The aim of the MCAST Journal of Applied Research and Practice is to serve as a platform for showcasing vocational and applied research that is carried out by the researchers and professionals working within MCAST and its collaborative partners namely the University of Malta.

The nature of the research and innovative practice that is published is varied in nature to reflect the various aspects of vocational specialisation that MCAST focuses on. The Journal is published biannually and is aimed at researchers, academics and practitioners.

The editorial board for this edition consists of Dr Ing. Alex Rizzo, Ing. Christian Camilleri, Dr Jevon Vella, Dr Rosienne Farrugia and Doreen Micallef.

The Journal of Applied Research and Practice highlights several applied research studies carried out in 2018. These include the following: The Macro economic factors affecting property prices in Malta by Luke Vella; How effective is apprenticeship to learning? A student perspective by Martina C. Vella; The effect of consumer characteristics and behaviour on pork consumption in Malta. A quantitative study by Joseph J. Abela; The attitudes of Maltese consumers towards renewable energy: An investigation by Carmelina Frendo; A coach's perception; Major factors influencing late goal-scoring patterns in Maltese football by Kenneth Costantino; Typing biometrics as a form of passive user authentication by Darren Cilia and Frankie Inguanez; The impact on education of children admitted in care after experiencing abuse by Neil Żammit and Charlotte Moore; Malta's higher education dimension: Analysing the extent of complexity in change by Colin Borg and An evaluation of the implications of thermography within the healthcare setting by Cassandra Sturgeon.

Access to the electronic copy can be found on the following link: https://libraryembed.mcast.edu.mt/rfm/source/Research/Journal/Mcast_Journal_Jan_2018_web.pdf