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1 – 10 of over 2000
Book part
Publication date: 26 November 2019

Emily C. Bouck and Jiyoon Park

Transition is important to all students but especially important to students with intellectual disability who may need additional supports throughout their vertical transitions in…

Abstract

Transition is important to all students but especially important to students with intellectual disability who may need additional supports throughout their vertical transitions in education. This chapter discusses different vertical transitions students with intellectual disability face in education, with particular attention to the movement from high school to adult life. Throughout the chapter, research regarding current transition practices and outcomes for students with intellectual disability is discussed as well as evidence-based practices to support students with intellectual disability as they transition to post-school.

Details

Special Education Transition Services for Students with Disabilities
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83867-977-4

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1944

R.B. McIntyre

THE Mosquito aeroplane is, perhaps, the outstanding achievement of this war. While the latest performance figures are still held secret, it may be told that it is the fastest…

Abstract

THE Mosquito aeroplane is, perhaps, the outstanding achievement of this war. While the latest performance figures are still held secret, it may be told that it is the fastest aircraft in operation in the world. The design was not started until after the war began, so that it represents another world record—time from drawing board to operations against the enemy: 22 months—and the prototype flight, trials took place only eleven months after design began.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 16 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2009

Douglas B. Fuller

The purpose of this paper is to explore the limitations of the national system of innovation (NSI) approach in countries in developing economies with at best incomplete sets of…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the limitations of the national system of innovation (NSI) approach in countries in developing economies with at best incomplete sets of market institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employed a grounded theory approach using semi‐structured interviews to explore a case study of one industry segment (the IC design industry segment) in one developing economy, China.

Findings

This paper argues that developing countries have institutions beyond the national system that can affect science and technology activities. Owing to co‐ethnic transnational technology networks and the politics of finance, China's firms experience distinct patterns of performance not explained by the NSI framework. A particular type of foreign firm, the hybrid foreign‐invested enterprise, combines foreign finance with commitment to China to drive China's technological development. Other firms, particularly those closely tied to the Chinese state, contribute less or even negatively to China's development. Strong ties to the state in the context of China actually undermine the incentive for innovation.

Originality/value

This paper deconstructs both NSI and the idea of national political economies more broadly. The paper also offers value in presenting a detailed case study of on‐the‐ground innovation and upgrading in China.

Details

Chinese Management Studies, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-614X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 January 2011

Olga Ivanova and Sylvaine Castellano

The aim of this paper is two‐fold: to examine the challenges that organizations that have originated in transition environments face when moving from one layer of the environment…

1955

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is two‐fold: to examine the challenges that organizations that have originated in transition environments face when moving from one layer of the environment (local/national) to another one (international/global) and to enrich the understanding of the legitimacy concept by looking at two types of legitimacy (functional and relational) relevant to the organizations in transition environments trying to access the global marketplace.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the legitimacy needs of organizations evolving in transition environments and trying to access a different environmental layer, we developed a signalling theory of legitimacy.

Findings

When trying to move from one layer of the environment to another one, organizations will use different types of legitimacy signals in order to address the liabilities they face.

Research limitations/implications

The research examines organizations facing both drastic environmental changes and evolving in a global industry. Future research can separately study the impact of each factor; and also investigate additional types of liabilities.

Practical implications

The study can help organizations from transition and emerging economies identify and employ signals that can enhance their organizational legitimacy, which may affect their performance. Additionally, public policy implications are developed in order to stimulate local businesses.

Originality/value

The multidimensionality of a signalling theory of legitimacy – functional and relational – increases our understanding of organizations facing liabilities, such as firms evolving in transition environments and trying to access the global marketplace.

Details

Baltic Journal of Management, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5265

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2005

Sungmin Park, Alan B. Henkin and Robert Egley

To investigate relationships between teamwork, trust and teacher team commitment.

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Abstract

Purpose

To investigate relationships between teamwork, trust and teacher team commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

Research has confirmed the value‐added effects of organizational commitment in terms of job performance, organizational effectiveness, and employee retention. This study focused on teacher teams as the unit of analysis, and posited associations between teamwork, viewed as team skills, trust and teacher team commitment. Data were derived from responses of elementary school teachers to an instrument including established measures of teamwork component skills, affective‐ and cognition‐based trust, and team commitment.

Findings

Teamwork was found to be a significant predictor of teacher team commitment. Respondents showing higher levels of teamwork skills perceived higher levels of team commitment. Results, while not entirely confirmatory, suggested the importance of trust in the commitment equation.

Research limitations/implications

This research was limited by the study sample of elementary schools. Future research should test initially confirmed associations in different school contexts with substantially dissimilar teacher demographics, and include consideration of dispositional antecedents that may impact teacher perceptions.

Practical implications

School leaders concerned with teacher commitment and related implications for teacher retention should consider strategies to strengthen performance‐enhancing teamwork and support satisfying teaming processes.

