Spelling suggestions: "subject:"comprehensive"" "subject:"omprehensive""
11 |
Internationalisation motives, enablers and paths of location-intensive services SMEs from emerging marketsAbdel Khalik, Mahmoud Ahmed Farid January 2014 (has links)
Current theoretical insights into firm internationalisation have mainly been established from research on firms originating from developed countries, with a strong focus on the manufacturing sector. Studies have recently begun to examine the internationalisation of emerging market firms, the international growth of SMEs, and service firm internationalisation, and a range of theories have been employed to gain understanding in these areas. This study examines internationalising small service frims from an emerging market, whose location-intensity makes them a rare type of firm for whom internationalisation might appear to be a counter-intuitive strategy. This study seeks to understand the internationalisation motives, enablers, and paths of location-intensive food service SMEs from the emerging Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It asks why, what and how to location-intensive food service SMEs from emerging markets internationalise? The aims is to provide a deeper understanding of firm internationalisation by examining a group for whom the purpose and methods of internationalisation appears to be obscure. To do this, the thesis introduces a more comprehensive account of firm internationalisation by identifying the three interrelated aspects of internationalisation, which are presented as motives, enablers and paths. This is followed by a review of the mainstream internationalisation theories and perspectives, before revealing important findings that have emerged from previous internationalisation research separately on the emerging markets, SMEs and services and these are drawn together into an overall research framework. The research method balances deductive and inductive approaches. It recognises existing research an theoretical frameworks, but allows for new themes to emerge inductively from the data. A multiple case study was adopted, with qualitative data collected through interviews with owners and top managers of purposefully selected case firms. Industry experts were also interviewed and relevant documents were reviewed to achieve triangulation and minimise bias. Data was explored and thematically analysed by coding into the pre-existing categories suggested by the conceptual framework, and this allowed new findings and themes to emerge. This exploratory study revealed a number of concepts that shaped a coherent approach to the interrelated aspects of internationalisation. Perspectives found in emerging market MNE literature are extended and offer useful insights for location-intensive service SMEs from emerging markets but other important themes emerged from the findings itself. the study suggests that asset augmenting motives, strategic and entrepreneurial enablers and outward and inward linked paths are important when explaining the internationalisation of these firms. These firms have strategic motives of increasing their organisational legitimacy in their home market primarily due to the entrance of well-established MNEs and consumer perceptions. The strategic entrepreneurship paradigm captures many of the internationalisation enablers of the case study firms, specifically the entrepreneurs' role in simultaneous opportunity seeking (either recognition or creation), and advantage seeking behaviour through research building. The paths pursued by the firms are found to be both outwardly and inwardly linked, in a way closely associated with Luo and Tung's (2007) springboard perspective. Finally, the case firms' internationalisation paths reflect a deviation from the born-again global viewpoint first presented by Bell et al (2001). This study advocates that emerging market service firms need to implement and coordinate a number of strategies simultaneously to upgrade their resources, due to the entrance of established foreign MNEs. This implies that foreign MNEs should recognise their own resource combinations that represent real value to local firms, and therefore re-examine whether further standardisation over adaption is better suited when entering certain host markets. This thesis highlights the importance of impression management to complement legitimacy in consumer-centred industries, and this is suggested as a rich avenue for future enquiry. Future research might also test the theoretical contributions made her, especially concerning the new motives, enablers and paths identified in this study.
|
12 |
How students perceive the contribution that alternate access programmes make to their academic success22 June 2011 (has links)
M. Ed. / Many higher education institutions face the loss of subsidy due to the high attrition rate of students. Despite the many advantages of alternate access programmes documented in literature, numerous Engineering Faculty members and members of the management of the University of Johannesburg believed that first time applicants with A and B symbols on their senior certificate were stronger students than those students who had completed an alternate access programme. Furthermore, they felt that the alternate access students took up the places which should have been given to those students with excellent senior certificate results. While many studies have been conducted on alternate access programmes there appears to be no evidence of the academic benefits that students derive from them. This generic qualitative study focused on what students perceive to be the academic benefits of alternate access programmes for their mainstream study. Purposeful sampling was used to select Engineering students from the 2005 and 2006 cohort to participate in focus group interviews and the data gathered during the interviews were analysed and interpreted using an Interpretivist lens. The themes that emerged from the study confirmed that students found the programmes to be beneficial but that they became aware of most of the academic benefits only once they joined the mainstream students in their second year of study. This study revealed the alternate access students were of the opinion that there are a number of academic benefits that they had derived from the alternate access programmes. They were in agreement that these benefits had helped to prepare them for mainstream study and they concluded that the benefits had contributed to their academic success in their mainstream studies. The findings of this study suggest that alternate access programmes have an important role to play in providing students with access, support and success in mainstream studies which in turn leads to the increased throughput of students and higher education institutions retaining subsidy.
