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Article
Publication date: 21 May 2019

Marc Kalina and Dianne Scott

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the author’s research experiences in northern Mozambique in order explore the multiplicity of gatekeeper relations that arose while…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the author’s research experiences in northern Mozambique in order explore the multiplicity of gatekeeper relations that arose while seeking to arrange access to both “the field” and respondents, as well as the impacts that these relationships had on the research process. Although this dynamic has been thoroughly described within methodological literature, there exists a tendency to presume research–gatekeeper relations as static; once established, there is little discussion on how the relationships develop or can be managed, once access has (or has not) been achieved.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws upon qualitative fieldwork conducted predominantly in rural communities in northern Mozambique. The study analysed the development of the Nacala Development Corridor programme and the N13 Highway Rehabilitation Project in northern Mozambique in order to examine the impacts of the development on local citizens and examine the relationship between citizen and state within development processes. Fieldwork consisted of three different phases of semi-structured and open-ended interviews with key stakeholders and affected persons, spanning five different interview schedules, and a total of 77 individual interviews and 27 community focus groups conducted along the N13.

Findings

The study found that duality of Mozambican governance which includes both local officials and traditional leadership contributed to a multiplicity of local gatekeepers which impacted the research process in a multitude of ways. As a result, researcher–gatekeeper relations were not static, but had to be managed throughout the duration of the study.

Originality/value

This discussion provides a more dynamic representation of the challenges involved with establishing and managing gatekeeper relations in rural, developing, and in particular, southern African, contexts, while offering cautious practical advice to researchers working within rural or southern African contexts.

Details

Qualitative Research Journal, vol. 19 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1443-9883

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1973

Current issues of Publishers' Weekly are reporting serious shortages of paper, binders board, cloth, and other essential book manufacturing materials. Let us assure you these…

Abstract

Current issues of Publishers' Weekly are reporting serious shortages of paper, binders board, cloth, and other essential book manufacturing materials. Let us assure you these shortages are very real and quite severe.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 1 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

Article
Publication date: 3 February 2012

Carol Rivas, Stephanie Taylor, Stephen Abbott, Aileen Clarke, Chris Griffiths, C. Michael Roberts and Robert Stone

The purpose of this paper is to examine perceptions of local service change and concepts of change amongst participants in a UK nationwide randomised controlled trial of informal…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine perceptions of local service change and concepts of change amongst participants in a UK nationwide randomised controlled trial of informal, structured, reciprocated, multidisciplinary peer review with feedback to promote quality improvement: the National Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Resources and Outcomes Project (NCROP).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a qualitative study, involving semi‐structured interviews with 43 hospital respiratory consultants, nurses and general managers at 24 intervention and 11 control NCROP sites. Thematic analysis resulted in adoption of Joss and Kogan's quality indicators as an analytic framework.

Findings

The paper finds that peer review was associated with positive changes, which may lead to sustained service improvement. Differences existed in perceptions of change among clinicians and between clinicians and managers. “Generic changes” (e.g. changes in interpersonal relations or cultural changes), were often not perceived as change.

Research limitations/implications

The study highlights the significance of generic change in evaluations of change processes. Most participants were clinicians limiting inter‐professional comparisons. Some clinical staff failed to recognise changes they accomplished or their significance, perceiving change differently to others within their professional group. These findings have implications for policy and research. They should be considered when developing frameworks for assessing quality improvements and staff engagement with change.

Originality/value

This is the first qualitative study exploring participants' experience of peer review for quality improvement in healthcare. The study adds to previous research into UK health service improvement, which has had a more restricted focus on inter‐professional differences.

Details

International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, vol. 25 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0952-6862

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 February 2010

Kazuo Watanabe, Mugume Bangi and Takashi Horiguchi

The structural properties of concrete have been studied most widely as a function of compressive strength at elevated temperature. However, only a limited number of studies have…

Abstract

The structural properties of concrete have been studied most widely as a function of compressive strength at elevated temperature. However, only a limited number of studies have been conducted on the flexural behaviour of High Strength Concrete (HSC) at elevated temperature.

In this paper, an investigation of the flexural behaviour (bending strength and fracture energy) of HSC and Hybrid-Fibre-Reinforced High Strength Concrete (HFRHSC) was carried out. Physical properties and fracture energy were evaluated during heat exposure (hot test) and after heat exposure (residual test).

The results show maximum load decreased suddenly at 200 °C under the hot test environment. For specimens containing steel fibres, the maximum load did not drop suddenly in the hot test condition. It was verified from the Load-Crack Mouth Opening Displacement (CMOD) curve.

