Online Distance Learning openED course: Business and Management Competencies in a Web 2.0 world

Online Distance Learning openED course:
Business and Management Competencies in a Web 2.0 world

openED 2.0 [http://www.open-ed.eu/] is a FREE and OPEN online course for business students and practitioners alike. The course consists of 10 distance learning modules which should each last between 2-3 weeks. This website provides all you need:
+ Learning materials
+ Suggested activities
+ Forums for meeting people and discussion
+ Calendar of the live chat sessions scheduled
+ Repository to save your assignments
+ Mechanisms for providing peer assessment and support
+ Records of previous participants work
+ Help in getting started with open learning

You can participate in any combination of the 10 modules and, whilst most people will probably want to study the course, we also offer the chance for you to help teach it or to help moderate the forums. The next formal round of the course (this will be supported by the openED team) starts in November 2011.

Study the Course
Register for the course at http://www.open-ed.eu/index.php?option=com_comprofiler&task=registers and then you can begin to study the materials and participate in the forums and chat sessions.

There are 10 modules available.

Module 1 - Tools for Collaboration
Module 2 - Searching for information in business and management
Module 3 - Project Management
Module 4 - Developing personal skills in communication
Module 5 A1 - What is the question?
Module 5 A2 - Quantitative and qualitative analysis tools
Module 5 P1 - Introduction to the contemporary enterprise and managerial functions
Module 5 P2 - Project management advanced
Module 5 P3 - Change management
Module 6 - The Ethical Organisation

Further Details

10 three-year PhD positions (65% TV-L E13), The Research Training Group Trust and Communication in a Digitized World, WWU Muenster

10 three-year PhD positions (65% TV-L E13), The Research Training Group Trust and Communication in a Digitized World, WWU Muenster

Starting on: 01.04.2012
Application deadline: 01.12.2011

The Research Training Group Trust and Communication in a Digitized World, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), invites applications for 10 three-year PhD positions (65% TV-L E13, 100% TV-L E13 in exceptional cases), beginning in April 2012.

The Research Training Group "Trust and Communication in a Digitized World" examines how trust can be developed and maintained against the backdrop of the contexts of new forms of communication. In order to examine the concepts of trust and communication in the overlapping research areas and dimensions, scholars from the field of communication studies, economics, information systems, psychology and sports science will cooperate within the framework of the interdisciplinary research programme. Using a range of social science methods, the Research Training Group thereby studies individual, organisational and social trust-building processes. Besides generating empirical results, the aim of the postgraduate programme is to offer new methodical insights and to provide a theoretical foundation for the field of trust research.

Further information concerning the Research Training Group's research and study programme is available at www.uni-muenster.de/GK-Vertrauen-Kommunikation. The website also offers information on possible PhD projects as well as on the researchers involved in the programme.

Profile
Applicants should display an academic profile according to the research programme (preferably through a degree in one of the above mentioned subjects), and further be accustomed with empirical survey and analytical methods. On the basis of a transcript of records as well as a letter of motivation the candidate should underline his or her ability to conduct in-depth research related to the programme's fields of research.
Full applications should include the following:
‐ Letter of motivation providing insight into the candidate's theoretical and methodical skills (in particular with regard to the research programme), his or her personal and academic goals and an evaluation of his/her personal motives to join the Research Training Group
‐ A research proposal (3-5 pages) outlining the planned research project. This can include one of the projects described on the website or a proposal of your own, which is developed within the analytical framework of the research programme
‐ Your two favoured supervisors
‐ Curriculum vitae in table format
‐ Transcript of records
‐ University certificate(s), certificates stating further qualifications, internships, etc.

Candidates will be selected for interviews on the basis of the applications. The University of Münster is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to raise the ratio of women scientists in academic positions. Consequently, we actively encourage applications from suitably-qualified women who will be treated preferentially. The same applies to suitable applicants with disabilities. The Research Training Group is a family-friendly institution and supports reconciliation of work and family life.
Applications in German should be addressed to the speaker of the Research Training Group, Prof. Dr. Bernd Blöbaum, by post and by e-mail no later than December 1st 2011.

