message chooses words and also Therefore, in effective communication it is chooses how the message will be expressed important to pay attention to both the verbal and (loudly, quietly, in a relaxed friendly manner etc.), NVC. We usually send and receive non-verbal and decoding, a process in which the recipient messages unconsciously. The best interprets a message transmitted to them. communicators use the positive body language Therefore, communication is not just about technique unconsciously: these include use of sending and receiving a message, it also involves suitable facial expressions, always maintaining checking understanding and seeking feedback. good eye contact, and paying careful attention to Feedback is when the receiver shows that he/she posture and gestures. However, it is possible has received and decoded the message (though not always easy) both to control most of correctly. We can say communication has been the NVC we send and consciously be aware of successful only when the receiver accurately and read the cues that others are giving us. decodes and feedbacks appropriately. For example, when someone wishes to indicate Perception openness, liking, agreement or friendship, they Perception is the process by which we notice or are likely to turn their body towards you, look become aware of what is going on around us. We straight in the face, establish regular eye contact have different social and physical background, and look away infrequently, and to nod and smile different past learning and personalities, which a lot, keeping their hands and arms by their sides gives us different perceptions. Hence, we all or in front of them. perceive things somewhat differently and sometimes misinterpret the message or ascribe
This cluster conveys openness, or positive NVC. Similarly we can identify disagreement, or dislike by negative NVC. This cluster usually includes a close posture, which often involves turning the body away, loss of eye contact, wandering gaze, looking elsewhere and a lack of nods and smiles. A word of caution may be in order: the above examples are some general NVC behaviour, however we should keep in mind that the use and interpretation of non-verbal behaviour may differ from culture to culture.
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Friendship Without Borders Ekaterine Nadareishvili (second from the right) Georgia, Tbilisi
I don’t want to write about the tough journey we all have selected as PhD students, I simply want to share the unique experience of being an overseas based student. As all other students, I also feel massive stress associated with being a PhD student, but each trip to London is filled with immense excitement of seeing my unique and exceptional peer group which turned into a one big family. We are all human beings in need of support and passion, and especially in tough times when even minor encouragement and inspiration can bring immense change in our attitude and feelings. On the very first day Dr. Nandish Patel highlighted the importance of peer support and encouraged all students to create a peer support group, Peer Support Network (PSN), to share experience, knowledge and practical insight among folks who truly understand what they are going through along the PhD path. Initially, that sounded just like nice clichÊ words that we hear a lot, but today I can openly admit that peer support is the most relevant part of being a PhD student; for me it turned into the most powerful support that immensely facilitates in overcoming difficulties that we encounter at each step of the research process.
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Initially most of us, as fresh members of a big research group, believe that PhD is just general thesis writing and often we fail to grant adequate consideration to workload incorporated into the process of achieving the desired outcome from the research process. However, the reality turns out to be inconsistent with the expectations that trigger even more uncertainty and fear, which creates a big gap, making students feel isolated and perplexed, since all of us are coming from various educational and professional backgrounds. In this turmoil, peer support group can provide space for each student to talk about concerns, feelings and available options for finding reasonable solution to our various research topics and workloads. This is exactly how we support each other. Peer support represents a reliable and credible source of information, since we as peers share similar experiences and social norms and are therefore better placed to provide relevant, meaningful, explicit and honest information. Time and distance became less a problem today, because technological advancements enable us to stay in touch through application of various social networks and tools. Peer support is the best encouragement and support for us, since nobody can understand you better than your peers, being in a similar position. I’m blessed for being a part of the family we created at LSC. My advice to all students will be to initiate peer support group, this is not just shelter where support is always available but more importantly it is a new friendship, emotional support sympathy and inspiration. We, as our peer support group, often sit together when we are all in London to share experience, ideas and simply to enjoy the company of each other. Even when we are in different parts of the words we have set one day in the week which is dedicated to Skype call. This I will call a big network however we enjoy having a smaller network though WhatsApp where we talk almost every day whenever we need each other’s assistance or just to say hi!!!!!!! Sometimes we even forget how far we are from each other. This is friendship without border, the best thing in life!!!!
