Drawing on theories from the sociology of technology and on a diverse body of empirical research, this book explores how universities are attempting to build and use Information and communication technologies (ICTs), to sit alongside, complement and, in some cases, replace established means of delivering, organizing and managing higher education.

This book is a comprehensive guide to selecting approaches and carrying out qualitative research. Rather than being prescriptive, it provides information on various data collection procedures and how to make decisions about specific qualitative approaches.

Qualitative analysis is used in the social sciences and in subjects using social research methods. This approach pays particular attention to texts and their meanings. Over the years many computer programs have been developed to assist such analysis. This book uses an arguably powerful, NVivo, to show how qualitative analysis can be carried out.

Examines how quality and good practice in early childhood education and care (ECEC) is interpreted and implemented in a variety of settings and circumstances. This book considers the variety of rationales that inform services for early childhood education and care.

Reviews the way that older people talk about their quality of life and how this differs from the ways that younger people, researchers and scientists, policy makers and professionals discuss it. This book challenges the traditional approaches to the meaning and measurement of quality of life in older people.

The thesis of this book is that the contradictory answers may well compute more effectively than is acknowledged: that the culture of higher education and the mesh of psychological contracts, or "deals," that make it up make much of the current discourse about happiness and unhappiness in contemporary life look simplistic and banal.

Contemporary multiculturalism poses a number of challenges for the design and delivery of welfare services in Britain. This title explores the needs and well-being of ethnic minorities within the context of the changing framework for delivering welfare services. It is suitable for students of social work, social policy and sociology.

Includes perspectives on the impact of race, culture, and language in therapy. This book discusses topics such as: issues concerning race and power; the impact culture has on communication; how dominant theories influence counseling; and, the concept of mixed-identity therapeutic relationships.