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1 – 10 of 56Scott Strachan, Louise Logan, Debra Willison, Rod Bain, Jennifer Roberts, Iain Mitchell and Roddy Yarr
As higher education institutions (HEIs) have increasingly turned to consider sustainability over the last decade, education for sustainable development (ESD) has emerged as a way…
Abstract
As higher education institutions (HEIs) have increasingly turned to consider sustainability over the last decade, education for sustainable development (ESD) has emerged as a way of imbuing students with the skills, values, knowledge, and attributes to live, work, and create change in societies facing complex and cross-cutting sustainability challenges. However, the question of how HEIs can actively embed ESD more broadly in and across curricula is one that continues to challenge institutions and the HE sector as a whole. While traditional teaching practices and methods associated with subject-based learning may be suitable for educating students about sustainable development, a re-orientation towards more transformational, experiential and action-oriented methods is required to educate for sustainable development. The need for educators to share their practices and learn lessons from each other is essential in this transformation.
This paper presents a selection of practical examples of how to embed a range of interactive, exploratory, action-oriented, problem-based, experiential and transformative ESD offerings into HE teaching practice and curricula. Presented by a group of academics and professional services staff at the University of Strathclyde who lead key modules and programmes in the institution’s ESD provision, this paper reflects on five approaches taken across the four faculties at Strathclyde (Humanities and Social Sciences, Science, Engineering and the Strathclyde Business School) and examines the challenges, practicalities and opportunities involved in establishing a collaborative programme of ESD.
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İdris Tuğrul Gülenç, Mingwen Bai, Ria L. Mitchell, Iain Todd and Beverley J. Inkson
Current methods for the preparation of composite powder feedstock for selective laser melting (SLM) rely on costly nanoparticles or yield inconsistent powder morphology. This…
Abstract
Purpose
Current methods for the preparation of composite powder feedstock for selective laser melting (SLM) rely on costly nanoparticles or yield inconsistent powder morphology. This study aims to develop a cost-effective Ti6Al4V-carbon feedstock, which preserves the parent Ti6Al4V particle’s flowability, and produces in situ TiC-reinforced Ti6Al4V composites with superior traits.
Design/methodology/approach
Ti6Al4V particles were directly mixed with graphite flakes in a planetary ball mill. This composite powder feedstock was used to manufacture in situ TiC-Ti6Al4V composites using various energy densities. Relative porosity, microstructure and hardness of the composites were evaluated for different SLM processing parameters.
Findings
Homogeneously carbon-coated Ti6Al4V particles were produced by direct mixing. After SLM processing, in situ grown 100–500 nm size TiC nanoparticles were distributed within the α-martensite Ti6Al4V matrix. The formation of TiC particles refines the Ti6Al4V β grain size. Relative density varied between 96.4% and 99.5% depending on the processing parameters. Hatch distance, exposure time and point distance were all effective on relative porosity change, whereas only exposure time and point distance were effective on hardness change.
Originality/value
This work introduces a novel, cost-effective powder feedstock preparation method for SLM manufacture of Ti6Al4V-TiC composites. The in situ SLM composites achieved in this study have high relative density values, well-dispersed TiC nanoparticles and increased hardness. In addition, the feedstock preparation method can be readily adapted for various matrix and reinforcement materials in future studies.
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Kevin Rui-Han Teoh, Iain Coyne, Dwayne Devonish, Phil Leather and Antonio Zarola
The purpose of this paper is to use social exchange theory (SET) to examine a model where supportive and unsupportive manager behaviors (SMB and UMB) interact to predict…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to use social exchange theory (SET) to examine a model where supportive and unsupportive manager behaviors (SMB and UMB) interact to predict employees’ engagement, job satisfaction and turnover intention.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional online survey collected data from 252 UK-based employees of a global data management company.
Findings
Factor analysis confirmed manager behaviors to consist of two constructs: supportive and unsupportive behaviors. Structural equation modeling indicated SMB predicted job satisfaction and turnover intentions, but not engagement. Job satisfaction, but not engagement, mediated the SMB-turnover intention relationship. UMB only predicted job dissatisfaction. Neither job satisfaction nor engagement mediated the UMB-turnover intention relationship. UMB undermined the positive relationship between SMB and turnover intention.
Practical implications
The behaviors assessed can be integrated into various stages of a manager’s development process to serve as guidelines of good practice. Crucially, findings suggest managers can exhibit both supportive and unsupportive behaviors, and that consistency in behaviors is important. The study also provides evidence that supportive managers can help reduce turnover intention through job satisfaction.
