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Article
Publication date: 29 May 2024

Petter Gottschalk

This article reviews 69 press releases published by the Norwegian Ăkokrim from June 2022 to November 2023. The presented research applies the theory of focal concerns to identify…

Abstract

Purpose

This article reviews 69 press releases published by the Norwegian Ăkokrim from June 2022 to November 2023. The presented research applies the theory of focal concerns to identify the main themes in the press releases.

Design/methodology/approach

Serious fraud offices such as the Norwegian national authority for investigation and prosecution of economic and environmental crime (Ăkokrim) are facing many challenges when combating white-collar and corporate crime. Press releases represent an element of facing such challenges, as the messages are an important vehicle for the organization to disclose organizational activities to the public.

Findings

Three themes emerged: offender conviction, impression management and crime deterrence. Offender prosecution followed by offender conviction is at the core of Ăkokrim's business. Impression management serves the purpose of emphasizing the important role of the national authority in society. The subjective perception of detection and prosecution by potential offenders can be influenced by crime deterrence messages.

Research limitations/implications

Press releases are signals that may be interpreted in other ways.

Practical implications

When politicians are to review national authorities, they may want a slightly different serious fraud office.

Social implications

The deterrence effect is often not real for alleged white-collar crime.

Originality/value

Understanding a national authority in terms of its focal concerns based on press releases from the authority.

Details

Policing: An International Journal, vol. 47 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1363-951X

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 22 November 2024

Chitra Krishnan, Sanjeev Chaturvedi and Jasmine Mariappan

Poverty is affecting millions of people worldwide and it is a huge global issue. It is a challenging issue with many facets that affect politics, the economy and society…

Abstract

Poverty is affecting millions of people worldwide and it is a huge global issue. It is a challenging issue with many facets that affect politics, the economy and society. Achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) and reducing inequality around the world are both affected by poverty. There are various techniques to quantify poverty, each with advantages and disadvantages. Absolute, relative and multidimensional poverty are a few of the often-used measurements. However, measuring poverty across different economies is challenging due to social, economic and political differences. This chapter aims to examine the concept of poverty and how it is measured in various economic contexts. In this chapter, various methods of calculating poverty, the difficulties in doing so and the efficacy of various poverty measures in capturing poverty in multiple economies are also covered. This chapter will also discuss how the findings may affect policy and practice and propose new lines of inquiry for future studies on measuring poverty in various economies. The significance of this study resides in its ability to advance our understanding of poverty and its quantification while also guiding practitioners and decision-makers engaged in efforts to eradicate poverty and advance sustainable development. This chapter examines poverty in various economies in order to highlight the dynamic and complex character of poverty as well as the demand for context-specific measures to reduce it.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 6 September 2024

Elena Raviola and Marta Gasparin

The purpose of this paper is to pay tribute to the work of Bruno Latour and its relevance for organization scholars particularly, by relentlessly going beyond the reified category…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to pay tribute to the work of Bruno Latour and its relevance for organization scholars particularly, by relentlessly going beyond the reified category of “organization.” We rely in particular on our own experiences of conducting fieldwork with Latour in our hands and expose our journeys, sometimes feeling naked, embarrassed and naive. By following traces of actions, paying attention to things and appreciating plurality, with Latour we have discovered the politics of organizing and the aesthetic matter of things.

Design/methodology/approach

We use our own methodological experience to describe how Latour’s work has helped us concretely. We structure our methodological reasoning around three excursions in the field, corresponding to our different fieldwork journeys. For each excursion, we rely on descriptions and reflect on how we have traced actions, paid attention to things and appreciated plurality, as set out in the introduction.

Findings

We render through excursions our Latour moments, that is, critical moments in fieldwork, where we get stuck and embarrassed and where Latour’s texts with simple questions help us move. Against the critique of ANT as being apolitical and unable to account for the body, we explain how we have precisely, through our ANT investigations, intersected between politics, aesthetics and organizing through three main ways of displacing us in the field: leaving a priori categories and questioning what we see; placing our view somewhere and moving it in an oligopticon-like way; and “thick thinging.”

Originality/value

The paper is a tribute to Latour’s work and wants to contribute to emphasizing his relevance for understanding not only organization in general but also the politics and aesthetics of organizing. We reassemble our fieldwork journeys and, despite their being personal to us, we believe that our learnings are recognizable and recognized by other scholars. We conclude with a research suggestion relevant to organization scholars.

