Jayne C. Lewis, Mohamed M. Naim and Denis R. Towill
WMC Ltd is a medium‐sized company which manufactures and distributes mechanical/ electrical equipment for the construction industry. Constitutes a case study which illustrates the…
Abstract
WMC Ltd is a medium‐sized company which manufactures and distributes mechanical/ electrical equipment for the construction industry. Constitutes a case study which illustrates the re‐engineering methodology developed for WMC in order to improve its material and logistics control strategies. The first re‐engineering approach initiated by WMC was to make wholesale changes affecting internal operations in order to achieve world‐class performance. Finds that optimization of the manufacturing operations highlighted further problems caused by an inefficient inventory control system. Hence, the updated objective became that of designing an improved material and logistics control strategy to ensure that the right materials are in the right place in the right quantity at the right time. Provides, therefore, an interesting case study example of how WMC achieved effective supply‐chain management through the development of a three‐stage re‐engineering framework encompassing changes to the internal structure, inventory control structure and supplier management strategies. The results are applicable to many other market sectors.
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Marlini Bakri, Janet Davey, Jayne Krisjanous and Robyn Maude
Despite the prevalence of technology in health care, marketing research on social media in the birthspace is limited. The purpose of this paper is to explore how birthing women…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the prevalence of technology in health care, marketing research on social media in the birthspace is limited. The purpose of this paper is to explore how birthing women leverage social media for transformative well-being in the liminal context of birth.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative study of women who had recently experienced birth was undertaken. Thematic analysis of data from in-depth interviews reveals birthing women’s digital practices and social media capabilities for well-being in a liminal space.
Findings
Within the birthspace, women use social media and digital platforms in an effortful and goal-directed way for role transitions and transformation, curating self and other history, goal striving and normalizing experience. These digital practice styles facilitate consumer integration of the liminal digital birthspace and in situ service encounter enabling diverse value outcomes. Drawing on liminality and social presence theories, the authors interpret these practices as demonstrating three interactive liminal stages of suspending, comprehending and transforming. Multi-modality and rapid connection afforded by digital devices and social media platforms provide social presence (according to perceived immediacy and intimacy) enabling transformative well-being outcomes.
Originality/value
This study is unique, as it provides insights into the traditionally private health service experience of birth. Further, the authors extend the understanding of liminal spaces and use of digital technology, specifically for transformative outcomes, by proposing a framework of consumers’ digital practice styles for well-being in liminal spaces.
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Tony Wall, Jayne Russell and Neil Moore
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the role of positive emotions in generating workplace impacts and examine it through the application of an adapted appreciative inquiry…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the role of positive emotions in generating workplace impacts and examine it through the application of an adapted appreciative inquiry process in the context of a work-based project aimed at promoting integrated working under challenging organisational circumstances.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper adopts a case study methodology which highlights how an organisation facing difficult circumstances (such as austerity measures, siloed cultures, constant threats of reorganisation, and requirement to work across occupational boundaries) adapted an appreciative inquiry intervention/method.
Findings
This paper found, first, that the utilisation of appreciative inquiry in the context of an adapted work-based project in difficult organisational circumstances generated positive emotions manifest through a compelling vision and action plans, second, that the impacts (such as a vision) can become entangled and therefore part of the wider ecological context which promotes pathways to such impact, but that, third, there are a various cultural and climate features which may limit the implementation of actions or the continuation of psychological states beyond the time-bound nature of the work-based project.
Practical implications
The paper illustrates how an organisation adapted a form of appreciative inquiry to facilitate organisational change and generated outcomes which were meaningful to the various occupational groupings involved.
Originality/value
This paper offers new evidence and insight into the adaptation of appreciative inquiry under challenging circumstances in the context of a work-based learning project. It also provides a richer picture of how positive emotion can manifest in ways which are meaningful to a localised context.
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Barbara R. Lewis, Jayne Orledge and Vincent‐Wayne Mitchell
Investigates service quality in the student market for financialservices. Reports empirical work in which students′ attitudes towardsthe service provided by their banks and…
Abstract
Investigates service quality in the student market for financial services. Reports empirical work in which students′ attitudes towards the service provided by their banks and building societies were assessed, with emphasis on loan and overdraft arrangements. The students′ expectations and perceptions were measured using a graphic positioning scale and a number of service quality shortfalls were identified which have implications for organizations providing financial services to the student market. Highlights opportunities for further research in the area of measuring service quality.
