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1 – 10 of 316Nicholas R. Johns and Alison J. Green
The purpose of this paper is to examine the aims of equal opportunities policies in the UK and to link them to market forces, European integration and the wider aims of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the aims of equal opportunities policies in the UK and to link them to market forces, European integration and the wider aims of economic growth.
Design/methodology/approach
The theoretical literature around equal opportunities and managing diversity is examined. The paper looks at how these have been implemented in practice by examining a policy document relating to Higher Education.
Findings
The paper concludes that the policy document examined exhibits a high degree of confusion and misunderstanding about many of the key principles underlying equal opportunity theory and practice.
Originality/value
The arguments presented add to the wider debates about the nature and role of equal opportunities policies and their relationship to economic policy.
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Alison Munro, Jean Marcus, Katie Dolling, John Robinson and Jennifer Wahl
This paper describes the sustainability partnership between the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia (UBC) and, in particular, the co-curricular…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper describes the sustainability partnership between the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia (UBC) and, in particular, the co-curricular Greenest City Scholars graduate student internship program, which has been developed by the two organizations. Through the program, UBC graduate students work on projects at the City that help to advance sustainability targets. The paper aims to explore the successes, challenges and lessons learned from the program.
Design/methodology/approach
This case study uses literature and document review, observations, program participant evaluation surveys and project impact survey feedback.
Findings
The Greenest City Scholars program model has contributed to the sustainability goals at UBC and the City of Vancouver and has supported the partnership between the two organizations. The program has grown over its five-year history and is considered to be a central part of the partnership. Breadth of student participants from across the university and high participation from City departments have been achieved. The model is now being adapted to be delivered within other partnerships.
Practical implications
The experiences presented in this case study can help other higher education institutions understand how a co-curricular graduate student work experience program could help to bolster their own sustainability partnerships.
Originality/value
This paper makes a contribution by providing insight into the use of a graduate student program to advance the goals of a university–community sustainability partnership.
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The management of children′s literature is a search for value andsuitability. Effective policies in library and educational work arebased firmly on knowledge of materials…
Abstract
The management of children′s literature is a search for value and suitability. Effective policies in library and educational work are based firmly on knowledge of materials, and on the bibliographical and critical frame within which the materials appear and might best be selected. Boundaries, like those between quality and popular books, and between children′s and adult materials, present important challenges for selection, and implicit in this process are professional acumen and judgement. Yet also there are attitudes and systems of values, which can powerfully influence selection on grounds of morality and good taste. To guard against undue subjectivity, the knowledge frame should acknowledge the relevance of social and experiential context for all reading materials, how readers think as well as how they read, and what explicit and implicit agendas the authors have. The good professional takes all these factors on board.
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David H. Sochart, Alison J. Long, Kirstie H. Wilson and Martyn L. Porter
The collection of complete and accurate data is an essential prerequisite of any study that aims to produce meaningful results. Much contemporary research in orthopaedic…
Abstract
The collection of complete and accurate data is an essential prerequisite of any study that aims to produce meaningful results. Much contemporary research in orthopaedic surgery has focused on proving the superiority of one implant or technique over another and relies on data which are currently being collected by various different methods. Modern joint replacement surgery is now successful with high implant survivorship at 10 and even 20 years and any new prosthetic design could be expected to result in only a modest improvement over current results. Complete follow‐up as well as optimum data collection are therefore of particular importance to detect any such benefit. Four methods commonly used for the collection of orthopaedic data were compared in this study with the aim of finding out which techniques would automatically result in the most reliable capture of complete data without the need for labour‐intensive supervision and the use of additional resources. The information obtained has been used to re‐define the audit methods for the North West Regional Arthroplasty Register.
Nick Johns, Alison Green, Rachel Swann and Luke Sloan
The purpose of this paper, which follows an earlier paper published in this journal, is to explore the shape and nature of plural policing through the lens of New Right…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper, which follows an earlier paper published in this journal, is to explore the shape and nature of plural policing through the lens of New Right ideology. It aims to reinforce the understanding that policy is driven by both neoliberalism and neoconservatism, not simply the former. In policy terms, it uses the vehicle of a faith-based initiative – the Street Pastors – to consider how the strategic line of plural policing may be shifting.
Design/methodology/approach
The research that informs this paper spans 2012 to the present day incorporating a multi-method evaluation, an ongoing observation with informal interviews, and two e-mail surveys directed at university students in Plymouth and Cardiff. In addition, the authors carried out a critical analysis of a research report produced by van Steden and a documentary analysis of national newspaper reports of Street Pastor activities.
Findings
In a previous paper, the authors provided evidence to support the contention of Jones and Lister (2015) that there has been a shift in the landscape of plural policing. The Street Pastors initiative is a movement from “policing by the state” towards “policing from below”. The authors suggest here that there may be evidence to speculate that another shift might occur from “policing from below” to “policing through the state”. Ultimately, the authors contend, such shifts reflect and serve the dominance of New Right ideology in social and public policy.
Research limitations/implications
The research limitations of this paper are twofold. First, the surveys had very small sample sizes and so the results should be treated with caution. The authors have underlined this in detail where necessary. Second, it is informed by a series of related though discrete research activities. However, the authors regard this as a strength also, as the findings are consistent across the range. The implications relate to the way in which policy designed to encourage partnership might lead to off-loading public responsibilities on the one hand, while allowing co-option on the other hand.