In the hot tests, the HFRHSC mixture was very effective in preventing brittle fracture.

Details

Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-2317

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 October 2018

Cecilia Mornata and Iolanda Cassar

This study aims to focus on newcomers’ learning strategies when they perceive organizational socialization support to be lacking, and on interpersonal characteristics that…

1317

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to focus on newcomers’ learning strategies when they perceive organizational socialization support to be lacking, and on interpersonal characteristics that insiders should possess to support the newcomers’ proactive behaviors in this context.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through 14 face-to-face, in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed with a conventional content analysis method (Paillé and Mucchielli, 2013), involving first a thematic analysis and afterward, a conceptual analysis using MaxQDA11©.

Findings

The authors’ analysis highlights that when newcomers perceive the formal organizational socialization support as lacking, they regulate their proactive behaviors by seeking indirect guidance, and more precisely, by engaging in informal interactions with insiders likely to help them socialize. These interactions can have a cost in terms of self-image, so newcomers regulate their proactive behaviors by looking for insiders perceived to be psychologically safe, even if they have to look for them in other working contexts.

Practical implications

Considering the regulation process of newcomers’ proactive behaviors according to their perceptions, human resources management should focus on those perceptions and develop a blended learning approach including formal learning programs, as well as individualized support to facilitate on-the-job learning and respond to personal needs. Special consideration should also be given to interpersonal skills displayed by insiders.

Originality/value

The originality of the study is the use of a qualitative methodology focusing on newcomers’ main learning strategy according to their perception of organizational socialization support and the psychological safety climate. The limitations of the authors’ work are the size of the study population and the fact that part of the interviewees were successfully socialized by reaching 15 months on their new post at the point where the interviews were conducted.

Details

Journal of Workplace Learning, vol. 30 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-5626

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 1999

Habib Sammouda, Ali Belghith and Claude Surry

The aim of the present investigation was to study numerically the transient of thermal convection in a square cavity filled with low‐Prandtl‐number fluids. The flow is driven by…

Abstract

The aim of the present investigation was to study numerically the transient of thermal convection in a square cavity filled with low‐Prandtl‐number fluids. The flow is driven by the horizontal temperature gradient between the vertical walls maintained at different temperatures. Two‐dimensional equations of conservation and energy are solved using a finite element method and a fractional step time. The discrete equations systems are solved in the lap of each element‐mesh with the aim of verifying the Boussinesq hypothesis locally. To compare our results with the earlier predictions, we have chosen the fluids for Prandtl‐numbers 0.001, 0.005 and 0.01 and with Grashof numbers up to 1 × 107. To predict the steady state solutions with an oscillary transient period, the results are reduced in terms of the time series average Nusselt‐number at the vertical walls, the velocity at the center of the cavity and near right boundary. In addition, the isotherms and the velocity field are produced with the aim of showing the main circulation and particularly the weak circulations at the corners of the cavity.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 9 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 September 2019

Aziz Boutouil, My Rachid Laamari, Ilham Elazhary, Hafid Anane, Abdeslem Ben Tama and Salah-Eddine Stiriba

This study aims to investigate the inhibition effect of a newly synthesized1,2,3-triazole containing a carbohydrate and imidazole substituents, namely…

109

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the inhibition effect of a newly synthesized1,2,3-triazole containing a carbohydrate and imidazole substituents, namely, 1-((1-((2,2,7,7-tetramethyltetrahydro-5H-bis([1,3]dioxolo)[4,5-b:4′,5′-d]pyran-5-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole (TTB) on the corrosion of mild steel in aerated 1 M H2SO4.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have used weight loss measurement, potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, FT-IR studies, scanning electron microscopy analysis and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy techniques.

Findings

It is found that, in the working range of 298-328 K, the inhibition efficiency of TTB increases with increasing concentration to attain the highest value (92 per cent) at 2.5 × 10−3 M. Both chemisorption and physisorption of TTB take place on the mild steel, resulting in the formation of an inhibiting film. Computational methods point to the imidazole and phenyl ring as the main structural parts responsible of adsorption by electron-donating to the steel surface, while the triazol ring is responsible for the electron accepting. Such strong donating–accepting interactions lead to higher inhibition efficiency of TTB in the aqueous working system.

