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Article
Publication date: 1 June 2001

H. Alvin Ng

Adventure learning (AL) programs have strong support in the West but are only emerging in Asia. This study shows a cultural dimension – collectivism (specifically, a preference to…

2061

Abstract

Adventure learning (AL) programs have strong support in the West but are only emerging in Asia. This study shows a cultural dimension – collectivism (specifically, a preference to work in groups) was negatively related to changes in two key teamwork attitudes – task‐participation and social‐support among a group of Asian AL participants. Despite this, absolute mean differences between post‐test and pre‐test scores were positive across the sample. Changes in the two teamwork attitudes predicted similar changes in team‐spirit, which in turn led to changes in organizational‐identification. Results also indicated that too much focus on member maintenance needs could detract from this identification. Overall, AL was shown to have a positive impact on the Asian participants.

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Journal of Management Development, vol. 20 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

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Article
Publication date: 1 October 2000

Gavin McDougall and John Hinks

Considers the state of benchmarking in facilities management and finds that most academic and practice literature is mainly concerned with measurement techniques, and a formal…

2557

Abstract

Considers the state of benchmarking in facilities management and finds that most academic and practice literature is mainly concerned with measurement techniques, and a formal approach of reducing performance gaps. Limitations are discussed, and the orientation of facilities management performance priorities is questioned. Argues that benchmarking is limited by the ability to identify the priorities, or performance indicators, that can measure contemporary issues such as customer satisfaction to any benefit. Applies the search for benchmarking issues to the human environment, home of the much‐discussed knowledge worker. Research indicates that, far from being static measurable constructs, the environmental conditions in such offices rely on the influence of the market, the organisation culture, the type of users, and the external political conditions. Facilities and business managers often fail to consider these influences in the selection of the performance priorities. Concludes by suggesting that the tendency to rely on a general set of indicators leads to benchmarking issues that are often unhelpful in the pursuit of continuous improvement. Benchmarking issues are more clearly understood to need rich analysis that an investigative methodology could provide.

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Facilities, vol. 18 no. 10/11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

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Article
Publication date: 7 September 2015

Icy Lee, Pauline Mak and Anne Burns

The purpose of this paper is to examine how the teachers implemented innovative feedback approaches in their writing classroom and the extent to which the innovative feedback…

1304

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how the teachers implemented innovative feedback approaches in their writing classroom and the extent to which the innovative feedback approaches impacted upon student attitude and performance in writing. In the writing classroom, teacher feedback serves as an assessment as well as a pedagogical tool to enhance the teaching and learning of writing. While there is no shortage of literature on the topic of feedback per se, there is scant research on teachers’ attempts to implement change to conventional feedback practices, as well as the impact of such feedback innovation on student learning. Drawing on data gathered from individual teacher interviews, student questionnaires, student focus group interviews, pre-and post-writing tests and classroom observations, this study seeks to explore two teachers’ change initiative in their writing feedback approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used multiple sources of data including individual teacher interviews, student questionnaires and student focus group.

Findings

The results suggest that the innovative feedback approaches helped to enhance the motivation and writing performance of the students. The paper concludes with implications and insights to help teachers implement similar feedback innovations in their contexts.

Practical implications

First, the findings suggest that focused written corrective feedback is a viable option for responding to student writing, especially for low proficiency students in English as a foreign language (EFL) contexts. Second, teachers might consider the option of removal or delay in the reporting of scores, where appropriate. Third, more intensive training might be necessary to help students improve their peer evaluation skills and their ability to write more constructive comments for their peers.

Originality/value

The significance of the study lies in the contribution it can make to existing writing feedback research that pays insufficient attention to teacher feedback in real classroom contexts, uncovering the process through which teachers attempt to bring improvement to conventional feedback practices, as well as the impact of feedback innovation on student learning in naturally occurring classroom contexts.

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English Teaching: Practice & Critique, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1175-8708

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Article
Publication date: 2 October 2017

Alvin Y. So

A new wave of anti-mainland protests has emerged in Hong Kong since 2012. The purpose of this paper is threefold: to delineate its unique characteristics; to trace its historical…

285

Abstract

Purpose

A new wave of anti-mainland protests has emerged in Hong Kong since 2012. The purpose of this paper is threefold: to delineate its unique characteristics; to trace its historical origins; and to speculate on the political implications of this new wave of anti-mainland protests.

