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1 – 10 of over 1000Javaid Ahmad Wani, Taseef Ayub Sofi, Ishrat Ayub Sofi and Shabir Ahmad Ganaie
Open-access repositories (OARs) are essential for openly disseminating intellectual knowledge on the internet and providing free access to it. The current study aims to evaluate…
Abstract
Purpose
Open-access repositories (OARs) are essential for openly disseminating intellectual knowledge on the internet and providing free access to it. The current study aims to evaluate the growth and development of OARs in the field of technology by investigating several characteristics such as coverage, OA policies, software type, content type, yearly growth, repository type and geographic contribution.
Design/methodology/approach
The directory of OARs acts as the source for data harvesting, which provides a quality-assured list of OARs across the globe.
Findings
The study found that 125 nations contributed a total of 4,045 repositories in the field of research, with the USA leading the list with the most repositories. Maximum repositories were operated by institutions having multidisciplinary approaches. The DSpace and Eprints were the preferred software types for repositories. The preferred upload content by contributors was “research articles” and “electronic thesis and dissertations”.
Research limitations/implications
The study is limited to the subject area technology as listed in OpenDOAR; therefore, the results may differ in other subject areas.
Practical implications
The work can benefit researchers across disciplines and, interested researchers can take this study as a base for evaluating online repositories. Moreover, policymakers and repository managers could also get benefitted from this study.
Originality/value
The study is the first of its kind, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to investigate the repositories of subject technology in the open-access platform.
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Yanhong Chen, Luning Liu and Mingxi Zhou
Although much attention has been paid to understanding employee resistance to reform, little study has been done to explore the effect of employee resistance to public service…
Abstract
Purpose
Although much attention has been paid to understanding employee resistance to reform, little study has been done to explore the effect of employee resistance to public service units' (PSUs) reform in China. To address this need, this work aims to investigate the antecedents of employee resistance to PSUs' reform, especially from the perspective of the heterogeneity of the employees' age.
Design/methodology/approach
This study considers the PSUs in Harbin, China, as an example and uses survey questionnaires to analyze the factors influencing employees' resistance when PSUs reform. Besides, the authors developed a research model based on the status quo bias theory, the equity-implementation model.
Findings
According to the applied research model, employee resistance to PSU change is primarily influenced by perceived switching costs and benefits. According to their age, this survey also confirms how the employees responded to the reform implementation.
Research limitations/implications
The results of this empirical study inform suggestions for the sustainable development of PSUs and organizational transformations. Overall, this work advances the theoretical understanding of employees' resistance to PSUs’ reform, thereby offering practical insights for managing employee resistance during organizational change.
Originality/value
Overall, given that employee resistance emotion exists in an organization, this study offers theoretical and practical implications for change management strategies.
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Moulay Othman Idrissi Fakhreddine and Yan Castonguay
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are currently showing an increasingly open innovation (OI) approach. Public policies supporting the adoption of OI by SMEs are becoming a…
Abstract
Purpose
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are currently showing an increasingly open innovation (OI) approach. Public policies supporting the adoption of OI by SMEs are becoming a priority for policymakers. Therefore, the aim of this article is to contribute to the literature by mapping scholars' policy recommendations for implementing OI among SMEs.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a systematic review of the literature (SRL) on the topic to achieve this purpose. A total of 99 academic articles were selected from the Web of Science and Scopus databases to suggest the main scholars' policy recommendations to implement OI among SMEs.
Findings
Results indicated that scholars' policy recommendations for OI adoption in SMEs can be organized into: research and development (R&D), networking, collaboration, knowledge and intellectual property rights (IPR), ecosystem, managerial capabilities, funding and incentives and sustainability policies.
Research limitations/implications
Only relevant articles about this topic have been included due to the reliance on the interpretations of the authors. The analysis of the literature revealed that the authors did not always distinguish policies dedicated to SMEs and those dedicated to large companies. Moreover, policies are not matched according to each OI dimensions (e.g. inbound, outbound and coupled OI).
Originality/value
The article uses a systematic literature review method that combines qualitative and quantitative analyses. This method contributes to theoretical development of OI policies dedicated, in particular to SMEs. This paper also provides policymakers and researchers with insights on the scope of OI policies that could support economic growth.
