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This paper describes the background context of the International MSc in E‐Learning Multimedia and Consultancy. The programme aims to develop the profile of “problem solver”/team co‐ordinator at the interface of pedagogical, technological and organisational/cultural dimensions of development and these aims are reflected in the programme content. The origins of this development in a European Commission‐funded project are outlined. An overview of the programme design is provided that emphasises peer and formative assessment practices and also of the pedagogical approach that aims to foster group collaboration in international teams. The features and benefits of the programme are described and supported by feedback and commentary from participating students. Finally some reflections are offered on potential future developments and suggestions are made for further reading.

I AM BECOMING used to the modern convention which graces any hotchpotch of arrangements with the term ‘system’. Nevertheless I was surprised to find (NLW p53) Abraham Silence wondering how ‘the old system might have operated had it received an injection of the millions of pounds which have been spent at Boston Spa’.

The purpose of this paper is to highlight consumer trends relating to the baby boomer generation and identify the relevant marketing communications required to connect with these travelers.

This study involved a thorough review of recently published marketing research and new reports dedicated to the baby boomer generation and the travel industry.

Traveling boomers are looking for a memorable experience rather than a holiday, seeking authenticity, spiritual and mental enlightenment, nostalgia, convenience and spontaneity, all packaged in a safe, customized, healthy, green wrapping and delivered with great customer service. To connect with these boomers, marketers should emphasize youth, use nostalgia, show how to improve boomers' lives, provide detailed information, promote the experience, and use a variety of media.

The literature on marketing to baby boomers is fragmented and sometimes contradictory. This could be because the boomer market is not homogenous. Further research is needed to understand the different segments of the boomer market. Recognizing the differences among these segments and understanding their motivations and desires, can help tourism marketers craft products, strategies and messages that will resonate with this generation.

The key to securing and retaining this growing lucrative segment is better understanding of how they behave, their buying motivations and their needs as they get older. This paper has moved one step forward in this understanding by identifying the key psychographic nuances of the traveling boomer and suggesting how to connect with them.

This is an original contribution in that it is one of the first academic papers to address the traveling baby boomer. It will be of significant value to those marketing tourism services in the twenty‐first century.

Brian Philpotts is Marketing Director of TheFootball League and is soon to take up a similarrole at the FA Premier League. In this interviewhe talks to David Hudson of De MontfortUniversity about his role and the challenges hefaced after joining The Football League fromNewcastle United in 1999. He shares his experienceand insights on the subject of sports marketingat both league and club level.

Scholars have called for diversity in methods and multi-method research to enhance relevance to practice. However, many of the calls have only gone so far as to suggest the use of multiple methods within the positivism paradigm, which dominates the discipline and may constrain the ability to develop middle-range theory and propose workable solutions to today’s supply chain challenges. The purpose of this paper is to present a rationale for expanding the methodological toolbox of the field to include interpretive research methods.

This research conceptually illustrates how positivist and interpretive philosophies translate into different research approaches by reviewing an extant positivist qualitative study that uses grounded theory and then detailing how an interpretive researcher would approach the same phenomenon using the hermeneutic method.

This research expands the boundaries and impact of the field by broadening the set of questions research can address. It contributes a detailed illustration of the interpretive research process, as well as applications for the interpretive approach in future research, particularly theory elaboration, middle-range theorizing, and emerging domains such as the farm-to-fork supply chain and the consumer-based supply chain.

The development of alternative ways of seeking knowledge enhances the potential for creativity, expansion, and progress in the field.

Practical implications of this research include enabling researchers to elaborate theory and develop middle-range theories through an alternative philosophical paradigm. This paradigm facilitates practical insights that are directly relevant to particular domains and move beyond general theories seeking generalizability.

Social implications of this research are much more indirect in nature. This research encourages supply chain management (SCM) scholars to look at phenomena (including those with social implications) from a different philosophical perspective, which can reveal new insights.

This research contributes a rationale for expanding the methodological toolbox of the field to include interpretive research methods and also contributes a methodological operationalization of the interpretive approach. By reflecting on the nature of science and method in SCM, the study opens the door for creativity and progress to expand the boundaries and impact of the field.

Who will lead Ambridge in the years to come? Theories rooted in psychology and political science, when applied to family dynamics in The Archers, allow for some educated guesses. Social learning theory suggests that children who see their parents vote, run for office and participate in other civic activities are more likely to do the same in adulthood. Emma Grundy did just that when she followed in the footsteps of her father, Neil Carter, in winning a seat on the parish council. Previous research has found that birth order also can shape future leaders, with the eldest child more likely to benefit developmentally from parents' undivided attention in the early years, and also more likely to establish a hierarchy of power over younger siblings. With these factors in mind, who are the most probable contenders to lead Ambridge in the spheres of politics, business and civic affairs? The extant research points to Pip Archer, Lily Pargetter, Phoebe Aldridge and George Grundy. The unique circumstances of Ruairi Donovan's childhood suggest he may also be a formidable candidate. And, as is the case in so many contexts, one would be wise not to overlook Molly Button.

Formed just over a year ago the UK company Meta Machines has set its sights on advanced technology products. Brian Rooks reports on its first two product lines