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This article concludes that dietary choline and tryptophan could influence motivational state. Investigates the link between diet and motivational state. In particular, examines how the neurotransmitter precursors choline and tryptophan are derived from the diet, how an increase in these precursors can enhance the production of the neurotransmitters acetylcholine (ACh) and serotonin (5‐HT) in the brain, and finally how the increase in these neurotransmitters can increase neuronal function and, as a result, brain activity. Increased synaptic release of both ACh and 5‐HT was found to be associated with increased brain activity. A new “neurotransmitter binding theory” is hypothesised, which is then used to associate increased brain activity with elevations in mood and an increased ability to concentrate, think and make rational decisions.

A key pre‐requisite of locational decision‐making in retailing is appropriate sources of data. These have become increasingly available from a number of internal and external sources in recent years. Coupled with concomitant decreases in the cost of technology, locational decision‐making can now, more than ever, be based on more than subjective practices alone. This paper aims to assess how the use of data varies across four named retail and service sectors, an area of research that has hitherto been neglected. A postal questionnaire was distributed to approximately 300 locational planning managers to ascertain the use of data in decision‐making. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine how the use of 21 named datasets varied by sector. A number of significant differences in data usage and sharing emerged and are reported here. It is concluded that data use is by no means uniform across different retail and service types, and that future research that addresses inter‐sectoral differences in locational planning practices would be appropriate.

This paper, based on forty in‐depth interviews with teachers and principals in Hong Kong, utilizes the insights of feminist organization studies to explore the persistence of gender inequalities in primary school teaching. Two common practices, namely the assignment of women and men to teach lower and higher grades respectively and the monopoly of men in positions of disciplining and authority, are centered. The data suggest that schools and teachers actively construct and reproduce gender inequalities by trivializing teaching of young children as babysitting, naturalizing women as natural caregivers, and normalizing the use of threat in disciplinary control. My analysis also argues that these routine and pervasive gendering processes are not often acknowledged or challenged, which have the effects of marginalizing caring work, overlooking the emotional labor of women, valorizing a masculine view of authority, encouraging men and boys to compete for power via aggression, and hence producing a masculinist workplace.

A survey of post “A”‐level students revealed that a substantial percentage (69.7) experienced stress‐related problems both in the months preceding the examination and during the examination itself, to the almost certain detriment of their performance. The survey showed that only 20.3 per cent received effective help and training in stress management and in reducing worry. The major findings are detailed below.

Examinations represent a measure of performance under stress. Public examinations commonly constitute one of the most extreme forms of competition in contemporary society, wherein the psychological pressures can be immense. Thus examinations often become as much a measure of temperamental robustness and resilience as of knowledge and ability. Indeed, it is widely appreciated that the level of such emotional states as anxiety and excitability can make all the difference between passing and failing. Yet for one reason or another, the whole emphasis on preparation for examinations invariably centres on the intellectual development of the individual and the acquisition of skill and knowledge. Systematic psychological preparation in the affective domain is virtually non‐existent.

Considers the potential impact of seven‐day trading on the spatial pattern of retail rents. Notes that the Institute of Fiscal Studies predicts that Sunday trading will have no appreciable effect on the overall level of turnover in the retail sector resulting in a decline in the real value of retail rents. Concludes that shopping areas in large town centres are most vulnerable to a decline in retail activity.

Explores recent expressions of support by employers for the importance of training in creating business success. Argues that this change in posture cannot be explained in terms of a growing recognition of the weaknesses of the labour force in intermediate‐level skills, because the new focus is on personal development, self‐management and “correct” attitudes rather than technical skills. Shows that while the changes in the valuation of training are consistent with Anglo‐Saxon notions of business management, they are more reflective of attempts to reshape the employer‐employee relationship. Observes that competitive pressures on organizations over the last 20 years have undermined traditional expectations of career opportunity and job security. This context has created the conditions under which this emphasis on normative training helps in the development of a new kind of psychological contract based on a rhetoric of partnership. Concludes that employers’ discovery of training is more about finding ways to secure employee commitment in uncertain times than about transforming skill levels.

The Stoke‐on‐Trent based company specialises in extrusion and mixing equipment for a range of process industries. It is particularly strong in the manufacture and worldwide marketing of twin‐screw extrusion systems, with a significant expertise in the Powder Coating, Master Batch and technical compounding sectors.

Britain's Present Plight: The Manpower Services Commission (MSC) note that “The last few years have seen a steep decline in output and employment. Between mid 1979 and mid 1981 national out‐put fell by about 8 per cent and manufacturing output by nearly 20 per cent… Employment has fallen by 1.8 million…, total unemployment has risen to… 12.5 per cent of the work force compared with 5.5 per cent in the autumn of 1979”.

This paper aims to offer a critical biography of Joan Woodward, often considered the founder of contingency theory. This paper examines Woodward’s background to develop a more complete understanding of the factors that influenced her work.

This paper draws on insights gained from personal correspondence with two colleagues of Woodward, one who recruited her to the Imperial College where she conducted her most prominent work and one whom she recruited while at the college. In addition, Woodward’s original work, academic literature, published remembrances and a plethora of other secondary sources are reviewed.

By connecting these otherwise disparate sources of information, a more complete understanding of Woodward’s work and its context is provided. It is argued that Woodward’s education, training, brilliance, values, the relative weakness of British sociology and the need to improve the economy helped to make Woodward’s work both original and practical.

The originality of this work is to examine the work of Woodward through the lens of critical biography. Despite Woodward’s contributions, Woodward remains an underappreciated figure. The purpose is to provide her contribution against the backdrop of the British industrial and educational sphere.