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Ali Saleh Alarussi and Xiaoyu Gao
This study is conducted to determine the factors that affect profitability in Chinese listed companies (by using financial ratios). Four independent variables liquidity…
Abstract
Purpose
This study is conducted to determine the factors that affect profitability in Chinese listed companies (by using financial ratios). Four independent variables liquidity, intangible assets, working capital and company leverage were empirically tested for their relationships with profitability besides two control variables which are firm size and company efficiency.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used secondary data extracted manually from the annual reports of non-financial Chinese listed companies on the Shanghai stock exchange (http://www.szse.cn/); the data set covers 100 companies during the period of 2017–2019, and a random selection method was used in order to achieve credibility and fairness as much as possible.
Findings
The findings show firm size, working capital and intangible assets have positive and significant relationships with profitability [return on assets (ROA) and earnings per share (EPS)]. Positive working capital is important to lower the cost of capital and improve companies' profitability. Intangible assets are also an essential source to improve profitability due to their low costs. In addition, the findings display a negative and strong relationship between liquidity and profitability, meaning that companies suffer low profit due to inefficient use of liquid items. Interestingly, leverage, which is measured by debt ratio and leverage ratio, shows mixed results; debt ratio shows a positive and strong association with ROA but not with EPS; while leverage ratio displays a strong but negative association with ROA but not with EPS. These results confirm the inverted U-shape relationship between leverage and profitability, which depends on the balance between benefit and cost of debt.
Social implications
Profitability is also important for employees and society where business organization provides sustainability and stability for both of them. Employees can then significantly contribute to achieve higher firm's profitability by efficiently using firm's resources.
Originality/value
This study differs than previous studies in number of aspects: First, this study focuses on financial ratios to explain profitability in Chinese companies. This study provides empirical results about the factors connected to profitability and help stakeholders to make their right decisions. Second, it examines the impact of four independent factors and two control variables that some of them are new in Chinese context such as intangible assets. Third previous studies focus on financial industry such as banks; however, this study focuses on non-financial industry.
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Prince Agwu, Ifunanya Agu, Nkoli Ezumah, Chinyere Mbachu and Obinna Onwujekwe
Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) interventions demand diverse services, encompassing medical, social and psychological care to ensure the overall wellbeing of service users…
Abstract
Purpose
Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) interventions demand diverse services, encompassing medical, social and psychological care to ensure the overall wellbeing of service users. In the absence of multidisciplinary response to SRH interventions, service users could be deprived of crucial SRH services, which could undermine their safety and wellbeing. Based on this knowledge, our study was designed to map the interprofessional space in primary healthcare (PHC) facilities in Ebonyi State, Nigeria that deliver SRH services.
Design/methodology/approach
Interviews with 20 health workers and group discussions with 72 young people aged 15–24 years provided the data for the study. We analyzed data deductively, focusing on the assessments of the presence or absence of specific professionals that are typically expected to provide different aspects of SRH services.
Findings
We found conspicuous absence of laboratory diagnostic, social care, psycho-cognitive and some medical services expected of primary care. These absences necessitated unnecessary referrals, encouraged breaches in confidentiality, undermined social care and justice, increased cost of care and discouraged young clients from utilizing SRH services provided in PHCs. Our study, therefore, emphasizes the need for integrated care in the delivery of SRH services, which would involve relevant diverse professionals contributing their expertise toward comprehensive care for SRH service users.
Originality/value
The study provides human resource insights toward strengthening primary healthcare in Nigeria vis-à-vis efficient delivery of SRH services to guarantee the health security of service users.
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Keywords
Anna Trubetskaya, Alan Ryan, Daryl John Powell and Connor Moore
Output from the Irish Dairy Industry has grown rapidly since the abolition of quotas in 2015, with processors investing heavily in capacity expansion to deal with the extra milk…
Abstract
Purpose
Output from the Irish Dairy Industry has grown rapidly since the abolition of quotas in 2015, with processors investing heavily in capacity expansion to deal with the extra milk volumes. Further capacity gains may be achieved by extending the processing season into the winter, a key enabler for which being the reduction of duration of the winter maintenance overhaul period. This paper aims to investigate if Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques can be used to enhance operational maintenance performance, thereby releasing additional processing capacity.