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NETWORKING AND ACADEMIC CAREER: THE WAY FORWARD Okpala Blessing
The motivation to write this article is rooted in the inspiration I had while I was on my way back home from school. While some students endeavour to make new connections to widen their academic career opportunities, some others believe they can single-handedly make a forest. Although some students aspire to network amongst themselves and beyond, others assume this aspect of life is so irrelevant. Siemenâ€&#x;s (2005), theory of connectivism supports the perception that a networked association is of immense importance in maintaining a collaborative linkage to promote information sharing and communication. But the question is: Of what benefit is networking to academic pursuits of research students? Stenken and Zajicek (2009), recommend that the core aspect of developing any career of which academics is the bedrock, is possessing the skills to explore and utilize opportunities as they emanate. Exploring these opportunities requires taking some sort of risks, taking some bold steps and sometimes requesting for a lot more than has initially been offered. Networking is the formal and informal relationships between groups of individuals in order to foster excellent career. Goza and Ryabov (2009) agree that peer network can greatly influence the academic outcomes of individuals. Although some studies suggest that peer networking pose a negative influence on the performance of students however, the above authors agree that there are positive connections between networking and academic success, like acquisition to good grades, honors, studying hard and future working career.
It is apparent that most academics overlook their colleagues who are committed networkers. However, they fail to acknowledge that connections are very paramount for a successful academic career too. It is noteworthy that being intelligent and studious is not sufficient to attain a great academic height as well as potential work careers. Apart from high academic performance, good human relationship and cooperation, networking also determines the course of future professional careers. For example, upon acquiring a doctorate degree, valuable performance in the form of writing, submitting articles for publications, conferences and networking to a larger extent determines if an aspirant will secure a professorship position. Despite the overwhelming benefits of academic networking, most academicians are still oblivious of these great benefits. 15 Over the past years, commercial sector has witnessed a tremendous improvement in organising events to promote networking. However, in academia most individuals have shown minimal interest
But a major concern is that some individuals are of the opinion that networking and building relationships appears too crafty and intrusive into other people's affairs. But this is a misguided opinion and to a large extent, holds no water. Honestly, networking and collaboration with others both locally and internationally is highly invaluable for any student who aims to broaden his or her career. If you want the world outside to learn more about you, your skills and area of professionalism, then there is great need to sharpen your networking skills so as to widen career opportunities. This supports Yu et., al. (2010) statement that networking amongst academicians is a great avenue for obtaining information, sharing knowledge, rendering support and becoming socially acceptable; which in return, leads to higher level of performance proficiency, self-esteem and actualisation. Getting acquainted with fellow academicians especially the leading ones, can be quite intimidating. Some researchers and lecturers are already used to working independently and just the idea of working mutually or going public does not sound appealing at all to them. They strongly believe in themselves that they can achieve it all, all on their own.
Since this article is targeted at encouraging academicians to network with each other, the wayforward is rooted in Sir Isaac Newton's (1675), statement: "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants". To this effect, academicians ought to endeavour to stand on the shoulders of giants so as to see further. Mentors, lecturers, supervisors, director of studies and examiners are already giants for a great start to see further. They are already experts, experienced and in a better position to help boost research studentâ€&#x;s career; thus the need to establish and maintain a healthy relationship with them. Academic networking spans beyond face to face communication and presently, social media has shown an immense advancement in the manner people associate with one another. According to McLoughlin and Lee (2008), social software tools have created an enhanced platform for learners to deeply relate and engage with their peers, colleagues, instructors, experts and the community at large. Through these social platforms, people can create, share and grow knowledge either through photos, emails, messages, publications and online bookmarks. Although these media of information exchange encourage personal expression of views, it also boosts social propagation of active support, assistance and cooperation by allowing comments, reviews and discussions by members of like-minded community members sharing resources. With the availability of online social networking, several digital platforms have been allocated specifically to academia for scholarly practices (Jordan 2014). Academic social network sites such as ResearchGate, Academia.edu, About.me, Scribd and reference sharing sites such as Bibsonomy, Zotero, Mendeley, CiteULike and ISSUU allow scholars to upload their works in a graceful format for online viewing and publication of their research works. With millions of users across the globe, these significant platforms promote scholarly communication, networking, academic information sharing and connection with one another. Thus, it is highly imperative to recognize the part these social platforms play and the advancement they can present to the field of academic careers. This supports Dawsonâ€&#x;s (2008), opinion that an individual's position in the social network climate is symbolic of their level of adaptability within the academic atmosphere which determines the level of support needed by such individual for future academic career advancement.
