Search results

This paper aims to explore the implications of algorithmic management on careers and employment relationships in the Nigerian gig economy. Specifically, drawing on labour process theory (LPT), this study provides an understanding of the production relations beyond the “traditional standard” to “nonstandard” forms of employment in a gig economy mediated by digital platforms or digital forms of work, especially on ride-hailing platforms (Uber and Bolt).

This study adopted the interpretive qualitative approach and a semi-structured interview of 49 participants, including 46 platform drivers and 3 platform managers from Uber and Bolt.

This study addresses the theoretical underpinnings of the LPT as it relates to algorithmic management and control in the digital platform economy. The study revealed that, despite the ultra-precarious working conditions and persistent uncertainty in employment relations under algorithmic management, the underlying key factors that motivate workers to engage in digital platform work include higher job flexibility and autonomy, as well as having a source of income. This study captured the human-digital interface and labour processes related to digital platform work in Nigeria. Findings of this study also revealed that algorithmic management enables a transactional exchange between platform providers and drivers, while relational exchanges occur between drivers and customers/passengers. Finally, this study highlighted the perceived impact of algorithmic management on the attitude and performance of workers.

The research presents an interesting case study to investigate the influence of algorithmic management and labour processes on employment relationships in the largest emerging economy in Africa.

This study aims to explore the provision of accounting ethics education in Ethiopian accounting programs through structuration theory.

A qualitative case study methodology was used, and data were collected through semistructured interviews with faculty members, practitioners and regulatory bodies. The interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Accounting curricula were also analyzed to triangulate and support the findings.

The study revealed a significant gap in the status of accounting ethics education, primarily attributed to a misunderstanding of its importance. While faculty initiatives and student interest have partially mitigated this gap, systemic challenges such as rigid curricula, a lack of awareness and commitment, resource constraints and limited stakeholders’ support persisted. A combined approach to accounting ethics education is required to foster ethical behavior. Hence, the structuration theory highlighted how meanings, power dynamics and norms and values constrained and enabled the provision of accounting ethics education.

The study emphasized the need for stakeholders to influence policymakers’ perceptions regarding the significance of accounting ethics education. The study also provided empirical support for structuration theory. Future research should involve cross-cultural comparisons and explore the ethical behavior of accounting professionals using diverse research designs to highlight the gaps and inform effective educational interventions.

This study contributes to the theoretical application of structuration theory in accounting ethics education. It underscores the critical role of comprehensive curricular reforms, stakeholder engagement and resource allocation.

Higher education institutions are embedding education for sustainability in curricula, but there are many challenges slowing the process down.

This paper uses reflections from stakeholders across eight disciplines to identify themes supporting EfS integration across disciplines, using collaborative autoethnography.

The paper highlights unique challenges and opportunities in embedding sustainability education and potential institutional pathways to enable interdisciplinary approaches to embedding EfS.

The paper highlights unique challenges and opportunities in embedding sustainability education and the role of institutional support in overcoming differing worldviews.

This research focuses on people’s activities in the Liuhua Clothing Wholesale District in Guangzhou, China. The increasing use of social media in business, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has created inevitable changes to the way space is utilised. Lockdowns and transport restrictions pushed the clothing wholesale traders to engage in livestreaming to maintain their business. This research aims to understand how spaces have been mediatised with the use of social media.

To investigate changes in the use of spaces, this research draws on actor-network theory and regards spaces as actors, adopting qualitative research methods, including observation, semi-structured interviews and mapping.

The research finds that spaces are mediatised for presentation on social media. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person activities were suspended, the virtual space, constituted by elements that exist in physical and virtual spaces, became more valued. Physical space is no longer perceived as a whole but as elements, such as background, sound and light, all of which are involved in the construction of virtual space on social media. The perception of physical space has become less important than the images presented on social media.

Social media now exists in many people’s everyday lives, but its influence on architecture and space has received insufficient attention. This research interrogates this phenomenon in a clothing wholesale district in China to reflect on the influence. Its significance lies in documenting the spatial implications of dependence on social media and the changes to spatial use in the age of social media.

Leadership was a critical component in managing the Covid-19 pandemic. A scoping review of clinical leadership investigates the leadership styles employed by clinicians during times of unprecedented crisis, with the Covid-19 pandemic as a focus.

The scoping review was designed based on a five-stage approach proposed by Arksey and O’Malley (2005). Three key databases were searched: Scopus, Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and ProQuest Healthcare Administration between 2020 and 2022.

Of the 23 papers included in the review, the majority were based on developed countries. Seven leadership approaches were found to be useful in times of crises, with compassionate leadership being particularly effective. Seven key themes relating to the pandemic were also identified.

This review is limited by the search strategy employed and the possibility some publications could have been missed. However, it is clear from the results that there is limited research on healthcare leadership outside of the acute setting and in developing countries. These are important areas of further research that need to be pursued to inform our learning for other times of unprecedented crisis.

Various leadership styles were employed during the pandemic, but compassionate leadership, which fosters a collaborative, caring and kind environment, becomes a necessity when faced with uncertainty and adversity. This review identifies key factors that leaders need to manage during the pandemic. Practically, it sheds light on leadership strategies that may be employed in future unprecedented crises.

This study aims to analyse the research themes in Islamic finance, assess the extent to which Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be achieved through implementing Islamic financial principles and explore the potential for reshaping human behaviour under an Islamic framework. The research aims to establish a paradigm that evaluates the role of Islamic finance in fostering social justice, environmental sustainability and ethical governance as a sustainable alternative to the capitalist system.

This research employs a comprehensive literature review and thematic analysis to assess the alignment of Islamic finance with SDGs. Secondary data from peer-reviewed academic articles (2016–2024) were collected and analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Key themes include Islamic finance, maqasid ash-shariah and the role of Islamic finance in sustainable development. A conceptual framework is proposed to depict how Islamic financial practices can contribute to the SDGs.

