Alan Richardson and Caroline Galloway
This research seeks to investigate the potential of using para‐aramid fibre fabric and yarn as an external reinforcement to existing structures. The purpose of this paper is to…
Abstract
Purpose
This research seeks to investigate the potential of using para‐aramid fibre fabric and yarn as an external reinforcement to existing structures. The purpose of this paper is to improve existing structural performance or to return the original design performance, during refurbishment. The research aims to investigate the potential for enhanced flexural strength and toughness in concrete beams, which may be required for change of use of buildings, where loadings may be subject to change. Buildings in earthquake zones may also benefit from additional toughness provided with external fabric/yarn reinforcement as a means of providing additional time for escape, for the occupants.
Design/methodology/approach
The test compared four types of concrete beams with different reinforcement material compositions and each set consisted of three beams. The beams were: plain reinforced concrete without any external form of reinforcement (RC), plain unreinforced beams with a para aramid sheet (KF), plain unreinforced beams with para aramid strips of yarn attached longitudinally (KY) and plain reinforced concrete beams with sheet fabric (RCKF). All of the para‐aramid material (fabric and yarn) was externally bonded to the samples, using a two part epoxy resin adhesive applied to a prepared surface. To determine the flexural strength and toughness a three point loading test was used to provide load and deflection data on the 12 (500 mm×100 mm×100 mm) concrete beams.
Findings
An increase in flexural strength and toughness was observed when para‐aramid was used in conjunction with steel reinforcement bar (re‐bar). The para‐aramid fabric and yarn produced similar results to the plain reinforced concrete beam in terms of flexural strength but not toughness.
Originality/value
An advantage of using para‐aramid as an external reinforcement, would be to utilise the large deflection the beam sustains under loading, whilst the fabric/yarn holds the beam together across the rupture plane. Although the testing did not prove that para‐aramid would be a viable alternative to steel re‐bar it did show that the material has the potential as an additional reinforcement that may be particularly useful where concrete structures are subject to large deformations or in need of repair.
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Caroline Ritchie, Felix Ritchie and Richard Ward
The purpose of this paper is to investigate drinking patterns; attitudes towards alcohol consumption and alcohol‐related behaviours amongst differing groups of young adults. A…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate drinking patterns; attitudes towards alcohol consumption and alcohol‐related behaviours amongst differing groups of young adults. A further aim is to investigate whether the drinking behaviours of undergraduate populations can be considered to be representative of young adult behaviours in general.
Design/methodology/approach
Four groups of young adult alcohol consumers are identified. The participants in the first two groups are aged between 18 and 23, one group being undergraduates and the second non‐graduates in work. Participants in the second two groups are aged between 24 and 29, one group comprising graduates in work, the second non‐graduates in work. 120 questionnaires were completed; 30 in each sample group, with an even gender distribution. Follow up one‐to‐one interviews are carried out with representatives from each group.
Findings
Although a small study it is evident that whilst there are some similarities in behaviours between the differing sample groups significant differences in alcohol‐related behaviours dominate.
Practical implications
The results suggest that utilising the results of research carried out amongst student populations to inform government policies with regard to the behaviour of young adults in general is unlikely to be successful in changing drinking behaviours.
Originality/value
This paper produces new insights into current drinking cultures and attitudes towards drinking in differing groups of young adults. Specifically, it compares behavioural norms between graduate and non‐graduate populations challenging much current research which is based upon student samples as being representative of the young adult population as a whole.
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Luke Fletcher, Valerio Incerti and Caroline Essers
This study aims to draw upon entrepreneurial network resource and social identity theories to advance the understanding of LGBT entrepreneurial behavior. The authors focus on what…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to draw upon entrepreneurial network resource and social identity theories to advance the understanding of LGBT entrepreneurial behavior. The authors focus on what resources are acquired by LGBT entrepreneurs from LGBT-specific networks, such as entrepreneurs’ associations or chambers of commerce, and why they might engage with them.
