Theoretical perspectives on the development of a meta-methodology for value management

This paper provides a new set of theoretical perspectives on the topic of value management in building procurement. On the evidence of the current literature it is possible to identify two distinct methodologies which are based on different epistemological positions. An argument is developed which sees these two methodologies to be complementary. A tentative meta-methodology is then outlined for matching methodologies to different problem situations. It is contended however that such a meta-methodology could never provide a prescriptive guide. Its usefulness lies in the way in which it provides the basis for reflective practice. Of central importance is the need to understand the problem context within which value management is to be applied. The distinctions between unitary, pluralistic and coercive situations are seen to be especially significant.

The molecular structure of propylene sulphide (methylthiirane) by gas-phase electron diffraction and theoretical calculations: a molecule used in MOCVD

Gas-phase electron-diffraction (GED) data together with results from ab initio molecular orbital calculations have been used to determine the structure of propylene sulphide. Values found for the main structural parameters for the molecule are consistent with those obtained from microwave studies and are compared here with those found for similar sulphur containing rings of general formula S(CH2)n (n = 2–5). A high ring strain enthalpy was calculated for propylene sulphide which is consistent with the small C–S–C angle (48.2(6)degrees) and the relatively long C–S bond lengths (ra = 1.831(2) Å). This is thought to account for the ease of ring opening in propylene sulphide observed in MOCVD reactions and the ready polymerisation of the molecule.

Reflective practice among MATESOL graduates in the UAE: theoretical construct or ongoing benefit?

Many teacher training programs, including the MATESOL program at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) in United Arab Emirates, encourage their trainees to reflect on their practice. However, whether or not reflection becomes a part of the trainees’ practice once they leave these programs is a thought-provoking question, which formed the core of the current study. The study was qualitative in nature, using interviewing as its method of data collection. The researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with four AUS MATESOL program graduates, and investigated their perceptions of and engagement with reflective practice. The findings of the study indicate that the participants have generally developed an understanding of and appreciation for reflection and reflective practice, are aware of its values, and use different forms of reflection in order to reflect on their practice. However, some of them hold some uncertainties and misconceptions about reflective practice and its different aspects.

Real options and game theoretical approaches to real estate development projects: multiple equilibria and the implications of different tie-breaking rules

This paper contributes to a fast growing literature which introduces game theory in the analysis of real option investments in a competitive setting. Specifically, in this paper we focus on the issue of multiple equilibria and on the implications that different equilibrium selections may have for the pricing of real options and for subsequent strategic decisions. We present some theoretical results of the necessary conditions to have multiple equilibria and we show under which conditions different tie-breaking rules result in different economic decisions. We then present a numerical exercise using the in formation set obtained on a real estate development in South London. We find that risk aversion reduces option value and this reduction decreases marginally as negative externalities decrease.

Theoretical insights into bacterial chemotaxis

Research into understanding bacterial chemotactic systems has become a paradigm for Systems Biology. Experimental and theoretical researchers have worked hand-in-hand for over 40 years to understand the intricate behavior driving bacterial species, in particular how such small creatures, usually not more than 5 µm in length, detect and respond to small changes in their extracellular environment. In this review we highlight the importance that theoretical modeling has played in providing new insight and understanding into bacterial chemotaxis. We begin with an overview of the bacterial chemotaxis sensory response, before reviewing the role of theoretical modeling in understanding elements of the system on the single cell scale and features underpinning multiscale extensions to population models. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2012 doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1168 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.

A theoretical framework for energy and momentum consistency in subgrid-scale parameterization for climate models

A theoretical framework for the joint conservation of energy and momentum in the parameterization of subgrid-scale processes in climate models is presented. The framework couples a hydrostatic resolved (planetary scale) flow to a nonhydrostatic subgrid-scale (mesoscale) flow. The temporal and horizontal spatial scale separation between the planetary scale and mesoscale is imposed using multiple-scale asymptotics. Energy and momentum are exchanged through subgrid-scale flux convergences of heat, pressure, and momentum. The generation and dissipation of subgrid-scale energy and momentum is understood using wave-activity conservation laws that are derived by exploiting the (mesoscale) temporal and horizontal spatial homogeneities in the planetary-scale flow. The relations between these conservation laws and the planetary-scale dynamics represent generalized nonacceleration theorems. A derived relationship between the wave-activity fluxes-which represents a generalization of the second Eliassen-Palm theorem-is key to ensuring consistency between energy and momentum conservation. The framework includes a consistent formulation of heating and entropy production due to kinetic energy dissipation.