Akademisk skriftspråklig progression : En medierad diskursanalys av två föreläsningar på Studie- och språkverkstaden, Stockholms universitet

I denna uppsats analyseras två föreläsningar genomförda av Studie- och språkverkstaden på Stockholms universitet. Syftet är att undersöka i vilken utsträckning föreläsningarna kan bidra till studenters akademiska skriftspråkliga progression. Materialet, som består av observationer, enkätsvar, intervjuer och mejl, har analyserats med metoder från medierad diskursanalys (MDA, Scollon & Scollon 2004). I undersökningen deltar 30 studenter, den språkinstitution som studenterna är inskrivna på samt Studie- och språkverkstaden. Resultaten visar att faktorer som interaktionsordning, historisk kropp och diskurser har stor betydelse för hur föreläsningarna uppfattas och används av studenterna. Hur studenterna motiverar sitt handlande beror på vem som uppfattas som social aktör både före, under och efter föreläsningarna; hur interaktionsordningen ser ut har betydelse för utfallet av antal studenter som deltar på föreläsningarna; hur en diskurs presenteras har betydelse för hur studenterna motiverar sitt handlande under föreläsningen; förväntningar på förutsättningar och förkunskaper ser olika ut hos språkinstitutionen och studenterna: de yngre studenterna relaterar positivt sina akademiska erfarenheter till läroplanen Gy 2011, språkinstitutionen signalerar brist i förutsättningar och förkunskaper relaterade till Gy 2011; föreläsningarna har höjt eller aktualiserat studenternas medvetande om den akademiska diskursen, och slutligen konstateras att studenternas tidigare akademiska erfarenhet inte har någon större inverkan på utfallet av föreläsningarna. 

Na 1 Nachlass Max Horkheimer, 802 - "Dialektik der Aufklärung" von Max Horkheimer und Theodor W. Adorno (p. XI 6.3 - XI 6.42)

3. Aus der "Dialektik der Aufklärung"; Kapitel: "Juliette oder Aufklärung und Moral". Typoskript mit dem Titel "Aufklärung und Rigorismus", mit handschriftlichen Korrekturen, 52 Blatt (2 Exemplare); 4. Aus der "Dialektik der Aufklärung"; Kapitel: "Kulturindustrie". Typoskript mit dem Titel "Das Schema der Massenkultur":; 4a) Typoskript mit handschriftlichen Korrekturen, 67 Blatt; 4b) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 106 Blatt; 5. - 110. Gedruckte und ungedruckte Aufzeichnungen und Entwürfe zur "Dialektik der Aufklärung: Sammlungen A, B, C, D, die teilweise identisch sind; 5. - 42. Sammlung A: "Aphorismen"; 5. "Zum Problem der Bedürfnisse". Typoskript, 5 Blatt; 6. "Mensch und Tier". Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 12 Blatt; 7. "Propaganda". Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 8. "Straftheorie". Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 3 Blatt; 9. "Dichtung und Moral". Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 5 Blatt; 10. "Zur Genese der Dummheit". Typoskript, 3 Blatt; 11. "Interesse am Körper". Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 6 Blatt; 12. "Philosophie und Arbeitsteilung". Typoskript, 3 Blatt; 13. "Widersprüche". Typoskript, 4 Blatt; 14. "Geschichte der amerikanischen Arbeiterschaft". Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 15. "Feind". Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 16. "Gezeichnet". Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 2 Blatt; 17. "Erkenntnis und Sprache". Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 18. "Unmöglichkeit der Dichtung". Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 19. "Erbsünde und Kopula". Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 20. "Die Einseitigkeit der Negativität". Typoskript, 2 Blatt [= "Für Voltaire" in der "Dialektik der Aufklärung"]; 21. "Klassifikation". Typoskript mit eigenen Ergänzungen, 1 Blatt; 22. "Jüdischer Charakter". Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 1 Blatt; 23. "Lawine". Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 2 Blatt; 24. "Solidarität". Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 2 Blatt; 25. "Bewußtsein". Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 26. "Gegen Bescheidwissen". Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 27. "Der Gedanke". Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 28. "Quand-même". Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 29. "Leeres Erschrecken". Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 2 Blatt; 30. "Haupt- und Nebensatz". Typoskript, 3 Blatt; 31. "Verwandlung der Idee in Herrschaft". Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 5 Blatt; 32. "Isolierung durch Verkehr". Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 33. "Kampf und Gewaltlosigkeit". Typoskript, 6 Blatt; 34. "Zwei Welten". Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 35. "Zur Theorie der Gespenster". Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 36. "Notiz" [= "Umschlag der idealistischen Dialektik"]. Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 37. "Massengesellschaft". Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 38. "Tierpsychologie". Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 39. "Denkmale der Humanität". Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 1 Blatt; 40. "Physiognomik". Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 1 Blatt; 41. "Die Rackets und der Geist". Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 7 Blatt; 42. "Altmodisches Problem". Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 2 Blatt;

