The records surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy (JFK) have been subject to unique treatment in their management and opening. The John F. Kennedy…
Abstract
Purpose
The records surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy (JFK) have been subject to unique treatment in their management and opening. The John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992 (JFK Records Act) mandated that the records would be opened in full by 2017, unless there was intervention from the sitting president. This study aims to examine the extent to which access to the JFK assassination records has been granted. It evaluates how open the archive is, and the consequences of withholding government records. It examines how the continued non-disclosure of this archive has helped to fuel the controversy and conspiracy theories surrounding Kennedy’s death.
Design/methodology/approach
This research was approached as traditional historical document analysis, reviewing the JFK assassination records releases from 2017–2018 and the broader landscape of access to information in America. A random sampling of the open and redacted records was used to undertake a statistical analysis on the amount of information that has been withheld. It was supplemented with freedom of information requests intended to reveal further information on the approach taken to redaction. The work was situated within a broader global literature review.
Findings
The research identified the limits to access to the JFK assassination records that exist because of the continued postponement and redaction of information by US federal government agencies. It found that the ambiguous language used for exemptions in the US Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the JFK Records Act has allowed agencies the freedom to interpret and limit access to information if they desired. Furthermore, agencies have had the power to hold and sanitise their own records. The work identifies how these approaches have caused questions, inconsistences, a lack of transparency and accountability in the US government. The lack of centralised processes and related explanations can be seen to fuel further controversies and conspiracies.
Originality/value
Using a systematic research methodology, this work presents a careful analysis of the varying processes and their implications for understanding of the events that surrounded Kennedy’s assassination. Lessons learnt can be applied to the general management of freedom of information and access to information.
Details
Keywords
Patrick Hopkinson and Mats Niklasson
This paper aims to introduce International Digital Collaborative Autoethnographical Psychobiography (IDCAP).
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to introduce International Digital Collaborative Autoethnographical Psychobiography (IDCAP).
Design/methodology/approach
This paper describes how IDCAP was developed to answer research questions about what it takes and what it means to recover from mental illness. During its development, IDCAP combined the diverse and intersectional experiences, knowledge and interests of an Anglo-Swedish research team with what could be found in different publications concerning the experiences and the mental illnesses of the musicians Syd Barrett, Peter Green and Brian Wilson.
Findings
IDCAP combines features of autoethnography and psychobiography to offer a novel qualitative research method.
Research limitations/implications
Whilst IDCAP was created to focus on recovery from mental illness and musicians, it can be applied to other areas of research. It shares the same limitations as autoethnography and psychobiography, although some of the features of IDCAP may go some way to mitigate against these.
Practical implications
IDCAP is a novel research method that is offered to other researchers to develop and enhance further through application.
Social implications
IDCAP is a collaborative research method that encourages the involvement of a wide range of researchers from different countries and cultures. It can be used to give voice to marginalised groups and to counter discrimination and prejudice. Recovery from mental illness is a topic of great personal and social value.
Originality/value
IDCAP is a novel research method that, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, has not been explicitly used before.
Details
Keywords
Beshir M. Ali, Ioannis Manikas and Balan Sundarakani
The objective of this study was to measure the prevalence and severity of food insecurity in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during May 2021 to June 2022, and to assess the impact…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this study was to measure the prevalence and severity of food insecurity in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during May 2021 to June 2022, and to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on household food insecurity.
Design/methodology/approach
This study measured the prevalence of household food insecurity in UAE during May 2021 to June 2022 by employing FAO’s Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on household food security was evaluated by employing a truncated regression model, using survey data from 504 respondents.
Findings
About 34% of the households were found to be food secure. About 22% of them experienced moderate or severe food insecurity (i.e. have eaten less than they thought should have) whereas almost none have experienced severe food insecurity during the sample period. The truncated model results show that households’ region of residence, livelihood source, education level, income and number of elderlies have a significant association with the probability of experiencing food insecurity. The pandemic-induced unemployment and disruptions in physical access to food positively associated with the probability of experiencing food insecurity.
