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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 December 2023

Katri Weckroth and Elina Närvänen

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel qualitative activity focus group (AFG) method for studying consumption practices. This participatory method, which is inspired by…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel qualitative activity focus group (AFG) method for studying consumption practices. This participatory method, which is inspired by practice-theoretical thinking, combines focus group discussions with activities that represent the practices at the centre of the research.

Design/methodology/approach

The application of the AFG method is demonstrated with an empirical study of the transition to plant-based food consumption practices in Finland, involving four group sessions of 13 participants.

Findings

The findings from the empirical application of the AFG method illustrate that its key strength is the ability to foster fruitful and natural discussions on routine consumption practices that connect with discursive and practical dimensions and thus generate multidimensional data in resource-efficient ways.

Originality/value

The AFG method extends the methodological approaches in practice theory–oriented research, responding to the call for creative, real-life-reflecting methods that are able to grasp the discursive and embodied dimensions of practices. The method is proposed to be particularly suitable for research on mundane consumption practices.

Details

Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1352-2752

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 5 February 2024

Marianne Jaakkola, Soila Lemmetty, Kaija Collin, Minna Ylönen and Teuvo Antikainen

This study aims to increase the understanding of the starting points and presuppositions of organizational learning (OL) processes in a hospital’s surgical department based on the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to increase the understanding of the starting points and presuppositions of organizational learning (OL) processes in a hospital’s surgical department based on the existing theory of OL and to make visible the practical possibilities of the theory in this context.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted as a case study. The data were collected from personnel of the hospital’s surgical department and consisted of 26 thematic interviews. The data were analyzed using qualitative theory-driven content analysis.

Findings

This study found different starting points for both employee-oriented and organization-oriented learning processes that could potentially progress to different levels of the organization: from individuals to a wider group or from a large group to an individual. The starting point of employee-oriented learning processes was depicted as everyday life problems or situations or was based on the person’s interest. The starting points of organization-oriented learning processes were described as achieving or maintaining the organization’s expected skill levels, pursuing continuous development or pursuing the organization’s specific development needs. Different kinds of presuppositions were also located within the OL processes.

Originality/value

This study produced new practice-based knowledge about the starting points of OL processes and their presuppositions. In health-care organizations, learning is especially important due to intensive and complex changes, and this study provides empirical evidence on how to enhance learning.

Details

The Learning Organization, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-6474

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 March 2024

Ding Liu and Chenglin Li

Safety training can effectively facilitate workers’ safety awareness and prevent injuries and fatalities on construction sites. Traditional training methods are time-consuming…

Abstract

Purpose

Safety training can effectively facilitate workers’ safety awareness and prevent injuries and fatalities on construction sites. Traditional training methods are time-consuming, low participation, and less interaction, which is not suitable for students who are born in Generation Z (Gen Z) and expect to be positively engaged in the learning process. With the characteristic of immersive, interaction, and imagination, virtual reality (VR) has become a promising training method. The purpose of this study is to explore Gen Z students’ learning differences under VR and traditional conditions and determine whether VR technology is more suitable for Gen Z students.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper designed a comparison experiment that includes three training conditions: VR-based, classroom lecturing, and on-site practice. 32 sophomore students were divided into four groups and received different training methods. The eye movement data and hazard-identification index (HII) scores from four groups were collected to measure their hazard-identification ability. The differences between the participants before and after the test were tested by paired sample t-test, and the differences between the groups after the test were analyzed by one-way Welch’s analysis of variance (ANOVA) test.

Findings

The statistical findings showed that participants under VR technology condition spent less time finding and arriving at the Areas of Interest (AOIs). Both the eye movement data and HII scores indicated that VR-based safety training is an alternative approach for Gen Z students to traditional safety training methods.

Originality/value

These findings contribute to the theoretical implications by proving the applicability of VR technology to Gen Z students and empirical implications by guiding colleges and universities to design attractive safety training lessons.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 14 February 2024

Elisei Emili Lubuva, Placidius Ndibalema and Esther Mbwambo

The study aims to assess the effectiveness of engaging tutors in designing and using ICT integrated lesson activities in strengthening their pedagogical use of ICT competences.

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to assess the effectiveness of engaging tutors in designing and using ICT integrated lesson activities in strengthening their pedagogical use of ICT competences.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from an intervention group of 70 tutors from two teachers colleges (TCs) were used to compare their level of ICT competences and domains of professional practice before and after the intervention. Document analysis, lesson observations and feedback from the learning management system (LMS) were used to describe tutors’ experiences from the intervention.

