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1 – 10 of 256Robert M. Davison and Carol X.J. Ou
The purpose of this paper is to investigate how selected employees in China deliberately subvert organizational information systems (IS) policy by developing feral working…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate how selected employees in China deliberately subvert organizational information systems (IS) policy by developing feral working practices in order to gain access to the applications that they believe essential to work.
Design/methodology/approach
Interpretive case study.
Findings
Employees cannot accept the limited IT policy/environment imposed by corporate management and develop their own workarounds that subvert the organizational IT policy so as to ensure that they can get work done.
Research limitations/implications
The authors draw on elements of punctuated equilibrium theory to conceptualize the findings into four theoretical propositions. The authors encourage researchers to probe these organizational practices and solutions in depth.
Practical implications
Organizations cannot expect their digital native employees to leave their social media culture at home when they come to work. Social media penetrates all aspects of their lives and in all locations. Therefore, organizations must find a way to permit its use at work.
Originality/value
Subversion is a topic rarely studied in IS research, or in business/management more generally. The focus on the subversive behavior of organizational employees is original and important. The authors suggest that subversive behavior may be more common than the limited literature suggests.
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Michael Howard, Peter Barrett and David Oldbury MIEH
Reviews the species and characteristics of bird pests, defined asbirds whose activities impinge significantly on buildings and theiroccupants; feral pigeons, starlings, house…
Abstract
Reviews the species and characteristics of bird pests, defined as birds whose activities impinge significantly on buildings and their occupants; feral pigeons, starlings, house sparrows, swallows and martins. Outlines damage caused, bird‐proofing design techniques, and bird deterrent and removal techniques. Concludes that long‐term solutions, based on an understanding of bird behaviour, are most likely to be successful.
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T.C. Hutton and J. Dobson
Discusses the problems caused by pigeons in buildings and somecommon control techniques, and outlines a remedial programme. Brieflyexamines the natural history of the feral…
Abstract
Discusses the problems caused by pigeons in buildings and some common control techniques, and outlines a remedial programme. Briefly examines the natural history of the feral pigeon. Details the common control techniques of food reduction, poisons and narcotic baits, trapping, fertility control and removal of nest sites, shooting, predators, bird scarers, bird nets,sprung wires, spikes and repellent gels. Advocates the implementation of a specialized site investigation and suggests that control is unlikely to be achieved by the application of a single product or technique.
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The purpose of this paper is to qualitatively describe an attempt to enhance curriculum design and delivery processes in universities through the development and introduction of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to qualitatively describe an attempt to enhance curriculum design and delivery processes in universities through the development and introduction of new information systems and procedures.
Design/methodology/approach
The author examines the experiences of five out of the total 27 institutions involved in the UK JISC Curriculum Design and Delivery programme as they attempted to implement campus-wide changes.
Findings
Common themes that emerged across all five projects were the interconnectedness of university systems, proliferation of alternative “feral” systems, a tendency for project remits to drift, resistance from other parts of the institution, planning imperatives, staff turnover and dependency failures. Conclusions are that cultural change underpins effective innovation and that cultural change is harder than technical innovation.
Practical implications
Change is best achieved through participatory, campus-wide approaches, although a “submarine” strategy may be necessary to deflect opposition. Stakeholders should be kept informed about benefits to them and it is important for projects to be responsive and adaptive and to recognize that participatory approaches may be institutionally risky. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for achieving lasting large-scale change in the higher education environment.
Originality/value
The JISC Curriculum Design and Delivery programme was arguably the largest single co-ordinated Information and Communication Technology-based change management programme yet seen in the UK and the findings of this study provide insights into common barriers to effective change in universities and how to overcome them.
