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The way in which intraorganizational context can influence strategy making is shown by comparing six Canadian universities formulating retrenchment strategies. "Strategy" involves the components of the strategy, the process by which strategy is made, and the context in which strategy is formed. A variety of university contexts are identified with an emphasis on how they influenced the choice of strategy, processes of implementation, and outcomes. The nature of each university setting is examined by analyzing the behavior of the various interest groups and the relationships between them. The focus is on the key decision making groups in the university (the president's office, the deans, the senate, the board, and the faculty association). Certain university contexts are identified, and the link between them and the retrenchment strategy is discussed (the decentralized collegium, the technocratic bureaucracy, the sectarian university, the collegial bureaucracy, and the centralized collegium). A link between retrenchment strategies and the university context is demonstrated. Contains 38 references. (SM)

Ideas that have been developed in the decision support systems (DSS) literature that seem particularly relevant to institutional research, planning, and analysis (IRPA) are reviewed. In addition, a survey of practitioners in Canadian universities that provides new information on the rapidly changing current state of information technology, including DSS and IRPA, is examined. The roots of the study of DSS are traced to the theoretical studies of organizational decision-making done at the Carnegie Institute of Technology and the technical work on interactive computer systems carried out mainly at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The DSS approach assumes that effective design depends on the technician's detailed understanding of decision processes and the manager's appreciation of the criteria for developing useful computer-based decision tools. The institutional research literature that encompasses computer-based models was greatly influenced initially by the early research on the use of computer models in university planning and administration done for the Commission on the Financing of Higher Education (the Bladen Commission) in Canada. Among the findings of a 1982 survey of 35 Canadian universities are the following: 80 percent of the departments have computer terminals; 60 percent of the IRPA offices have word processing equipment; most offices are using computer-based simulation for budgeting, planning, space allocation, or scheduling; a quarter of the offices have experience in the use/development of DSS; and less than 15 percent of the offices have been involved in DSS purchases or evaluation. A bibliography is appended. (SW)

This book contains a compilation of papers presented at the International Psychological Applications Conference and Trends (InPACT) 2023, organized by the World Institute for Advanced Research and Science (WIARS), held in International Psychological Applications Conference and Trends (InPACT) 2023, held in Lisbon, Portugal, from 22 to 24 of April 2023. he goal of understanding individuals and groups (mental functions and behavioral standpoints), from this academic and practical scientific discipline, aims ultimately to benefit society. The International Conference seeks to provide some answers and explore the several areas within the Psychology field, new developments in studies and proposals for future scientific projects. The goal is to offer a worldwide connection between psychologists, researchers and lecturers, from a wide range of academic fields, interested in exploring and giving their contribution in psychological issues. We take pride in having been able to connect and bring together academics, scholars, practitioners and others interested in a field that is fertile in new perspectives, ideas and knowledge. We counted on an extensive variety of contributors and presenters, which can supplement the view of the human essence and behavior, showing the impact of their different personal, academic and cultural experiences. This is, certainly, one of the reasons there are several nationalities and cultures represented, inspiring multi-disciplinary collaborative links, fomenting intellectual encounters and development. InPACT 2023 received 548 submissions, from more than 39 different countries all over the world, reviewed by a double-blind process. Submissions were prepared to take the form of Oral Presentations, Posters, Virtual Presentations and Workshops. 192 submissions (overall, 35% acceptance rate) were accepted for presentation at the conference.

Many students in middle and secondary school face challenges in understanding complex content expressed in disciplinary-specific discourses. Disciplinary literacy (DL) has emerged as a viable approach to these challenges. Yet, to date, the assessment of disciplinary literacy remains relatively underdeveloped. The current paper examines the characteristics of assessment practices for DL based on field research with history teachers. Our thematic analysis, grounded in the assessment triangle of cognition, observation, and interpretation (Pellegrino et al., 2001), explores assessment practices that support the pedagogical principles of DL, and teachers' perspectives of their positive effects on students' learning. Themes include process orientation, student questioning, self-assessment, student choice, and use of technology.