Social implications
The practical implications are indivisible from the social implications in the authors’ view. The neoliberal and neoconservative dimensions of the current dominant ideology are using local initiatives to save public money and reify disciplinary features of social and public policy.
Originality/value
The originality of this research relates to the way it was conducted, drawing together the products of discrete but related activities. It adds to the growing research landscape involving the Street Pastors, an important faith-based, publicly backed initiative. But more importantly, it underlines how the two dimensions of New Right ideology come together in practice. The example of the Street Pastors indicates, through the lens of plural policing, how voluntary and local initiatives are being used to refocus the priorities of social and public policy.
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Alison Ashby, Mike Leat and Melanie Hudson‐Smith
The objective of this paper is to investigate systematically the discipline of supply chain management (SCM) within the context of sustainability. The two concepts are…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this paper is to investigate systematically the discipline of supply chain management (SCM) within the context of sustainability. The two concepts are increasingly aligned, and sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) represents an evolving field where they explicitly interact. Given their complex and holistic nature, breaking down the literature to understand its structures, processes, connections and limitations can provide an objective view of the status of research in these highly important fields, identifying key areas for future research/theory development.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic review of current SCM literature is carried out, specifically in relation to the social and environmental dimensions of sustainability.
Findings
SSCM and the integration of sustainability into supply chains is a significant but evolving field evidenced by a current bias in the literature towards theory development and highly qualitative research methods. The environmental dimension is significantly better represented in the literature through specific processes at all stages of the supply chain. The social dimension is recognised, but receives less emphasis than expected given SCM's focus on interaction, relationships and communication. These two dimensions are treated separately in the literature with limited insight on how to integrate them and current SCM and sustainability research provides limited practical outputs.
Research limitations/implications
The review focuses on environmental and social sustainability within supply chains without explicit consideration of the economic dimension.
Practical implications
The review highlights the key themes and issues for supply chain managers faced with implementing sustainability. It also illustrates a number of areas for future research, along with the need for researchers to develop more practical tools for implementing SSCM.
Originality/value
Indicates the extent to which sustainability is integrated within SCM and where the research emphasis currently lies. The environmental dimension is significantly more defined and developed in the literature. SCM literature emphasises the importance of long‐term supplier relationships, but this “people‐focused” approach does not appear to translate into socially responsible supply chains. It suggests that the more process‐driven nature of environmental sustainability makes it easier to put into supply chain practice. There is also limited research or evidence on how the two dimensions can be integrated despite recognition of their inter‐relationship.
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Gill Toms, Stephanie Green, Alison Orrell and Fiona Verity
Research can be an influential driver in raising care home standards and the well-being and human rights of residents. This paper aims to present a case for how a…
Abstract
Purpose
Research can be an influential driver in raising care home standards and the well-being and human rights of residents. This paper aims to present a case for how a relational research capacity building programme could advance this agenda.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses Axel Honneth’s Recognition Theory as a lens through which to explore organisational and institutional factors (such as research capacity and investment) that can either enable or limit “recognition” in the context of research in care homes. This paper draws on recent evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK and worldwide, to argue that such a relational capacity building agenda is even more pressing in the current context, and that it resonates with evidence from existing relational capacity building initiatives.
Findings
A lack of relevant research arguably contributed to the crisis experienced by the care home sector early in the pandemic, and there are only tentative signs that residents, care home providers and staff are now informing the COVID-19 research agenda. Evidence from pre COVID-19 and insights from Honneth’s Recognition Theory suggest that relational approaches to building research capacity within the care home sector can better generate evidence to inform practice.
Originality/value
This is a novel application of recognition theory to research in the care home sector. Drawing on theory, as well as evidence, has enabled the authors to provide a rationale as to why relationship-based research capacity building in care homes warrants further investment.
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Rosie Morrow, Alison Rodriguez and Nigel King
The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceived wellbeing benefits of the unstructured camping experience for young adults.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceived wellbeing benefits of the unstructured camping experience for young adults.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a cross-sectional descriptive phenomenological study. Young adults between the ages of 21 and 30 years with recent experiences of camping were invited to participate in the study. A descriptive phenomenological approach was taken, involving photograph-guided semi-structured interviews and Colaizzi’s seven-stage analysis framework. Ethical approval was granted by the university where the study was managed.
Findings
Four female participants were interviewed; each interview lasted approximately 60 minutes in duration. Unstructured camping holidays were perceived to heighten general perceptions of health and wellbeing. Five themes emerged: “Getting away”, “Appreciation of the Natural Environment”, “Relationship Maintenance”, “Tranquility and Relaxation” and “Freedom and Adventure/Exploration”. The unstructured nature of the activity encouraged participant’s freewill to appreciate the natural environment and to engage in physical activity. Escape from everyday stressors to a tranquil environment provided the space and time to think and talk, relax and be active.
Originality/value
Green care initiatives could use the unstructured camping experience, or what the authors have framed as the “back to basics” model of camping, as a tool to promote general health and wellbeing in clinical and non-clinical young adult populations. Further research is needed to substantiate the evidence base, especially to probe further around the benefits of the spontaneity of the “back to basics” camping experience, in contrast to the structured group camp experiences the authors advocate in the UK and overseas for children’s leisure or health purposes.
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