Toka Fahmy Aly, Salma Ehab and Yomna Amr Lotfi
Safety, one of the basic human needs for existence, is a very important factor in achieving a successful urban space. A lack of its presence could make it challenging for…
Abstract
Purpose
Safety, one of the basic human needs for existence, is a very important factor in achieving a successful urban space. A lack of its presence could make it challenging for residents of a place to live and function effectively. Therefore, this study aims to identify the urban design attributes that would potentially enhance the perceived sense of safety, mainly focusing on two case studies in El-Sherouk neighborhood in Cairo. The two selected case studies are considered car-oriented due to their reduced levels of safety.
Design/methodology/approach
This study was conducted through a set of data collection phases from field surveys and survey questionnaires that infer the influence of the surrounding urban environment on a specific target group. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical analysis tool was used to analyze data collected from survey questionnaires.
Findings
Finally, by the end of this research, a set of urban design qualities vital for achieving the desired levels of safety were introduced. The findings of this study revealed key urban design qualities that can potentially contribute to enhancing the perceived sense of safety as they showed a strong positive correlation: (1) imageability, (2) transparency, (3) complexity and (4) human scale and enclosure. Moreover, multiple linear regression indicates that urban design qualities are strong predictors of perceived safety.
Originality/value
This study presents a holistic approach to studying the relationship between urban design and perceived safety by examining two case studies located in El-Sherouk City in Cairo, Egypt. While previous research has focused on one theory of safety design such as crime prevention, defensible space theory, eyes on the street or safer city centers, this article tries to fill in the gap in the literature by analyzing all aspects of urban design and its correlation to an enhanced perceived safety. In addition, most of the previous studies have tackled the safety aspects of old urban settlements. However, this study tackles a new urban settlement.
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Jane Andrew and Max Baker
This study explores a hegemonic alliance and the role of relational forms of accounting and accountablity in the making of contemporary capitalism.
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores a hegemonic alliance and the role of relational forms of accounting and accountablity in the making of contemporary capitalism.
Design/methodology/approach
We use the WikiLeaks “Cablegate” documents to provide an account of the detailed machinations between interest groups (corporations and the state) that are constitutive of hegemonic activity.
Findings
Our analysis of the “Cablegate” documents shows that the US and Chevron were crafting a central role for Turkmenistan and its president on the global political stage as early as 2007, despite offical reporting beginning only in 2009. The documents exemplify how “accountability gaps” occlude the understanding of interdependence between capital and the state.
Research limitations/implications
The study contributes to a growing idea that official accounts offer a fictionalized narrative of corporations as existing independently, and thus expands the boundaries associated with studying multinational corporate activities to include their interdependencies with the modern state.
Social implications
The study traces how global capitalism extends into new territories through diplomatic channels, as a strategic initiative between powerful state and capital interests, arguing that the outcome is the empowerment of authoritarian states at the cost of democracy.
Originality/value
The study argues that previous accounting and accountability research has overlooked the larger picture of how capital and the state work together to secure a mutual hegemonic interest. We advocate for a more complete account of these activities that circumvents official, often restricted, views of global capitalism.
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The purpose of the research is to explore how extending domestic activities into collective. The article aims to explore the extension of domestic activities into collective…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the research is to explore how extending domestic activities into collective. The article aims to explore the extension of domestic activities into collective spaces within urban housing complexes. It seeks to demonstrate how expanding domestic spheres into shared spaces can increase urban vitality and improve residents' quality of life. This extension strategy is analysed through three spatial dimensions: dilation, material differentiation, and open configuration. By examining these aspects, the study suggests that thoughtful urban design can enhance social interactions, foster a sense of ownership, and create more vibrant community spaces.
Design/methodology/approach
The research employs a mixed-methods approach that integrates theoretical analysis with case studies analysis to explore the spatial implications of extending domestic activities into collective spaces of housing complexes. Case studies were chosen from housing projects developed by MBM Arquitectes in Barcelona. They were analysed at urban and architectural levels, focussing on the characteristics and qualities of collective spaces, both in their forms and uses. Fieldwork involved observation and photographic documentation to collect data on the physical space and how it is used and appropriated by inhabitants.
Findings
The study identifies three main spatial qualities - Spatial Dilation, Material Differentiation, and Open Configuration - as essential for promoting domestic activities in collective spaces. These elements create conditions that support inhabitants’ engagement with shared spaces, fostering a sense of belonging and ownership. Through examples from the case studies, the article illustrates how surplus space, material variation, and design openness facilitate interactions and personalisation of spaces, thereby enhancing the liveability and social dynamics of housing complexes.
