Elima Karalaeva

Summer Schools

July 2008:

CEU Summer University, Local Government and Public Service Reform Initiative of the Open Society Institute

Participator, Course with Distance Learning 'Intergovernmental Fiscal Relations and Local Financial Management,' Certificate, Budapest, Hungary

Conferences/Symposiums

21st March 2011:

Central Asian Studies Postgraduate Workshop/Conference

The Exeter’s Central Asian Studies Network (ExCAS) hosted a two-day mini-conference consisting of five sessions: round-table 'Tulip Revolution and the Ongoing Political Crisis' with students from module POL315: Central Asian Politics, three panel briefings and research seminar, followed by social events and Nooruz celebration. At the beginning of conference Dr John Heathershaw welcomed special guests from Manchester and Essex (Madeleine Reeves, Medina Aitieva, Stefanie Ortmann and Gulzat Botoeva). Overall, it was a great opportunity to meet other scholars focused on Central Asian studies, to discuss current political, economic and social issues in the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Afghanistan, and to receive a constructive feedback from research fellows for the presentation ‘Tax Reform and Fiscal Consolidation in the Kyrgyz Republic' delivered during Panel 2 ‘Politics and Political Change in Kyrgyzstan.’

March 2011:

CIPFA 1st International Conference: Trust and Accountability in Public Financial Management

Attendee, CIPFA, Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Westminster, London
May 2010:

NISPAcee 18th Annual Conference 'Public Administration in Times of Crisis,' Working Group on Public Sector Finance and Accounting

Participator, Program 'The Young Researcher Concept,' NISPAcee, National School of Public Administration,  Paper Presentation 'Local Tax Reform in the Kyrgyz Republic,' Warsaw, Poland

Effective Researcher Development Program Seminars

23rd March 2011:

1081A: Exploring Theory - Developed for students in the Colleges of Humanities and Social Sciences and International Studies

Theory has become a major issue in many fields of Humanities and Social Sciences, and PGR students have to handle different theories in approaching their research subjects (Marxism, Capitalism, Post -colonialism, Structuralism, Semiotics, etc). However, it requires a big effort in order to be able to distinguish which theory is going to be applied directly to research. The workshop offered an opportunity to define theory as a tool for research and to understand how theory can be applied to specific research topic. Interactive activities (novel briefing, paper collage, team work) enhanced analytical skills and challenged critical and creative thinking.
24th February 2011:

1024A: Take Control: Essential Personal Effectiveness in the PhD

Doing a PhD poses many opportunities and challenges for research students. The workshop explained how to undertake a research program on a firm and effective way in the practical, thought-provoking and informal environment. It was very useful to learn how to identify different types of behaviour (passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive and assertive) and assess own level of assertiveness, how to take a control of situation and be more assertive in research project, what strategies and planning tools might be used in negotiation of research timetable, project focus, workload and expectations of supervisors and mentor. The practical part included brainstorming of the negotiation technique for particular case with role playing scenario.
25th January 2011:

1076B: Advanced SPSS- Three parts session

The advanced workshop consisted of three separate sessions which continued to apply the SPSS/PASW package and to examine a range of applications of the general linear model. During the first session the basic concepts and non-parametric tests were covered. In the second session a facilitator specifically considered aspects of tests of difference (analysis of variance (ANOVA) and T-test) including matching, pairing and repeated methods. Finally, tests of association, multiple regression and multivariate modelling with both correlation and covariance concepts and factor analysis were examined.
18th January 2011:

1060B: Tackling a PhD Literature Review: The Purpose, Process and Product

The session was very helpful to understand the purpose and scope of a literature review and how this relates to the research question, know the criteria of a successful literature review, learn to choose an appropriate structure (chronological, topical, methodological) for the review, search and judge the relevance of source materials efficiently, and recognise the strengths and weaknesses of various types of sources. Facilitator explained how to read and take notes with a defined purpose and feel confident when outlining and writing up the review. The group exercises (brainstorming, mind mapping) helped to consolidate all points discussed during session.
17th January 2011:

1020A: Have I Got News For You: Online Access to full text newspapers

Newspapers are an invaluable resource for researchers, and the University of Exeter Library has full text access to a wide-range of titles. During this practical session the facilitators demonstrated how access LexisNexis and Times Digital Archive, plan search strategies effectively, view and download full-text search results. The Lexis-Nexis database contains the full text of most major national and regional newspapers in the UK and a selection of newspapers, news services and trade and industry publications from around the world. The Times Digital Archive offers searchable full text in facsimile of the whole of the London Times from 1785 until 1985.
11th January 2011:

1004A: Ethical issues in Social Science Research and the Data Protection Act

The session provided general guidance to ethical issues and data protection in accordance with legal requirements (Data Protection Act 1998) when conducting research in social science and using human subjects for interviewing or accessing information about organisations. It is essential for research students to be aware of the issues related to the rights of other researchers, research subjects and any others who may be affected by a research, understand their obligations as a professional researcher toward the University, collaborators and sponsors, the implication of the DPA 1998 and circumstances where ethical and data protection issues may arise.
10th January 2011:

1017B: An Introduction to Electronic Journals

University of Exeter Library has around 20,000 electronic journals, and this session helped to explore which titles are available, how to find and login to the E-Journals from both on and off campus (EBSCO), download results and retrieve whole articles. Facilitators showed how to plan and develop effective search strategies, use advanced search options and additional personalisation features available in many electronic journals services.
13th December 2010:

