Search results
1 – 10 of over 2000Tiankai Liang, Seiko Goto and Minkai Sun
The design of Japanese gardens is a naturalistic style, and previous studies have shown the relaxation effects by viewing a Japanese garden. The purpose of this study is to find a…
Abstract
Purpose
The design of Japanese gardens is a naturalistic style, and previous studies have shown the relaxation effects by viewing a Japanese garden. The purpose of this study is to find a trend of eye movement in viewing a Japanese garden and elucidate the relationship between eye movements and relaxation effects compared to a geometric garden.
Design/methodology/approach
A Japanese-style garden and a geometrically designed herbal garden were selected for the experiment. Participants' eye movement and heart rate were measured during their 5-min observation of the garden to assess their physiological responses. Additionally, POMS-SF was used to assess their psychological responses.
Findings
Pearson correlation analysis revealed a stronger significant correlation between eye movement data and relaxation mechanisms in the Japanese garden. Compared to the herbal garden, the Japanese garden had more fixations and faster eye movement speed, and better relaxation effects.
Practical implications
This study suggests that exploring the relationship between design, eye movement, and relaxation mechanisms from different perspectives of landscape design is feasible. For example, our results demonstrate that the layout of landscape elements, texture, details, and maintenance in the Japanese garden hold participants' longer attention, resulting in a better relaxation effect.
Originality/value
This study clarified how a garden design can manipulate eye movements to induce relaxing effects.
Details
Keywords
Temesgen Yadeta Dibaba, Abbi Lemma, Maina Faith and Adula Bekele Hunde
The main purpose of this study was to explore how engaging in lesson study enhances secondary school mathematics teachers’ pedagogical practice in lesson planning in Jimma…
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of this study was to explore how engaging in lesson study enhances secondary school mathematics teachers’ pedagogical practice in lesson planning in Jimma, Ethiopia.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employed a design-based research approach with qualitative and quantitative data collected from two secondary schools, and 12 mathematics teachers. A purposive sampling technique was used to select participants. Interviews, observations, questionnaires and document analysis were the main sources of data. Qualitative data were analyzed using themes with the support of Atlas-ti qualitative data analysis software. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon ranked signs test.
Findings
The findings revealed that engaging secondary school mathematics teachers in lesson study enhanced their lesson planning competence. As a result, teachers began to carefully plan detailed lessons, use curriculum materials and create more student-oriented lessons. Lesson study was found to be a potent model on which to build secondary school mathematics teachers’ lesson planning competence. Hence, it would be rewarding to integrate lesson study into the present school-based teachers’ pedagogical capacity-building program in the study settings.
Research limitations/implications
The data were collected from particular localities with a small sample size in the quantitative phase. Therefore, it is difficult to generalize to the entire secondary school teachers in the country. However, thick descriptions were provided that would allow readers to determine the transferability of the findings to their specific school context. Future research should investigate the effects that enhanced TPP in lesson planning has on teachers’ mathematics teaching in more schools using a larger sample size.
Practical implications
This study provides insight into and empirical evidence of how engaging in the process of LS is essential to enhance teachers’ lesson planning competence. It adds important knowledge to a small but growing model of lesson study research. It also informs future researchers in the practical use of LS where lesson planning is a crucial concern in many secondary schools of the country.
Originality/value
This research was originally conducted to build mathematics teachers' pedagogical practice in lesson planning through lesson study in Ethiopian secondary school contexts.
Details
Keywords
This study examines the temporal dynamics shaping our understanding of search in education and the role language plays in legitimising these dynamics. It critiques the way online…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the temporal dynamics shaping our understanding of search in education and the role language plays in legitimising these dynamics. It critiques the way online search is discursively constructed using home-education as a case study, and problematises how particular discourses are privileged, whom this privileging serves, as well as the likely consequences.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs Faircloughian Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as its methodological framework. Search and discursive practices were recorded during observations, search-tasks and interviews with five Australian home-educating families. Discursive features from the Google interface were also analysed.
Findings
A discursive privileging of hasty search practices was identified. This was found alongside largely ineffectual search, but participants continued to discursively represent search as fast and easy. The study highlights the complex co-option of discourses surrounding online search that privilege particular temporal and commercial landscapes.
Originality/value
This study contributes new knowledge regarding time as a context for understanding search behaviours, locating the perception of temporal scarcity in education within broader discursive and social structures. To date, no studies are found which investigate the temporal factors surrounding search in home-education. Increasing global reliance upon online search means the findings have broad significance, as does the proliferation of home-education induced by COVID-19. Additionally, while much work problematises the power search engines wield to privilege certain discourses, few investigate the day-to-day discursive practices of searchers affording Google and others this power.
