THE MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF THE MIDDLESEX POLYTECHNIC DIP H.E. PROGRAMME

Monitoring and evaluation of a complex course is based on data acquired formally from normal administrative records; from research, sometimes in the form of students' projects; from staff and student questionnaires. Informally, regular tutor‐group meetings and a receptive attiude on the part of staff to student opinion are crucial. Once appropriate questions have been asked, it is then possible to ensure a flow of Information which can affect not only the day‐to‐day operation of the course but also its strategic planning.     

Human Resource Development in East Asia: A Comparative Analysis

Eight examples of East Asian economics/societies/educational systems are examined so that common assumptions about links between investment in human resource development and rapid economic growth may be questioned, and so that the role of formal education in enabling, causing, or shaping economic development may be clarified. The role of education is considered at its interface with events and attitudes in the economic, social, and political domains, during the post-World War II period. Particular attention is paid to the three basic levels of education, to the status of technical/vocational education, and to the nature of the curriculum, in each of these societies.

Basing their thinking on key indicators, not only of economic growth, but also of structural changes and development, as well as on data from country-specific chapters in a recent research publication, the authors cite evidence to cast doubt on the idea of a single East Asian model. They conclude that the differences between and within the eight societies are at least as significant as the commonalities, that their data and findings have more implications for economic than for educational policy, and that it would be dangerous to assume that economic growth and development are likely to be constants.     

The Relative Credibility of Zoo‐Affiliated Spokespeople for Delivering Conservation Messages

Abstract Zoos aspire to be leaders in environmental conservation through their work in environmental education. This study examined whether a spokesperson's job title impacts credibility when conservation messages are delivered to the public. Visitors to a zoo were presented with seven environmental messages. They then selected—from a list of zoo‐related job titles—the one they deemed most credible and the one considered least credible. Statistical analysis established that three “credible” job titles were selected significantly more often, while three were generally selected as “least credible.” The authors demonstrate that some job titles have greater credibility than others among visitors, and recommend that more attention be given to this variable if attitude and behavior change are desired outcomes. They caution that while source credibility may vary based on job title, the influence it has on persuasiveness is yet to be determined.     

Global Ambitions: Internationalization and China’s Rise as Knowledge Hub

The four decades since reform and opening up have seen dramatic changes in China’s higher education system. Focusing on international dimensions, the analysis supports the view that reform and opening up was not merely an economic and political reform, but an opening of the mind to the outside world, after the disaster of the Cultural Revolution. But it is important to be reminded that China’s relations with the outside world have a much longer history, with the spread of Confucian ideas to East and Southeast Asia, and the importation of Buddhism from ancient India; both during the Tang dynasty. The article points to key ongoing debates in China about the extent to which it can incorporate ideas from outside, while still retaining a Chinese essence. The rise of China as a knowledge hub and destination for international students is also charted, and the prospects for further development are assessed.     

Effects of inter-limb asymmetries on physical and sports performance: a systematic review

The prevalence of inter-limb asymmetries has been reported in numerous studies across a wide range of sports and physical qualities; however, few have analysed their effects on physical and sports performance. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken using the Medline and SPORT Discus databases, with all articles required to meet a specified criteria based on a quality review. Eighteen articles met the inclusion criteria, relating participant asymmetry scores to physical and sports performance measures. The findings of this systematic review indicate that inter-limb differences in strength may be detrimental to jumping, kicking and cycling performance. When inter-limb asymmetries are quantified during jumping based exercises, they have been primarily used to examine their association with change of direction speed with mixed findings. Inter-limb asymmetries have also been quantified in anthropometry, sprinting, dynamic balance and sport-specific actions, again with inconsistent findings. However, all results have been reported using associative analysis with physical or sport performance metrics with no randomised controlled trials included. Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms that underpin inter-limb differences and the magnitude of performance changes that can be accounted for by these asymmetries.     

The relationship between football and literature in the novels of Irvine Welsh

This article examines the relationship between football and literature in the novels of Irvine Welsh, taking a cultural materialist approach in treating all cultural production as equally significant in the construction of societies. Irvine Welsh’s novels are chosen to demonstrate the value of this approach as they discuss football extensively. Within Welsh’s work, the Edinburgh club Hibernian are depicted positively as having intelligent, independently minded fans. They reject Unionism as a political and cultural ideal, following Welsh’s own personal views. Fans of Hibernian’s rivals, Heart of Midlothian (Hearts) and Rangers are continually derided as Unionist, racist and sectarian. Welsh depicts socialization in the values associated with football clubs as a key element in the development of Scottish males. The values he ascribes to clubs are exaggerated but due to the popular success of Welsh’s work, they can have a strong impact on how individuals perceive Hibernian, Hearts, and Rangers.