The electronic alternative: Sociological Research Online

Examines how the electronic journal Sociological Research Online has rapidly established itself as a leading journal and how it has gained credibility; discusses possible future sources of revenue.     

Feedback,feedforward: evaluating the effectiveness of an oral peer review exercise amongst postgraduate students

Assessment for learning approaches, such as peer review exercises may improve student performance in summative assessments and increase their satisfaction with assessment practices. We conducted a mixed methods study to evaluate the effectiveness of an oral peer review exercise among post-graduate students. We examined: (1) final assessment grades among students who did and did not take part in the peer review exercise; (2) student perceptions of the impact of the peer review exercise; and (3) student understanding of, and satisfaction with, this new assessment practice. We found that students who took part in the exercise had a significantly higher mean grade in a subsequent summative oral presentation assessment than students who did not take part in the exercise. Students gained a better understanding of assessment and marking criteria and expressed increased confidence and decreased anxiety about completing the subsequent summative assessment. Assessment for learning improves academic attainment and the learning experience in postgraduate students.     

The influence of Ministry of Defence funding on semiconductor research and development in the United Kingdom

This paper argues that the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence's (MoD) sponsorship of industrial semiconductor research and development (R&D) has, by its very nature, influenced the type of R&D performed, and the directions it has taken, to the extent of limiting its potential for subsequent commercial utilization. While much of the fault appears to lie with the semiconductor industry's response to MoD funding of its R&D, especially its over-reliance on such external support, the paper also suggests that the structure, modus operandi, and funding mechanisms of the MoD department concerned have significantly affected the industry's R&D activities. With these criticisms in mind, while at the same time noting the advantageous features of this department's activities, such as its relative autonomy, brief suggestions for ensuring more coherent and continuous state support for semiconductor R&D, including, for example, the use of innovation-oriented procurement policies, are offered.