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1 – 10 of 18Katie Reeves, Ruth M. James, Katy E. Griggs and Aimée C. Mears
Many pregnant and post-natal women do not meet physical activity (PA) guidelines. One barrier to PA for these women is finding suitable sports bras because of the numerous changes…
Abstract
Purpose
Many pregnant and post-natal women do not meet physical activity (PA) guidelines. One barrier to PA for these women is finding suitable sports bras because of the numerous changes the breasts undergo. This study aims to assess current maternity/nursing sports bras in terms of purchasing activity, likes and limitations of products and determine the essential characteristics and features required for future product developments.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed-methods deductive sequential approach was taken using an online questionnaire and in-person focus group interviews. A total of 308 participants who were pregnant, had given birth within the last 12 months or were nursing at the time of data collection completed the questionnaire, and 13 participants also took part in focus group interviews.
Findings
Only 15% of maternity/nursing sports bra purchasers found exactly what they wanted with most problems relating to support, design and fit. Support and comfort were the most important characteristics with 94% and 98% of participants rating them as very important or absolutely essential. Easy nursing access, adjustability, product longevity and value and availability, in terms of where products can be purchased and sizing range, must also be considered for future products to meet user groups’ needs and reduce barriers to PA.
Originality/value
This study investigates the requirements and preferences of maternity/nursing sports bras for both pregnant and post-natal women, including an assessment of a range of commercially available products. These findings provide important implications for future product developments.
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Wilson K.S. Leung, Sally P.M. Law, Man Lai Cheung, Man Kit Chang, Chung-Yin Lai and Na Liu
There are two main objectives in this study. First, we aim to develop a set of constructs for health task management support (HTMS) features to evaluate which health-related tasks…
Abstract
Purpose
There are two main objectives in this study. First, we aim to develop a set of constructs for health task management support (HTMS) features to evaluate which health-related tasks are supported by mobile health application (mHealth app) functions. Second, drawing on innovation resistance theory (IRT), we examine the impacts of the newly developed HTMS dimensions on perceived usefulness, alongside other barrier factors contributing to technology anxiety.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a mixed-method research design, this research seeks to develop new measurement scales that reflect how mHealth apps support older adults’ health-related needs based on interviews. Subsequently, data were collected from older adults and exploratory factor analysis was used to confirm the validity of the new scales. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze survey data from 602 older adults.
Findings
The PLS-SEM results indicated that medical management task support, dietary task support, and exercise task support were positively associated with perceived usefulness, while perceived complexity and dispositional resistance to change were identified as antecedents of technology anxiety. Perceived usefulness and technology anxiety were found to positively and negatively influence adoption intention, respectively.
Originality/value
This study enriches the information systems literature by developing a multidimensional construct that delineates how older adults’ health-related needs can be supported by features of mHealth apps. Drawing on IRT, we complement the existing literature on resistance to innovation by systematically examining the impact of five types of barriers on technology anxiety.
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Rohit Raj, Vimal Kumar, Ankesh Mittal, Priyanka Verma, Kuei-Kuei Lai and Arpit Singh
This study aims to identify and prioritize the key practices and strategies for effective global sourcing and supply chain management (SCM).
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify and prioritize the key practices and strategies for effective global sourcing and supply chain management (SCM).
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a combination of Pareto analysis and multi-objective optimization based on ratio analysis research methodology to analyze and establish the relationships among the identified key practices and strategies. Pareto analysis enables organization to prioritize organizational efforts and resources by focusing on the most critical factors.
Findings
The study shows that the “eco-friendly sourcing strategy”, “lean manufacturing” and “tool cost analysis” are the top critical practices and strategy variables for global sourcing and SCM, whereas the “risk management”, “procurement strategy” and “leverage digital solutions” are the critical practices and strategy variables.
Research limitations/implications
The findings of this research can also assist organizations in making informed decisions to optimize their global sourcing and supply chain operations.