Findings from a study to identify and compare differences between expert and novice administrators in problem-solving approaches and perceptions are reported in this paper. The 7 paper and pencil instruments completed by 32 elementary school principals and 10 preservice educational administration students are described in detail. Of the instruments, three were developed for the study and four were derived from the literature. Instruments included: (1) value orientation; (2) problem-solving orientation; (3) worries; (4) least preferred coworker; (5) the Ghiselli Self-Description Inventory; (6) role components; and (7) personal profile. Purposes of the pencil and paper battery were to generate quantitative data for hypothesis testing, improve triangulation, and control background variables. No significant relationship was found to exist between experience and professional orientation or between expertise and experience in the principalship. Complex relationships among personality variables and problem-solving behaviors were identified. A conclusion is that differences in problem-solving approaches may be due to differences in principal certification requirements. An implication is that if on-the-job experience does not necessarily contribute to expertise, the validity of mentoring and internship training programs is called into question. Seven tables are included. (7 references) (LMI)

A study on administrative problem solving is introduced in this paper, which summarizes the theoretical and methodological bases of the study and outlines the research design and data collection process. Three research areas are explored: (1) the relationship between problem solving and decision making; (2) types of administrative problems; and (3) differences between educational administrators and nonexpert administrators in problem solving. The primary purpose was the identification and comparison of differences in problem-solving practices between novice and expert elementary school principals. The sampling process identified four experience groupings: aspirants, rookie, seasoned, and veteran. Thirty-two principals and 10 educational administration students from 6 public school systems in London, Ontario,participated in the study, which involved interviews, small group discussion, questionnaires, and individual problem-solving exercises. Findings are presented in consecutive papers. Two tables provide participants' experience profiles and the data collection schedule. (34 references) (LMI)

We are delighted to welcome you to the International Psychological Applications Conference and Trends (InPACT) 2016, taking place in Lisbon, Portugal, from 30 of April to 2 of May, 2016. Psychology, nowadays, offers a large range of scientific fields where it can be applied. The goal of understanding individuals and groups (mental functions and behavioral standpoints), from this academic and practical scientific discipline, is aimed ultimately to benefit society. This International Conference seeks to provide some answers and explore the several areas within the Psychology field, new developments in studies and proposals for future scientific projects. The goal is to offer a worldwide connection between psychologists, researchers and lecturers, from a wide range of academic fields, interested in exploring and giving their contribution in psychological issues. The conference is a forum that connects and brings together academics, scholars, practitioners and others interested in a field that is fertile in new perspectives, ideas and knowledge. There is an extensive variety of contributors and presenters, which can supplement the view of the human essence and behavior, showing the impact of their different personal, academic and cultural experiences. This is, certainly, one of the reasons there are nationalities and cultures represented, inspiring multi-disciplinary collaborative links, fomenting intellectual encounter and development. InPACT 2016 received 332 submissions, from 37 different countries, reviewed by a double-blind process. Submissions were prepared to take form of Oral Presentations, Posters, Virtual Presentations and Workshops. It was accepted for presentation in the conference 96 submissions (29% acceptance rate). The conference also includes: (1) A keynote presentation from Prof. Dr. Richard Bentall (Institute of Psychology, Health & Society of the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom); (2) Three Special Talks, one from Emeritus Professor Carlos Amaral Dias (University of Coimbra, Director of Instituto Superior Miguel Torga, Vice-President of the Portuguese Association of Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Private practitioner of psychiatry and psychoanalysis, Portugal) and Prof. Clara Pracana (Full and Training member of the Portuguese Association of Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Portugal), another from Emeritus Professor Michael Wang (University of Leicester, United Kingdom), and a third one from Dr. Conceição Almeida (Founder of the Portuguese Association of Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy, and Vice-President of the Board. Member of the Teaching Committee, Portugal); (3) An Invited Talk from Dr. Ana Vasconcelos (SAMS--Serviços de Assistência Médico-Social do Sindicato dos Bancários de Sul e Ilhas, founding member of the Portuguese Association of Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, and member of NPA-Neuropshycanalysis Association, Portugal). Thus, we would like to express our gratitude to all our invitees. This volume is composed by the abstracts of the International Psychological Applications Conference and Trends (InPACT 2016), organized by the World Institute for Advanced Research and Science (W.I.A.R.S.). This conference addresses different categories inside Applied Psychology area and papers fit broadly into one of the named themes and sub-themes. To develop the conference program six main broad-ranging categories had been chosen, which also cover different interest areas: (1) In CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY: Emotions and related psychological processes; Assessment; Psychotherapy and counseling; Addictive behaviors; Eating disorders; Personality disorders; Quality of life and mental health; Communication within relationships; Services of mental health; and Psychopathology. (2) In EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY: Language and cognitive processes; School environment and childhood disorders; Parenting and parenting related processes; Learning and technology; Psychology in schools; Intelligence and creativity; Motivation in classroom; Perspectives on teaching; Assessment and evaluation; and Individual differences in learning. (3) In SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY: Cross-cultural dimensions of mental disorders; Employment issues and training; Organizational psychology; Psychology in politics and international issues; Social factors in adolescence and its development; Social anxiety and self-esteem; Immigration and social policy; Self-efficacy and identity development; Parenting and social support; and Addiction and stigmatization. (4) In LEGAL PSYCHOLOGY: Violence and trauma; Mass-media and aggression; Intra-familial violence; Juvenile delinquency; Aggressive behavior in childhood; Internet offending; Working with crime perpetrators; Forensic psychology; Violent risk assessment; and Law enforcement and stress. (5) In COGNITIVE AND EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY: Perception, memory and attention; Decision making and problem-solving; Concept formation, reasoning and judgment; Language processing; Learning skills and education; Cognitive Neuroscience; Computer analogies and information processing (Artificial Intelligence and computer simulations); Social and cultural factors in the cognitive approach; Experimental methods, research and statistics; and Biopsychology. (6) In PSYCHOANALYSIS AND PSYCHOANALYTICAL PSYCHOTHERAPY: Psychoanalysis and psychology; The unconscious; The Oedipus complex; Psychoanalysis of children; Pathological mourning; Addictive personalities; Borderline organizations; Narcissistic personalities; Anxiety and phobias; Psychosis; Neuropsychoanalysis. The proceedings contain the results of the research and developments conducted by authors who focused on what they are passionate about: to promote growth in research methods intimately related to Psychology and its applications. It includes an extensive variety of contributors and presenters by sharing their different personal, academic and cultural experiences. Authors will be invited to publish extended contributions for a book to be published by inScience Press. We would like to express thanks to all the authors and participants, the members of the academic scientific committee, partners and, of course, to the organizing and administration team for making and putting this conference together. (Individual papers contain references.) [Abstract modified to meet ERIC guidelines.]