Design/methodology/approach

A historical approach has been adopted to trace the origins of the anti-mainland protests. Since this new wave of anti-mainland protests only began in 2012, this paper is based mostly on documentary analysis of mass media reports.

Findings

This paper finds that this new wave of anti-mainland protests has been characterized by its targeting of mainland tourists/immigrants, its militancy, its concentration in the New Territories, its constituent membership of people from society’s grassroots, its dependence on e-mobilization and its poor image in Hong Kong’s mass media. In addition, this paper has identified the complex interplay between the influx of tourists/immigrants, the increase of social inequality, the emergence of a localist discourse, the formation of localist organizations and the setbacks to the democracy movement that are the underlying socio-political factors that have sparked this new wave of anti-mainland protests.

Social implications

Anti-mainland protests have profound implications for Hong Kong politics since they deepen socio-political polarization, have transformed the mode of protesting in Hong Kong society and threaten the prospects for the national reunification of Greater China.

Originality/value

This paper may be one of the first academic papers to examine the anti-mainland protests. Instead of taking a pro-Beijing or anti-mainland approach, this paper takes a neutral position and offers an objective analysis of the anti-mainland protests.

Details

Asian Education and Development Studies, vol. 6 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-3162

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Article
Publication date: 25 October 2011

Alvin Hwang, Regina Bento and J.B. (Ben) Arbaugh

The purpose of this study is to examine factors that predict industry‐level career change among MBA graduates.

2335

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine factors that predict industry‐level career change among MBA graduates.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzed longitudinal data from the Management Education Research Institute (MERI)'s Global MBA Graduate Survey Dataset and MBA Alumni Perspectives Survey Datasets, using principal component analyses and a three‐stage structural equations model.

Findings

Perceptions about career growth and opportunity for advancement were the strongest predictors of industry shifts. The type of program was also found to have an influence, with part‐time MBA programs positively predicting industry shift, and full‐time programs having an indirect effect through significant associations with each of the intermediate predictors of industry shifts. Women were found to be more likely to change industries. Satisfaction with the MBA degree was not a predictor of industry change behavior: they were found to be related only to the extent that graduates valued the importance of certain career factors, such as the objective career factor of career growth.

Originality/value

This is a first large scale study of industry‐level career change among MBA graduates.

Details

Career Development International, vol. 16 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1362-0436

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Article
Publication date: 27 January 2025

Leila Jasmine Dizon, Liezel Moises Abrea, Angelia Eunice Cruzada, Simon Ledz Erguiza, Alvin Ralphe Grape and Geo Dela Roca

This study aims to explore the relationship between utang na loob (debt of gratitude) and perceived academic pressure from parents, as well as the mental health status of college…

36

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relationship between utang na loob (debt of gratitude) and perceived academic pressure from parents, as well as the mental health status of college students.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a descriptive correlational design to investigate the relationship between three primary variables: utang na loob (debt of gratitude), perceived parental academic pressure and the mental health status (e.g. state and trait anxiety) of Filipino college students. The goal of the analysis is to explore how these factors are related, without implying direct causality.

Findings

Data were gathered among 557 college students using the Utang na Loob Scale, the Perceived Parental Academic Pressure Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and analyzed with Spearman’s rho. The results indicated a significant correlation between utang na loob and perceived parental academic pressure (p = 0.006) and also a significant correlation between utang na loob and state and trait anxiety (p < 0.001). The findings of this study shed light on how contextual family systems relate to the overall well-being of students.