|
13 |
Planerad bostadsbebyggelse på Strandängen, JönköpingHedman, Magnus, Bäckmark, Per January 2009 (has links)
I Jönköpings Län och då särskilt Jönköping som stad råder i dagsläget storbostadsbrist. Bostadsbolag och fastighetsägare vill få in fler bostäder på befintligafastigheter samt bygga nya bostäder för att få Jönköping att växa och bli något utavnavet i mitten av Sydsverige. Där har uppdragsgivaren till denna rapport, Vätterhem,en stor roll, som det i dagsläget största bostadsbolaget i Jönköpings Kommun. Vätterhem planerar en nyproduktion av upp till 800 lägenheter på ett stycke mark vidVätterns västra strand 1-2 km norr om Jönköping. Dessa 800 lägenheter fördelade påtvå etapper, 400 lägenheter per etapp. Denna rapport behandlar översiktligt ett förslagtill planerad bostadsbebyggelse på denna plats, då endast etapp ett (400 lägenheter). Utifrån en genomförd områdesinventering, där rådande förutsättningar, bebyggelseoch växtlighet inspekterades, har olika förslag diskuterats fram, varav två olikapresenteras i denna rapport. Gällande lagar och bestämmelser vad gäller strandskyddoch närhet till järnvägen med allt vad det innebär har också beaktats. Kommunensplaneringsunderlag för området Kortebo/Strandängen har varit till stor hjälp dåbetydligt större arealer inom området på sikt skall bebyggas. Frågan huruvida vilken exploateringsnivå man skall lägga sig på har diskuteratsflitigt, och då området heter Strandängen har valet fallit på att lägga denna nivårelativt lågt. Vid hårdexploatering av denna yta där allmänna kommunikationer tillstaden i dagsläget inte är de bästa uppkommer behovet av bil för de boende relativtsnabbt, varför de också behöver parkering. Markparkering kräver mycket plats och attgräva ner parkeringarna bedöms alltför kostsamt. Därav sänks exploateringsnivån föratt istället kunna bibehålla vacker natur och trevliga strövområden utmed Vättern, enviktig parameter då människors trivselfaktor bedöms. I rapporten går det att läsa om ett förslag som anses ligga på en lagom nivå där naturoch bebyggelse går hand i hand. Ett område där man skall kunna bo och trivas länge.Förslaget mynnade ut i sammanlagt 286 lägenheter av de från början önskade 400, däringet av husen är högre än fyra våningar. Ökade hushöjder ökar antalet lägenhetermarkant, men också behovet av parkeringar. Därför gjordes här ett av oss medvetetval att förlägga bebyggelsen på detta vis, så att naturen fortfarande spelar en stor rollinom området. / In Jönköping County, and in particular Jönköping City, there is at the moment a greathousing shortage. Housing and property owners want to get more housing in existingbuildings and build new homes to get Jönköping to grow and become something outof the hub in the middle of southern Sweden. There has Vätterhem had a major role,as the largest housing company in Jönköping Municipality. Vätterhem plans for new construction of up to 800 apartments on a plot of land atVätterns western shore about 1-2 km north of Jönköping. These 800 apartments arespread over two phases, 400 apartments per phase. This report deals with an overviewof a proposal for a planned housing development in this location for phase one of theproject (400 apartments). On the basis of a complete field inventory, where the prevailing conditions, housingand vegetation were inspected, we have discussed various proposals, of which two arepresented in this report. The laws and regulations that concern this area and theproximity to the railroad with all its implications have also been considered. Themunicipality planning documents for the area Kortebo/Strandängen has been veryhelpful when much larger areas eventually will be developed. The question of whether the exploitation level is going to be high or low have beendiscussed heavily, but considering the name of the site, “Strandängen” (Swedish forbeach/shore and meadow), we have chosen to put this level relatively low. For heavyexploitation of this area where public transportation to the city in the current situationis not at its best the need for a car for the residents fairly quickly occur, and thereforethey also need a parking space. Parking above ground requires a lot of space andparking garages under ground is considered to be too costly. This lowered the level ofexploitation and we choose to maintain the beauty of nature and the pleasant hikingalong the lake. We have made a proposal that we believe is at a comfortable level where the natureand the built environment go hand in hand, an area where people can live and thrive along time. The proposal resulted in a total of 286 apartments of the originallyrequested 400, where none of the houses are higher than four stories. If the heights ofthe buildings are increased the number of apartments increases very rapidly, but alsothe need for parking. Therefore, this was a conscious choice to locate the buildings inthis way, so that nature still plays a major role in the area.