Findings

There was a statistically significant increase in tutors’ level of pedagogical use of ICT competences and domains of professional practice associated with hands-on practice in designing and implementing the intervention.

Research limitations/implications

The intervention focus on hands-on practice, actual teaching and learning needs, and the use of active learning strategies like flipped classroom and the LMS, were useful means for tutors to make sense of pedagogical use of ICT competences.

Practical implications

The results offer useful insights to teacher education institutions and policymakers on how to prepare professional learning and supportive policies to enhance teaching and learning with ICT for addressing the learning needs of the subject matter.

Originality/value

Creating 16 ICT integrated lesson activities helped tutors to learn pedagogical use of ICT competences by doing. Use of such intervention could be a useful strategy in teacher education institutions to reposition ICT competence development from reproducing technological competences toward developing knowledge creators who could innovate their pedagogical practice with support from mentors, digital learning resources and networks.

Details

Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-9899

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 October 2023

Nikolaos Stylos and Chris A. Vassiliadis

Drawing from the Personal Construct Theory, this study aims to analyze the impact of using gamified apps on user behavior by investigating the service-related images and…

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing from the Personal Construct Theory, this study aims to analyze the impact of using gamified apps on user behavior by investigating the service-related images and individual preferences of Generation Z (GenZ) consumers, as these emerge from gamified applications in a tourism context.

Design/methodology/approach

The repertory grid analysis (RGA) elicited the top elements that reflect GenZer perceptions in tourism from empirical studies in the UK and Greece. Generalized procrustes analysis was used to investigate the structure of the data for the creation of representative consensus biplots of the most important conceptual constructs to advance consumer decision-making modeling via gamification.

Findings

As per different gamified app best-practices considered, the authors extract not only common perceptual elements (e.g. place informative aspects, exploration, lodgings, food/catering) but also different image components (e.g. virtual/interactive, business vs commercial traveling, entertainment, heritage/cultural informative aspects) from comparing UK with Greek GenZers’ responses. These extracted attributes are then presented in two dimensional charts, respectively, toward creating tourist perception scales.

Research limitations/implications

Notwithstanding the wide availability of gamified apps, research on gamification design in tourism and hospitality is still in the early phase. This study demonstrates the need to identify and optimize the formation of different images among GenZers. It also highlights the advantageous nature of the proposed combination of procrustes analysis with the RGA.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is among the first empirical ones toward creating scales for measuring tourist perceptions of GenZers coming from different consumer markets. It responds to scholars’ recent calls for better informing gamification design and improving contemporary consumer experience.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 November 2023

Md. Mamunur Rashid, Dewan Mahboob Hossain and Md. Saiful Alam

This study aims to investigate the impact of organizational external environmental factors on strategic management accounting (SMA) usage in an emerging economy.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of organizational external environmental factors on strategic management accounting (SMA) usage in an emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected data from 79 public limited companies listed with the Dhaka Stock Exchange (Bangladesh) through a questionnaire survey. Multiple regression analysis is employed to test the impact of external environmental variables such as perceived environmental uncertainty and intensity of competition on SMA usage.

Findings

The study finds a significant positive impact of environmental uncertainty (fluctuation in the external environmental factors) and intensity of competition (domination by few companies) on SMA usage. However, the direction and magnitude of this impact vary considerably for specific groups of SMA practices such as costing, competitor accounting, customer accounting and planning and performance measurement techniques.

Originality/value

This study shows the impact of several facets of environmental uncertainty (i.e. unpredictability, fluctuation, ambiguity, lack of information and uncertainty of the outcome of decision) and intensity of competition (i.e. stressfulness and domination) in the empirical-based SMA research.

Details

Asian Review of Accounting, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1321-7348

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 February 2023

Chaitali Brahma, Bhaskar Saha and Anirban Chowdhury

The purpose of this study is to understand the perception of the local weavers amongst the Bodos, a tribe of the North-east (NE) India. Towards this a concept of a service…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand the perception of the local weavers amongst the Bodos, a tribe of the North-east (NE) India. Towards this a concept of a service pipeline process in the field of heritage attire preservation of Bodo Dokhona was focused that would endorse the local weavers' community for its wellbeing and sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The design approaches have been framed after interactions with the local weavers through a survey conducted for understanding the issues pertaining to weavers. Towards sustaining the Bodo heritage attire Dokhona, a service design pipeline for better management system was developed in three phases. Interactions with the local weavers through survey and validation for its feasibility were undertaken.

