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1 – 10 of 171Jane M. Dixon, Sarah J. Hinde and Cathy L. Banwell
With rising levels of obesity, public health attention has turned to the “obesogenic environment”, which includes the ready availability of convenience foods. We seek to provide…
Abstract
Purpose
With rising levels of obesity, public health attention has turned to the “obesogenic environment”, which includes the ready availability of convenience foods. We seek to provide an historical account of the popularity of convenience foods, alongside an elaboration of how international and Australian experts believe convenience food has contributed to rising rates of obesity. In this context, the paper aims to speculate about the likely success of functional foods, or “phoods”, and draw conclusions about potential implications for the obesity epidemic.
Design/methodology/approach
An “expanded” Delphi survey was utilised to identify key trends underpinning the rise in obesity and expert's hypotheses about how these trends have operated to promote obesity. Elaborating on these data, an historical perspective of the emergence and consolidation of convenience foods in Australian diets, with particular attention paid to foods that offer “healthy convenience”, is provided.
Findings
Australian research shows how the growing consumption of convenience foods is contributing to upward trends in overweight. It is argued that the functional food sector is well placed in a context where consumers are being encouraged to embrace convenient food solutions, while also being concerned about the nutritional qualities of foods.
Originality/value
Whilst the development of healthy and convenient “phoods” may benefit people's health, the paper identifies how they may also undermine efforts to reduce the weight of the population. This makes the regulatory issue of health claims pivotal to balance the interests of the functional food sector and the public health community.
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Anna Katarzyna Mazurek-Kusiak, Agata Kobyłka and Bogusław Sawicki
The purpose of this paper is to assess nutritional habits and body composition parameters in the group of Polish pupils and students.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess nutritional habits and body composition parameters in the group of Polish pupils and students.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was conducted by the body composition analysis using the biological impedance method applying TANITA analyzer and diagnostic survey method using standardized direct interview with selected elements of the Sarzynska test. The research was carried out in various regions of Poland on a group of 1,000 pupils and students, using a targeted sample selection in the following subgroups: 250 middle school pupils, 250 high school students, 250 students living in a family home and 250 students living in an academic home.
Findings
Significantly the worst nutritional habits according to the Sarzynska test are shown by students living in academic home. As many as 21.6 percent of them eat very badly, while only 10.4 percent of students living in a family home eat very badly. This may indicate a lack of conditions, skills and time to prepare healthy meals, but also the lack of parental control in relation to what their child eats. The middle school pupils eat the healthiest meals (64.4 percent). It can be seen the regularity that the older the child is, the smaller the percentage of people in the healthy group.
Research limitations/implications
A research limitation was the little sample size of the study (1,000 person) and participants might have felt uncomfortable during research.
Practical implications
People planning class schedules should also plan breaks for a full-value meal. It is necessary to organize affordable courses that would teach simple and fast food preparation that does not require a lot of equipment and little popular ingredients. It would also be necessary to draw parents’ attention to excessive care and the fact that not allowing children to “experiment” in the kitchen may arouse in them the reluctance and fear of cooking.
Social implications
Among students, one should conduct universal education regarding a healthy lifestyle, which should focus on the subject of proper nutrition and physical activity, because there are no systemic solutions that would include adults. In order to improve nutritional habits, social rooms in academic homes should be adjusted so that students have the conditions to prepare nutritious meals, as well as provide access to canteens, where students would receive a reasonable meal at a reasonable price. The qualifications of the staff working there should also be improved.
Originality/value
The present study adds to the existing body of literature nutritional habits and body composition parameters in the group of Polish pupils and students. The results are the foundation for providing recommendations to policy makers, universitets, schools, food organizations and parents.
We recall Sidney Greenstreet's profile of Humphrey Bogart in The Maltese Falcon: ‘Upon my soul sir, you are a character, you really are.’ The same might be said of Gorby, the…
Abstract
We recall Sidney Greenstreet's profile of Humphrey Bogart in The Maltese Falcon: ‘Upon my soul sir, you are a character, you really are.’ The same might be said of Gorby, the leader of the second most powerful country in the world, whose stated philosophy over seventy years has been: profit is a moral evil.
The purpose of this research is to examine the experiences of female CEOs in New Zealand sport using a career account approach overlaid with the Kaleidoscope Career Model (KCM)…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to examine the experiences of female CEOs in New Zealand sport using a career account approach overlaid with the Kaleidoscope Career Model (KCM). This research focuses on their successful careers, rather than constraints and barriers, which is a feature of much previous research in the area.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews and analysis were informed by the principles of the KCM of career authenticity, balance and challenge. Seven chief executive officers in New Zealand sport organizations were interviewed. Data analysis was undertaken through a three-step coding process.