Research limitations/implications

A key research implication of this study is that it highlights the need for a deeper understanding of how cultural values, such as utang na loob (debt of gratitude), interact with psychological and familial dynamics in shaping students’ mental health and academic experiences. The significant correlations found between utang na loob, perceived parental academic pressure and anxiety suggest that family-related factors, particularly the sense of indebtedness students feel toward their parents, may be related to their emotional well-being and academic performance. Future research could explore how these relationships unfold over time and whether interventions aimed at reducing perceived parental pressure could also alleviate anxiety and improve students’ overall mental health. In addition, this study suggests the importance of considering cultural values in psychological and educational interventions, as Filipino cultural frameworks, like utang na loob, may play a distinct role in shaping students’ experiences in ways that differ from Western-centric models of family dynamics and mental health. Further studies could also investigate how utang na loob might manifest differently across various family structures or regions within the Philippines and whether the sense of indebtedness is linked to different types of parental involvement, such as emotional support versus academic pressure. This could help tailor more culturally relevant approaches to supporting students’ well-being. One limitation of the study is that it relies on self-reported data from college students, which may introduce response biases such as social desirability or the tendency to underreport or overreport certain behaviors or emotions. Because the study uses scales like the Utang na Loob Scale, Perceived Parental Academic Pressure Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the accuracy of the results may be influenced by how participants interpret and respond to these questionnaires, potentially affecting the validity of the findings. In addition, the cross-sectional nature of the study limits the ability to establish causal relationships between the variables, meaning that while significant correlations were found, it is not clear whether utang na loob leads to heightened parental pressure or anxiety or whether these feelings contribute to the development of a sense of indebtedness. Future studies could benefit from longitudinal designs or experimental methods to better understand the directionality and causality of these relationships.

Practical implications

A practical implication of this study is that it can inform the development of student support programs in educational settings, particularly in Filipino or culturally similar communities. Given the significant relationship between utang na loob, perceived parental academic pressure and anxiety, educators and counselors can use this information to create more holistic support systems for students. For instance, schools and universities could implement workshops or counseling services that focus on managing familial expectations and reducing the negative effects of academic pressure. These programs could also help students navigate cultural values like utang na loob in healthy ways, encouraging them to express gratitude and indebtedness without allowing it to contribute to undue stress or anxiety. Moreover, teachers and academic advisors can be trained to recognize signs of heightened pressure or anxiety linked to family dynamics, enabling them to offer more empathetic and culturally sensitive support to students. By fostering open communication between students, their families and educators, institutions can work toward creating a more supportive environment that addresses both academic success and mental health. Ultimately, this study highlights the importance of considering cultural and familial contexts when developing strategies for improving student well-being, offering a more personalized approach to mental health that acknowledges the complex role of family in Filipino students’ lives.

Social implications

A social implication of this study is that it underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing the cultural and familial pressures that may explain the mental health and well-being of students, particularly within Filipino and similar communities. The findings suggest that the cultural value of utang na loob – a deep sense of gratitude and indebtedness – may have both positive and negative social implications. On the one hand, it fosters strong family bonds and a sense of mutual responsibility; on the other hand, it may be related to heightened anxiety and high perceived parental academic pressure among college students. This relationship calls for broader societal conversations about balancing respect for cultural values with the mental and emotional health of individuals. Socially, there may be a need to challenge and redefine expectations surrounding utang na loob, particularly in the context of modern education and career pressures. Advocating for healthier family dynamics, where gratitude is expressed without the burden of excessive indebtedness, could lead to more emotionally resilient students and families. In addition, this study highlights the potential for broader social interventions, such as public awareness campaigns or community programs, that promote mental health while respecting cultural traditions. Such initiatives could encourage open dialogues about the pressures that Filipino students face, particularly in balancing academic achievement with family expectations. In this way, the study encourages a shift toward a more inclusive and supportive society where cultural values are respected but not at the expense of individual well-being.

Originality/value

The originality and value of this study lie in its integration of Filipino cultural concepts, such as utang na loob, with psychological and educational frameworks to better understand the well-being of students. While many studies focus on Western-centric models of familial pressure and academic stress, this research provides a unique lens by exploring how deeply rooted cultural values influence students’ emotional experiences, particularly in the context of Filipino families. The study’s value is twofold: cultural relevance: by incorporating utang na loob, a culturally specific concept, the research acknowledges the nuanced ways in which gratitude and indebtedness shape students’ psychological states and academic experiences. This helps expand the scope of mental health and educational research to include cultural factors that are often overlooked in mainstream psychological theories, which tend to prioritize individualistic or general models of behavior.

Practical and Social Contributions

The study offers actionable insights into how educators, counselors and policymakers can design interventions that respect cultural values while addressing the negative effects of academic pressure and anxiety. Its value extends beyond academic research by directly contributing to the improvement of student support systems in culturally specific contexts. By emphasizing the importance of family dynamics and cultural understanding in student well-being, it calls for more holistic, context-sensitive approaches to mental health and academic success. Overall, the study’s originality lies in its bridging of cultural psychology with educational and mental health practices, making it a valuable contribution to both the academic field and practical applications in educational and counseling settings.

