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1 – 10 of 19Vocational education in Hong Kong suffers from an image problem. Stakeholders often perceive it as a second-best option for those who fail to advance in academic education. In…
Abstract
Purpose
Vocational education in Hong Kong suffers from an image problem. Stakeholders often perceive it as a second-best option for those who fail to advance in academic education. In 2016, to promote vocational education, the Hong Kong government launched a publicity campaign and rebranded vocational education and training (VET) as vocational and professional education and training (VPET). This study critically analyzes the new discourse crafted by this campaign and assesses its potential to change VPET’s status.
Design/methodology/approach
This study applies critical discourse analysis to the set of television public service advertisements produced as part of the government publicity campaign.
Findings
The messaging of the publicity campaign consists of two major discursive strategies. One stresses the ability to find self-fulfillment through VPET. The other stresses the academic ability and middle-class status of VPET students as well as the non-manual and high-end career opportunities for graduates. While the first strategy offers a new basis on which to value VPET, the second recreates assumptions about the value of academic achievement and what constitutes respectable employment, even as it attempts to challenge stereotypes. It reinforces that the ultimate goal of education is financial gain and social status. It overlooks other values of education and the potential value of VPET in enhancing individual choice and agency.
Research limitations/implications
Discourse analysis does not provide information about audience perceptions and interpretations.
Social implications
The government could consider reframing their messaging in terms of the diverse values and experiences of VPET students. Highlighting the values that VPET students themselves see in their education provides alternative discourses that can better challenge hegemonic ideas.
Originality/value
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first discourse analysis of the government’s publicity campaign to promote VPET.
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Vinicius Elias Villabruna, Cleiton Hluszko, Daiane Rossi, Murillo Vetroni Barros, Jasmine Siu Lee Lam and Fernando Henrique Lermen
Seaports are vital in facilitating sustainable development, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors significantly impact an organization’s performance. Therefore…
Abstract
Purpose
Seaports are vital in facilitating sustainable development, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors significantly impact an organization’s performance. Therefore, this study aims to identify and evaluate barriers and strategies of green investments to promote ESG practices within the seaport sector.
Design/methodology/approach
To fulfill this aim, a systematic literature review, interpretive structural modeling and the matrix of cross-impact multiplications were applied to classification analysis.
Findings
12 barriers were prioritized and categorized by experts in a focus group to optimize efforts and define the materiality of these barriers in implementing ESG strategies within seaport companies.
Practical implications
The implications of this study provide an alternative approach for ESG management in the context of seaports that can be applied in different regions by experts' opinion assessment.
Originality/value
No prior studies assessed the barriers and strategies for green investments in ESG from the port sector perspective.
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This study aims to explore students’ perceptions of the use of an artificial intelligence-generated content avatar (AIGC avatar) within a learning management system (LMS).
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore students’ perceptions of the use of an artificial intelligence-generated content avatar (AIGC avatar) within a learning management system (LMS).
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative research involved seven postgraduate students. Data were collected through individual, in-depth interviews. The videos of the AIGC avatar, created using Leonardo, ChatGPT and Heygen, were uploaded to the LMS to communicate with students for the purposes of a welcome note, assignment guide, assignment feedback, tutorial reminders and preparation as well as to provide encouragement and study tips. Students were interviewed at the end of the semester.
Findings
The findings of this study indicated that the majority of participating students held positive perceptions regarding the use of the AIGC avatar in the LMS. They reported that it enhanced their perceived instructor’s social presence and motivation to learn. The assignment guide and feedback were particularly valued by the participants. While some students noted the AIGC avatar’s lack of naturalness, others appreciated the clear and professional speech it delivered.
Research limitations/implications
The study was confined to seven students from a single course at one institution, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Future research could involve a larger and more diverse group of participants.
Practical implications
The findings may offer education providers an alternative solution for engaging students in an LMS.
Originality/value
This study highlights the potential of AIGC avatars to replace text-based communication in LMS and enhance students’ perceived instructor social presence.
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Aijaz Ahmad Bhat, Javaid Iqbal Khan, Javed Ahmad Bhat and Sajad Ahmad Bhat
This study attempts to quantify the degree of independence of Central Bank of India from both legal and behavioural contexts over the period 1990–1991 to 2018–2019, a period…
Abstract
Purpose
This study attempts to quantify the degree of independence of Central Bank of India from both legal and behavioural contexts over the period 1990–1991 to 2018–2019, a period encompassing major developments in the operation and regulation of Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Design/methodology/approach
We followed Jasmine et al. (2019) to calculate the magnitude of de jure independence of RBI and for de facto independence, “turnover rate (TOR) of CB governor” as proposed by Cukierman et al. (1992) is applied.
