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1 – 6 of 6Ann Sörlin, Ann Ohman, Yulia Blomstedt, Hans Stenlund and Lars Lindholm
The purpose of this paper is to present a register‐based index that could provide a practical tool for gathering information and increasing our knowledge on gender equality at…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a register‐based index that could provide a practical tool for gathering information and increasing our knowledge on gender equality at organizational level.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on Swedish gender policy and information available in public registers, six variables were chosen. For each variable, a gender gap was calculated as the ratio between the sexes, with the larger figure always treated as numerator. The study population consisted of 11,471 persons in 46 companies working in the computer sector, and 32,151 individuals in 77 companies employed in the grocery production sector.
Findings
The results show indices of 1.43‐2.09 for the computer sector and of 1.13‐2.14 for the grocery production sector, both with a normal distribution (one is considered fully gender equal and three least gender equal). Added together, the selected variables provide results that are sufficiently different to enable ranking. The variables vary in importance in the two sectors compared. The smallest index variation was for education and salaries; the largest was for parental leave and the number of men and women employed at the companies.
Originality/value
The index is based on public registers, treats men and women symmetrically, and the results generated by the index are easy to communicate to all stakeholders. This research could provide a useful tool for investigating the extent to which men and women differ in certain variables at company level.
Florian Fahrenbach, Kate Revoredo and Flavia Maria Santoro
This paper aims to introduce an information and communication technology (ICT) artifact that uses text mining to support the innovative and standardized assessment of professional…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to introduce an information and communication technology (ICT) artifact that uses text mining to support the innovative and standardized assessment of professional competences within the validation of prior learning (VPL). Assessment means comparing identified and documented professional competences against a standard or reference point. The designed artifact is evaluated by matching a set of curriculum vitae (CV) scraped from LinkedIn against a comprehensive model of professional competence.
Design/methodology/approach
A design science approach informed the development and evaluation of the ICT artifact presented in this paper.
Findings
A proof of concept shows that the ICT artifact can support assessors within the validation of prior learning procedure. Rather the output of such an ICT artifact can be used to structure documentation in the validation process.
Research limitations/implications
Evaluating the artifact shows that ICT support to assess documented learning outcomes is a promising endeavor but remains a challenge. Further research should work on standardized ways to document professional competences, ICT artifacts capture the semantic content of documents, and refine ontologies of theoretical models of professional competences.
Practical implications
Text mining methods to assess professional competences rely on large bodies of textual data, and thus a thoroughly built and large portfolio is necessary as input for this ICT artifact.
Originality/value
Following the recent call of European policymakers to develop standardized and ICT-based approaches for the assessment of professional competences, an ICT artifact that supports the automatized assessment of professional competences within the validation of prior learning is designed and evaluated.
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Keywords
Evi Chatzopoulou, Athanasios Poulis and Apostolos Giovanis
This study aims to examine the impact of firm-generated content (FGC) on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) influencers, focussing on inclusive…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the impact of firm-generated content (FGC) on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) influencers, focussing on inclusive marketing strategies and enquires the ability of LGBTQ+ influencers to enhance brand engagement and loyalty within diverse communities.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative approach was utilized, and data was collected via social media platforms. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to explore the relationships between FGC, influencer content, dimensions of place attachment and brand loyalty.
Findings
According to the findings FGC positively influences LGBTQ+ influencers, which in turn affect in a significant way place identity and place social bonding. Both dimensions of place attachment were found to have a positive impact on brand loyalty, which indicate that LGBTQ+ influencers have an important role in enhancing brand engagement through inclusive marketing.
Practical implications
Firms in order to increase their brand loyalty and customer engagement, need to adopt inclusive marketing strategies that resonate with LGBTQ+ communities. In order to do so they need to work with LGBTQ+ influencers that can effectively communicate the brand’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, thus fostering a stronger emotional connection with the brand.
Originality/value
This study introduces a conceptual framework that highlights the mediator role of place attachment in the relationship between influencer marketing and brand loyalty. This research contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of leveraging LGBTQ+ influencers in inclusive marketing campaigns.
