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Article
Publication date: 5 October 2021

Niamh Murtagh, Alice M. Owen and Kate Simpson

To improve building performance and meet statutory carbon reduction targets, a radical transformation of existing UK building stock is needed. Much previous research on building…

263

Abstract

Purpose

To improve building performance and meet statutory carbon reduction targets, a radical transformation of existing UK building stock is needed. Much previous research on building performance has focussed on large-scale construction. However, retrofit of existing housing stock – which will contribute the majority of the requisite efficiency improvement – is carried out by practitioners in the repair–maintain–improve (RMI) subsector. These practitioners are the sole traders and micro-firms who constitute two-fifths of employment in the construction sector. The study aims to examine the factors influencing these practitioners in RMI work to understand how better to engage them with improved building performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 31 semi-structured interviews were conducted with RMI professionals from around the UK and analysed using template analysis.

Findings

The analysis identified capabilities of the practitioners who influence building performance, including knowledge and co-ordination of people and resources; opportunities including state action and customer demand; and motivations including pride in work, customer care and satisfaction, maintaining a viable business and working relationships.

Research limitations/implications

The participants were a small, mixed group in terms of firm size and specialisation. The qualitative approach adopted provided detailed insights but does not make claims for statistical generalisability or representativeness of the findings. Future work could look to extend the findings with a statistically representative survey.

Practical implications

For a successful transition to high standards of building performance, modelling is not enough. Initiatives are needed to address the multiple factors which determine engagement in energy-efficient retrofit: capacities, opportunities and motivations. The desire of RMI practitioners to meet customer expectations could be used to develop pragmatic building performance evaluation, guided by householder satisfaction criteria.

Originality/value

The study examined the attitudes and experiences of an under-researched sector who are essential to the delivery of improved building performance. This study makes a novel contribution by applying an established psychological model of behaviour change, the capability, opportunity, motivation – behaviour model, for the first time in this domain.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. 41 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

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Article
Publication date: 1 April 1996

Jeffrey A. McNeely and W. Paul Weatherly

Argues that conserving biodiversity requires a combination of policy reform and appropriate economic instruments. Presents policy reforms which would remove the underlying causes…

1789

Abstract

Argues that conserving biodiversity requires a combination of policy reform and appropriate economic instruments. Presents policy reforms which would remove the underlying causes of the loss of biodiversity and create incentives for the efficient use of biological resources. The economic instruments would further strengthen the incentives for behaviour which is supportive of the objectives of the convention on biological diversity and generate the additional financial resources required to fund investments in biodiversity.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 23 no. 4/5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

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Publication date: 15 March 2007

Kate Simpson

I stood in a pile of putrefying rubbish refusing to move until somebody called the dog off. At the same time, trying (quickly) to decide on the ethical issues of throwing rocks at…

Abstract

I stood in a pile of putrefying rubbish refusing to move until somebody called the dog off. At the same time, trying (quickly) to decide on the ethical issues of throwing rocks at a research participant's dog. These, for me, are the practical realities of fieldwork. It's dusty, it's hot, it's Lima, Peru, and we have spent all afternoon climbing through the gravel hills of San Gabrielle, Villa Maria looking for people willing to participate in my research. The accents are from all over Peru and for some Spanish is as much their second language as it is mine. Some people have been busy, some asleep, all the people have been women – and there have been a lot of angry dogs. I feel a long way from the neat methodology written back in England, which certainly did not make any mention of aggressive dogs, let alone the ethics of dealing with them.

Details

Negotiating Boundaries and Borders
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-7623-1283-2

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Article
Publication date: 1 September 2003

Brian Beal

Examines the nature of journalism and the ways of becoming a journalist. Details the development and training available, paying particular attention to the role of the National…

1115

Abstract

Examines the nature of journalism and the ways of becoming a journalist. Details the development and training available, paying particular attention to the role of the National Council for the Training of Journalists and spelling out the courses available at the University of Central Lancashire. Highlights the characteristics of a good journalist.

Details

Career Development International, vol. 8 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1362-0436

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Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 3 July 2007

Sarah B. Proctor‐Thomson

To explore the experience of a key member of the UK equalities policy‐making elite, interrogating her shift from activist to top‐ranking equalities professional. To focus…

267

Abstract

Purpose

To explore the experience of a key member of the UK equalities policy‐making elite, interrogating her shift from activist to top‐ranking equalities professional. To focus attention on the under‐explored area of lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender equalities work.

Design/methodology/approach

The interview is prefaced with a critical commentary on current UK equalities policy, contextualising the interview discussion, which links personal and collective histories and provides a comparison of equalities work over time.

Findings

Angela Mason, while top‐ranking civil servant, continues to claim the label activist. Like a variety of other equalities workers she uses multiple tactics to appeal to different constituents at different times and in different contexts.

Originality/value

This is an interview with one of the key protagonists in the development of UK equalities policies over the last 30 years. It is unique in its focus on the current overhaul of UK equalities policy from an “insider” and in its timing at the interim point of this reorganisation (October 2006).