Details

Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management: An International Journal, vol. 19 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5648

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 7 December 2023

Torgeir Aadland, Gustav Hägg, Mats A. Lundqvist, Martin Stockhaus and Karen Williams Middleton

To increase the understanding of how entrepreneurship education impacts entrepreneurial careers, the purpose of the paper is to investigate the role that a venture creation…

1533

Abstract

Purpose

To increase the understanding of how entrepreneurship education impacts entrepreneurial careers, the purpose of the paper is to investigate the role that a venture creation program (VCP) might have in mitigating or surpassing a lack of other antecedents of entrepreneurial careers. In particular, the authors focus on entrepreneurial pedigree and prior entrepreneurial experience.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from graduates of VCPs at three universities in Northern Europe were collected through an online survey. Questions addressed graduate background prior to education, yearly occupational employment subsequent to graduation and graduates' own perceptions of entrepreneurial activity in employment positions. The survey was sent to 1,326 graduates and received 692 responses (52.2% response rate).

Findings

The type of VCP, either independent (Ind-VCP) or corporate venture creation (Corp-VCP), influenced the mitigation of prior entrepreneurial experience. Prior entrepreneurial experience, together with Ind-VCP, made a career as self-employed more likely. However, this was not the case for Corp-VCP in subsequently choosing intrapreneurial careers. Entrepreneurial pedigree had no significant effect on career choice other than for hybrid careers.

Research limitations/implications

Entrepreneurial experience gained from VCPs seems to influence graduates toward future entrepreneurial careers. Evidence supports the conclusion that many VCP graduates who lack prior entrepreneurial experience or entrepreneurial pedigree can develop sufficient entrepreneurial competencies through the program.

Originality/value

This study offers novel evidence that entrepreneurship education can compensate for a lack of prior entrepreneurial experience and exposure for students preparing for entrepreneurial careers.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 30 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 July 2024

Richard J. Volpe, Xiaowei Cai, Presley Roldan and Alexander Stevens

The COVID-19 pandemic was a shock to the food supply chain without modern precedent. Challenges in production, manufacturing, distribution and retailing led to the highest rates…

Abstract

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic was a shock to the food supply chain without modern precedent. Challenges in production, manufacturing, distribution and retailing led to the highest rates of food price inflation in the US since the 1970s. The major goal of this paper is to describe statistically the impact of the pandemic of food price inflation and volatility in the US and to discuss implications for industry and for policymakers.

Design/methodology/approach

We use Bureau of Labor Statistics data to investigate food prices in the US, 2020–2021. We apply 16 statistical approaches to measure price changes and volatility and three regression approaches to measure counterfactuals of food prices, had the pandemic not occurred.

Findings

Food price inflation and volatility increased substantially during the early months of the pandemic, with a great deal of heterogeneity across food products and geographic regions. Food price inflation was most pronounced for meats, and contrary to expectations, highest in the western US Forecasting approaches demonstrate that grocery prices were about 7% higher than they would have been without the pandemic as of the end of 2021.

Originality/value

The research on COVID-19 and the food system remains in its nascent stage. As findings on food loss and waste, employment and wages, food insecurity and more proliferate, it is vital to understand how food prices were connected to these phenomena and affected. We also motivate several ideas for future work.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 126 no. 13
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 November 2024

Elyar Pourrahimian, Amira Eltahan, Diana Salhab, Joe Crawford, Simaan AbouRizk and Farook Hamzeh

This study aims to enhance productivity monitoring and control in the construction industry by integrating data-driven analytics with expert insights.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to enhance productivity monitoring and control in the construction industry by integrating data-driven analytics with expert insights.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel framework combines expert knowledge and data analysis to identify productivity trends and devise improvement strategies. A machine learning model predicts productivity ranges using historical data and project-specific factors’ evaluated by surveys, supported by a warning dashboard for proactive decision-making.

Findings

The findings reveal that integrating expert insights with data analytics significantly enhances the ability to monitor and control productivity, leading to proactive strategies for construction stakeholders. The machine learning model demonstrates robust accuracy in forecasting productivity ranges, allowing for early identification of potential issues. The dashboard system proves invaluable, offering semi-real-time alerts and facilitating swift action to prevent productivity lapses. These results highlight the effectiveness of the proposed approach in detecting trends, predicting outcomes and enabling timely interventions, thereby contributing to the overall productivity improvement of construction projects.

