Use Of Action Research Methodology Research Articles

Six sigma project generation and selection: an action research study

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test and develop a method for generation and selection of six sigma projects. This is done by testing the use of the generation and selection method for six sigma projects (GSM_SSP) in a Brazilian manufacturing industry with the participation of managers, aiming to gather the user’s perspective and improvement opportunities for the approach itself.Design/methodology/approachThe work adopts the action research (AR) approach once the researchers were busily involved in the training, implementation and use of the GSM_SSP. The intervention was performed in on a series of 15 workshops, with a group of managers, during six months.FindingsThe application of the eight steps of the GSM_SSP approach assisted the company’s management team to generate nine project candidates and also to select three six sigma projects. This study also finds and discusses barriers and lessons learned used to improve the GSM_SSP.Research limitations/implicationsThis study presents an example of how six sigma project generation and selection has been applied to a manufacturing industry by adapting AR to the process using the eight steps of GSM_SSP, demonstrating how the management team was involved. This study should be replicated in different companies because AR is limited in its generalization.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study represents the first use of AR methodology in six sigma project selection. This study contributes a method that can generate and select six sigma projects. In doing so, the research offers a simple approach that can be used by managers. In addition, the steps of the approach before selection were explored.

Strategies for democratic reform in education: developing an action research community in Mongolia

ABSTRACT Within the major university for teacher education in Mongolia, Mongolian National University of Education, teacher development is designed to support the government-mandated higher education reform movement as this relatively young independent nation navigates from a position of dependency on foreign experts to one of greater independence and professional autonomy. This article discusses action research processes that support a sustainable, democratic model at MNUE, focusing on an ongoing participatory study using the perspectives of (a) a visiting scholar, who for 10 years has investigated reform efforts involving use of action research methodology at MNUE; (b) conclusions of an administrative university leader, who closely studies strategic planning and implementation of reform based on governmental and credential standards and supports development of a university action research voice; and (c) reflections of a faculty member, who documents university reform efforts in her work with colleagues and students. Results of a constant comparative analysis of these perspectives are presented with recommendations for sustaining the process, including how to (a) support reform efforts through continuing action research reflecting a democratic process and commitment to social justice, and (b) continue reconceptualizing knowledge and expertise as the role of democratic partnerships evolves from external intervention to national leadership.

A scoping review protocol to map the evidence on the use of action research methodology by healthcare professionals and in healthcare team settings.

Background: Action research (AR) starts with an existing practical situation with which there is a concern or potential for improvement. It seeks transformative change through the simultaneous process of doing research and undertaking actions, both of which are linked together by a critical reflective process. It simultaneously allows one to systematically investigate a given social situation while promoting democratic change and collaborative participation. AR approaches have been used for many years in business management and education. More recently, AR has become an increasingly popular method of inquiry in healthcare, particularly in nursing, to investigate professional practice while simultaneously; introducing innovations; planning and undertaking action; and evaluating new ideas. The overall goal is to augment collaboration whilst improving the patient experience and outcomes. Methods: The Arksey and O'Malley methodology framework will be used to guide this scoping review process: stage 1 will identify the research questions; the eligibility criteria and search strategy will be defined in stage 2; studies will then be selected in stage 3; data will be extracted and charted from these included studies in stage 4; stage 5 involves aggregating and summarising these results along with criteria relevant for health professionals and policy-makers. An optional consultation (stage 6) exercise may potentially be included. Conclusion: This scoping review will comprehensively map the evidence on the use of AR methodology by healthcare professionals and in healthcare team settings. It is predicted that the findings will inform researchers in carrying out future AR and highlight gaps in the literature. An article reporting the results of the completed scoping review will be submitted for publication to a scientific journal and presented at relevant national and international conferences.

Using child rights education to infuse a social justice framework into universal programming

A key part of promoting social justice as school psychologists is infusing practice with actions that breakdown systems of inequity and incorporate systems of inclusion. The current manuscript provides a description of applying social justice as a framework in universal programming through child rights education. Additionally, the manuscript describes the use of action research methodology to incorporate a social justice perspective not only in program content but also in program development. Results of this project provide preliminary support for child rights education in impacting student’s knowledge regarding child rights, teacher acceptability of such programming, and modest impact on social and emotional skills related to interpersonal relationships in the classroom.

Correctional officers as participants: Action research in prisons

Action research methodology is well-suited to engaging with marginalised groups to inform policy and guide practice. Prisons are complex institutions with hierarchies of power; social systems that demand a research approach suited to social structure. The pilot project to be evaluated is designed to promote positive pregnancy and birth experiences for pregnant female prisoners and provide extraordinary learning opportunities for midwifery students. The project team includes staff from a regional university, the local health service and the state run prison service. Very early in the project it became evident that in addition to management patronage, the project needed the practical support of the Custodial Correctional Officers. Thus, officers as project ‘champions’ were recruited. Custodial Correctional Officers play an integral role in these social systems and although they are perceived to have power over prisoners, they too are subject to controls and in some instances have minimal power. The study will be conducted in two stages, the first of which will involve the Custodial Correctional Officers as participants, focus on the outcomes to date and how this may inform policy and practice. This article justifies the use of action research methodology for this purpose.

