Kristine M. Fleming, Kenya N. Washington Johnson and Maria U. Okeke
The purpose of this study is to share the experience of delivering a culturally responsive teaching program, the R.E.F.O.R.M. Café, at a historically Black college and university…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to share the experience of delivering a culturally responsive teaching program, the R.E.F.O.R.M. Café, at a historically Black college and university. The R.E.F.O.R.M. Café provided an opportunity for undergraduate students to participate in dialogue that reinforces the need for social justice in preserving Black lives. Before participating in the R.E.F.O.R.M. Café, lectures using a critical perspective to connect health to the history of the modern-day civil rights movement were conducted.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the World Café as a model, a qualitative methodology was used to implement the R.E.F.O.R.M. Café as part of community health education course curriculum to address health disparities plaguing Black communities. The breakout room function in Zoom was used to substitute for the tables used in traditional World Cafés because of COVID-19 restrictions, which allowed for small, focus-group-like dialogues to occur.
Findings
The R.E.F.O.R.M. Café challenged students to consider the power and opportunity for individuals on the front line to contest racial disparities. Students indicated the R.E.F.O.R.M. Café reinforced the importance of meaningful conversations, the connection to confronting health disparities and the effectiveness of program design and implementation to engage in dialogue around issues of race and equity. Students indicated the importance of hearing the perspective of peers when considering their personal identities as change agents.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the literature that extends the body of knowledge related to implementing culturally responsive teaching programs at a historically Black college and university. Studies currently available related to implementing culturally responsive teaching programs among undergraduate students do not focus specifically on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
Details
Keywords
Godwin Amechi Okeke and Safeer Hussain Khan
The purpose of this paper is to extend the recent results of Okeke et al. (2018) to the class of multivalued
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to extend the recent results of Okeke et al. (2018) to the class of multivalued
Details
Keywords
In this paper, Picard–S hybrid iterative process is defined, which is a hybrid of Picard and S-iterative process. This new iteration converges faster than all of Picard…
Abstract
Purpose
In this paper, Picard–S hybrid iterative process is defined, which is a hybrid of Picard and S-iterative process. This new iteration converges faster than all of Picard, Krasnoselskii, Mann, Ishikawa, S-iteration, Picard–Mann hybrid, Picard–Krasnoselskii hybrid and Picard–Ishikawa hybrid iterative processes for contraction mappings and to find the solution of delay differential equation, using this hybrid iteration also proved some results for Picard–S hybrid iterative process for nonexpansive mappings.
Design/methodology/approach
This new iteration converges faster than all of Picard, Krasnoselskii, Mann, Ishikawa, S-iteration, Picard–Mann hybrid, Picard–Krasnoselskii hybrid, Picard–Ishikawa hybrid iterative processes for contraction mappings.
Findings
Showed the fastest convergence of this new iteration and then other iteration defined in this paper. The author finds the solution of delay differential equation using this hybrid iteration. For new iteration, the author also proved a theorem for nonexpansive mapping.
Originality/value
This new iteration converges faster than all of Picard, Krasnoselskii, Mann, Ishikawa, S-iteration, Picard–Mann hybrid, Picard–Krasnoselskii hybrid, Picard–Ishikawa hybrid iterative processes for contraction mappings and to find the solution of delay differential equation, using this hybrid iteration also proved some results for Picard–S hybrid iterative process for nonexpansive mappings.
Details
Keywords
Raluca Ioana Pascale, Calli Tzani, Maria Ioannou, Thomas James Vaughan Williams and Daniel Hunt
The purpose of this study is to investigate the psychological consequences of human trafficking and to reveal the importance of appropriate post-trafficking psychological…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the psychological consequences of human trafficking and to reveal the importance of appropriate post-trafficking psychological interventions. Specifically, this study provides a detailed analysis of human trafficking categories, as well as the characteristics of victims and traffickers’ motives. More recent data in the literature show that trauma-coerced attachments and complex post-traumatic stress disorder are also observed among trafficking survivors.
Design/methodology/approach
Each of the mentioned mental disorders is presented separately, and results are discussed throughout this study. Consequently, psychological interventions are proposed in accordance with the human trafficking category, survivors’ characteristics and needs and with the relevant personal risk factors determined among victims.
Findings
Sex trafficking can have a severe effect on a victim’s mental health, and mental health disorders are substantially higher in human trafficking victims compared to non-trafficked victims or general psychiatric population. Limitations, implications and future recommendations are discussed.