Na 1 Nachlass Max Horkheimer, 803 - "Dialektik der Aufklärung" von Max Horkheimer und Theodor W. Adorno (p. XI 6.43 - XI 6.106)

43. - 62. Sammlung B: "Konzepte als Zugabe zur Festschrift für Friedrich Pollock" [GS 12, S. 250 - 295]. 64 Blatt; 43. "Zum Problem der Bedürfnisse". Typoskript, 6 Blatt; 44. "Dichtung und Moral". Typoskript, 5 Blatt; 45. "Geschichte der amerikanischen Arbeiterschaft". Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 46. "Kein Weg zur Wahrheit". Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 47. "Zur Rechtsphilosophie". Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 2 Blatt; 48. "Strafgefangene". Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 49. "Jüdischer Charakter". Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 50. "Solidarität". Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 51. "Unmöglichkeit der Dichtung". Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 52. "Theorie des Verbrechers". Typoskript, 14 Blatt; 53. "Erbsünde und Kopula". Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 54. "Feind". Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 55. "Haupt- und Nebensatz". Typoskript, 3 Blatt; 56. "Bewußtsein". Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 57. "Kampf und Gewaltlosigkeit". Typoskript, 6 Blatt; 58. "Umschlag der idealistischen Dialektik". Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 59. "Die Rackets und der Geist". Typoskript, 7 Blatt; 60. "Altmodische Probleme". Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 2 Blatt; 61. "Physiognomik". Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 62. "Religionspsychologie". Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 63. - 106. Sammlung C: "New Yorker Notizen [I]"; 63. "Dialektik der Aufklärung Nr. 7". Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 12 Blatt; 64. Aus der "Dialektik der Aufklärung"; Kapitel: "Elemente des Antisemitismus", Abschitt VII:; 64a) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 11 Blatt; 64b) Teilstück, Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 64c) Teilstück, Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 64d) Teilstück, Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 65. "Bemerkungen zu These VII" [zu: 64]; Über Antisemitismus und Stalinismus, [von Theodor W. Adorno]. Typoskript, 3 Blatt; 66. "Verwandlung der Idee in Gesinnung":; 66a) Typoskript, 5 Blatt; 66b) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 4 Blatt; 66c) Typoskript, 5 Blatt; 67. "Zum Problem der Bedürfnisse". Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 6 Blatt; 68. "Dichtung und Moral":; 68a) Typoskript, 5 Blatt; 68b) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 4 Blatt; 68c) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 4 Blatt; 68d) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 5 Blatt; 69. "Geschichte der amerikanischen Arbeiterschaft":; 69a) Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 69b) Typoskript; 1 Blatt; 70. "Straftheorie. Zur Rechtsphilosophie":; 70a) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 3 Blatt; 70b) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 3 Blatt; 70c) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 3 Blatt; 70d) Typoskript, 3 Blatt; 71. "Jüdischer Charakter". Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 72. "Solidarität". Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 73. "Theorie des Verbrechens". Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 17 Blatt; 74. "Erbsünde und Copula":; 74a) Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 74b) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 3 Blatt; 75. "Geschichtsphilosophischer Exkurs zur Odysee" [von Theodor W. Adorno ?]. Teilstück, Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 76. "Feind":; 76a) Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 76b) Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 76c) Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 76d) Entwurf, englisch, Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 2 Blatt; 77. "Haupt- und Nebensatz":; 77a) Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 77b) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 2 Blatt; 77c) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 2 Blatt; 77d) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 3 Blatt; 78. "Bewußtsein":; 78a) Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 78b) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 1 Blatt; 79. "Kampf und Gewaltlosigkeit":; 79a) Typoskript, 6 Blatt; 79b) Typoskript, 6 Blatt; 79c) Teilstücke, Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 6 Blatt; 79d) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 5 Blatt; 79e) Typoskript, 5 Blatt; 79f) Teilstück, Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 2 Blatt; 80. "Die Rackets und der Geist":; 80a) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 2 Blatt; 80b) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 6 Blatt; 81. "Altmodisches Problem". Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 82. "Physiognomik". Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 83. "Religionspsychologie":; 83a) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 2 Blatt; 83b) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 2 Blatt; 84. "Leeres Erschrecken":; 84a) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 2 Blatt; 84b) Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 84c) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 2 Blatt; 85. "Philosophie und Arbeitsteilung":; 85a) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 3 Blatt; 85b) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 3 Blatt; 85c) Typoskript, 3 Blatt; 85d) Typoskript mit handschriftlichen Korrekturen, 3 Blatt; 86. "Vorrede" zur Dialektik der Aufklärung. Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 11 Blatt; 87. ["Umschlag der idealistischen Dialektik"] Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 88. Über Erkenntnis und Sprache. Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 1 Blatt; 89. "Zur Kritik der Geschichtsphilosophie". Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 3 Blatt; 90. "Mensch und Tier":; 90a) Typoskript mit eigenen und handschriftlichen Korrekturen, 12 Blatt; 90b) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 3 Blatt; 90c) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 4 Blatt; 90d) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 3 Blatt; 90e) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 10 Blatt; 91. "Massengesellschaft". Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 92. "Zwei Welten". Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 93. "Zur Theorie der Gespenster":; 93a) Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 93b) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 1 Blatt; 94. "Interesse am Körper":; 94a) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 6 Blatt; 94b) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 7 Blatt; 94c) Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 94d) Typoskript, 6 Blatt; 95. "Unmöglichkeit der Dichtung". Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 96. "Die Einseitigkeit der Negativität":; 96a) Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 96b) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 2 Blatt; 96c) Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 97. "Widersprüche":; 97a) Typoskript, 4 Blatt; 97b) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 4 Blatt; 98. "Zur Theorie der Dummheit":; 98a) Typoskript, 3 Blatt; 98b) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 3 Blatt.; 99. "Gezeichnet". Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 100. "Quand-même":; 100a) Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 100b) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 2 Blatt; 101. "Isolierung durch Verkehr":; 101a) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 1 Blatt; 101b) Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 102. "Gegen Gescheitheit". Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 1 Blatt; 103. "Propaganda":; 103a) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 2 Blatt; 103b) Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 103c) Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 2 Blatt; 104. "Der Gedanke". Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 1 Blatt; 105. Fragment aus der "Dialektik der Aufklärung", Exkurs II. Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 3 Blatt; 106. Zum Begriff des Individuums bei Leibniz und Hegel [GS 12, S. 314 - 315]. Typoskript mit eigenen Korrekturen, 2 Blatt;

