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Article
Publication date: 3 October 2019

Julie Trebilcock, Manuela Jarrett, Tim Weaver, Colin Campbell, Andrew Forrester, Julian Walker and Paul Moran

The purpose of this paper is to explore the views of NHS England (NHSE) and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) commissioners about the Offender Personality…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the views of NHS England (NHSE) and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) commissioners about the Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) pathway.

Design/methodology/approach

A thematic analysis of four semi-structured interviews with NHSE and HMPPS commissioners is conducted.

Findings

Commissioners offered a cautious but confident assessment of the potential effectiveness of the OPD pathway, drawing particular attention to its potential to enhance the confidence and competency of staff, offer better value for money and provide enhanced progression routes for offenders with personality disorders. Additionally, commissioners identified a number of potential risks for the pathway including wider system flux, funding availability, multi-agency working, offender engagement and the need to evidence effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis is based on a small number of interviews. However, there are only a limited number of commissioners involved with the OPD pathway.

Practical implications

While the stronger focus on progression in the OPD pathway is a welcome departure from a narrow focus on high security Dangerous and Severe Personality Disorder (DSPD) services, the foundations of the OPD pathway ultimately lie with the DSPD programme and similar challenges are likely to follow. The system within which the pathway operates is subject to a great deal of flux and this inevitably poses significant challenges for pathway services, staff and offenders, as well as for those of us charged with its evaluation.

Originality/value

There has been limited empirical work with commissioners in the mental health field. The paper offers a unique insight into the perspectives of those responsible for commissioning the OPD pathway.

Details

Mental Health Review Journal, vol. 24 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-9322

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 April 2014

Sue Patterson, Nicole Goulter and Tim Weaver

The purpose of this paper is to examine the experience and impact of targeted training involving simulation of auditory hallucinations on attitudes and practice of professionals…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the experience and impact of targeted training involving simulation of auditory hallucinations on attitudes and practice of professionals working with people with mental illness.

Design/methodology/approach

Pragmatic mixed-method study. Data were collected from 83 professionals who completed training using cross-sectional survey and focus groups. Descriptive, comparative and thematic analyses were performed.

Findings

Training was associated with changes in thinking and attitude related to working with people who hear voices. Participants, who commonly found the simulation confronting, drew on the experience to deepen appreciation of coping with voices that are distressing and develop a new frame of reference for practice. They positioned themselves differently and described adopting a range of practices consistent with the recovery approach. Environmental constraints variously impacted on capacity to enact these practices.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted in one centre using a bespoke survey instrument with a sample intrinsically motivated to complete training. Hence, caution should be exercised with regard to generalisability. However, findings are consistent with the limited published literature and the mixed-method approach provided a comprehensive understanding.

Practical implications

The paper demonstrated that the training employed can support development of patient centred, recovery-oriented practices. These are likely essential to optimising patient and service outcomes. Further research is needed to examine the impact of training on a broader cross section of professionals and the outcomes for patients.

Originality/value

The paper provides important new insights regarding the mechanisms by which training can contribute to development of patient-centred care.

Details

The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, vol. 9 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-6228

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2012

Adam Mather, Raymond Cipra and Thomas Siegmund

Topologically interlocked materials are a class of materials in which individual unit elements interact with each other through contact only. Cracks and other defects occurring…

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Abstract

Purpose

Topologically interlocked materials are a class of materials in which individual unit elements interact with each other through contact only. Cracks and other defects occurring due to external loading are contained in the individual unit elements. Thus, topologically interlocked materials are damage tolerant and provide high structural integrity. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the concepts of remanufacturing in the context of a material for which the intended use is structural such that the material's structural integrity is of concern. In particular, the study is concerned with the mechanical behavior of a topologically interlocked material.

Design/methodology/approach

A topologically interlocked material based on tetrahedron unit elements is investigated experimentally. Manufacturing with aid of a robotically controlled end‐effector is demonstrated, and mechanical properties are determined for a plate configuration. A conceptual mechanical model for failure of topologically interlocked materials is developed and used to interpret the experimental results.

Findings

It is demonstrated that remanufacturing of the topologically interlocked material is possible with only a limited loss of material performance. The proposed model predicts trends in agreement with the experimental findings.

Research limitations/implications

While the model predictions are qualitatively in agreement with experiments, more detailed finite element models are needed to predict the material performance accurately. Experiments were conducted on a model material obtained from a 3D printer and should be verified on other solids.

Practical implications

The authors demonstrate that damage containment together with the absence of binders or adhesives enables reuse through remanufacturing without loss of structural integrity.

Social implications

Topologically interlocked materials emerge as attractive materials for sustainable engineering once their material performance are weighted with an environmental impact factor.

