The publication of this special issue of the Work Based Learning e-journal marks a time when ther... more The publication of this special issue of the Work Based Learning e-journal marks a time when there are already three generations of professional doctorates (PDs) in operation in the field which have tended to be discussed in the context of various locations and agencies involved in the production of knowledge. PDs have proliferated at the same time as a focus upon practice has illuminated the research field (Schatzki et al, 2001) not least in the practice-based area of PDs (Lee et al, 2009). The practice of those studying on professional doctorate programmes has provided an account of some of the complex relationship between power and knowledge (Foucault, 1980). It is in this context that PDs have developed to become more involved with professional knowledge resulting in the focus of research education in relation to PDs to be an influential tool for the analysis and transformation of practices. The expansion and development of PDs has been recognised by Middlesex University and the...
Costley, Carol (2000) The boundaries and frontiers of work based knowledge. In: Portwood, Derek a... more Costley, Carol (2000) The boundaries and frontiers of work based knowledge. In: Portwood, Derek and Costley, Carol,(ed.) Work based learning and the university: new perspectives and practices. SEDA paper (109). SEDA, Birmingham, pp. 23-35. ISBN 1902435125
Doing Work Based Research: Approaches to Enquiry for Insider-Researchers
Key concepts for the insider-researcher Key points A most important aspect of work based research... more Key concepts for the insider-researcher Key points A most important aspect of work based research is the researcher's situatedness and context. Within this, the unique perspective of the researcher inevitably makes a difference to the research. An understanding of the critique of insider research, along with the specific issues that often arise for insiders, such as the need for sensitivity towards colleagues when undertaking research, appears in this chapter. The development of the self and the potential impact that insider research can have in a particular organization or professional sphere are emphasized.
This book addresses both the underlying principles of practice-based research and methodological ... more This book addresses both the underlying principles of practice-based research and methodological approaches appropriate for practice-based research. It is aimed at the professional doctorate candidate, whether a generic professional doctorate, an EdD, a DBA or one of the many professional doctorates on offer. It covers the general principles of practice-based research and is not tied to a particular discipline or professional group. Common to all professional doctorates is the relation to practice, and most professional doctorates require a final dissertation or thesis which details the focus and original development of an aspect of practice. Research on the impact from graduates of professional practice doctorates is beginning to reveal an alignment with the needs of communities, organisations and professions and how the graduates’| research can generate a wide variety of outcomes that have an impact. Their ability to transform research into action can meet the needs of employers and society, demonstrate improvements in practice and help society adapt well to the ever-increasing pace of change. Research into practice involves carrying out research directly on practice actually in the practice area. Research through practice is, as it implies, using practice as the very focus of the research. This book explores research approaches in the context of practice-based research and as such it covers a very broad area. The focus is on research into practice and research through practice. A key argument is that there is commonality about practice and the development of that practice that transcends disciplinarity. When considering practice, there is great value in approaching research into practice and practice development in a structured and focused manner. This book aims to explore both the underlying principles and the methodological approaches which are relevant to research across the curriculum, often addressing complex, ‘real-world’ problems and that will ensure a careful, systematic approach. Practice is both broad and to a degree nebulous, and it is often used in a ‘cover-all’ way: for example, concepts of practice can differ greatly between work environments. However, comparatively recently there has been an increasing aware-ness of the ways knowledge can be generated from practice. The increasing popularity of professional doctorates has been an important factor in this development whereby experienced practitioners can develop their professional work to doctoral level. Practice research can take many forms and much depends on the focus and nature of the practice and practice area which are being explored. This book aims to explore the relevant methodological approaches which will facilitate this, not by presenting an exhaustive list, but rather by a consideration of relevant and commonly chosen approaches. What we aim to do in this book is to explore a range of options and we have purposefully drawn on examples from different disciplines and practice areas. It is also worth mentioning that often practitioners choose methodological approaches which are not valued in their particular area of practice. For example, an engineer wishing to implement a new technique might look to approaches involving human interaction and the management of change involving methods that are sometimes undervalued within a scientific discipline. In practice-research, the ‘self” is important because researchers who are also practitioners are not outside observers but are centrally involved in the research and the research process, possibly carrying out research on themselves. This