Prof. Dr. Bernd Blöbaum
Department of Communication
Bispinghof 9-14
48143 Muenster
Germany
bloebaum@uni-muenster.de

Informal enquiries can be made to Stephan Völlmicke (Tel. +49 251 83-21246; Mail: voellmik@uni-muenster.de), coordinator of the Research Training Group.
http://www.dfg.de/service/stellenausschreibungen/dfg_gefoerderte_verfahren/ausschreibung_111201_muenster_en.pdf

CfPs:: National Seminar on Processes of Exclusion and Adivasi Rights in India; 15-16 February 2012; at University of Hyderabad

National Seminar on "Processes of Exclusion and Adivasi Rights in India"

15-16 February 2012

Organized by the Centre for Human Rights (CHR) in collaboration with Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy (CSSEIP), University of Hyderabad, India.

Objectives
The proposed national seminar aims to: (1) explore different processes and actors responsible for Adivasi Exclusion in the post-independence period; and (2) critically review the Adivasi Rights and the sub-sequent policy initiatives that have not been properly addressed their exclusion.

Output
It is expected that the papers presented at the seminar and ensuing discussions will throw light on the nature of different processes and actors responsible for Adivasi Exclusion in the post-independence period, and also drawing critical inputs on the gaps in implementation of the Adivasi Rights. Selected papers from the seminar will be put together in a volume. It is expected that the volume will be of high quality and will be published by a reputed international publisher.

Themes
The seminar will cover the following broad areas. Since the major objective of the seminar is to explore various processes of Adivasi Exclusion, it is expected that the papers highlight the processes of exclusion and Adivasi Rights. The papers should be based on empirical facts having linkage with theory.

1. Exclusion in Indian context – Theoretical Dimensions
2. Poverty and Living Standards of Adivasi
3. Education
4. Health
5. Forest and Agriculture
6. Globalization, Land Alienation and Natural Resources
7. Discrimination and Untouchability
8. Governance in Adivasi Areas, Adivasi Rights and Policies
9. Labour and Employment
10. Culture, Language and Identity

Call for Papers
The delegates are requested to submit the title and brief abstract of their paper latest by 31st October 2011. The abstract should not exceed 250 words. The full length paper should be between 5000 to 8000 words, and be typed with double line spacing in Times New Roman 12pt. in MS-Word. The full length paper should be submitted to the Seminar Coordinator in a soft copy through e-mail. The following are important dates to remember to meet the deadlines of the seminar.

• Title of the paper and brief Abstract of 250 words - 31 October 2011
• Confirmation of acceptance of the Abstract - 8 November 2011
• Last date for sending the full/final paper - 26 December 2011
• Review & confirmation of final decision - 10 January 2012

Hospitality and Travel
The organizers of the seminar will make arrangements for food and stay for the delegates in the University Guest House from 14th evening to 17th morning February, 2012. We will try to reimburse the travel to the outstation delegates to the extent of funds availability. However, keeping the budget constraints, the delegates to the extent possible, are requested to make their own arrangements for their travel.

Further Details

Media article "Check Plagiarism in Science", by Pranav N Desai, Indian Express, 15th Oct. 2011

Check Plagiarism in Science

by Pranav N Desai

 

Indian Express, 15th Oct. 2011

As the global trends suggest there are more scientific frauds with more science. With the increasing number of scientific institutions, journals and soaring publications, it seems that the established norms of science like organised scepticism and disinterestedness are fading and that normal checks and balances like peer review are losing efficacy. Recent scandals like Hwang Woo-Suk's fake stem-cell lines or Jan Hendrik Schön's duplicated graphs are some of the evidences proving that it is easy to publish fabricated data in prestigious journals. An investigative team from Korea found that Hwang' evidence supporting the existence of a human embryo clone was fake. Moreover, Hwang also indulged in the unethical practice of collecting his research material from his junior researchers. Schön, a young physicist working at Bell Laboratory, USA, published eight papers in a single year. He claimed a spectacular discovery of organic electrical laser, a triumph of nanotechnology and managed to win many prestigious awards. This turned out to be fraudulent. Science retracted all his papers and he lost his PhD too. This kind of incidents not only leads to wastage of resources but may pose a serious threat to human health.

Scientific misconduct would broadly constitute not only violation of standard code of scholarly conduct but also ethical behaviour in scientific research by various acts of commission and omission on the part of actors in the scientific enterprise. This would include communication or publication of fabricated research data, falsification or manipulation of data to prevent a certain result, plagiarism or act of taking credit of work of another or willfully suppressing citation of prior discovery.

