Robert Osborne - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Robert Osborne
Higher Education Policy, 1997
Research evaluation is used to identify "success" and relate this to funding. Citation analysis i... more Research evaluation is used to identify "success" and relate this to funding. Citation analysis is one of many performance indicators but has been largely set aside in the U.K. This paper describes the use of bibliometric data and examines the "parochialism" of Northern Irish research. Papers produced in Northern Ireland between the years 1981 to 1994 and listed with the lSI are used to exemplify the issues. The analysis indicates that some fields are underrepresented in the lSI database. Small research systems can also be significantly influenced by one or two individuals. Publication in a highly visible, Anglo-American, internationally refereed journal will enhance the citation rate. Northern Irish research has a relative lack of international impact, seemingly a function of topics and the journals used. While there is an increasing amount of joint authorship, particularly with the rest of the U.K., relatively little collaboration has taken place with colleagues in the rest of Europe. Citation analysis is an important initial indicator of research impact, useful to establish questions and narrow an overall field of inquiry. ([) 1997 International Association of Universities
Public Administration, 1998
This short article is based on the experience of the author who acted as an adviser to the Northe... more This short article is based on the experience of the author who acted as an adviser to the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee (NIASC) during its investigation of under-achievement in secondary schools. The Northern Ireland education system retains selection at 11 and the inquiry was particularly concerned with circumstances in secondary schools rather than grammar schools. The investigation took place during 1996 and early 1997 (House of Commons NIASC 1997). The experience therefore, relates to the committee as it existed prior to the election of a Labour government in 1997. The article reflects on the role of the committee in the Northern Ireland context, on the subject matter of the inquiry and the role of an adviser. Most of the current Select Committees of the House of Commons at Westminster were created in 1979/80. Most committees shadow the main departments of government-foreign affairs, environment, home affairs, etc. Two territorial committees were created at this time-for Scotland and Wales. The creation of the two territorial committees emphasized the marginal position of Northern Ireland at Westminster for which there was no committee. Following the institution of Direct Rule from Westminster in 1972, most Northern Ireland legislation has been dealt with through Orders in Council. Orders can be debated but must be accepted or rejected and cannot be amended by either House (Hadfield 1992). This marginalization of Northern Ireland affairs has been viewed as contributing to the 'democratic deficit' experienced by the Northern Ireland electorate. Since 1972, the desire of successive British governments has been to restore an agreed form of devolved government in Northern Ireland with 'appropriate' relationships between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Since 1985 a mechanism has been created, the Anglo-Irish Agreement, which provides for the Irish government to be consulted across a range of policy measures in Northern Ireland. The Irish government maintains a permanent secretariat in Belfast. The outline of possible future arrangements for the government of Northern Ireland was published jointly
American Journal of Roentgenology, 1982
Without premedication or special preparation, digital video subtraction angiography, also known a... more Without premedication or special preparation, digital video subtraction angiography, also known as photoelectronic intravenous angiography, was effectively used for evaluating patients who had undergone peripheral vascular reconstructive procedures. Thirty-eight studies in 20 patients were performed using computer contrast enhancement after an intravenous injection. Patency of arterial grafts was thereby evaluated, thus obviating further routine angiography. Graft patency, even of small complex graft sites, was easily recognized. Occlusions were also readily identified. Patient acceptance was excellent since the procedure is almost painless and can be done on an outpatient basis. The technique is fast, safe, and less expensive than routine angiography.
Higher Education Policy, 1997
Research evaluation is used to identify "success" and relate this to funding. Citation analysis i... more Research evaluation is used to identify "success" and relate this to funding. Citation analysis is one of many performance indicators but has been largely set aside in the U.K. This paper describes the use of bibliometric data and examines the "parochialism" of Northern Irish research. Papers produced in Northern Ireland between the years 1981 to 1994 and listed with the lSI are used to exemplify the issues. The analysis indicates that some fields are underrepresented in the lSI database. Small research systems can also be significantly influenced by one or two individuals. Publication in a highly visible, Anglo-American, internationally refereed journal will enhance the citation rate. Northern Irish research has a relative lack of international impact, seemingly a function of topics and the journals used. While there is an increasing amount of joint authorship, particularly with the rest of the U.K., relatively little collaboration has taken place with colleagues in the rest of Europe. Citation analysis is an important initial indicator of research impact, useful to establish questions and narrow an overall field of inquiry. ([) 1997 International Association of Universities
Public Administration, 1998
This short article is based on the experience of the author who acted as an adviser to the Northe... more This short article is based on the experience of the author who acted as an adviser to the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee (NIASC) during its investigation of under-achievement in secondary schools. The Northern Ireland education system retains selection at 11 and the inquiry was particularly concerned with circumstances in secondary schools rather than grammar schools. The investigation took place during 1996 and early 1997 (House of Commons NIASC 1997). The experience therefore, relates to the committee as it existed prior to the election of a Labour government in 1997. The article reflects on the role of the committee in the Northern Ireland context, on the subject matter of the inquiry and the role of an adviser. Most of the current Select Committees of the House of Commons at Westminster were created in 1979/80. Most committees shadow the main departments of government-foreign affairs, environment, home affairs, etc. Two territorial committees were created at this time-for Scotland and Wales. The creation of the two territorial committees emphasized the marginal position of Northern Ireland at Westminster for which there was no committee. Following the institution of Direct Rule from Westminster in 1972, most Northern Ireland legislation has been dealt with through Orders in Council. Orders can be debated but must be accepted or rejected and cannot be amended by either House (Hadfield 1992). This marginalization of Northern Ireland affairs has been viewed as contributing to the 'democratic deficit' experienced by the Northern Ireland electorate. Since 1972, the desire of successive British governments has been to restore an agreed form of devolved government in Northern Ireland with 'appropriate' relationships between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Since 1985 a mechanism has been created, the Anglo-Irish Agreement, which provides for the Irish government to be consulted across a range of policy measures in Northern Ireland. The Irish government maintains a permanent secretariat in Belfast. The outline of possible future arrangements for the government of Northern Ireland was published jointly
American Journal of Roentgenology, 1982
Without premedication or special preparation, digital video subtraction angiography, also known a... more Without premedication or special preparation, digital video subtraction angiography, also known as photoelectronic intravenous angiography, was effectively used for evaluating patients who had undergone peripheral vascular reconstructive procedures. Thirty-eight studies in 20 patients were performed using computer contrast enhancement after an intravenous injection. Patency of arterial grafts was thereby evaluated, thus obviating further routine angiography. Graft patency, even of small complex graft sites, was easily recognized. Occlusions were also readily identified. Patient acceptance was excellent since the procedure is almost painless and can be done on an outpatient basis. The technique is fast, safe, and less expensive than routine angiography.