requires a different skill set from more conventional research approaches. Practice researchers and practitioner–researchers are often, but by no means exclusively, mid-career professionals, coming to the research with a wealth of experience and a variety of projects already completed. The challenge can be to develop this previous work using reliable methodical approaches that result in useful and rigorously achieved outcomes. This provides challenges for all involved and it is important that researchers position themselves within the research process, which requires a reflective and reflexive ability at a sophisticated level. Ethical issues are also important and do require much thought as the research often constitutes what is referred to as insider knowledge and part of this is the importance of the positionality of the researcher. Additionally, many ethical committees can classify practitioner research as service improvement where formal approval is not required. However, this is not to say that there are no ethical issues involved as full consent of all involved needs to be gained. There also needs to be some thought to potential ethical problems: for example, in exploring practice, suboptimal or bad practice might be uncovered. Not only at the beginning, but also throughout the process, ethical issues need to be given some detailed consideration.…
Full bibliographic details must be given when referring to, or quoting from full items including ... more Full bibliographic details must be given when referring to, or quoting from full items including the author's name, the title of the work, publication details where relevant (place, publisher, date), pagination, and for theses or dissertations the awarding institution, the degree type awarded, and the date of the award.
The publication of this special issue of the Work Based Learning e-journal marks a time when ther... more The publication of this special issue of the Work Based Learning e-journal marks a time when there are already three generations of professional doctorates (PDs) in operation in the field which have tended to be discussed in the context of various locations and agencies involved in the production of knowledge. PDs have proliferated at the same time as a focus upon practice has illuminated the research field (Schatzki et al, 2001) not least in the practice-based area of PDs (Lee et al, 2009). The practice of those studying on professional doctorate programmes has provided an account of some of the complex relationship between power and knowledge (Foucault, 1980). It is in this context that PDs have developed to become more involved with professional knowledge resulting in the focus of research education in relation to PDs to be an influential tool for the analysis and transformation of practices. The expansion and development of PDs has been recognised by Middlesex University and the UK Council for Higher Education in the establishment of a series of international conferences on research connected with the professional doctorate. They have now been joined by the Special Interest Group (SIG) for Practice-focused Research, which emerged out of the first conference in this series. The papers, presented in this special issue, arose from the first ‘International Conference on Professional Doctorates’ in Europe held at the Cavendish Centre in London in November 2009.
Professional doctorates tend to use established research approaches such as case study, action re... more Professional doctorates tend to use established research approaches such as case study, action research and mixed methods, but they have extended and enlarged upon the approaches, making them more purposeful. Higher education can support developments with its expertise in research, critical thinking and a whole range of pedagogical practices that can be of benefit to individuals and communities outside or on the periphery of higher education networks. For example, approaches to postgraduate training and research activities can include the development of appropriate methodologies for practitioner-led research which addresses highly contextualised knowledge within situated practices.
Privilege refers to a psychological feel right to preferential treatment, being exempt stable soc... more Privilege refers to a psychological feel right to preferential treatment, being exempt stable social responsibility and universal subjective belief or perception, in different areas can be expressed as a sense of academic privilege, the consumer a sense of privilege, the privilege workplace flu. Psychological privilege enables individuals to become narcissistic, induced interpersonal conflict, selfishness and aggression and so on. The main factors affecting the psychological privilege of individual factors contextual factors have life experience, rearing, attachment type, socioeconomic status, and other environmental organizations and self-compassion, subjective construct, egalitarian values, and so on. Future studies should further explore the psychological privileges concept and structure, expand its research methods, longitudinal studies and strengthen indigenous research and to further explore the psychological factors that may affect the privileges of the privileged and psychological ways to avoid negative consequences (or reduced). As an important element of people's social life, a psychological sense of privilege determines the individual's attitude and implementation efficiency towards social rules, corporate requirements, and work. As a result, people with high levels of psychological privilege are more resistant to being bound by rules and more difficult to manage. Individuals with low levels of psychological privilege are more likely to follow orders. At the same time, from the perspective of identity theory resources and self-regulation and another theoretical perspective of workplace, psychological privilege research is summarized and reviewed.