India is no exception to this increasing global menace. In recent times, with a sudden expansion of scientific output, there are increasing reports of scientific misconduct. The majority of cases reported are of plagiarism as it is easy to detect and relatively cheaper technologies in terms of software are available to detect the same. However, there are many cases of misconduct like fabrication or falsification of data that go unnoticed not only because it involves cost but also in the absence of any regulatory authority, comprehensive studies, scientific accountability and awareness. The task is compounded by the fact that this phenomenon is reportedly not confined to younger scientists or mid-career professionals but to organisational heads of national institutes, IIT faculties, and vice-chancellors. Some of the widely publicised controversies are B S Rajput and colleagues in the field of theoretical physics. Rajput was vice-chancellor and was alleged of plagiarising old papers and also successfully published in prestigious international journals along with other colleagues. He resigned after the enquiry upheld the charges and maintained that the papers were published without his consent by his student. Hence, it is no wonder that scientists at subordinate level also get protected.

Yet another case involving a vice-chancellor was of Kalyan Kumar and colleagues at North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology. It was alleged that he plagiarised three papers that had similarity with some old work of IIT professors. P Chiranjeevi, a chemistry professor of Sri Venkateswara University was accused of plagiarising more than 70 research papers published between 2004 and 2007 and a disciplinary action was taken against him by the University Executive Council. More recently in August 2011, Sangiliyandi Gurunathan, head, Department of Biotechnology of Kalasalingam University was removed from his post as eight of his research papers were found to be manipulated and retracted and the university also revoked registration of his six PhD students. The list does not end here as some of the private practitioners were also observed to be involved in scientific misconduct. More recently some of the MNCs operating in the country, in order to influence policy, were reportedly involved in misconduct. A study conducted for the period 2001-2010 for the retracted papers by Indian scientists revealed an increasing rate of retraction of published papers in prestigious journals mainly due to plagiarism or self-plagiarism. The reported rate of retraction due to misconduct of 44 per 1,00,000 papers is also observed to be much higher than the world average for all retractions of about 17 per 100,000 papers.

Many prominent scientists have advocated a statutory body on the lines of the Office of Research Integrity in the USA. However it is debatable, especially in the context S&T structure in India, whether it is more suitable for India to have an independent research integrity office or locating it within the government department. Contrary to the US situation, public sector science is predominant with an overwhelming proportion of 84 per cent R&D investment as against only 26 per cent in the private sector. In the last decade or so, India has witnessed an unprecedented level of growth in scientific publication, patenting activity, an increased level of international collaboration, FDI investment in R&D and clinical trials for drug discovery. Along with this, there has been a heightened level of environmental and ethical consciousness with the emergence of bio- and nano-technologies.

The repercussions of scientific misconduct are more serious for human health and the misconduct reported is much higher in this sector as well. Though in India it is difficult to provide any such data with confidence, it seems that the misconduct reported is evenly spread in all fields of science rather than one or two areas or research institutes/universities. This is reflected in reported cases of misconduct posted on the Society for Scientific Values (SSV). A society like SSV devoid of any legal powers to take action against scientific misconduct does provide moral pressure to act against any omission or commission leading to comprises of scientific standards and ethics. The influence of such voluntary organisations is also reflected in the fact that three directors of national institutes were removed following indictment by SSV.

The cost involved in frauds, its investigation and remediation is not simply in terms of financial and human resources but also in terms of time energy and more importantly in terms of prestige of a scientific organisation or a nation as a whole. Hence, to promote scientific excellence and to bolster the image of Indian science a question arises whether India has the adequate mechanism to deal with the issues of scientific misconduct in a rapidly expanding scientific activities. Moreover, is it high time for evolving an independent regulatory agency with adequate infrastructure and legal power to strengthen standards and ethical practice of Indian science?

Pranav N Desai is professor, Centre for Studies in Science Policy, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

Source: http://expressbuzz.com/opinion/op-ed/check-plagiarism-in-science/323406.html

National Himalayan Winter Trekking Expedition 2011-12 at Dalhousie

National Himalayan Winter Trekking Expedition 2011-12 at Dalhousie

19 December 2011 to 05 January 2012 (any 6 days)

 

Youth Hostels Association of India is organizing National Himalayan Winter Trekking Expedition in the Dalhousie region of Western Himalayas for the last 18 years. On a popular demand from our members we are once again organizing this expedition from Dec., 2011 to Jan., 2012. Come and see that lies beyond the hills, peep into the unseen and have a feel of snow. You are welcome to join this trail on any day during the scheduled period.