Design/methodology/approach
As an initial scoping exercise, Study 1 quantitatively examined the different resources acquired via a survey of 109 LGBT entrepreneurs from the UK, mainland Europe and North America. Building on these findings, Study 2 qualitatively explored why LGBT entrepreneurs acquire resources from and engage with LGBT-specific networks via interviews with 23 LGBT entrepreneurs (with representation from the UK, Mainland Europe and North America).
Findings
Study 1 indicates that being more involved in LGBT-specific networks is associated with stronger resource acquisition, particularly those that are relational and psychological in nature. Study 2 reveals that such networks can act as psychologically safe holding environments where resources that fulfil needs for belonging and uniqueness are acquired. However, certain challenges and issues arise when trying to meet all members' needs.
Practical implications
The findings underscore the need for LGBT networks that are run for, and by, LGBT entrepreneurs. Such networks allow LGBT entrepreneurs to be more authentic about, and empowered by, their LGBT identity in their business such that they can develop a stronger sense of individual and collective pride in being part of an LGBT entrepreneurial community. Yet, there is a need to understand the variety of identities and needs across the LGBT community.
Originality/value
The authors advance our understanding of LGBT entrepreneurs by connecting knowledge on entrepreneurship with that on applied psychology. The authors develop an original contribution by focusing on how LGBT entrepreneurs use LGBT-specific networks to meet important psychological and relational needs, thus speaking to the importance of developing an LGBT entrepreneurial community that enables LGBT entrepreneurs to express their LGBT and entrepreneurial identities.
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Annegret Hella Dahlmann‐Noor, Nitin Gupta, Gordon R. Hay, Caroline A. Cates, Gavin Galloway, Kerry Jordan, Robert J. Lamb, Andrew S. Ramsay and Anthony J. Vivian
The patient journey from detection of an eye problem by optometrists to assessment and treatment by ophthalmologists can be streamlined by direct referral from optometrist to…
Abstract
Purpose
The patient journey from detection of an eye problem by optometrists to assessment and treatment by ophthalmologists can be streamlined by direct referral from optometrist to hospital eye service (HES). This requires locally agreed guidelines and training and feedback for optometrists to ensure high diagnostic competence. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the quality of the West Suffolk Direct Referral Scheme, one of the first direct referral schemes in the UK to include all ophthalmic sub‐specialties.
Design/methodology/approach
Two‐cycle audit of existing practice, including all new patients referred by optometrists and seen at West Suffolk Hospital during a three‐month period in 2003 and a seven‐week period in 2006. Three interventions: direct referral clinics for urgent patients; introduced in 2003; six‐monthly training sessions for optometrists; and regular, prompt feedback via letter about individual consultation outcome. Prospective data collection via proforma in both cycles; additional retrospective data collection in the second cycle. Diagnostic accuracy, perception of urgency and request of subspecialty clinic were evaluated.
Findings
The direct referral scheme streamlines the patient journey, and patients with acute problems have fast access to HES. In total, 99 per cent of referrals are appropriate. Diagnostic competence is high (87 per cent), and has improved with tighter communication between HES and optometrists. Agreement is less for referral urgency (75 per cent) and choice of subspecialty clinic (74 per cent).
Originality/value
The West Suffolk Direct Referral Scheme provides an efficient service of high quality. Good communications and continued feedback between community‐ and hospital‐based eye care services improve standards and facilitate efficient use of resources.
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The residents of Ambridge enjoy a varied and mostly nutritious diet ranging from a ploughman’s at The Bull to Jennifer Aldridge’s roast venison, with the occasional tofu and…
Abstract
The residents of Ambridge enjoy a varied and mostly nutritious diet ranging from a ploughman’s at The Bull to Jennifer Aldridge’s roast venison, with the occasional tofu and quinoa paella from Kate Madikane. For Helen Titchener (née Archer) an abrupt change in circumstances will have led to changes in her diet that could have endangered her health and that of her unborn baby. Helen was imprisoned from about eight months of pregnancy to about four months postpartum, encompassing a critical period in development of her baby. This chapter focusses on the case of Helen and her baby son Jack to explore the dietary requirements for pregnancy and breastfeeding and how these relate to diet in Ambridge and in prison.
