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1 – 4 of 4Christopher Ziguras, Dennis Murray and Phil Honeywood
The article examines the ways in which professional associations representing those working in international education are able to shape national systems and thereby change the…
Abstract
Purpose
The article examines the ways in which professional associations representing those working in international education are able to shape national systems and thereby change the ways in which the country engages internationally. This is particularly significant for Australia, which has one of the world’s most internationalised higher education systems.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a case study of the International Education Association of Australia, which since 2004 has played a central role in shaping international education policy and practice. It provides an insider account of three authors who have held senior roles in the Association, drawing on first-hand knowledge of institutional history.
Findings
The case study illustrates the ways in which the Association’s professional development, research and policy advocacy activities have helped to broaden Australia’s engagement in international education from a narrow commercial focus. The resulting deeper engagement with a broad range of issues associated with international engagement, including student welfare, outbound mobility, curriculum, migration and transnational education, has transformed policy and practice in Australia.
Originality/value
Although international education is coming to play an increasingly significant role in many systems, little has been written about the role of professional bodies in influencing the character and quality of international engagement. This paper makes a valuable contribution by demonstrating the practical measures that can be employed by international education professional bodies to strengthen public diplomacy and the social licence for global engagement.
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Saeideh Valizadeh-Haghi, Mahvash Parsapour, Roya Pournaghi, Ahmad-Reza Baghestani and Yazdan Parsapour
Medical libraries can extend their resources’ accessibility by creating a network through web-based geographical information system (WEBGIS) that connects physical and…
Abstract
Purpose
Medical libraries can extend their resources’ accessibility by creating a network through web-based geographical information system (WEBGIS) that connects physical and non-physical resources. Geographical information system (GIS allows) libraries to create strong connections with other libraries by establishing a shared server for loading and using digital information. This research aims to explore the feasibility of creating a unified GIS-based service system for medical libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
The target population for this study includes a total of 32 medical libraries across three medical universities (in this case called A, B and C). A researcher-designed 34-item questionnaire was applied in this study.
Findings
Findings revealed that the libraries affiliated with University A have the highest average (46.54%) and better situation in terms of all of the needed infrastructures. Furthermore, in terms of the technical infrastructure required for implementing the integrated WEBGIS, the libraries of University B are in a better situation in comparison with other libraries (64.55%). Weak technical infrastructure belongs to libraries affiliated with University C, with 59.17% availability of infrastructure. The findings underscored the existing gaps in various aspects and highlighted the need for further improvements, particularly in financial and legal aspects, to enhance the overall availability of infrastructure.
Originality/value
This study was conducted for the first time in medical science libraries. The findings of this research shed light on the shortages within the surveyed universities in terms of human infrastructure. Results highlight the need for financial, legal and technical support to bridge the gap between the current status and the desired situation. By focusing on improving the various infrastructural aspects, libraries can foster a conducive environment for the effective utilization of spatial information systems, ultimately benefiting academic research, education and overall information management in the field of medical sciences.
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This study aims to investigate the pivotal role of leadership in fostering a health and safety (H&S) culture in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and identify key…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the pivotal role of leadership in fostering a health and safety (H&S) culture in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and identify key challenges faced by these nations. The promotion of H&S culture has become increasingly crucial, with GCC leaders playing a vital role in reducing employee turnover rates by ensuring a safe and healthy work environment. Despite substantial research into issues such as the lack of training, workforce diversity and employee engagement in promoting H&S culture in the Gulf region, significant gaps remain. These gaps highlight the need for additional investigation into the impact of H&S culture, constrained by limited time and resources.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a content analysis method, 18 previous studies were thoroughly reviewed to identify the main themes and areas requiring further improvement.
Findings
The findings of this study suggest that enhancing the understanding and implementation of H&S practices provide significant implications for leaders and organizations in the GCC. Effective strategies to improve workplace safety and employee retention are crucial. The study underscores the necessity for GCC leaders to actively drive the H&S agenda, emphasizing that a robust H&S culture is essential for reducing turnover and fostering a safer, more productive work environment.
Originality/value
Despite substantial research into issues such as the lack of training, workforce diversity and employee engagement in promoting H&S culture in the Gulf region, significant gaps remain. These gaps highlight the need for additional investigation into the impact of H&S culture, constrained by limited time and resources.
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Hassam Waheed, Peter J.R. Macaulay, Hamdan Amer Ali Al-Jaifi, Kelly-Ann Allen and Long She
In response to growing concerns over the negative consequences of Internet addiction on adolescents’ mental health, coupled with conflicting results in this literature stream…
Abstract
Purpose
In response to growing concerns over the negative consequences of Internet addiction on adolescents’ mental health, coupled with conflicting results in this literature stream, this meta-analysis sought to (1) examine the association between Internet addiction and depressive symptoms in adolescents, (2) examine the moderating role of Internet freedom across countries, and (3) examine the mediating role of excessive daytime sleepiness.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 52 studies were analyzed using robust variance estimation and meta-analytic structural equation modeling.
Findings
There was a significant and moderate association between Internet addiction and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, Internet freedom did not explain heterogeneity in this literature stream before and after controlling for study quality and the percentage of female participants. In support of the displacement hypothesis, this study found that Internet addiction contributes to depressive symptoms through excessive daytime sleepiness (proportion mediated = 17.48%). As the evidence suggests, excessive daytime sleepiness displaces a host of activities beneficial for maintaining mental health. The results were subjected to a battery of robustness checks and the conclusions remain unchanged.
Practical implications
The results underscore the negative consequences of Internet addiction in adolescents. Addressing this issue would involve interventions that promote sleep hygiene and greater offline engagement with peers to alleviate depressive symptoms.
Originality/value
This study utilizes robust meta-analytic techniques to provide the most comprehensive examination of the association between Internet addiction and depressive symptoms in adolescents. The implications intersect with the shared interests of social scientists, health practitioners, and policy makers.
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