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1 – 10 of over 1000
Article
Publication date: 29 August 2024

Jackeline Rodriguez, Kaylee Fredella, Jake Labhart, Jennifer A. Bunn and Matthew Wagner

The purpose of this study was to assess relationships between dynamic shooting accuracy and physical training behaviors in tactical police officers.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess relationships between dynamic shooting accuracy and physical training behaviors in tactical police officers.

Design/methodology/approach

Seventy tactical police officers from various agencies completed a survey including information on general experience, firearms training and physical training. Participants completed dynamic shooting drills with pistol and a rifle.

Findings

Officer’s overall shooting performance was associated with years of experience in special operations as more accurate shooters had 6–10 years of experience. Operators in the highest shooting quartile were likely to participate in shooting competitions. Operators at the 50% ranking or above were more likely to train at the department or agency gym.

Research limitations/implications

All subjects were males, no cause/effect relationship established, no data on caffeine and alcohol consumption or sleep behaviors. Years of experience, competition shooting, and training were all related to higher level shooting performance.

Practical implications

The data support deliberate practice, accountability, and camaraderie contribute to high-level performance and safety for tactical law enforcement officers.

Originality/value

This research highlighted marksmanship performance and the connection between training habits and lifestyle. These findings highlight the need for training specific variables so that operators perform at a higher level and enhance their skills for dynamic shooting performance in a tactical unit.

Details

Policing: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1363-951X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 13 August 2024

Riikka Harikkala-Laihinen, Sanna Fäldt and Erik Bäckman

This paper aims to explore how a new type of workplace training program can be created that truly enables participants to move from words to action. Recognizing the need to…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how a new type of workplace training program can be created that truly enables participants to move from words to action. Recognizing the need to understand trainee–work environment dynamics the authors criticize training efforts that center on targeted learning events, instead highlighting the role of preparation and following up. In doing so, the authors tackle the lack of guidance practitioners experience when designing and implementing workplace training programs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present action research on a pilot workplace training program focused on wellbeing in an academic work setting. The data collection draws from the case study tradition. The authors collect data through interviews (21), field notes of participant observation (3 occasions), participant-produced written materials and a feedback survey.

Findings

The authors find that restorative practices, workplace mediation and reteaming enhance the participants’ perceptions of self-efficacy and agency. Throughout the training program, facilitators observe the dynamics of the situation and take part in discussions to encourage exploration and reflection. Thus, facilitators likely need a coaching mindset.

Originality/value

The theoretical contribution stems from an in-depth exploration of trainee–work environment dynamics and novel insights brought to workplace training from adjacent fields of research. The authors introduce a framework for planning participatory workplace training and organizational development programs, which answers a call from practitioners.

Details

Journal of Workplace Learning, vol. 36 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-5626

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Intelligence and State Surveillance in Modern Societies
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83549-098-3

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2024

Nhat Tan Pham, Vo Thi Ngoc Thuy, Nguyen Hai Quang, Tran Hoang Tuan and Nguyen Hong Uyen

Based on the ability, motivation and opportunity (AMO) theory, this study aims to investigate the role of digital human resources management (digital-HRM) practices in influencing…

Abstract

Purpose

Based on the ability, motivation and opportunity (AMO) theory, this study aims to investigate the role of digital human resources management (digital-HRM) practices in influencing hotel employee behaviors, especially their adoption of work-at-home (WAH).

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in two stages in hotels in Vietnam. Stage 1 used a mixed method to develop an instrument to measure digital-HRM practices. In Stage 2, through a survey of 303 respondents, the research investigated digital-HRM practices’ additive and interactive effects on WAH.

Findings

The study shows that digital-HRM comprised five factors. Except for digital recruitment, the other digital-HRM practices significantly affected WAH. In addition, the research suggests that digital training and employee involvement should be combined to enhance employee willingness for WAH.

Research limitations/implications

Drawing on the AMO theory, this study constructs a digital-HRM measurement scale to study the antecedents and consequences of these practices to improve employees’ digital work efficiency. In addition, through both additive and combinative (a two-way interaction) models, the study enhances the HRM and hotel management theory by understanding why digital-HRM practices are essential to boost employees’ digital competencies to adopt remote working.

Practical implications

By investigating the role of digital-HRM practices in improving employees’ adoption of WAH, this study provides empirical implications for hotels to manage digital-HRM practices better and thus makes remote working effective.

Originality/value

The existing literature reveals the lack of a deep understanding of how HRM practices can promote digital devices and services and their influence on employee behaviors, especially in the hotel sector. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is unique in extending the AMO theory into the digital context to illuminate components of digital-HRM practices and clarify how digitalizing HRM practices can motivate hotel employees to accept WAH.

Details

The Bottom Line, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0888-045X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 30 August 2024

Oscar Sigauke, Samson Mutsagondo and Munyika Sibanda

Archival institutions must make their holdings and services known to the public to ensure increased usage. It is the obligation of archival institutions to adopt strategies to…

Abstract

Purpose

Archival institutions must make their holdings and services known to the public to ensure increased usage. It is the obligation of archival institutions to adopt strategies to market their services to increase the usage of their holdings. Therefore, this study aims to assess the National Archives of Zimbabwe’s (NAZ) decentralisation drive as a strategy to market its archival services.

Design/methodology/approach

The multiple case study research design, which is interpretive and qualitative, was used for the study. The study used interviews, questionnaires and document review as data collection tools. The collected data were presented, analysed and discussed using the thematic data analysis approach.

