Alan Leung, Yui-yip Lau and Stephanie W. Lee
This paper identifies the strategic changes and explores the solutions for talent development and leadership management to address the challenges faced by the funeral service…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper identifies the strategic changes and explores the solutions for talent development and leadership management to address the challenges faced by the funeral service industry in Hong Kong.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with seven key personnel (funeral director, salesperson, coffin shop owner, and mortuary transporter) engaged in the funeral service industry in Hong Kong. Thematic coding was used to identify and organize emerging themes from the data.
Findings
Four overarching themes were identified: (1) Perception of the funeral service industry in Hong Kong; (2) Recruitment, retention, and talent development; (3) Prospects of the funeral service industry in Hong Kong; and (4) Other novel challenges. The findings reveal continuous, radical, and complex challenges that may exceed the capacity of any leader to develop workable solutions.
Originality/value
The funeral service industry is facing radical challenges in modern times. A death-denying attitude is observed, which has severely undermined the study of the funeral service industry.
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Stephanie Lee Peglow, Ismene Petrakis and Robert Rosenheck
Opioid use disorder (OUD) poses a national public health challenge including for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). However, the responsiveness of VHA, as a centralized…
Abstract
Purpose
Opioid use disorder (OUD) poses a national public health challenge including for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). However, the responsiveness of VHA, as a centralized national health care system, to local conditions has not been studied. The purpose of this paper is to examine the correlation of measures of population-based OUD case identification and provision of opioid agonist treatment (OAT) in VHA and in local systems at the state level thus evaluating the responsiveness of VA as centralized health system to local conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
Correlation of VHA administrative data and local survey data reflecting OUD and OAT rates were evaluated with Pearson correlations. Further analyses examined the correlation of VHA and non-VHA OUD and OAT measures with state rates of opioid-related deaths, median income, health insurance coverage and education levels.
Findings
VHA rates of OUD and OAT at the state level were both significantly correlated with corresponding state data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (r=0.28, p=0.048 and r=0.71, p=0.002, respectively). Both OUD and OAT in VHA were positively and significantly correlated with state rates of opioid-related deaths, while indicators of OAT were significantly associated with higher state-level median income, health insurance coverage and levels of education.
Practical implications
Although centrally managed from Washington, D.C., VHA case identification and OAT service delivery appear to be correlated with relevant local measures.
Social implications
Significant associations with general population indicators point to underlying conditions that may shape both VHA and local health system performance.
Originality/value
Public health systems would benefit from performance evaluation data to examine responsiveness to local conditions.
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Francis C.Y. Kuan and Stephanie Wing Lee
This paper aims to illustrate the importance of the quality of Online Learning Physical Environment (OLPE) and Online Learning Self-efficacy (OLSE) in predicting academic…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to illustrate the importance of the quality of Online Learning Physical Environment (OLPE) and Online Learning Self-efficacy (OLSE) in predicting academic performance in online learning, which was the primary mode of teaching during the outbreak of COVID-19 in Hong Kong. Policy recommendations were made based on the findings from a psychological perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
Responses from 104 Hong Kong undergraduate students were collected through a questionnaire survey. Data were analysed using multiple linear regression, simple linear regression, and Pearson correlation.
Findings
Despite the fact that OLSE showed no significant direct effect on academic performance in online learning, OLSE was positively correlated with and predictive of OLPE, while OLPE was positively correlated with and predictive of online learning performance. The findings indicated that undergraduate students from low-income families tended to have less superior academic performance, which was associated with poorer OLPE and OLSE.
Originality/value
The findings suggested that in order to alleviate learning inequality in online learning, policy makers may allocate funding to enhance OLPE and OLSE of undergraduate students from low-income families.
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Stephanie W. Lee, Samson C.W. Ma and Ngok Lee
The purpose of this paper is to examine efforts made by the UNESCO Hong Kong Association (UNESCOHK) in integrating education for sustainable development (ESD) into school subjects…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine efforts made by the UNESCO Hong Kong Association (UNESCOHK) in integrating education for sustainable development (ESD) into school subjects and into the curriculum in 2009-2016. It investigates: the distribution and development of the three key components of environment, society and economy in student work, and in school assessment reports; the relevancy level of ESD learning to school subjects; the condition in Hong Kong in practicing the integration of ESD learning into the school curriculum; and the practices of integration of ESD learning into the school curriculum in Hong Kong and other countries.
Design/methodology/approach
Grounded theory is deployed to analyze the distribution and development of ESD as understood by students and schools, and the application of knowledge acquired through school subjects to ESD learning activities undertaken by students and schools.
Findings
The study succeeds in identifying the precise distribution and development of the three key components of environment, society and economy in ESD, and in establishing the level of relevancy of ESD learning activities to school subjects and to the school curriculum. UNESCOHK’s initiative is in line with the general trend adopted by countries to integrate ESD into the school curriculum.