‘Counselling in complexity’: The use of social constructionist ideas within a community-based approach to working with families affected by disability

This paper describes the development of a service delivery model for families within a disability context. The design approach makes use of action research methodology (Carson & Sumara, 1997) and is a collaborative exercise and a work in progress.

Investigación en acción: cómo impulsar la contribución de la universidad en la competitividad de las organizaciones

The purpose of this paper is to promote the use of action research methodology as a useful tool for improving firms’ competitiveness, enhancing relations between Universities and companies. It provides a detailed analysis of the origin and development of action research, its main characteristics and dimensions, and the advantages and drawbacks of using it. Methodologically, we carry out a review of action research experiences published in scientific journals, and we analyze the specific case of the Volkswagen Navarra Enterprise Chair at the University of Navarra. We consider that this work is relevant in academic terms because it describes and analyzes a useful methodology for the field research of business management, and besides, it permits improving the relationships between the University and the firms.

Investigación-Acción para Promover el Contacto Precoz Padre-Hijo(a) en el nacimiento

Pretende ser un referente nacional e internacional en el ámbito de la enfermería y la salud, reconocida por su aporte en la divulgación del conocimiento y por constituir un espacio del diálogo entre los diferentes profesionales de la salud como de otras disciplinas en torno a la salud de las personas.

Use of Action Research to Institutionalize Organizational Learning Within TQM

This paper argues that a true internalization of the tenets of total quality management (TQM) begins with experiential learning. This experiential learning is facilitated by the use of action research methodology. Therefore, an action research-based generic model that provides a formal mechanism for organizational learning in TQM implementation is proposed. It is followed by another model that serves to increase the rigor of the learning made through the generic model. With the element of rigor added in the cyclical learning of TQM, action research can provide more enduring and generalizable learning to an organization, which can thus make the next PDCA cycle more precise and economical in terms of time taken and efforts made. Therefore, the action research cycle can be a richer way of executing TQM's PDCA loop.

On Becoming an Employer of Choice: Gauging Employee Satisfaction Through ClimateQUAL�

In 2007, Cornell University Library (CUL) established a strategic goal of becoming an employer of choice. This aspiration is firmly rooted in the belief that the employees' satisfaction has a direct, positive impact on user satisfaction. This article presents a case study of Cornell University Library's use of ClimateQUAL® survey instrument in 2008 to measure CUL employees' perceptions of the library's workplace climate. It illustrates the use of action research methodology for engaging the library community in organizational development, provides examples of actions CUL has taken, and offers general reflections on implications of adapting ClimateQUAL as an assessment instrument in libraries. Cornell University Library's ClimateQUAL results appear to support the hypothesis that a healthy workplace climate as perceived by the employees is positively linked to the satisfaction of the organization's customers.

Using an action research process in pharmacy practice research—A cooperative project between university and internship pharmacies

Background Action research (AR) is a common research-based methodology useful for development and organizational changes in health care when participant involvement is key. However, AR is not widely used for research in the development of pharmaceutical care services in pharmacy practice. Objectives To disseminate the experience from using AR methodology to develop cognitive services in pharmacies by describing how the AR process was conducted in a specific study, and to describe the outcome for participants. Methods The study was conducted over a 3-year period and run by a steering group of researchers, pharmacy students, and preceptors. The study design was based on AR methodology. The following data production methods were used to describe and evaluate the AR model: documentary analysis, qualitative interviews, and questionnaires. Results Experiences from using AR methodology and the outcome for participants are described. A set of principles was followed while the study, called the Pharmacy-University study, was being conducted. These principles are considered useful for designing future AR studies. Outcome for participating pharmacies was registered for staff-oriented and patient-oriented activities. Outcome for students was practice as project leaders and enhancement of clinical pharmacy-based skills. Outcome for researchers and the steering group conducting the study was in-depth knowledge of the status of pharmacies in giving advice to patient groups, and effective learning methods for students. Conclusion Developing and implementing cognitive pharmaceutical services (CPS) involves wide-reaching changes that require the willingness of pharmacy and staff as well as external partners. The use of AR methodology creates a platform that supports raising the awareness and the possible inclusion of these partners. During this study, a set of tools was developed for use in implementing CPS as part of AR.

1334 The use of action research strategy to improve nursing care planning and documentation in an acute cancer hospital trust

The assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of individualized nursing care (The Nursing Process) by nurses in an Acute Cancer Care Trust (Christie Hospital N.H.S. Trust) was affected by changes in nursing practice which were introduced to the profession over time, for example: the use of nursing models, the introduction of patient's charter and the concept of the "named nurse". This presentation illustrates the use of action research methodology to manage improvements and a variety ofresearch strategies used, are described, which include: soft systems methodology, (Checkland and Scholes 1993)qualitative, and quantitative research strategies, the validity of the action research was addressed by triangulation. This project improved the quality of patient care documentation to meet both legal and professional requirements. Checkland P. B. and Scholes J., <i>Soft systems merhodology in action</i>, London, Wiley, 1993.