Examines one particular method of solving allocation tasksrequiring the minimization of manhours or the product of distance andvolume for each site. Argues that tabulation of…
Abstract
Examines one particular method of solving allocation tasks requiring the minimization of manhours or the product of distance and volume for each site. Argues that tabulation of analysis derived from raw results offers the most effective results in practical terms of minimizing inefficiency.
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This paper presents an overview of research and practice literature on the use of Mediation (M) and Family Group Conferences (FGC) in the context of adult safeguarding in the UK.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper presents an overview of research and practice literature on the use of Mediation (M) and Family Group Conferences (FGC) in the context of adult safeguarding in the UK.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper describes the main features of M and FGC and explores how such “family led” approaches to adult safeguarding fit within the wider agenda of personalisation and empowerment, including the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and its associated Code of Practice. It also considers the main implications for best practice and future research and service priorities.
Findings
M and FGC in an adult context are inclusive processes that enable people to explore choices and options in a supportive environment, assuring maximum possible independence and autonomous control over basic life decisions, while still addressing the person's need for assistance. When used appropriately, both approaches can be a valuable response to safeguarding concerns, promoting choice and control at the same time as protecting people from risk of abuse and harm. However, there are few robust evaluation studies currently available and no systematic research studies were found on cost‐effectiveness.
Originality/value
The paper shows that there is a clear need for further pilots of M and FGC in adult safeguarding. If such research and pilot evaluations find M and/or FGC to be effective, then more consideration will need to be given as to how to integrate such approaches into mainstream social work practice. There is also currently wide variation in the training and experience of mediators and FGC co‐ordinators, and further work is required to ensure that there are appropriate training and accreditation models in the UK for mediators and FGC co‐ordinators working with at‐risk adults.
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CSF Buxmont Academy operates eight school/day treatment programs that use restorative practices, which includes a culture in which restorative characterizes staff interaction with…
Abstract
CSF Buxmont Academy operates eight school/day treatment programs that use restorative practices, which includes a culture in which restorative characterizes staff interaction with students, and staff-to-staff and student-to-student relationships as well. This chapter presents analyses of the outcome experiences from two waves of discharge cohorts: 919 students during school years 1999–2000 and 2000–2001 and 858 during 2001–2002 and 2002–2003. Outcome measures include program completion rates, changes in self-esteem and anti-social attitudes, and the relationship between the length of program participation and post-release recidivism rates after controlling for individual risk factors. Recidivism rates were significantly related to length of program participation.
Dimitra Karantzeni and Dimitris G. Gouscos
The purpose of this paper is to research the key role of eParticipation and social media in the construction and diffusion of a European identity for European citizens, as a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to research the key role of eParticipation and social media in the construction and diffusion of a European identity for European citizens, as a valuable means of acculturalisation, through the creation of a common sense of belonging and self-identifying with the European ideals.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper argues that the limited success of current EU institutions' communication strategy and eParticipation initiatives could be partly attributed to a communication gap between the means currently used on the one hand, and the preferences of targeted audiences on the other.
Findings
This communication gap is demonstrated by combining empirical data on EU eParticipation initiatives addressing young people, young citizens' involvement in EU affairs, the penetration of social media on young citizen groups and the social media presence of EU political entities.
Research limitations/implications
These empirical data could be enriched with more detailed statistics, and monitored across time to identity advancements and changing trends.
Practical implications
The paper proposes, therefore, that the focus for eParticipation instruments be redirected to social media due to their comparative advantages as regards their great visibility, their notable level of penetration into current social groups and their potential of targeting specific audiences and becoming an integral part of these audiences' everyday life.
Originality/value
The paper believes this approach can contribute to improving eParticipation ventures in terms of their actual appeal to young citizens and contribution to the construction and diffusion of a European identity.
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In the last two decades, there has been much research and attention on information and communications technologies (ICTs) as tools that can contribute to the economic and social…
Abstract
Purpose
In the last two decades, there has been much research and attention on information and communications technologies (ICTs) as tools that can contribute to the economic and social lives of persons with disabilities (PWDs). However, few studies have sought to explore and document the experiences of PWDs who use these technologies to access the democratic space. Using Democratic Governance as a conceptual framework, this qualitative study seeks to address this gap in the literature by exploring the experiences of several visually impaired Caribbean youth with the use of ICTs to access the democratic space.
Methodology/approach
This study uses the qualitative research design and is guided by Husserl’s Descriptive phenomenology. The study sought to explore common patterns elicited from the specific experiences of 14 visually impaired citizens in Jamaica and 9 in Barbados through the use of semi-structured interviews.
Findings
The findings suggest that ICTs have in some ways contributed to the lives of these visually disabled youth, specifically as it relates to improving their ‘political knowledge’ and encouraging ‘political talk’. In other words, ICTs have played a contributive role in terms of including visually impaired Caribbean youth in the democratic space.
Originality/value
This study contributes to improving our understanding of how and in what ways ICTs can promote the inclusion of visually impaired persons in the democratic space.
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This paper reports the findings from an empirical analysis of stakeholder opinions relating to t‐government within a United Kingdom local authority. These t‐government initiatives…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper reports the findings from an empirical analysis of stakeholder opinions relating to t‐government within a United Kingdom local authority. These t‐government initiatives are related to a national drive for the implementation of t‐government from the UK Central Government. The aim of this paper is to gain insight, knowledge and understanding into important issues relating to t‐government from a single case study, senior executive, decision making and user perspective, and to develop a framework for t‐government.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper utilises an interpretive exploratory case study research via structured interviews with senior and strategic executives in the case study organisation.
Findings
A conceptualised framework for t‐government is extrapolated from the issues raised in the case study, to assist with the t‐government initiatives for UK public sector and elsewhere.
Research limitations/implications
The paper is a single case study, not generalisable, but may be generally useful (Walsham).
Practical implications
The paper extrapolates lessons learnt, framework and options for successful t‐government deployment, from a senior executive user perspective.
Social implications
Social inclusion is an important and current issue and is discussed in context of the case study.
Originality/value
The paper brings together the literature, recent discussions within enterprise, United Kingdom Central Government, public sector and t‐government, together with an exploratory empirical public sector case study from a senior user perspective. The aim is to inform theory and practice.
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The relationship between the state and the individual is, more than ever before, being mediated by public portals. The requirement specifications for public portals can be said to…
Abstract
Purpose
The relationship between the state and the individual is, more than ever before, being mediated by public portals. The requirement specifications for public portals can be said to define the level of expectation among influential actors concerning the roles of the individual in this relationship at a certain point in time. At the same time, they are part of an emergent‐development process. The purpose of this paper is to test this perspective in the empirical context of healthcare.
Design/methodology/approach
This research proposes a framework for analysing the requirement specifications for public portals, making various roles possible, such as being a patient, a citizen, a consumer, and a customer. The framework is tested in a case study of a Swedish national healthcare portal.
Findings
It can be concluded that prominent actors in this particular context of design defined the requirement specification so that the patient and citizen roles were well supported, whereas the roles of the consumer and customer were supported in a less well‐developed manner. The case study also indicated the importance of reusing already existing functionality to attain quick and tangible results. Consequently, the individual is both enhanced and limited by the “travel of ideas” in the form of the reuse of existing functionality.
Originality/value
This paper puts forward the view that the requirement specifications for public portals are part of the emergent formation of an e‐governance relationship.