Findings

Findings revealed that the NAZ decentralised provincial records centres were actively involved in the marketing of archival services offered by the NAZ. The study also established that the decentralised provincial records centres perform activities such as records surveys, training, oral history, issuance of brochures, guided tours and career guidance, which increase their interactions with communities they serve. The decentralised offices took advantage of these interactions to market archival services offered by the NAZ.

Originality/value

The study illustrated that decentralisation of archival institutions and services to the lower tiers of government is a powerful strategy for the marketing of archival services. Therefore, there is need for archival institutions to adopt or enhance the use of this strategy to increase the usage of archives.

Details

Collection and Curation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9326

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Business Acumen for Strategic Communicators
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-085-8

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2024

Anuradha Thittai Kumar and Òscar Prieto-Flores

The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of college-age mentors in a school-based mentoring (SBM) program with the aim of understanding mentor perceptions of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of college-age mentors in a school-based mentoring (SBM) program with the aim of understanding mentor perceptions of “power.”

Design/methodology/approach

Seventeen mentors, comprising both undergraduate (9) and graduate (8) students, participated in this exploratory qualitative study. One-on-one semi-structured interviews and Focus Groups served as the primary methods of data collection. The modified Grounded Theory approach guided the data analysis process. Mentor narratives were scrutinized within the Indian context while also considering a global perspective.

Findings

Three major role execution styles emerged from examining mentor behavior: leadership, coaching and companionship. These charted the trajectory of equitability, revealing two major aspects of mentor perception: (1) within a tightly monitored and firmly structured program in a collectivist context, mentors believed they had the power to promote equitability in their dyads and (2) raising awareness about inequity is not sufficient to activate equitability, but additionally, an open mindset is essential for making conscious efforts to disrupt hierarchy.

Research limitations/implications

The findings hold significant implications for higher education institutions and program creators in advocating school–college partnerships using SBM to promote equitable program structures and to develop a socially responsible next generation of leaders.

Originality/value

The study modestly fills critical gaps in the literature related to the understanding of power dynamics in mentoring relationships and understanding mentorship from mentors’ views. Future research could explore how college-age mentors perceive their own social capital.

Details

International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6854

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 May 2024

Kamesha Spates, Na’Tasha Evans, Jordan Smith, Richa Gairola, Rebecca Jindra, Parishma Guttoo, Cedric Mubikayi Kabasele, Chelsey Kirkland and PraiseGod Aminu

The prevalence of Congolese refugee women seeking asylum in the USA has recently garnered substantial attention. Many women have fled the Democratic Republic of Congo due to…

Abstract

Purpose

The prevalence of Congolese refugee women seeking asylum in the USA has recently garnered substantial attention. Many women have fled the Democratic Republic of Congo due to trauma and loss. Likewise, the resettlement process, particularly acculturative stress, may exacerbate mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. By recognizing the centrality of family within Congolese culture, this study aims to investigate cultural beliefs about family among Congolese refugee women in the USA, using acculturative theory as an interpretative lens.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ study centered on understanding the resettlement experiences of 20 Congolese refugee women living within an urban area of Midwest America after their arrival in America since 2011. Through using convenient sampling methods, the authors chose these particular activists as they could provide insight into their stories concerning their journey from Congo to settling down as refugees within Northeast America. During interviews, semi-structured questioning was used to gather responses from participants which were later analyzed through implementing a thematic interpretation process.

Findings

Three themes emerged encapsulating cultural beliefs about family: supporting one another; the importance of togetherness; and disciplining our children. These findings provide culturally tailored resources to support Congolese refugee women and their families upon resettlement optimally.

Research limitations/implications

The authors’ work provides health equity researchers with an opportunity to better understand cultural beliefs among Congolese refugee women. Findings from this study provide an increased understanding of how to provide culturally specific tools to better aid Congolese refugee women and their families upon arrival.

Practical implications

The authors’ research offers insights for health equity researchers seeking to understand the cultural beliefs of Congolese refugee women. The findings contribute to an enhanced understanding of how to provide culturally specific resources better to support Congolese refugee women and their families upon arrival.

Originality/value

The authors verify that, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the paper was written completely independently, and neither the entire work nor any of its parts have been previously published. The authors confirm that the paper has not been submitted to peer review, nor is in the process of peer reviewing, nor has been accepted for publishing in another journal. The authors confirm that the research in their work is original.

Details

International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, vol. 20 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-9894

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 27 August 2024

Dominic Essuman, Nathaniel Boso, Priscilla Addo Asamany, Henry Ataburo and Felicity Asiedu-Appiah

This study draws on the conservation of resources logic to theorize the role of firm resilience in explaining variations in entrepreneurial well-being under varying conditions of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study draws on the conservation of resources logic to theorize the role of firm resilience in explaining variations in entrepreneurial well-being under varying conditions of supply chain disruption and dependency ratio.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses ex-post survey data from 373 women entrepreneurs in diverse agricultural supply chains in Ghana, a sub-Saharan African country. Moderated regression analysis is employed to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that firm resilience has both positive and negative relationships with economic and subjective well-being, depending on the level of supply chain disruption and dependency ratio women entrepreneurs face. Notably, the findings suggest that firm resilience contributes more to economic and subjective well-being of women entrepreneurs when dependency ratio is low and supply chain disruption is high.

Originality/value

The study integrates firm resilience research and entrepreneurial well-being literature to provide new insights into theorizing and analyzing the benefit of firm resilience for women entrepreneurs’ well-being.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 30 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 25 December 2023

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…

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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.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 15 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

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