 

Purpose of our Programme

The purpose of the programme is to expose the YHAI members to a greater adventure and to rough out the rigours of plodding through snow with a sense of love for nature and outdoor recreational activity aiming at promoting national integration

 

Programme Schedule & Route

•  Day 1: Reporting Point is Banikhet C/o Hotel Sahara Inn, Bus stand Banikhet. Tel. No: 01899-254527.(Banikhet 6000 Ft. is just 5 Km before Dalhousie)
• Day 2: Trek to Dalhousie – 5 Km/ 2hrs.
• Day 3: Trek to Kalatop – 8 Km/5 hrs
• Day 4: Trek to Khajjiar – 11 Km/7 hrs
• Day 5: Trek to Mangla – 11 Km/6hrs
• Day 6: Transfer by Bus to Banikhet. Participants may plan their return journey after 11 am on Day 6.

Note: Programme schedule/route is subject to change with or without prior notice.

 

Fees

Participation fee Rs.2750/- per head will cover stay in tented accommodation, simple nutritious vegetarian food, guidance, equipments and insurance. You will however, bear the to and fro travel expenses from your hometown to the base camp and back.

Imp. YHAI Group insurance cover is for accidental death or permanent disability only. You are advised to take insurance cover for your journey and other related matters.

 

Dates

You may choose to report at the base camp Banikhet on any day from 19th Dec., 2011 to 5th Jan., 2012

 

How to Apply

Member desires of joining this programme may apply on a prescribed Registration Form duly supported by a Medical Certificate, along with DD of requisite amount in favour of "Youth Hostels Association of India" payable at New Delhi. You can apply online also.

N.B. Without admit card do not claim your registration as confirmed.

 

How to reach Base Camp

Last Rail Head: Pathankot/Chakkibank on Main Delhi/Howrah-Jammu Section of Northern Railway. Bus Service: Regular Bus services are available from Pathankot, Delhi and other parts of Punjab. Pathankot/Chakki Bank to Banikhet is 75 kms (3 to 3.5 hrs by bus). Roadways buses and Private Taxis are available.

 

Things to Bring Along With You

Rucksacks (if you have one), shirts, pants/jeans, Track suit, woolen jersey, thick jacket, woolen muffler/balaclava, gloves, inner garments(Woollen/Cotton), light raincoat, 3 pairs of thick woollen socks, water bottle, lunch box, enameled or steel mug or tumbler, plate, spoon, water purifying tablets, pen-knifs, needle, thread, spare buttons goggles (other than blue glasses), cold cream or Vaseline, soap, toilet paper, towel, medicines which you normally use at home.

 

Certificate

Participants, who successfully complete the trek and abide by the discipline of the programme, will be awarded certificate.

 

Cancellation

In case you are unable to join the trek after paying the participation fee, you will get a refund of 50% provided your request is received directly in the National Office at least 7 days in advance from the date of your reporting. No refund will, however, be admissible if such notice is short of 7 days. Any unforeseen event/strike or natural calamity will not be considered as a cause of cancellation.

 

Safety

Extensive and painstaking preparations have gone into the planning of trek routes for your safety. Our field staff and experienced camp leaders have been visiting the area to check all details. While every care has been taken to ensure safety, Youth Hostels Association of India cannot be held responsible for any accident, illness and such other unforeseen eventualities.

Smoking, use of alcohols and narcotics of any description are strictly prohibited during the course of the programme.

Deviating from the set route of the programme is not permitted. If participants desire to join any other activity, they may do so at their own responsibility and risk only after finishing the trek and checking out.

 

Special Casual Leave

The Trekking Expedition organized by Youth Hostels Association of India have the approval of Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, (Deptt. Of Personnel and Training), Government of India, vide office Order No.280016/89-Estt(A), dated 25th October, 1989. Participants working in Central Government organizations can apply to the authorities concerned for availing special casual leave for the duration of the expedition. This leave can be sanctioned by their office up to 30 days in calendar year

 

Your Attention

Please note that this is an environment friendly trek. Do not litter any wrappers or spoil the trail in any way. In case you find any wrapper, plastic bag or anything left by trekkers on the way, please carry the same with you and deposit at the base camp.

Burning of wood during camp fire is strictly prohibited. Import of any Bio Non-Degradable Material in Himachal Pradesh is an offence.

 

Adventure Scholarships for the Handicapped Youths

YHAI announces 50 adventure scholarships of 50% each to handicapped youths including deaf and dump for this expedition. Deserving participants may apply to the National Office, YHAI on a plain paper supported by relevant medical certificate.