Key concepts for the insider-researcher Key points A most important aspect of work based research... more Key concepts for the insider-researcher Key points A most important aspect of work based research is the researcher's situatedness and context. Within this, the unique perspective of the researcher inevitably makes a difference to the research. An understanding of the critique of insider research, along with the specific issues that often arise for insiders, such as the need for sensitivity towards colleagues when undertaking research, appears in this chapter. The development of the self and the potential impact that insider research can have in a particular organization or professional sphere are emphasized.
Doing Work Based Research: Approaches to Enquiry for Insider-Researchers
Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to analyse employees' perception of a change at their workpl... more Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to analyse employees' perception of a change at their workplaces and the requirements for learning, and factors supporting or inhibiting learning in the context of this change. Design/methodology/approach-Data collection included personal face-to-face semi-structured interviews with ten client advisors in the retail-banking department of a German bank. The interviews took place during a time when the participants' workplaces were affected by a drastic change, namely the implementation of an integrated consulting concept. The data were analysed by a qualitative, content analysis approach, adapting Billett's framework for analysing workplace changes. Findings-Challenges and requirements for learning as a consequence of the workplace change were analysed. The results show that the employees realised many affordances of the modification of work routines, especially concerning work performance, professional knowledge, and professional role. Thus, employees recognised the change as an opportunity for the acquisition of knowledge and competence development. Originality/value-This paper contributes to the understanding of workplace change's effect on employees' knowledge, work routines and professional development.
The publication of this special issue of the Work Based Learning e-journal marks a time when ther... more The publication of this special issue of the Work Based Learning e-journal marks a time when there are already three generations of professional doctorates (PDs) in operation in the field which have tended to be discussed in the context of various locations and agencies involved in the production of knowledge. PDs have proliferated at the same time as a focus upon practice has illuminated the research field (Schatzki et al, 2001) not least in the practice-based area of PDs (Lee et al, 2009). The practice of those studying on professional doctorate programmes has provided an account of some of the complex relationship between power and knowledge (Foucault, 1980). It is in this context that PDs have developed to become more involved with professional knowledge resulting in the focus of research education in relation to PDs to be an influential tool for the analysis and transformation of practices. The expansion and development of PDs has been recognised by Middlesex University and the...
Costley, Carol (2000) The boundaries and frontiers of work based knowledge. In: Portwood, Derek a... more Costley, Carol (2000) The boundaries and frontiers of work based knowledge. In: Portwood, Derek and Costley, Carol,(ed.) Work based learning and the university: new perspectives and practices. SEDA paper (109). SEDA, Birmingham, pp. 23-35. ISBN 1902435125
Doing Work Based Research: Approaches to Enquiry for Insider-Researchers
Key concepts for the insider-researcher Key points A most important aspect of work based research... more Key concepts for the insider-researcher Key points A most important aspect of work based research is the researcher's situatedness and context. Within this, the unique perspective of the researcher inevitably makes a difference to the research. An understanding of the critique of insider research, along with the specific issues that often arise for insiders, such as the need for sensitivity towards colleagues when undertaking research, appears in this chapter. The development of the self and the potential impact that insider research can have in a particular organization or professional sphere are emphasized.