Targeting genetic resource conservation in widespread species: a case study of Cedrela odorata L.

Conservation of genetic resources is a recognised necessity for the long term maintenance of evolutionary potential. Effective assessment and implementation Strategies are required to permit rapid evaluation and protection of resources. Here we use information from the chloroplast, total genome and quantitative characters assayed across wide-ranging populations to assess genetic resources in a Neotropical tree, Cedrela odorata. A major differentiation identified for organelle, total genomic and quantitative variation was found to coincide with an environmental gradient across Costa Rica. However, a major evolutionary divergence between the Yucatan region and Honduras/Nicaragua identified within the chloroplast genome was not differentiated using quantitative characters. Based on these and other results, a three-tiered conservation genetic prioritisation process is recommended. In order of importance, and where information is available, conservation units should be defined using quantitative (expressed genes), nuclear (genetic connectivity) and organellar (evolutionary) measures. Where possible, information from range wide and local scale studies should be combined and emphasis should be placed on coincidental disjunctions for two or more measures. However, if only rapid assessments of diversity are possible, then assessment of organelle variation provides the most cautious assessment of genetic resources, at least for C. odorata, and can be used to propose initial conservation units. When considering effective implementation of genetic resource management strategies a final tier should be considered, that of landuse/geopolitical divisions. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Visual thalamocortical projections in the flying fox: Parallel pathways to striate and extrastriate areas

