Claire Massey and Evelyn Hurley
The dairy industry is an important element of the New Zealand economy, and its key producer organization (the New Zealand Dairy Board) views itself as being progressive in…
Abstract
The dairy industry is an important element of the New Zealand economy, and its key producer organization (the New Zealand Dairy Board) views itself as being progressive in relation to the acquisition and adoption of technology. However it accepts that in order to remain price competitive in international markets, technological improvement is a continual necessity. As a result the Board needs to increase production efficiency by encouraging farmers to “learn about” (and adopt) new methods and processes. In 1997 the Board initiated a strategy for improving learning within farm organisations. A project was undertaken to examine the barriers to learning for farmers and to explore alternative methods for enhancing their learning. This paper reflects on the use of action research (AR) as one alternative method. In a case study on women dairy farmers, AR was used as a method of resolving an on‐farm technical issue. This process is compared with the discussion group method already used widely in the New Zealand dairy industry.
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Maria Korkou, Johana Evelyn Montalvan Castilla, Ari K.M. Tarigan and Barbara Maria Sageidet
This study aims to examine travel patterns and factors that explain children’s use of green space for outdoor learning. This knowledge will be valuable for urban planners and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine travel patterns and factors that explain children’s use of green space for outdoor learning. This knowledge will be valuable for urban planners and policymakers to plan, design, develop and maintain green spaces that consider children’s interests.
Design/methodology/approach
The analysis consists of three steps. First, this paper performed a mapping analysis to explain the accessibility and services of green spaces in supporting children’s education. Second, using data from a survey distributed to school teachers, this paper explored factors affecting trip frequency, travel distance and walking when visiting green spaces. Third, this paper interviewed teachers and conducted observations and conversations with children to gain additional insights.
Findings
The quantitative analyses found that size, path network linkages, path length, use for nature observation, play features, path density, walking and biking may influence children’s preference for using green spaces. This study identified five factors (playing, socialising, exploring, biodiversity and accessibility) that drive children to visit green spaces.
Originality/value
There is limited knowledge of the links between green space and children’s travel patterns and factors explaining the use of green spaces. To the ebst of the authors’ knowledge, this study seems to be the first attempt to introduce a mix of methods containing mapping, qualitative and quantitative analyses to explain children’s use towards green spaces.
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Heap‐Yih Chong and Rosli Mohamad Zin
The purpose of this research is to discover the behavior of dispute resolution in the Malaysian construction industry by analyzing factors that affect the selection of dispute…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to discover the behavior of dispute resolution in the Malaysian construction industry by analyzing factors that affect the selection of dispute resolution methods using factor analysis approach.
Design/methodology/approach
Preliminary interviews and a questionnaire survey were conducted. Dispute resolution methods were grouped and discussed together, based on the similarity of their characteristics, and used for the questionnaire survey. This research approach is different from the earlier studies that mostly focused on a single dispute resolution method. The data were further analyzed with factor analysis. This improved the data interpretation.
Findings
Seven latent factors were extracted and revealed that the contractors and developers preferred alternative dispute resolution (ADR). However, the appreciation of the outcomes of ADR was perceived to be very low. Arbitration and litigation were in part accepted and agreed upon by the respondents.
Originality/value
The combined results from the literature review on the stages of dispute resolution and the latent factors affecting the selection of dispute resolution methods could assist in decision making. The selection of ADR or non‐ADR itself is not a major issue; rather, there is a concern for increased efficiency and an appreciation of the methods in the construction industry are more demanding.
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Discrimination matters Volume 22 Number 2 of Health Manpower Management contains an article with this title by Catherine M. Prest, which outlines the changes in legal restrictions…
Abstract
Discrimination matters Volume 22 Number 2 of Health Manpower Management contains an article with this title by Catherine M. Prest, which outlines the changes in legal restrictions on the eligibility of dismissed employees to pursue unfair dismissal claims. Includes a discussion of recent decisions in this area and assesses the impact of these decisions on personnel practice and disciplinary procedures.
Sarah George Lauwo, Osamuyimen Egbon, Mercy Denedo and Amanze Rajesh Ejiogu
This paper explores the historical roots of environmental accountability in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria by focusing on the campaigns for social and environmental justice by…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper explores the historical roots of environmental accountability in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria by focusing on the campaigns for social and environmental justice by writer Ken Saro-Wiwa and the indigenous Ogoni people.
Design/methodology/approach
The methods consist of an analysis of books, diaries, letters and poems written by Ken Saro-Wiwa as well as books, reports and audio recordings of panel discussions which capture the Ogoni struggle, Ken Saro-Wiwa’s activism and its impacts. The authors’ approach to the data is sensitised by Foucault’s notion of counter-conduct as it enables the authors to better grasp the creative agency of Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni as they struggle and campaign for political autonomy, environmental justice and accountability.
Findings
The authors’ findings illustrate how Ken Saro-Wiwa’s books, letters, poems, diaries and articles provide early accounts of environmental injustices and the absence of accountability in the Niger Delta. They highlight how Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni movement deploy counter-conduct to subvert existing power and accountability structures through innovative strategies, effective mobilisation and communication at local and international levels. The authors’ findings also highlight how these have led to specific forms of accountability for human rights and the environment at local and global levels. They also show how Saro-Wiwa’s activism and the Ogoni struggle have inspired a new generation of environmental activists and new ways of demanding accountability.
Originality/value
This paper presents, for the first time, an account of the historical roots of environmental accountability practices from an African and developing country context. Its focus on the historical roots of environmental accountability is also unique as it expands the view beyond the origins of environmental accounting to look more broadly at the origins of environmental accountability practices.
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A celebration of possible transformations of our radical andmainstream discourses of globalization. Begins by displacing twoconventional dualizations that inform our scholarly…
Abstract
A celebration of possible transformations of our radical and mainstream discourses of globalization. Begins by displacing two conventional dualizations that inform our scholarly theorizing and practice: between the global and the local and between our work and ourselves. Advocating politics of abundance and generosity that celebrates ontological exuberance and the creation of transformative realities, invites academic élites to co‐create global possibilities in the service of all life and all ways of life. Enjoying the multiple possibilities of texts three narrative evocations follow – the sacred, the erotic and the ecological. The postcolonial gifts of these three dimensions inform possible transformations for us as teachers, enquirers and practitioners. It concludes with invitations to action and offerings of service.
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Although several types of innovation are identified in the extant literature, researchers have not resolved conflicting theoretical predictions about the implication of adopting…
Abstract
Purpose
Although several types of innovation are identified in the extant literature, researchers have not resolved conflicting theoretical predictions about the implication of adopting innovation types. Following the conceptualization of Damanpour et al., this paper aims to distinguish between three innovation types (i.e. services, technological process, and administrative process) and make suggestions for banks on whether to focus their innovation efforts on a specific type or composition of different types in order to optimize the returns to innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on an empirical case study of a large multinational bank in Ghana (name withheld for anonymity), data were collected with questionnaire instruments from 51 bank managers. Two regression equations were estimated and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).
Findings
The paper finds evidence that focus on adopting a specific innovation type seems to contribute more to performance than adopting bundles of different types of innovation. As the bank focuses on adopting only administrative process innovation it enjoys higher growth in market share than when it adopts services innovation and technological process innovation in conjunction with administrative process innovation.
Practical implications
It seems that even when resources are in abundance, and complementary changes or innovations are found to be necessary, there is less need to introduce different types of innovation with a more balanced rate simultaneously.
Originality/value
The study proposes to resolve conflicting theoretical predictions and ongoing policy disputes about the effects on business performance (i.e. market share) of the adoption of a specific innovation type versus composition of different innovation types.