1067X: Efficient Reading in Research

In contrast to speed-reading courses, this workshop covered topics such as psychology of reading, information confidence trick, understanding active versus passive reading, improving concentration and retaining significantly more of what is read. Tutoring, conversations with peers and practice activities helped to judge what is worth to read in the first place (time and attention) and how to reduce the load by intelligent selection.  As a result participants were able to understand how the brain works when reading and remembering, the possibilities and limitations of ‘speed reading’ and be able to apply this knowledge in their practices.
7th December 2010:

1016A: Finding and Using Archives in Research

Archives are found in repositories all over the UK, and vary hugely in type and content. The session included training on how to identify and access key online resources (National Register of Archives, the Archives Hub and Access to Archives), subject-specific archival databases and online catalogues of the national repositories (the British Library and The National Archives). A hands-on session for gaining experience of handling and approaching the interpretation of original documents was very interesting. Facilitator explained how to plan a successful visit to an archival repository by providing information on where archival repositories are located in the UK and which archival collections are held within the University Library (Special Collections, Old Library).
24th November 2010:

1087A: Is research value neutral? Exploring ethical frameworks and research methodologies for sustainability related research

By definition, sustainability is seeking to meet the needs of the present without compromising those of future generations. During workshop, research philosophies and implicit values (epistemology, ontology and axiology) were explored. This session helped to contextualise research, select relevant research methodologies and processes (critical, participatory and contextual research), identify ethical issues and dilemmas relating to ‘Sustainable Development’ and select appropriate processes. Facilitator addressed questions related to social, environmental or economic sustainability and stimulated thinking about values systems which are driving research.
16th November 2010:

1014A: A generic introduction to SPSS (Statistical Packages for Social Sciences)

SPSS is a powerful statistical analysis and data management tool. The session looked at the SPSS/PASW graphical environment and provided an overview of some software features (Data Viewer, Variable Viewer and Output Viewer) without focusing on the statistics concepts. Facilitator outlined the functionality of SPSS and highlighted the importance of correct and careful variables planning and setting up (nominal, ordinal, scale variables), missing values coding, data editing and restructuring. However, it took mostly a demonstrative format with limited opportunity for hands-on experience.
8th November 2010:

1019A: Researching online: getting the most from Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Resources

The session introduced some of online databases, library catalogues and subject gateways appropriate for research students in the arts, humanities and social sciences. Facilitators showed how to develop a searching strategy and use advanced techniques (Boolean operators, truncation and wildcards) in order to search these resources effectively and quickly, and how to capture results. The resources and databases demonstrated were ISI Web of Science, Index of Theses and ZETOC. During the second part of the session participants had an opportunity to practise in finding published research in their subject area. It was helpful to learn how to locate a range of information resources, plan effective strategies and download search results.
4th October 2010:

1000: SMART Start Induction Workshop

The ‘SmartStart’ is a one-day workshop organised by the SSIS Graduate Research School and ERDP, gave an overview of PhD fundamentals and increased awareness of new research students about purposes and format of PhD Program at the University of Exeter. Also induction session explained the formal requirements and procedures, helped to assess development needs and to plan skills trainings, explored key issues in managing both research project and supervisory relationship, and addressed an upgrading process from MPhil to PhD. The most interactive parts were a lunch with information stands (Postgraduate Union, Library, INTO, Int’l Student Support, Education Enhancement) and ‘Success Tips’ session given by current PGR students. This workshop helped to understand better the nature of the Doctorate Program and provided information of how to develop time and project management skills, and where to go for further help and guidance.

Graduate School Skills Workshops

19th January 2011:

SSIS Graduate Research School Seminar

The ‘Research Ethics Training’ is a two-hour compulsory session for research postgraduates. All research conducted by PhD students involving ‘human subjects’ (interviews) needs to be approved by the SSIS Ethics Committee. The training session outlined the general ethical principles (confidentiality, inform consent, anonymity and social justice) as a basis for undertaking ethical research. Also, Dr Hannah Farrimond, the Chair of the Ethics Committee, explained the specific procedures to be followed to prepare a proposal and the sources recommended to review before applying for ethics approval (web-pages, supervisor and departmental representatives). The second part included small group discussions of some thought-provoking scenarios and presentation of findings back to the facilitator with related comments and suggestions. It gives participants an opportunity to think about how to do own research ethically and to gain an understanding of what is required formally at the University of Exeter.
12th January 2011:

1s/EB/SS: LTHE Stage 1 (Business School/ College of Soc Science and Intl Studies)

LTHE Stage 1, run by the Education Enhancement, formed the minimum requirement for PGR students who teach or support students according to the Code of Practice. This one-day course for the Business School and the College of SSIS provided an introduction to a range of principles of teaching, learning, assessment, and evaluation and explored the knowledge, understanding, skills and values needed to enable students to learn effectively at university level.  As Stage 1 is organised in three clusters (HUMS, BUSS, STEM), it helped to enable participants to work with other teaching assistants in similar subject disciplines. The important component was an opportunity to 'practise' a teaching of any aspect of relevant subject in a short micro-teaching activity, and to gain valuable and constructive feedback from peers.