Originality/value

Remanufacturing experiments on a novel class of materials were conducted and a new model for the characterization of the structural integrity of topologically interlocked materials is proposed and successfully evaluated against experiments in at least qualitative form.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1953

WHEN the British Productivity Council launched its scheme in March for setting up local productivity committees in many parts of this country it was emphasised by Mr. Butler…

Abstract

WHEN the British Productivity Council launched its scheme in March for setting up local productivity committees in many parts of this country it was emphasised by Mr. Butler, Chancellor of the Exchequer, that there must be a great expansion of trade at competitive prices. It would require courage, drive and vision, he said. Although he was speaking in what is normally regarded as the close season for Chancellors it did seem then that he was conscious of the need for providing industry with a tangible incentive to expand production.

Details

Work Study, vol. 2 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0043-8022

Article
Publication date: 9 November 2022

Tim Fichter and Concepción Román

This paper aims to examine rural tourism preferences as an alternative niche market to mass tourism destinations. The analysis discusses the differences in perceptions and…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine rural tourism preferences as an alternative niche market to mass tourism destinations. The analysis discusses the differences in perceptions and willingness to pay (WTP) for various packages of rural tourism activities in Gran Canaria Island among residents and non-residents.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on a convenience sample of potential young customers who are familiar with outdoor recreational activities in nature. This study considers a discrete choice experiment that includes the type of accommodation as well as four types of rural tourism activities: active, passive, cultural and aquatic. The degree of preference for the considered attributes is obtained from the estimation of different discrete choice models.

Findings

Results reveal that the inclusion of the investigated attributes in holiday packages increases tourists’ utility, which motivates the promotion of rural tourism for young residents and non-residents. The most significant differences in perceptions of attributes between residents and non-residents were found in the activities of diving/snorkelling and stargazing, as well as the type of accommodation and package price.

Practical implications

This study will contribute to a better understanding of an alternative tourism market which will help key stakeholders in the tourism sector to better serve this important segment of the industry and to encourage more sustainable tourism in the future.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the WTP for rural tourism packages as a more sustainable alternative in mass tourism destinations and taking into account resident vs non-resident perceptions.

目的 

本文将乡村旅游偏好视为大众旅游目的地的替代利基市场。该分析讨论了居民和非居民对大加那利岛各种乡村旅游活动的看法和支付意愿的差异。

设计/方法/方法 

该分析基于熟悉户外休闲活动的潜在年轻客户的便利样本。该研究考虑了一个离散选择实验, 包括住宿类型以及四种类型的乡村旅游活动:积极、消极、文化和水上活动。所考虑属性的偏好程度是从不同离散选择模型的估计中获得的。

发现 

结果表明, 度假套餐中包含调查的属性增加了游客的效用, 从而促进了年轻居民和非居民的乡村旅游。在潜水/浮潜和观星活动, 以及住宿类型和套餐价格方面, 居民和非居民对属性的认知差异最显着。

独创性 

据作者所知, 这是第一项评估农村旅游套餐的支付意愿作为大众旅游目的地更可持续的替代方案的研究, 并考虑了居民与非居民的看法。

实际影响 

该研究将有助于更好地了解替代旅游市场, 这将有助于旅游业的主要利益相关者更好地服务于该行业的这一重要部分, 并鼓励未来更可持续的旅游业。

Objetivo 

Este trabajo examina las preferencias del turismo rural como nicho de mercado alternativo a los destinos turísticos de masas. El análisis discute las diferencias en las percepciones y la disposición a pagar por varios paquetes de actividades de turismo rural en la isla de Gran Canaria entre residentes y no residentes.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque 

El análisis se basa en una muestra de conveniencia de potenciales clientes jóvenes que están familiarizados con las actividades recreativas al aire libre en la naturaleza. El estudio considera un experimento de elección discreta que incluye el tipo de alojamiento, así como cuatro tipos de actividades de turismo rural: activo, pasivo, cultural y acuático. El grado de preferencia por los atributos considerados se obtiene a partir de la estimación de diferentes modelos de elección discreta.

Resultados 

Los resultados revelan que la inclusión de los atributos investigados en los paquetes vacacionales aumenta la utilidad de los turistas, lo que motiva la promoción del turismo rural para jóvenes residentes y no residentes. Las diferencias más significativas en las percepciones de los atributos entre residentes y no residentes se encontraron en las actividades de buceo/snorkel y observación de estrellas, así como en el tipo de alojamiento y el precio del paquete.

Originalidad 

Hasta donde los autores saben, este es el primer estudio que evalúa la disposición a pagar por paquetes de turismo rural como una alternativa más sostenible en destinos de turismo masivo y que tiene en cuenta las percepciones de los residentes frente a los no residentes.

Implicaciones prácticas 

El estudio contribuirá a una mejor comprensión de un mercado turístico alternativo que ayudará a los principales agentes del sector turístico a atender mejor este importante segmento de la industria y a fomentar un turismo más sostenible en el futuro.

