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11 – 20 of 57This chapter will consider the workings of microcelebrity in the context of an evolving Indian cyber public. In the contemporary moment, large-scale battles for control over the…
Abstract
This chapter will consider the workings of microcelebrity in the context of an evolving Indian cyber public. In the contemporary moment, large-scale battles for control over the world’s youngest and increasingly digitally active demographic are in full swing – both by corporations like Facebook through efforts like Free Basics, as well as by ideologues who wish to mold the “idea of India” in certain ways. While digital spaces are often framed as liberating, there are also extremely strong conservative forces that are well established. It is within this context that I would like to examine the recent growth of the Indian online comedic scene whose popularity has increased by leaps and bounds. My particular focus will be the comedy collective of AIB (All India Backchod), who are most prominent on Youtube. This collective has garnered significant popularity through their deployment of viral comedic videos riffing off on various aspects of Indian society and have also made socially aware videos around hot button issues like gay rights and women’s rights. I would like to examine their treatment of gender and sexuality particularly in the context of it being made up primarily of straight men and how that has affected their engagement both with the content of their videos, as well as their ability to leverage their online visibility. I will be using ideas of postcolonial cyberspace as theorized by Nishant Shah (2015) as well as theorists of microcelebrity and the use of humor such as Theresa Senft (2013).
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Crystal Abidin and Megan Lindsay Brown
Although the early conversations of microcelebrity centered on Anglo-centric theories and context despite the varied backgrounds and cultural context of microcelebrity, this…
Abstract
Although the early conversations of microcelebrity centered on Anglo-centric theories and context despite the varied backgrounds and cultural context of microcelebrity, this compilation of chapters seeks to assess and reframe the applications and uptake of microcelebrity around the world. Each of the chapters in this anthology contribute to expand the theoretical concept and contextualize the history and cultural affairs of those who are famous online. The case studies provide examples of how a microcelebrity emerges to fame because of their exposure and interaction within a group of niche users, a specific online community, or a specific cultural and geographical context through the social networks that emerge online. Academic scholarship on microcelebrity has crossed methodologies, disciplines and platforms demonstrating the wide appeal as the influence of these figures are on the rise. As preparation for the reader, this chapter offers a brief history of current scholarship, with an emphasis on shifting knowledge production away from an Anglo and Global North perspective. The introduction chapter serves as a road map for the reader breaking down each of the three sections of the book – norms, labors, and activism. Lastly, the co-editors have outlined different ways to read the text group chapters according to reader interest.
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Sadia Mehfooz Khan, Muhammad Ali, Chin-Hong Puah, Hanudin Amin and Muhammad Shujaat Mubarak
This study aims to investigate two primary objectives. First, this study examines the influence of modified service quality dimensions on Islamic bank customer satisfaction using…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate two primary objectives. First, this study examines the influence of modified service quality dimensions on Islamic bank customer satisfaction using a compliance, reliability, empathy, assurance, tangible, operational efficiency, responsiveness (CREATOR) model. Second, the study explores the relationship between customer satisfaction, trust, loyalty and word of mouth (WOM) in Islamic banking of Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed model was analyzed using PLS-SEM-based approach. A total of 312 usable responses were used for data analysis.
Findings
The results indicate that all CREATOR dimensions have a significant positive impact on Islamic banks’ customer satisfaction. Similarly, this study also found a significant positive relationship between customer satisfaction, trust, loyalty and WOM. Overall, this study modified a well-established service quality framework by successfully implementing the CREATOR model in Islamic banking.
Originality/value
This study will provide helpful policy guidelines for Islamic bank managers improve their service quality and strengthen their relationships with existing and new customers. The authors are also sure that their proposed model will add value to the ongoing service quality literature by indicating the role of operational effectiveness in increasing customer satisfaction and promoting positive WOM.
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Thomas Board, Salma Ali and Annie Bartlett
– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate a new Intellectual Disability (ID) screening service within a women’s prison in England.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate a new Intellectual Disability (ID) screening service within a women’s prison in England.
Design/methodology/approach
Analysis of prisoner records was carried out to establish characteristics of women entering the prison, rates of screening completion and time intervals for all stages of the assessment pathway.
