Sarah Price, Jeffery Bray and Lorraine Brown
Employees eat regularly in workplace foodservice settings, thus the food served can significantly impact their overall diet. Workplace foodservice providers are facing several…
Abstract
Purpose
Employees eat regularly in workplace foodservice settings, thus the food served can significantly impact their overall diet. Workplace foodservice providers are facing several challenges, including changing consumer demands, partial blame for high levels of obesity and the delivery of accessible information that can encourage healthier food choices. The purpose of this paper is to explore the industry perspective on consumer information needs and to assess the challenges faced by foodservice providers in terms of responding to these in a workplace setting.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach was adopted, involving ten in-depth semi-structured interviews with contract catering managers in the UK and Germany.
Findings
Canteen operators have a sound understanding of what is important to their customers. However, the amount of dish information currently provided is limited, and the reasons for this are discussed. The menu remains the traditional medium of communication of information on dishes, but there is openness to technical platforms, which not only reduce information overload but also increase customer engagement.
Practical implications
Technological solutions are discussed as a way to overcome barriers to information provision providing workplace caterers with a clear approach to effectively communicate enhanced dish information.
Social implications
The provision of enhanced dish information has been found to influence consumers’ to make more healthful selections. This is an important public health issue given the growing rates of obesity and diabetes type 2.
Originality/value
This study makes an original contribution by exploring the industry perspective on consumer needs for information and on how this information can be provided.
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Christine Harris and Jeffery Bray
To investigate the area of price endings to determine which groups of consumers are more likely to use odd‐endings as opposed to round‐endings.
Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the area of price endings to determine which groups of consumers are more likely to use odd‐endings as opposed to round‐endings.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire was developed that tested respondents' use of odd‐endings as opposed to round‐endings dependent on classification by gender and age. Respondents were required to estimate the price they would be expected to pay in stores for six products. This methodology enabled the researchers to generate a large sample size and to encourage accuracy of response.
Findings
The main finding was that there was a difference between gender groups; women were more likely to respond with odd‐endings than men and hence segmenting the market is the way forward when investigating price endings.
Research limitations/implications
The research only considers segmentation by gender and age. Further research needs to be undertaken to fully understand the consumer responses.
Practical implications
Although the difference between 99 cents and a $1.00 is small, for high volume items this can have a significant impact on gross profit and margins, particularly for low value items. If retailers understand which groups of consumers were more likely to be attracted to the round‐endings they could use this knowledge to determine the most effective prices.
Originality/value
This research follows on from a price trial conducted into price endings and is the second phase of an investigation into whether odd‐endings are effective. It proposes a theory that has been empirically tested and points the way forward for future research in this area.
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Jennifer Mullaney, Päivi Rikalainen and Chris Jefferies
The aim of this paper is to investigate the sediment and pollution profiling and particle size distribution with depth within permeable paving structures, both with and without a…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to investigate the sediment and pollution profiling and particle size distribution with depth within permeable paving structures, both with and without a geotextile.
Design/methodology/approach
Test rigs set up in an earlier pilot study were used for four separate but linked studies. Street dust was applied to rigs C and D to determine the retention of sediments. Heavy metals together with street dust were applied to rig A and B (previously control rigs) to determine the effect of sediment on the pollution removal capabilities of the test rigs. Following the application of sediment, rigs A and B were carefully taken apart to determine pollution profiles and particle size distributions.
Findings
The findings reveal that sediment does have an effect on the metal removal capabilities of permeable paving systems, but there was minimal difference between the rigs with a geotextile and without. Pollution profiling within the test rigs identified that the greatest concentration of metals was in the surface sediment and that both rigs removed similar percentages but the concentrations of metals were distributed differently. It was also found that after between 10 and 15 years of sediment application paving rigs began to “block” causing reduced infiltration rates. Unfortunately it is difficult to explain the variations of particle size distributions found with depth in the paving structure. It had been expected to find progressively higher proportions of finer material with depth. However, the reverse was true, with a higher proportion of fines in the sediment applied to the surface and a progressive increase in the proportion of coarse material with depth
Practical implications
The conclusions confirm the effects of sediment within a permeable paving structure and indicate the loading at which the infiltration rates become affected. These results may help to determine a maintenance programme, however this would require further research.
