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Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 August 2022

Emelie Lantz, Bengt Nilsson, Carina Elmqvist, Bengt Fridlund and Anders Svensson

The purpose of this study was to describe experiences of working as a paid part-time firefighter (PTF) in Swedish rural areas.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to describe experiences of working as a paid part-time firefighter (PTF) in Swedish rural areas.

Design/methodology/approach

An inductive explorative design was used, based on interviews with 18 paid PTFs in Sweden. Data were analyzed using qualitative latent content analysis.

Findings

Three themes emerged from the interviews and describe paid PTFs’ experiences. The findings provide insights into how firefighters share a strong commitment, how support plays a crucial role, and how training and call-outs contribute to their experiences. Paid PTFs’ experiences are nuanced, ranging from personal limitations and challenges to satisfaction and the contrast with ordinary life.

Practical implications

The implications for fire and rescue service organizations are that they can encourage firefighters’ commitment and pride, as well as the commitment and support of their families and main employers. Further, highlighting the importance of support and facilitating flexibility when on call is crucial. Finally, acknowledging and promoting personal development and facilitating an inclusive culture are important factors for both motivation and satisfaction.

Originality/value

Paid PTFs are under-represented in the literature, despite the reliance on them in Sweden, and this study begins to address the knowledge gap. To improve retention, it is vital to understand paid PTFs work situation: what motivates them, what barriers they face, and how those challenges influence their experiences.

Details

International Journal of Emergency Services, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2047-0894

Keywords

Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 30 May 2023

Paresh Wankhade

151

Abstract

Details

International Journal of Emergency Services, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2047-0894

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Article
Publication date: 9 January 2024

Lijuan Qu and Yuwen Dai

Higher education institutions have a critical role in creating and disseminating the knowledge required to address the complex global challenges faced by global society, as…

1079

Abstract

Purpose

Higher education institutions have a critical role in creating and disseminating the knowledge required to address the complex global challenges faced by global society, as summarized in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This role of higher education is linked with the concept of internationalization, which has recently been called upon to help contribute to tackle the global challenges and meet the SDGs, particularly through more attention to “Internationalization at Home” (IaH). This paper aims to examine the role of higher education in addressing the SDGs, especially with respect to the links between IaH and the SDGs.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of the International Campus of Zhejiang University (iZJU) is conducted to illustrate how iZJU, which is a pioneer of “Internationalization at Home” and an exemplar of sustainable campus in China, contributes to the value of the SDGs and makes an impact.

Findings

The authors examine the practice of IaH at iZJU in the dimensions of organization, curriculum, people and campus, and the authors find evidence from the iZJU model in addressing the value of the SDG4, 6, 7, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17.

Originality/value

First, the authors contribute to the literature on the role of higher education in addressing the SDGs, especially with respect to the links between IaH and the SDGs. Second, the authors contribute to the IaH literature by examining IaH from a Chinese perspective, as there has been little exploration of what IaH means beyond the European context. Third, the authors build on the analytical framework in the IaH literature in the dimensions of organization, curriculum and people and extend with a new dimension of campus. Fourth, the authors show that IaH is a comprehensive approach to include both curriculum internationalization and campus internationalization.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 25 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 30 September 2024

María Victoria Soulé, Antigoni Parmaxi and Anna Nicolaou

This paper explores current teaching and learning practices, benefits and challenges in the implementation of Internationalization at Home (IaH) in higher education.

643

Abstract

Purpose

This paper explores current teaching and learning practices, benefits and challenges in the implementation of Internationalization at Home (IaH) in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows a systematic review (SR) protocol in accordance with the PRISMA Statement, covering published research from 2018 to 2022. Through this process, we identified 58 peer-reviewed manuscripts meeting our inclusion criteria. We examined disciplines, locations of IaH, objectives pursued, modality of the IaH implementation, activities and resources used. Benefits and challenges were also analysed.

Findings

The SR reveals a growing adoption of IaH, employing various technologies and interdisciplinary methods to foster cross-cultural competence. It emphasizes diverse teaching activities and resources, aligning with digitalization trends. While IaH brings benefits like improved intercultural sensitivity, collaboration and skills development, it also faces challenges in language, technical, personal, pedagogical and organizational aspects, highlighting its complexity.