Findings
The results report that the legal autonomy of RBI increased specifically after the reforms and post formulation of Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). However, the actual independence of RBI remains more or less in line within the critical threshold limit of 0.2.
Practical implications
The study proposes effective implementation of laws and procedures designed to promote the independence of Central Bank of India imperative for an effective monetary operation along with a coordinated fiscal policy.
Originality/value
Targeted study of a particular central bank on its “independence” aspect in general and of the Reserve Bank of India in particular has not been attempted as on date. It is to this end that the present study contributes.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-02-2023-0098.
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Jasmine Elizabeth Black, Damian Maye, Anna Krzywoszynska and Stephen Jones
This paper examines how key actors in the UK food system (FS) understand the role of the local food sector in relation to FS resilience.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines how key actors in the UK food system (FS) understand the role of the local food sector in relation to FS resilience.
Design/methodology/approach
Discourse analysis was used to assess and compare the framings of the UK FS in 36 publications released during Covid-19 from alternative food networks (AFNs) actors and from other more mainstream FS actors, including the UK government.
Findings
The analysis shows that AFNs actors perceive the UK FS as not resilient and identify local FSs as a route towards greater resilience (“systemic” framing). In contrast, other food actors perceive the UK FS as already resilient, with the role of local food limited to specific functions within the existing system (“add-on” framing). The two groups converge on the importance of dynamic public procurement and local abattoir provision, but this convergence does not undermine the fundamental divergence in the understanding of the role of “the local” in resilient UK FSs. The local food sector’s messages appear to have gone largely unheard in mainstream policy.
Research limitations/implications
The paper presents an analysis of public sector reports focused on the UK FS released during the Covid-19 pandemic years 2020–2021. The corpus inclusion criteria mean that publications during this period which focus on other food sector issues, such social injustices, climate change and health, were not included in the analysis, although they may have touched upon local food issues. The authors further recognise that Covid-19 had a longer lasting effect on FSs than the years 2020–2021, and that many other publications on FSs have been published since. The time span chosen targets the time at which FSs were most disrupted and therefore aims to capture emerging issues and solutions for the UK FS. The authors’ insights should be further validated through a more complete review of both public reports and academic papers covering a wider base of food-related issues and sectors as well as a broader timespan.
Originality/value
A comparison of how different FS actors understand the importance of local food, especially in relation to resilience, has not been undertaken to date. The findings raise important questions about the disconnect between AFN actors and other actors in the framing of resilience. Considering the need to ensure resilience of the UK FS, this study's findings raise important insights for UK food policy about the “local food blindspot” and for food movement actors wishing to progress their vision of transformative change.
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Laila A.H.F. Dashti, Tom Jackson, Andrew West and Lisa Jackson
Due to increasing scandals involving non-halal foods, contamination and fraudulent practices within the halal food supply chain, this paper aims to identify pivotal factors…
Abstract
Purpose
Due to increasing scandals involving non-halal foods, contamination and fraudulent practices within the halal food supply chain, this paper aims to identify pivotal factors closely tied to halal food traceability and subsequently proposes a comprehensive halal food traceability model rooted in these factors.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach involved conducting a content analysis to meticulously gather data from existing scholarly works. Subsequently, the authors analysed this data using a thematic approach.
Findings
The extensive literature review yielded the identification of eight pivotal factors for the adoption and implementation of effective halal food traceability systems. These factors encompass consensus on halal food standards, government support, meeting consumer demands, ensuring the authenticity of halal food integrity, leveraging technological advancements, adherence to halal standards and certification systems, fostering stakeholder collaboration and promoting research and educational initiatives. Building upon these factors, this study presents a halal food traceability factorial model that can serve as a foundation for constructing a robust and readily-adoptable traceability system within Muslim countries.
Practical implications
The proposed halal food traceability model offers invaluable insights to stakeholders within both private enterprises and governmental bodies. By taking into account the identified factors, these stakeholders can significantly enhance their prospects for the successful adoption and implementation of traceability systems. Additionally, the paper expounds upon practical recommendations for practitioners and highlights avenues for future research aimed at establishing a robust halal traceability system across Muslim countries.
Originality/value
This paper stands as a significant contribution within the limited body of research addressing the development of an effective and readily-adoptable traceability model, thereby bolstering the integrity and safety of halal food. The outcomes of this paper are expected to catalyse improvements in the adoption and implementation of halal food traceability practices across Muslim nations.