Details
Keywords
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
Keywords
Vanessa Amaro and Manuel João Pires
To explore the interplay between human translators and AI tools, focusing on tertiary students' perceptions in the context of Portuguese-Chinese translations in Macao.
Abstract
Purpose
To explore the interplay between human translators and AI tools, focusing on tertiary students' perceptions in the context of Portuguese-Chinese translations in Macao.
Design/methodology/approach
This research employed a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative surveys were complemented by qualitative responses. Qualitative class observations (participant and non-participant) and autoethnography further enriched the insights. Participants included undergraduate and postgraduate students in translation studies from the Macao Polytechnic University.
Findings
The data revealed a dual perspective: appreciation for AI’s efficiency contrasted with concerns about its potential to overshadow human touch in translations, especially in cultural nuances. Views on integrating AI into curricula were diverse, but a balanced, synergistic approach between human expertise and AI efficiency emerged as a common theme.
Originality/value
This study offers a fresh perspective by integrating various methodologies, capturing both statistical and experiential insights on the evolving relationship between AI and human translation efforts in academia.
Details
Keywords
Lyndsey McGrath, Mario Chong and Michelle Rodríguez-Serra
This study aims to present a Faculty-Led Program applied in two contrasting countries, the USA and Peru, focused on the supply chain management of food and beverages to…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to present a Faculty-Led Program applied in two contrasting countries, the USA and Peru, focused on the supply chain management of food and beverages to demonstrate its benefits in human capital development. This Faculty-Led Program provides valuable opportunities to acquire skills and knowledge in foreign environments.
Design/methodology/approach
Students from Universidad del Pacífico and Rochester Institute of Technology were exposed to the food and beverages industry in Lima and New York. The theory will be presented to justify the program’s positive impact on the human development of the participating countries and empirical evidence of training capabilities that it allowed, according to the theoretical framework proposed by (Braskamp et al., 2009), to identify dimensions of learning. The study was based on primary data collected from 20 students from Universidad del Pacífico through a participant observation approach, retrieving a final essay project and the students’ testimonies at the end of the program implemented in other similar studies in Peru (Simone, 2021). The data were categorized into three domains and then summarized to provide key insights. In this case, the methodology is qualitative, but the data were also subjected to statistical analysis.
Findings
The results suggest that knowledge of the value chain of food and beverages obtained in this program was successfully consolidated. The learning outcomes from this method were obtained through students’ projects aimed to share the learned global practices with the industry and were materialized in three domains: the cognitive domain, with students recognizing and valuing cultural aspects; the interpersonal domain, students learned from social interactions with stakeholders; and the intrapersonal domain, students showed high acceptance of US culture within the course context, though their affect toward it was more potent than toward their own culture. These domains allowed students to assess how such international experience impacted their learning in more than just the academic outcome.
Research limitations/implications
The study relies on self-reported subjective methods in the short term since it summarizes students’ perspectives, expressed in a final written essay, regarding three main dimensions of learning. Besides, the process assesses the improvement of those dimensions through a participant observation approach and collecting testimonies. More objective, comparable outcomes could be achieved in the medium term by evaluating the participants’ performance in the business world.
Originality/value
This paper presents a conclusive application of the Faculty-Led Program, which exposed students to the diverse food and beverage industry in Lima and New York, providing valuable insights through field studies and allowing them to experience both cultures and different realities. They recognized technological advancements and delays applicable to both countries, benefiting future managers and planners in workforce development. The firsthand experience taught students practical skills and perspectives for effective industry management. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first research in Peru focused on a short-term study abroad program based on the food and beverage supply chain industry to identify its value and contribution to a more holistic human capital development.
Details
Keywords
Anne Karhapää, Pauliina Rikala, Johanna Pöysä-Tarhonen and Raija Hämäläinen
The purpose of this study is to explore how digital technologies at work serve as environments for informal workplace learning in knowledge work.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore how digital technologies at work serve as environments for informal workplace learning in knowledge work.
Design/methodology/approach
Digital ethnography was used to investigate the digital environments of one public sector workplace. The data included observations, interviews and participant diaries.
Findings
The digital work environment consisted of a complex network of technologies and people connected to them. The ethnographic accounts revealed both expansive and restrictive features of the digital environment. Digital technology extended learning opportunities by providing flexible possibilities for interaction, collaboration and access to a wealth of information. On the contrary, digitally mediated presence could restrict learning if the attendance and learning remained superficial. The complexity and constant change in digital workplace environments presented challenges that could potentially restrict learning. Information overload, constant interruptions and changes were burdens that required employees’ skills to manage these challenges.