We studied thalamic projections to the visual cortex in flying foxes, animals that share neural features believed to resemble those present in the brains of early primates. Neurones labeled by injections of fluorescent tracers in striate and extrastriate cortices were charted relative to the architectural boundaries of thalamic nuclei. Three main findings are reported: First, there are parallel lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) projections to striate and extrastriate cortices. Second, the pulvinar complex is expansive, and contains multiple subdivisions. Third, across the visual thalamus, the location of cells labeled after visual cortex injections changes systematically, with caudal visual areas receiving their strongest projections from the most lateral thalamic nuclei, and rostral areas receiving strong projections from medial nuclei. We identified three architectural layers in the LGN, and three subdivisions of the pulvinar complex. The outer LGN layer contained the largest cells, and had strong projections to the areas V1, V2 and V3. Neurones in the intermediate LGN layer were intermediate in size, and projected to V1 and, less densely, to V2. The layer nearest to the origin of the optic radiation contained the smallest cells, and projected not only to V1, V2 and V3, but also, weakly, to the occipitotemporal area (OT, which is similar to primate middle temporal area) and the occipitoparietal area (OP, a third tier area located near the dorsal midline). V1, V2 and V3 received strong projections from the lateral and intermediate subdivisions of the pulvinar complex, while OP and OT received their main thalamic input from the intermediate and medial subdivisions of the pulvinar complex. These results suggest parallels with the carnivore visual system, and indicate that the restriction of the projections of the large- and intermediatesized LGN layers to V1, observed in present-day primates, evolved from a more generalized mammalian condition. (C) 2004 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The other side of the coin: safety of complementary and alternative medicine

Most consumers consider complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) products inherently safe. The growing simultaneous use of CAM products and pharmaceutical drugs by Australian consumers increases the risk of CAM-drug interactions. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has a two-tier, risk-based regulatory system for therapeutic goods - CAM products are regulated as low risk products and are assessed for quality and safety; and sponsors of products must hold the evidence for any claim of efficacy made about them. Adverse reactions to CAM products can be classified as intrinsic (innate to the product), or extrinsic (where the risk is not related to the product itself, but results from the failure of good manufacturing practice). Adverse reactions to CAM practices can be classified as risks of commission (which includes removal of medical therapy) and risks of omission (which includes failure to refer when appropriate). While few systematic studies of adverse events with CAM exist, and under-reporting is likely, most CAM products and practices do not appear to present a high risk; their safety needs to be put into the perspective of wider safety issues. A priority for research is to rigorously define the risks associated with both CAM products and practices so that their potential impact on public health can be assessed.

Resolving the organization of the New World monkey third visual complex: The dorsal extrastriate cortex of the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

We tested current hypotheses on the functional organization of the third visual complex, a particularly controversial region of the primate extrastriate cortex. In anatomical experiments, injections of retrograde tracers were placed in the dorsal cortex immediately rostral to the second visual area (V2) of New World monkeys (Callithrix jacchus), revealing the topography of interconnections between the third tier cortex and the primary visual area (V1). The data indicate the presence of a dorsomedial area (DM), which represents the entire upper and lower quadrants of the visual field, and which receives strong, topographically organized projections from the superficial layers of V1. The visuotopic organization and boundaries of DM were confirmed by electrophysiological recordings in the same animals and by architectural characteristics which were distinct from those found in ventral extrastriate cortex rostral to V2. There was no electrophysiological or histological evidence for a transitional area between V2 and DM. In particular, the central representation of the upper quadrant in DM was directly adjacent to the representation of the horizontal meridian that marks the rostral border of V2. The present results argue in favor of the hypothesis that the third visual complex in New World monkeys contains different areas in its dorsal and ventral components: area DM, near the dorsal midline, and a homolog of area 19 of other mammals, located more lateral and ventrally. The characteristics of DM suggest that it may correspond to visual area 6 (V6) of Old World monkeys. (C) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Brain maps, great and small: lessons from comparative studies of primate visual cortical organization

In this paper, we review evidence from comparative studies of primate cortical organization, highlighting recent findings and hypotheses that may help us to understand the rules governing evolutionary changes of the cortical map and the process of formation of areas during development. We argue that clear unequivocal views of cortical areas and their homologies are more likely to emerge for 'core' fields, including the primary sensory areas, which are specified early in development by precise molecular identification steps. In primates, the middle temporal area is probably one of these primordial cortical fields. Areas that form at progressively later stages of development correspond to progressively more recent evolutionary events, their development being less firmly anchored in molecular specification. The certainty with which areal boundaries can be delimited, and likely homologies can be assigned, becomes increasingly blurred in parallel with this evolutionary/developmental sequence. For example, while current concepts for the definition of cortical areas have been vindicated in allowing a clarification of the organization of the New World monkey 'third tier' visual cortex (the third and dorsomedial areas, V3 and DM), our analyses suggest that more flexible mapping criteria may be needed to unravel the organization of higher-order visual association and polysensory areas.