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2002

Tim Lockyer

A comparative study was undertaken analysing what accommodation managers and business guests believed were the factors influencing accommodation selection. It was discovered that…

6391

Abstract

A comparative study was undertaken analysing what accommodation managers and business guests believed were the factors influencing accommodation selection. It was discovered that business guests rated “bathroom and shower quality”, “standard of bedroom maintenance” and “comfort of mattress and pillow” highly, while accommodation management rated “courteous, polite, well‐mannered staff”, “enthusiasm, and commitment of staff” and “efficiency of front desk” highly. In contrast, both the business guests and accommodation managers indicated that the cleanliness of the hotel was the most significant factor influencing accommodation selection. The research also identified that there was a statistically significant difference in many items in the survey between what management and guests believed were important, which indicates a lack of understanding by management. The ramifications for management who do not provide those items important to guests are lower occupancy rates and guest dissatisfaction. Further, spending time and money on items that are not so important to guests may not be a wise use of resources. Regarding the question of whether managers understand their guests, this research indicates that they do not.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 14 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 July 2009

Jennifer Ireland, Helen Mary Correia and Tim Mark Griffin

The purpose of this paper is to introduce and describe the features of a new e‐learning quality framework developed for a large multi‐campus university. The framework is…

3166

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce and describe the features of a new e‐learning quality framework developed for a large multi‐campus university. The framework is explicitly designed to improve the quality of e‐learning sites and the quality of online student learning, by developing the skills of the academics who design the sites.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper. It examines a range of existing models and literature on evaluative frameworks in e‐learning and positions the new framework within that context. It describes the features that distinguish the new framework from existing models and explains how these differences are tailored to develop the e‐learning design skills of academic staff and to encourage greater engagement with e‐learning quality initiatives across the university.

Findings

The paper identifies several features of the new framework that differ from other models and explains the inclusion of these features in terms of the support they provide for quality improvement at a university where academics are the main designers of e‐learning sites.

Originality/value

The paper makes a contribution to the literature on quality initiatives in e‐learning by introducing a new quality framework that differs in significant respects from other models. The rationale underpinning the inherently developmental design of this framework, as set out in this paper, may be useful to other universities where academics are the main designers of e‐learning sites.

Details

Quality Assurance in Education, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4883

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 1989

David Smith, Tim Wolstencroft and Jayne Southern

The research reported here attempts to identify the personal skillswhich are important in the early years of graduate employment. Theresults are based on responses from over 250…

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Abstract

The research reported here attempts to identify the personal skills which are important in the early years of graduate employment. The results are based on responses from over 250 business and law graduates in the UK. When discussing the results a number of practical considerations for employers are highlighted. These include the importance of defining precise skill requirements and their relationship with attitudinal and knowledge‐based competences. The results suggest that some differences in skill requirements exist between employment sectors, and this may have implications for attempts to identify general managerial competences.

Details

Journal of European Industrial Training, vol. 13 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0590

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 December 2018

Thomas Belz, Dominik von Hagen and Christian Steffens

Using a meta-regression analysis, we quantitatively review the empirical literature on the relation between effective tax rate (ETR) and firm size. Accounting literature offers…

Abstract

Using a meta-regression analysis, we quantitatively review the empirical literature on the relation between effective tax rate (ETR) and firm size. Accounting literature offers two competing theories on this relation: The political cost theory, suggesting a positive size-ETR relation, and the political power theory, suggesting a negative size-ETR relation. Using a unique data set of 56 studies that do not show a clear tendency towards either of the two theories, we contribute to the discussion on the size-ETR relation in three ways: First, applying meta-regression analysis on a US meta-data set, we provide evidence supporting the political cost theory. Second, our analysis reveals factors that are possible sources of variation and bias in previous empirical studies; these findings can improve future empirical and analytical models. Third, we extend our analysis to a cross-country meta-data set; this extension enables us to investigate explanations for the two competing theories in more detail. We find that Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory, a transparency index and a corruption index explain variation in the size-ETR relation. Independent of the two theories, we also find that tax planning aspects potentially affect the size-ETR relation. To our knowledge, these explanations have not yet been investigated in our research context.

Details

Journal of Accounting Literature, vol. 42 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-4607

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2005

Frances Gordon and Katie Ward

This article discusses the practice‐based teaching strategies required to assist students to develop interprofessional working capability. A role‐play session is presented as an…

Abstract

This article discusses the practice‐based teaching strategies required to assist students to develop interprofessional working capability. A role‐play session is presented as an exemplar, but the teaching strategies described can be equally employed in facilitating reflections on practice in real‐life multiprofessional teams.

Details

Journal of Integrated Care, vol. 13 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1476-9018

Keywords

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