Insider ethnographic analysis is used to analyze change processes in an engineering department. Distributed leadership theory is used as conceptual framework.
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De Peer Support Group Kwalitatief Onderzoek van de HU is een groeiende, zelfsturende, HU-brede groep die is ontstaan uit de behoefte van onderzoekers en docenten om als ‘peers’ onderling kennis en ervaring te delen met betrekking tot kwalitatief onderzoek. De logistiek en organisatie van deze groep heeft een zeer fluïde karakter. Zij vormt zich naar de inhoudelijke en organisatorische behoeften van de groep. Deze behoeften zijn continu in beweging door onder andere veranderingen binnen de organisatie van de HU en de verschillende werkvelden en onderzoeksdomeinen waaruit de deelnemers afkomstig zijn. Maar ook door de ontwikkelingen die plaatsvinden op het terrein van kwalitatief onderzoek, binnen de eigen Peer Support Group (PSG) zelf en van de individuen die deel uitmaken van de PSG. In deze bijdrage zal ik nader uiteenzetten hoe complexiteit een rol speelt in het ontstaan en functioneren van de PSG.
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This article presents findings from an empirical study on the relations between the variables comprising learning mechanisms in small collaborative groups. Variables comprising the central learning mechanisms component were task related interactions, knowledge elaborations, and subjective estimation of knowledge acquisition. Student related determinants of the learning processes were dysfunctional behavior, and work group management. Tutor related determinants were tutor facilitative behavior (facilitation, questioning, and mini-lecturing), and tutor work group management. The selected variables were structured into a path model. The first question concerned the way the three variables comprising the learning mechanisms component are related to each other. We have contrasted mediation vs. addition hypothesis. The second question concerned the validity of the complete small group functioning model. In order to answer these questions we have constructed a questionnaire and administered it to 89 1st year medical students. Concerning the first question, the data were in accordance with the mediation hypothesis. Specific analyses showed that only the collaborative sequence type of task related interactions had positive effects on both knowledge elaborations and knowledge acquisition. In contrast the transfer of knowledge type of interactions had negative effects on the same variables. Test of the validity of the complete model showed a satisfactory model fit. Briefly, our findings suggest that a large proportion of collaborative sequences in the group, together with a low proportion of dysfunctional behavior and highly facilitative behavior of the tutor will lead to a high proportion of knowledge elaborations. Knowledge elaborations positively affect knowledge acquisition which is an important determinant of the student satisfaction and motivation.
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Carboxylated cellulose is an important product on the market, and one of the most well-known examples is carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). However, CMC is prepared by modification of cellulose with the extremely hazardous compound monochloracetic acid. In this project, we want to make a carboxylated cellulose that is a functional equivalent for CMC using a greener process with renewable raw materials derived from levulinic acid. Processes to achieve cellulose with a low and a high carboxylation degree will be designed.
Digital transformation has been recognized for its potential to contribute to sustainability goals. It requires companies to develop their Data Analytic Capability (DAC), defined as their ability to collect, manage and analyze data effectively. Despite the governmental efforts to promote digitalization, there seems to be a knowledge gap on how to proceed, with 37% of Dutch SMEs reporting a lack of knowledge, and 33% reporting a lack of support in developing DAC. Participants in the interviews that we organized preparing this proposal indicated a need for guidance on how to develop DAC within their organization given their unique context (e.g. age and experience of the workforce, presence of legacy systems, high daily workload, lack of knowledge of digitalization). While a lot of attention has been given to the technological aspects of DAC, the people, process, and organizational culture aspects are as important, requiring a comprehensive approach and thus a bundling of knowledge from different expertise. Therefore, the objective of this KIEM proposal is to identify organizational enablers and inhibitors of DAC through a series of interviews and case studies, and use these to formulate a preliminary roadmap to DAC. From a structure perspective, the objective of the KIEM proposal will be to explore and solidify the partnership between Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas), Avans University of Applied Sciences (Avans), Logistics Community Brabant (LCB), van Berkel Logistics BV, Smink Group BV, and iValueImprovement BV. This partnership will be used to develop the preliminary roadmap and pre-test it using action methodology. The action research protocol and preliminary roadmap thereby developed in this KIEM project will form the basis for a subsequent RAAK proposal.
The pace of technology advancements continues to accelerate, and impacts the nature of systems solutions along with significant effects on involved stakeholders and society. Design and engineering practices with tools and perspectives, need therefore to evolve in accordance to the developments that complex, sociotechnical innovation challenges pose. There is a need for engineers and designers that can utilize fitting methods and tools to fulfill the role of a changemaker. Recognized successful practices include interdisciplinary methods that allow for effective and better contextualized participatory design approaches. However, preliminary research identified challenges in understanding what makes a specific method effective and successfully contextualized in practice, and what key competences are needed for involved designers and engineers to understand and adopt these interdisciplinary methods. In this proposal, case study research is proposed with practitioners to gain insight into what are the key enabling factors for effective interdisciplinary participatory design methods and tools in the specific context of sociotechnical innovation. The involved companies are operating at the intersection between design, technology and societal impact, employing experts who can be considered changemakers, since they are in the lead of creative processes that bring together diverse groups of stakeholders in the process of sociotechnical innovation. A methodology will be developed to capture best practices and understand what makes the deployed methods effective. This methodology and a set of design guidelines for effective interdisciplinary participatory design will be delivered. In turn this will serve as a starting point for a larger design science research project, in which an educational toolkit for effective participatory design for socio-technical innovation will be designed.