This book addresses both the underlying principles of practice-based research and methodological ... more This book addresses both the underlying principles of practice-based research and methodological approaches appropriate for practice-based research. It is aimed at the professional doctorate candidate, whether a generic professional doctorate, an EdD, a DBA or one of the many professional doctorates on offer. It covers the general principles of practice-based research and is not tied to a particular discipline or professional group. Common to all professional doctorates is the relation to practice, and most professional doctorates require a final dissertation or thesis which details the focus and original development of an aspect of practice. Research on the impact from graduates of professional practice doctorates is beginning to reveal an alignment with the needs of communities, organisations and professions and how the graduates’| research can generate a wide variety of outcomes that have an impact. Their ability to transform research into action can meet the needs of employers and society, demonstrate improvements in practice and help society adapt well to the ever-increasing pace of change. Research into practice involves carrying out research directly on practice actually in the practice area. Research through practice is, as it implies, using practice as the very focus of the research. This book explores research approaches in the context of practice-based research and as such it covers a very broad area. The focus is on research into practice and research through practice. A key argument is that there is commonality about practice and the development of that practice that transcends disciplinarity. When considering practice, there is great value in approaching research into practice and practice development in a structured and focused manner. This book aims to explore both the underlying principles and the methodological approaches which are relevant to research across the curriculum, often addressing complex, ‘real-world’ problems and that will ensure a careful, systematic approach. Practice is both broad and to a degree nebulous, and it is often used in a ‘cover-all’ way: for example, concepts of practice can differ greatly between work environments. However, comparatively recently there has been an increasing aware-ness of the ways knowledge can be generated from practice. The increasing popularity of professional doctorates has been an important factor in this development whereby experienced practitioners can develop their professional work to doctoral level. Practice research can take many forms and much depends on the focus and nature of the practice and practice area which are being explored. This book aims to explore the relevant methodological approaches which will facilitate this, not by presenting an exhaustive list, but rather by a consideration of relevant and commonly chosen approaches. What we aim to do in this book is to explore a range of options and we have purposefully drawn on examples from different disciplines and practice areas. It is also worth mentioning that often practitioners choose methodological approaches which are not valued in their particular area of practice. For example, an engineer wishing to implement a new technique might look to approaches involving human interaction and the management of change involving methods that are sometimes undervalued within a scientific discipline. In practice-research, the ‘self” is important because researchers who are also practitioners are not outside observers but are centrally involved in the research and the research process, possibly carrying out research on themselves. This requires a different skill set from more conventional research approaches. Practice researchers and practitioner–researchers are often, but by no means exclusively, mid-career professionals, coming to the research with a wealth of experience and a variety of projects already completed. The challenge can be to develop this previous work using reliable methodical approaches that result in useful and rigorously achieved outcomes. This provides challenges for all involved and it is important that researchers position themselves within the research process, which requires a reflective and reflexive ability at a sophisticated level. Ethical issues are also important and do require much thought as the research often constitutes what is referred to as insider knowledge and part of this is the importance of the positionality of the researcher. Additionally, many ethical committees can classify practitioner research as service improvement where formal approval is not required. However, this is not to say that there are no ethical issues involved as full consent of all involved needs to be gained. There also needs to be some thought to potential ethical problems: for example, in exploring practice, suboptimal or bad practice might be uncovered. Not only at the beginning, but also throughout the process, ethical issues need to be given some detailed consideration.…
Full bibliographic details must be given when referring to, or quoting from full items including ... more Full bibliographic details must be given when referring to, or quoting from full items including the author's name, the title of the work, publication details where relevant (place, publisher, date), pagination, and for theses or dissertations the awarding institution, the degree type awarded, and the date of the award.