Electrophysiological evidence for linear polarization sensitivity in the compound eyes of the stomatopod crustacean Gonodactylus chiragra

Gonodactyloid stomatopod crustaceans possess polarization vision, which enables them to discriminate light of different e-vector angle. Their unusual apposition compound eyes are divided by an equatorial band of six rows of enlarged, structurally modified ommatidia, the mid-band (MB). The rhabdoms of the two most ventral MB rows 5 and 6 are structurally designed for polarization vision. Here we show, with electrophysiological recordings, that the photoreceptors R1-R7 within these two MB rows in Gonodactylus chiragra are highly sensitive to linear polarized light of two orthogonal directions (PS=6.1). They possess a narrow spectral sensitivity peaking at 565 nm. Unexpectedly, photoreceptors within the distal rhabdomal tier of MB row 2 also possess highly sensitive linear polarization receptors, which are in their spectral and polarization characteristics similar to the receptors of MB rows 5 and 6. Photoreceptors R1-R7 within the remainder of the MB exhibit low polarization sensitivity (PS=2.3). Outside the MB, in the two hemispheres, R1-R7 possess medium linear polarization sensitivity (PS=3.8) and a broad spectral sensitivity peaking at around 500 nm, typical for most crustaceans. Throughout the retina the most distally situated UV-sensitive R8 cells are not sensitive to linear polarized light.

Supplier competitive advantage in inter-firm business relationships:is Keiretsu really a source of competitive advantage for Japanese automotive suppliers?

This paper explores how firms create and sustain competitive advantage in the inter-firm business relationships from a supplier’s perspective. Ultimately, this paper draws its attention to keiretsu partnerships and how it is perceived by Japanese automotive suppliers. Four main theoretical perspectives (resource based view, industrial organisation, transaction cost economics, and relational network) were considered when developing a conceptual framework based on competitive capability, market diversification, and level of engagement. The framework was examined against two best-practice automotive component suppliers. Later, primary data was also gathered through an interview with a CEO and a survey questionnaire with 11 Japanese companies. As a result, this paper classified these 11 companies into four supplier groups based on tier level (1 and 2) and affiliation condition. Findings propose that there may be little benefit in being an affiliated tier 1 supplier, and that independent tier 2 suppliers may be more competitive than affiliated ones.

Big 4 audit fee premiums for national and office-level industry leadership in the United Kingdom

The pricing of Big 4 industry leadership Is examined for a sample of U.K. publicly-listed companies, and adds to the evidence from the Australian and U.S. audit markets that city-specific industry leadership commands a fee premium. There is a significant fee premium for city-specific industry leaders relative to other Big 4 auditors, but no evidence that either the top-ranked or second-ranked firm nationally commands a fee premium relative to other Big 4 auditors, after controlling for city-level industry leadership. We also test for Big 4 fee premiums relative to non-Big 4 auditors and the U.K. data suggest a three-level hierarchy based on audit fee differentials: (1) Big 4 city-specific industry leaders have the largest fees; (2) other Big 4 auditors (noncity leaders) and second-tier national firms have comparable fees that are lower than Big 4 city leaders but larger than third-tier firms; and (3) third-tier accounting firms have the lowest fees.