Originality/value
The paper provides a comparative study on pollution and sediment profiling within a permeable paving structure both with and without the inclusion of an upper geotextile. It provides valuable insight into the amount of sediment on paving before it becomes blocked. The methodology and results reported in this research could be used for further studies to provide more evidence as to whether the inclusion of an upper geotextile is beneficial.
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Ethan W. Gossett and P. D. Harms
Acute and chronic pain affects more Americans than heart disease, diabetes, and cancer combined. Conservative estimates suggest the total economic cost of pain in the United…
Abstract
Acute and chronic pain affects more Americans than heart disease, diabetes, and cancer combined. Conservative estimates suggest the total economic cost of pain in the United States is $600 billion, and more than half of this cost is due to lost productivity, such as absenteeism, presenteeism, and turnover. In addition, an escalating opioid epidemic in the United States and abroad spurred by a lack of safe and effective pain management has magnified challenges to address pain in the workforce, particularly the military. Thus, it is imperative to investigate the organizational antecedents and consequences of pain and prescription opioid misuse (POM). This chapter provides a brief introduction to pain processing and the biopsychosocial model of pain, emphasizing the relationship between stress, emotional well-being, and pain in the military workforce. We review personal and organizational risk and protective factors for pain, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, optimism, perceived organizational support, and job strain. Further, we discuss the potential adverse impact of pain on organizational outcomes, the rise of POM in military personnel, and risk factors for POM in civilian and military populations. Lastly, we propose potential organizational interventions to mitigate pain and provide the future directions for work, stress, and pain research.
The significant contribution and relevance of Comparative and International Education (CIE) mainly depends on how closely it studies the interplay between society and education…
Abstract
The significant contribution and relevance of Comparative and International Education (CIE) mainly depends on how closely it studies the interplay between society and education, considering what is dubbed as the global and the local. Many CIE studies including critical reviews seems to dwell on the topic, purpose, conceptual, and methodological aspects of the field, magnifying what appears to be the global. Our understanding of the role particular sociocultural, economic, and political contexts play in education seems inconclusive. Using appropriate analytical frameworks that delineate society–education dynamics, this study further problematizes the comparative and international elements of CIE area studies, with a focus on context analysis. The critical review considers area studies published over the last seven years in leading CIE journals and answers this question: How and to what extent do CIE area studies operationalize context analysis? The aim is not so much to bring consensus but to further highlight tensions and issues in conducting context-sensitive comparative and international education studies. The findings indicate that CIE research over the last seven years does not seem to live up to the expectation of producing meaningfully contextualized knowledge. The role of context analysis in CIE research seems ill defined and practiced. Alternative explanations for this and considerations for further scholarship are discussed.
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The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the technology, design and application of rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems in a UK context and identify areas of research and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the technology, design and application of rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems in a UK context and identify areas of research and development.
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive range of literature from 1978‐2010 is reviewed and divided into the following sections: history, application in developed countries, benefits of RWH, system categories and components, storage capacity, rainwater quality and factors influencing the use of RWH systems.
Findings
This paper provides a useful source of information relating to the potential benefits of RWH systems, different types of system and components used to supply non potable water. To ensure the potential of RWH systems in the UK is realized, an integrated approach to their application is required. This may improve the financial viability of these systems and sustainability credentials but requires further research.
Research limitations/implications
It is not an exhaustive list of publications but attempts to draw on major sources of literature which catalogue the development and design of RWH systems. Current sources of literature are also identified which identify various factors influencing the future development and application of rainwater systems.
Practical implications
The paper provides practitioners with an initial basis for evaluating or undertaking the initial design of RWH systems.
Originality/value
The study provides historical context for the recent and ongoing development of RWH. In particular areas of further research and development are identified to ensure the potential of RWH systems are realized in the future.