Findings
In total 198 women were received into prison and underwent 202 ID screens. Nine out of ten women completed a screen, almost all on arrival or very soon afterwards. There were 23 referrals for secondary assessment but only four were completed. Most of the women identified for additional screening left the prison before this could be achieved.
Originality/value
This evaluation is the first to show that preliminary screening for ID is feasible in prison. This screening alone is useful for prisons to make the kind of reasonable adjustment required of public bodies by the Equality Act. However, its value is constrained unless resources are also dedicated to the kind of additional screening which might lead to definitive diagnosis and care planning for intellectual disability. This model of assessment would be of considerable value in establishing prisoners at risk by virtue of different levels of intellectual disability and could be used to provide more reliable and routine estimates of prevalence contributing to overall better service planning.
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Ahmed A.R. Al‐Nakeeb, Trefor Williams, Peter Hibberd and Stuart Gronow
Many large construction companies in the UK are now operating a quality assurance (QA) system to ISO 9000, yet there seems to be no available evidence that they have developed any…
Abstract
Many large construction companies in the UK are now operating a quality assurance (QA) system to ISO 9000, yet there seems to be no available evidence that they have developed any way of measuring the “effectiveness” of their systems in meeting prescribed quality objectives. This paper discusses the difficulties faced in attempting to develop a model in the form of a matrix to measure the effectiveness of QA systems.
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Laura Ramsay, Helen Wakeling, Rebecca De Lucchi and Hannah Gilbert
The purpose of this paper is to examine staff views’ of the usefulness of the Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) screening tools for learning disability and/or…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine staff views’ of the usefulness of the Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) screening tools for learning disability and/or learning challenges (LDC) on offending behaviour programme selection and programme participant’s learning experiences.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 11 treatment managers (TMs) and 10 programme graduates across 4 prison sites, from a range of HMPPS accredited programmes were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed, analysed and interpreted using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) method of thematic analysis.
Findings
Overall, TMs found the screening tools useful in aiding programme allocation decisions, particularly, in terms of the triangulated approach and were, in general, using them in line with the guidance. A number of key factors influenced programme allocation decisions, including participant factors, information gathered from a number of sources and from a range of staff and in collaboration with the individual. The importance of being responsive to the needs of the individual was highlighted. Group participants generally felt they were on the right programme according to their needs and found the programmes responsive. Suggestions for further research and improving programme selection are made.
Research limitations/implications
Data were collected from four prisons, each providing a number of different accredited programmes. Caution is, therefore, needed when generalising the findings.
Originality/value
This research contributes to ensuring that those with LDC have equality of opportunity in reducing their risk of reoffending through accessing HMPPS accredited offending behaviour programmes most responsive to their learning needs. It also contributes to the growing evidence base about the effective use of LDC screening tools in forensic settings.
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Panagiotis Trivellas and Dimitra Dargenidou
The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of leadership roles on the quality of services provided in higher education.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of leadership roles on the quality of services provided in higher education.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing upon a sample of 134 faculty and administration members at the Technological Educational Institution (TEI) of Larissa, a structured questionnaire is developed to measure leadership roles and quality in services and internal processes. The competing values model is adopted to operationalise the eight leadership roles.
Findings
Results indicate that different leadership roles are linked with different dimensions of higher education service quality. The importance of the innovator and monitor role in explaining the variance of two out of four teaching quality aspects is confirmed, while the broker and facilitator roles are strongly associated with both dimensions of administration quality. The producer, director and coordinator proved to be the most prevalent roles among administration staff, while the director, coordinator and mentor roles dominated among faculty members.
Research limitations/implications
The possibility to generalise the results to other countries with different characteristics (e.g. regulatory framework, economic development) needs to be verified, by executing similar research projects.
Practical implications
Understanding the nature of the association between leadership and higher education service quality would enable academics and administrators to pursue or cultivate these roles and behaviours fostering both the quality of teaching and administration.
Originality/value
The research led to the diagnosis of the leadership role profiles of both administration and faculty members. Findings also highlight the importance of specific leadership roles in explaining the variance of different aspects of higher education service quality.
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