Search results

11 – 20 of 528
Book part
Publication date: 17 July 2006

Karen Bradley

Sociologists working within the institutional framework have revealed the extent to which shared cultural understandings concerning education as an institution have been a driving…

Abstract

Sociologists working within the institutional framework have revealed the extent to which shared cultural understandings concerning education as an institution have been a driving force effecting similar educational outcomes within diverse national settings. Worldwide models promulgated by international organizations and policy makers define and legitimate agendas, structures, and policies of nation-states as well as the movement of individuals into and through social institutions such as education, the labor market, politics, and the family. The ideological underpinnings of this overarching cultural framework have been documented and discussed extensively in theoretical as well as empirical work in this body of literature (see, e.g., Boli & Thomas, 1999; Meyer, Boli, Thomas, & Ramirez, 1997).

Details

The Impact of Comparative Education Research on Institutional Theory
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-76231-308-2

Article
Publication date: 12 September 2023

Larry Martinez, Isaac Sabat, Enrica Ruggs, Kelly Hamilton, Mindy Bergman and Kelly Dray

Although allies have been shown to be effective at helping to ignite positive change for marginalized groups, the literature on ally identity development is fragmented.

Abstract

Purpose

Although allies have been shown to be effective at helping to ignite positive change for marginalized groups, the literature on ally identity development is fragmented.

Design/methodology/approach

We draw from developmental, contextual, and identity theories to review the existing literature and focus squarely on the ally experience, resulting in a synthesized process-based conceptualization of ally identity development.

Findings

At each stage, we discuss intrapersonal experiences individuals are likely to have internally, interpersonal experiences that are likely to occur with others, and catalysts for progression to subsequent stages. In doing so, we outline the multilevel factors that influence and are influenced by ally development in hopes of identifying what motivates or dissuades individuals from becoming more active allies.

Originality/value

We provide practitioners and scholars with a deeper understanding of the organizational and societal benefits associated with allyship behaviors, as well as tools for increasing their presence within organizations.

Details

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, vol. 43 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-7149

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 10 April 2024

Troy Heffernan

This chapter analyses the other aspect of an oppressor/oppressed relationship by looking at what happens to the oppressed, in this case, the academics and staff not in leadership…

Abstract

This chapter analyses the other aspect of an oppressor/oppressed relationship by looking at what happens to the oppressed, in this case, the academics and staff not in leadership roles. This chapter looks at why the tactics leaders employ work, and why people do not retaliate, and what systems have been put in place to prevent the people from having any consequential power. This chapter thus looks at how the power of the majority in the academy has been slowly eroded by managerial promises of empowerment, self-governance or having an opinion on the institution's direction when in reality, they have no opinion, and the only decisions they can make are inconsequential. This is why time and time again, we see universities restructure, remove non-profitable courses and increase targets to unrealistic levels to maintain power over the majority.

Details

Academy of the Oppressed
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80455-316-9

Article
Publication date: 14 November 2016

Mohita Gangwar Sharma, Roma Mitra Debnath, Richard Oloruntoba and Sachinder Mohan Sharma

Railway transport being a “service” is provided in a space and time dimension. Providing a better quality of service requires higher inputs, so evaluating the performance without…

1407

Abstract

Purpose

Railway transport being a “service” is provided in a space and time dimension. Providing a better quality of service requires higher inputs, so evaluating the performance without these considerations would give a biased result. The purpose of this paper is to assess the performance of the rail transport service by including the service delivery perspective of railways and look at the holistic concept of service delivery. The quality of service parameters have been chosen within the constraints imposed by availability of data and the formulated data envelopment analysis (DEA). The quality of service parameters include: punctuality; the level of consequential train accidents (safety); and the level of public complaints (customer satisfaction). It evaluates the performance of 16 zones of Indian railways (IR) on the basis of their efficiencies and identifies the exemplar zones. The results deduced from these studies can serve as performance targets in reward systems, performance scorecards, and control systems.

Design/methodology/approach

DEA has been used as a benchmarking tool to evaluate the relative efficiency of the 16 zones. The input parameters are working expenses, number of employees, and equated track kilometers and the output parameters are loading of revenue, punctuality, passenger traffic kilometers, consequential train accidents, and public complaints. Malmquist index has been used to determine the temporal performance of each zone.

Findings

IR can use DEA to assess the performance of various zones and for improvement monitoring in the context of being a transport service provider. Inefficient zones can identify the parameters for improvement across the zones and along the time dimension. A huge working force for all the inefficient zones indicate over deployment of resources, which can be seen at the policy level. A redundancy for equated track kilometers indicates a non-optimum use of resources. Not giving enough importance to service quality could be one of the major findings of the inefficient zones.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of the quality of service variables assessed could not be enlarged in this study because of the limitation of the number of variables that can be chosen for a given number of decision-making units in the model. It is not always possible to compare each zone on an exactly equal basis as the work culture and challenges differ across zones, units, regions, and states which poses a limitation to the study.