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For academic networking to be effective, scholars must be willing to adopt the give and take philosophy, precept of reciprocity, ample time for relationship building, realizable goals, synergistic mindset, skills improvement, involvement in academic activities, involvement in publications and attendance at conferences. Through these avenues, the contacts built while networking can help connect individuals to the right person that will move them forward and give them the right direction for a brighter future. REFERENCES Dawson S. (2008), A Study Of The Relationship Between Student Social Networks And Sense Of Community, Educational Technology & Society, International Forum of Educational Technology & Society (IFETS), issue 11, vol. 3, p.236. Goza F. and Ryabov I. (2009), Adolescents Educational Outcomes: Racial and Ethnic Variations in Peer Network Importance, Journal of Youth Adolescence, issue 38, pp. 12641265, 1276. Jordan K. (2014), Online social networks and networked academic identity. In: Internet Research 15.0 Doctoral Colloquium Daegu, South Korea, p.19. McLoughlin C. and Lee M. J. W. (2008), The Three Pâ€&#x;s of Pedagogy for the Networked Society: Personalization, Participation, and Productivity, International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, Vol. 20, No. 1, p. 17. Newton I. (1675), Wikiquote, Accessed online; {http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Isaac_Newton}, Date {14/12/2014}. Siemens G. (2005), Connectivism: A learning theory for a digital age, International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, issue 2, vol. 1, Accessed online; {http://www.itdl.org/Journal/Jan_05/article01.htm}, Date {14/12/2014}. Stenken J. A. and Zajicek A. M. (2009), The Importance Of Asking, Mentoring And Building Networks For Academic Career Success - A Personal And Social Science Perspective, p.542. Yu A. Y., Tian S. W., Vogel D. and Chi-Wai Kwok R. (2010), Can Learning Be Virtually Boosted? An Investigation Of Online Social Networking Impacts, Computers and Education, 55 (4), pp. 1494-1503.
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Effective articulation of ideas, concepts and knowledge is extremely vital in research, which strengthens one‟s practice, as well making one FROM THE SILENCE OF A LIBRARY prominent in the field of expertise. However, to be an accomplished practitioner, it requires TO THE DAZZLING PRACTITIONER devotion, commitment, effective practice, as well as training. Perhaps, a best approach is to read a few books on scientific writing, practice it and, Muneeb Iqbal, nd 2 Yr PhD Student at LSC / Cardiff Metropolitan more importantly, intense dedication involving deep reflection. This, then, becomes second University nature and before we notice we will be a highly muneeb.iqbal@live.co.uk effective articulator and a prominent practitioner. However, being effective requires good I am Muneeb Iqbal, a PhD researcher. However I communication skills. As noted by Darwin: also practice as an Information Technology & Business Intelligence consultant. My interest is in learning to create knowledge, as in doing a PhD, A naturalist’s life would be a happy one if he had only to observe and never to write. and applying it effectively to improve practice.
(Charles Darwin, 1809 – 1892) Research is an experience that shapes our thoughts, equips us with skills to articulate logically and explicitly, train our minds to comprehend the natural phenomena of our interests and imbues us with knowledge in our domain. As researchers we read and read until infoxicated (information overload) and, reflect and reflect until our minds achieve satisfactory explanation of what is being read. The excerpts of this information, either explicit or implicit from this exercise (conducted consciously What has interested me is the transition I have or sub-consciously) are transferred from the been able to make from learning about creating short-term memory to the long-term memory, a theoretical knowledge, as in my prior educational sub-process in the cognitive information experience as well as the current PhD research I processing paradigm. And then we read and read am conducting, to applying it to practice. In this again, to repeat this pleasantly vicious cycle, article, I will share with you my views, intellective resulting in the banking of knowledge. experiences, few tips and some famous quotes on the journey of becoming a practitioner through As famously said by Skinner: academics.