|
14 |
Development of a Single-Stage Modulator for Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography (GC × GC)McNeish, Christopher January 2011 (has links)
The ability to effectively analyze particulate matter (PM2.5) in air is becoming increasingly pertinent. Allen Goldstein of the University of California in Berkeley is studying the semi-volatile fraction of organic compounds in PM2.5 through the use of the thermal desorption aerosol gas chromatograph (TAG) system. However, as conventional GC does not provide adequate separation power, the development of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) was required. GC × GC works more effectively by utilizing a modulator that periodically traps and focuses analytes from a primary column onto a secondary column. This allows for the primary and secondary columns to separate the analytes based on two different properties.
This report focuses on the continuing study and enhancement of a modulator designed by Ognjen Panić during his Masters project. Improving and testing the robustness of this dual stage modulator was originally the focus of this project. However, this study led to the development of a single stage modulator. In addition to that, the effect of modulator characteristics such as length of the restriction, total length of the modulator and wall thickness on the modulator performance were studied. A robustness test of the single stage modulator was also completed. Experiments conducted tested the characteristics of the new modulator to ensure it performed effectively and would satisfy the requirements of the TAG system. A study comparing the sensitivity of conventional gas chromatography and GC × GC was also preformed. The sensitivity of GC × GC was on average an order of magnitude better than that of 1D GC.
|
15 |
An Action Research for the Transformation of a Vocational High School into a Comprehensive High School- National Lungtan Vocational High SchoolLiou, Jau-Yi 27 August 2003 (has links)
The comprehensive high school is one of the tremendous reforms in the post-secondary education of our country to withstand the shift of times. The Ministry of Education adopted the suggestions from the seventh meeting of National Education and started to work intensively on the experimental curriculum of the comprehensive high school in 1996. Therefore, take National Lungtan vocational senior high school as an example to explore this kind of transformation of the formal education system. The aim of this study was to take Lungtan vocational senior high school as an example, and used action research to investigate the process of performing the transform of the comprehensive high school, to find out the difficulties and problems, and to solve its related problems. The findings are as follows:
After the comprehensive high school has become one of the formal education systems, for the case of National Lungtan Vocational Senior High School of transforming to the comprehensive high school, this really corresponds with the mainstreams of education. The suitable and best transforming model is for the case of National Lungtan Vocational Senior High School: Under negotiating in advance and getting the common consensus with the faculty in a formal meeting, there are some valuable experiences we got, as follows:
(1)The difficulties and policies of curriculum design:
(a) The change of teaching hours and the problems of arranging the curricula¡Xto make the teachers who teach the vocational programs instruct the related subjects in order to meet the basic requirements.
(b) According to the arrangement of the programs, it is necessary to divide the students into some groups so that it will meet the needs of students, parents, and the school.
(2)The problems and solutions for the faculty:
(a)Performing the plan of retirement will solve some problems of the faculty.
(b)No sufficient teachers are in the academic subjects. To solve this problem, it is efficient to make use of resources around the school-community or hire more teachers from other schools.
(c) It is important to solve the surplus for the teachers of professional and vocational subjects. For example, it will work out to make the teachers have advanced studies.
(3)The plan and the way to handle the equipment:
(a) Because there are no enough facilities to offer the current needs, increasing some professional classrooms reduces the deficiency.
(b) The limitations of funds for operation. Thus, presenting a series of improving plans solves the insufficient problems.
(c) Actively engaging in the related affairs or plans to get the funds and then to improve the equipment.
According to the conclusions, there are some suggestions as follows:
A. The strategies of transforming model for the case of National Lungtan Vocational Senior High School can provide some references for both the public and private high schools implementing the comprehensive high school.
(1) The conductor¡¦s leading style (especially the principal) will be the key to success in implementing the transforming model.
(2) How to transform is a crucial question so it is necessary to have a complete discussions and arrangement before making decisions.
(3) With the suitable transforming model, it will reduce the number of the opposite teachers.
(4) The suitable and best transforming model for the case of National Lungtan Vocational Senior High School will be more competitive among schools.