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Frank Warwick and Susanne Charlesworth
Sustainable drainage (SUDS) techniques seek to address problems associated with excess water quantity, poor water quality, and attempt to improve environmental quality. SUDS have…
Abstract
Purpose
Sustainable drainage (SUDS) techniques seek to address problems associated with excess water quantity, poor water quality, and attempt to improve environmental quality. SUDS have also been proposed as suitable for adapting to and mitigating climate change. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the contribution of SUDS to carbon mitigation for a local planning authority.
Design/methodology/approach
Carbon sequestration rates of SUDS techniques were obtained from published literature. A Geographical Information System was used to identify potential sites for future SUDS implementation across the area covered by a local planning authority, Coventry, UK. The carbon mitigation potential of different SUDS techniques was estimated, taking account of land cover and land use limitations on new build and retrofit implementation.
Findings
Vegetated SUDS in new developments and retrofit green roofs provided the greatest potential for carbon storage in this urban setting.
Research limitations/implications
This study undertook a rapid assessment of the carbon mitigation that SUDS offers in an urbanised environment. The impact of factors such as greenhouse gas emissions from SUDS devices, management regimes and embedded carbon in engineered structures was not taken into account. The mitigation potential of associated shading and insulation by vegetated SUDS was not evaluated.
Practical implications
Retrofit of, for example, green roofs should be prioritised to take advantage of SUDS for climate change mitigation. The relatively low level of carbon stored over a 15‐year analysis period compared to the scale of forecast emissions revealed the extent of carbon mitigation challenges facing Coventry.
Originality/value
This study provides a methodology to evaluate the carbon mitigation potential of SUDS in an urban setting. Current UK legislative and regulatory emphasis focuses on new build. However, retrofit approaches appear to offer greater potential for carbon sequestration.
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In recent years, there have been major changes in educational governance and the organization and management of primary and secondary education. This is particularly the case as…
Abstract
In recent years, there have been major changes in educational governance and the organization and management of primary and secondary education. This is particularly the case as indicated by debates and deliberations over notions of “good governance” and “public management,” accountability, transparency, effectiveness of public services, performance, and the generation of benchmarks and cross-national comparative data. Among these trends is the debate over educational decentralization, which in the past several decades has become a mode of governance strongly advocated by international policy organizations, such as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural (UNESCO).
Dilara Eylül Koç and Şevki Ulema
Tourist guides undertake many versatile roles as a requirement of their profession. The realisation of these roles also affects the performance of the guide. Findings obtained…
Abstract
Tourist guides undertake many versatile roles as a requirement of their profession. The realisation of these roles also affects the performance of the guide. Findings obtained from empirical evidence on the effects of the tour guide's performance on memorable tourism experiences and the intention to revisit the Cappadocia region shed light on the importance of these elements on each other. Accordingly, the primary purposes of this research are to measure the effect of tourist guides' performance on memorable tourism experiences and the impact of memorable tourism experiences on revisit intention (RVI). For these purposes, the survey technique obtained data from 569 domestic and foreign tourists who participated in guided tours in the Cappadocia region. According to the results of the research, it has been observed that the performance of the tourist guide influences the memorable tourism experience, and the memorable tourism experience affects RVI. In light of the results, suggestions to tourism stakeholders and researchers are listed.
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The High Court judgments in the two appeal cases relating to the sale of cream containing boric acid will be read with considerable satisfaction by those who consider that the…
Abstract
The High Court judgments in the two appeal cases relating to the sale of cream containing boric acid will be read with considerable satisfaction by those who consider that the protection of the health of the people is a matter of greater importance than the protection of the interests of a trade. In one case the Westminster City Council appealed against the decision of a Metropolitan Police magistrate who had dismissed a summons taken out by the Council under the third Section of the Act of 1875 for the sale of “preserved cream” containing 23·8 grains of boric acid per pound, and in the other the vendors of a sample of “preserved cream” containing 19·7 grains of boric acid per pound, appealed against their conviction under the same Section of the Act by the Kensington justices. In the first case the appeal was allowed and the case was remitted to the magistrate with a direction to convict; and in the second the appeal was dismissed, the Divisional Court, consisting of Justices Ridley, Bray and Avory being unanimous in both cases.