Originality/value

This study provides an initial understanding of teacher teamwork and affects on commitment in the context of teams viewed as building blocks of organization in locally‐managed schools.

Details

Journal of Educational Administration, vol. 43 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-8234

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 23 October 2023

Roisin Donnelly and Anthony Ryan

This study considered the use of video conferencing virtual backgrounds with employees located in a large multinational corporate organisation in Ireland and the USA to discern if…

Abstract

Purpose

This study considered the use of video conferencing virtual backgrounds with employees located in a large multinational corporate organisation in Ireland and the USA to discern if background images evoking gendered stereotypes of leadership can cue stereotype threat in female technology workers undertaking a leadership activity, thus negatively effecting performance. This study aims to contribute to the body of research on stereotype threat by establishing whether virtual backgrounds used in video conferencing software are inherently identity safe or whether their use could have a negative performance impact on marginalised groups.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a mixed methods research design with 22 participants in two countries working in the one large organisation, using two quantitative methods (an experiment and a survey) and one qualitative method (semi-structured interviews), the study examined the relationship between performance on the leadership activity and exposure to gendered backgrounds on a video conference call.

Findings

It found that female leaders undertaking a leadership test experienced more anxiety and achieved lower scores on average when exposed to a male-gendered virtual background compared to male colleagues or female leaders exposed to a female gendered background. It was also found that these leaders were aware of the stereotype of leadership being White and male, and showed symptoms of prolonged exposure to stereotype threat in the workplace. While the authors still are working through a post-pandemic environment, it may be judicious for organisations to restrict the use of virtual backgrounds to identity-safe ones, specifically chosen by the company.

Research limitations/implications

The study makes several practical recommendations, indicating actions which can be taken at the individual, team and corporate levels. Re-running this experiment in a more controlled environment with a larger sample set could yield more definitive, statistically significant results and contribute more to the literature.

Practical implications

Some individual impacts were found via the interviews. Male leaders in the organisation need to do more to mentor and endorse their female colleagues. By doing this, they can counter the negative effects of solo status and the subsequent performance degradations of their female counterparts, while also setting an example for other leaders. Participation in the mentoring programme and initiatives such as Dare and value, inclusion, belonging, and equity should be encouraged and supported. Reverse mentoring should also be encouraged among the population of male leaders to aid in allyship and bias-awareness.

Social implications

Teams should note that a democratic vote is not always the best way to decide on the names of teams, projects or meeting rooms. These may skew towards niche interests that can serve to alienate members of the team who do not associate themselves with that interest. Rather, the teams should strive to be fully inclusive and educated on the need for identity-safety. Team events may also serve to alienate members if teams are not mindful of the need to be inclusive. Activities, such as “go-kart” racing and physical or competitive team events have been highlighted as unsuitable for some team members, and should be avoided in favour of inclusivity.

Originality/value

A significant body of research has documented the effect to which stereotype threat can be triggered by both the physical environment and by the use of various technology media. However, there is a dearth of research exploring the relationship between stereotype threat, defined as “the concrete, real-time threat of being judged and treated poorly in settings where a negative stereotype about one’s group applies” (Steele et al., 2002, p. 385), and video conferencing software features, such as virtual backgrounds.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 31 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 May 2015

Fariza Hashim

The purpose of this paper is, first, to examine the factors that impede SMEs in their internationalization process; second, to analyse the effectiveness of the government support…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is, first, to examine the factors that impede SMEs in their internationalization process; second, to analyse the effectiveness of the government support and development programs of the SMEs; and finally, to examine the networking efforts by Malaysian SMEs at the industrial level.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is descriptive in nature. Secondary data are the main source of data collection. Data were obtained from reliable and authoritative sources such as SME Corp, government agency publications, newspapers, international business journals and other related periodicals. A meta-analysis technique was used in this study where results from previous and current studies on similar topics were critically reviewed.

Findings

This study found that Malaysian SMEs faced external and internal impediments in their efforts of expanding their operations internationally. Externally there is a lack of skilled workers available in the domestic labour market; increased competition in the domestic market due to the regional economic agreement among neighbouring countries; lack of physical infrastructure allocated to the SMEs; and government assistance offered does not reach SMEs due to high level of bureaucracy and poor communication. Despite the impediments encountered by SMEs, they still obtained benefits from various policies, programmes and incentives provided by the government.

Research limitations/implications

Meta-analysis conducted on the challenges of Malaysian SMEs in its internationalization process might be inadequate as it is limited to the availability of the current and previous studies. Additionally, quantitative data obtained from the secondary source was not raw data thus statistical testing could not be further conducted and analysed. Data obtained from the local authoritative sources detected different problems and challenges from those found in previous and current studies.