(5) It is better to tend to the direction of community-united comprehensive high school.
B. How to continue to impel the project of comprehensive high school for the case of National Lungtan Vocational Senior High School in the future.
(1) For those performing the comprehensive schools, it is essential to get funds for operation in order to enlarge staff¡¦s allocation.
(2) Schools should offer many opportunities of selecting classes and then students will have more room for developing their potential ability. Above all, it is better to adopt the middle curriculum.
(3) Continue to advocate the ideas to parents and junior high school students. Meanwhile, pay attention to the evaluation for the performing process, and chase the common prospect.
(4) Remain to explore the adjusting situation after graduating from the comprehensive high schools entering University.
|
16 |
Planerad bostadsbebyggelse på Strandängen, JönköpingHedman, Magnus, Bäckmark, Per January 2009 (has links)
<p>I Jönköpings Län och då särskilt Jönköping som stad råder i dagsläget storbostadsbrist. Bostadsbolag och fastighetsägare vill få in fler bostäder på befintligafastigheter samt bygga nya bostäder för att få Jönköping att växa och bli något utavnavet i mitten av Sydsverige. Där har uppdragsgivaren till denna rapport, Vätterhem,en stor roll, som det i dagsläget största bostadsbolaget i Jönköpings Kommun.</p><p>Vätterhem planerar en nyproduktion av upp till 800 lägenheter på ett stycke mark vidVätterns västra strand 1-2 km norr om Jönköping. Dessa 800 lägenheter fördelade påtvå etapper, 400 lägenheter per etapp. Denna rapport behandlar översiktligt ett förslagtill planerad bostadsbebyggelse på denna plats, då endast etapp ett (400 lägenheter).</p><p>Utifrån en genomförd områdesinventering, där rådande förutsättningar, bebyggelseoch växtlighet inspekterades, har olika förslag diskuterats fram, varav två olikapresenteras i denna rapport. Gällande lagar och bestämmelser vad gäller strandskyddoch närhet till järnvägen med allt vad det innebär har också beaktats. Kommunensplaneringsunderlag för området Kortebo/Strandängen har varit till stor hjälp dåbetydligt större arealer inom området på sikt skall bebyggas.</p><p>Frågan huruvida vilken exploateringsnivå man skall lägga sig på har diskuteratsflitigt, och då området heter Strandängen har valet fallit på att lägga denna nivårelativt lågt. Vid hårdexploatering av denna yta där allmänna kommunikationer tillstaden i dagsläget inte är de bästa uppkommer behovet av bil för de boende relativtsnabbt, varför de också behöver parkering. Markparkering kräver mycket plats och attgräva ner parkeringarna bedöms alltför kostsamt. Därav sänks exploateringsnivån föratt istället kunna bibehålla vacker natur och trevliga strövområden utmed Vättern, enviktig parameter då människors trivselfaktor bedöms.</p><p>I rapporten går det att läsa om ett förslag som anses ligga på en lagom nivå där naturoch bebyggelse går hand i hand. Ett område där man skall kunna bo och trivas länge.Förslaget mynnade ut i sammanlagt 286 lägenheter av de från början önskade 400, däringet av husen är högre än fyra våningar. Ökade hushöjder ökar antalet lägenhetermarkant, men också behovet av parkeringar. Därför gjordes här ett av oss medvetetval att förlägga bebyggelsen på detta vis, så att naturen fortfarande spelar en stor rollinom området.</p><p> </p> / <p>In Jönköping County, and in particular Jönköping City, there is at the moment a greathousing shortage. Housing and property owners want to get more housing in existingbuildings and build new homes to get Jönköping to grow and become something outof the hub in the middle of southern Sweden. There has Vätterhem had a major role,as the largest housing company in Jönköping Municipality.</p><p>Vätterhem plans for new construction of up to 800 apartments on a plot of land atVätterns western shore about 1-2 km north of Jönköping. These 800 apartments arespread over two phases, 400 apartments per phase. This report deals with an overviewof a proposal for a planned housing development in this location for phase one of theproject (400 apartments).</p><p>On the basis of a complete field inventory, where the prevailing conditions, housingand vegetation were inspected, we have discussed various proposals, of which two arepresented in this report. The laws and regulations that concern this area and theproximity to the railroad with all its implications have also been considered. Themunicipality planning documents for the area Kortebo/Strandängen has been veryhelpful when much larger areas eventually will be developed.</p><p>The question of whether the exploitation level is going to be high or low have beendiscussed heavily, but considering the name of the site, “Strandängen” (Swedish forbeach/shore and meadow), we have chosen to put this level relatively low. For heavyexploitation of this area where public transportation to the city in the current situationis not at its best the need for a car for the residents fairly quickly occur, and thereforethey also need a parking space. Parking above ground requires a lot of space andparking garages under ground is considered to be too costly. This lowered the level ofexploitation and we choose to maintain the beauty of nature and the pleasant hikingalong the lake.