Originality/value
SET was used as a framework for SMB, UMB and engagement. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first study to examine the interaction between SMB and UMB.
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Maria-Jose Manjon, Amparo Merino and Iain Cairns
The purpose of this paper is to present advances towards a social intrapreneurship department within energy corporations. By drawing on the literature on social intrapreneurship…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present advances towards a social intrapreneurship department within energy corporations. By drawing on the literature on social intrapreneurship and stakeholder theory, this paper provides a conceptual proposal for an organisational structure. This paper builds on the notion of bridging and boundary organisations, to suggest an organisational innovative structure as a social intrapreneurship endeavour focussing on the increasing salience of weak stakeholders in energy corporations from the energy justice approach.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper draws on the literatures on social intrapreneurship and stakeholder theory, to provide arguments and an organisational proposal to alleviate energy poverty in energy corporations.
Findings
The results are presented in a conceptual process model for the development of Social Energy Department units within large energy companies, illustrating their embeddedness in both societal and company-level processes to facilitate social intrapreneurship initiatives that would alleviate energy poverty in the just transition.
Practical implications
The paper promises novel insights at the nexus of social enterprise and organisational change. The practical applicability is particularly promising, as it focusses on integrating novel units in energy companies and stimulates further research on models of social intrapreneurship to tackle energy poverty.
Originality/value
The paper offers both practical and theoretical contributions to the stakeholder theory field with insights from social intrapreneurship and organisational stakeholder theory in the context of a specific social problem – energy poverty, energy justice and the just energy transition.
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Iain McPhee and Barry Sheridan
This study focuses on emergency and strategic responses to drug-related deaths. This paper uses policy network theory and policy analysis frameworks to subject programme…
Abstract
Purpose
This study focuses on emergency and strategic responses to drug-related deaths. This paper uses policy network theory and policy analysis frameworks to subject programme development and financial decision-making processes to critical scrutiny.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative, case-based design focuses on Scottish Government responses to rising drug-related deaths, using publicly available data to produce interpretive critical analysis.
Findings
Analysis indicates that established drug policy communities influence emergency and strategic policy and programme development in relation to drug deaths. Results reveal that policy communities aid government to develop placebo policies and avoid policy traps associated with social determinants of drug-related deaths. This study documents a lack of transparency and accountability in financial decision-making by a third party operating on behalf of Scottish Government. To improve accountability necessitates that drug policy decisions acknowledge existing legislative duties to address socio-economic inequality in this policy area.
Research limitations/implications
In seeking convergence and corroboration publicly available data sources were identified that focus on emergency and strategic responses to drug-related deaths in Scotland. The authors recognise the potential for bias in qualitative and interpretive analysis of this data (Bowen, 2009).
Practical implications
This study provides robust critical analysis on how policy networks exert influence on spending decisions related to drug policy in Scotland. This is useful for researchers and drug policy advisors.
Originality/value
While much has been written on drug deaths in Scotland, using policy network and policy success frameworks to examine policy and programme development, provides originality of analysis in this under-researched aspect of drug policy.
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The purpose of this paper is to conduct a UK-based assessment of oral history technology and to identify the most important features that should be available in any oral history…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to conduct a UK-based assessment of oral history technology and to identify the most important features that should be available in any oral history search system.
Design/methodology/approach
A co-design approach involving interviews and focus groups was adopted. The framework approach with elements of grounded theory was used to analyse transcripts to identify themes.
Findings
The analysis found that “ethics, consent and control”, “accessibility and engagement”, “publicity and awareness”, and “innovative technologies” were the four major themes identified. It was also established that there is limited understanding of oral history in the digital age, numerous interests, ethical concerns, lack of publicity and several key attributes that those designing an oral history search system or archive should strive for. The findings also identified that further exploration into sampling selected technologies on different user groups is required in order to develop software that would benefit the field.
Research limitations/implications
Participants were all recruited from one geographic region. The qualitative methodology utilised could be deemed to have elements of subjectivity.
Practical implications
This study has identified important features of any oral history search system and offered design recommendations for any developer of an oral history search systems.
Originality/value
This research has validated some previous findings for oral history search systems from more limited user studies. New issues for consideration including usability, software development and marketing have also been identified.