Originality/value

This work is original with the aim of finding new acid corrosion inhibitors.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 66 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 December 2023

Saroj Kumar Pani and Madhusmita Tripathy

This paper explains why some firms manage to capture disproportionate value from their network of relationships, leading to superior performance. The paper examines how a firm's…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper explains why some firms manage to capture disproportionate value from their network of relationships, leading to superior performance. The paper examines how a firm's dependencies affect its value appropriation potential (VAP) in economic networks.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper follows the axiomatic method and the embeddedness perspective of firms to develop an index called nodal power, which captures the power that accrues to a firm in exchange-based economic networks. Thereafter, using the formal method and simulation, it shows nodal power reflects a firm's VAP in economic networks.

Findings

The study analysis and findings prove that a firm's dyadic level exchange relations and the embedded network structure determine its VAP by affecting the nodal power. A firm with lesser nodal power is likely to appropriate less value from its relations even if it equally contributes to the value creation. This finding explains how the structural and relational characteristics of a firm's network enable disproportionate value appropriation.

Practical implications

Nodal power furthers the scope of analyzing firms' economic relationships and changing power equations in dynamic networks. It can help firms build optimal strategic networks and manage the portfolio of relationships by predicting the impact of changing relations on firms' VAP.

Originality/value

The paper's original contribution is to explain, through formal analysis, why and how the structure and nature of relations of firms affect their VAP. The paper also formalizes the power-dependence principle through a dependency-based index called nodal power and uses it to show how interfirm dependencies are key to value appropriation.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 6 November 2015

Gregory Bott

Through an inductive approach, I examine the process in which autonomy is exercised in the board-executive director relationship. A further contribution of the current study is…

Abstract

Purpose

Through an inductive approach, I examine the process in which autonomy is exercised in the board-executive director relationship. A further contribution of the current study is the exploration of the antecedents of the delegation process.

Methodology/approach

Utilizing the benefits of semi-structured critical incident interviews, and analysis of organizational documentation, I study the process in which autonomy is exercised in the board-executive director relationship.

Findings

Evidence is found within organizations of times when it is clear that board members understand that there are boundaries to their role, respecting this autonomy, and times when board members overstep their role. Next, in the current study, I explore the antecedents of the delegation process, including identification of role boundaries, role clarity, clear expectations, trust in the executive director, and trust in the governance control systems.

Research implications

Autonomy has historically been examined within seemingly paradoxical frameworks; this has included investigating autonomy as part of the definition of laissez faire leadership, as a key feature of transformational leadership and as one component of the jobs characteristics model, while others have characterized it as a stream of shared leadership. In the current project, the process of providing autonomy takes on characteristics consistent with both vertical leadership and distributed leadership. The executive director similarly plays a role in maintaining previously defined role boundaries, which is evidence of bidirectional influence. However, the board plays a disproportionately larger role in delineating and maintaining role boundaries – characteristics I demonstrate as being consistent with transformational leadership.

Originality/value

In this chapter, I provide a refreshing divergence from typical board prescriptions, in that I examine the board-executive director relationship through a behavioural lens. A clear understanding of the mutual influence and antecedents of autonomy are important to practitioners seeking to enhance performance through the delineation of roles.

Details

Contingency, Behavioural and Evolutionary Perspectives on Public and Nonprofit Governance
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78560-429-4

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 September 2022

Ak Wai Li, Luanne S. Sinnamon and Rick Kopak

The purpose of this study is to explore open data portals as data literacy learning environments. The authors examined the obstacles faced and strategies used by university…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore open data portals as data literacy learning environments. The authors examined the obstacles faced and strategies used by university students as non-expert open data portal users with different levels of data literacy, to inform the design of portals intended to scaffold informal and situated learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an observational user study, in which 14 student participants grouped by self-reported data literacy measures carried out assigned tasks in an open data portal. Data were collected through screen capture, think-aloud protocols and post-session interviews.

Findings

Participants experienced numerous challenges in finding and using data, with some variation shown between the different literacy groups. The higher data literacy group primarily faced challenges using unfamiliar tools, which may be addressed by improving system usability, while the lower data literacy group struggled due to gaps in basic understanding, which may be addressed by increasing point of need instruction and guidance. Participants used several learning strategies but primarily relied upon trial and error, which was less effective for low data literacy users.

Originality/value

This study is unique in comparing open data portal use among adult students across data literacy levels through an empirical user study. It contributes methodologically by proposing an instrument for data literacy assessment. It offers a novel perspective on information systems as sites for informal learning and skills development, beyond the immediate goals of system use, and offers concrete suggestions for the future design of open data portals for students and non-expert, citizen users.

Details

Information and Learning Sciences, vol. 123 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-5348

Keywords

1 – 10 of 121