Social implications
It is critical to regularly monitor households’ food security status, and design strategies that explicitly consider the food security status of UAE’s significant expat population; most of whom are migrant manual labourers earning low wages, are less job-secured and have poorer access to health care.
Originality/value
Although several studies assessed the impact of the pandemic on food security in different countries, there is a lack of studies assessing the impact of the pandemic on food security in the import-dependent Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, whose food security might be severely impacted due to the COVID-19-induced global food supply chain disruptions. Our application of the truncated regression model also contributes to the food security literature.
Details
Keywords
Erica Pimentel, Emilio Boulianne and Crawford Spence
Previous work has explored the ability of auditors to expand successfully into seemingly unrelated fields, referred to as new audit spaces. The present paper focuses on how…
Abstract
Purpose
Previous work has explored the ability of auditors to expand successfully into seemingly unrelated fields, referred to as new audit spaces. The present paper focuses on how auditors respond to challenges when entering a new audit field and devising strategies to sensemake and sensegive about those challenges.
Design/methodology/approach
This study builds on findings from 32 interviews with auditors and participant observation of interactions between auditors and blockchainers to understand how auditors approached a new audit space.
Findings
We find that when auditors enter a new audit space, they endeavour to impose a logic of auditability. First, they determine an acceptable knowledge basis for this target audit space by developing a codified set of rules to organize knowledge, then develop a codified set of practices to verify conformity to the auditor’s set of rules. Next, auditors engage in three strategic tactics to influence members of the target audit space: appealing to the financial benefits of adopting a logic of auditability; appealing to their credentials from established audit markets; and appealing to bona fides in the target audit space to establish credibility. We posit that these sensemaking and sensegiving strategies do not take hold in the blockchain space because auditors are approaching these activities from a different mental model than blockchain natives. Because auditors are unable to adopt the mental model of the blockchain space, they are unable to devise strategies to compellingly influence blockchain natives and secure a stronghold in this new audit space. We developed a model for sensemaking and sensegiving when auditors enter new audit spaces.
Originality/value
This paper challenges and contrasts prior accounts of the seemingly unending expansion of audit firms into new spaces. The study demonstrates that there are limitations to auditors’ abilities to transplant their verification skills in the blockchain field.
Details
Keywords
Diviya Narayan and Baljeet Singh
The purpose of this study is to examine the long run impact of official development assistance (ODA) on Poverty levels in a sample of 33 least developed countries (LDCs) from 1991…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the long run impact of official development assistance (ODA) on Poverty levels in a sample of 33 least developed countries (LDCs) from 1991 to 2018.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed second-generation panel econometric techniques like Westerlund (2007), Pedroni (2004) cointegration tests and the augmented mean group (Eberhardt and Bond, 2009); (Eberhardt and Teal, 2010) and fully modified ordinary least squares (Phillips and Hansen, 1990) estimations to ascertain the long-run nexus between the variables of interest.
Findings
Our findings revealed that ODA has a significant and positive impact on poverty expansion in LDCs. This indicates that ODA perpetuates poverty in LDCs in the long run. While gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and trade openness significantly contributed to reducing poverty levels. Our findings have several policy implications.
Originality/value
This paper sheds light on a panel of LDCs on which research on the ODA–poverty nexus is sparse in prevailing literature. Although studies have documented the impact of single country episodes on LDCs, research on the panel of LDCs remains largely unexplored. This is surprising given the heightened economic and social issues faced by these cross-sections. Additionally, a sustained downturn in ODA flows to LDCs and the commitment to meet SDG Goal 1 underscore the need for comprehensive analysis on LDCs. Hence, our study aims to address the critical gap in the prevailing literature and contribute to the field.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-05-2024-0390
Details
Keywords
While extensive research exists on education practices among Maasai pastoralists, this study fills a gap in understanding their specific perspectives on what constitutes “quality…
Abstract
Purpose
While extensive research exists on education practices among Maasai pastoralists, this study fills a gap in understanding their specific perspectives on what constitutes “quality education” for their community. This study aims to uncover how Maasai elders define quality education based on the capabilities and functionings they value.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a glocalised research design informed by Sen’s capabilities approach to guide data collection, analysis and interpretation. Data were primarily gathered through in-depth interviews with two local chiefs, two firestick patrons and eight male and ten female elders in Monduli.