Design/methodology/approach
Combining the Six-Sigma Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control (DMAIC) methodology and the structured approach of Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) widely used in process industries creates a novel hybrid model that promises substantial improvement in maintenance overhaul execution. This paper presents a case study applying the DMAIC/TAM model to Ireland’s largest dairy processing site to optimise the annual maintenance shutdown. The objective was to deliver a 30% reduction in the duration of the overhaul, enabling an extension of the processing season.
Findings
Application of the DMAIC/TAM hybrid resulted in process enhancements, employee engagement and a clear roadmap for the operations team. Project goals were delivered, and original objectives exceeded, resulting in €8.9m additional value to the business and a reduction of 36% in the duration of the overhaul.
Practical implications
The results demonstrate that the model provides a structure that promotes systematic working and a continuous improvement focus that can have substantial benefits for wider industry. Opportunities for further model refinement were identified and will enhance performance in subsequent overhauls.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that the structure and tools of DMAIC and TAM have been combined into a hybrid methodology and applied in an Irish industrial setting.
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Danila Scarozza, Alessandro Hinna and Federico Ceschel
Scholars have pointed out the need for improvement and refinement in public management research, also depending on the role of public administration for sustainable development…
Abstract
Scholars have pointed out the need for improvement and refinement in public management research, also depending on the role of public administration for sustainable development. Because government organizations employ a substantial portion of the workforce, management practices in the public sector are critical areas for designing, implementing and delivering policies that can achieve the goals set forth in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. For these purposes, and in implementation of the Next Generation EU (NGEU) programme, Italy recently launched an ambitious National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) which includes, among other things, upskilling goals for staff employed, following the modernization process that has involved the Italian public sector in the last decades, with the Decree n. 150/2009. Aiming both to understand the extent of the application of the reform and to answer some basic questions (why, what and how) concerning Individual Performance Appraisal Systems (IPAS), we conducted a content analysis on the 220 documents already produced by the Italian Ministries. The study has been conducted in two different steps of the reform process and provides solid evidence of the reforms' effects on designing and implementing individual performance systems. The analyzed documents reveal no longer-term vision in implementing the IPAS that involves some critical performance management utilities such as training, development, fair pay and deployment of employees, raising new questions about a sustainable approach to the individual performance management process even in public organizations.
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The purpose of this study is to investigate family tourists’ emotional responses at world heritage sites (WHSs) by using cognitive appraisal theory (CAT).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate family tourists’ emotional responses at world heritage sites (WHSs) by using cognitive appraisal theory (CAT).
Design/methodology/approach
The online survey was conducted targeting the family tourists who had travel experience at Pingyao Ancient City, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization world heritage destination in Northern China.
Findings
Data analysis with 347 family tourists to the site, via structural equation modeling analysis, revealed that existential authenticity (i.e. intrapersonal and interpersonal authenticity) and family interpersonal interaction help evoke emotional experience, which generates family cohesion and storytelling behavior as responses.
Originality/value
This study results contribute to an existing body of literature on the ability of CAT to illustrate how emotional experience forms in the context of family tourism at WHSs. The study also provides a clear understanding on how to elicit emotions among family tourists at heritage destinations.
目的
旨在运用认知评价理论 (CAT) 探讨家庭游客在世界遗产地 (WHSs) 的情感反应。
设计/方法/步骤
这项线上调查的对象为游览过平遥古城的家庭旅游者, 平遥古城是一个位于中国北方的联合国教科文名录中的世界文化遗产地。
研究结果
本研究通过结构方程模型对由347名家庭旅游者提供的数据进行分析显示, 存在的真实性(即个人内部和人际真实性)和家庭人际互动有助于唤起情感体验, 从而产生家庭凝聚力和故事讲述行为的情感反应。
独创性/价值
本研究结果为有关认知评价理论(CAT)的现有文献做出贡献, 以说明在世界遗产旅游地家庭旅游的背景下情感体验是如何形成的。该研究也为在文化遗产目的地如何引发家庭游客的情绪提供了清晰的解释。
Proposltus
El propósito de este estudio es investigar las respuestas emocionales de los turistas familiares en los sitios del Patrimonio Mundial (WHS) mediante el uso de la teoría de evaluación cognitiva (CAT).