Originality/value
By using these methods, this research paper gives valuable insights into the critical practices and strategies that can enhance efficiency, mitigate risks and drive success in global sourcing and SCM. The subjects and elements this study identified will serve as a framework and suggestions for further theoretical investigation and real-world implementations.
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Walter Leal Filho, Baba Libasse Sow, Ana Paula Perlin, Marcellus Forh Mbah, Cristina Amaro da Costa, Fardous Mohammad Safiul Azam and Maria Alzira Pimenta Dinis
This study aims to identify and describe the nature of higher education institutions’ (HEIs) engagement with climate change (CC) education, exploring their contributions to…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify and describe the nature of higher education institutions’ (HEIs) engagement with climate change (CC) education, exploring their contributions to addressing the multifaceted challenges associated with the phenomenon.
Design/methodology/approach
By using a dual methodological approach consisting of an expert-driven literature review with supporting cases, the study provides a novel perspective of university involvement in CC education, emphasising theoretical insights and practical applications.
Findings
The study asserts that universities contribute significantly to CC education through the development of specialised teaching programmes, innovative research initiatives and the establishment of interdisciplinary collaborations. However, challenges abound, including limited financial resources, institutional inertia and the complexity of integrating CC topics across diverse academic disciplines. By fostering partnerships with external stakeholders, implementing innovative teaching methodologies and strengthening governance frameworks, universities can further enhance the effectiveness and reach of CC education initiatives.
Research limitations/implications
While the study offers valuable insights, it acknowledges potential limitations, including the scope of example studies and the specificity of findings to certain institutional contexts, which impedes generalisation. Avenues for further research to understand university contributions to CC education have been advanced.
Practical implications
The paper provides practical insights for universities to optimise their engagement in CC education, emphasising the mobilisation of student involvement and the promotion of transdisciplinary approaches, amongst others.
Social implications
While emphasising the role of universities in CC education, the study underscores the broader societal impact of informed and engaged HEIs to drive positive change by instilling awareness and promoting sustainable practices.
Originality/value
The findings offer original perspectives on the importance of university engagement in CC education and provide practical measures for optimising their contribution to a sustainable future via pedagogical, programme and strategic/whole institutional levels.
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Sani Reuben Akoh, Ming Sun, Stephen Ogunlana and Abba Tahir Mahmud
Construction projects, and particularly highway infrastructures, are known to be major contributors to the socio-economic growth of developing countries. However, these types of…
Abstract
Purpose
Construction projects, and particularly highway infrastructures, are known to be major contributors to the socio-economic growth of developing countries. However, these types of projects are infamous for being highly risky due to the interplay of numerous risk factors. This study aims to explore the key risk factors impacting on the performance of highway infrastructure projects in Nigeria from the contextual viewpoint of key industry stakeholders.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative data was collected using semi-structured interviews. Specifically, 17 in-depth expert interviews were conducted with experienced stakeholders in the highway sector of the Nigerian construction industry. The collected data was transcribed and analysed using an established coding framework (grounded on case study approach, principles of thematic analysis and saliency analysis).
Findings
Overall, 17 key risks were identified from the data analysis process, and 6 risks were recognised as the most significant, based on the combination of prevalence of occurrence and significance of the coded information. The six top risks were: change in government, corruption, cost of construction materials, inflation, project funding issues and construction project delay. However, the first two of these risks (change in government and corruption) are politically related, which is specific and unique to the setting of Nigeria and thus might be seen as discouraging indicators that could have an impact on attracting foreign investors/contractors to Nigeria.
Originality/value
The study addressed the gap related with identifying context-specific risk factors impeding the performance of highway projects in Nigeria from the viewpoints of industry experts. It is expected that the findings will provide a better insight into the various risk factors and thus aid relevant policymakers to provide context-specific mitigating strategies.
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Stéphanie Giamporcaro and George Kuk
This study aims to make a distinction between actualized and claimed affordances of blockchain by examining how a specified user group interprets and translates the actualized…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to make a distinction between actualized and claimed affordances of blockchain by examining how a specified user group interprets and translates the actualized affordances from a known use context into their existing practices. This allows us to develop and advance the concept of affordances-in-practice as an enactment of action possibilities through practices in a specified use context.
