PhD FELLOWSHIP (Full-time)
Learning from incidents: A social approach to reducing health and safety incidents in the workplace
Caledonian Academy, Glasgow Caledonian University www.academy.gcal.ac.uk
Purpose of fellowship
The
Research project
Learning from incidents is embedded in the culture of organisations. The premise of this study is that incidents will be reduced by embedding learners into a culture where continuous learning is promoted (a generative organisation). A strong mechanism to achieve a generative organisation can be found from social constructivism. Social constructivism stresses dialogue in learning, with this taking place via an active process of constructing meaning. By following a participatory Change Laboratory methodology, workers, in collaboration with the researcher, will develop a deep understanding of why incidents have occurred and how they can be prevented in the future. Applying deep learning into practice will help develop a safer workplace environment and create a generative organisation.
Remuneration
There is a stipend of £13,900 per annum in the first year, rising to £14,746 in year 3. Each year’s stipend shall be payable to the fellow in four equal quarterly payments on 1 October, 1 January, 1 April and 1 July respectively of each year. In addition, the funding organisation will cover fellow’s PhD fees. Travel and subsistence expenses for carrying out data collection, progress and evaluation meetings in the testbeds will be covered by the funder/sponsoring organisation. The fellowship will also cover a conference visit, as well as residence permit costs for international student and training in workshop facilitation/Change Lab method.
Duration of fellowship
The fellowship will begin in the first quarter of 2009 (negotiable) and will last for 36 months.
Education/Experience sought:
The fellowship is open to candidates from any country. Applicants must be graduates (Masters or Bachelors Degree plus relevant Masters) with a background (and interests) in Educational Science & Training and its sub-disciplines. Candidates with a background in Social or Behavioural Sciences are also eligible to apply, but a strong interest in Education and Training is essential.
· Experience (or strong interest) in socio-cultural approaches to learning and participatory research methods is necessary. Experience in using Change Laboratory method is not compulsory but would be an advantage. Familiarity with case study methodology will be highly valued.
· Experience (or strong interest) in technology-enhanced learning is desirable. In particular this involves application of emergent social technologies, games and simulation and virtual worlds for learning.
· Familiarity with relevant research on workplace learning, organisational learning, health and safety, motivation, sociology, ergonomics, and/or organisational psychology is a plus.
· Practical understanding of corporate learning context is desirable.
Skills:
We are looking for a smart, dynamic, curious and motivated person who has the following skills:
· experience, or interest in, conducting original qualitative research
· strong writing and oral presentation abilities
· ability to work to strict deadlines
· ability to communicate research findings efficiently to both academic and corporate audiences
· skills in workshop facilitation are desirable
Application Materials and Deadline:
Applicants should submit the following documentation by e-mail to Ms. Fiona McBeth Fiona.mcBeth@gcal.ac.uk
*Letter of interest
*CV/Resume
*A writing sample (500-1000 words)
*Names and contact information of two references (professional and/or academic).
Deadline for applications is November 28, 17:00 GMT. Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be conducted in December 2008.
Additional information
The PhD fellowship will be supervised by Professor Allison Littlejohn, Director of the
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