Originality/value
A limited number of past studies evaluated the mental health consequences and identified that survivors have a higher prevalence of anxiety disorders, depression disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Details
Keywords
Saheed O. Ajayi, William Jones and Maria Unuigbe
The increasing awareness of stress as an issue in the construction industry, and the increased realisation of the more effective approach of preventing stress as opposed to…
Abstract
Purpose
The increasing awareness of stress as an issue in the construction industry, and the increased realisation of the more effective approach of preventing stress as opposed to treating mental health, has placed a great responsibility on industries that rely heavily on the performance of their workforce. In line with this, this paper aims to investigate the causes of stress and the best strategies for improving professional resilience and stress management proficiency in the construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach
Using exploratory sequential mixed method research design, the top factors that cause stress, mitigate stress and build resilience are identified and discussed.
Findings
The findings show thematic similarities in the causes of stress, by displaying a reoccurring theme relating to the quality and lack of information, as well as poor communication among the construction professionals. This implies that poor collaboration and “over-the-wall syndrome” of the construction industry does not only contribute to defective output and reworks, it also has significant impacts on the health and well-being of the professionals. Recommendations are made on how to mitigate stress in the industry, by addressing its root-causes and implementing the identified mitigation strategies. This includes a realistic approach to budgeting and project duration, as well as improved communication and collaboration.
Originality/value
Finding of this study could help in mitigating stress and mental health concerns that are currently plaguing the construction industry.
Details
Keywords
Hudson Akewe and Hallowed Olaoluwa
In this paper, the explicit multistep, explicit multistep-SP and implicit multistep iterative sequences are introduced in the context of modular function spaces and proven to…
Abstract
Purpose
In this paper, the explicit multistep, explicit multistep-SP and implicit multistep iterative sequences are introduced in the context of modular function spaces and proven to converge to the fixed point of a multivalued map T such that
Design/methodology/approach
The concepts of relative ρ-stability and weak ρ-stability are introduced, and conditions in which these multistep iterations are relatively ρ-stable, weakly ρ-stable and ρ-stable are established for the newly introduced strong ρ-quasi-contractive-like class of maps.
Findings
Noor type, Ishikawa type and Mann type iterative sequences are deduced as corollaries in this study.
Originality/value
The results obtained in this work are complementary to those proved in normed and metric spaces in the literature.
Details
Keywords
María Victoria Soulé, Antigoni Parmaxi and Anna Nicolaou
This paper explores current teaching and learning practices, benefits and challenges in the implementation of Internationalization at Home (IaH) in higher education.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper explores current teaching and learning practices, benefits and challenges in the implementation of Internationalization at Home (IaH) in higher education.
Design/methodology/approach
The study follows a systematic review (SR) protocol in accordance with the PRISMA Statement, covering published research from 2018 to 2022. Through this process, we identified 58 peer-reviewed manuscripts meeting our inclusion criteria. We examined disciplines, locations of IaH, objectives pursued, modality of the IaH implementation, activities and resources used. Benefits and challenges were also analysed.
Findings
The SR reveals a growing adoption of IaH, employing various technologies and interdisciplinary methods to foster cross-cultural competence. It emphasizes diverse teaching activities and resources, aligning with digitalization trends. While IaH brings benefits like improved intercultural sensitivity, collaboration and skills development, it also faces challenges in language, technical, personal, pedagogical and organizational aspects, highlighting its complexity.
Research limitations/implications
Our search focused on research from 2018 to 2022, potentially missing earlier trends, and excluded grey literature due to quality concerns. The SR emphasizes online collaborative efforts in IaH, signalling a shift to digital internationalization. Institutions should invest in supporting such practices aided by strategic university alliances. A critical approach to “Global-North” collaborations is urged, promoting geographically inclusive IaH initiatives.
Originality/value
This study responds to the call for critical analysis on concrete examples of IaH. Through a systematic review, it explores recent teaching and learning practices, with a particular focus on the latest technological advancements. The study specifies learning objectives and identifies relevant tools for implementing IaH initiatives.
Details
Keywords
Debora Tortora, Cinzia Genovino, Federico De Andreis, Francesca Loia and Maria Teresa Cuomo
This study intends to analyze the relationship between the digital maturity of SMEs and intellectual capital, investigating the determining factors. Starting from the endowment in…
Abstract
Purpose
This study intends to analyze the relationship between the digital maturity of SMEs and intellectual capital, investigating the determining factors. Starting from the endowment in terms of intellectual capital and evaluating Management Style, Decision-Making Competences, and Business Network, a model is proposed aiming to provide a comprehensive measure of SMEs’ digital maturity and thus to improve understanding and, consequently, effectiveness. The empirical analysis allows assessing the validity and applicability of the suggested model, providing valuable insights for the improvement of digital strategy and competitiveness of SMEs in the Amalfi Coast Tourist District (Italy), with evident implications also for policymakers and the community.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed-methods research strategy was utilized to confirm research hypotheses that were derived from literature review. The field study was organized into two separate phases: the first phase, which is qualitative, employed focus groups comprising key stakeholders (managers and entrepreneurs) from various companies within the Amalfi Coast Tourist District. This phase adhered to the principles of homogeneity (to facilitate deeper discussions) and heterogeneity (to allow for a broader range of viewpoints among participants). The insights gathered from these preliminary focus groups informed the subsequent quantitative phase. In this second phase, structured interviews were conducted using a questionnaire to probe the participants’ views on digital maturity. This analysis involved 94 companies, all part of the Amalfi Coast Tourist District, assessing their digitalization levels and highlighting key management attributes. Logistic regression was applied to quantitatively analyze the data, effectively assessing the impact of various independent variables (such as Management Style, Decision-Making Competencies and Business Network) on the dependent variable, digital maturity. Employing both qualitative and quantitative methods provides a thorough and nuanced understanding of the digital maturity landscape within the specified context.