The study identifies that Islamic finance, rooted in Shariah principles, offers a robust foundation for fostering social justice, ethical governance and environmental sustainability. By integrating zakat, donations, private investments and socially responsible investments, the Islamic financial model aligns with SDGs, addressing poverty (SDG 1), reducing inequality (SDG 10) and promoting sustainable economic growth (SDG 8). The findings underscore the potential of Islamic finance to address capitalism’s shortcomings, such as income inequality and unsustainable practices, while advocating for a paradigm shift in human behaviour through adherence to Islamic values.

Policymakers and financial institutions can leverage the insights from this research to design and implement Islamic financial models that promote equitable resource allocation, sustainable development and ethical practices. The framework offers a practical guide for integrating Islamic finance into conventional financial systems to achieve SDGs.

The study contributes to the existing literature by presenting a novel conceptual framework that integrates Islamic finance with sustainable development goals. It offers a unique perspective on transitioning from capitalism to an Islamic financial model, emphasizing behavioural and ideological changes to achieve equitable and sustainable economic outcomes.

Invented in late 1890s, asbestos cement sheeting rose to prominence during the post-Second World War period as a building material for low-cost housing by state housing commissions and low-income families (“fibro homes”). The adverse health effects of asbestos fibres in the building industry and home renovation activities are well documented. Fibro homes of the 1950s and 1960s are increasingly coming under the gaze of heritage studies, which brings to the fore the question of how to deal with the asbestos cement sheeting most are clad with.

This paper provides the first systematic review to assess the literature (126 papers were identified in Google Scholar and scanned for content) on the conservation management of asbestos cement sheeting in heritage properties.

Overall, engagement with the conservation management of asbestos cement sheeting in heritage properties was low, with only two sources dealing with asbestos cement sheeting in any level of detail. The studies note that if asbestos cement sheeting is in good condition, it should be left alone. Numerous conservation and repair options do exist, in particular the application of (coloured) sealants that extend the life of asbestos cement sheets and asbestos cement roofing.

This paper represents the first systematic review to assess conservation management options for asbestos cement sheeting in heritage properties.

This study aims to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance mental health care in Tanzania, focusing on its potential to enhance mental health services and address challenges in a low-resource setting.

A qualitative case study approach was used, with data collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions involving key stakeholders in mental health and AI, including policymakers, technical experts, health-care providers and patient advocacy groups. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes related to the opportunities and barriers to AI integration in mental health care.

This study identified several benefits of AI in mental health care, including improved diagnostic accuracy, personalised treatment and the potential for real-time monitoring of patients. However, significant barriers to AI adoption remain, such as infrastructure limitations, data privacy concerns and the need for training and resources to effectively integrate AI into mental health services.

This study contributes to the growing literature on AI in health care by focusing on its application in mental health care in Tanzania, a low-resource setting. The research provides valuable insights into how AI can bridge gaps in mental health service delivery, particularly in underserved regions, while highlighting the challenges that must be addressed for successful implementation.

The purpose of this study is to understand why Gen Z indulges in moonlighting in IT organisations and to help policymakers redefine mutually beneficial policies for improving talent management, which will benefit Gen Z as well as organisations and society at large.

A qualitative technique was adopted by conducting in-depth interviews with Gen Z, who works in the IT sector of metropolitan cities in India. The interviews were transcribed and thematically coded using thematic analysis in NVivo. A model based on themes from the analysis has been proposed.

The themes derived from this study revolve around issues such as ethics, legal, self-satisfaction, money and social causes. These themes will contribute to the body of knowledge by adding new dimensions to moonlighting.

This research has been carried out consider Gen Z moonlighting in the IT sector within India. The study can be further enhanced to other regions and sectors. It will give clarity and help avoid potential conflict situations at the workplace.

This research will clarify and help avoid conflict situations by redefining policies and improving talent management and retention. The results can be further tested in other organisations.

This research draws attention of the policymakers to help create a common framework and guidelines for all stakeholders to follow with respect to moonlighting. It will open work opportunities on other platforms for interested and talented workforce and help them gain financial strength and independence.

Systematic thematic analysis using CAQDAS – NVivo has been carried out to elucidate Gen Z’s numerous motives for moonlighting in the IT sector. A model has been proposed based on the themes that evolved from the study, which policymakers can leverage to improve talent management in IT organisations.

This study examines the nature and forms of collaboration among stakeholders that led to and existed during the design of the B.Ed. curriculum for the Colleges of Education (CoE) in Ghana. It aims to highlight the views of local stakeholders about the processes in an educational project that were likely to have enhanced the importance of contextualisation in the curriculum change process. The paper also prioritises the voices and views of local stakeholders, which have often been stifled in the process of curriculum change in Ghana.

A qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews, was used to collect data from 17 local stakeholders. Thematic analysis and social constructivism framed the interpretation of findings.

The study found that the CoE reform prioritised local stakeholders’ input throughout a highly collaborative process. This collaboration unexpectedly led to the development of a curriculum reflective of the Ghanaian context. However, ideological conflicts emerged at both the international and local levels, particularly regarding approaches to change and the decision to extend CoE management to four public universities. The conflicts underscore the power dynamics inherent in educational reforms funded by foreign aid.

The research offers crucial insights for policymakers and curriculum developers regarding the importance of local stakeholder engagement in collaborative reforms involving foreign aid. The study underscores the need for active involvement from all stakeholders to create contextually relevant curricula. While conflicts may arise, the research highlights that a social constructivist approach, combined with continuous communication, negotiation and compromise, can lead to meaningful and sustainable curriculum reform outcomes.