The publication of this special issue of the Work Based Learning e-journal marks a time when ther... more The publication of this special issue of the Work Based Learning e-journal marks a time when there are already three generations of professional doctorates (PDs) in operation in the field which have tended to be discussed in the context of various locations and agencies involved in the production of knowledge. PDs have proliferated at the same time as a focus upon practice has illuminated the research field (Schatzki et al, 2001) not least in the practice-based area of PDs (Lee et al, 2009). The practice of those studying on professional doctorate programmes has provided an account of some of the complex relationship between power and knowledge (Foucault, 1980). It is in this context that PDs have developed to become more involved with professional knowledge resulting in the focus of research education in relation to PDs to be an influential tool for the analysis and transformation of practices. The expansion and development of PDs has been recognised by Middlesex University and the UK Council for Higher Education in the establishment of a series of international conferences on research connected with the professional doctorate. They have now been joined by the Special Interest Group (SIG) for Practice-focused Research, which emerged out of the first conference in this series. The papers, presented in this special issue, arose from the first ‘International Conference on Professional Doctorates’ in Europe held at the Cavendish Centre in London in November 2009.
Professional doctorates tend to use established research approaches such as case study, action re... more Professional doctorates tend to use established research approaches such as case study, action research and mixed methods, but they have extended and enlarged upon the approaches, making them more purposeful. Higher education can support developments with its expertise in research, critical thinking and a whole range of pedagogical practices that can be of benefit to individuals and communities outside or on the periphery of higher education networks. For example, approaches to postgraduate training and research activities can include the development of appropriate methodologies for practitioner-led research which addresses highly contextualised knowledge within situated practices.
Privilege refers to a psychological feel right to preferential treatment, being exempt stable soc... more Privilege refers to a psychological feel right to preferential treatment, being exempt stable social responsibility and universal subjective belief or perception, in different areas can be expressed as a sense of academic privilege, the consumer a sense of privilege, the privilege workplace flu. Psychological privilege enables individuals to become narcissistic, induced interpersonal conflict, selfishness and aggression and so on. The main factors affecting the psychological privilege of individual factors contextual factors have life experience, rearing, attachment type, socioeconomic status, and other environmental organizations and self-compassion, subjective construct, egalitarian values, and so on. Future studies should further explore the psychological privileges concept and structure, expand its research methods, longitudinal studies and strengthen indigenous research and to further explore the psychological factors that may affect the privileges of the privileged and psychological ways to avoid negative consequences (or reduced). As an important element of people's social life, a psychological sense of privilege determines the individual's attitude and implementation efficiency towards social rules, corporate requirements, and work. As a result, people with high levels of psychological privilege are more resistant to being bound by rules and more difficult to manage. Individuals with low levels of psychological privilege are more likely to follow orders. At the same time, from the perspective of identity theory resources and self-regulation and another theoretical perspective of workplace, psychological privilege research is summarized and reviewed.
Key concepts for the insider-researcher Key points A most important aspect of work based research... more Key concepts for the insider-researcher Key points A most important aspect of work based research is the researcher's situatedness and context. Within this, the unique perspective of the researcher inevitably makes a difference to the research. An understanding of the critique of insider research, along with the specific issues that often arise for insiders, such as the need for sensitivity towards colleagues when undertaking research, appears in this chapter. The development of the self and the potential impact that insider research can have in a particular organization or professional sphere are emphasized.
Doing Work Based Research: Approaches to Enquiry for Insider-Researchers
Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to analyse employees' perception of a change at their workpl... more Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to analyse employees' perception of a change at their workplaces and the requirements for learning, and factors supporting or inhibiting learning in the context of this change. Design/methodology/approach-Data collection included personal face-to-face semi-structured interviews with ten client advisors in the retail-banking department of a German bank. The interviews took place during a time when the participants' workplaces were affected by a drastic change, namely the implementation of an integrated consulting concept. The data were analysed by a qualitative, content analysis approach, adapting Billett's framework for analysing workplace changes. Findings-Challenges and requirements for learning as a consequence of the workplace change were analysed. The results show that the employees realised many affordances of the modification of work routines, especially concerning work performance, professional knowledge, and professional role. Thus, employees recognised the change as an opportunity for the acquisition of knowledge and competence development. Originality/value-This paper contributes to the understanding of workplace change's effect on employees' knowledge, work routines and professional development.
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Papers by Carol Costley