</p><p>We have made a proposal that we believe is at a comfortable level where the natureand the built environment go hand in hand, an area where people can live and thrive along time. The proposal resulted in a total of 286 apartments of the originallyrequested 400, where none of the houses are higher than four stories. If the heights ofthe buildings are increased the number of apartments increases very rapidly, but alsothe need for parking. Therefore, this was a conscious choice to locate the buildings inthis way, so that nature still plays a major role in the area.</p>
|
17 |
Director of physical activity professional development outcomesCenteio, Erin Elizabeth 25 February 2014 (has links)
The Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) model is one way to organize physical activity (PA) opportunities around specific target populations and points of intervention. It is recommended that physical education teachers serve as Directors of Physical Activity (DPA), given their expertise and experiences in the school setting. PURPOSE: This study examined the current role of physical education teachers in providing PA opportunities for students by implementing the CSPAP. The effects of professional development (PD) on teacher efficacy (TE) toward the implementation of the CSPAP were also investigated. METHODS: Using a collective case study approach, 30 physical teachers (Male=9; Experience 17.47) completed a survey on PA opportunities and self-efficacy. Twelve of the physical education teachers then participated in the DPA certification process, which consisted of a one-day workshop with 12-months of online support and follow-up to track their implementation of the CSPAP. Participants who engaged in the DPA certification participated in a series of in-depth interviews, as well as observations and site visits. Over twelve months the researcher inductively reflected on the data with the intent of forming concepts, hypotheses, and theories through organizing themes and teacher vignettes. Descriptive statistics and a MANCOVA were calculated to determine group differences while a series of RM-MANCOVA's were used to determine pre/post differences. Regression analyses were employed to determine the predictors of change in PA. RESULTS: Qualitative results revealed six themes and three teacher vignettes. RM MANCOVA's revealed no significant difference between pre/post experience, however, regression analyses revealed significant predictors of offering PA opportunities. It was identified that group, TE and PD were both significant predictors when providing PA opportunities: (a) before and after school (F(8, 21) = 2.65, p < .05, R² adj. = .31), (b) with family and community members (F(8, 21) = 2.62, p < .05, R² adj. = .31), and (c) for staff wellness (F(8, 21) = 3.80, p<.01, R² adj = .44). CONCLUSION: Physical education teachers are capable and willing to provide PA opportunities, beyond those offered during physical education, by assuming the role of a DPA. The frequency of these opportunities is influenced by TE and PD.
|
18 |
Omvattende behoeftegesentreerde tuisversorging vir pasiënte met VIGS in die Potchefstroom-distrik / Elsabé BornmanBornman, Elsabé January 2005 (has links)
In South Africa, with the highest HIV population in the world, more than 5 million
people live with HIV and AIDS, and it is predicted that deaths because of AlDS will
rise sharply up to 2010 (Evian, 2003:20; UNAIDS, 2003:19). Because of this, great
numbers of patients in the final stages of AlDS need support and homecare in areas
with little resources.
In this context of limited resources it became necessary for communities and health
care services to investigate alternatives for cost-effective and sustainable methods to
care for patients with AIDS. Patients are often discharged home to die because the
hospital staff can do nothing but palliative care and they feel that resources and
space can be better utilised on patients with a greater chance of recovery (Jackson,
2002:232). The government and non-governmental organisations established a
number of homecare services to care for patients with AlDS at home. The
Potchefstroom-district is no exception; the question however arises whether the care
needs of these patients are addressed.
The objective of this research was to identify the physical, psychological, spiritual and
social needs of patients with AlDS for home care and the perceptions of caregivers of
what these needs are. The ultimate objective was to formulate recommendations
from the results for need-centred homecare for patients with AlDS in the
Potchefstroom-district.
A two-phased design was used to reach this objective. These two phases took place
simultaneously. During phase one, caregivers operated as fieldworkers and
completed questionnaires on behalf of the patients on their needs for homecare.
