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Article
Publication date: 5 September 2020

Bessie Patricia Dernikos

The purpose of this paper is to explore the sonic vibrations, infectious rhythms and alternative frequencies that are often unheard and overlooked within mainstream educational…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the sonic vibrations, infectious rhythms and alternative frequencies that are often unheard and overlooked within mainstream educational spaces, that is, perceptually coded out of legibility by those who read/see/hear the world through “whiteness.”

Design/methodology/approach

“Plugging into” (Jackson and Mazzei, 2012) posthuman theories of affect (Deleuze and Guattari, 1987; Henriques, 2010) and assemblage (Weheliye, 2014), the author argues that “literate bodies,” along with all forms of matter, continually vibrate, move, swell and rebel (Deleuze, 1990), creating momentum that is often difficult not to get tangled up in.

Findings

This paper maps out how a specific sociohistorical concept of sound works to affectively orient bodies and impact student becomings, namely, by producing students as un/successful readers and in/human subjects. At the same time, the author attends to the subtle ways by which first graders rebelliously move (d) with alternative sonic frequencies to resist/disrupt mandated literacy curricula and white, patriarchal ways of knowing, being and doing.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the political nature of sound and how, within mainstream educational spaces, certain sonic frequencies become coded out of white supremacist models for knowledge transmission, which re/produce racialized (gendered, classist, etc.) habits and practices of listening/hearing. Literacy educators are invited to “(re)hear” the social in more just ways (James, 2020) by sensing the affects and effects of more-than-human “sonic bodies” (Henriques, 2011), which redirect us to alternative rhythms, rationalities, habits and practices that challenge normative conceptions of what counts as literacy and who counts as successfully literate.

Details

English Teaching: Practice & Critique, vol. 19 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1175-8708

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2000

S. Rizzo, R. Spallino and G. Giambanco

Approaches the shakedown optimal design of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, subjected to variable and repeated external quasi‐static actions which may generate the well‐known…

Abstract

Approaches the shakedown optimal design of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, subjected to variable and repeated external quasi‐static actions which may generate the well‐known shakedown or adaptation phenomenon, when constraints are imposed on deflection and/or deformation parameters, in order to simulate the limited flexural ductility of the material, in the presence of combined axial stress and bending. Within this context, the classical shakedown optimal design problem is revisited, using a weak upper bound theorem on the effective plastic deformations. For this problem a new computational algorithm, termed evolution strategy, is herein presented. This algorithm, derived from analogy with the biological evolution, is based on random operators which allow one to treat the areas of steel reinforcements at each RC cross‐section of the structure as design variables of discrete type, and to use refined non‐linear approximations of the effective bending moment – axial force M‐N interaction diagrams of each RC cross‐section. The results obtained from case studies available in the literature show the advantages of the method and its effectiveness.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 June 2019

Rachel Proffitt, Stephanie Glegg, Danielle Levac and Belinda Lange

Despite increasing evidence for the effectiveness of off-the-shelf and rehabilitation-specific active video games (AVGs) and virtual reality (VR) systems for rehabilitation…

Abstract

Purpose

Despite increasing evidence for the effectiveness of off-the-shelf and rehabilitation-specific active video games (AVGs) and virtual reality (VR) systems for rehabilitation, clinical uptake remains poor. A better match between VR/AVG system capabilities and client/therapist needs, through improved end-user involvement (UI) in VR/AVG implementation research, may increase uptake of this technology. The purpose of this paper is to review four case examples from the authors’ collective experience of including end users in VR/AVG research to identify common benefits, challenges and lessons learned.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply knowledge and lessons learned from the four cases to make recommendations for subsequent user-engaged research design and methods, including evaluation of the impact of end UI.

Findings

A better match between VR/AVG system capabilities and client/therapist needs leads to improved end UI in all stages of VR/AVG implementation research. There are common benefits of increasing buy-in and soliciting early on the knowledge and skills of therapists as well as input from the ultimate end users: people participating in rehabilitation. Most settings have the challenges of balancing the technology requirements with the needs and goals of the practice setting and of the end users.

Research limitations/implications

Increasing end UI in VR/AVG implementation research may address issues related to poor clinical uptake. In the VR/AVG context, end users can be therapists, clients or technology developers/engineers. This paper presented four case scenarios describing the implementation of different VR/AVG systems and involving a variety of populations, end users and settings.

Originality/value

The set of recommendations for subsequent user-engaged research design and methods span the process of development, research and implementation. The authors hope that these recommendations will foster collaborations across disciplines, encourage researchers and therapists to adopt VR/AVGs more readily, and lead to efficacious and effective treatment approaches for rehabilitation clients.

