There are many definitions of profound and multiple learning disabilities. Most definitions include having a high degree of learning disability in conjunction with at least one…
Abstract
There are many definitions of profound and multiple learning disabilities. Most definitions include having a high degree of learning disability in conjunction with at least one other severe impairment, such as visual, auditory or physical impairments (Male, 1996; Ware, 1996; Lacey, 1998). Bunning (1997) adds that people with such disabilities are very reliant on others for support, including support in taking part in communicative events. Establishing reliable and consistent methods of communication may be exceptionally difficult (Florian et al, 2000). However, it is important to consider the individuality and extreme diversity of this population (Detheridge, 1997; Hogg, 1998), which includes variability in communication strengths and needs (Granlund & Olsson, 1999; McLean et al, 1996). Communication is often given little attention when services are planning ways of supporting individuals to participate, develop independence and make choices (McGill et al, 2000). While the individual's communication strengths and needs should remain central within any discussion, the significant others and the environment will also have an important influence. This article explores some of the communication issues experienced by people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and highlights the importance of the communication partnership within interventions.
Janice Baker Corzine, Gabriel F. Buntzman and Edgar T. Busch
This study examined relationships involving Machiavellianism, the career plateau, job satisfaction and salary in a sample of commercial bank officers in the United States. Results…
Abstract
This study examined relationships involving Machiavellianism, the career plateau, job satisfaction and salary in a sample of commercial bank officers in the United States. Results showed that American bankers had relatively low Machiavellianism scores compared to scores reported for other groups. While a negative relationship between job satisfaction and Machiavellianism was found, there was no association between salary and Machiavellianism. Those who scored high on Machiavellianism were more likely to believe that they had reached a career plateau than were those who scored low. Some results are explained in the context of the U.S. banking industry environment.
We learn from various sources that the Cambridge Conference arrangements are well in hand. It is many years since the Library Association gathered in body at either Oxford or…
Abstract
We learn from various sources that the Cambridge Conference arrangements are well in hand. It is many years since the Library Association gathered in body at either Oxford or Cambridge and the event should therefore be of universal interest. On one point it has a special interest, for the President will be Mr. Jast, the first municipal librarian to hold our highest office for many years past; and no one will do otherwise than rejoice at the somewhat tardy honour thus to be paid him. Cambridge itself is making first‐class history in that it is about to build a new University Library, the elevation of which—and it is a most imposing one—has been published in The Observer and probably elsewhere. Moreover, the university city with its colleges, halls, libraries and quite glamorous history from the literary point of view, offers librarians more than most people the ideal place of meeting.
If people with learning disabilities are to be effective social agents, the capacity to communicate with others through speech, sign or symbol manipulation is of central…
Abstract
If people with learning disabilities are to be effective social agents, the capacity to communicate with others through speech, sign or symbol manipulation is of central importance. Unfortunately, severe and profound learning disabilities are frequently associated with very poor communicative skills and remediation is therefore essential. Theories of normal language development may be of value in suggesting remedial strategies but, of these, structural approaches that emphasise language organisation are less helpful than functional accounts of language use. The latter have led to many successful intervention programmes based in the domestic and social environments of learners. Research is continuing to produce rapid progress in communication intervention but the application of scientific findings is critically dependent on high levels of understanding by, and co‐operation between, professionals in such disciplines as nursing, clinical psychology, speech therapy, teaching and management.
Thabelo Ramantswana, Koech Cheruiyot and Samuel Azasu
There are multitudes of sites and buildings offering various services to their occupiers. Studies highlight that companies choose sites and buildings that enable business’ growth…
Abstract
Purpose
There are multitudes of sites and buildings offering various services to their occupiers. Studies highlight that companies choose sites and buildings that enable business’ growth and competition. The purpose of this paper is to explore occupiers’ perspectives on headquarters (HQs) site selection preferences with reference to the public listed firms in South Africa’s eight metropolitan municipalities.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature review was conducted to understand site selection preferences in other countries to inform the current study. Empirical data were collected using a sequential mixed-method approach using interviews and a survey. Semi-structured interviews were conducted first with the executives/management and also personnel who are involved in site selection decisions. Purposive sampling technique was used to select one company per industry to be interviewed. The information gathered from interviews informed the survey that was distributed online using Qualtrics software to all public listed firms located within the eight metropolitan municipalities in South Africa. Thematic analysis was used for analysing the interviews, whereas self-explicated conjoint model was used for the survey.