Findings
Respondents highlighted the importance of authenticity, balance and challenge in different ways. The KCM model is extended by identifying sub-themes within each principle. These were, under authenticity, passion and relationship-building; under balance, self-awareness and influencing the organization; and under challenge, taking opportunities and working in sport’s gendered environment. Findings indicate that a more nuanced development of KCM is required and that decision-makers in sport organizations need to be aware of the varied drivers of women’s positive experiences.
Research limitations/implications
This research contributes to an understanding of successful women’s careers, rather than focusing on barriers to success. It also extends the KCM. Future research is necessary to examine the viability of our suggested extensions to the KCM.
Practical implications
While not generalizable, this study’s findings suggest that sport organization decision-makers would be well advised to understand the unique ways in which authenticity, balance and challenge are understood by their female employees. This may encourage organizations to look more closely at their cultures to ensure that they are more welcoming and supportive to women in a male-dominated industry.
Originality/value
This research contributes to an understanding of successful women’s careers, rather than focusing on barriers to success. It also extends the KCM. Future research is necessary to examine the viability of our suggested extensions to the KCM.
Alison Jane Pickard and Pat Dixon
Focuses on the research outcomes of a longitudinal, in‐depth investigation of the electronic information resource use of 16 young people. Aims to provide a flexible, qualitative…
Abstract
Focuses on the research outcomes of a longitudinal, in‐depth investigation of the electronic information resource use of 16 young people. Aims to provide a flexible, qualitative framework that can be applied within local contexts to enable context‐specific understanding of electronic information resource use. Concludes that, although the groups may remain consistent, personal constructions and notions of value within those groups is more likely to be context‐specific.
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Winifred Asare-Doku, Jane Rich, Brian Kelly and Carole James
Previous research has suggested high levels of unaddressed mental health needs among male-dominated work settings. The mining industry has been a recent focus internationally…
Abstract
Purpose
Previous research has suggested high levels of unaddressed mental health needs among male-dominated work settings. The mining industry has been a recent focus internationally. This paper aims to critically examine research regarding organizational mental health interventions for people working in mining industries.
Design/methodology/approach
The narrative review used a systematic standardized search strategy in six databases and grey literature from 1990 to 2019.
Findings
Of the 418 studies identified, seven studies (five quantitative and two qualitative studies) met the inclusion criteria. Analysis of these studies revealed the organisational interventions available to address mental health needs of miners. Interventions were categorised into organisational and individual-focused approaches. Evidence shows there is great potential in conducting workplace mental health programs, yet further research is required to create a strong evidence base for substantiated policy and practice implications.
Practical implications
Mental health interventions and programs should be available in mining industry to enhance mental health. Organisations can also improve mental health by implementing significant changes in the work environment and identifying workplace factors that induce strain and contribute to psychological distress in employees. Attempt can be made at restructuring safety policies and practices to include mental health, addressing organisational structures such as work schedules and providing training for managers and supervisors.
Originality/value
This review focuses on the unique characteristics pertaining to male-dominated mining industries and workplace mental health interventions which are aimed at supporting employee mental health.
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War is, perhaps, mans greatest sin, which is not the same as saying war is never necessary — when an army of Argies shot up a small Royal Marine unit in the Falklands and occupied…
Abstract
War is, perhaps, mans greatest sin, which is not the same as saying war is never necessary — when an army of Argies shot up a small Royal Marine unit in the Falklands and occupied the land area against the will of the English speaking people, what does a self‐respecting country do? Well, the only answer is to ask what you would do if a renegade mob smashed into your house, abused your family and refused to leave. Let's face it, if you had not the muscle to eject them, the number dialled would be 999 and a squad car with a couple of boys in blue would be round double quick to do their duty.
Shulamit Ramon, Helen Brooks, Sarah Rae and Mary-Jane O’Sullivan
This review paper will look at internationally existing publications in the English language on mental health shared decision making (SDM) implementation of a variety of…
Abstract
Purpose
This review paper will look at internationally existing publications in the English language on mental health shared decision making (SDM) implementation of a variety of interventions, including different methodologies and research methods, age groups and countries. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of: process, degree and outcomes of implementation; barriers and facilitators; perspectives on implementation by different stakeholders; analysis of the process of implementation in mental health services through the lenses of the normalisation process theory (NPT).