Findings
The main results suggest the existence of a correlation between the analyzed variables and digital maturity. Innovation, indeed, increases by applying a data-driven leadership style. Intellectual capital (measured in its three components of human capital: decision-making competences; structural capital: management style; and relational capital: business network) influences digital maturity, although some of the variables used are not equally weighted.
Originality/value
The main contribution of this article is to provide an in-depth understanding of the company components that favor digital maturity, to support strategic choices oriented towards a conscious digital transition. The results enrich the existing literature on intellectual capital in terms of its contribution to the digitalization of organizations, which can be a critical success factor in the context of SMEs.
Details
Keywords
Javed Iqbal, Jeff Brdedthauer and Christopher S. Decker
This study aims to identify the determinants of housing affordability in an effort to inform policy.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify the determinants of housing affordability in an effort to inform policy.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use econometric analysis to determine variables that impact housing affordability in the USA.
Findings
The authors find that affordability depends on a number of demographic factors as well as physical characteristics of properties, including average age of homeowner, family size and average dwelling square footage. The authors also find that vacancy rates, increase in house price and median family income also have a significant impact on housing affordability. Additionally, the authors find that households with high-cost burdens are more vulnerable to mortgage rates and property taxes than those with moderate-cost burdens. As a result, changes in economic or policy variables tend to have a disproportionate impact on high-cost-burdened households, and they are more vulnerable to economic and policy shocks.
Originality/value
To date, the literature has not done a systematic investigation of housing affordability using detailed census data.
Details
Keywords
This paper aims to answer the following important questions: Is public debt in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries sustainable? What are the determinants of public debt…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to answer the following important questions: Is public debt in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries sustainable? What are the determinants of public debt sustainability in these countries, and do these determinants exhibit heterogeneity due to regional, natural resource, and income differences among SSA countries?
Design/methodology/approach
This study analyzes the public debt sustainability in SSA countries using the theoretical model known as the Present Value Budget Constraint (PVBC) model developed by Hamilton and Flavin (1986), and adopts the econometric testing method proposed by Trehan and Walsh (1991). Moreover, to empirically investigate the determinants of public debt sustainability in SSA countries, the System-Generalized Method of Moments (System-GMM) method is applied. Furthermore, this study conducts heterogeneity analysis by categorizing the sample based on different regions, natural resource endowments, and income levels. The data of this study are sourced from the IMF and World Bank databases for 45 SSA countries from 2005 to 2021.
Findings
Findings reveal that public debt in SSA countries is not sustainable in the long run, with factors such as the previous government debt, long-term debt ratio, debt repayment capacity, economic growth rate, inflation rate, export to GDP, and government fiscal deficit rate influencing sustainability. Additionally, the factors exhibit heterogeneity attributed to regional, natural resource, and income variations among SSA countries.
Practical implications
The findings of our study will serve as a catalyst for policymakers in the SSA countries to embrace and sustain robust fiscal consolidation and debt stabilization measures. Moreover, countries with distinct characteristics should implement tailored approaches. Additionally, policymakers in SSA countries should implement economic measures to address public debt issues. These measures include improving the macroeconomic structure, promoting economic transformation and diversification of industries, fostering sustainable economic growth, ensuring price stability, and strengthening resilience against external shocks and debt risks. Specifically, countries endowed with indigenous species, resources, and tourism potential should adopt a well-coordinated strategy that utilizes agriculture, tourism, ecotourism, and the hospitality industry as instruments for sustainable local community and rural development.
Originality/value
Firstly, it assesses the sustainability of public debt and its determinants for countries in SSA, which distinguishes it from previous studies that only focus on either debt sustainability or determinants of debt separately. Secondly, by including multiple SSA countries in the analysis, this study stands out from prior research that predominantly concentrates on specific nations. Thirdly, the utilization of the System-GMM method for analyzing determinants adds a novel dimension to this study, departing from earlier literature primarily focused on debt thresholds. Lastly, the heterogeneity analysis conducted in this study provides an empirical foundation for tailoring policies to different countries, addressing a facet often overlooked in earlier literature.