Research limitations/implications
The scope of investigation is limited to ESD learning activities in eight schools and to one single economy.
Social implications
The study facilitates attempts to reorientate the lifestyles of students and their parents.
Originality/value
The study is a pioneering work in Hong Kong to integrate ESD learning into school subjects, which is in alignment with the trend to integrate ESD into the school curriculum.
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Tai Ming Wut and Stephanie W. Lee
The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors affecting university students’ participation in discussion forum of electronic learning platforms of teacher–student…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors affecting university students’ participation in discussion forum of electronic learning platforms of teacher–student interaction.
Design/methodology/approach
One-stage cluster sampling was used and a cross-sectional survey of 113 university students from four courses was done.
Findings
A combined model based on United theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and DeLone and McLean models serves as a research framework. Female and male students’ behavioral intentions were affected by different factors. System quality affects male students’ behavioral intention and information quality affects female students’ behavioral intention. Social influence affects female students’ behavioral intention but male students. Men are more focused on the hardware and women are more focused on the content of the message.
Research limitations/implications
The research is limited by the nature of university students. User experience and underlying perceived risk are possible moderators. Dyad approach could be considered. One way to enhance students and teachers’ academic discussion is to establish a closed university social media site. The site should be made mobile-friendly with chatbot included.
Originality/value
The results support the validity of the proposed new research framework on e-learning platform by the constructs coming from two established models: UTAUT model and DeLone and McLean’s model. Factors affecting intention and use behavior in discussion forum are different for male and female students. System quality affects male students’ behavioral intention, while information quality affects female students’ behavioral intention. Social influence affects female students’ behavioral intention but not male students.
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Yui-yip Lau, Lok Ming Eric Cheung, Eve Man Hin Chan and Stephanie Wing Lee
The present study adopts the analytical framework of new managerialism (NM) to explore the progress, challenges and outlook of self-financing post-secondary institutions in Hong…
Abstract
Purpose
The present study adopts the analytical framework of new managerialism (NM) to explore the progress, challenges and outlook of self-financing post-secondary institutions in Hong Kong since 2000. This study also identified issues and related managerial implications for developing this niche form of higher education in Hong Kong.
Design/methodology/approach
This study conducted a critical review of self-financing post-secondary institutions in Hong Kong, including the sub-degree and degree sectors, via collecting a series of policy documents and archives from the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, the Public Records Office and other government bodies. To supplement the findings, semi-structured in-depth interviews of 18 academic staff of Hong Kong's self-financing post-secondary institutions were carried out.
Findings
The study shows that self-financing post-secondary institutions not only encounter challenges related to insufficient resources but also face pressure from accreditation requirements of various international organisations. The study also suggests that massification and privatisation of self-financing post-secondary institutions, and embracing a managerial approach for operation and governance will induce a new wave of self-financing post-secondary institutions in the near future.
Originality/value
This study offers insights for self-financing post-secondary institutions into implementing appropriate strategies to maintain competitiveness and retain talents in the coming years.
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Yoon‐Young Lee and Stephanie Nicolas
Following a spate of corporate scandals, the bursting of the “Internet bubble,” and media revelations of research analyst bias at the nation’s largest investment banks, regulators…
Abstract
Following a spate of corporate scandals, the bursting of the “Internet bubble,” and media revelations of research analyst bias at the nation’s largest investment banks, regulators launched a series of investigations and rulemaking initiatives that culminated in the adoption of extensive new rules regarding the conduct of research analysts and in the April 2003 global settlement (“Global Settlement”) of enforcement actions against 10 firms relating to research and investment banking conflicts. Although the Global Settlement by its terms only applies to the settling firms, as a practical matter, its reach will be much broader because state regulators and other third parties are looking to it to define a set of “best practices” to supplement the new rules. Although the new rules and the Global Settlement are intended to address the same concern ‐ i.e., conflicts of interest between research analysts and investment banking personnel at multi‐service brokerage firms ‐ their approaches to handling these conflicts reflect different assumptions and result in regulatory regimes that differ in such basic respects as the universe of persons who are deemed to be “research analysts.” These differences are not surprising. The new rules are the product of a lengthy, iterative rulemaking process that was open to the public and in which a diverse range of interested parties participated. In contrast, the undertakings detailed in the Global Settlement were the result of an enforcement action, concluded through bi‐lateral negotiations between the regulators and the 10 firms and without the opportunity for other interested parties to provide input or contribute to the process. However, for firms that seek to comply with both sets of requirements, the overlapping, and at times inconsistent, terms create a confusing and costly environment.
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Albert Lee, Ian Young, Lawry St Leger, Didier Jourdan and Lloyd Kolbe