Details

Journal of Enabling Technologies, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-6263

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 June 2013

Khalid Hafeez and Izidean Aburawi

Effective human resource planning allows management to recruit, develop and deploy the right people at the right place at the right time, to meet organizational internal and…

3937

Abstract

Purpose

Effective human resource planning allows management to recruit, develop and deploy the right people at the right place at the right time, to meet organizational internal and external service level commitments. Firms are constantly looking out for strategies to cope with skill shortages that are particularly acute in the “knowledge intense” industries due to high staff turnover. The purpose of this paper is to describe how system dynamics modeling allows management to plan to hire and develop right level of skills and competencies in the organizational inventory to meet desired service level targets.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated system dynamics framework is used to develop various feedbacks and feed forward paths in the context of competence planning and development. The model is mapped onto an overseas process industry company's recruitment and attrition situations and tested using real data.

Findings

Strategies for human resource planning are developed by conducting time‐based dynamic analysis. Optimum design guidelines are provided to reduce the unwanted scenario of competence surplus and/or shortage, and therefore, to reduce disparity in between service level needs and availability of right competencies.

Research limitations/implications

System dynamics type of modeling is usually suited for medium to long range timescale (two to five years scenarios). There is a need for the model to be tested in a high turnover industry such as IT to test its efficacy in short‐term time scale, where shortage in required talent is more acute. Also this model is tested for measuring the generic skill‐sets in here. There is a need to test the model for a mixture of generic and specialized skills‐set in a specific business operation.

Practical implications

The authors anticipate that system dynamics modeling would help the decision makers and HR professionals to devise medium to long‐term human resource planning strategies to anticipate and meet the service level expectations from the internal and external customers.

Social implications

Such planning exercise will avoid the situation of customer dissatisfaction due to right competence shortages. Also this will reduce the staff surplus scenario that usually leads to knee‐jerk reaction to lay‐off unwanted skills, which is usually a costly exercise and impacts negatively on staff morale.

Originality/value

Use of the systems dynamics model introduced here is a novel way to analyze human resource planning function to meet the target service level demands. The idea that an organization can estimate the service level requirements for medium to long‐term situations, and conduct what‐if scenarios in a dynamic sense, can provide valuable information in strategic planning purposes.

Details

International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences, vol. 5 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-669X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 February 2010

Elias Dedoussis and Afroditi Papadaki

The purpose of this paper is to present evidence on the effects that different ownership's structures of Greek listed firms exercise on the relation between investment and…

1623

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present evidence on the effects that different ownership's structures of Greek listed firms exercise on the relation between investment and liquidity constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

Corporate governance in Greece is primarily based on the form of family‐owned firms, as in many European countries. In countries with similar corporate governance systems, a possible source of separation (in the absence of bank‐controlled firms and large business groups) between management and ownership is the nationality of the companies, as foreign nationality implies the physical separation of managers and owners. A second possible separation is based on the shareholdings of the CEO when he/she bears no relation with the controlling shareholders. A sample of Athens Stock Exchange listed firms is collected and a generalized (vs a simple) model of investment is applied to test the role of corporate governance using these two basic separations of management and ownership.

Findings

The paper's empirical findings support the hypothesis of asymmetric information both in the total sample and in various sub‐samples. Low Q, small, and new firms under the generalized model are facing asymmetric information problems. On the other hand, low Q, old and low dividend firms are more likely to face managerial discretion problems that result in over‐investment.

Originality/value

This paper links information‐related problems of investment with simple corporate governance structures.

Details

Managerial Finance, vol. 36 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4358

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1993

MURRAY S. MARTIN

This year Gaye Rizzo, the librarian of the Wilson Branch of the Windsor (Conn.) Public Library, received the Special Achievement Award from the Connecticut Library Association…

Abstract

This year Gaye Rizzo, the librarian of the Wilson Branch of the Windsor (Conn.) Public Library, received the Special Achievement Award from the Connecticut Library Association. The award recognized her devotion to service. The Wilson Public Library is a small branch library in a multicultural part of the town. The library has maintained its role in the neighborhood as a meeting place, even while that role has been diminishing elsewhere in the face of demands for cost‐effectiveness and efficiency. Rizzo's library is a perfect example of a small library making the most of a limited budget.

Details

The Bottom Line, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0888-045X

Article
Publication date: 9 December 2019

Martin Quinn, Martin Hiebl, Romilda Mazzotta and Stefania Veltri

This paper aims to draw on a family business perspective to explore the historic accounting records of an Italian liquorice juice business. The applicability of the three-circle…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to draw on a family business perspective to explore the historic accounting records of an Italian liquorice juice business. The applicability of the three-circle model of family business systems to such an historic context is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Using archival records, the Cassa accounting book of the business is studied. Its transactions are examined to distinguish family and business items over the period from 1875 to 1920.

Findings

Through an analysis of the accounting records, the family, ownership and business systems are shown to overlap more than typically expected in a contemporary setting.

Originality/value

Contemporary literature suggests the three-circle model of a family business is relatively static, but it has not been applied to an historic context. This study suggests that the model can be applied in historic studies, but it is not static over time with its elements needing refinement.