Details

Equal Opportunities International, vol. 26 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0261-0159

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Article
Publication date: 1 May 2003

Chris Taylor

45

Abstract

Details

Reference Reviews, vol. 17 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0950-4125

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Article
Publication date: 12 November 2021

Hattie Catherine Ann Moyes, Lana MacNaboe and Kate Townsend

This paper aims to understand the current scale of substance misuse in psychiatric intensive care units (PICUs), identify how substance misuse affects members of staff, patients…

325

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the current scale of substance misuse in psychiatric intensive care units (PICUs), identify how substance misuse affects members of staff, patients and the running of wards and explore with staff what resources would be most useful to more effectively manage substance misuse and dual diagnosis on PICUs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used a mixed-methods approach, using a quantitative survey to determine the extent of substance use in PICUs and a co-design workshop to understand the impact of substance misuse on PICU wards, staff and patients.

Findings

The estimated rate of substance misuse in PICUs over a 12-month period is 67%, with cannabis the most frequently used substance. Despite the range of problems experienced on PICUs because of substance misuse, the availability of training and resources for staff was mixed.

Research limitations/implications

The findings may not be fully generalisable as research participants were members of a national quality improvement programme, and therefore, may not be representative of all PICUs. Data was collected from clinicians only; if patients were included, they might have provided another perspective on substance misuse on PICUs.

Practical implications

This paper emphasises the importance of substance misuse training for PICU staff to adequately respond to patients who misuse substances, improve the ward environment, staff well-being and patient outcomes.

Originality/value

This paper provides an updated estimation of rates of substance misuse in PICUs over a 12-month period and make suggestions for a training programme that can better support staff to address substance misuse on PICUs.

Details

Advances in Dual Diagnosis, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-0972

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Book part
Publication date: 20 September 2021

Suzanne Ryder, Fiona McLachlan and Brent McDonald

Women's sport is said to be experiencing a moment of progress exemplified by the ‘professionalising’ of teams, leagues and events (McLachlan, 2019; Pavlidis, 2020; Taylor et al.

Abstract

Women's sport is said to be experiencing a moment of progress exemplified by the ‘professionalising’ of teams, leagues and events (McLachlan, 2019; Pavlidis, 2020; Taylor et al., 2020). The current ‘professionalising’ moment is celebrated as a measure of incremental change that demonstrates that women's sport is progressing in the right direction (Sherry & Taylor, 2019; Taylor, 2020). In this chapter, we pursue critical questions of progress in relation to professionalisation in women's road cycling. Cycling as a sport commenced in the late 1800s, and women were able to earn money from riding and racing their bicycle. However, the evolution of women's cycling has not been a linear process, (McLachlan, 2016) and despite increased ‘professionalisation’ of women's road cycling, women cyclists lack proper wages, safe working conditions, significant prize money, and suitable economic and career opportunities. Our work draws from data of 15 semi-structured interviews with riders and from extensive fieldwork of elite women's road cycling races in seven different countries in 2019. Our findings illustrate that despite the general perceptions of progress of women's professional road cycling, the cyclists' experiences and rationalisations of their conditions reflect deeper struggles. We argue that struggles over rewards, resources, and recognition are all evidence of the ‘unimpeded sexism’ in sport (Fink, 2016, p. 3), and as such, the professionalising of women's sport does not guarantee transformation of the gender order.

Details

The Professionalisation of Women’s Sport
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80043-196-6

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Article
Publication date: 8 June 2012

Aurora Chen, Noeleen Doherty and Susan Vinnicombe

The purpose of this paper is to report a qualitative study with British women managers, which explored the career competencies accrued from undertaking an Executive MBA (EMBA).

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report a qualitative study with British women managers, which explored the career competencies accrued from undertaking an Executive MBA (EMBA).

Design/methodology/approach

The research drew on in‐depth interviews with a sample of 18 female alumni from three British business schools. Data were analyzed using NVivo 8.0. within the career‐competencies framework of Knowing‐how, Knowing‐why and Knowing‐whom.

Findings

Women aged between 30 and 34 years emphasized the importance of gaining confidence (Knowing‐why) and skills (Knowing‐how) while those aged between 35 and 45 years focused on developing networks (Knowing‐whom). This study suggests that age and career stage may have considerable impact on perceptions of acquired career competencies.

Research limitations/implications

This is an exploratory piece with limited generalisability; however, it exposes the need to clarify the concept of career stage for women.

Practical implications

Business schools have historically stressed the career benefits of MBA programmes in terms of improved capital and of changing career directions. This research indicates that an EMBA may offer a more level playing field for women with respect to networking activities. In the competitive global environment, business schools may benefit from more fully exploring career competencies, such as networking skills, for increasing the appeal of EMBA programmes. The paper also draws attention to the need for HR managers to increase efforts for improving women's career competencies.

Originality/value

Findings extend previous research on the development of career competencies from an EMBA, indicating the importance of developing networks, particularly at mid‐career. The paper highlights the need to redefine women's mid‐career stage.

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 2013

Shahadat Khan

This paper presents the outcome of research related to application of formal rules and standard procedures in EAsʼ procurement of goods and services for foreign aid-funded…

186

Abstract

This paper presents the outcome of research related to application of formal rules and standard procedures in EAsʼ procurement of goods and services for foreign aid-funded projects. Executing agencies are entrusted to implement foreign aid-funded projects on behalf of respective governments and they are required to satisfy a combination of rules of their multiple principals, mainly donor organizations and respective government ministries. The theoretical framework of this study is guided by agency theory. The findings indicate that the processing of procurement related information and awarding contracts by the executing agencies in the context of Bangladesh is heavily dependent on the informal working systems or “unwritten ground rules”. These are driven by downward hierarchical verbal and non-verbal instructions. The study has adopted a qualitative method following a grounded theory approach.

Details

Journal of Public Procurement, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1535-0118

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