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Through scholarly personal narrative (Nash, 2004), this chapter outlines a multifaceted approach to creating safer brave spaces for queer and trans students within a predominantly…
Abstract
Through scholarly personal narrative (Nash, 2004), this chapter outlines a multifaceted approach to creating safer brave spaces for queer and trans students within a predominantly Hispanic-serving, public research university with a mainly commuter student population in South Florida. All spaces require courageous acts of authenticity on the part of its occupants. Thus, the creation of safer brave spaces is acknowledged as a practice since safety is an ideal to be worked toward especially for those with less power and privilege, such as queer and trans people as opposed to straight and cisgender people. Experiences of heterosexism and cisgenderism are positively associated with psychological distress among queer and trans college students (Goldberg, Kuvalanka, & Black, 2019; Sue, 2010; Woodford, Kulick, Sinco, & Hong, 2014). Research suggests empowerment and the acquisition of power is a positive coping mechanism for resisting and overcoming experiences of heterosexism and cisgenderism (Mizock, 2017; Nadal, Davidoff, Davis, & Wong, 2014; Todoroff, 1995). Administrators are called upon to mindfully create spaces that empower queer and trans students. Quick tips throughout the chapter highlight that queer and trans students should be given opportunities to determine their own risks, choose their own mentors, create their own spaces, have their own voices centered, realize their own solutions, fail and learn from setbacks, and deconstruct systems of power. At the University level, administrators should work to educate and change policies that further support students' opportunities to courageously exist and persist authentically in spaces across the university as a whole and not just in designated centers.
Jayne F. Bennett, Marilyn J. Davidson and Andrew W. Galeand
nvestigates whether career expectations of women in construction change once they begin working in the industry, in comparison to men. Focus group interviews and a literature…
Abstract
nvestigates whether career expectations of women in construction change once they begin working in the industry, in comparison to men. Focus group interviews and a literature review formed the basis for developing a survey questionnaire. The results revealed that professional women had higher expectations and were more committed to remaining in the construction industry than female students. Female students had significantly higher financial expectations than male students, while male students had significantly higher expectations in relation to the number of people they expect to supervise. Professional men were responsible for supervising significantly more people than professional women. The findings also suggest that there are fewer women in the construction industry over the age of 36 years, in comparison to men. It is recommended that this area of research should be developed further.
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Barbara Jayne Orser and Catherine Jane Elliott
This study aims to problematize how gender is enacted within entrepreneurship education and training (EET).
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to problematize how gender is enacted within entrepreneurship education and training (EET).
Design/methodology/approach
Using a social feminist lens, this study advances principles, a conceptual framework, assessment criteria and illustrative performance metrics to inform gender-sensitive EET programs and courses. Findings are based on a cross-case thematic analysis of two large-scale case studies conducted in Canada and Jordan.
Findings
The findings bridge social feminist theory and EET studies. The originality of the research rests in its utilization of the principles and conceptual framework to examine EET and to inform the development, design and assessment of gender-sensitive programs and courses.
Research limitations/implications
The framework and criteria do not differentiate types or levels of EET. The investigators lead the assessment of curricula and co-construction of gender-sensitive course content. Interpreter bias cannot be ruled out.
Practical implications
The proposed principles, framework, criteria and performance will assist stakeholders in EET program/course design, content, delivery and evaluation.
Social implications
Aligned with the United Nation Sustain Development Goal 5 (gender equity), the findings demonstrate the value of adapting a critical lens across all elements of EET and responding to biases in participant selection and engagement, program design and curricula.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is among the first studies to use a social feminist perspective and case study methodology to inform criteria to assess EET.
Eric Rosseel and Gert van der Linden
A research project is described which aims at understanding how individual actors succeed in handling divergences in personal interests, subgroup interests and the global group…
Abstract
A research project is described which aims at understanding how individual actors succeed in handling divergences in personal interests, subgroup interests and the global group interests. Self‐steering and steering others in a complex pattern of social interaction is a theme that was underpinned theoretically by a sociocybernetic point of view expressed by Baumgartner, Geyer, van der Zouwen and others.