During phase two the perceptions of caregivers of patients with AIDS's needs for
homecare were determined using the nominal group technique. The director of
health of the local authority gave consent for this research. The population of phase
one consisted of available patients with AlDS in the Potchefstroom-district of the
Northwest Province that compiled to the prerequisites of the research. The
population of phase two consisted of a group of caregivers from another area that did
not take part in phase one. After they gave consent a total of 24 patients with AlDS
and 31 caregivers took part in the research. Data analysis in the case of the
questionnaires was done by frequency distribution and for the nominal groups during
the group sessions.
On the grounds of the results the conclusion was made that patients with AlDS
experience a great deal of hopelessness and that their needs are mostly on the first
level of basic needs, according to the Maslow needs hierarchy. Higher levels of
needs like self-concept needs and self-actualisation came to the attention in the need
for spiritual support especially from their own church community. Social and financial
needs were also identified. The caregivers stressed the need for equipment when
caring for these patients, as there is nothing available for basic homecare.
Caregivers identified needs that were not mentioned by the patients and vice versa.
For patients an important need was pain relieve which the caregivers did not
mention. It appears from this research that the need for the involvement of the
multidisciplinary team is not being addressed.
Based on the results of this research guidelines were formulated for registered
nurses, that train and supervise the caregivers, to ensure that these patients receive
the comprehensive care they deserve. / Thesis (M.Cur.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.
|
19 |
AN EXAMINATION OF FIRST NATIONS COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY PLANNING IN SASKATCHEWAN2011 October 1900 (has links)
In 2005, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada – Saskatchewan Region initiated a comprehensive community planning (CCP) pilot project with 11 different Saskatchewan First Nations (and their affiliated Tribal Councils) that ran until March 2011. It consisted of three phases (2006, 2008, and 2009) where 11 First Nations participated in the planning process with professional planners from the Cities and Environment Unit (CEU) from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Comprehensive community planning was chosen because it is a holistic planning model that involves community members participation and decision-making in determining the future direction within each community. It is becoming more prominent within First Nation communities across Canada so it was timely to reflect upon the planning process undertaken during the pilot project to determine promising factors or areas of improvement. This study utilizes interviews to gather the reflections of First Nations, Tribal Council representatives, planners, and government officials about the current state of comprehensive community planning in Saskatchewan and what, if any, changes need to be considered.
This thesis research indicates strong attempts to perform Indigenous Planning within First Nation communities; however, improvements can be made in certain areas. In order to promote Indigenous Planning more prominently within First Nations, it is important to have strong leadership and community support, continuous experience and skill building opportunities, thorough incorporation of the First Nations culture into any future development by attempting to be comprehensive and holistic, and by reevaluating the role planners play when working with First Nations and their comprehensive community plans.
|
20 |
The effects of non-repeated single-unit, non-repeated cumulative, and repeated single-unit testing procedures on comprehensive final examination performanceRohm, Rosalie Ann January 1984 (has links)
The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of three testing procedures on comprehensive final examination performance. The 64 undergraduates used as subjects were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: a non-repeated single-unit, a non-repeated cumulative, or a repeated single-unit testing procedures. Subjects in the non-repeated testing procedures were administered a weekly multiple-choice test taken from content covering either (a) the most recent material or (b) all the material to-date. Subjects in the repeated testing procedure were administered up to three alternate forms of a multiple-choice test taken from content covering the most recent material. The dependent measure was a comprehensive 100 item multiple-choice test. Grade point average was used as a covariate.An Analysis of Covariance was applied to determine whether there was a significant difference between (a) the means of the non-repeated cumulative and the repeated single-unit procedures, and (b) the average mean of these two procedures and the mean of the non-repeated single-unit procedure. The .01 level was used for judgments about statistical significance.Findings1. No significant difference was found between the mean final examination score obtained by the students in the non-repeated cumulative and the repeated single-unit testing groups after the effects of the covariate were partialled out.2. No significant difference was found when the average of the final examination scores obtained by the non-repeated cumulative and the repeated single-unit groups was compared to the mean final examination score obtained by the non-repeated single-unit group.3. The subjects in the repeated single-unit testing group obtained a significantly greater number of points on the examinations administered throughout the quarter.Conclusions1. Previously reported differences between repeated versus non-repeated and repeated versus cumulative testing on final examination performance may be reflecting only differences in testing frequency.2. The higher grades obtained by students given multiple opportunities to "master" material may not reflect actual end-of-course achievement by a comprehensive final.3. To aid in the valid interpretation, generalizability, replication and synthesis of research findings, detailed descriptions of the independent and dependent variables used in testing procedures research seem warranted.
|
Page generated in 0.0619 seconds