Findings
The results illuminate the Maasai’s endorsement of education for self-improvement, cultural preservation, self-reliance and community service as essential components of quality education. These findings highlight the need for integrating these education-related capabilities into school curricula to enhance the Maasai community’s well-being and empowerment. The study also underscores the pivotal role of enkigúɛ́na as a Maa concept for facilitating constructive dialogue between Indigenous and Western knowledge, enabling meaningful engagement between the Maasai and educational stakeholders, and fostering internal discussions on the essence of quality education. The study concludes with implications for theory, policy, practice and further research.
Originality/value
This paper offers a unique exploration of Maasai elders’ views on what constitutes “quality education” within their society. It also examines how the Maa term enkigúɛ́na (meeting) can act as an effective conduit for realising such educational aspirations.
Details
Keywords
Mohammad Rahimi, Hossein Moshiri and Ali Otarkhani
This study aims to evaluate patterns, trends and knowledge networks within social security research. By using bibliometric analysis, the research seeks to provide a comprehensive…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to evaluate patterns, trends and knowledge networks within social security research. By using bibliometric analysis, the research seeks to provide a comprehensive perspective on the evolution of global social security research. The purpose extends to identifying significant contributors, collaborative clusters and multifaceted issues addressed in the field.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses bibliometric analysis to assess social security research trends and knowledge networks from 2015 to 2023. Using the Web of Science database, 6,152 relevant articles are analyzed. Quantitative techniques such as coauthorship network analysis, institutional productivity rankings and keyword clustering are applied for a comprehensive understanding.
Findings
The findings indicate a rising trajectory of publications in social security research, with the USA, China and Europe emerging as top contributors. Coauthorship patterns reveal collaborative clusters with focused research interests. Prominent authors emphasize key aspects like public policy, economics, health and labor dynamics related to social security. Keyword clustering identifies nine thematic clusters, ranging from inequality and poverty to retirement and disability reforms. A thematic map visualizes overarching categories, including motor themes, basic themes, niche themes and emerging themes.
Originality/value
This bibliometric study offers original insights into global social security research, providing a comprehensive understanding of its evolution, significant contributors and diverse thematic issues addressed. The originality lies in the application of quantitative techniques, including coauthorship network analysis and keyword clustering, to reveal collaborative patterns and thematic clusters. The study’s value extends to facilitating evidence-based decision-making for advancing the critical domain of social security through international collaboration and impactful research aligned with societal needs.
Details
Keywords
Sara Gusmao Brissi and Luciana Debs
This study focuses on identifying key principles for implementing strategic changes in design and construction companies interested in successfully using offsite construction…
Abstract
Purpose
This study focuses on identifying key principles for implementing strategic changes in design and construction companies interested in successfully using offsite construction (OSC) in multifamily housing projects, considering the need for more affordable and sustainable multifamily housing in the United States of America (USA).
Design/methodology/approach
Using mixed methods, the study involved three phases of data collection and data analysis: (1) delphi survey, (2) online survey, (3) proposition of principles and validation interviews.
Findings
The key principles identified by the present research are (1) develop product-oriented business model, (2) promote leadership and mindset engagement with OSC principles, (3) engage in partnerships and more innovative contractual models, (4) shift toward digital transformation, (5) develop training and knowledge management strategies, (6) adopt lean construction (LC) practices, (7) develop training and knowledge management strategies and (8) integrate logistics and supply chain management with AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) processes.
Practical implications
The implementation of the principles and strategic changes identified in this study aims to prepare design and construction companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to embrace the increasing use of OSC in multifamily projects in the USA, which will make them more efficient and resilient and, ultimately, will contribute to the construction of more affordable and sustainable multifamily housing projects in the USA.
Originality/value
This is the first research to address holistic strategies to support design and construction companies in adopting OSC.