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Article
Publication date: 20 January 2023

Ali Hassanpour, Nematollah Azizi, Abbas Ahmadi, Isa Gholizadeh and Seyedeh Golafrooz Ramezani

Considering the role that students’ diverse identifications play in education, this paper aims to contribute to the developing discourse on multicultural education concerning the…

Abstract

Purpose

Considering the role that students’ diverse identifications play in education, this paper aims to contribute to the developing discourse on multicultural education concerning the status of ethnic, religious and linguistic diversity in Iranian upstream educational documents (UEDs).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores the status of ethnic, religious and linguistic diversity in Iranian UEDs through quantitative and qualitative content analysis.

Findings

Findings show that three continuous patterns are repeated throughout the documents. (1) The so-called diversity: although there are promising and positive statements about diversity in the documents, they are indirect, and this level of attention is very superficial and limited. (2) Affirming assimilation: the documents are covered by presenting the Islamic-Iranian identity, and somehow almost all the issues raised in the documents end up in this pattern. (3) Pattern of contradictions: content analysis shows that the content of documents does not have intellectual and logical coherence.

Practical implications

This research paper points to the need for a systematic analysis of ignoring diversity operating in UEDs in Iran.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper broadens the document analysis as one of the first research to critically explore the depiction of diversity in important UEDs in Iran.

Details

Journal for Multicultural Education, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-535X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 March 2022

Ali Hassanpour, Sedighe Batmani and Keyvan Bolandhematan

This paper aims to identify and investigate barriers to multicultural education in Iran.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to identify and investigate barriers to multicultural education in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is a qualitative research that was done using the phenomenological method. Participants included all experts and key informants in the field of multicultural education in the country who were selected as a statistical sample in different stages of the research using purposeful sampling. The semi-structured interview was used to collect information. Two ways, including member checking and external auditing, were used to validate the information. The thematic analysis method (theme analysis), which is based on open and core coding, was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The interview data revealed that barriers are generally identified in both structural and executive parts. The structural part had two main obstacles, political and scientific-professional, and the executive part had two technical and socio-cultural barriers. Also, barriers to multicultural education in curriculum design are the ideological education system, lack of a clear framework for multicultural education, etc. Furthermore, barriers to multicultural education in the curriculum implementation are hidden curriculum, the inability of teachers to implement multicultural education, etc. Finally, barriers to multicultural education in curriculum evaluation are misconception of evaluation and limited evaluation methods.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first one that presents the experts' viewpoints and experiences on the barriers to multicultural education in Iran.

Details

Journal for Multicultural Education, vol. 16 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-535X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 October 2021

Neda Hassanpour, Ali Shaemi Barzoki, Mohammad Hossein Moshref Javadi and Ali Safari

This study aimed at developing and testing a model to evaluate employee performance in Isfahan municipality.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed at developing and testing a model to evaluate employee performance in Isfahan municipality.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method design is applied in this study. To extract the model, a semi-structured interview based on the thematic analysis approach was employed. The qualitative data were obtained using a researcher-made questionnaire from a sample of 12 municipal experts selected based on purposive sampling. In the quantitative phase, the sample consisted of 76 managers and interim managers. The validity of the questionnaire was determined by the content validity index, while the structural validity was tested based on structural equation modeling using SmartPLS software. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability indices.

Findings

The factors obtained in the qualitative model included performance evaluation criteria, the desired time interval for performance evaluation, results announcement, performance evaluation approach, performance evaluation method and evaluator-related variables. There should have been an agreement between evaluators and those who were evaluated in all components of the model. In the quantitative section, performance evaluation criteria, evaluators, the evaluation method and time interval were confirmed with coefficients of 0.871, 0.815, 0.646 and 0.615, respectively.

Practical implications

The novelty of this study is that it uses a mixed-method research approach to extract a performance evaluation model that is specific to the Isfahan municipality.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is that it uses a mixed-method research approach to extract a performance evaluation model that is specific to the Isfahan municipality.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 71 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 November 2023

Javad Behnamian and Z. Kiani

This paper aims to focus on a medical goods distribution problem and pharmacological waste collection by plug-in hybrid vehicles with some real-world restrictions. In this…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on a medical goods distribution problem and pharmacological waste collection by plug-in hybrid vehicles with some real-world restrictions. In this research, considering alternative energy sources and simultaneous pickup and delivery led to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and distribution costs, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach

Here, this problem has been modeled as mixed-integer linear programming with the traveling and energy consumption costs objective function. The GAMS was used for model-solving in small-size instances. Because the problem in this research is an NP-hard problem and solving real-size problems in a reasonable time is impossible, in this study, the artificial bee colony algorithm is used.

