This co-edited book provides doctoral candidates with a practical, cross-discipline handbook for successfully navigating the doctoral process – from initial program selection to the final dissertation defense and preparing for the faculty interview. Invited chapters from established higher education experts cover topics ranging from university and program selection, preparing for comprehensive exams and dissertation research, self-care and self-management strategies, and recommendations for maintaining personal and professional support systems. Each chapter includes strategies for success and practical tips, including how to create a study guide for the comprehensive examination, how to create a professional support group, how to talk to your family about the doctoral process, how to select and work with a chair and committee, how to identify an appropriate research design, how to navigate the IRB process, and how to master the research and writing process.

Field Methods in Marine Science: From Measurements to Models is an authoritative guide of the methods most appropriate for field research within the marine sciences, from experimental design to data analysis. Written for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students as well as early-career researchers, this textbook also serves as an accessible introduction to the concepts and practice of modeling marine system dynamics. This textbook trains the next generation of field scientists to move beyond the classic methods of data collection and statistical analysis to contemporary methods of numerical modeling; to pursue the assimilation and synthesis of information, not the mere recording of data. Boxes and side bars highlight important questions, interesting facts, relevant examples, and research techniques that supplement the text. Students and researchers alike will find the thorough appendices useful as a way of expanding comprehension of fundamental concepts.

This text provides a solid introduction to research methods in applied linguistics, enabling students and professionals to become discerning consumers able to effectively use published research for practical purposes in educational settings.

The process of investigation is dynamic and fluid. The approach must be reasonable and the investigator flexible. However, in order to be successful, every investigation must have a meaningful purpose and be executed ethically and lawfully. Inevitably, employers must invest time, money, and patience to ensure they obtain demonstrable and actionable results. To achieve this and reduce the exposure to unnecessary business disruptions and litigation, every workplace investigation must by driven by process. Investigations in the Workplace, Second Edition provides both novice and experienced investigators with the most insightful and useful information available on the methods and processes for the proper and safe investigation of workplace crime and misconduct. Gleaned from Eugene Ferraro’s nearly three decades of experience, the book is designed for easy reading and use—dispelling common myths and presenting new approaches, methods, and strategies. Revised and updated with more methods, techniques, and case studies, this powerful book also includes new diagrams, checklists, and visuals to help readers put the material in context and make their investigations soar. Each chapter begins with Key Learning Points and is supplemented with boxed Tips, Traps, and Common Mistakes. An exhaustive appendix includes a glossary of common investigative terms, sample surveillance and investigative reports, advice on digital evidence, and more. Investigations in the Workplace, Second Edition is a must-read for corporate investigators and security professionals, human resources and law enforcement personnel, attorneys, and anyone else tasked with conducting or supervising workplace investigations. Immediate Benefits: Strengthen your interviewing skills and gain valuable insight into the process of modern fact-finding Learn the latest techniques, methods and processes Discover how to build air-tight cases that can withstand the rigors of legal challenges Learn to conduct fast, efficient investigations and obtain the highest possible return on investment from every investigation. Get access to forms, checklists and other valuable tools to help you conduct efficient and professional investigations

Popular science/hobbyist writer Stan Gibilisco covers every important aspect of basic (algebra-based) statistics, including: notation and jargon, describing, tables, graphs, randomness and uncertainty, probability principles, distributions, obtaining and interpreting data, correlation, causation, and more You'll be able to learn more in less time, evaluate your areas of strength and weakness and reinforce your knowledge and confidence.

This enlightening book presents a hypothetical evaluation case study to explore and propose tools for effective library program assessment. Although outcome assessment is almost universally expected by accreditation committees, it is difficult for librarians to determine the methods that should be employed for completing such assessments. Case Study Research: A Program Evaluation Guide for Librarians provides guidance for developing an effective program-assessment method using a case-study approach. Built around a hypothetical case and complete with vignettes and examples, the guide explains everything from evaluating a case-study proposal to bounding the case, analyzing the context, planning questions and criteria, and identifying design and data collection methods. It discusses how to establish and maintain appropriate political, ethical, and interpersonal relationships; how to collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data; and finally, how to evaluate and report the case study. In addition, the book guides the reader through the process of using case-study matrices and selecting appropriate qualitative software.

The rapidly increasing volume of information contained in relational databases places a strain on databases, performance, and maintainability: DBAs are under greater pressure than ever to optimize database structure for system performance and administration. Physical Database Design discusses the concept of how physical structures of databases affect performance, including specific examples, guidelines, and best and worst practices for a variety of DBMSs and configurations. Something as simple as improving the table index design has a profound impact on performance. Every form of relational database, such as Online Transaction Processing (OLTP), Enterprise Resource Management (ERP), Data Mining (DM), or Management Resource Planning (MRP), can be improved using the methods provided in the book. The first complete treatment on physical database design, written by the authors of the seminal, Database Modeling and Design: Logical Design, Fourth Edition Includes an introduction to the major concepts of physical database design as well as detailed examples, using methodologies and tools most popular for relational databases today: Oracle, DB2 (IBM), and SQL Server (Microsoft) Focuses on physical database design for exploiting B+tree indexing, clustered indexes, multidimensional clustering (MDC), range partitioning, shared nothing partitioning, shared disk data placement, materialized views, bitmap indexes, automated design tools, and more!

A PLAIN ENGLISH GUIDE TO SOLVING REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS WITH SIX SIGMA Six Sigma is one of the most effective strategies for improving processes, creating better products, and boosting customer satisfaction, but business leaders often balk at its reputation for being too complex. Don't fall into that trap. Six Sigma is simple to understand and implement--if you have Statistics for Six Sigma Made Easy! Warren Brussee has helped businesses save millions of dollars with Six Sigma, and he explains how you can achieve similar results in this step-by-step guide. He presents a thorough overview of the Six Sigma methodology and techniques for successful implementation, as well as a clear explanation of DMAIC--the problem-solving method used by Six Sigma Greenbelts. Statistics for Six Sigma Made Easy! provides: A simplified form of the most common Six Sigma tools All the basic Six Sigma formulas and tables Dozens of Six Sigma statistical problem-solving case studies A matrix for finding the right statistical tool to meet your needs Basic Greenbelt training in one concise reference Best of all, no background in statistics is required--you can start improving quality and initiating costsaving improvements right away. Statistics for Six Sigma Made Easy! is the only reference you need to facilitate real-world application of Six Sigma tools.