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Dilpreet Singh, Bhavuk Garg, Pulak Mohan Pandey and Dinesh Kalyanasundaram
The purpose of this paper is to establish a methodology for the design and development of patient-specific elbow implant with an elastic modulus close to that of the human bone…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to establish a methodology for the design and development of patient-specific elbow implant with an elastic modulus close to that of the human bone. One of the most preferred implant material is titanium alloy which is about 8 to 9 times higher in strength than that of the human bone and is the closest than other metallic biomedical materials.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology begins with the design of the implant from patient-specific computed tomography information and incorporates the manufacturing of the implant via a novel rapid prototyping assisted microwave sintering process.
Findings
The elastic modulus and the flexural strength of the implant were observed to be comparable to that of human elbow bones. The fatigue test depicts that the implant survives the one million cycles under physiological loading conditions. Other mechanical properties such as impact energy absorption, hardness and life cycle tests were also evaluated. The implant surface promotes human cell growth and adhesion and does not cause any adverse or undesired effects i.e. no cytotoxicity.
Practical implications
Stress shielding, and therefore, aseptic loosening of the implant shall be avoided. In the event of any trauma post-implantation, the implant would not hurt the patient.
Originality/value
The present study describes a methodology for the first time to be able to obtain the strength required for the medical implant without sacrificing the fatigue life requirement.
Details
Keywords
Albert P.C. Chan and Goodenough D. Oppong
The consideration of external stakeholders has proven to be more critical than internal stakeholders in construction projects. The purpose of this paper is to present the diverse…
Abstract
Purpose
The consideration of external stakeholders has proven to be more critical than internal stakeholders in construction projects. The purpose of this paper is to present the diverse expectations of external stakeholder groups, i.e. governmental authorities, general public, and affected local communities, in construction projects. The practical steps to manage the expectations are also outlined.
Design/methodology/approach
A three-stage methodology was adopted for the review. The primary terms “stakeholder,” “project participants,” or “project environment” were first searched in four popularly search engines and eight top journals that publish construction research to retrieve publications. After a second-stage filtering process, the selected data were then analyzed and reviewed in line with the objectives.
Findings
In total, 49 common expectations were identified and classified. The results indicate that each stakeholder group pursues expectations in line with the social, environmental, and economic sustainability objectives. For effective management, project managers (PMs) must know stakeholder opportunities and threats, fulfill social responsibilities, establish common goals, apply appropriate strategies, and enhance stakeholder satisfaction.
Research limitations/implications
The identified expectations are only based on the selected publications. Even though the expectations have been categorized in line with the triple bottom line model, the relative importance of the expectations cannot be ascertained since there is no empirical support.
Practical implications
PMs can play safe by acknowledging the stakeholder expectations and employ such strategies to curtail resulting impacts and maximize mutual benefits. The list of expectations could also be used to promote equitable value optimization in projects, enhance needs fulfillment, and facilitate the evaluation of external stakeholder satisfaction.
Originality/value
This study provides a comprehensive checklist of construction stakeholder expectations which hitherto, is lacked in the literature. Moreover, practical steps to manage the expectations of external stakeholders have been discussed.
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To present results from a research project on postgraduate and undergraduate students' learning about environmental issues in education.
Abstract
Purpose
To present results from a research project on postgraduate and undergraduate students' learning about environmental issues in education.
Design/methodology/approach
Three cases were carried out with civil engineering students, biology students and postgraduate students. Discussions in classroom were tape‐recorded, as well as discussions while working with assignments, and interviews were carried out.
Findings
Shows how differently environmental issues can be interpreted, i.e. scientifically, existentially and politically, and the way values and emotions become an aspect of the learning process and reveal the students' difficulties in differentiating between values and descriptions of phenomena. This is analysed and explained in relation to the students' various projects that come into conflict in the educational setting.
Practical implications
The paper can be of use to those who are engaged in environmental education and raises questions regarding the content of today's environmental education.
Originality/value
Gives an insight into students' learning processes and experiences in environmental education and the difficulties they can experience when studying such a subject.
Details