Findings

Then, the algorithm results are compared with a simulated annealing algorithm that recently was proposed in the literature. Finally, the results obtained from the exact solution and metaheuristic algorithms are compared, analyzed and reported. The results showed that the artificial bee colony algorithm has a good performance.

Originality/value

In this paper, medical goods distribution with pharmacological waste collection is studied. The paper was focused on plug-in hybrid vehicles with simultaneous pickup and delivery. The problem was modeled with environmental criteria. The traveling and energy consumption costs are considered as an objective function.

Details

Journal of Modelling in Management, vol. 19 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5664

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 May 2022

Erfan Najaf, Hassan Abbasi and Seyed Mehdi Zahrai

Today, using lightweight structural concrete plays a major role in reducing the damage to concrete structures. On the other hand, lightweight concretes have lower compressive and…

162

Abstract

Purpose

Today, using lightweight structural concrete plays a major role in reducing the damage to concrete structures. On the other hand, lightweight concretes have lower compressive and flexural strengths with lower impact resistance compared to ordinary concretes. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of simultaneous use of waste glass powder, microsilica and polypropylene fibers to make sustainable lightweight concrete that has high compressive and flexural strengths, ductility and impact resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

In this article, the lightweight structural concrete is studied to compensate for the lower strength of lightweight concrete. Also, considering the environmental aspects, microsilica as a partial replacement for cement, waste glass powder instead of some aggregates and polypropylene fibers are used. Microsilica was used at 8, 10 and 12 wt% of cement. Waste glass powder was added to 20, 25 and 30 wt% of aggregates, while fibers were used at 0.5, 1 and 1.5 wt% of cement.

Findings

After making the experimental specimens, compressive strength, flexural strength and impact resistance tests were performed. Ultimately, it was concluded that the best percentage of used microsilica and glass powder was equal to 10 and 25%, respectively. Furthermore, using 1.5 wt% of fibers could significantly improve the compressive and flexural strengths of lightweight concrete and increase its impact resistance at the same time. For constructing a five-story building, by replacing cement with microsilica by 10 wt%, the amount of used cement is reduced by 5 tons, consequently producing 4,752 kg less CO2 that is a significant value for the environment.

Originality/value

The study provides a basis for making sustainable lightweight concrete with high strength against compressive, flexural and impact loads.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 March 2023

Istiqomah Nur Latifah, Agus Achmad Suhendra and Ilma Mufidah

This study aimed to discover the factors affecting employee performance by testing the relationship of change management, job satisfaction, organizational commitment and…

3431

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to discover the factors affecting employee performance by testing the relationship of change management, job satisfaction, organizational commitment and leadership style on employee performance in Indonesian sharia property companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study population was all members of “Sharia Property Developer” (DPS) across Indonesia with criteria of having subordinates at least one person and is listed as a DPS member. The samples used were 71 people from the 200 members of DPS across Indonesia. The sampling method used was based on R2 value and significance level with an 80% statistical strength. Data analysis was carried out using smartPLS software to test the relationship of change management, job satisfaction, organizational commitment and leadership style on employee performance.

Findings

The utilization of SEM in Smart PLS for change management with the ADKAR method had a negative value of 6.2% in affecting employee performance and 4.6% in affecting job satisfaction. Job satisfaction insignificantly affected employee performance by 7.5%. Leadership style and organizational commitment positively affected performance by 57.9% and 25.6%, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

This study did not limit respondents’ education levels. Twenty percent of respondents were middle and high school graduates. Respondent’s position was mostly the highest leader in the company by 58%. Indicators in the ADKAR model did not implement the construct validity test since the researchers did not find precedent studies that discuss the indicators of the ADKAR model in detail.

Practical implications

Factors that positively and significantly affected employee performance can be used to plan employee performance of DPS member companies.

Social implications

The company must create a program to produce meaning in working, shape leaders to have discipline by putting appropriate employees as leaders.

Originality/value

This study used change management, organizational commitment, job satisfaction and leadership style as exogenous variables, job satisfaction and leadership style as intervening variables. The study model modified the previous study regarding employee performance improvement because it utilized the change management with the ADKAR model. The study objects were sharia property companies, where the researchers did not find previous studies discussing employee performance in sharia property companies.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 73 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 1 January 2024

Abbas Ali Daryaei, Yasin Fattahi and Ali Aldbs

The purpose of this paper is to focus on exploring the mutual impact of accounting conservatism and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

1178

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on exploring the mutual impact of accounting conservatism and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Design/methodology/approach

To empirically assess the theoretical arguments the authors estimate a simultaneous equations system for accounting conservatism and corporate social responsibility determination by two-stage least squares in a sample of 175 firms listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE) for the period 2009–2019.

Findings

The results of the present study showed that accountability in companies listed on the TSE has led to an increase in the use of conservative practices. Therefore arguably, companies that seek CSR activities are more conservative in preparing and presenting financial reports. Also, companies that engage in conservative practices for the benefit of stakeholders are better able to implement CSR activities to meet stakeholder obligations. These results show a two-way relationship between CSR and accounting conservatism.