We are delighted to welcome you to the International Conference on Education and New Developments 2015-END 2015, taking place in Porto, Portugal, from 27 to 29 of June. Education, in our contemporary world, is a right since we are born. Every experience has a formative effect on the constitution of the human being, in the way one thinks, feels and acts. One of the most important contributions resides in what and how we learn through the improvement of educational processes, both in formal and informal settings. Our International Conference seeks to provide some answers and explore the processes, actions, challenges and outcomes of learning, teaching and human development. Our goal is to offer a worldwide connection between teachers, students, researchers and lecturers, from a wide range of academic fields, interested in exploring and giving their contribution in educational issues. We take pride in having been able to connect and bring together academics, scholars, practitioners and others interested in a field that is fertile in new perspectives, ideas and knowledge. We counted on an extensive variety of contributors and presenters, which can supplement our view of the human essence and behavior, showing the impact of their different personal, academic and cultural experiences. This is, certainly, one of the reasons we have many nationalities and cultures represented, inspiring multi-disciplinary collaborative links, fomenting intellectual encounter and development. END 2015 received 528 submissions, from 63 different countries, reviewed by a double-blind process. Submissions were prepared to take form as Oral Presentations, Posters, Virtual Presentations and Workshops. It was accepted for presentation in the conference, 176 submissions (33% acceptance rate). The conference also includes a keynote presentation from an internationally distinguished researcher, Professor Dr. Martin Braund, Adjunct Professor at Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Cape Town, South Africa and Honorary Fellow in the Department of Education at the University of York, UK, to whom we express our most gratitude. This volume is composed by the proceedings of the International Conference on Education and New Developments (END 2015), organized by the World Institute for Advanced Research and Science (W.I.A.R.S.) and had the help of our respected media partners that we reference in the dedicated page. This conference addressed different categories inside the Education area and papers are expected to fit broadly into one of the named themes and sub-themes. To develop the conference program we have chosen four main broad-ranging categories, which also cover different interest areas: (1) In TEACHERS AND STUDENTS: Teachers and Staff training and education; Educational quality and standards; Curriculum and Pedagogy; Vocational education and Counseling; Ubiquitous and lifelong learning; Training programs and professional guidance; Teaching and learning relationship; Student affairs (learning, experiences and diversity); Extra-curricular activities; Assessment and measurements in Education. (2) In PROJECTS AND TRENDS: Pedagogic innovations; Challenges and transformations in Education; Technology in teaching and learning; Distance Education and eLearning; Global and sustainable developments for Education; New learning and teaching models; Multicultural and (inter)cultural communications; Inclusive and Special Education; Rural and indigenous Education; Educational projects. (3) In TEACHING AND LEARNING: Educational foundations; Research and development methodologies; Early childhood and Primary Education; Secondary Education; Higher Education; Science and technology Education; Literacy, languages and Linguistics (TESL/TEFL); Health Education; Religious Education; Sports Education. (4) In ORGANIZATIONAL ISSUES: Educational policy and leadership; Human Resources development; Educational environment; Business, Administration, and Management in Education; Economics in Education; Institutional accreditations and rankings; International Education and Exchange programs; Equity, social justice and social change; Ethics and values; Organizational learning and change. The proceedings contain the results of the research and developments conducted by authors who focused on what they are passionate about: to promote growth in research methods intimately related to teaching, learning and applications in Education nowadays. It includes an extensive variety of contributors and presenters, who will extend our view in exploring and giving their contribution in educational issues, by sharing with us their different personal, academic and cultural experiences. (Individual papers contain references.)