Research limitations/implications
The research is limited to a selection of housing complexes in Barcelona by MBM Arquitectes, which may restrict the applicability of findings to other urban or cultural contexts. Additionally, the study primarily uses observational data without direct input from inhabitants, which limits understanding of their perspectives. Future studies could benefit from including diverse urban environments and integrating qualitative feedback from residents.
Practical implications
The findings provide actionable insights for architects and urban planners on creating collective spaces that support community life. By employing strategies like spatial dilation, material differentiation, and material differentiation, spatial designers can encourage residents to extend their private activities into shared spaces, thereby enhancing social cohesion and engagement. These strategies support the creation of housing complexes that contribute to urban vitality and foster stronger community ties.
Social implications
The study highlights the social potential of urban design to reshape collective housing environments, making them more inclusive and interactive. By encouraging the appropriation of public spaces, the extension of domestic activities can reinforce community bonds, promote social interactions, and contribute to residents' well-being. This approach suggests that thoughtful spatial design has broader implications for urban sustainability and social integration.
Originality/value
This research introduces a unique perspective on urban design by proposing the extension of domestic activities into collective spaces as a deliberate strategy to foster vibrant urban communities. It integrates practical examples with theoretical insights from urban design thinkers, offering novel spatial approaches to enhance community engagement. The study contributes to a broader discourse on creating urban spaces that blend private and public life in sustainable ways.
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Rachel Torres, Marianna Schroeder and Amy Jane Griffiths
Autistic individuals are employed and access higher education opportunities at significantly lower rates than their nondisabled peers (US Bureau of Labor Statistics [BLS], 2023;…
Abstract
Autistic individuals are employed and access higher education opportunities at significantly lower rates than their nondisabled peers (US Bureau of Labor Statistics [BLS], 2023; Newman, 2015). Schools are an optimal setting for intervention as most individuals access the school setting. However, traditional support to facilitate postsecondary transition effectively, such as transition plans, is currently lacking (Greene, 2018; Hughes et al., 2023). The authors of the present chapter conducted a systematic review to identify school-based interventions available for autistic youth intended to support the transition from high school to higher education, entrepreneurship, and employment. The data extraction methods used by the authors identified 19 articles on interventions. Across all studies, the authors found variation in the extent to which researchers addressed entrepreneurial skills and identified two key skill development areas across different intervention modalities: employability skills and interpersonal communication skills. Based on these results, the authors discuss available school-based programming intended to prepare autistic youth for postsecondary careers and entrepreneurial opportunities and the implications of existing interventions for practitioners and researchers interested in improving outcomes for autistic students as they transition to the workplace, particularly entrepreneurial endeavors.
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Maisa Al Shomali and Yamen N. Al-Betawi
This research paper aims to shed light on Amman’s stairways and explore the potential of being successful urban spaces. It tries to identify critical design factors that…
Abstract
Purpose
This research paper aims to shed light on Amman’s stairways and explore the potential of being successful urban spaces. It tries to identify critical design factors that contribute to making these stairs livable urban spaces to help further develop this type of urban space.
Design/methodology/approach
Three popular stairs were identified, for which a series of exploratory visits were conducted to document the morphological characteristics and essential activities around each stairway. This was followed by administering a questionnaire to measure users’ satisfaction with four criteria, including protection, comfort, attractiveness and functionality, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each stair.
Findings
Results confirmed the presence of essential design aspects that encourage users to come and practice certain activities that enhance urban social life. Aspects of concern include security and protection, aesthetic quality, uniqueness, variety of activities, room to walk, sit and socialize and good management of space.
Research limitations/implications
Results can be taken as a departure frame for future research to conduct deeper analysis to comprehend the stairways’ physical, contextual and social characteristics. Understanding the settings of such vital urban spaces will help revive their roles and bring back their brilliance to restore the city’s liveliness and maintain a better life quality for its residents.
Originality/value
Research interests almost lack studies addressing urban stairways aiming to understand the qualities that enable them to attract people and activities. The manuscript presents beneficial research that tackles the vitality of urban stairways, as an example of linear public spaces. Enhancing the quality of these spaces will help stimulate pedestrian movement and activate walking as an essential sustainable means of commuting at the city level.
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Amy K. Izuno-Garcia and Antonio F. Pagán
Currently, transition-age youth on the autism spectrum face a loss of access to services. They are at risk for a number of difficulties, including reduced meaningful…
Abstract
Currently, transition-age youth on the autism spectrum face a loss of access to services. They are at risk for a number of difficulties, including reduced meaningful relationships, internalizing and externalizing problems, and problems with adaptive skills. In the United States, young adults are expected to either attend postsecondary education and/or pursue gainful employment. However, neurodivergent individuals face barriers and often have difficulties meeting these societal expectations. The following chapter will highlight ways that employers and entrepreneurs can support neurodivergent individuals, including meaningful accommodations and inclusive practices.
