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Wageningen Univerisity and Research Centre is known for its practical and societally relevant research in spatial development. Stakeholders currently put much emphasis on participatory processes in landscape planning procedures. This poses a special challenge for research. What role does research play in our present world characterised by complexity, competing claims and development needs, and an increased concern for climate change and environmental impact? In the book 'Knowledge in Action' we explore different types of transdisciplinary research that scientists engage in. Depending on the societal context and the interests of local citizens, researchers apply different research approaches to optimally incorporate the various points of view in their research and promote processes enhancing dialogue and shared results. In the book authors present their research experiences: their theoretical inspiration, the research methodology applied to consult, share and collaborate with societal actors in order to create options for change. The book includes several striking examples from The Netherlands (both successful and less effective), and also innovative examples from communities in Africa and Asia. The authors reflect on opportunities, problems and dilemma's they had to deal with. They especially address how far the role and theoretical perspectives of collaborative researchers can lead them in action research. Can they limit themselves to joint knowledge production and learning processes or should they engage in strategic positioning, advocacy and entrepreneurship to make it happen? The book discusses the issues that researchers should consider when they position their research activities within ongoing developments at landscape level. Read the book and judge for yourself.

Biology --- biologie --- duurzame ontwikkeling

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Architecture --- architectuur --- duurzame ontwikkeling

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Public pressure and societal changes induce interventions and policies, which aim to transform agriculture and food provision. This book shows that for upscaling novel practices and organizational models it is important to include meso-level regime aspects in analysis and practice. The argument presented is that our understanding of the human and social dimensions of transformation processes can be enriched by anchoring practice and policy in social theory. A focus on transitions offers a clear view on the direction and velocity of change. This publication aims to complement this by highlighting theoretical insights in the social or institutional mechanisms enabling or hindering change. Essays on a selection of theorists, varying from idealist or materialist accounts, to actor or system approaches, examine what the presented explanatory framework on social change offers in terms of guidance for intervention and action. The value of these theoretical insights is further explored in a selection of case studies in agriculture and food: rural reconstruction in horticulture and livestock, seed supply systems, and pest control. Each case study systematically applies six theoretical frameworks with the purpose of investigating what novel insights arise from looking at the change process from a particular perspective. Through this exercise the often implicit assumptions of hands-on change processes surface. This book is of interest to practitioners engaged in changing current practices in agriculture and food provision, policy makers interested in grasping why transitions are challenging, applied researchers who like to move beyond individual case studies and social and natural scientists involved in integrative studies of complex change processes.

Biology --- duurzaamheid --- biologie --- duurzame ontwikkeling

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Teaching --- duurzaamheid --- onderwijs --- duurzame ontwikkeling

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Critical Issues for the Development of Sustainable E-Health Solutions Nilmini Wickramasinghe, editor    Health care companies want to deliver their services with greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Consumers want services that are effective, responsive, convenient, and worth the cost. In response to these demands, web-based and other electronic technologies are revolutionizing health care services. Critical Issues for the Development of Sustainable E-Health Solutions surveys this rapid transformation as it is occurring worldwide.   Focusing on new applications in consumer-centered health care in North America, Europe, and Asia, the book demonstrates how electronic innovations can balance business objectives (e.g., low cost, improved performance management) while attending to consumer needs (e.g., access, quality, and value). Keeping technical jargon to a minimum, chapter authors dissect the impact of e-solutions on both sides of the health care system, and the keys to successful adaptation and sustainability. Facilitators and obstacles to IT changeovers based on economic, cultural, and other factors are identified in detail. And the book warns realistically against the pitfalls of designing and implementing tech-based platforms in systems not yet ready to make such changes.   A sampling of topics covered: A strategic model for health care IS design. Online discussion forums as a means of peer support. Improving web accessibility for disabled people. Knowledge management: often neglected yet crucial to e-health. Business models for electronic health care services: examples from Germany. A comprehensive approach to the IT-clinical practice interface.   With its wide scope of innovative ideas, Critical Issues for the Development of Sustainable E-Health Solutions is a path-breaking text for health care administrators and researchers in health care management, health policy, and health services.

Computer. Automation --- medische informatica --- duurzame ontwikkeling