Welcome to Griffith Open

Griffith Open collects, preserves and makes freely available research publications by Griffith College staff and learners. These can include, but are not limited to, theses, peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, working papers and conference papers, professional presentations, exhibitions and teaching resources. Where material has already been published it is made available subject to the open-access policies of the original publishers. This service is maintained by Griffith College Library.

 

Recent Submissions

Publication
Diversifying Dewey: Changing the DDC23 to better represent Irish Travellers
(Academic and Special Libraries Conference 2024, 2024) Watters, Dean; O’Hara, Ruth
This case study outlines the process involved in revising the Dewey Decimal System (DDC) to provide a more accurate and inclusive description of Irish Travellers. Also known as Mincéirí, Irish Travellers are a distinctive ethnic community based primarily in Ireland. However, throughout their history they have experienced widespread discrimination, exclusion, and stereotyping. This fact was somewhat reflective in the DDC, as Irish Travellers were frequently misclassified. This case study examines the treatment of Irish Travellers, who were not specifically mentioned in previous editions of Dewey, prior to these changes. In addition, it looks at the steps taken by the LAI Cataloguing and Metadata group to prepare a successful exhibit which resulted in a new classification number specifically for this indigenous group. It argues that by working with key stakeholders, including Irish Traveller representative groups, library colleagues and academics, we can better guarantee access to accurate and relevant information for all library users.
Publication
Connected Conversations: The Teaching, Learning and Assessment Practices Experienced in Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA) Colleges during the COVID-19 Pandemic
(HECA, 2021) Butler, Orla
The role of dialogue in higher education is vital in facilitating an open exchange and deep understanding of diverse perspectives. This title of this work, “Connected Conversations”, echoes the process of analysis and reflection undertaken by staff and students across the Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA) during a time of great disruption and transformational change in the sector. The conversations that form the central part of this research carry important dialogues that illustrate the first-hand experiences of staff and students learning, teaching and supporting learning during the earlier stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Institutional Repositories: Supporting faculty research, HECA Libraries
(Griffith College, 2023) Ní Bhraonáin, Dimphne
Institutional repositories highlight and showcase faculty and staff academic and professional research activities. This video gives an overview of how institutional repositories benefit both the individual researchers and their institutions, and highlights the support that can be gained from college librarians. Benefits include increased reach, citation and greater impact of your work. Research published in peer reviewed journals may still be deposited on the IR, the majority of publishers have policies that are in line with Open Access guidelines. Professional research activities such as conference papers and presentations may also be included. Librarians can support your understanding of copyright issues and assist in liaising with publishers for clarity. This video was produced in partnership with the presentation delivered by the HECA Research Group as part of the first HECA Research Conference that took place in November 2022, and is intended to be used to promote the use of institutional repositories in higher education institutions. The HECA Research Group is comprised of librarians from Griffith College, Hibernia College, Dublin Business School and CCT College. Contents: What is an Institutional Repository? Graduate Research Staff Research - What content can be included? Benefits to the Researcher Benefits to the Institution Open Access - OA and raising your research profile Librarian Supports and Guidance - Navigating OA publishing
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Intercultural Communicative Competence in Multinational Language Colleges in Ireland: An Investigation of Language Teachers’ Attitudes Towards Culture and Language Learning
(Griffith College, 2022) Morrison, Julie
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the attitudes of English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers towards cultural teaching in the language classroom. Globalisation has highlighted the need for ESL learners to acquire intercultural communicative competence (ICC): the ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with people from various cultures in a shared language (Byram, 2021). This study looks into the materials and activities used by ESL teachers in Ireland to integrate culture into lessons. This study contributes to the existing knowledge on intercultural communicative competence and adds to the discussion through insights from ESL teachers about attitudes towards cultural teaching and the incorporation of culture into lessons. The resulting research objectives are as follows: 1. To investigate ESL teachers’ attitudes to the impact of teaching culture on students’ ICC. 2. To establish what teaching materials are used by ESL teachers to integrate culture into language lessons. 3. To explore which activities ESL teachers utilise to incorporate culture in language lessons. A mixed methods approach was undertaken for the purpose of gathering primary data. The quantitative data was collected by way of an online survey and the qualitative data by semistructured interviews. Through adopting an explanatory two-phase approach, initial results from the quantitative phase were explained and explored in the qualitative phase effectuating corroboration and denotation of findings, and exploring conceptual gaps (Kimmons, 2022). The research revealed that whilst ESL teachers believe culture impacts students’ ICC and educators perceive culture to be integral in communication, ESL teachers have disparities in attitudes towards the meaning of ‘culture teaching’ and the learning outcomes sought. The primary research and the literature also found communicative language activities to be essential in attaining ICC. Based on the research undertaken, the study makes several recommendations for language schools and teacher training which include the incorporation of intercultural communication skills in basic ESL training courses, and collaboration within language institutions.
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The current development pathway within Securitas Ireland and its contribution to developing effective leaders.
(Griffith College, 2022) Hardiman, Stephen
Securitas Group has a global footprint providing security services worldwide for blue-chip companies such as Microsoft, Facebook, LinkedIn and Amazon. The past decade has seen a significant shift in the role of its security officers, moving from stand-alone positions to roles within teams which require good communication and leadership skills. Further changes have occurred in how leaders lead and the impact both positively or negatively this can have on an organisation’s growth and development. The importance of organically developing those in leadership roles is now to the fore of development strategies in many multinational organisations. Heretofore, positions of leadership were viewed as having a one-size-fits-all approach, based on the mentality that leadership is done the same way, with a leader never wavering from their style of leadership. Presently, those within leadership roles must be adaptable, inclusive and inspirational. Organisations now take a multi layered approach embedding leaders at all levels. As a result, leadership development has shifted away from an autocratic style towards a more collaborative approach. The challenge for educators is how to best develop those in leadership roles to be people orientated, understand and employ soft skills and be confident in adapting their leadership style to get the best out of those they lead. A mixed-method approach was utilised in this research combining both qualitative and quantitative data. Through Survey and Interview data the research focuses on key leadership roles within Securitas Ireland (SIRL) and the leadership development supports those leaders are provided with. Further data collection enabled the researcher to identify what skills sets individuals in leadership roles had, how they can be developed and what support is currently available for that development. Research will show that Securitas Ireland (SIRL) has a layered approach to leadership but fails to provide adequate support for those in leadership positions. This research demonstrates the high number of inexperienced Supervisors, Team Lead and Managers currently employed within SIRL. Thus emphasising the need for SIRL to focus on developing leadership skills, expertise and implementing support mechanisms. To meet this demand and support its leaders at all levels SIRL should implement mandatory induction training for new Team Leads, Supervisors and Managers. Further support from SIRL should be given through a mentorship programme supplemented by workshops and formal leadership certification. As an organisation SIRL and SG should align itself with Great places to work. This alignment would provide SIRL and SG with the support required to create a framework for leadership development. Thus embedding leadership development within its culture.