Suchergebnisse

In this paper, we describe the evaluation of an e-learning project. The Learning Ladder developed a number of elearning modules for local government staff on recurrent working practices. The modules feature the use of short video clips as a means to support and encourage organisational learning. We report on one part of the evaluation: namely, the qualitative analysis of data from developers. We focus on three aspects: developers' perceptions of video clips for learners to reflect upon examples of working practices; their perceptions on the role of e-learning for a consistent approach to organisational learning; and perceptions on developing a learning community. Findings suggest there is value in video for capturing authentic practices and for creating consistency in representations of organisational policy and practice. However our findings suggest the organisation has only made limited progress towards creating a learning culture. (http://www.networkedlearningconference.org.uk/abstracts/Smith.htm)

The erosion and dismantling of the post-war welfare settlement has entailed an expanded role for the community sector, as a complex mixed economy of service provision' has developed. Critiques from both right and left have undermined the legitimacy of a statist model of welfare; state funding of non-government community organisations is one aspect of the move away from centralised delivery. Despite their important role in this process, the distinctive perspectives of community sector organisations are rarely considered in broader theoretical and political debates. These organisations face significant dilemmas in struggling to maintain their viability and independence. Analysis of three major arguments for funding shows how organisations challenge the state's legitimacy by insisting on their own independent role but precariously rely on traditional sources of welfare state funding. This analysis draws into question the possibility of satisfactory non-statist theories of welfare. It also suggests that the community sector might need to reposition itself as part of a broader public system of welfare, rather than in opposition to government, but that this strategy entails obvious risks for organisations' independence.

The erosion and dismantling of the post-war welfare settlement has entailed an expanded role for the community sector, as a complex mixed economy of service provision' has developed. Critiques from both right and left have undermined the legitimacy of a statist model of welfare; state funding of non-government community organisations is one aspect of the move away from centralised delivery. Despite their important role in this process, the distinctive perspectives of community sector organisations are rarely considered in broader theoretical and political debates. These organisations face significant dilemmas in struggling to maintain their viability and independence. Analysis of three major arguments for funding shows how organisations challenge the state's legitimacy by insisting on their own independent role but precariously rely on traditional sources of welfare state funding. This analysis draws into question the possibility of satisfactory non-statist theories of welfare. It also suggests that the community sector might need to reposition itself as part of a broader public system of welfare, rather than in opposition to government, but that this strategy entails obvious risks for organisations' independence.

Places of worship play important roles as anchor institutions that promote community engagement and motivate political activity. Universities, particularly in urban settings, can also serve as anchor institutions that connect communities. Yet, there is often a gulf between the two, to the detriment of the broader community. In this article, we present the Little Rock Congregations Study (LRCS) as an approach to community engagement with faith-based organizations in an urban setting. This research project, based at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, involves an interdisciplinary team focused on understanding and improving the community engagement of congregations in the city of Little Rock since 2012. We present qualitative and quantitative data to illustrate the benefits of our approach, including research results returned to community organizations, greater visibility of the university in the community, student involvement in research and with faith-based organizations, and substantive findings that inform the greater body of knowledge and our own community. Through more than eight years of community-based work on the LRCS we provide six key lessons learned for researchers and students building relationships with religious leaders that can help bridge the gulf between these two key community institutions.

21st January 2019 marked one hundred years after the founding of the first Irish parliament since the Act of Union in 1801, Dáil Éireann. Prior to that date, Irish Members of Parliament were elected to Westminster. The previous year, 1918, the right to vote was granted to all men over the age of 21 and to women over the age of thirty with assets to the value of £5, or, indeed, married to men with such riches, in Britain and Ireland. The first opportunity to activate the vote was on the 14th December 1918, and the first woman elected to The House of Commons was Constance Markievicz, born Constance Gore-Booth, in County Sligo, Ireland.