Diseño/método/procedimiento
Se realizó una encuesta en línea dirigida a los turistas familiares que habían tenido una experiencia de viaje en la Ciudad Antigua de Pingyao, un destino de patrimonio mundial de la UNESCO en el norte de China.
Hallazgos
El análisis de los datos con 347 turistas familiares, a través del análisis SEM, reveló que la autenticidad existencial (es decir, la autenticidad intrapersonal e interpersonal) y la interacción interpersonal familiar ayudan a evocar la experiencia emocional, lo que genera cohesión familiar y comportamiento narrativo como respuestas.
Originalidad/valor
Los resultados de este estudio contribuyen a un cuerpo existente de literatura sobre la capacidad de CAT para ilustrar cómo se forma la experiencia emocional en el contexto del turismo familiar en las CHM. El estudio también proporciona una comprensión clara sobre cómo provocar emociones entre los turistas familiares en el destino de patrimonio.
Details
Keywords
- Motivational factor
- Cognitive appraisal theory (CAT)
- Goal congruence and goal relevance
- Co-creation
- Storytelling behavior
- Family cohesion
- 动机因素、认知评价理论(CAT)、目标一致性和目标相关性、共创行为、故事讲述行为、家庭凝聚力
- Factor motivacional
- Teoría de la evaluación cognitiva (TAO)
- Congruencia de objetivos y relevancia de objetivos
- Co-creación
- Comportamiento narrativo
- Cohesión familiar
Christine Friestad, Unn Kristin Haukvik, Berit Johnsen and Solveig Karin Vatnar
This study aims to provide an overview and quality appraisal of the current scientific evidence concerning the prevalence and characteristics of mental and physical disorders…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to provide an overview and quality appraisal of the current scientific evidence concerning the prevalence and characteristics of mental and physical disorders among sentenced female prisoners.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed-methods systematic literature review.
Findings
A total of 4 reviews and 39 single studies met the inclusion criteria for the review. Mental disorders were the main area of investigation in the majority of single studies, with substance abuse, particularly drug abuse, as the most consistently gender biased disorder, with higher prevalence among women than men in prison. The review identified a lack of updated systematic evidence on the presence of multi-morbidity.
Originality/value
This study provides an up-to-date overview and quality appraisal of the current scientific evidence concerning the prevalence and characteristics of mental and physical disorders among female prisoners.
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Nkholedzeni Sidney Netshakhuma
This paper aims to explore the role played by the National Archives of South Africa in human rights promotion and protection. The study examined the challenges that archivists…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the role played by the National Archives of South Africa in human rights promotion and protection. The study examined the challenges that archivists encounter when undertaking archival functions, such as acquisition, appraisal and access provision, that contribute to forming documentary archives crucial for human rights promotion and protection.
Design/methodology/approach
A review of literature dealing with acquisition, appraisal and access was used in this research. It was supplemented with interviews.
Findings
This paper provides recommendations of benefits in the field of archives management with a focus on the areas of acquisition, appraisal and access. The transformational discourse in the jurisdiction of archives management challenges archival institutions to be active players in selecting historical and cultural archives’ significance that is significant in human rights protections. However, despite judicial requirements that recommend the importance of archives, there is evidence that archival functions such as appraisal, acquisition and access are not being fully used, resulting in national archives institutions that are subject to irregularities that contribute to an unbalanced archives collection.
Research limitations/implications
The paper was limited only to the National Archives of South Africa.
Practical implications
The paper makes practical implications concerning the acquisition, appraisal and providing access to human rights records.
Social implications
Sufficient funding resource allocation ought to be provided to advance human rights promotion.
Originality/value
This paper offers informed recommendations to address the challenges of acquisition, appraisal and access provision of archive materials. The availability of archives materials reinforces the community by aiding to protect legal rights and prevent human rights violations. It was, thus, necessary to establish whether the National Archives of South Africa is actively building the archives collections that are important for human rights promotion and protection.
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