Quarterman, M (2017) Acquisition of higher-order professional competencies: a new synergistic learning model. PhD thesis, Anglia Ruskin University, UK.
Abstract
Context This research centres on the acquisition of professional competencies by graduates who have recently entered the construction industry. Many professional competencies involve critical thinking and subjective decision-making under conditions of uncertainty and variability; and therefore require higher-order abilities to accomplish. The acquisition of these competencies has been shown to be problematic, difficult to achieve and to take longer than anticipated. The aim of this research was to determine if acquisition could be enhanced and/or accelerated. Research Design The research design adopted a mixed methods approach. The study commenced by identifying and defining the problematic competencies through a process of qualitative research. This was followed by analysis of existing learning theories and non-traditional learning techniques that had been applied in other contexts through a search of the literature and published accounts of applications. The analysis identified constituent parts of theories and practice which were developed into an innovative learning model. The model was tested through a process of quantitative research conducted using a controlled experiment with a sample of new-entrant ... (continues)
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | competencies; critical thinking; decision making; experiment; prototype development |
| Index terms: | decision-making, qualitative research, learning theory, experiment, prototype, critical thinking, variability, construction industry, acquisition, research design, quantitative research, mixed method, research centre |
| Subjects: | statistical analysis, industry analysis, decision analysis, business, research design and methodology, data collection methods, data analysis and analytics, modelling and simulation, specialized education, construction type, learning theory |
| Topics: | Engineering Principles, Risk Management, Education, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Construction Technology |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here