Design/methodology/approach
We focus on the field of sustainable investment (SI) and its relation to emerging blockchain technologies in the pursuit of sustainable development goals (SDGs). We used a field study involving 29 interviews with SI practitioners and blockchain entrepreneurs in South Africa, supplemented with an analysis of 91 practitioner and industry documents.
Findings
Our findings show that when there is a lack of actual use cases in the field of SI, the claimed affordances of blockchain are subject to a sensemaking process, which considers how action possibilities can be enacted and transformed through practices and how institutional constraints and socio-cognitive barriers can determine the available action possibilities.
Research limitations/implications
A notable limitation relates to the relative novelty and emerging status of blockchain. As affordances are based on available information and experience, this leaves room for claimed affordances. We discuss the implications of the interplay of the actualized and claimed affordances in blockchain applications in the field of SI.
Practical implications
We discuss the practical implications of addressing claimed affordances and field opacity in the SI field.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine blockchain affordances for good in the context of achieving SDGs through SI. Our affordances-in-practice framework holds theoretical promise to pinpoint and explain how practices can shape action possibilities despite having difficulties in evaluating the underlying technological potentialities.
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The purpose of this paper is to analyze the prejudice and discrimination constructs through the lens of a transcendent knowledge concept.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the prejudice and discrimination constructs through the lens of a transcendent knowledge concept.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper seeks to demonstrate that Spiritism or Spiritist Doctrine (SD) – regarded here as a source of transcendent knowledge – offers compelling arguments and provides suitable explanations (i.e. transcendent ontology) in relation to the issue of discrimination
Findings
Overall, this paper contributes to a better understanding of diversity and inclusive perspectives by examining the antecedents and consequences of discrimination through the insightful lens of SD tenets. In this sense, the findings suggest that the discriminators and prejudiced people may ironically pass through – as a result of the law of cause and effect – the same hard situations (i.e. ordeals or nightmares) – even though in their future lives – that they impose in their current victims to forcefully open their minds, support universal values, enhance their own feelings and spiritual intelligence.
Practical implications
Evidence presented here (although conceptually in nature) could be somewhat integrated into training sections of diversity management. At a minimum, it may encourage the shift of attitudes, revision of embedded values and reflections about the spiritual consequences to the perpetrators of discrimination against minorities.
Originality/value
Taken as a whole, the SD tenets prompt us to understand that the acts of prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination engender suffering for their perpetrators, even in their future lives (i.e. reincarnations). Broadly speaking, the SD principles compel us to consider transcendent knowledge even in the context of organizational life.
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Wahab Shahbaz and Sehrish Shahid
The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the existing literature on workplace mindfulness and suggest positive organizational behavior (POB) scholarship as a suitable…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the existing literature on workplace mindfulness and suggest positive organizational behavior (POB) scholarship as a suitable domain to understand the scientific and secular nature of mindfulness.
Design/methodology/approach
This conceptual paper is based on the critical analysis of the literature on POB and contemporary mindfulness at work. This paper highlights the limitations of workplace mindfulness in terms of its research and practice. Then, the limitations of workplace mindfulness are analyzed in relation to POB scholarship to suggest a way forward for research and practice.
Findings
The findings imply that contemporary mindfulness meets the inclusion criteria of psychological capital and thus it can be adopted and investigated in the workplace using the POB scholarship.
Practical implications
It suggests implications for research and practice by considering mindfulness as a psychological capital construct in the workplace context.
Originality/value
Mindfulness is an interesting topic for organizational researchers, and many organizations are adopting mindfulness to improve their workplace functioning. In recent years, scholars have highlighted potential ethical issues with the adoption of the spiritual and religious nature of mindfulness for workplace benefits. In this regard, the understanding of the scientific and secular nature of mindfulness is limited in organizational literature. This paper advances the knowledge of the literature on contemporary mindfulness and POB and argues the importance of the inclusion of mindfulness in psychological capital.