Design/methodology/approach
Following a targeted literature search the data were analysed in order to provide an overview of methodologies and methods applied in the articles, as well as of the variables listed above. Three different types of information were included: a content analysis of key issues, reflective understanding coming out of participating in implementation of an SDM project in the form of two narratives written by two key participants in an SDM pilot project and an NPT analysis of the process of implementation.
Findings
Only a minority of mental health SDM research focuses on implementation in everyday practice. It is possible and often desirable to achieve SDM in mental health services; it requires a low level of technology, it can save time once routinized, and it is based on enhancing therapeutic alliance, as well as service users’ motivation. Implementation requires an explicit policy decision, a clear procedure, and regular adherence to the aims and methods of implementation by all participants. These necessary and sufficient conditions are rarely met, due to the different levels of commitment to SDM and its process by the different key stakeholders, as well as due to competing providers’ objectives and the time allocated to achieving them.
Originality/value
The review indicates both the need to take into account the complexity of SDM, as well as future strategies for enhancing its implementation in everyday mental health practice. Perhaps because applying SDM reflects a major cultural change in mental health practice, current value attached to SDM among clinicians and service managers would need to be more positive, prominent and enduring to enable a greater degree of implementation.
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Wai Ming To and Jane W.Y. Lung
An internship is an essential part of vocational-oriented degree programs because it enhances the employability of graduates and prepares them for career development. Thus, it is…
Abstract
Purpose
An internship is an essential part of vocational-oriented degree programs because it enhances the employability of graduates and prepares them for career development. Thus, it is important to understand how students view internships and whether they are satisfied with their internship experience. This paper explores the effects of organizational and individual factors on internship satisfaction.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a literature review on internship, we propose a theoretical model in which organizational factors, including supervisor support and task clarity, and individual factors, including interns' perceived functional value and perceived social value, can lead to internship satisfaction while task clarity, perceived functional value and perceived social value can affect interns' self-initiative behavior. The proposed model was tested using responses from 161 Chinese students in Macao SAR.
Findings
The results of structural equation modeling indicated that supervisor support and perceived social value had direct and significant impacts on internship satisfaction while task clarity and perceived functional value had direct and significant impacts on interns' self-initiative behavior. Additionally, supervisor support significantly influenced task clarity, perceived functional value and perceived social value.
Originality/value
The paper identifies that supervisor support has a strong and significant impact on internship satisfaction. Additionally, the current study indicates that organizations should pay great attention to appoint the right work supervisors who are able to assign appropriate tasks to interns, provide clear guidance and facilitate social interaction between interns and other people.
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Lisa Marini, Jane Andrew and Sandra van der Laan
The purpose of this paper is to explore the ways in which accountability is operationalised within the context of a South African microfinance institution (MFI). In particular…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the ways in which accountability is operationalised within the context of a South African microfinance institution (MFI). In particular, the authors consider the introduction of a tool to enhance consumer protection, the Client Protection Card (CPC), to deliver accountability within the case organisation. In contrast to prior research, the authors focus on accountability from the perspective of clients and fieldworkers.
Design/methodology/approach
A single in-depth case study of the introduction and implementation of a CPC in an MFI operating within South Africa was conducted. The case study and timing afforded an opportunity to gather unique data, given the MFI’s client-centred philosophy and the recent introduction of the CPC. The qualitative approach adopted for this research allowed collection of data through direct observations, interviews, a fieldwork diary and documentation. The theoretical framing for this paper views accountability as involving social practices, allowing us to foreground the existence of interdependencies among people interacting within the same organisation or system (Roberts, 1996).
Findings
The case study demonstrates that three aspects are critical to the success of the card: the design, which requires sensitivity to the local culture; the distribution, which demands for significant “sensemaking” work to be undertaken by fieldworkers; and the drivers for introducing the card, which need to be responsive to the clients’ perspective. The paper illustrates how well-intended tools of accountability can fail to deliver effectively, both for the organisation and the users, if they are not tailored appropriately to the needs of clients.
Originality/value
This paper differs from prior research as it explores the ways in which fieldworkers and MFI clients make sense of a tool of accountability, the CPC. Given that the CPC was designed to meet guidelines produced by international policymakers and domestic legislators, the paper provides a grassroots analysis of the effectiveness of the implementation of such tools from the perspective of clients and fieldworkers. This local focus allows the authors to examine the ways in which mounting global expectations for increased accountability of MFIs are being operationalised in practice.
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