The Role of Appreciative Inquiry to Supporting Students’ Healthy Transition into the Post-Graduate World: A Case Study at the University of Malta

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore ways to integrate student self-development into preparation for a post-graduate internship. The research problem to be investigated is the identified gap in the lack of support for student wellbeing and self-esteem alongside academic development prior to entering the professional sphere. The Faculty for the Built Environment within the University of Malta conducted this as a pilot study in collaboration with the Counselling Services Unit to support students in finding ways to improve their work/study balance. The methodology used was an appreciative inquiry through workshops and focus groups over two academic years. The main findings suggest that students requested time management and resilience techniques to strengthen their study–work–life balance and develop an improved work ethic once university life is complete. Students who felt valued throughout the study period appreciated their ideas and self-identity more than others. Results were presented to the faculty staff who suggested an action–response approach to transition management. Conclusions indicated that the strength of the approach undertaken served to manage students’ transition from academic life to career entry, conduct a gap analysis to identify issues between students and staff, and facilitate a discussion of values and ethics in preparation for post-graduation career performance.

Advancement in total hip implant: a comprehensive review of mechanics and performance parameters across diverse novelties

“…This unidirectional motion, particularly in the case of the polyethene component, exhibits superior wear resistance when compared to the multi-directional motion seen in traditional ball-and-socket joint configurations. 219 In comparison to conventional ball-and-socket implants, the Malta hip implant showed a remarkable 78.0% reduction in wear. Similarly, when pitted against the dual-mobility implant, the Malta hip implant exhibited a significant decrease in wear, specifically a reduction of 64.3%.…”

“…On the other hand, the head–neck trunnion can be modified by altering the length of the head–neck contact and the geometry of the neck. Donald Dalli et al 219 developed a three-directional mobility hip implant joint in which each contact surface makes uni-directional articulations utilizing multiple orthogonal cylindrical joints. The developed implant joint was tested following ISO 14242-1:2014/Amd 1:2018 at Endo lab® Mechanical Engineering GmbH, a German implant testing facility with ISO 14242-1:2014/Amd 1:2018 accreditation.…”

“…Fig. 15 depicts the Malta hip implant view developed by Donald Dalli et al 219 Fig. 16 contains a comparative section view of the Malta Hip implant and Conventional Hip implant with Ball and Socket Joint.…”

The Conceptualisation of Weather as a Career Metaphor

“…These conditions can change quickly in the same way that the environmental conditions in one's career can change rapidly. Rather than fear these changes, career counsellors and career guidance should focus on enabling clients to develop resilience and frame change as an opportunity for career advancement and transformation [6,10,24]. Consequently, this paper adopts weather as a metaphor and addresses the following research question: How can Weather as a Career Metaphor (WCM) offer an accessible tool for career counsellors to use with their clients across their lifespans?…”