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1 – 10 of 48This paper aims to take a 20‐year perspective to revisit the Alar controversy, one of the most hotly argued public issues of the late 1980s, and to explore what fresh conclusions…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to take a 20‐year perspective to revisit the Alar controversy, one of the most hotly argued public issues of the late 1980s, and to explore what fresh conclusions can be drawn for modern risk and issue managers.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper reviews contemporary reports and analysis, along with subsequent retrospective opinions from some key participants and commentators, and examines those conclusions in the context of current communication practice.
Findings
The Alar case triggered a major reassessment of risk communication and the role of activists and the news media in amplifying issues. But even today some facts of the case remain in dispute and some of the purported lessons have been blurred by history or appear to have had little lasting impact.
Practical implications
Issue managers increasingly find themselves defending reputation in the face of public issues which focus on scientific uncertainty, and the Alar case provides vivid examples of both what to do and what not to do.
Originality/value
While most scholarship on the case discusses the implications for scientists, regulators and journalists, this paper throws fresh light on the case from the corporate perspective of the manufacturer of Alar, and the apple growers who found themselves in the eye of the storm.
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Keywords
Mattia Tiso and Alar Just
Insulation materials’ contribution to the fire resistance of timber frame assemblies may vary considerably. At present, Eurocode 5 provides a model for fire design of the…
Abstract
Purpose
Insulation materials’ contribution to the fire resistance of timber frame assemblies may vary considerably. At present, Eurocode 5 provides a model for fire design of the load-bearing function of timber frame assemblies with cavities completely filled with stone wool. Very little is known about the fire protection provided by other insulation materials. An improved design model which has the potential to consider the contribution of any insulation material has been introduced by the authors. This paper aims to analyze the parameters that describe in a universal way the protection against the charring given by different insulations not included in Eurocode 5.
Design/methodology/approach
A series of model-scale furnace tests of floor specimens for three different insulation materials were carried out. An analysis on the charring depth of the residual cross-sections was conducted by means of a resistograph device.
Findings
The study explains the criteria and procedure followed to derive the coefficients for the improved design model for three insulations involved in the study.
Originality/value
This research study involves a large experimental work which forms the basis of the proposed design model. This study presents an important step for fire resistance calculations of timber frame assemblies.
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Keywords
The ethics of librarianship has become a topic of increasing interest since the mid‐1970s, as a series of scandals beginning with Watergate seemed to show serious weaknesses in…
Abstract
The ethics of librarianship has become a topic of increasing interest since the mid‐1970s, as a series of scandals beginning with Watergate seemed to show serious weaknesses in the ethical standards of lawyers and other professionals.
Ina Louw and Ortrun Zuber‐Skerritt
The aim of this paper is to identify the principles and characteristics of a learning conference which uses action learning and action research (ALAR) processes to create: optimal…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to identify the principles and characteristics of a learning conference which uses action learning and action research (ALAR) processes to create: optimal learning for all participants through a collaborative, inclusive conference culture; further knowledge creation in publishing conference papers post‐conference through a supportive research culture.
Design/methodology/approach
The 2010 World Congress of the Action Learning and Action Research Association (ALARA) is showcased to exemplify a learning conference, using the PIP (preamble–interview–postscript) framework to demonstrate the utility of this new genre for research and writing conference papers and action research models as frameworks to support publishing articles.
Findings
Discussion offers ways to enhance opportunities for conference learning through creative purposeful activities that promote collaboration, critical thinking and reflection, and models of action research cycles to progress research from conference presentation to journal article.
Originality/value
The paper makes the crucial link between conference procedure and publication of learning from conference to extend knowledge creation. The PIP model used here presents ways for novice researchers to network with experienced researchers through interview, for professional development, career advancement and publication.
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Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to present a “soft methodology” model in knowledge management that addresses the problem of accessing and managing one particular type of knowledge…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a “soft methodology” model in knowledge management that addresses the problem of accessing and managing one particular type of knowledge: personal (implicit/tacit) knowledge.
Design/methodology/approach
The model is based on the theories and methodologies of grounded theory, adult learning, collaborative action learning and action research. These are the approaches advocated and used actively by some international action learning associations and business schools. Discusses their philosophy and explores how the values and actions that they advocate can be used to access personal knowledge for professional and organizational learning.
Findings
The model presented consists of seven commonly shared values and principles of an action learning and action research (ALAR) culture, captured in the acronym ACTIONS. The paper demonstrates how these seven principles can actually be translated into concrete actions, giving examples from ALAR programs. The matching actions are captured in another acronym – REFLECT. The resulting model, from which are generated seven kinds of personal knowledge, can be used for knowledge management in management education and the workplace.
Originality/value
Provides a model for developing individual knowledge management skills, which is a central concern for corporate universities and business schools.
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Models can be helpful for understanding the essence and/or processes of complex phenomena in a field, because they are simple representations of concept patterns and…
Abstract
Models can be helpful for understanding the essence and/or processes of complex phenomena in a field, because they are simple representations of concept patterns and relationships. This paper presents a generic model for designing action learning programs, including action research projects, within organizations. Core values for action learning programs and explanations for success and potential pitfalls are also discussed. The model has been tested and found useful by many senior managers, academics, postgraduates and consultants in several countries. Readers are encouraged to explore the model in order to apply, refine, adapt it, or to create their own model representing their theoretical framework, concepts, values and systems thinking.
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For Estonians, the war in Ukraine has awakened traumatic memories of Soviet invasion during the Second World War and generates great sympathy for Ukraine and anger at Russia, as…
Details
DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB268601
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
Tim Knowles, Richard Moody and Morven G. McEachern
This paper aims to chart the wide range of food scares reported throughout the EU over the period 1986‐2006 and explores their impact on EU policy.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to chart the wide range of food scares reported throughout the EU over the period 1986‐2006 and explores their impact on EU policy.
Design/methodology/approach
There is much extant research that solely investigates the occurrences of specific food scares, however; little emphasis is given to the responses of policy makers. This research aims to narrow this gap in the literature by reviewing the major food scares, which have occurred throughout the EU and the subsequent policy responses.
Findings
A number of food scares have dominated media reports over the last two decades, but this study reveals the increasing emergence of rare serotypes of foodborne pathogens, as well as a rising trend of EU‐wide contaminant and animal disease‐related food scares. Simultaneously, there is evidence of evolution from a product‐focused food policy to a risk‐based policy, which has developed into a tentative EU consumer‐based food policy. Inevitably, in a market of 25 member‐states the concept of food quality varies between countries and therein justifies the need for responsive policy development, which embraces the single market philosophy.
Research limitations/implications
A typology of EU food scares is advanced and discussed in detail, with comments being made on their impact. In addition, the paper highlights the complexity of a EU consumer, which has led to a need for research into the maximisation of the satisfaction of purchasers by reinsuring their individual “right to choose”.
Originality/value
This paper provides a unique insight into a wide range of European food scares (e.g. microbiological, contaminants, animal disease‐related) and EU policy makers' responses to such food scares.
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