Practical implications

The holistic evaluation of performance of IR by inclusion of the service parameters can have important implications for the industry. The choice, incorporation, and interpretation of the parameters of this study can be adopted for rail transportation industry. This also summarizes the essence of performance and quality of service in public rail transport sector.

Social implications

The global public transport sector, and the rail mode in particular faces the challenge of identifying, and using appropriate service quality indicators and financial parameters to ascertain the efficiency and effectiveness of the transport system, rather than considering financial parameters alone. The context of this study is IR which is an engine for the continued socio-economic development of India. The overarching constraint is that the inputs are already established. Within this socio-economic contextual framework the analysis has been done to have an efficient and effective public transport system.

Originality/value

This is the first study which incorporates the quality of service dimensions in performance measurement and benchmarking of the railway zones that make up a national railway system which is under public domain. Each of these characteristics offers its unique challenges and dimensions which makes the problem complex.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 27 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 November 2019

Garry D. Carnegie

Expanding upon the special issue entitled “The special issue: AAAJ and research innovation”, published in 2012, this introduction to the second special issue of the genre is…

Abstract

Purpose

Expanding upon the special issue entitled “The special issue: AAAJ and research innovation”, published in 2012, this introduction to the second special issue of the genre is concerned with selected thematic special issues of AAAJ appearing during the second decade of publication from 1998 to 2007. The paper explores research innovation by means of the thematic issues addressed from this decade.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a background to this special issue and an outline of the articles included. The issue features seven retrospective/prospective articles written by the guest editors of special thematic issues published during 1998 to 2007, supplemented where appropriate by other co-authors or, in one instance, by a new author team.

Findings

The guest editors and other contributing authors sought to identify and discuss the progression of each field since the AAAJ special issue was published, and to assess the impacts of the special issues to this progression, and to propose future research developments in the designated fields.

Research limitations/implications

This commentary on articles published is no substitute for carefully reading these contributions. The papers provide a comprehensive review of key developments in the literature until most recently and explore the opportunities for further innovative interdisciplinary accounting research.

Originality/value

This AAAJ special issue, and the earlier 2012 prototype, constitute a different approach to producing special issues, where the original special issues are revisited with a view to assessing research trends and impacts and to identifying research developments which are ripe for pursuing in each of these interdisciplinary accounting fields.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. 32 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 November 2023

Awni Rawashdeh

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) in the accounting landscape marks a significant shift, promising gains in efficiency and accuracy but also eliciting concerns about job…

1019

Abstract

Purpose

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) in the accounting landscape marks a significant shift, promising gains in efficiency and accuracy but also eliciting concerns about job displacement (JD) and broader socio-economic implications. This study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of how AI’s integration in accounting contributes to JD, reshapes decision-making processes and reverberates across economic and social dimensions. It also offers evidence-based policy recommendations to mitigate adverse outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Leveraging a cross-sectional survey disseminated through Facebook, this research used snowball sampling to target a diverse cohort of accounting professionals. The collected data were subjected to meticulous analysis through descriptive and regression models, facilitated by SmartPLS 4 software.

Findings

The analysis revealed a significant correlation between AI’s increasing role in accounting and a heightened rate of JD. This study found that this displacement is not isolated; it has tangible repercussions on decision-making paradigms, economic well-being, professional work dynamics and social structures. These insights corroborate existing frameworks, including, but not limited to, theories of technological unemployment and behavioural adjustments.

Research limitations/implications

Although providing valuable insights, this study acknowledges limitations such as the restricted sample size, the cross-sectional nature of the survey and the inherent biases of self-reported data. Future research could aim to extend these initial findings by adopting a longitudinal approach and potentially integrating external data sources.

Practical implications

As AI technology becomes increasingly ingrained in accounting practices, there is an urgent need for coordinated action among stakeholders. Policy recommendations include focused efforts on talent retention, investment in upskilling programs and the establishment of support mechanisms for those adversely affected by AI adoption.

Originality/value

By synthesising a range of theoretical perspectives, this study offers a comprehensive exploration of AI’s multi-dimensional impacts on the accounting profession. It stands out for its nuanced examination of JD and its economic and social implications, thereby contributing to both academic discourse and policy formulation. This work serves as an urgent call to action, highlighting the need for strategies that both exploit AI’s potential benefits and protect the workforce from its disruptive impact.

Details

Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4620

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 November 2020

Aliye Emirali, Rachel O'Rourke and Caroline Friendship

This paper explores absconding from a new perspective. Literature has tended to focus on the risk factors linked with absconding. This paper aims to consider desistance factors…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper explores absconding from a new perspective. Literature has tended to focus on the risk factors linked with absconding. This paper aims to consider desistance factors for absconding for prisoners at higher risk of absconding in open prisons.