Findings

This research paper focuses on publishing innovative survey research and practice related to cultural heritage management of the Bodo traditional wear Dokhona and sustainability conservation of the pipeline process. Therefore, developing both skill and knowledge for the weavers' community of the region.

Social implications

The design pipeline approach in this paper has been shared with the local weavers' for easy understanding of the step-by-step process of weaving a Dokhona made of eri silk. A progressive Bodo weaver will gain skill training which would lead to weavers' empowerment.

Originality/value

Developing and documenting an innovative service design approach. In this context, an insight for women empowerment leading to preservation of Bodo heritage is valued.

Details

Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1266

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 January 2024

Anette Kaagaard Kristensen

This paper aims to explore how experienced nurses relate to hazing and uncover the underlying limits of tolerance for newcomers.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how experienced nurses relate to hazing and uncover the underlying limits of tolerance for newcomers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through eight qualitative focus group interviews (n = 35) and analysed using reflexive thematic coding.

Findings

The analysis revealed three themes in the limits of experienced nurses’ tolerance of newcomers: “Don’t be sensitive”, “Prove your respectability” and “Accept your inequality of rights”.

Originality/value

The paper challenges existing perspectives on hazing motivation since tolerating newcomers is motivated by defending the status quo against threatening and challenging newcomers.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 February 2024

Yanxi Li, Delin Meng and YunGe Hu

This study aims to investigate the influence of parent company personnel embedding on the stock price crash risk (SPCR) of listed companies, along with the moderating effect of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of parent company personnel embedding on the stock price crash risk (SPCR) of listed companies, along with the moderating effect of disparate locations between parent and subsidiary companies and other major shareholders.

Design/methodology/approach

This research empirically tests hypotheses based on a sample of listed subsidiaries in China during the period between 2006 and 2021.

Findings

Our results demonstrate that personnel embeddedness in the parent company significantly alleviates SPCR in subsidiaries. This effect is even more substantial when the parent and subsidiary companies are in different places. However, other major shareholders in the subsidiary company weaken it. Our additional analysis indicates that, relative to executive embeddedness, director embeddedness exerts a stronger effect on the SPCR of the subsidiary. Mechanism examination reveals that the information asymmetry and the level of internal control (IC) within the subsidiary are significant channels through which the personnel embeddedness from the parent company influences the SPCR of the subsidiary.

Originality/value

This study expands the literature on how personnel arrangements in corporate groups within emerging countries influence SPCR. We have extended the traditional concept of interlocking directorates to corporate groups, thereby broadening the understanding of the governance effects of interlocking directors and executives from a group perspective.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 December 2023

Marylyn Carrigan, Victoria Wells and Kerry Mackay

This study aims to investigate whether consumers and small businesses can transition from disposable to reusable coffee cups, using a community social marketing intervention, led…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether consumers and small businesses can transition from disposable to reusable coffee cups, using a community social marketing intervention, led by a Social Purpose Organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

An emergent case study approach using multiple sources of data developed an in-depth, multifaceted, real-world context evaluation of the intervention. The methodology draws on citizen science “messy” data collection involving multiple, fragmented sources.

Findings

Moving from single-use cups to reusables requires collective commitment by retailers, consumers and policymakers, despite the many incentives and penalties applied to incentivise behaviour change. Difficult post-COVID economics, austerity and infrastructure gaps are undermining both reusable acceptance and interim solutions to our dependence upon disposables.

Research limitations/implications

Although the non-traditional methodology rendered gaps and omissions in the data, the citizen science was democratising and inclusive for the community.

Practical implications

Our practical contribution evaluates a whole community intervention setting to encourage reusable cups, integrating multiple stakeholders, in a non-controllable, non-experimental environment in contrast to previous research. This paper demonstrates how small community grants can foster impactful collaborative partnerships between an SPO and researchers, facilitate knowledge-exchange beyond the initial remit and provide a catalyst for possible future impact and outcomes.

Originality/value

To assess the impact at both the outcome and the process level of the intervention, we use Pawson and Tilley’s realist evaluation theory – the Context Mechanism Outcome framework. The methodological contribution demonstrates the process of citizen science “messy” data collection, likely to feature more frequently in future social science research addressing climate change and sustainability challenges.

Details

European Journal of Marketing, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0566

Keywords

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