Originality/value
The authors take a novel approach to view the workplace as a phygital environment in which social, physical and digital environments are combined. Because digital environments are becoming increasingly essential parts of the workplace, it is important to understand how they can support learning.
Details
Keywords
The different dimensions and contexts within which value is co-created has generated varied views of how value is understood or formed. This study aims to examine employee-guest…
Abstract
Purpose
The different dimensions and contexts within which value is co-created has generated varied views of how value is understood or formed. This study aims to examine employee-guest perceived value as important factors for the successful implementation of value co-creation (VCC).
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs an interpretive paradigm, using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and participant observation in a qualitative design to increase understanding of employee-guest perceived value to aid the implementation of VCC at the dyadic level.
Findings
Findings highlight eight value perceptions including value for money, hotel location, physical evidence, mutual respect, appreciation, safety & security, quality & varieties of food and technological characteristics of service as important factors for the successful implementation of VCC at the dyadic level.
Research limitations/implications
Generalisability of the findings is a limitation not only due to the smaller sample size but also due to industry-specific context. The study follows rigorous procedures to minimise biases, yet research limitation is acknowledged from the researcher’s participation in the research process.
Practical implications
The notion that actor’s assess value differently from the same service suggests that diverse service elements might be experienced differently. This study provides insights for hotel managers to recognise not only individuals’ value preferences but also service types that reflect employee-guest collective service preferences for sustainability.
Originality/value
This study integrates and extends extant literature by examining employees’ and guests’ individual and collective views at distinct hotel contexts to gain useful insights into value and VCC. The study proposes a framework that hospitality firms can use to address service failure and competition-related issues.
Details
Keywords
Welcome Kupangwa, Shelley Maeva Farrington and Elmarie Venter
This study aims to investigate the favourable conditions that influence transgenerational value transmission (TVT), value acceptance and value similarity between generations in…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the favourable conditions that influence transgenerational value transmission (TVT), value acceptance and value similarity between generations in indigenous African business-owning families.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts a multiple case study design and draws on semi-structured face-to-face interviews to collect data from participants in seven indigenous Black business-owning families located in South Africa. The software ATLAS.ti was utilised to manage the data and reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken.
Findings
The analysis reveal four themes describing how transmission factors facilitate favourable conditions for successful TVT in IBSA business-owning families, namely, authoritarian parenting, a loving and connected family relational climate, the continuous reinforcement of autonomy during childhood development and family authenticity in the face of societies dominant values climate. Furthermore, value similarity is perceived to exist among the different family generations in the business-owning families.
Originality/value
This study is among the first to adopt the value acquisition model to empirically examine successful TVT and examine the extent of value similarity or dissimilarity, using the business-owning family as the unit of analysis. Novel contributions to family business literature and practices are proposing a model for TVT in an African context and studying relationships from a business-owning family perspective. The model for TVT could be used to socialise the NextGen members into value sets and behaviours that help business-owning families preserve their entrepreneurial legacy and family business longevity.
Details
Keywords
This research investigates the politics of smiling as a central driver for employees to navigate power dynamics within the prevailing discourse at a Japanese retailer in Hong…
Abstract
Purpose
This research investigates the politics of smiling as a central driver for employees to navigate power dynamics within the prevailing discourse at a Japanese retailer in Hong Kong. Existing critical management studies emphasize power in organizational language, often neglecting the role of employees’ emotions in sustaining discourse. This paper examines employees’ smiles as tools for legitimizing (sensegiving) and interpreting (sensemaking) discourse. It explores how the use of their emotional display influenced the outcome of the company’s attempt to legitimize discourse. This research divides the discourse process into five phases: formation, codification, implementation, monitoring and adaptation.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the critical sensegiving and sensemaking approach, this paper discusses how employees’ interpretations of corporate policies shape the perpetuation of dominant discourse and outcomes. Data were collected through the author’s long-term participant observation in the Hong Kong branches of Japanese retailers.
Findings
The formation phase discusses the emergence of a dominant discourse favoring Japanese practices in the company’s Hong Kong operations. Codification involves the conceptualization of standard smiles in customer service policies. In practice (implementation, monitoring and adjustment), employee smiles serve as tools for negotiating power—shaping careers, earnings and shift preferences. This paper argues that this discourse shapes organizational norms while employees’ sensemaking influences the discourse implementation. Furthermore, this paper highlights the transnational impact of Japanese culture in Hong Kong, which has shaped the way Japanese top management and local employees interpret the dominant discourse.
Originality/value
This study demonstrates the importance of discussing the display of emotions and employees’ intentions to understand their impact on the outcome of discourse implementation. This study also reiterates the significance of discussing the influence of one culture on another to understand the broader social context that affects the perpetuation of discourse.
Details