Findings from a study investigating and comparing differences in problem-solving approaches between novice and expert elementary school principals are reported in this paper, which focuses on the interview phase of the data collection process. Interview questions were designed to explore and compare the ways in which principals perceived administrative problems. Three groups of 8 principals classified by experience level--rookie, seasoned, and veteran--were interviewed, a total of 24 participants. Twenty different administrative problems were identified, which were categorized as routine administrative procedures, walk-in student/teacher/parent concerns, other walk-in problems, and long-range projects. No significant relationship was found between level of experience and perceptions of problem solving. The more effective problem solvers were more involved in large-scale school projects, suggesting that the ability to detect need and transform problems into projects is an administrative asset. Three tables and two figures are included. (2 references) (LMI)

The use of a schema analysis, or hierarchical classification system, to identify problem-solving approaches among principals with different levels of experience is examined in this paper. Forty-one students in Ontario--10 undergraduate teacher preparation students, 8 teachers with principal qualifications, and 23 principals grouped according to 3 levels of job experience--participated in a fact-finding exercise, thinking-aloud session, and discussion of a case study. Findings demonstrate the existence of interpretable differences between inexperienced and experienced principals. Higher scorers recognized the link between the case study and school climate issues. Both high and low scorers shared several features: a reflection of experience; reliance on outside resource people; search for further data; and awareness of the importance of promoting staff self-esteem. Conclusions are that the schema analysis is useful for the systematic dissection of complex cases and is applicable to broader problem-solving areas and studies with larger sample sizes. Appendices contain the case study, analytic schema, and four tables. (6 references) (LMI)

Life history interviews with four women holding doctorates in educational administration are presented in this paper, which examines how chances and choice affect women administrators' career decisions. A second focus is on how organizational structure in educational organizations can enhance career opportunities for women educators. Three anecdotes are presented to illustrate the relationships among chance, choice, and opportunities in the careers of particular women in particular organizational contexts. The narratives are categorized according to three themes--unexpected openings, widening horizons, and chance remarks. The stories suggest that women's opportunities can be expanded through the modification of existing structures. A review of current policy initiatives in Canada found that opportunity for females could be engendered through: special assignments; rewarding mentoring functions; redefinition of the concepts of career and success; and affirmative action programs. A recommendation is made to foster environments where chance occurrences can be transformed into opportunities. (29 references) (LMI)

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of using a Competency-based Achievement System (CBAS) (a formative tool) in the practice ready assessment (PRA) of internationally-trained physicians seeking licensure to practice in Canada (summative assessment). The study was a retrospective analysis of over 5,000 FieldNotes completed for 68 candidates in a PRA program. The results indicate that CBAS is a useful tool for PRA. It provides a framework for integrating assessments of clinical competencies and documenting assessment evidence based on direct observations of candidate's performance in multiple clinical settings, case discussions, chart reviews and informal feedback from various sources. The documented evidence can be used to support summative decision-making on candidates' practice readiness as well as providing formative feedback to candidates to facilitate their professional development. The study also highlighted the areas in need of improvement for effective utilization of the CBAS.