Design/methodology/approach

Stage 1 used logistic regression to identify factors associated with increased risk of absconding. Stage 2 identified new receptions with increased risk and used thematic analysis to analyse interviews with prisoners that did not abscond after three months.

Findings

Stage 1 found that the total number of previous offences predicted absconding. Stage 2 found three themes linked to desistance in absconding: “support”, “ownership” and “sense of self”.

Practical implications

This study highlights the importance of ensuring prisoners in open prisons are offered the appropriate emotional and practical support. It also identifies the importance of hope amongst prisoners in open conditions. Future research should further explore this idea in more depth.

Originality/value

Previous literature has looked at absconding from a risk factor perspective. This research identifies the desistance factors associated with absconding for individuals who have been identified as high risk of absconding. Improvements in factors associated with desistance from absconding may support a reduction in absconding from open prisons.

Details

The Journal of Forensic Practice, vol. 22 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-8794

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 October 2021

Rachel M. Lofthouse, Anthea Rose and Ruth Whiteside

The research demonstrates the role of activity systems based in Cultural Historical Activity Theory as a means of analysing characteristics and efficacy of specific provisions of…

Abstract

Purpose

The research demonstrates the role of activity systems based in Cultural Historical Activity Theory as a means of analysing characteristics and efficacy of specific provisions of coaching in education.

Design/methodology/approach

Three examples of coaching in education were selected, involving 51 schools in England. The three examples were re-analysed using activity systems. This drew on existing evaluation evidence, gathered through interviews, questionnaires, focus groups and recordings of coaching.

Findings

In each example, the object of the coaching was to address a specific challenge to secure the desired quality of education. Using activity systems it is possible to demonstrate that coaching has a range of functions (both intended and consequential). The individual examples illustrate the potential of coaching to support change in complex and diverse education settings.

Research limitations/implications

The use of existing data from evaluations means that direct comparisons between examples are not made. While data were collected throughout the duration of each coaching programme no follow-up data was available.

Practical implications

The analysis of the examples of coaching using activity systems provides evidence of the efficacy of specific coaching provision in achieving individually defined objectives related to sustaining and improving specific educational practices.

Originality/value

The research offers insights into how coaching in education might be better tuned to the specific needs of contexts and the challenges experienced by the individuals working in them. In addition, it demonstrates the value of activity systems as an analytical tool to make sense of coaching efficacy.

Details

International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6854

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 1972

PR JOHNSON

Amidst the deluge of recent legislation with which the training officer has had to struggle, one significant statute has received less attention than it deserves. Decimalisation…

Abstract

Amidst the deluge of recent legislation with which the training officer has had to struggle, one significant statute has received less attention than it deserves. Decimalisation, metrication, industrial relations, value added, and the rest, have all laid claim to our attention, and their claims have been duly granted. Equal Pay, however, has been knocking at the door since 1970, and has, in large measure, gone unheeded. The recent survey by the Industrial Society confirms one's own impression that a majority of companies have taken no steps towards implementing the Act and, indeed, are confused as to its requirements. There are several possible reasons for this neglect. The sheer volume of recent legislation is no doubt a contributing factor. The implementation date of 1975 probably is remote enough to encourage procrastination. The apparent simplicity of the concept may have obscured the far‐reaching implications of the Act. As far as trainers are concerned there has probably been a failure to recognise a training problem as such. The intention of this article is not to discuss the Act itself in detail, nor to tell managements what they should do about it. The intention is to impress upon trainers the fact that this legislation will have widespread consequences which affect them, and that 1975 is far too late to start thinking about it. There is a job to be done which should be started now.

Details

Industrial and Commercial Training, vol. 4 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0019-7858

Article
Publication date: 28 August 2009

Mike Young

The purpose of this paper is to present a model of change which is both academically rigorous and practitioner‐friendly.

11195

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a model of change which is both academically rigorous and practitioner‐friendly.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical meta‐analysis is conducted by clustering themes from across a broad range of change‐related literature including: learning; personal, social, situational and emergent change; helping, systems thinking, process improvement and leadership.

Findings

Common themes emerge across all the change‐related literature, which suggests the existence of a common underlying “change progression”.

Research limitations/implications

Whilst the literature covered is extensive, it is not comprehensive. The intention is to draw attention to the kinds of variables that need to be conceptualised, observed or enacted when change is studied or implemented.

Practical implications

The meta‐model has already proved a useful guide to implementing change and is presented here to stimulate scholarly debate among those studying it.

Originality/value

The benefit of considering such a broad range of change‐related fields is that each brings a different perspective to the stages of the common underlying journey. As a consequence, the meta‐model offers both a lens, to provide focus on the stages in this common “change progression”, and a prism, to reveal the full spectrum of applicable concepts and activities.

Details

Journal of Organizational Change Management, vol. 22 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0953-4814

Keywords

11 – 20 of 528