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This chapter provides a close reading and critical analysis of work by two New York City-based Afro-Dominican artists, Joiri Minaya (1990) and Josefina Báez (1960). The author…
Abstract
This chapter provides a close reading and critical analysis of work by two New York City-based Afro-Dominican artists, Joiri Minaya (1990) and Josefina Báez (1960). The author argues that Báez' “Carmen FotonovelARTE” (2020) and Minaya's “Containers” series (2015–2020) play with the trope of repose and mixed-race beauty to chart pathways of Afro-Latina representation that are shaped by yet that radically challenge the colonial script of the mulata. The artists create a space of refusal that transforms repose into a powerful site from which to articulate, problematize, and dismantle oppressive, reductive systems of representation.
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Yuen-kiu Cheung, Jessica C.M. Li and Shimin Zhu
The aim of this study is to examine predictors and mediators of work-related stress among Hong Kong police officers.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to examine predictors and mediators of work-related stress among Hong Kong police officers.
Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative secondary survey data were used, based on surveys collected from 335 police officers in Hong Kong between May and June in 2020.
Findings
It was found that operational stressors were directly and positively related to work-related stress among Hong Kong police officers. The more the operational stressors, the more the work-related stress. It was also found that internal procedural justice had an indirect effect on work-related stress via work engagement among Hong Kong police officers. More internal procedural justice fostered an increased work engagement, causing less work-related stress.
Research limitations/implications
Given that the nature of secondary cross-sectional survey data, causal relationships are difficult to make.
Originality/value
Results from this study contribute to the expansion of the job demands-resources model (the JD-R model). This study used structural equation modelling (SEM) for quantitative secondary survey data analysis, providing a more accurate understanding of this topic. This study provides insights into how to formulate relevant measures to reduce work-related stress in policing occupation.
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Andrea Gatto, Rosa Mosca, Gianluigi Elia and Paolo Piscopo
The purpose of microcredit is to offer small loans to people who are not covered by traditional financial channels. It can facilitate entrepreneurship, boosting local…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of microcredit is to offer small loans to people who are not covered by traditional financial channels. It can facilitate entrepreneurship, boosting local socio-economic development and improving environmental and political factors.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper aims to analyse microcredit in Italy, focusing on a project based in Rione Sanità, Naples. Rione Sanità is one of the poorest areas of Southern Italy, displaying high rates of criminality and unemployment, especially among youth, women, migrants and the vulnerable. The district is renowned for its fine and ancient handicrafts, food, trade and historical heritage – potential drivers for boosting tourism in the area. Qualitative methodologies were used to collect primary data through field visits and interviews with project bankers, local businesses, artisans, associations and religious representatives, project volunteers, as well as participation at local meetings. These data were corroborated by budget analysis based on the project's accounting.
Findings
The study shows encouraging results for the project and policy prospects. Despite the tiny starting numbers, there emerges a significant potential for microcredit to spread in the district, as in Southern Italy, providing an effective strategy to combat unemployment, usury and criminality, yielding community development and favoring broad societal challenges.
Originality/value
With this evidence, the paper attempts to shed some light and verify the potential of microfinance projects as a driver of sustainable development and ethical finance in poor areas of developed countries.
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Kavita Pandey, Surendra S. Yadav and Seema Sharma
The purpose of this paper is to validate the theoretical finding that digital MNEs avoid physical presence norms of permanent establishment and royalty characterization rules for…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to validate the theoretical finding that digital MNEs avoid physical presence norms of permanent establishment and royalty characterization rules for business and royalty taxation, respectively, to escape tax incidence in the market economy, using information, communication and technology features and transfer pricing (TP) manipulations.
Design/methodology/approach
Multiple case studies of MNEs from technology sector, based on judicial decisions in 141 cases, over taxability of profits earned from Indian economic activities. Additional in-depth case study of the Uber Group to study the tax avoidance structures under platform economy, by routing of Indian profits through The Netherlands, a tax haven.
Findings
The study finds a significant number of digital MNEs earning profits from India and avoiding tax by defying physical presence and royalty characterization. In majority of the cases, demand-side business activities are discharged through incorporating and remunerating affiliates at cost plus low markup, thus avoiding tax incidence, using TP manipulations under the arm’s length principle applied by governments for benchmarking the intragroup transactions of the MNEs.
Research limitations/implications
The research findings validate the view that digital features promote tax avoidance in the market economy.
Originality/value
The originality of the study lies in the validation of profit shifting through digital features from the developing market economy and portending that digital MNEs defy physical presence to avoid business taxation through TP manipulations.
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