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Disasters are catastrophic events that result in loss of life, injury and significant disruptions to everyday life. Unsustainable poverty, crises and migration policies worsen…
Abstract
Purpose
Disasters are catastrophic events that result in loss of life, injury and significant disruptions to everyday life. Unsustainable poverty, crises and migration policies worsen them. This study aimed to evaluate the critical perspectives of G7’s country leaders regarding their national agendas in 2022, focusing on the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR).
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilized document analysis, one of the qualitative research methods. Using purposive sampling, we analyzed 20,215 words of X (Twitter) data from G7’s country leaders between January 1 and December 31, 2022, with a thematic approach using MAXQDA qualitative software. MAXQDA applied Code Cloud, Code Matrix Browser, Word Frequencies and MaxMaps Code Models tests. Results are presented based on codes, categories and themes identified during analysis.
Findings
The G7’s country leaders emphasized peace, justice and strong institutions as their SDGs priority. However, it was observed that developed nations often overlooked critical issues such as hunger, quality education and inequality in their agendas in 2022. Based on SFDRR, the leaders addressed crisis response and recovery topics, but it is crucial to note that there is a need for a shift towards proactive measures in their disaster policies. The study also noted limited coverage of migration issues affecting many countries globally. There is an urgent need to address hunger, provide quality education and reduce inequality worldwide.
Research limitations/implications
This study has several limitations: Former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi did not have an X (Twitter) account in 2022, and the data only reflect the situation in 2022. Also, simply analyzing statements does not necessarily indicate what these countries support and promote in practice. However, this study could be enhanced by including analyses of funding allocations for projects that target various SDGs and SFDRR objectives. Lastly, this study focused on the strategic policy statements made by representatives of different countries. It does not include tactical and operational disaster management processes, which is a limitation because it is difficult to provide a broader perspective.
Practical implications
Developed countries’ approaches to disaster and development policies are essential for disaster risk reduction strategies. Future analyses of funding allocations for projects targeting various SDGs and SFDRR objectives can lead to practical implications.
Originality/value
The authors present a critical viewpoint on the SDGs and SFDRR perspectives of G7’s country leaders. As developed countries possess significant resources and capabilities, they should set a positive example in the global implementation of disaster policies. Consequently, their annual official statements are a valuable guide for disaster policymakers and practitioners.
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João Henrique Lopes Guerra, Fernando Bernardi de Souza, Silvio R. I. Pires, Manoel Henrique Salgado and Anderson Luiz Ribeiro de Sá
The study analysed the aerospace industry, a traditionally important sector for the topic of risk management, from three complementary perspectives: the supply chain risks present…
Abstract
Purpose
The study analysed the aerospace industry, a traditionally important sector for the topic of risk management, from three complementary perspectives: the supply chain risks present in the sector, the mitigation strategies adopted to face them, and the characteristics (dimensions) observed in the SCRM process of aerospace companies.
Design/methodology/approach
The research employed a quali–quantitative method: a survey was carried out, followed by interviews with professionals from companies belonging to different tiers of aerospace supply chains. Interviews helped to interpret the survey data and understand in more detail risk management in aerospace companies.
Findings
The study presents a panorama of the aerospace industry in terms of risk management. The sector’s turbulent environment is described as well as the strategies to prevent, minimise or postpone the impact of supply chain risks. In particular, ten dimensions that have been identified in the SCRM process of aerospace firms are discussed. These characteristics influence the objectives of this process and are related to resources, roles and responsibilities, incentives, development of competences and skills, scope (internal and external) and approaches to integrate decisions and actions in the context of the supply chain.
Originality/value
Articles that address the SCRM process usually focus on the process steps, whereas this study investigated dimensions that transcend these steps but whose discussion in the literature is still fragmented. It also analysed a reference sector for the topic from a broader perspective than others available in the literature (supply chain risks, mitigation strategies and characteristics of the SCRM process). Supply chain members with relationships with each other were investigated, a desirable approach for SCRM but still under-explored. The study also answers calls for industry-specific studies and research on emerging countries.
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