Research limitations/implications

Our search focused on research from 2018 to 2022, potentially missing earlier trends, and excluded grey literature due to quality concerns. The SR emphasizes online collaborative efforts in IaH, signalling a shift to digital internationalization. Institutions should invest in supporting such practices aided by strategic university alliances. A critical approach to “Global-North” collaborations is urged, promoting geographically inclusive IaH initiatives.

Originality/value

This study responds to the call for critical analysis on concrete examples of IaH. Through a systematic review, it explores recent teaching and learning practices, with a particular focus on the latest technological advancements. The study specifies learning objectives and identifies relevant tools for implementing IaH initiatives.

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Article
Publication date: 1 June 2003

Svante Andersson

This paper analyses growth patterns in three high‐growth Swedish firms (Intentia, IBS, and in the enterprise resource planning (ERP) industry. A multi‐theoretical framework is…

2113

Abstract

This paper analyses growth patterns in three high‐growth Swedish firms (Intentia, IBS, and in the enterprise resource planning (ERP) industry. A multi‐theoretical framework is developed and used to analyse the firms’ growth. It is concluded that growth is a complex phenomenon that has to be viewed from different theoretical angles to be understood. It is shown that entrepreneurs’ intentions, international growth strategies, organic organisations, industry structure and networks, and national cultures are all factors that influence firms’ growth.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 26 September 2024

Bo Bergman, Bengt Klefsjö and Lars Sörqvist

The aim of this paper is to investigate the development of the quality movement in Sweden since the mid-20th century. The authors are convinced that a summary of the Swedish…

348

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate the development of the quality movement in Sweden since the mid-20th century. The authors are convinced that a summary of the Swedish quality journey so far will offer important lessons for further quality improvements in Sweden and elsewhere.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors study how the quality movement has been included in the industrial agenda and how it has been adopted in student curricula and in research. The authors have a focus on how business leaders have learnt, adopted, adapted and innovated with respect to quality development. often in collaboration with academia.

Findings

Although the quality movement has fit well with the Swedish culture and that successful corporate leaders have successfully used the specific cultural characteristics there is still a lot to be learnt with respect to the public sector, where the ideas from the quality movement have problem to overcome institutional barriers.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the Swedish context.

Practical implications

There is a serious need to revitalize the public sector by getting leaders and politicians to understand the need for systematic quality improvement.

Social implications

If future Swedish achievements with respect to healthcare and other social welfare elements are to once again become world-class, the public sector needs to be open-minded and collaborate with the industrial sector and academia to find cost-effective strategies for making quality improvements. However, the private sector must also be alert not to be overtaken by some highly active Asian countries.

Originality/value

Swedish large companies have been very successful in applying quality leadership – however, in the public sector, this has not been the case. Suggestions for improvement are made.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 15 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 4 September 2017

Zhenhua Wang, Shikui Dong, Zhihong He, Lei Wang, Weihua Yang and Bengt Ake Sunden

H2O, CO2 and CO are three main species in combustion systems which have high volume fractions. In addition, soot has strong absorption in the infrared band. Thus, H2O, CO2, CO and…

260

Abstract

Purpose

H2O, CO2 and CO are three main species in combustion systems which have high volume fractions. In addition, soot has strong absorption in the infrared band. Thus, H2O, CO2, CO and soot may take important roles in radiative heat transfer. To provide calculations with high accuracy, all of the participating media should be considered non-gray media. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to study the effect of non-gray participating gases and soot on radiative heat transfer in an inhomogeneous and non-isothermal system.

Design/methodology/approach

To solve the radiative heat transfer, the fluid flow as well as the pressure, temperature and species distributions were first computed by FLUENT. The radiative properties of the participating media are calculated by the Statistical Narrow Band correlated K-distribution (SNBCK), which is based on the database of EM2C. The calculation of soot properties is based on the Mie scattering theory and Rayleigh theory. The radiative heat transfer is calculated by the discrete ordinate method (DOM).