Toward understanding inter-organizational knowledge transfer needs in SMEs:insight from a UK investigation

Purpose - External knowledge is generally believed to be of prime importance to small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, a review of the literature shows that no empirical research has looked at knowledge management issues at the inter-organizational level in SMEs. This paper seeks to report on an empirical investigation with UK SMEs in the service sector to identify their needs and practices regarding inter-organizational knowledge transfer, and thus provide empirical evidence to support the above belief. Design/methodology/approach - A two-tier methodology (i.e. using both questionnaire survey and interview approaches) is deployed to address the main research objectives. A questionnaire survey of SMEs is carried out to investigate their current inter-organizational knowledge transfer situation and managers' perception on various relevant issues. Then 12 face-to-face interviews with SME managers are conducted to further validate key findings drawn from the questionnaire survey. Findings - The empirical evidence collected from the survey and interviews confirms the general belief that external knowledge is of prime importance for SMEs, and demonstrates that SMEs have very strong needs for external knowledge and inter-organizational knowledge transfer. Research limitations/implications - The findings provide very strong underpinning for further theoretical research on inter-organizational knowledge transfer in SMEs. However, this study has certain limitations: its results may not be applicable to other industrial sectors or the same sector in other countries; or to micro or large companies; nor does it involve cross-cultural issues. Originality/value - By adopting a two-tier research methodology, this study provides more reliable understanding and knowledge on SMEs' inter-organizational knowledge transfer needs and practices, and fills the gap that exists in the empirical investigations on the subject. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Exploring diversity in accounting through Faculty journal perceptions

The accounting research community has frequently been described as being both diverse and focused on local issues. At the same time, increasing pressure is being placed on researchers to publish in internationally highly regarded journals. Since faculty evaluations depend on journal rankings, such rankings need to take into account the diversity of the research community. Therefore, this study examines how contextual factors such as a researcher's location and research orientation may influence journal quality perceptions and readership patterns based on an international sample of 1,230 accounting academics. The perceived quality of journals is measured across a number of dimensions, including journal familiarity, average rank position, percent of respondents who classify a journal as top tier, and readership. The results support that a significant variation in journal quality perceptions exists based on a researcher's geographic origin, research orientation, and affiliation with a journal.

Perceptual differences of marketing journals:a worldwide perspective

The practice of evaluating faculty and business schools based on their journal publications has increased the emphasis on research output in peer reviewed journals. Since journal standings are a frequently debated issue, this study seeks to examine the perceptual differences of journals between different segments of marketing academics. Based on a worldwide online survey, journals are assessed in terms of four subjective quality metrics: journal familiarity, average rank position, percent of respondents who classify a journal as top tier, and readership. It is demonstrated that an individual's geographic origin, research interests or journal affiliation can have a significant impact on journal rankings.

The development and optimisation of a fast pyrolysis process for bio-oil production

A two-tier study is presented in this thesis. The first involves the commissioning of an extant but at the time, unproven bubbling fluidised bed fast pyrolysis unit. The unit was designed for an intended nominal throughput of 300 g/h of biomass. The unit came complete with solids separation, pyrolysis vapour quenching and oil collection systems. Modifications were carried out on various sections of the system including the reactor heating, quenching and liquid collection systems. The modifications allowed for fast pyrolysis experiments to be carried out at the appropriate temperatures. Bio-oil was generated using conventional biomass feedstocks including Willow, beechwood, Pine and Miscanthus. Results from this phase of the research showed however, that although the rig was capable of processing biomass to bio-oil, it was characterised by low mass balance closures and recurrent operational problems. The problems included blockages, poor reactor hydrodynamics and reduced organic liquid yields. The less than optimal performance of individual sections, particularly the feed and reactor systems of the rig, culminated in a poor overall performance of the system. The second phase of this research involved the redesign of two key components of the unit. An alternative feeding system was commissioned for the unit. The feed system included an off the shelf gravimetric system for accurate metering and efficient delivery of biomass. Similarly, a new bubbling fluidised bed reactor with an intended nominal throughput of 500g/h of biomass was designed and constructed. The design leveraged on experience from the initial commissioning phase with proven kinetic and hydrodynamic studies. These units were commissioned as part of the optimisation phase of the study. Also as part of this study, two varieties each, of previously unreported feedstocks namely Jatropha curcas and Moringa olifiera oil seed press cakes were characterised to determine their suitability as feedstocks for liquid fuel production via fast pyrolysis. Consequently, the feedstocks were used for the production of pyrolysis liquids. The quality of the pyrolysis liquids from the feedstocks were then investigated via a number of analytical techniques. The oils from the press cakes showed high levels of stability and reduced pH values. The improvements to the design of the fast pyrolysis unit led to higher mass balance closures and increased organic liquid yields. The maximum liquid yield obtained from the press cakes was from African Jatropha press cake at 66 wt% on a dry basis.