This year the Research Institute for Higher Education in Hiroshima University hosted an international conference in close collaboration with Hijiyama University. The main purpose of the 2008 conference was to enable the participants to give preliminary country/regional reports based on their national/regional surveys. This publication reports the proceedings of the conference. The following papers are presented at the conference: (1) International Implications of the Changing Academic Profession in Japan (Akira Arimoto); (2) The Context for the Changing Academic Profession: A Survey of International Indicators (William K. Cummings); (3) The Changing Academic Profession in Canada: Exploring Themes of Relevance, Internationalization, and Management (Amy Scott Metcalfe); (4) The Changing Academic Profession in the United States: 2007 (Martin Finkelstein and William Cummings); (5) The Academic Profession in England: Still Stratified after All These Years? (William Locke); (6) Changes in the Finnish Academic Profession Reflect Reforms in Higher Education (Timo Aarrevaara and Seppo Holtta); (7) Academic Staff in Germany: "Per Aspera Ad Astra?" (Ulrich Teichler); (8) The Changing Academic Profession in Italy: Accounts from the Past, First Insights from the Present (Michele Rostan); (9) The Australian Academic Profession: A First Overview (Hamish Coates, Leo Goedegebuure, Jeannet Van Der Lee and Lynn Meek); (10) Governance and Decision-Making Related to Academic Activities: The Case of Higher Educational Institutions in Malaysia (Muhammad Jantan and Morshidi Sirat); (11) A Preliminary Review of the Hong Kong CAP Data (Gerard A. Postiglione and Hei Hang Hayes Tang); (12) Progress of the Academic Profession in Mainland China (Hong Chen); (13) Analyses of the Educational Backgrounds and Career Paths of Faculty in Higher Education Institutions in Beijing Municipality, China (Yan Fengqiao and Chen Yuan); (14) The Changing Academic Profession in an Era of University Reform in Japan (Tsukasa Daizen and Atsunori Yamanoi); (15) Brazilian Academic Profession: Some Recent Trends (Elizabeth Balbachevsky, Simon Schwartzman, Nathalia Novaes Alves, Dante Filipe Felgueiras dos Santos, and Tiago Silva Birkhoz Duarte); (16) Mexican Academics at the Turn of the Twenty-First Century: Who Are They and How Do They Perceive Their Work, Institutions and Public Policies (A Preliminary Analysis) (Jesus Francisco Galaz-Fontes, Laura Elena Padilla-Gonzalez, Manuel Gil-Anton, Juan Jose Sevilla-Garcia, Jose Luis Arcos-Vega, Jorge Martinez-Stack, Sergio Martinez-Romo, Gabriel Arturo Sanchez-de-Aparicio-y-Benitez, Leonardo Jimenez-Loza and Maria Elena Barrera-Bustillos); (17) The Academic Profession in Argentina: Characteristics and Trends in the Context of a Mass Higher Education System (Monica Marquina and Norberto Fernandez Lamarra); and (18) The Academic Profession in South Africa in Times of Change: Portrait from the Preliminary Results of the Changing Academic Profession (CAP) Research Project (Charste C. Wolhuter, Philip Higgs, Leonie G. Higgs, and Isaac M. Ntshoe). Appended are: (1) CAP Questionnaire; (2) Conference Program; and (3) List of Participants. Individual papers contain figures, tables, references and footnotes.

The purpose of this doctoral research study is to add to our knowledge about principal decision relational networks across a recently consolidated group of school districts in Newfoundland, Canada. By studying principals making district-wide technology policy, we outline the key decision making factors found among rural and urban leaders. We use a post structural, relational network mapping process to demonstrate decision maker structures and dynamics, and we employ the Bates (2000) ACTIONS model to describe decision making factors found among principals trying to decide on district-wide teleconferencing technology issues, as well as the kinds of decisions made. The structure and dynamics of decision making networks is analyzed using social network concepts to understand how local, distributed, and dynamic the decision networks are, and can be. We used an interpretive multiple case study to compare rural, urban and district administrator networks using a referential sampling technique beginning with principal contacts provided by the superintendent. Eleven rural and five urban principals participated with five referred district personnel. Our findings are that leaders clustered together with each other as three poorly connected clusters of district, urban and rural principals. Rural principles clustered tightly to find ways the technology decisions would help program provision, while a closed cluster of urban principals focused on cost management while the district cluster focused on learner achievement improvements in the system.