Practical implications

This study indicates several implications for managers and policy makers. Malaysian SMEs need to evaluate its capability before embarking into new geographic locations and engage internationally. With diverse programmes offered by the government, SMEs have a wide range of choice when involving the whole value chain activities, either through marketing their products in the market or manufacturing and supplying the products to large firms or MNCs. Involving international markets is not only about expanding the market but also for seeking lower costs and resources as well as operating with management efficiency.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of knowledge of international business and entrepreneurship literature in three ways. First, research on SMEs from emerging countries involved in international market tend to be limited in literature, most of them are concentrated in the developed countries; thus this study would extend the understanding about the internationalization process among SMEs. Second, this study focused on the impediments of SMEs in their implementation strategies which represent the practicality of the phenomenon thus bridging the gap between theories and realities. Third, this study brings to light the significance of networking relationships in international business and entrepreneurship primarily among SMEs due to their size limitations. Finally, the meta-analysis technique which is seldom used in the international business and entrepreneurial literature is adopted in this study. This technique provides another approach for the researchers to examine and address the issues in the field.

Details

World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-5961

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 March 2013

Sylvain Max and Valérie Ballereau

The purpose of this paper is to approach women's entrepreneurship from a social psychological perspective, with the aim of contributing to a better understanding of the…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to approach women's entrepreneurship from a social psychological perspective, with the aim of contributing to a better understanding of the entrepreneurial phenomena and to its development as a field of research.

Design/methodology/approach

The gender aspect of entrepreneurship is essentially socio‐psychological in nature. First, the authors define the social psychology research scope and present a selection of social psychology theories that are particularly relevant to the domain of women's entrepreneurship. Concepts such as stereotypes, stereotype threat and role models are introduced. Second, the authors instantiate how the social psychology experimental method can address core questions in the women's entrepreneurship field, such as women's under‐representation in entrepreneurial positions.

Findings

The conclusion of this paper is twofold: on the one hand, social psychology theories can address crucial issues in women's entrepreneurship and on the other hand, experimentation as a research methodology enables us to determine causal relationships. However, given the specificities of both social psychology and women's entrepreneurship, we strongly recommend collaborative research between researchers in the two areas.

Research limitations/implications

The authors propose concrete though non‐exhaustive areas of study in women's entrepreneurship research, where social psychological theories can be successfully employed.

Social implications

Using applied social psychology research, the authors suggest practical ways to reject negative stereotypes that prevent women from being entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

Although women's entrepreneurship is a social psychological phenomenon, this field of study still rarely makes reference to social psychology as a discipline for theorizing the relationship between gender and entrepreneurship.

Details

International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship, vol. 5 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-6266

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 22 August 2006

David Smallbone and Friederike Welter

The start of the second decade after the transformation process began is an appropriate time to reflect on some of the emerging policy issues affecting small business development…

Abstract

The start of the second decade after the transformation process began is an appropriate time to reflect on some of the emerging policy issues affecting small business development. While emphasising that setting up, operating and developing businesses results from the creativity, drive and commitment of individuals, rather than as a result of government actions, the conditions that enable and/or constrain entrepreneurship are affected by the wider social, economic and institutional context, over which the state has a major influence. In this regard, a key point to stress is the variety of ways in which government can affect the nature, extent and pace of small business development in an economy, rather than narrowly focusing on direct support measures. As a result, when considering the question of policies to support small business development, it is necessary to consider the implications of a range of government policies, institutions and actions for the environment in which small businesses can develop, instead of just focusing on direct interventions that are specifically targeted at small businesses. This is because any benefits accruing from the latter may be more than outweighed by the negative effects of other government policies and actions and those of state institutions. This applies in mature market-based economies as well as in those at various stages of transition, although the transition context typically adds further dimensions.

Details

Developmental Entrepreneurship: Adversity, Risk, and Isolation
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84950-452-2

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2016

Elias P. Koumoulos, Ioannis A Kartsonakis, G Vlachakis, M Vlachakis and Costas A. Charitidis

– The purpose of this paper is to deal with the study of properties of anticorrosion powder based coatings on aluminium alloy 2024.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deal with the study of properties of anticorrosion powder based coatings on aluminium alloy 2024.

Design/methodology/approach

The powder based coatings were applied to the AA2024 substrates using a spray coating technique. All the substrates were covered with a primer prior the powder based coatings. The morphology and composition of the coatings was examined by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis, respectively. Studies on the corrosion resistance of these coatings were made using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

Findings

The results reveal that the powder based coatings together with the primer coatings demonstrate improved corrosion protection to AA2024 after exposure to corrosive environment. Moreover, the primer coating is mechanically enhanced compared to the top coating, while the top coating exhibited significant resistance to wear.

Originality/value

The paper deals with the evaluation of corrosion and nanomechanical properties of coatings applied on aluminium alloy.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 2000