Education is what survives when what has To be successful in practice it is important to be been learnt has been forgotten. (BF Skinner) logical, apply common sense sensibly and implement the learnt knowledge in the right context at the right time. Conducting research under a regulated and rigorous framework such as a PhD programme provides a very suitable platform. It enables acquisition of practical skills to implement ideas logically, with peerpractitioner approval, in a collaborative manner. As Huxley pertinently remarked:
Science is nothing but trained and organised
When the knowledge bank exceeds what is required to achieve personal satisfaction, it starts flowing outwards making you a source of information for others. At this point you are at the verge of becoming a credible consultant in your area of expertise. Then it‟s time to push a little more, stretch the hours, controlled trigger the obsession to acquire more knowledge and practice to focus.
The divine does not present success in a plate with red rose petals, but it gifts us the ability to practice. It is the practice that makes us perfect, a pathway leading to success. Failures and setbacks are part of the game, these are the sceptics that in essence stimulates us not to fail the next time. As experienced by Townes: Most of my successes have come out of failures. (Charles Townes – physicist and Nobel laurete who co-developed the laser, 1995). Finally, it can be said that when you enter in the world of practice through the silence of a library training your minds to be able to read, reflect, comprehend and effectively & influentially articulate you can lead using a very unique leadership style; lead by knowledge. Finally, beautifully stated by Rumi, to keep our continuous progression full of inspiration: If you are irritated by every rub, how will your mirror be polished? (Rumi, 1207 – 1273)
Acknowledgements: A sincere gratitude to Dr. Nandish V. Patel who encouraged me to write the piece, and gave me this opportunity to share my thoughts via LSC Researchers Quarterly, and reviewed this article. A special thanks to my Supervisor Dr. Wilson Ozuem and Director of StudiesDr. Anabel Gutiérrez for the tremendous academic supervision.
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Why you should consider publishing on your research journey towards your doctorate? Professor Eleri Jones, Link Tutor and Chair of PhD Confirmation Panel, Cardiff Metropolitan University
A doctoral degree is at level eight in the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) (QAA, 2011), which among other things describes a doctoral qualification as: the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline, and merit publication. (QAA, 2011; 14) In your viva voce examination the examiners will be looking for evidence that your work is authentic, original and of an appropriate standard. Publishing your work is helpful in this context although, in terms of getting your PhD, actual publications are not essential. Your first priority during your candidature must be to complete your thesis and submit it for viva voce examination. However there are a number of benefits that accrue from publishing your work, particularly in peer-reviewed journals, although presenting a conference paper and writing a book chapter are also valuable exercises. Publishing a conference paper A useful first step into the world of publishing can be presentation of your work at an appropriate conference. Conferences are often announced on the Internet and your supervisor may make suggestions about particularly suitable conferences for you to consider presenting at. Conferences are great opportunities for networking, to meet other researchers with similar interests and to hear the great and good in your discipline area. Keynote speakers are likely to be the leading lights in your discipline area. The comments you get after your presentation will help you to improve the quality and focus of your work. Some conferences specifically have a doctoral workshop led by more experienced academics and can provide excellent advice for the evolution of your research project. LSC Researchers Quarterly 3 (1) April 2015
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Publishing in peer-reviewed journals Please do not underany illusions about how difficult it isto be accepted by a top journal in any field or how protractedthe process can be – it can take months or even years although (some) journal editors are trying to speed up the response times. However, the benefit you will undoubtedly gain from the experience is well worth the effort you will invest. A list of the top business and management journals is included in the Association of Business Schools Journal list,which can be accessed online and your supervisors should be able to advise you. They may be aware of a special issue of a journal into which your contribution would fit. Please remember that publishing in top journals is extremely competitive and only a small proportion of papers submitted actually get published. A requirement that you make (sometimes considerable) changes to your paper or even outright rejection of your manuscript is much more likely in reality than an acceptance but you should not let this put you off trying as although you will be disappointed if (more likely when) it happens the feedback from an editor or peer reviewers (normally two who may react quite differently to your work!) in requiring amendments or rejecting your contribution can be invaluable in terms of the development of your thesis. There is (unfortunately) no gain without pain! Good luck in your endeavours – it does not have to be a solo effort and you may choose to co-author with your DoS, your supervisor or indeed other researchers beyond your supervisory team. Co-authors have to earn their place on the publication but anyone who has made an input should be recognized. There are conventions for author order but if the paper is primarily or exclusively based on your work then you should be the lead author.
