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1 – 10 of over 4000Priyanka Rebecca Tharian, Sadie Henderson, Nataya Wathanasin, Nikita Hayden, Verity Chester and Samuel Tromans
Fiction has the potential to dispel myths and helps improve public understanding and knowledge of the experiences of under-represented groups. Representing the diversity of the…
Abstract
Purpose
Fiction has the potential to dispel myths and helps improve public understanding and knowledge of the experiences of under-represented groups. Representing the diversity of the population allows individuals to feel included, connected with and understood by society. Whether women and girls with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are adequately and accurately represented in fictional media is currently unknown. The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
Internet and library searches were conducted to identify female characters with ASD in works of fiction. Examples of such works were selected for further discussion based on their accessibility, perceived historical and cultural significance and additional characteristics that made the work particularly meaningful.
Findings
The search highlighted a number of female characters with ASD across a range of media, including books, television, film, theatre and video games. Many were written by authors who had a diagnosis of the condition themselves, or other personal experience. Pieces largely portrayed characters with traits that are highly recognised within the academic literature. However, some also appeared to endorse outdated myths and stereotypes. Existing works appear to preferentially portray high functioning autistic women, with limited representation of those whom also have intellectual disability.
Originality/value
This is the first exploration of the depiction of ASD in females within fiction. There is a need for more works of fiction responsibly depicting females with ASD, as this can help reduce stigma, develop public awareness and recognition and increase representation.
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I was recently given a May 1978 copy of Industrial and Commercial Training by Stuart Sinfield who, as Education and Development Manager of A A Jones and Shipman Ltd, Leicester…
Abstract
I was recently given a May 1978 copy of Industrial and Commercial Training by Stuart Sinfield who, as Education and Development Manager of A A Jones and Shipman Ltd, Leicester, was interested in my reaction to his article on ‘The Engineering Option’. This article, along with some of the points raised by Professor C H Dobinson and more particularly John Wellens' ‘Comment’ have prompted me not only to put a teacher's point of view, but also to attempt to draw together a number of ideas that may explain the paradox of practical subjects teaching in school. Nearly a year has passed since the May 1978 edition was published, but in relation to the time scale of changes in education this is not so long ago.
Caitlin Notley, Ben Houghton, Vivienne Maskrey, Richard Holland, Anne Lingford-Hughes, Bhaskar Punukollu, Theodora Duka and Christos Kouimtsidis
Dependent alcohol use is a severe addictive disorder with significant enduring consequences for health and social functioning. This study aims to inductively explore the process…
Abstract
Purpose
Dependent alcohol use is a severe addictive disorder with significant enduring consequences for health and social functioning. This study aims to inductively explore the process of identity change for alcohol dependent people progressing through a “pre-habilitation” intervention, alcohol detoxification and post-detoxification recovery support.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative study as a part of a process evaluation situated within a UK feasibility trial of a group-based intervention in preparation for structured alcohol detoxification. Semi-structured qualitative interviews (face-to-face or telephone) collected self-reported data on experiences of treatment provision as part of the feasibility trial. Thematic analysis of transcripts and iterative categorisation of identity-related themes and concepts was conducted with verification of analysis undertaken by a second coder.
Findings
Identity change was revealed in participant narratives around the meta themes of external (social-identity) and internal (self-identity) concepts. External influences impacting social identity were key, having influenced initiation into alcohol use, influencing acceptance of the stigmatised “alcoholic” label and then being central to the treatment journey. Internal influences on self-identity also impacted on the process of identity change. In recovery, there was hope in discovering a new “normal” identity or rediscovering normality.
Originality/value
Analysis demonstrates that moving from regular alcohol use to problematic use is a journey of identity change that is influenced at the macro (cultural), meso (group) and micro (relational) social levels. Throughout the treatment journey, social influences in gaining a new non-drinker identity are key. Findings suggest a need for long-term support through treatment and community-based groups specifically to foster positive identity change that may not have been addressed previously.
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Melissa Bone, Gary Potter and Axel Klein
The purpose of this paper is to introduce the special issue on Illicit Cannabis Cultivation in a Time of Policy Change.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce the special issue on Illicit Cannabis Cultivation in a Time of Policy Change.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper reviews some of the different adaptations made by cannabis growers in countries where cannabis has not been legalised.
Findings
Cannabis growers are adjusting to different legal settings by focusing on home production. Participation in cultivation is a crime, but can also be activism: an effort to change the law. Medical use of cannabis is a particularly important driver here. Having to break the law to alleviate symptoms and treat illnesses provides both a greater sense of urgency and a level of sympathy not usually granted to illicit drug users.
Practical implications
Grass-roots advocacy may drive policy change.
Originality/value
This is an original assessment of current state of knowledge on cannabis cultivation in countries where cannabis cultivation remains restricted.
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Cliff Oswick, Tom Keenoy, Armin Beverungen, Nick Ellis, Ida Sabelis and Sierk Ybema
The purpose of this paper is to consider the interplay between discourse, policy and practice in relation to aspects of organization and processes of organizing.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to consider the interplay between discourse, policy and practice in relation to aspects of organization and processes of organizing.
Design/methodology/approach
Provides an introduction to the six contributions contained in this special issue and discusses how they relate to the core theme.
Findings
Highlights the need for an approach which treats discourses, policies and practices as connected and mutually implicated, rather than discrete, phenomena.
Originality/value
Presents an approach to discourse analysis which promotes an engagement with wider aspects of social activity.