Findings
The results reveal that HQs as occupants of space prefer facilities that have good security and security systems, backup generators, air conditioning, parking facilities, energy management, access to the internet, efficient water supply, quality meeting places, cleaning services, the condition of the premises and disabled-friendly facilities. In addition to these preferences, HQs also prefer sites that are accessible. From this study, aspects that are unique to South Africa’s case are around security and security systems. The higher the crime levels, the higher is the demand on HQs to provide security and security systems for not only for their premises but also their employees. The current water and energy outages are also affecting HQs resulting in companies preferring facilities with an efficient water supply and having backup generators.
Research limitations/implications
The research only focussed on public listed firms located within the eight metropolitan municipalities. The findings may/may not apply to the HQs of non-listed firms and also to those situated outside the metropolitan municipalities. Owing to this, the results cannot be generalised. Further studies are needed to explore preference by industry with larger sample size.
Practical implications
This study provides insights on HQs site selection preference levels from the context of South Africa as a developing country. The insights would be useful to companies within the South African context to better understand their contextual dynamics and for companies seeking to do business in developing countries. Apart from companies, this study would also be beneficial to policymakers in creating enabling policies for companies, property developers to build facilities that embrace aspects preferred by occupants and investors to understand the preferences of HQs in the selection of sites for their operation.
Originality/value
In a developing country such as South Africa, there are limited studies on HQs site selection preferences; therefore, this study is one of the few studies bridging the knowledge gap. This study adopts a marketing approach to understand corporate real estate phenomenon.
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C. Leishman, N.A. Dunse, F.J. Warren and C. Watkins
This paper reports the results from the first stage of a research project that examines changes in urban office occupiers’ space requirements and their impact on the structure of…
Abstract
This paper reports the results from the first stage of a research project that examines changes in urban office occupiers’ space requirements and their impact on the structure of urban office markets. The specific objectives of the project are to compare occupiers’ trade‐offs and preferences between submarkets in the Edinburgh market and to look at the way in which agents influence the process by which occupiers are matched to space in particular submarkets. The results discussed are based on two surveys: first we analyse a detailed survey of office occupiers in two office submarkets in Edinburgh; and second, office agents are surveyed. This allows us to compare their perception of occupiers’ space requirements with those expressed by respondent occupiers. The results suggest that agents’ knowledge of occupier preferences vary across submarkets and that, in particular, they are less well informed about occupiers’ preferences in non‐traditional submarkets.
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Margot Hurlbert, Harry Diaz, Darrell R. Corkal and Jim Warren
The purpose of this paper is to assess the successes and challenges of adaptation to climate change focusing on water governance institutions in Saskatchewan, a province located…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the successes and challenges of adaptation to climate change focusing on water governance institutions in Saskatchewan, a province located in the western Canadian prairies.
Design/methodology/approach
A framework of vulnerability and adaptive capacity to the effects of climate change is employed. Data are obtained through qualitative research conducted through interviews and focus groups with stakeholders and people playing a role in water governance in Saskatchewan.
Findings
There have been many positive institutional developments which have improved Saskatchewan's adaptive capacity. The most promising is the creation of local watershed advisory committees that are poised to implement on‐the‐ground water management decisions. What is lacking, however, is a long‐term comprehensive climate change and adaptation plan, with built‐in flexibility to address present and future climate variability. Without a long‐term baseline plan and vision, Saskatchewan rural communities and the agricultural sector will remain vulnerable to present and future climate‐induced water stress.
Practical implications
The research shows a need for an increased inter‐disciplinary approach addressing environmental issues, and an increased need for academic‐government‐industry partnerships working towards capacity‐building for sustainable climate change adaptation responses.
Originality/value
This inter‐disciplinary research study is the first of its kind conducted in this region of Canada, and blends contributions from physical and social scientists, government and rural stakeholders.