Details

Journal of Management History, vol. 26 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1348

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1997

S. Pandey and E.S. Kumar

This article describes the development of a measure of role conflict. Role conflict was conceptualized as consisting of four dimensions: intrasender, intersender, interrotle, and…

1297

Abstract

This article describes the development of a measure of role conflict. Role conflict was conceptualized as consisting of four dimensions: intrasender, intersender, interrotle, and person‐role conflict respectively. Study 1 (N = 65), which was conducted to pilot test the 96 item questionnaire (reduced from 224 items after expert rating), resulted in the reduction of the questionnaire to 43 items with three interpretable dimensions. Study 2 (N = 100) was carried out to examine the construct validity of the scale and confirm the factor structure. There was convergence with the findings of Study 1. Cronbach alpha for each subscale was adequate, and evidence of concurrent, convergent, and discriminant validities was found. Study 3 (N = 242) attempted to provide some normative data for the measure, in addition to carrying out a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using LISREL. The findings of Study 2 were almost duplicated, and the CFA results lent greater support to a three‐factor structure of role conflict.

Details

International Journal of Conflict Management, vol. 8 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1044-4068

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1983

G.L.S. Shackle

This work of imaginative splendour is the product, in the first place, of Israel Kirzner's magnificient effort in designing, directing and editing a symposium in honour of Ludwig…

Abstract

This work of imaginative splendour is the product, in the first place, of Israel Kirzner's magnificient effort in designing, directing and editing a symposium in honour of Ludwig von Mises. Its contents illustrate the presence still of giants in our profession: Lachmann with fifty years of fame; James Buchanan and Stephen Littlechild who lead the van of to‐day's subjectivism. The level of excellence is carried down the list by brilliant minds: Stephan Boehm, Mario Rizzo, Lawrence White, Brian Loasby and many others.

Details

Journal of Economic Studies, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3585

Article
Publication date: 21 February 2020

Payam Farhadi and Seyed Masoud Moghaddas Tafreshi

The use of power sectionalizers in electric power distribution networks as disconnecting devices for optimum network configuration is indispensable. Major reasons to use…

Abstract

Purpose

The use of power sectionalizers in electric power distribution networks as disconnecting devices for optimum network configuration is indispensable. Major reasons to use sectionalizers, here manual sectionalizers, is their lower installation and operating prices compared to other types of disconnecting devices and that most of conventional realistic electric power distribution systems are still using manual sectionalizers due to their ease of procurement. However, in case of failure for these switches, power supply interruptions are unavoidable unless optimum solutions are used for configuration (and possibly reconfiguration) of sectionalizers. Thus, in this research, binary exchange market algorithm (BEMA) as a novel evolutionary metaheuristic is used to meet the maximized customer satisfaction by optimized configuration of sectionalizers within electric power distribution networks in the presence of distributed generations (DGs). To solve the problem, BEMA is used on sectionalizing switch placement problem, which has only two open and close (0/1) states. A novel multi-objective optimization problem has been formulated as a function of two aspects, namely, improved reliability index (for customer benefit) and minimized sectionalizing switch costs (for utility benefits). Simulations are carried out in three different case studies to validate the effectiveness of the BEMA both in theory and practice: Standard IEEE 33-bus test system, practical feeder-8 of MeshkinShahr Town’s electric power distribution network in northwest of Iran; and Roy Billinton test system Bus 4 (RBTS-Bus 4). The obtained results are compared with those of the previously validated ant colony optimization (ACO) technique in RBTS-Bus 4.

Design/methodology/approach

The optimum configuration of sectionalizers in the presence of DGs has been formulated as a multi-objective function consisting of two conflicting objectives. First objective is to improve the power distribution network reliability indices. Second objective is to fulfill the first objective with a minimized sectionalizing switch cost. The latter is probably obtained by reducing the number of installed sectionalizers. The obtained results by BEMA have been compared with those of ACO technique.

Findings

In this paper, optimal configuration of sectionalizers has been performed based on a multiobjective function by binary exchange market algorithm. By simulations carried out on two standards and one practical test systems, the proposed algorithm effectiveness was confirmed and the obtained results were compared to ACO algorithm. Changing weighting factors shows that better satisfaction can be obtained when difference between the weighting factors is relatively greater. In other words, the reliability membership function is more than switch cost membership, and thus, if the values of two weighting factors are close enough, the satisfaction level reduces. The number of installed sectionalizing switches by BEMA and ACO techniques in different scenarios were performed.

Originality/value

Proposal of a novel multi-objective function for finding optimal location of sectionalizers in the presence of DGs with binary exchange market algorithm whose merit over the other heuristics is to consider all the problem specifications only in one multi-objective function. Despite previously reported works that have used various high-priced protective devices for achieving the enhanced reliability this research only utilizes inexpensive manual sectionalizers with the least possible cost in the presence of DGs. Two standard test cases IEEE 33-bus test system and RBTS-Bus 4 and one realistic test case feeder-8 of MeshkinShahr Town power distribution network in northwest of Iran are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique in theory and real-world applications. Thus, utilities may take the advantage of the proposed method for configuration of sectionalizers in their own local power distribution systems throughout the country.

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