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Iain Munro and Kate Kenny
Whistleblowing plays a crucial role in revealing organizational misconduct and systemic corruption in industry and government. This paper investigates changing practices of…
Abstract
Whistleblowing plays a crucial role in revealing organizational misconduct and systemic corruption in industry and government. This paper investigates changing practices of whistleblower activism, with particular reference to the role of solidarity and the increased role of support networks. Many modern whistleblower disclosures have revealed gaping flaws in the system of global governance related to a range of important social and economic issues, such as tax evasion, global mass surveillance, the use of torture and illegal wars of aggression. All these forms of systemic corruption are reliant on the use of secrecy havens to conceal the abuse from public scrutiny and democratic oversight. Counter-hegemonic social movements that oppose forms of systemic corruption can find important allies in those whistleblowers, who leak vital information about misconduct and corruption to the public. In this paper, we argue that there is a clear relationship of mutual support between whistleblowing and activist social movements, both in the process of whistleblowing and in furthering the campaigns of the social movements themselves. We theorize this, unpacking the processes and dynamics underlying the relationship, and offering a framework for analysis. The paper concludes with a discussion of the changing role of whistleblower activism and support networks in undertaking social reform and counter-hegemonic practice.
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Budi Sukardi, Novia Rachmadani Wijayanti and Fachrurazi Fachrurazi
The purpose of this study is to reveal empirical facts that literacy and marketing strategies effectively impact people using Sharia pawn products during the COVID-19 pandemic…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to reveal empirical facts that literacy and marketing strategies effectively impact people using Sharia pawn products during the COVID-19 pandemic because of the pressure of capital needs and financial difficulties.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used an exploratory qualitative research approach through semi-structured interviews with six partners of different productive ages and social, economic and educational backgrounds. After data reduction, presentation, description and validation, this paper develops the theory and presents it as a qualitative thematic analysis.
Findings
The findings of this study revealed that those who had socialised Sharia pawnshops had a low literacy level. Nonetheless, the socialisation of Sharia pawnshops increases literacy and public understanding of pawnshop products in Sharia pawnshops. This issue arises because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which makes it impossible for Sharia pawnshops to hold an event or socialise.
Originality/value
The authenticity of this study proves that literacy and marketing strategies can increase public awareness of Sharia pawn products during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Ryan D. Pengelly and Iain Davidson‐Hunt
The purpose of this paper is to provide a community perspective on partnerships with the goal of researching, designing, developing and commercializing non‐timber forest products…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a community perspective on partnerships with the goal of researching, designing, developing and commercializing non‐timber forest products (NTFPs) based on indigenous knowledge and resources from Pikangikum First Nation, northwestern Ontario, Canada.
Design/methodology/approach
Framed by the Whitefeather Forest Research Cooperative agreement, a collaborative and ethnographic research design was adopted with the Whitefeather Forest Management Corporation and the Whitefeather Forest Elders Steering Group in Pikangikum First Nation. Over the period of two years, initial research planning meetings were held with community representatives, fieldwork and interviews with community Elders and leaders were conducted, and three community workshops were held.
Findings
Community Elders and leaders articulated a cautious interest in developing ethical, collaborative partnerships that support the Whitefeather Forest Initiative and the community's social, cultural, economic and environmental goals. Developing NTFPs through partnerships is a procedural issue that requires giving Elders a primary role in advising and guiding partnerships at all stages of NTFP planning, research and development. Partners would be expected to build respectful and diligent partnerships that interface knowledge systems, maintain good relations, and generate mutually defined benefits.
Research limitations/implications
This community‐specific approach provides insight for Aboriginal groups, governments, universities, and corporations seeking to develop access and benefit sharing agreements, policies, or protocols in light of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol.
Originality/value
This paper offers perspectives, principles, and community member narratives from a Canadian indigenous community, Pikangikum First Nation. These perspectives describe how this community envisions potential research, development and commercialization of NTFPs through joint and mutually beneficial partnerships.
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This chapter investigated how pre-existing ideas (i.e., prototypes and antiprototypes) and what the eyes fixate on (i.e., eye fixations) influence followers' identification with…
Abstract
This chapter investigated how pre-existing ideas (i.e., prototypes and antiprototypes) and what the eyes fixate on (i.e., eye fixations) influence followers' identification with leaders from another race. A sample of 55 Southeast Asian female participants assessed their ideal leader in terms of prototypes and antiprototype and then viewed a 27-second video of an engaging Caucasian female leader as their eye fixations were tracked. Participants evaluated the videoed leader using the Identity Leadership Inventory, in terms of four leader identities (i.e., prototypicality, advancement, entrepreneurship, and impresarioship). A series of multiregression models identified participants' age as a negative predictor for all the leader identities. At the same time, the antiprototype of masculinity, the prototypes of sensitivity and dynamism, and the duration of fixations on the right eye predicted at least one leader identity. Such findings build on aspects of intercultural communication relating to the evaluation of global leaders.
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