The aim of this research dissertation is to explore the potential of a writing group to encourage post graduate students and academic members of staff to publish. Writing for publication is identified as a desirable, if not essential, element of personal and organisational development. A triangulated survey is presented based on the interpretivist research paradigm. The methods used included a self administered questionnaire which provided quantitative and qualitative data. The design of this instrument was informed by the use of focus groups. In addition, five semi-structured interviews were conducted. Analysis for the quantitative element of the study was based on the provision of descriptive statistics and non-parametric comparisons. Microanalysis and axial coding as described by Strauss & Corbin (1998) were applied to qualitative data sources, in order to identify data categories and their associated properties. Triangulation was based on the notion of data completeness as opposed to data confirmation. The results of the study show that writing groups have a significant potential to encourage those interested in writing for publication. However, the concepts of motivation and time have a major impact on those expressing an interest in becoming involved in writing for publication. It is therefore concluded that writing groups do not represent a panacea, but rather should be implemented as one of many support strategies used.

The aim of the presented research project was to begin an exploration of the concept of dehumanisation within the context of Information Systems (IS). Dehumanisation is presented as a high level concept that is normally associated with negative connotations. A qualitative survey is presented based on an interpretivist research paradigm. Analysis was based on the various strategies of grounded theory; this was limited to the application of microanalysis and axial coding. Data codes identified from microanalysis were collated into thirty-five sub-categories and grouped into eight abstract data categories. Links within and between the data categories were identified. The study found that nurses as a subset of IS users perceived IS and dehumanisation in a variety of ways. This has potentially far reaching consequences including a direct correlation to an increase in clinical risk. The study also identified IS as having a dehumanising effect, correlating well with the themes identified within the cognitive framework devised for interviews. Further secondary themes were identified as being associated with dehumanisation within the context of IS.