 

Further Information

 

Book Online

Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) invites applications for fellowships (Senior Fellow/ Fellow/ Junior Fellow)

NEHRU MEMORIAL MUSEUM AND LIBRARY
Teen Murti House, New Delhi-110011

The Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) offers fellowships to scholars to pursue research in (i) Modern Indian History and Contemporary Studies (ii) Perspectives in Indian Development (social economic and cultural) and (iii) India and Changing Trends in World Economy and Polity.

The fellowships are offered at three levels: Junior Fellow, Fellow and Senior Fellow. The emoluments, including allowances, will correspond to that of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Professor of Central Universities, respectively. CPF/GPF facilities will be extended only to scholars having permanent jobs who take up the fellowship after taking leave without pay from their parent departments. Fellowships offered are for a duration of two years only. Fellows will be based in Delhi except for a maximum of five fellows who may be permitted by the Selection Committee to be based outside Delhi.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Senior Fellow: Scholars of eminence who have made a significant contribution to the knowledge in their respective fields and preferably have experience of conducting and guiding research.
Fellow: Good Academic record, a Ph.D. or equivalent published work and at least five years teaching/post doctoral research experience.
Junior Fellow: These positions are open to candidates with a good academic record and/or scholarly publications, and preferably a Ph.D. degree.

Interested scholars are requested to send an application along with a note of about 2,000 words on the proposed project to be undertaken with the following information in an envelope clearly marked "Application for Fellowship" to the Director, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, Teen Murti House, New Delhi – 110011. 1) Name. 2) Address. 3) Date of Birth. 4) Academic Record from High School onwards. 5) Details of post-graduate work and list of publications with copies of at least two recent publications. 6) Details of how employed so far and 7) Recommendations from two referees. Candidates in employment should apply through proper channel.
Applications for the current round of fellowship should reach the NMML on or before October 30, 2011. The NMML however reserves the right to accept applications that may come in even after the last date. In general, applications can be sent at any time of the year and they shall be retained on file for consideration periodically. The NMML reserves the right to invite any scholar who may not have applied to, to accept fellowships at any level to pursue research on any project in the three areas broadly defined. Those who applied in response to the last advertisement for fellowships in October 2010 need not apply again as their applications will also be considered.

Further Details

CfPs: National Workshop on Using Different Metrics for Assessing Research Productivity; at ISI Delhi; 16-17 February 2012

National Workshop on Using Different Metrics for Assessing Research Productivity

16-17 February 2012

Organised by: Indian Statistical Institute, New Delhi

About the Workshop
Metrics-based research evaluation is gaining increasing importance in assessing research performance at national, international and institutional levels. There is a growing need to design and operationalize standardized quality metrics/indicators. This workshop is intended to take stock of present methods of evaluating research productivity of countries and individual scientists. An endeavour will be made to examine the methods which are followed in different scientometrics/bibliometrics studies which are generally used in the assessment of research productivity. This workshop will include both invited and contributed papers and lectures by eminent keynote speakers.
 
Objectives
To bring together scientists, policy makers and information scientists/librarians to discuss the various issues related to the topic.
To identify best practices and tools for measuring and assessing the research productivity

Themes and Sub-themes

• Research evaluation: Evaluating research performance at macro, meso and micro-levels; Evaluation indicators for research productivity and other science related practices; Assessing research quality in India and case studies in Indian context
• Indicators of research performance: Quantitative and qualitative indicators; Composite indicators, Limitations of indicators; Quality versus quantity, two sides of the coins of research productivity; New bibliometric indicators of research performance; Using metrics for arriving at conclusions: Best Practices; An open and consistent measurement system; Issues, problems in research measurement
• Software tools for bibliometric analysis: Tools for measuring research performance; Data sources and tools for data capturing
• Institutional roles in research measurement: Role of Academic/Societies/Governmental bodies in research measurement studies; Role of University/Special libraries in supporting research measurement studies; Moving beyond the existing practices: search for value addition parameters

Call for papers
The workshop invites unpublished conceptual and empirical research papers and case studies on the themes and sub-themes of the workshop. Please note that papers presented in the workshop will be published in proceedings or edited book.
The manuscripts should be in (.doc format) sent to the Organizing Secretary at khatri@isid.ac.in, khatri52@hotmail.com

Important Dates

• Last date for submission of Theme/Title of the Paper: 15th October 2011
• Last date for submission of full paper: 15th December 2011
• Notification of acceptance of paper with comments: 7th January 2012
• Last date for sending filled in registration form: 15th January 2012

Further Details