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Mornay Roberts-Lombard, Vernon Albert Pieterse and Lennet Gabriel
The study aims to explore how selected factors influence customer’s satisfaction in a business-to-consumer context. Furthermore, it also investigates the mediating role of…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to explore how selected factors influence customer’s satisfaction in a business-to-consumer context. Furthermore, it also investigates the mediating role of affective and calculative commitment on the satisfaction–loyalty link.
Design/methodology/approach
Using quota sampling methods, data was collected from 300 retail banking customers in an emergent market setting through self-administered questionnaires. In addition, the measurement and structural models were assessed.
Findings
The study established that satisfaction (through selective precursors) has a positive and significant influence on the future loyalty intentions of retail banking customers in an emerging market. Also, both affective and calculative commitment was found to partially mediate the satisfaction–loyalty relationship in a retail banking setting.
Research limitations/implications
The tested model validates the hypothesized relationships between employee attitude and service performance, employee personality traits, perceived value and satisfaction of retail banking customers in South Africa as an emergent market. It also confirms the positive influence of satisfaction on loyalty and the partial mediation of affective and calculative commitment on the satisfaction–loyalty link.
Practical implications
The findings of the study can guide retail banks in developing enhanced knowledge of how employee attitude and service performance, employee personality traits and perceived value can nurture satisfaction, ultimately strengthening the future loyalty intention of customers. It furthermore informs the management of retail banks of the directional importance of affective commitment and calculative commitment in strengthening the satisfaction–loyalty link.
Originality/value
Limited studies have investigated the relationship between satisfaction, its precursors and outcomes in a developing African market context, such as South Africa. Also, few studies have examined how commitment (affective and calculative) impacts the satisfaction–loyalty link from an emerging market perspective in Africa.
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Tony Blomqvist Mickelsson, Anders Nordström, Chato Rasoal and Mehdi Ghazinour
This paper sought to bring together police science and sport-for-development (SFD) with a scoping review of the empirical literature on at-risk youth and police…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper sought to bring together police science and sport-for-development (SFD) with a scoping review of the empirical literature on at-risk youth and police relationship-building in the context of sport interventions.
Design/methodology/approach
We conducted a scoping review with a Setting, Perspective, Intervention, Comparison and Evaluation (SPICE) model to systematically examine existing studies on the involvement of police in sports-based youth development programs. A total of 1,247 records were identified, and ten empirical research studies were included in the review.
Findings
The review identifies the critical role of stakeholders, especially coaches and community leaders, in facilitating police–youth contact. Coaches often serve as boundary-spanners, building trust between police officers and at-risk youth. Police involvement in these programs is multifaceted, with officers participating as teammates, leaders or mentors. This participation helps dismantle barriers and foster positive relationships but shows that different roles are associated with different benefits and risk factors. Relatedly, the review highlights potential risks such as the hyper-criminalization of youth, emphasizing the need for program designs that promote equality and collaboration.
Originality/value
This paper provides the first significant steps toward conceptualizing the role of police within sport interventions by integrating community policing and SFD literature. We advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration between police science and SFD scholars to further develop police–youth relationships.
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Eunbi Sim and Laura L. Bierema
Precarious workers in academia represent most employees in higher education institutions (HEIs), and women and historically excluded groups are overrepresented in these positions…
Abstract
Purpose
Precarious workers in academia represent most employees in higher education institutions (HEIs), and women and historically excluded groups are overrepresented in these positions, oppressed by intersecting inequities, such as sexism and racism. There is a need to comprehensively understand how precarity operates within academia from an intersectional perspective and how it oppresses marginalized and precarious workers.
Design/methodology/approach
Following the PRISMA guidelines, this paper systematically reviewed 22 articles that discuss academic precarity through an intersectional lens.
Findings
Studies have shown that (1) the uncertainty and insecurity in modern academia are driven by global forces and ongoing crises; (2) systemic intersectionality entrenched in HEIs influenced the shaping of their academic experiences and positionalities; and (3) intersectionality could be used as a reflexive tool to resist the precarious academy.
Originality/value
This paper is the first systematic review examining the intersectionality in precarious academia. By synthesizing articles highlighting precarity and intersectionality in academia, the paper contributes to theories of academic capitalism and intersectionality and offers comprehensive and critical implications for research and practice in higher education. This study illuminates how neoliberalism, global capitalism and intersecting inequities are deeply rooted in academia and how academic workers could challenge such issues.