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Dirk H.R. Spennemann, Melissa Pike and Maggie J. Watson
Birds are implicated in spoiling and decay of buildings, especially through their droppings. Pigeons are considered the main culprits, and several studies have examined the…
Abstract
Purpose
Birds are implicated in spoiling and decay of buildings, especially through their droppings. Pigeons are considered the main culprits, and several studies have examined the effects and chemistry of accumulations of droppings without evidence to the exact origins of the source of the excreta. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
This study reviews and summarises the state of knowledge with regard to the impact of bird excreta on buildings. It experimentally assesses the acidity of fresh pigeon excreta with different diets and examines the development of the acidity of the excreta after voiding.
Findings
Feral pigeons in urban settings are known to be fed by a range of foods. Urban food scraps-derived diets produce more acidic excreta than more natural diets such as seeds. This is a first study of its kind to examine the impact of a bird’s diet on the pH and thus the resulting (potential) decay of masonry.
Research limitations/implications
This study showed that from a management’s perspective, pigeons that subsist entirely on human provided foods will be depositing more initially acidic faeces. If faecal accumulation occurs; then, mould and other bacteria quickly alter the chemistry from acidic towards basic, but the damage may already be done.
Originality/value
This paper is the first study of its kind to examine the effects of fresh pigeon droppings of known origin and age once voided from the intestine. This allows the authors to assess the impact during the first few days.
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– Interviews two black minority ethnic (BME) male youths who were raised in high knife and gun-crime areas of London.
Abstract
Purpose
Interviews two black minority ethnic (BME) male youths who were raised in high knife and gun-crime areas of London.
Design/methodology/approach
Considers whether feral youth behavior might have something to do with British youths’ need for respect.
Findings
Quotes one of the youths as saying it is disrespectful to enter their territory without permission.
Practical implications
Quotes the other as saying that BME male youths do not get respect from the British police, the politicians or the society and so do not have a voice.
Social implications
Considers that society might therefore benefit from changing its attitude to BME youth.
Originality/value
Contains the views of two BME young people who were prepared to be named in an interview that would provide them with the opportunity to air their views without criticism.
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Beau J. Austin and Stephen T. Garnett
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the Gulin Gulin Buffalo Company (GGBC), an Indigenous wildlife enterprise, within a sustainable livelihoods framework and to understand the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the Gulin Gulin Buffalo Company (GGBC), an Indigenous wildlife enterprise, within a sustainable livelihoods framework and to understand the factors that have contributed to its success.
Design/methodology/approach
A combination of participatory observation, semi‐structured interviews and a focus‐group discussion were undertaken to understand the implications of the enterprise with regards to each of the five capitals of the sustainable livelihoods framework.
Findings
The GGBC has successfully mustered feral buffalo from Northern Australia for 20 years. A livelihoods assessment of the industry shows that the natural capital (the buffalo) are harvested below replacement levels, financial returns are significant, the business possesses adequate physical infrastructure, human capital is increased through on‐the‐job training, and there is community support. Seven factors underpin this enterprise's success: the productive capacity of the buffalo and the resources it consumes; the minimal amount of anti‐use sentiment harboured by the Australian public towards the commercial use of buffalo; the size of the market and its indifference to wild harvested stock; consistent culturally aware management; strong historical roots in the pastoral industry; considerable alignment of the company's activities to the local culture; and strong relationships with the associated community.
Originality/value
This paper provides insight into the nature of a successful Indigenous wildlife enterprise in remote and regional Australia that sheds light on Indigenous enterprise success more generally. As such, this paper will be valuable for Indigenous entrepreneurs and Indigenous economic development professionals, policy makers and researchers.
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Professor Clem Tisdell has written widely on the application of economics to resolve ecological, environmental and resource problems. Reviews a selection of his papers to identify…
Abstract
Professor Clem Tisdell has written widely on the application of economics to resolve ecological, environmental and resource problems. Reviews a selection of his papers to identify how, and how well, an economist can contribute to these problems. Those who read Tisdell’s papers are rewarded by discovering the wide range of ways in which economic principles can be applied, and trade‐offs can be identified. Those who read his papers also gain useful insights into the many roles of an academic economist, and the many useful contributions of one economist in particular.
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