Practical implications

According to the results obtained from this study and the elimination of conservatism from the qualitative features of financial reporting in International Accounting Standards, it is recommended for the trustees and authorities of national accounting standards to decide whether this qualitative feature is effective or not.

Originality/value

Furthermore, the findings of this study suggest that the application of corporate social responsibility theories calls for more inquiry.

Details

Asian Journal of Accounting Research, vol. 9 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2459-9700

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 February 2021

Ali Zabihi, Mina Safizadeh and Massoomeh Hedayati Marzbali

Hospital landscape is not a useless space within hospital buildings anymore. It is considered as a supportive area providing mental and physical peace. However, the planting…

Abstract

Purpose

Hospital landscape is not a useless space within hospital buildings anymore. It is considered as a supportive area providing mental and physical peace. However, the planting design of the hospital landscape and the way it should be in order to not disrupt wayfinding performance is neglected. This paper, which is a case study, aims at investigating the effects of planting design in Kerman hospitals’ landscapes on the users’ wayfinding using space syntax techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

This research focuses on the effects of planting design on the users’ wayfinding in hospitals. In so doing, library research, computer simulation and analysis with the University College London (UCL) Depthmap software, and comparison techniques are used. Based on axial maps, the measures of integration, connectivity and intelligibility are considered for analysing the wayfinding process of individuals.

Findings

The findings show that planting configurations in the hospital landscape can affect individuals’ wayfinding. Integrated and regular planting design in addition to combining planted areas with the hospital buildings can pave the way for intelligible space and easier wayfinding.

Originality/value

According to the authors’ knowledge, the current study is the first to use the space syntax techniques in the health-care landscape architecture in terms of planting design and wayfinding. As wayfinding is an important issue in health-care spaces, the study findings can greatly help the health-care building designers and the related organizations to pay attention to the hospital landscape as much as hospital indoors.

Details

Journal of Facilities Management , vol. 19 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-5967

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 April 2019

K. Ganesh Kumar

Here, the present paper characteristics flow and heat transfer of non-Newtonian nanofluid over a stretching sheet. Energy expression is modeled subject to slip factor phenomenon…

Abstract

Purpose

Here, the present paper characteristics flow and heat transfer of non-Newtonian nanofluid over a stretching sheet. Energy expression is modeled subject to slip factor phenomenon. Consideration of chemical reaction characterizes the mass transfer mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

The use of transformation variables reduces the PDEs into non-linear ODEs. The obtained nonlinear complex problems are computed numerically through RKF-45 technique. The effects of the different physical parameters on the temperature and concentration distribution are analyzed.

Findings

The nature of the reduced Nusselt number, reduced Sherwood number and skin friction coefficient also described as a function of different parameters arising in the problem. It is found that the rate of mass transfer enhances for enhancing values Brownian motion parameter and thermophoresis parameter.

Originality/value

The nature of the reduced Nusselt number, reduced Sherwood number and skin friction coefficient also described as a function of different parameters arising in the problem. It is found that, the rate of mass transfer enhances for enhancing values Brownian motion parameter and thermophoresis parameter.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 30 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 November 2022

Shima Abdi and Afsaneh Soroushyar

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of anti-money laundering (AML) regulations on accrual earnings management (AEM) and real earnings management (REM) in Iran’s…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of anti-money laundering (AML) regulations on accrual earnings management (AEM) and real earnings management (REM) in Iran’s emerging capital market.

Design/methodology/approach

The panel data regression is used to testing hypotheses. The sample includes 2,020 data and 202 companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE) over a period of ten years from 2012 to 2021. Also, the companies covered in this study include financial and nonfinancial companies. Furthermore, the data related to the research variables were extracted from the annual financial statements and the TSE database.

Findings

The results show that compliance with AML regulations leads to a reduction in AEM and REM. In other words, companies with higher money laundering (ML) tend to manage their earnings, which is in line with agency theory.

Practical implications

This study has implication for policymakers and regulators, auditors and managers. Considering the negative impact of AML regulations on earnings management (EM), Iranian auditing firms need to emphasize on the full implementation of AML regulations in TSE. Also, the results of this research may aid policymakers and regulators to detect financial crimes through accounting signals.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study in an Iran capital market to examine the impact of AML regulations on EM in financial and nonfinancial companies. Previous research has not controlled for the effects of financial companies. Prior studies have not examined the effects of financial companies. In addition, this study differentiates itself from previous studies by introducing a new method for measuring the independent ML variable based on auditor opinions. The obtained data can aid international bodies to better understand compliance with ML regulations in Iran and can reduce their concerns in negotiations.

Details

Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-2517

Keywords

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