Search results
1 – 9 of 9Sandy Whitelaw, Isla Gibson, Annie Wild, Heather Hall and Heather Molloy
The purpose of this paper is to critically understand a programme theory of the “transfer” of work in one social organisation and sector (an innovative and successful social…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to critically understand a programme theory of the “transfer” of work in one social organisation and sector (an innovative and successful social enterprise community café, The Usual Place that seeks to enhance the employability of young people with additional support needs in “hospitality”) to another (Dumfries Theatre Royal, a regional theatre and registered charity, specifically the “Dumfries Arts Award Project” and more generally, “the arts”).
Design/methodology/approach
By means of gaining insight into the complexity of the transfer of innovative practices between two socially oriented organisations and theoretical insights into associated conducive contexts and optimal processes, the work used realist evaluation resources within a longitudinal ethnographic approach. Within this, a series of specific methods were deployed, including semi structured key stakeholder interviews, non-participant observation and “walking” and “paired” interviews with service users in each organisation.
Findings
The principle finding is that with attention being paid to the context and intervention processes associated with transfer processes and having sufficient capacity and strong partnership working, it is possible to take an innovative idea from one context, transfer it to another setting and have relatively immediate “success” in terms of achieving a degree of sustainability. The authors propose a provisional programme theory that illuminates this transfer. They were also able to show that, whilst working with the potentially conservative concept of “employability”; both organisations were able to maintain a progressive ethos associated with social innovation.
Originality/value
The work offers theoretical and methodological originality. The significance of “scaling up” social innovation is recognised as under-researched and under-theorised and the use of a realistic evaluation approach and the associated development of provisional programme theory address this.
Details
Keywords
Lance Vincent Watkins and Heather Angus-Leppan
In 2016, 1 in 54 children were estimated to have autism in the USA compared to 1 in 2,500 in 1955. This study aims to consider whether there has been a worldwide rise in incidence…
Abstract
Purpose
In 2016, 1 in 54 children were estimated to have autism in the USA compared to 1 in 2,500 in 1955. This study aims to consider whether there has been a worldwide rise in incidence over time that is contributing to the rise in prevalence.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic review of the literature with strict inclusion criteria was performed to identify large population-based studies that include raw incidence rate data with clearly defined diagnostic criteria. The data from the included studies were pooled and analysed descriptively to compare incidence rates by decade.
Findings
Seven studies were included in the final quantitative analysis including incidence rate data from 1988 to 2015 with 29,026 cases, over a total of 69,562,748 person years. Considering the most robust data, the incidence rate ratio between the decade 1990–1999 and 2000–2009 provides an estimated relative risk of 4.21 (95% CI; 4.11–4.32). If we compare the limited data available in 1988–1989 and 2010–2015, there is an estimated 75 times (95% CI 49.56–115.04) increased rate of diagnosis.
Originality/value
The broadening of diagnostic criteria and its increasing application in clinical practice needs further consideration to ensure individuals receive the most appropriate personalised support. A true rise in the incidence of autism will influence the level of service provision required in future with the potential for significant under resourcing. More detailed assessment of the clinical characteristics of those diagnosed will help predict risk factors for specialist service involvement in future.
Details
Keywords
W. Todd Nelson and Robert S. Bolia
UAVs have been used by military forces since at least the War of Attrition – fought between Egypt and Israel between 1967 and 1970 – when the Israeli Army modified…
Abstract
UAVs have been used by military forces since at least the War of Attrition – fought between Egypt and Israel between 1967 and 1970 – when the Israeli Army modified radio-controlled model aircraft to fly over the Suez Canal and take aerial photographs behind Egyptian lines (Bolia, 2004). Although the Israelis ill advisedly abandoned the concept before the Yom Kippur War, it was taken up by several nations in the ensuing decades, and today UAVs are regarded as a routine component of surveillance operations, having played a significant role in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
Raja Parasuraman and Christopher Miller
A fundamental issue driving much of the current research is the design of the interface between humans and ROVs. Autonomous robots are sufficiently different from most computer…
Abstract
A fundamental issue driving much of the current research is the design of the interface between humans and ROVs. Autonomous robots are sufficiently different from most computer systems as to require new research and design principles (Adams & Skubic, 2005; Kiesler & Hinds, 2004). Previous work on coordination between humans and automated agents has revealed both benefits and costs of automation for system performance (Parasuraman & Riley, 1997). Automation is clearly essential for the operation of many complex human–machine systems. But in some circumstances automation can also lead to novel problems for operators. Automation can increase workload and training requirements, impair situation awareness and, when particular events co-occur in combination with poorly designed interfaces, lead to accidents (e.g., Degani, 2004; Parasuraman & Riley, 1997).
Christopher D. Wickens, Stephen R. Dixon and Michael S. Ambinder
Fig. 1 presents the interface used by our pilots to fly the UAV simulation.
Abstract
Fig. 1 presents the interface used by our pilots to fly the UAV simulation.
A Greek philosopher once refused to have his portrait painted because he felt it bad enough to be condemned with his image in which nature had imprisoned him. That is personal…
Abstract
A Greek philosopher once refused to have his portrait painted because he felt it bad enough to be condemned with his image in which nature had imprisoned him. That is personal image. For business, image is even more important. As the old pun puts it, “If you don′t strike oil in a few minutes, stop boring”. Because image communicates, discusses what it takes to develop a good personal image through good appearance and investing in a genuine sustained charm. Maps out some strategies for companies to enhance their business image through establishing a brand name, designing corporate identifiers, communicating with the public and investors, projecting an image of professionalism and competence, organizing image‐building campaigns, making ethical decisions, and handling housekeeping.
Details
Keywords
Jeremy D. Davey, Patricia L. Obst and Mary C. Sheehan
This study examined aspects of the work environment, which may impact on individual police officers’ risk of harm from alcohol consumption. A self report survey containing…
Abstract
This study examined aspects of the work environment, which may impact on individual police officers’ risk of harm from alcohol consumption. A self report survey containing demographic questions, the AUDIT and questions relating to perceived control over the job, overtime, pressure, boredom and job satisfaction was completed by 67 per cent of officers in an Australian state police service. The results of the current study indicate that gender, age and marital status, are individual risk factors for problem drinking, as has been shown in previous research. Within the policing context, years of service, job satisfaction, perceived control within the job and being an operational officer, also emerged as significant predictors of at risk alcohol consumption patterns. Findings further suggest that there is a strong norm of drinking at work or after a shift, which suggests a culture of acceptance of drinking within the workplace. This acceptance is strongly predictive of both risk of alcohol dependency and negative consequences from drinking within the police service. This study suggests directions for future research, which may lead to the introduction of informed interventions within the police service that could reduce officers’ risk of harm from alcohol consumption.
Details