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Sarah A. Buchanan, Caroline Stratton, Yalin Sun and Ankita Chaudhary
The purpose of this paper is to report findings from research conducted to study the everyday work of information professionals, specifically records managers. This paper is a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report findings from research conducted to study the everyday work of information professionals, specifically records managers. This paper is a part of the “Research on the Work of 21st Century Information Professionals” study.
Design/methodology/approach
Researchers used the tailored design approach to create and increase response rate of our survey. Survey research methodology facilitated the development, pilot and launch of a survey instrument with a 20-question module specific to records management work.
Findings
The authors discovered the frequency of 11 tasks in records managers’ daily work, as well as how important each of 11 competencies are to their success on the job. Professional development topics and format, job satisfaction, strategies for gaining compliance, desired skills for new hires and curricular recommendations are also presented.
Research limitations/implications
The survey generated 334 responses from records management professionals. This sample was based on graduate alumni, targeted professional groups and snowball strategy. Implications from this study include educating doctoral students to study information work and identifying particular areas for strengthening graduate curricula and professional training.
Practical implications
The authors obtained direct insight on what records managers do in their daily work that will inform curricular decision-making.
Originality/value
The study explores an interest in daily work activities through multiple quantifiable data measures to offer nuanced insight on the relationships between different aspects of records management work.
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Fiona Caroline Saunders and Ellen A. Townsend
The purpose of this paper is to make recommendations for policy makers, promotors and project managers on how to structure and deliver new nuclear build programmes, by drawing on…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to make recommendations for policy makers, promotors and project managers on how to structure and deliver new nuclear build programmes, by drawing on the megaprojects literature and salutary lessons from previous megaprojects.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is underpinned by the extant literature and an analysis of public domain data from three proposed new nuclear power plants in the UK. It identifies the main challenges facing new nuclear build projects and subsequently proposes lessons that can be learnt from megaprojects, in order to plan, structure and deliver new nuclear build programmes successfully.
Findings
The paper argues that megaprojects are simultaneously trait-making, rather than trait-taking, possess a temporality and timescale in excess of typical infrastructure projects, suffer from high levels of uncertainty and ambiguity, are organisationally complex, costly and are highly likely to destroy rather than create value. Second, it argues that the challenges facing new nuclear build are not merely technological but also institutional, political and societal in nature. The nature of these challenges is exemplified using three proposed new nuclear build projects in the UK.
Originality/value
This is the first paper to draw on both extant megaproject theory and on an analysis of the public domain data from three proposed new nuclear power plants in the UK. It makes contributions to megaprojects theory and practice, and specifically to nuclear new build projects. Importantly, it proffers recommendations for how new nuclear build programmes around the world might be structured, planned and delivered to minimise the risks of failure.
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Caroline Jackson, James Morgan and Chantal Laws
The purpose of this paper is to report on untold stories that not only illustrate the creativity but also complexity of working in outdoor events. There has been global interest…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report on untold stories that not only illustrate the creativity but also complexity of working in outdoor events. There has been global interest in the creative industries and the creative economy more generally. Events have not been identified or categorised as part of this. Experiences have been identified as part of the creative sectors (NESTA, 2006) and events are seen as experiences (Jackson, 2006; Berridge 2007). There has been little research undertaken about the creative nature of event experiences, especially in how they are created.
Design/methodology/approach
A theoretical framework was created from literature on creativity more generally to inform the Creativity in Events research project. Interviews with those working in the outdoor events sector were the basis of the qualitative stage of the research project investigating the phenomenon of creativity in events.
Findings
This paper identifies the core facets of creativity in the management of outdoor events. These were fluency, originality, imagination, elaboration, environment and complexity. A vignette is used to illustrate the intricacy of the nature of creativity in the production of outdoor event experiences. The overall findings were that event management was both creative and pragmatic and that both are necessary. There was a need for a creative environment with processes and familiarity that aided inspiration and originality.
Originality/value
The background and findings are relevant to recognising events as part of the wider creative economy. A greater understanding of the nature of creativity in events informs both education and practice.