Research limitations/implications

There are also limitations to consider, including potential data availability, constraints in the expert pool, implementation challenges and the need for long-term evaluation; these factors should be considered when interpreting the study’s findings and applying the proposed framework to construction projects. Future research can focus on expanding the application of this framework to different types of construction projects and evaluating its scalability.

Practical implications

This study introduces a framework with a warning dashboard for early detection of issues, combining expert insights and data analysis for improved project outcomes. This research suggests a shift toward more expert, data-driven, insightful decision-making in construction, aiming for enhanced performance and reduced disruptions. An important implication of this research is the need to balance digital tools and expert judgment. Project managers are advised to use a holistic strategy that ensures informed and comprehensive decision-making.

Originality/value

This research introduces a unique methodology that blends traditional expertise with modern analytics to address construction productivity challenges. It offers a practical solution for stakeholders to enhance decision-making, resource allocation and project planning, marking a significant contribution to construction management literature.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 10 July 2024

Adeela ahmed Shafi

The purpose of this policy piece is to present headline evidence from the equivalent of a decade of research across three projects focused on improving the educational experiences…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this policy piece is to present headline evidence from the equivalent of a decade of research across three projects focused on improving the educational experiences of incarcerated or justice-involved children and young people across 14 countries. The projects demonstrated a positive impact when using the specially designed innovative methods even with disengaged justice-involved children and young people. Each project had a different focus based on the needs of the children and young people, including (re)engaging them with education and learning opportunities re-engaging young offenders with education and learning (RENYO), developing identified social and emotional competencies through sport active games 4 change (AG4C) and developing skills for when transitioning into communities (S4L).

Design/methodology/approach

Each of the three projects designed bespoke interventions and materials based on the focus of the project. Combined, these were piloted across a total of 14 countries with 548 children and young people, 225 educators and 21 youth justice settings (custodial and non-custodial). Qualitative and quantitative data were gathered from educators, children and young people to better understand the effectiveness and limitations of the pedagogical approaches, the materials and experiences of the users.

Findings

The findings from across the three projects demonstrated that when custodial settings or youth justice settings have greater access to specifically designed tools and resources, with appropriate training to use them, it is possible to re-engage even the most disengaged children and young people with education and learning (RENYO). It was also possible to show a statistically significant increase in social and emotional competencies (social awareness, responsible decision-making, self-awareness, self-management, relationship skills) in participating country settings (AG4C) and to engage children and young people with a Skills4Life Curriculum in preparation for moving back into the community.

Research limitations/implications

Custodial and other youth justice settings vary widely in different jurisdictions with varying levels of resource. Whilst all programmes had success in implementation, this was to different degrees and extents in each of the country contexts. Much of this success will depend on the skills of educators and the willingness of the leadership.

Practical implications

The programmes and interventions in this policy piece can be used in a range of contexts and settings as shown by the wide range of sites they were piloted in. From a practical perspective, these programmes and interventions have been designed to fit into existing structures and timetables with custodial and youth justice settings, making them easily integrated into business as usual.

Originality/value

Planned and strategically delivered interventions by expert educators in a holistic way means there is real opportunity to better support justice involved children and young people to successful transitioning back into communities, thereby potentially reducing reoffending. This is done by (re)engaging them with education and learning on entry, using the authentic inquiry methodology, developing social and emotional competencies through the active games and sport programme, followed by a tailored Skils4Life Curriculum preparing them for transition back into communities.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 10 October 2024

Francesco Buonamici, Tommaso Stomaci and Monica Carfagni

This study aims to examine the efficacy of 3D printing polymers to realistically mimic the fossa ovalis (FO) – a cardiac structure that is positioned in the interatrial septum  

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the efficacy of 3D printing polymers to realistically mimic the fossa ovalis (FO) – a cardiac structure that is positioned in the interatrial septum – for simulating transseptal puncture (TP) procedures.

Design/methodology/approach

Specimen of different materials and thicknesses were prepared and tested simulating the puncturing of the FO using a 12F ID/14F OD TP catheter. Force and tenting length results were compared with literature references. Scanning electron microscope images of the specimen were acquired to observe the perforated region as well as the structure of the specimen in the unaffected area.

Findings

Significant changes in the properties of interest were registered for the same material on specimens tested at different moments after fabrication. Suturable vessel wall polyjet material offers the best characteristics to replicate FO anatomy and mimic its behavior to puncturing.