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Demographic Change and the Tourism Workforce: Time-bomb or Opportunity? Tom Baum University of Strathclyde, UK.
The Tourism Policy Research Group (TPRG) Abstract: This discussion will address three coalescing themes: · · ·
Age-related demographic change; Mobilities-induced demographic change; and Generational change.
The tourism industry, in the UK and other developed economies, has built brand and cultural cache through its emphasis on a workforce that is young and dynamic – ‘a young person’s industry’ is frequently-cited as a descriptor for the sector although the across-the-board reality suggests a rather more evenly distributed age demographic. Given current and projected structural changes to the workforce, it is debatable whether this representation retains meaning in the contemporary world and, certainly, going forward will require modification. At the same time, mobility and migration on an unprecedented global scale have also changed the complexion of the tourism industry’s workforce in even the most remote locations of Europe. How does this play out in terms of destination image and branding, for example? Finally, workplace expectations are shifting dramatically, driven in part (but not exclusively) by generational change.
Tourism Policy Research Group Public Seminar Department of Marketing, Branding and Tourism
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These trends are the harbingers of a ‘perfect storm’ in tourism employment that receives little or no acknowledgement from stakeholders at either a strategic or operational level. This discussion will assess their implications and propose measures that the tourism industry, its associations, educational providers and the public sector can consider in response. Short Bio: Tom Baum is Professor of International Tourism and Hospitality Management and Head of the Department of Human Resource Management in the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. He holds BA and MA degrees in Education from the University of Wales and a PhD in tourism labour market studies from the University of Strathclyde. Tom has worked in tourism education and training for over 30 years, as a research manager within the public sector, an educator in the university sector and as consultant to public and privately funded projects in over 40 countries across five continents. He has published extensively in this area and the wider context of people and work within hospitality and tourism. Tom’s research has a strong focus on the education and human resource themes in the sector within the context of developing and transition economies. The seminar series are free and offer a unique opportunity to meet colleagues, share experiences and ideas, and network on various themes affecting tourism research and practice within and outside the UK. To book contact Gulizar Karaca (G.Karaca@mdx.ac.uk), Administrator Department of Marketing, Branding and Tourism.
Programme
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CARDIFF METROPOLITAN THESES You can access theses from schools pf Cardiff Metropolitan University. The PhD theses are held in the institutional repository, DSpace. These are available for anyone to access without needing to sign in. If you select Communities & Collections from the left hand menu and scroll down, you’ll see the PhD theses collection. Alternatively, each school has a Research Degrees collection which holds their own theses. Bethan Library and Information Services Cardiff Metropolitan University E: dspace@cardiffmet.ac.uk W: http://repository.cardiffmet.ac.uk
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PHD Support and Networking Web Sites
Vitae is dedicated to realising the potential of researchers through transforming their professional and career development.
The Researcher Development Initiative supports the training and development of researchers in the social sciences at all stages of their career.
Jorum is a Jisc funded Service for UK Further and Higher Education, to collect and share Open Educational Resources (OER), allowing their reuse and repurposing. Research Councils UK (RCUK) are responsible for investing public money in research in the UK to advance knowledge and generate new ideas which lead to a productive economy, healthy society and contribute to a sustainable world.
The Research Information Network is a policy unit funded by the UK higher education funding councils, the seven research councils and the three national libraries.
For more information please visit the information desk, email library@lsclondon.co.uk or call 0207 763
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Your PhD will test you!
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Ethical approval You can apply for ethical approval to collect your research data whenever you are ready. You do not need to have your RDP approved. Complete and submit the ethical approval form.
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Vol. 2, Issue 1 | April 2014
Researchers Quarterly
Research Centre
LSC Research Centre Pocock House Campus 235 Southwark Bridge Road LSC Researchers Quarterly 4 (1) London SE1 28 6NP April 2015