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There is a noticeable dearth of literature offering Marxist perspectives and analyses on the Bangsamoro struggles for self-determination, ethnic and religious identities and…
Abstract
Purpose
There is a noticeable dearth of literature offering Marxist perspectives and analyses on the Bangsamoro struggles for self-determination, ethnic and religious identities and social justice. A reason for this may lie in the general derision of bourgeois academics and conventional commentators on the supposed paucity of Marxist theories on nationalism, ethnicity and religion. This may have influenced, ironically, Filipino Marxist thinkers into being indifferent to this research topic. Far from the truth, however, that Marxism is essentially an economic determinist social conflict theory, its historical materialism offers a rich treasury of analyses and perspectives on nationalism, self-determination, religion and ethnic identity within the context of class struggles as the acme of the theory of scientific socialism. The paper, therefore, offers a scientific analysis of the Bangsamoro Question from a Marxist standpoint beyond the perspectives of psychologism, naturalism and ethno-racialism, which are usually deployed by traditional and uninformed commentators in analyzing ethnicity questions and quests for separatism.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper employs the historical and class analysis of the dynamics, relationships and struggles of classes in the history of the Bangsamoro struggles against colonialism and the subsequent postcolonial regimes up to the present time.
Findings
As a scientific paradigm, historical materialism presents itself as a general scientific social conflict theory. Using this framework through historical and class analyses, the paper proves the improbability of the Moros’ quest for separatism or genuine autonomy at this historical point. It, therefore, asserts the linking of the Moro struggles to the more immense struggles of the Filipinos for national and social liberation from imperialism.
Research limitations/implications
The paper is limited to the historical and class analyses of classes’ dynamics and struggles. It is, therefore, far from an exhaustive analysis of the Moro struggles using different non-Marxist social conflict theories.
Practical implications
The research can be considered a practical guide in analyzing and predicting the trajectories of the Moro struggles in Mindanao and Sulu.
Social implications
The work addresses the question from radical and Marxist premises.
Originality/value
This is a highly original and valuable work from the point of view of Marxist social conflict theory.
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This paper aims to explore how and in what context adaptive governance might work in practice in relation to climate variability through the study of two successful…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore how and in what context adaptive governance might work in practice in relation to climate variability through the study of two successful agri-environmental programs.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were obtained through semi-structured qualitative interviews with key policy informants as well as rural agricultural producers. The adaptive attributes of two successful agri-environmental programs with a proven track record in reducing vulnerability and increasing adaptive capacity of rural producers were studied, including program responsiveness, program framing, stakeholder engagement mechanisms, and the respective roles of key actors.
Findings
The adaptive governance practices of program delivery through localized government personnel and organizations increased perceived responsiveness. Mechanisms of program delivery and stakeholder participation and review changed over time as well as the framing of programs. Producers and key policy informants agreed that producers responded to concretely framed issues. A possible disconnect was discovered in the anticipated role of government in relation to meeting and responding to the climate change challenge.
Practical implications
This research shows a need to study changes in programs over time in relation to the attributes of adaptive management. Differing climatic events, geographies, and government and stakeholder priorities all contribute to changes in the institutional design of programs and policies.
Originality/value
This paper documents adaptive governance practices in relation to two agri-environmental programs that have successfully facilitated producer adaptation to climate variability in the past, as well as the perceptions of agricultural producers of the future role of government in relation to responding to climate change.
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This paper focuses on the adaptations societies make to climate-related disasters. How they learnt from them in the past should indicate how they will respond in the more…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper focuses on the adaptations societies make to climate-related disasters. How they learnt from them in the past should indicate how they will respond in the more climate-stressed future. National typhoon disaster politics arise when citizens demand disaster protection from their state.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper analyzes one episode of typhoon politics in each of three Asian countries before 1945: the Philippines (1928), India (1942) and Japan (1934). These three countries show high variance in state capacity and level of democracy. Discourse data are found in contemporary newspaper accounts.
Findings
In each case, the typhoon disaster politics were shaped by the “distance” (geographical, institutional, class and cultural) between citizen-victims and the state. Where that distance was great (rural Philippines, Bengal-India), the state tended to minimise victimhood. Where it was small (urban Japan), adaptation was serious and rapid.
Social implications
The findings should stimulate public discussion of the way in which past social relations and power dynamics surrounding climate-related disasters might influence the present. As the political character of climate change adaptation grows clearer, so does the need for debate to be well-informed.
Originality/value
Most historical work on climate-related disasters has focused either on the natural phenomena, or on their societal impact. The present paper's focus on adaptation is part of a small but growing scholarly effort to bend the debate towards the evolution of adaptive capacity.