Field Methods for Academic Research: Interviews, Focus Groups and Questionnaires 3rd Edition


Book Description

Interviews, focus groups and questionnaires are everyday tools of the academic researcher in business and management studies. Most research degrees and many academic peer reviewed journal papers have employed one or more of these techniques. Ironically the knowledge and skills required to use these tools are not often well taught and the books available on these topics can be daunting. This highly accessible book addresses these three field methods and explains how they may be employed to good effect. The book also provides examples or research protocols, letters and checklists which are of direct use to researchers using these methods. The new edition includes chapters on data management, data saturation and more. "Field Methods for Academic Research provides an accessible reference guide for those, like me, who need to be introduced to these practices in a jargon-free way." Robert Pulley "Great job and indeed a very original book. You have got what it takes to reflect both your academic and life experiences that assist many new researchers like myself." George Simataa




ePub - Field Methods for Academic Research - 3rd Edition


Book Description

Interviews, focus groups and questionnaires are everyday tools of the academic researcher in business and management studies. Most research degrees and many academic peer reviewed journal papers have employed one or more of these techniques. Ironically the knowledge and skills required to use these tools are not often well taught and the books available on these topics can be daunting. This highly accessible book addresses these three field methods and explains how they may be employed to good effect. The book also provides examples or research protocols, letters and checklists which are of direct use to researchers using these methods.










Smart Sustainable Manufacturing Systems


Book Description

With the advent of disruptive digital technologies, companies are facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Advanced manufacturing systems are of paramount importance in making key enabling technologies and new products more competitive, affordable, and accessible, as well as for fostering their economic and social impact. The manufacturing industry also serves as an innovator for sustainability since automation coupled with advanced manufacturing technologies have helped manufacturing practices transition into the circular economy. To that end, this Special Issue of the journal Applied Sciences, devoted to the broad field of Smart Sustainable Manufacturing Systems, explores recent research into the concepts, methods, tools, and applications for smart sustainable manufacturing, in order to advance and promote the development of modern and intelligent manufacturing systems. In light of the above, this Special Issue is a collection of the latest research on relevant topics and addresses the current challenging issues associated with the introduction of smart sustainable manufacturing systems. Various topics have been addressed in this Special Issue, which focuses on the design of sustainable production systems and factories; industrial big data analytics and cyberphysical systems; intelligent maintenance approaches and technologies for increased operating life of production systems; zero-defect manufacturing strategies, tools and methods towards online production management; and connected smart factories.







Exploring Internal Communication


Book Description

This third edition of Exploring Internal Communication includes new chapters on the history of internal communication, the evolution of employee engagement, the current state of practice, change communication, storytelling, research and measurement, an internal communication measurement dashboard, intranet management and internal social media. It argues that internal communication practice is about keeping employees informed and at the same time giving them a voice that is treated seriously. The book is both a companion for internal communication courses and an exploration of key concepts for a strategic approach to practice that underpins employee engagement.




Chinese Organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa


Book Description

Trade between China and Africa is increasing year on year, while the West increasingly debates the nature and implications of China’s presence. Yet little research exists at the organizational and community levels. While western press reporting is overwhelmingly negative, African governments mostly welcome the Chinese presence. But what happens at the management level? How are Chinese organizations run? What are they bringing to communities? What is their impact on the local job market? How do they manage staff? How are they working with local firms? This book seeks to provide a theoretical framework for understanding Chinese organizations and management in Africa and to explore how their interventions are playing out at the organizational and community levels in sub-Saharan Africa. Based on rigorous empirical research exploring emerging themes in specific African countries, this book develops implications for management knowledge, education and training provision, and policy formulation. Importantly it seeks to inform future scholarship on China’s management impact in the world generally, on Africa’s future development, and on international and cross-cultural management scholarship. Primarily aimed at scholars of international management, with an interest in China and/or in China in Africa, this important book will also be of great interest to those working in the area of development studies, international politics, and international relations.




Exploring Internal Communication


Book Description

Exploring Internal Communication has long been the go-to publication for internal communication, public relations and human resources practitioners who want their practice to be grounded in research and guided by evidence-based advice. The new fourth edition has been comprehensively updated throughout to reflect the latest thinking in internal communication. Notably, the use of social media within organisations is explored in depth in recognition of the increasing integration of digital platforms. A greater understanding of the different communication roles played by line managers and senior managers is emerging, and this is reviewed to help managers understand what is expected of them and how to succeed as they communicate with employees. And the demands of channel management are becoming increasingly complex; this edition helps practitioners negotiate this challenge. Enriched with models, tips and case studies, this book is an indispensable tool for both students and practitioners alike.




The Palgrave Handbook of Applied Linguistics Research Methodology


Book Description

This Handbook provides a comprehensive treatment of basic and more advanced research methodologies in applied linguistics and offers a state-of-the-art review of methods particular to various domains within the field. Arranged thematically in 4 parts, across 41 chapters, it covers a range of research approaches, presents current perspectives, and addresses key issues in different research methods, such as designing and implementing research instruments and techniques, and analysing different types of applied linguistics data. Innovations, challenges and trends in applied linguistics research are examined throughout the Handbook. As such it offers an up-to-date and highly accessible entry point into both established and emerging approaches that will offer fresh possibilities and perspectives as well as thorough consideration of best practices. This wide-ranging volume will prove an invaluable resource to applied linguists at all levels, including scholars in related fields such as language learning and teaching, multilingualism, corpus linguistics, critical discourse analysis, discourse analysis and pragmatics, language assessment, language policy and planning, multimodal communication, and translation.