Originality/value

The originality of the work lies in the test of different commercial materials. Similar works are already present in literature but specifically designed materials are used. Demonstrating that off-the-shelf materials could be viable for FO specimens would simplify the design of realistic TP simulators in the future.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 6 July 2020

Francesco Bolici, Chiara Acciarini, Lucia Marchegiani and Luca Pirolo

Technological innovations provide huge opportunities to expand and revolutionize the scope of products and services offered. This is particularly true for tourism, which is…

4434

Abstract

Purpose

Technological innovations provide huge opportunities to expand and revolutionize the scope of products and services offered. This is particularly true for tourism, which is undergoing significant changes due to the development of new technologies. The level of technology diffusion depends on several factors like the exchange of information among peers, and the attitude and shared perception among the contributors. The aim of the study is to explore the diffusion of technology in tourism with a specific focus on the social media discourse around new technologies. Thus, the paper investigates the level of interest in these new technologies analysing the information exchange occurring between individuals on Twitter in order to explore the influence of reciprocal networking.

Design/methodology/approach

To capture the attitudes expressed in the industry, the study analyses the ongoing discourse on Twitter as a proxy for the participants “interest in new technologies. Through a social network analysis of the tweets and retweets conducted over a period of nine months, the research maps the level of information exchange about the diffusion of new technologies. Moreover, the sentiment analysis provides an interesting overview of the individuals” attitudes towards the awareness or the adoption of new technologies.

Findings

Our analysis has provided several insights: (1) the information network on blockchain in tourism consists of participants who change very quickly over time (high turnover of accounts); (2) some contributors have an extremely important role in influencing the flow of information in the system (information centralization), they can have a generalist (discussing several topics) or a specialist (focusing on a specific topic) behaviour and this strategic choice influences their network's structure; (3) these central nodes also have an impact on the definition of positive and negative sentiment towards a topic (sentiment influencer).

Research limitations/implications

The paper contributes to the literature on technology diffusion, by focusing on one of the preconditions of diffusion that is the shared positive attitude towards technological innovation. More specifically, we adopt a network-based approach, which is useful to explain the level of information exchange and the public discourse that can impact the shared perception and attitude towards technological innovation. The study also highlights the role of knowledge brokers in influencing this public discourse. Future studies can deepen the association between positive perception, higher levels of information exchange and increasing usage of specific technologies. Our results also suggest further exploring the opportunity to combine social media data and other sources of information to shed more light on the technological innovation diffusion processes.

Practical implications

This paper shows how practitioners can benefit from the analysis of information exchange about new technologies in tourism adopting a network perspective with the aim of understanding the level of influence among contributors. Moreover, the increasing interest in blockchain technology and the potential combination between social media data and other sources of information can offer promising insights.

Social implications

The present study explores the level of technology diffusion through the analysis of information exchange on social media (Twitter). Furthermore, the dynamics of individual user behaviour offers a better understanding about media effects.

Originality/value

While previous research is focused on the users' perception towards the development of new technologies in tourism, the aim of this study is to investigate the dynamics behind the level of diffusion of information and awareness about these new technologies, which still represents an unexplored area of research.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 36 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 September 2024

Tiago Ratinho and Saras D. Sarasvathy

Entrepreneurial action under uncertainty has captured the interest of scholars and practitioners alike. However, this growing body of research has yet to connect entrepreneurial…

Abstract

Purpose

Entrepreneurial action under uncertainty has captured the interest of scholars and practitioners alike. However, this growing body of research has yet to connect entrepreneurial action with actual actions of entrepreneurs. We combine insights from effectuation theory and the psychology of entrepreneurship to investigate drivers of entrepreneurial actions involved in starting and running ventures, particularly optimism, self-efficacy and the use of causal and effectual logics.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a unique mixed-method approach combining a survey with experience sampling data. After measuring demographics, preference for effectual or causal logics and psychological variables, the 197 US entrepreneurs sampled entrepreneurs logged their daily actions in the form of asks during 60 consecutive days.

Findings

Results suggest that self-efficacy and causal logics are key drivers of entrepreneurial actions, while optimism serves as a deterrent. Interestingly, the impact of self-efficacy on actions is moderated by the entrepreneur’s experience level, measured both in years and past asking experience.

Originality/value

The potential of the ask as the basic mechanism for entrepreneurial actions is explored. Based on the findings, the authors offer new and fertile insights by linking psychological traits to entrepreneurial actions, causal and effectual logics and entrepreneurial expertise development.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 30 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

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