Findings

Using SNBCK to calculate the radiative properties and DOM to calculate the radiative heat transfer, the influence of H2O, CO2, CO and soot on radiation heat flux to the wall in combustion system was studied. The results show that the global contribution of CO to the radiation heat flux on the wall in the kerosene furnace was about 2 per cent, but that it can reach up to 15 per cent in a solid fuel gasifier. The global contribution of soot to the radiation heat flux on the wall was 32 per cent. However, the scattering of soot has a tiny influence on radiation heat flux to the wall.

Originality/value

This is the first time H2O, CO2, CO and the scattering of soot were all considered simultaneously to study the radiation heat flux in combustion systems.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 27 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 1989

Per Holmbom, Ole Pedersen, Bengt Sandell and Alexander Lauber

By tradition, sensors are used to measure one desired parameter; all other parameters influencing the sensor are considered as interfering inputs, to be eliminated if possible…

97

Abstract

By tradition, sensors are used to measure one desired parameter; all other parameters influencing the sensor are considered as interfering inputs, to be eliminated if possible. Hence most of existing sensors are specifically intended for measuring one parameter, e.g. temperature, and the ideal temperature sensor should be as immune to all other parameters as possible. True, we sometimes use primitive sensor fusion, e.g. when calculating heat flow by combining separate measurements of temperature difference and of fluid flow.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

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Book part
Publication date: 25 January 2021

Desalegn Abraha and Akmal S. Hyder

The method applied to carry out the study of the transformation of strategic alliances in emerging markets is discussed in this chapter. Specifically, this chapter discusses how…

Abstract

The method applied to carry out the study of the transformation of strategic alliances in emerging markets is discussed in this chapter. Specifically, this chapter discusses how the whole study is conducted, i.e. the identification and development of the research issues, the research aim and problem, the development of the conceptual framework, the development of the research method, how the empirical study is analyzed and conclusions are drawn. The specific research strategy applied to conduct the current study is a longitudinal research approach. A short discussion on how the ECE countries are classified into various groups is conducted in the current chapter and a detailed discussion on the classification of ECE countries into different groups is also conducted in chapter eight. Moreover, the logic for adopting a longitudinal research strategy to conduct the current study of the transformation of strategic alliances is also justified. The identification and choice of the case companies, the logic followed in the development of the questionnaire and how much and to what extent the questionnaire is modified are also discussed in detail. The identification of the interviewees, the execution of the interviews and the transcription of the interview materials and the structuring of the cases are also discussed in detail.

Details

Transformation of Strategic Alliances in Emerging Markets, Volume I
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80043-745-6

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Article
Publication date: 3 April 2007

Bengt Johannisson

The aim is to provide a conceptual framework that from a local perspective positions alternative ways to cope with the challenges of a globalising world.

1343

Abstract

Purpose

The aim is to provide a conceptual framework that from a local perspective positions alternative ways to cope with the challenges of a globalising world.

Design/methodology/approach

The notion of “organising context” is introduced as an ideal setting for business and community development processes as collective entrepreneurial efforts. A 3D model proposes means of structuring contemporary public discourses on local economic development. A bridging “virtual” logic is suggested that crafts and enacts localised entrepreneurial opportunities by bridging the territorial logic and the functional logic. The practices of these three rationales are illustrated by cases on community development in the Swedish rural setting.

Findings

The globalisation of the world offers challenges to every individual, organisation and location. These contests can either be considered as openings for development or as threats which trigger defensive measures and ultimately produce lock‐ins. Local leadership and entrepreneurship define the outcome of change efforts.

Research limitations/implications

Reflections on the conceptualisation and the empirical lessons raise epistemological and ethical questions which trigger alternative methodologies for researching complex community‐development processes. Interactive approaches where researchers get hand‐on involved in ongoing events appear as appropriate.

Practical implications

The need for interactive research when enacting community development calls for a coalition between local stakeholders and researchers. By bridging local and formalised knowledge needed competencies and legitimacy for change can be created.

Originality/value

By proposing and applying a vocabulary for diagnosing and evaluating the potential for local economic development both researchers and practitioners are invited to further knowledge creation.

Details

Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6204

Keywords

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