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Increasing emphasis on information skills in primary and secondary schools is generating new kinds of database use arising from tuition in the search process. These small‐scale…
Abstract
Increasing emphasis on information skills in primary and secondary schools is generating new kinds of database use arising from tuition in the search process. These small‐scale curriculum databases are not at present linked to pervasive resource centre databases and there are hardware and software compatibility problems in securing such links. The schools market has been recognised by software houses, which have responded with easier user interfaces and new integrated packages, but those choosing software for schools often lack specialist advice. The unprecedented levels of expertise in information handling now achieved by growing numbers of children will equip them to become demanding end‐users of information services.
Dean Patton, Dominic Elliott and Colin Lenaghan
This paper addresses the issue of environmental auditing by smaller business units and compares the actions of the small firm sector with those of larger organisations. It will…
Abstract
This paper addresses the issue of environmental auditing by smaller business units and compares the actions of the small firm sector with those of larger organisations. It will focus on four key themes: the necessity to bring small firms to environmental account; the relationship between organisational size and the use of environmental audits; the reasons why smaller business units are less likely to undertake an environmental audit; policies that could improve the environmental practices of smaller firms.
Against the backdrop of falling standards and failing government policies in the education sector in Nigeria, this paper aimed to investigate how and why non-state actors can make…
Abstract
Purpose
Against the backdrop of falling standards and failing government policies in the education sector in Nigeria, this paper aimed to investigate how and why non-state actors can make a significant impact on the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals for universal basic education (UBE).
Design/methodology/approach
This study draws from semi-structured interviews of 15 heads and proprietors – six state-funded schools, six faith schools and three other privately owned schools – to examine and compare the different motivations, guiding principles and overall impact of these actors in the education sector.
Findings
Religious actors, along with private providers, are making a significant contribution to the provision of basic education in Nigeria. Students from faith schools tend to perform better academically and they also tend to be more disciplined and resourceful. However, because these schools are fee-paying, fewer households are able to access them.
Practical implications
The findings highlight the need to facilitate better cooperation and knowledge transfer activities between public, private and faith schools. It also emphasises the need for better government commitment and investment in provision of resources and facilities, effort in regulating the curriculum and regular inspection and quality monitoring of public schools.
Originality/value
The study highlights, on the one hand, the superior capacity of non-state actors – especially religious actors – to deploy their vast social capital towards the mobilisation of funds and human resources. On the other hand, while they have made inroads in their share of total national school enrolment, non-state actors have not made significant impact on access to quality education, owing to high fees and entry barriers faced by poorer households.
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Richard Jefferies, Ibrahim H.N. Sheriff, Jacob H. Matthews, Olivia Jagger, Sarah Curtis, Peter Lees, Peter C. Spurgeon, Alex Oldman, Ali Habib, Azam Saied, Jessica Court, Marilena Giannoudi, Meelad Sayma, Nicholas Ward, Nick Cork, Olamide Olatokun, Oliver Devine, Paul O'Connell, Phoebe Carr, Rafail Angelos Kotronias, Rebecca Gardiner, Rory T Buckle, Ross J Thomson, Sarah Williams, Simon J. Nicholson, Usman Goga and Daniel Mark Fountain
Although medical leadership and management (MLM) is increasingly being recognised as important to improving healthcare outcomes, little is understood about current training of…
Abstract
Purpose
Although medical leadership and management (MLM) is increasingly being recognised as important to improving healthcare outcomes, little is understood about current training of medical students in MLM skills and behaviours in the UK. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative study used validated structured interviews with expert faculty members from medical schools across the UK to ascertain MLM framework integration, teaching methods employed, evaluation methods and barriers to improvement.
Findings
Data were collected from 25 of the 33 UK medical schools (76 per cent response rate), with 23/25 reporting that MLM content is included in their curriculum. More medical schools assessed MLM competencies on admission than at any other time of the curriculum. Only 12 schools had evaluated MLM teaching at the time of data collection. The majority of medical schools reported barriers, including overfilled curricula and reluctance of staff to teach. Whilst 88 per cent of schools planned to increase MLM content over the next two years, there was a lack of consensus on proposed teaching content and methods.
Research limitations/implications
There is widespread inclusion of MLM in UK medical schools’ curricula, despite the existence of barriers. This study identified substantial heterogeneity in MLM teaching and assessment methods which does not meet students’ desired modes of delivery. Examples of national undergraduate MLM teaching exist worldwide, and lessons can be taken from these.
Originality/value
This is the first national evaluation of MLM in undergraduate medical school curricula in the UK, highlighting continuing challenges with executing MLM content despite numerous frameworks and international examples of successful execution.
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Dave Buchanan, Simone Jordan, Diane Preston and Alison Smith
Aims to examine medical involvement in hospital management processes, and to consider the implications of current experience for the next generation of clinical directors. Doctors…
Abstract
Aims to examine medical involvement in hospital management processes, and to consider the implications of current experience for the next generation of clinical directors. Doctors who move into a formal management role often find themselves unprepared for their new responsibilities. Research has thus concentrated on identifying the management competences which doctors lack, and with designing ways to remedy the deficit. Seeks to move beyond this deficit model by adopting a perspective which focuses on the engagement of doctors in the management process. Draws data from in‐depth interviews with six clinical directors and 19 other members of the hospital management team at Leicester General Hospital NHS Trust (LGH). Content analysis of interviews suggests that the engagement of clinical directors in the hospital management process at this site can be described as reluctant, transient, service‐driven, power‐pulled and pressured. This negative portrayal of the role, however, must be set in the context of the “management expectation” held of clinical directors by other hospital managers and staff ‐ an expectation that is not currently fulfilled.
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