Case studies in learning disability: implications for instruction

A significant number of children with learning disabilities may hold negative attributions about themselves which not only impact on their willingness to learn but put themselves at risk of developing depression. A multi-disciplinary assessment team found evidence for the existence of at least two distinct patterns of learning disability. It was concluded that interventions must focus not only on content areas but on the individual attributions the child holds about his or her ability and potential.

Understanding the management of doctoral studies in Australia as risk management

This paper discusses and analyses theoretical explanations of risk and risk management in terms of the management of doctoral studies. It deals with the ways in which Government policy, together with contemporary approaches to the bureaucratisation of risk management and the development and imposition of rationalities of risk, are shaping the practices of universities concerning the selection, supervision, support and assessment of doctoral candidates. In particular, the impact of the Research Training Scheme on doctoral studies is discussed as a particular context in which the institutionalisation of risk management occurs.

Asynchronous patterns of reproduction for the sympatric scallops Chlamys bifrons and Chlamys asperrima (Bivalvia : Pectinidae) in South Australia

Patterns of spawning activity were assessed by monitoring gonad states over 2.5 years for Chlamys asperrima and Chlamys bifrons at two sites in Gulf St Vincent, South Australia. Chlamys asperrima appeared to have a minor spawning in June, followed by a major spawning starting in late August. In contrast, the gonads of C. bifrons were regressed only during winter and it appeared that C. bifrons spawned for a long period, from late spring (September) until early autumn (March). At one site where sampling was frequent, there was evidence of three series of C. bifrons spawning events during the summer of 1994/95 and at least two series of events during 1995/96. Build-up and decrease in gonad weight was quick, but there was strong evidence of serial spawning for both species. Subsequently, we once observed C. asperrima spawning in situ at Edithburgh Jetty, at a time when gonad weights had been decreasing in previous years, but also long after the time when peak gonad weights had usually occurred. Only patches within the population were seen spawning, with scallops not spawning observed less than 100 m away from those that were. Indirect sampling of gonad condition also suggested that spawning in C. bifrons at Largs Bay was not always synchronous among patches of scallops within a population, nor always between sexes within patches.

One to one eMarketing strategy alignment: five internet case studies

Despite widespread adoption of new online business models and the rise of online or eMarketing using the Internet (Net) and its current graphical face the World Wide Web (Web), there remains a need for empirical research into specific aspects of eMarketing strategy beyond clickthrough analysis, Web audience analysis and scrutiny of Websites properties to mention the most widely examined elements. This paper discusses Peppers and Rogers (1999) OnetoOne strategy matrix and synthesises their approach with a series of personal interviews with business managers, drawn from a broader empirical study. It does so in an endeavour to improve outcomes from eMarketing strategy and the use of individual Net technologies. The aim is to aid both business practitioner and academician alike in further improving the effectiveness and efficiency gained from using converging technologies in eBusiness.

Aligning system requirements with stakeholder concerns : use of case studies and patterns to capture domain experience

Traditionally system development starts with the specification of system requirements. The focus of such an approach is on the system under construction, which is considered as of primary importance to the development success. The major problem with such an approach, however, is the neglect of concerns held by the various system stakeholders, whose opinions, loyalties and fears may impact considerably the perception and the reception of the implemented system, its functions and its features. Typically, stakeholder concerns are not collected or identified, and are viewed as of little significance in the system development process. In this paper, however, we present the case for recognising the value of stakeholder concerns, and their use in aligning business needs with system requirements. We describe a method of gathering and analysing stakeholder concerns across an application domain, and then packaging the development experience in dealing with these concerns into patterns. Experience patterns can subsequently be used to guide systems analysts in selecting the most appropriate requirements for the target stakeholder community.

Case studies in the development towards a daylighting roadmap

Through the International Energy Agency (lEA) Task-31 Daylighting in the 21 st Century a subtask has been organized to undertake the development of a Daylighting Design Roadmap. This project will attempt to unfold a path as to how we may approach and provide support for daylighting at the various project stages of a design. Although this roadmap is in its preliminary stages, the authors have examined several case studies of daylighting projects. This paper outlines an initial overview of a daylighting design roadmap by reflecting on several aspects of the case studies. An attempt is made to provide reasonable guidance of parameters which could be analyzed at various stages in a project. The roadmap gives reference to several design tools and simulation programs acknowledging that the process can be selective in targeting results to particular circumstances. Voids of information and methodology in the construction of the daylighting roadmap, at this stage in the project, are also acknowledged. It is expected that this initial paper on the subject, will provide awareness and hopefully generate a contribution from other experts in the field.

Fostering deep and elaborative learning and generic(soft) skill development: the strategic use of case studies in accounting education

It is vital that accounting educators take responsibility for the development of students' generic (soft) skills in conjunction with, discipline-specific skills. Research indicates that the typical learning styles of accounting students are not suited to the acquisition of generic skills. In this paper learning theory is used to provide a framework to support the use of case studies as a tool to promote appropriate learning styles and thereby enhance generic skill development. The paper details a number of strategies that may be implemented with case studies to achieve these goals. The implications for accounting educators, which are significant, are discussed.

Stakeholders and strategic planning in non-profit organisations : case studies in complexity and conflict

The experiences of two Australian non-profit member-benefit associations as they attempt to develop strategic plans are explored, with emphasis on the influence of the many stakeholders in this process. We conclude that
corporate strategic planning is a complex, conflict-ridden, and largely
unsuccessful process in non-profit member-benefit associations because of the number and commitment of stakeholders. Therefore we suggest that future research should focus on clarifying whether such corporate management techniques are actually appropriate for all non-profit organisations, and, if they are, how non-profit organisations can best manage the process, taking into account the values and needs of stakeholders.

Reflective practice in teacher education : learning from case studies of environmental education

This book is focused on ten action research and evaluative case studies in environmental education carried out by teacher educators and teachers. The case studies range across five European countries: Austria, Hungary, Italy, Sweden and Switzerland. They are followed by cross-case comparisons which explore issues emerging from the documented reflective practice: aims of environmental education in the educational policy context of the countries, their relationship to the disciplines and the traditional knowledge transmission position, the role of action research approaches for innovation and reflection, and institutional conditions of collaboration in teacher education. This international case study project is research based in adopting professional development approaches that are informed by action research principles. It represents examples of innovation that challenge established practice in schools and teacher education institutions. It provides study material for all who attempt to describe, change and improve their own education practices and who want to adopt an action research approach to professional or program development.