Details

Mental Health and Social Inclusion, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-8308

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Article
Publication date: 1 January 1990

H. Binner, J. Lantairès, B.C. Waterfield, e dr and K.J. Williams

Dates: 29–31 May 1991 Venue: De Doelen Conference Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands The Benelux Chapter of the International Society for Hybrid Microelectronics will be…

22

Abstract

Dates: 29–31 May 1991 Venue: De Doelen Conference Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands The Benelux Chapter of the International Society for Hybrid Microelectronics will be organising the 8th European Microelectronics Conference. The event will take place at ‘De Doelen’, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, from 29 to 31 May 1991.

Details

Microelectronics International, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-5362

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Article
Publication date: 1 September 2003

Alvin Hwang

Outdoor experiential activities, commonly referred to as adventure learning (AL), have been useful in improving teamwork. This study shows the impact of AL on teamwork attitudes…

4194

Abstract

Outdoor experiential activities, commonly referred to as adventure learning (AL), have been useful in improving teamwork. This study shows the impact of AL on teamwork attitudes that are moderated by two competitive attitudes – the first, Kiasu‐positive (an attitude of diligence that directed effort towards work so as to get ahead of others) led to smaller teamwork attitudinal improvements, while the second, Kiasu‐negative (an attitude that is focussed on preventing others from getting ahead of oneself), led to larger teamwork attitudinal improvements. These competitive attitudes were also examined for their relationships with collectivism and pace of work.

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Journal of Management Development, vol. 22 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

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Article
Publication date: 1 January 1999

Paul Henman

Attempts to establish the extent to which the use of computers in Australia’s Department of Social Security (DSS) has facilitated changes in social security policy and its…

325

Abstract

Attempts to establish the extent to which the use of computers in Australia’s Department of Social Security (DSS) has facilitated changes in social security policy and its administration. Bases findings on case studies relating to two new DSS policies, supplemented with documentary evidence. Identifies that computers are used in the DSS for six main purposes ‐ administering, automating, protecting, monitoring and evaluating policy, as well as for modelling future policy options. Identifies that, instead of increasing efficiency in administration, computers have simply increased productivity by enabling administrative practices to be extended into new areas; observes an emerging computer‐dependent culture dominated by quantitative (rather than qualitative) practices. Establishes that the flexibility offered by computer technology has also contributed to the introduction of more complex social security policies. Concludes that computer technology has contributed to the formulation and administration of social security policies.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 19 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

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Article
Publication date: 13 December 2019

Alvin Y. So and Ping Lam Ip

The purpose of this paper is to trace the changing pattern of identity politics in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). It shows that in response to the massive urban…

617

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to trace the changing pattern of identity politics in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). It shows that in response to the massive urban renewal projects in the 2000s, “civic localism” in the form of cultural preservation movement emerged to protect local community culture against the government-business hegemony. However, due to the deepening of social integration between Hong Kong and the mainland, a new “anti-mainland localism” emerged in the 2010s against the influx of mainlanders. In 2015–2016, as a result of Beijing’s active interference in Hong Kong affairs, localism is further transformed to Hong Kong “independence.”

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a historical methodology to trace the changing pattern of identity politics in Hong Kong after it becomes a special administrative region of China in 1997.

Findings

It shows how the interaction among the following three factors has shaped the pattern of localism in Hong Kong: macro historical-structural context, social movement dynamics and the response of Hong Kong and mainland government.

Practical implications

This paper argues that Beijing’s hardline policy toward Hong Kong localism may work in the short run to all push the pro-independence activities underground. However, unless the structural contradiction of the HKSAR is resolved, it seems likely that anti-mainland localism and Hong Kong independence sentiment and movement will come back with a vengeance at a later stage.

Originality/value

The literature tends to discuss Hong Kong localism in very general terms and fails to reveal its changing nature. This paper contributes by distinguishing three different forms of localism: civic localism in the mid-2000s, anti-mainland in the late 2000s and early 2010s, and independence after 2016. It shows how the macro historical-structural transformation, social movement dynamics and the responses of the Hong Kong SAR government and Beijing government have led to the changes of civic localism to anti-mainland localism, and finally to independence.

Details

Asian Education and Development Studies, vol. 9 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-3162

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